Meeting the King

A month-long journey is coming to an end as Himari can see the royal capital in the horizon. Throughout their journey so far, Himari notices that Alice and Estelle are a little incompetent in surviving. When a monster attacks, Alice uses magic that puts them in danger while wearing a terrifying grin. Estelle is a master of healing magic but can only use a basic water spell for offense. Himari lets Alice do the protection but sometimes she worries that they will be blown up by her magic.

They are sloppy but the two girls have grown to like Himari a lot. Her knowledge from the Adventurers Archives has been very useful for them each night they camp. Some monsters that were easily handled were because Himari read about their weaknesses. She instructs Alice to use the right elemental spells for certain beasts. Even guiding Estelle to use her basic water spell to use as a trap for some monsters who are larger than expected.

Each morning while they camp, Himari practices her magic as the two sleep. She wants to be helpful but then when monsters attack, she freezes forcing more of Alice’s dangerous attacks. Himari is starting to enjoy their company and their little adventure. 

Upon arriving at the capital they check in at the local inn and set their bags down. Alice told her that they need to meet the Great Sage so he can get them to the King. Just walking in with claims that Himari is the hero would cause problems. No one knows the real name of the Great Sage so they just call him by his title.

“So this is the hero…! My eyes can see the blessed aura around you. Welcome great hero.” The Great Sage bows deeply.

“Um…” Himari blushes slightly as she is not used to this treatment.

“See? We brought the hero! Now about my pay…”

“Yes I will increase your pay by 10% at once.”

“YES!”

Is a 10% increase enough? How much is she paid on average? Himari brushes her bangs.

“Alfred! Call a carriage! We must go to the King THIS INSTANT!”

The Great Sage rushed them to the palace. There was no time for introductions as the more important matters must be dealt with. Himari sits between Alice and Estelle feeling a bit cramped. She has never been inside so luxurious. Most carriage rides she has been on have simple interiors. Her eyes darted off in all directions. There are jewels above the carriage door and even the curtains are made of silk. This was way above her class.

“Ugh…”

“Does your stomach hurt, Himari…?”

“A little I think…?”

“Ahhh… Please excuse me…” Estelle places her hand on Himari’s stomach and rubs it softly.

“Ah you don-”

“Do not worry. We are by your side.” Her gentle hands stroking through Himari’s head gives her bliss. “Right Alice?”

“Huh what? Yeah yeah.” She pats Himari’s knee and continues to stare at her coin bag. Her goofy grin worries Himari a bit.

The Great Sage informed them that he will not be attending as he has to do a check up on the King’s child.

***

The giant doors open slowly as the three girls step in. Sweat rolls down Himari’s cheek. The statues of knights tower over them and their sharp gaze upwards tricked her into thinking they are alive. In front of them lies two thrones made of gold and blue velvet. No signs of the King and Queen.

“Presenting the 11th King of Lapispire! His majesty, Noah Sebastian Lapispire!” Trumpets startled Himari as the King walked to his throne.

To Himari’s shock, he was relatively young. Perhaps in his early 20s. His navy blue eyes are stern yet he emits a caring presence. All kneel with their heads lowered yet Alice stands with her arms raised. In fact her she isn't paying attention to the King which angered some guards.

“Welcome Travelers. The Great Sage has informed me that you are the hero chosen by the 4 Gods of Origins. I must admit, I had expected someone who appeared more…experienced. Nevertheless, if the Great Sage has declared you to be the chosen hero, then I have no reason to doubt his judgment. Raise your head and state your name.”

“Y-Yes!” Himari stood up all tense. “My name… My name is Himari S-Suvi! I am from Ambert-OW!”

She bit her tongue. The embarrassment quickly sets in.

“Pfft Ha ha! I see! Himari of Ambertown. Are you aware of your duties as the chosen hero?”

“Yes…? To fix the seal of the Demon King…”

“That is half of your job. You must aid the kingdom by clearing out the rest of the Demon Lords. First I will give you the best guards to guide you to the sealed grounds. Once you have fixed the seal we will hunt the remaining Demon Lords. Do you understand?”

“Y-Yes…”

“As a reward… It is tradition for a king to offer their child’s hand in marriage to the hero however my first and only daughter is but an infant. Perhaps we may reward you with gold or grant you some land.” He smiles calmly. 

“We’ll take the gold!” Alice interrupts them.

The guards continued to scowl at her. She has not once shown any respect to the King. Himari panics as Estelle remains calm. Alice takes a few steps forward causing one guard to raise his spear.

“Everyone, let us be civil about this. Are you speaking for our hero, Miss Elf?”

“Ya damn right I am! And we didn’t agree to have more guards. We are enough!” 

“Eh?” Himari slowly turns to Alice.

“Oh? You claim that you both are enough? Pray tell Miss Elf.” His eyes narrow as his smile continues to show.

