Royal Audience

Four weeks left! I have almost two whole months and now it's down to 28 days!

'In 3 months time, a company of demons marches on Vermelionne'

Shiro repeated the fallen god's words in his head using a mocking tone.

That lying bastard can't even read a calendar!

Shiro felt Geraltavin's elbow hit him in the gut as he spoke to him in a hushed tone.

"You have an angry face on right now. Might not be yer best time for it."

"Huh? Oh yeah."

Shiro was currently seated at a round table with the rest of the king's council. The eight of them were waiting for an empty seat at the head of the table.

The King was secluded to join.

Another vote was to be held in regards to Shiro's life.

The stakes were higher than ever before.

"Pssh. Geraltavin. How long is this going to take?"

"This is serious?"

"Yeah politics. Very important. Anyways We don't have time to waste."

"Shiro. If this ends, well you'll be executed."

"Yeah and I'll be dead so it doesn't matter. But if it doesn't, I would have wasted hours of my time."

Geraltavin stared at Shiro. An attempt to argue with his logic, and a battle he wouldn't win.

"Ugh! I got my guys enchanting the new sails while we're here. The heavy rail cannons..."

"Geraltavin!"

Azura snapped at Geraltavin.

"He knew when the demon King's army was coming and he never told us! He lied to us!"

"I never lied! I already told you I didn't say anything because I didn't trust Revorgress. And look I was right. They're arriving in four weeks."

"Don't make excuses! You were counting the days!"

"Of course I was keeping track, but it's not like I was procrastinating or resting on my laurels.

"Laurels?"

"It's a saying. Point is, I was working hard. Geraltavin is going to vote to have me excused today so that he can't have a vacation."

A restraint laugh broke out among some of the court members. While Azura glared at Shiro.

"You're not taking this seriously!"

The doors opened, and a squire called out.

“All rise for King Charles Hall Héroult, King of Vermelionne, Son of Hans Friedrich Héroult, Lord of the Crimson Mountains, Warden of the Red Plateau, Protector of the Realm, Defender of the Sky Serpent’s Path, He Who Bears the Corona Muralis, First Over the Wall and Breaker of Sieges.”

Everyone rose as the king entered.

It was Shiro’s first time seeing him in person. He had heard the king’s voice during the summoning ceremony, but since then, Shiro had dealt only with the King’s Court.

King Charles Hall Héroult was an older man, broad shouldered and powerfully built. Long red hair, the color of rusted iron, fell past his shoulders, streaked with gray. His beard was the same color, though short and neatly kept. His face was weathered, marked more by hardship than by age, with two thin scars crossing his features; one through his left eyebrow, the other running along his right cheek.

He wore no crown. Instead, the peaks of the Crimson Mountain Range rose from his shoulders like jagged spires, forming a mantle that seemed to recreate the harsh territory whose weight he carried.

Across his back rested a heavy sword, its worn surface engraved with runes. Worn and old enough that its purpose needed no explanation.

He took his seat at the head of the table. His eyes passed over the assembled court.

Cold. Steady. Unshaken.

“You may be seated.”

Everyone sat down. Then waited for the King to speak.

"I'll begin with the matter of the hot air balloon. I have read the reports and come to the understanding that no ill will was involved in the incident."

Shiro could feel a wave of relief from some of the court members.

"Be that as it may, I find severe disappointment in the lack of foresight and precaution taken by my own court. Precautions were taken, the Hero's idea was beyond reason, and the hot air balloon performed above exactions. An easy mistake for most, but you are meant to be my court, my best of the best. The greatest this nation has to offer. Given the Heroes previous achievement, I expect more prudence from all of you going forward."

Eh, give them a break. All we did was fly an air balloon over the city.... causing mass panic and fear...ok fair points.

"Now to the matter at hand. The loyalty of the hero, Shiro Murasaki."

Everyone's eyes turned to him.

"Master General. You said you hear the hero claim that the demons are early. That he didn't deny his knowledge...."

The King began his round of questions. Asking each of his court members for opinions. Yet Shiro once again found himself getting lost in thought as trial went on.

The guy is pretty intimidating. But he's also clearly competent. Asking all his court members for information before he makes his decision. They aren't just yes men he used to hand off work. So why did the other nobles mock him during the summoning ceremony?

"Shiro you may speak."

"Huh?"

Everyone's eyes turned to him once again.

"Ummm. Sorry I got lost in thought. What am I speaking on?"

Shiro felt Geraltavin's elbow hit him in the gut.

"Your highness."

"Oh right. Your highness."

The King narrowed his eyes as he looked at Shiro.

"The members here have taken the time to list your achievement and folly. We are about to take a vote that may very well be the end of your life. You are being given a last chance to plead your case before votes are cast."

Damn...

"May I have a moment to think?... Your highness."

"You may."

Alright. Do I come out gun blazing? Tell them how much my shit has done for them.

Maybe say something more practical? Remind them that they need me and the Demon King army is coming.

Plead for mercy? Tell a joke? I don't know...

"Yeah I got nothing."