Interlude Chapter: Royal Assembly

The sun can be seen rising from the back of the mountain. It's light illuminates a large city that has a tall white and blue castle located at the center.

The city that has a large white wall surrounding it is the Brahmastra Kingdom, the central govermental force and authority of Brahmastra Continent.

The castle at the center is called, Anthropos Castle. The place where Brahmastra's King and Queen resides. It is also the place where many ceremonies or other Kingdom-related activies are held.

One of the activities is Royal Assembly, an activity of King and Queen meeting representative knights from six certain families and Pope discussing about governmental matters.

Inside the castle, and old man and a young woman can be seen sitting on a golden and silver seat.

The old has a crown on his head sitting on his white hair. He also has white beard long enough to cover his mouth. He is wearing gold and silver-coloured outfit and thick red mantle on his back.

That old man is the King of Brahmastra Kingdom, Vonheim Seiz Fragest.

The woman who is sitting on a silver seat besides him has long white hair that is tied with a black ribbon on the back of her head. She is wearing white and black outfit.

She is the Queen of Brahmastra Kingdom, Vonheim Seiz Yukisora.

Downward stairs can be seen in front of the place where the king and queen sits.

Both king and queen are quietly looking down towards a big round table where five different people are talking to each other.

There are seven seats surrounding the round table.

Six of the seats are meant for Royal Knight to sit on. Royal Knights are the representative knight of the families that serve right under Fragest authority.

Only five people are sitting on it while two people are standing.

"I told you. The beastman race is the culprit. We should attack them at once."

A red haired lady wearing black and white outfit and black jacket says that while clenching her fist on the table.

Her twin tail hair is tied up by two black ribbons.

That lady is Eigre Newstein, the current head of Newstein family, one of Royal Knight families.

She's famous for her human supremacist belief. A belief stating that humans should be the only race who rules the Desparia.

"Now now. Let's not jump to conclusion, shall we?"

A coarse voice replies to Eigre's statement.

The voice comes from a bulky man with long orange hair and beard. There is a scar on his left eye so he only see through his right eye. He is wearing silver and brown armor. He is sitting on a bronze chair that is larger than the other bronze chairs among the round table.

This bulky man is Hyperion Beywalk, the current of Beywalk family, also one of Royal Knight families. He also has a role as the final defense of Brahmastra Kingdom, which gives him the title "King's Shield".

Then he continues speaking to Eigre.

"We did get some evidences on beastmen being involves in the Demon Incident. But that does not mean that only beastmen are responsible for this."

"It's as Hyperion said."

A serious adult male voice follows up after Hyperion's statement.

That voice comes from a white-haired man with a military-looking black, white and gold outfit and hat. His eyes are gold and he is putting both of both his elbows on top of table.

That man is the newly appointed Pope from Astraea Church, Michaelengus Mariage.

Michaelengus continues talking.

"Anyone can be tempted by demon's power, not just beastman. We must not make a mistake in determining who the true enemy is."

"And who is that true enemy?"

Eigre looks at Michaelengus with disdain while saying that.

Then she continues talking before waiting for Michaelengus' reply.

"The sole clue that we get from the attacks on the nobles is that the beastmen are involved. We should move immediately with that clue at hand. Or are you saying that we should stay quiet and let other nobles in this continent get killed?"

"Eek!"

A girl's soft shriek can be heard right after Eigre's statement.

The shriek comes from a blue-haired little girl wearing blue and white outfit. Her hairstyle is also twintail and she is hugging a big yellow chick doll.

The little girl is Liyna Banvoino, the current head of Banvoino which is also one of Royal Knight families.

Her face starts tearing up. She speaks again with shaky voice.

"Am I... going to get killed...?"

"Don't worry Master."

A soft and yet masculine voice immediately reply to her. The voice comes blonde long-haired butler behind Liyna.

That young butler is Nelfon Aleiyah, the head butler of Banvoino family. This butler works as both bodyguard and attendant for Liyna Banvoino.

"I will protect you when that happens. So please calm down. Especially your shadow."

"!"

After hearing Nelfon's statement, Liyna looks down on her right side where she can see her shadow that is reflected by the sunlight coming from castle's glass. Her shadow's shape starts to distort unlike other people's shadows.

After noticing that, Liyna starts inhaling and exhaling to calm herself down. Eventually, the shadow's shape becomes normal again.

"Gahahahaha! No need to worry Liyna! All people here are strong enough to fight against those demons!"

Hyperions says with tone loud enough to be considered a shout.

However, Eigre replies to Hyperion's statement with a mocking tone.

"That is quite a bold statement after knowing what happened to one of us few weeks ago."

Everyone in the room except Liyna look at Eigre.

"?"

Liyna is confused as she has no idea what Eigre is talking about.

Nevertheless, Eigre continues talking.

"Isn't that right..."

She looks at someone else before saying further.

"Graize Els Victorious?"

Eigre is looking at Graize Els Victorious, the blonde old man with beard wearing gold armor. Victorious is sitting while his advisor, Elbehnna Orarorio.