“I am one of the best mages of my village! Some would call me a legendary prodigy! Estelle here is the best at healing magic so we can keep on fighting! Even the Great Sage trusts us in retrieving the hero! In fact, our Himari has slain a Demon Lord in one blow! Adding any of your trained soldiers will only slow our teamwork down! We will guide Himari to the sealed grounds! So long as you pay us properly!” She smirks and puffs out her chest, beaming with pride.

“This is why mixing our blood with those secretive elves is a problem…”

“She has no manners whatsoever…”

“Does she seriously think she is better than our royal guards?”

Himari can hear whispers of the guards. She wants to say something but the current environment is making her too cautious about what to say. She turns to Estelle for help but she just smiles and pets Himari’s head. While it felt nice this wasn't the time for that. Before she could speak, the King laughed.

“I see! Ambertown is near the Great Sea of Lazuli. Monsters and Demons tend to grow further from the mainland. Seeing all 3 of you unharmed is proof enough. Very well! Complete your duties at the sealed grounds and return here for your reward!”

“Y-Your highness I-”

“Thank you very much. For a king you are such an understanding young boy. And with that we will take our leave!” Alice marches toward the exit causing Himari to drag Estelle in a panic. The guards are yelling amongst each other as the King continues to laugh.

***

Himari slumps over on her bed. It is not as comfy as the beds at her family’s inn. She is more exhausted than when they face monsters. The whole world around her seemed so different when it was all luxurious.

“What is troubling you, Young Himari?”

“The capital is scary, Poppy… The guards also seem to dislike Alice a lot…”

“Elves are going extinct due to their long lifespans and low fertility. However their chaotic nature does sour the mood of other humans. Most people in higher power want their extinction to happen sooner.”

“Why?”

“Perhaps instead of asking me, ask your companion. She fought so you three can continue your adventure together.”

As per usual, Poppy was of no help. If Himari asks for training she’ll teach her but refuses to answer most of her questions. As she waits for her friends to return she looks out the window to watch the townsfolk go about their day.

Suddenly she realized something.

“AHHH! I forgot to ask for access to the royal library!”

“It is too late now Young Himari. You 3 leave first thing in the morning.”

“Aghhh!” Himari rolls around on her bed in distress. Alice’s stunt made her forget the one important task she wanted to do. She has no professional guard and the only thing they got out of it was a map to the sealed grounds.

Why is this happening to me!?

BAM

The door swung open as Alice and Estelle returned, each carrying bags. “Himari! We have restocked our supplies for the journey! What are you doing?”

“Nothing…”

“Anyways check this out!” Alice lays 6 potions out all with identical colors.

“Huh? What are these?”

“Heh! These potions can prevent us from going hungry. 1 bottle can keep us healthy for 5 hours. In a desperate moment when we run out of food, we can use this potion as we search for more. Oh and these talismans can carve through stone. So if we are ever blocked in a cave or something, we can get out with ease.”

While Himari wants to ask Alice about the elves, seeing her face light up on their supplies made her feel like this isn’t the right moment for that kind of talk.

“Himari… I bought several ointments in case something poisons us. I can heal wounds and injuries but poisons and diseases are something we must be wary of…” Estelle showed that she only has ointments and some books in her bag.

“Oh Himari! We also put in some money to get you a gift.” Alice dumbs the rest of the bag across the bed.

“A gift…? You don’t have to-” Before Himari could protest Alice opens a box and drops it on her lap.

She gasps softly as she stares at the wand in the box. It wasn’t as fancy as some mages would have. Its simple design pleases her. The blackwood is made from a tree that is rumored to be as tough as stone. At the end of the handle lies a round piece of stone that is the color of amber. It looked incredibly adorable to her.

“You never fight with a weapon so this would be the best option for someone like you.”

“We saw this and thought of you…” Estelle nuzzles her head against Himari.

“A-Awww. You two…” Tears start to fall. “Why are you being so nice to someone like me? Is it because I’m the hero? Without that title I’m just an ordinary girl…”

“You’re wondering why? At first I thought you were going to be a dumb snob but every time we chat you always respect us in a kind way. Even though you’re a hero, I like you better than a typical noble hero.” Alice’s cheeks were a little flushed.

“I like you, Himari… You’re so patient and you don’t yell at me for not attacking… I know you are going to be a great hero…” Estelle hugs Himari tight as Alice holds her sleeve.

“Oh… W-Wahhhhh…” She continues to bawl.

A wand is meant to help a mage guide their attacks before they can fight with a staff, tome, or just use their hands. With this, Himari can train her attacks better for future battles. This was the first present she has ever received, besides the gifts from her grandfather. This was something from her friends. While she still doesn’t fully understand why, she has grown closer with the two regardless of their poor combat skills. Poppy sits by the window chuckling.