"Miss Eigre, that's..."

Orarorio is about to reply to Eigre's statement. But Victorious raises his hand to signal Orarorio to not say anything.

Liyna still looks confused looking at Victorious. Then her butler whispers to her ear.

"I'll tell the details later after this meeting."

"Oh... yes."

Liyna replies with low voice.

Eigre continues talking while looking at Victorious.

"You, of all people, should agree with me. Even if the beastman race is not the main culprit. We will definitely get a clue or two once we attack their Capital. What do you think, Graize Els Victorious?"

Victorious who has been silent this whole time finally speaks.

"I am the King's Sword. I will only annihilate the enemy if my King wishes for it."

"..."

Eigre looks at Victorious with a slightly irritated expression.

"Give it up Eigre. We understand how much you hate non-human race. But you should not let it cloud your judgment."

Hyperion then talks to Eigre with a relaxed smile.

"Ohh? Are you suggesting that we should do nothing and let the nobles get killed?"

Eigre looks back at Hyperion. Her face still has the irritation from Victorious' statement.

"Of course not. But attacking that place will means war. We're currently trying to repair our relationship with people in Elverwad. So that is something that we need to avoid no matter what."

Hyperion's expression becomes a little bit more serious when saying that with his coarse voice.

"Repair relationship with those lower life forms? I see no point in doing that."

Eigre raises her hands and shrugs her shoulders while saying that.

"I understand that Brahmastra Kingdom regards human race as the most supreme race. But isn't it precisely because of status that we, as a human, must give example to other races on how to live in harmony with others?"

Michaelengus talks to Eigre again. Both of them always argue when it comes to their different views in treating non-human races.

"As expected of Pope, you are an expert when it comes to talking about ideals."

Eigre says that with sarcastic tone.

"It is something that we need, Miss Eigre. Now that the threats of the demons is approaching, we need to cooperate with the other three continents to counter them. Before more people become into their victim."

After hearing Michalengus' statement, Eigre looks at Hyperion with a sarcastic smile.

"Cooperate with other three continents, he said. It sure will be convenient. Isn't that right, Hyperion?"

"Nothing gets past you huh. As expected."

Hyperion says that with a wry smile while looking at Eigre.

Michaelengus looks at Hyperion before talking.

"So the negotiation did no go that well huh..."

"The ruler of Wilderystal said that they can take care of the demon incidents themselves. So they don't need our help."

Hyperion looks at Michaelengus as he says that.

"Eh? Why would they say that? Wouldn't it be better to get more help?"

Liyna looks at Hyperion with confused expression.

However, instead of Hyperion, Eigre replies to Liyna.

"That continent is in the middle of cold war against Sanrock. That must be why."

"! I- I see... they don't want to cooperate with us because we are also asking Sanrock for cooperation."

Despite her young age, Liyna is more knowledgable than kids around her age because she has been taught intensively as the head of Banvoino family.

The incident between Sanrock and Wilderystal Continent is something that the Royal Knights are knowledgable about, including some of their underlings.

Hyperion caresses his beard before he starts talking.

"For the preservation of world's nature... I understand the Takatsukikami religion's point of view. But I don't think any continent will just take the blame if they suddenly get accused for destroying the nature just like that."

Michaelengus thinks for a bit before he starts talking.

"I'll go to Wilderystal."

His statement makes other Royal Knights and their attendants look at him, including Victorious.

Hyperion is the first one to reply.

"Are you sure? That country is quite aggressive in preventing any religious teachings affect their citizens. You definitely won't get treated well there."

Liyna then immediate follows up by talking to Michaelengus.

"T- that's right! Uncle-.."

Liyna shakes her head before continue talking.

"I meant... Kenjinsei and Ekirschteria will come back in about a month. So until then..."

Kenjinsei refers to the name of another Royal Knight besides Ekirschteria who is also absent from the assembly.

"Leave him be, Liyna. At least give him the chance to make his ideal useful for once."

Eigre cuts Liyna's sentence.

Then Michaelengus stands up and look at the queen before talking.

"My Queen, would you please give me permission to go to Wilderystal Continent?"

The Queen, Vonheim Seiz Yukisora, looks at Michaelengus silently. But before she can respond, another voice comes up.

"E- excuse me! Emergency message for Lord Michaelengus!"

A middle age man's voice suddenly can be heard. It's one of kingdom's guards voice. The voice sounds nervous because the owner of the voice is too scared to interrupt the meeting.

The queen immediately reply to the guard who is near the big blue steel door at the entrance.

"Let that person in."

"Y- yes!"

The guard let a nun in while everyone's attentions are on the entrance.

"E- excuse me...!"

The nun is a young female human dressed in nun's clothing. She walks nervously towards Michaelengus and hands over an envelope to him.

"This... this is from the church in Elverwad's Liasr Town..."

"Thank you. You may leave now."

Michaelengus says that as he receives the letter.

"Y- yes!"

The nun quickly leaves after hearing his statement.

All royal knights are a bit curious about what kind of emergency message that requires their immediate attention.

Michaelengus is aware of this and opens the envelope. He brings out the letter inside it and read it silently for about one minute.

Then he looks a bit surprised and start telling the others about the summary of the letter.

"Another demon appearance had been sighted. It happened at Liasr Town this time."

"Tch, damn it Ekirschteria... what the hell is that guy doing..."

Eigre clicks her tongue while saying that.

Michaelengus then continues telling the summary of the letter.

"It happened after Ekirschteria left that town. The nuns there already sent letters to the Bajiuelle Town just in case Ekirschteria go there for the final task. Also, the Guild Master of Liasr asked nuns to keep the demonic liquid a secret for the time being."

"Of course. If people there knows about a liquid that can raise Astral Level, more idiots who want that liquid will surely appear."

Eigre says that with sarcastic tone as it is the obvious thing to do.

However, at that moment.

*tap*

The King, Vonheim Seiz Fragest, stands up from his seat.

"!"

All other people suddenly have their attention towards the King. The moment the King stands up in Royal Assembly, it means that the King will give absolute order for his subordinate to follow. None shall interrupt King's talk and none shall have their attention away from King's presence.

"..."

Everyone is silent while looking at King, including the Queen.

"... activate Mriento."

"!?"

Other people except the Queen and Victorious are even more surprised because they know what the king is talking about.

(Mriento... he said...!?)

Hyperion can only think that as he cannot speak at all at this timing.

(B- but why!?)

Liyna cannot hide the panic on her face when thinking that. Her shadow starts distorting a bit due to her shock.

Nevertheless, the King continues talking.

"Target... Liasr Town. Time... 10 days from now."

(Is it because of the demon appearance... but if we use that...!)

Flashes of Sylphie Mariage's appearance appears in Michaelengus' mind as he thinks that. He cannot agree with the King's decision but even the Pope of Astraea Church has no power to deny Brahmastra King's authority.

Michaelengus can only clenches his right fist out of frustration.

Liyna notices and looks at Michaelengus with worried expression.

The King still has things to say but he starts raises his hand slowly while saying more.

"The 'Anchor' shall be..."

The King stops raising his hand further as he points his finger at someone among the Royal Knights.

"Graize Els Victorious."

The King says that while pointing at Victorious which causes Orarorio to struggle in maintaining his composure in front of King's presence.

"As you wish, my King."

Victorious stands up and bows towards the King. Orarorio also follows the action as he is Victorious' advisor.

"..."

After hearing Victorious' answer, the King starts walking away from his throne.

The Queen chooses this timing to talk to Eigre.

"With that said, Eigre Newstein, I shall leave the Mriento's preparation to you."

"As you wish, my Queen. The Newstein family shall prepare our bestowed relic without fail."

Eigre stands up and bows while saying that. She smiles almost like a lunatic without being seen by anyone while bowing to the Queen.

The Queen then looks at Michaelengus before talking again.

"Michaelengus Mariage. I shall consider your proposal and tell you my decision at later date."

"... as you wish, My Queen."

Michaelengus, who is already standing, bows towards the Queen.

Then the Queen stands up while talking to everyone in front of her.

"This marks the end of Royal Assembly."

The Royal Knights quickly regain their composure as the Queen saying her usual speech for ending the assembly.

"I shall believe that all of you will perform your duties as the proud Royal Knights of Brahmastra. Never forget that the core of our kingdom is..."

The Queen stops saying that as the usual pattern requires the Royal Knights and their attendants to continue what she said.

But before that, all Royal Knights stand up except those who already stand up.

Four symbols can be seen shining from different body parts of the Royal Knights. Those symbols are Crest Force, the symbol and power that are bestowed only to the Brahmastra's Royal Knights.

A brown symbol can be seen shining on Hyperion's left chest that is covered by his clothes. The shape of that symbol is a shield crushing the ground below it. Hyperion puts his right fist on top of clothes covering the Crest Force.

A red symbol can be seen shining on Eigre's neck that is covered by her steel collar. The shape of that symbol is a rose enveloped in a flame. Eigre use her right hand's fingers to touch her steel collar.

A blue symbol can be seen shining on Liyna's forehead. The shape of that symbol is two big arms crossing each other while being tied with chains from different direction. Unlike the previous two, Liyna does not attempt to touch her Crest Force as she use her hands to hug her chick doll instead.

A golden symbol can be seen shining on the back of Victorious' right hand. The shape of that symbol is a golden sword pointing downwards with wings sprouting behind the sword. Victorious raises his hand to show the symbol to the Queen.

Right after each of Royal Knights show their Crest Force at almost the same time, the Royal Knights and the attendants proceed to continue on Queen's speech.

They say the following line at the same time.

"GLORY TO THE PURE AND UNTAINTED HUMANITY."

Satisfied with the procedure, the Queen also walks away following the King.

Only Michaelengus does not follow the procedure because he does not have to do that.

He is watching the usual speech, but he is thinking about something else.

(... Sylphie...)

That is the only thing he can think of at the current moment.