Damon IX and Something???

“Fair lady Sakuya, I beseech your power to blossom the earth! Higanbana! Light fires to the underworld!”

*The enemies have been annihilated*

“Ha! Ha…. Ha………………….”

My stiff and sore body has fallen to the sand.

“Princess!”

A sound of a sword clashing on the sand and a faint voice of Koyanagi are the last thing I heard before my eyelids succumbed to their increasing heaviness.

………………

That smells………  

Freshly baked pastries. *Belly growling* I’m starting to get hungry. I should get up now.

Wow, another austere room. But wider and more furnished like a flat. And there’s a doctor in a towel in a kitchen. He’s pretty muscular but he has a little bulging belly though. husky? beefy? Is that the term? 

“Muster up something, doctor?”

“You’re up. Beef pie. Want some.”

“Don’t mind if I do!”

I walked up to the kitchen and have some of his scrumptious-looking stuff.

“Ummm!! Tasty! The filling is so thick and juicy and cheesy! The crust is also crunchy. Ah~~~ This is divine.”

“Hmm.”

“So where’s everyone? And where are we now? Last thing I remember is that we fought those bald cultists.”

“My home, Ynglingheim. Vilnis and Koyanagi, at the market. Izulu in town gathers info.”

“Okay?”

Can’t you be more approachable for once? Just be hot and energetic like your body, Gosh!

“Hey hey! We’re back! Gely! You’re awake!” Vilnis jumped onto me and we hug.

“Welcome back, Princess.”

“Ko!”

“Ready to continue our mission, I suppose.”

“Absolutely.”

While waiting for the detective, I briefly discussed the plan with the rest of us. It appears that the king’s palace is located here in Ynglingheim. Thank god for that. King Damon IX seems to be the type that has too much trust in his subjects. 

According to Vilnis and Ko, the palace was lightly guarded looking as though it welcomed everyone including thieves, spies, barbarians. I wouldn’t say if this is a rational idea. But well, who knows? He might be one smart egg.

“Oi, I’ve returned. How’s the lad holding?”

“Hi, Mr Detective.”

“Ah, awake. What’s our next move?”

“The king's palace.”

Those two weren’t joking when they said the palace was lightly guarded. Really? Two guards.

“Umm, excuse me.” I try to greet the guards.

“May I help you, citizens?”

“Emm, the king, is he still hiring a mercenary party?”

“Ah, finally. Yes, good sire. If you please follow me, I’ll take you to His Majesty.”

Apparently loose security. These guards seem flabby and unprofessional. The king, He’s ways too trusting.

“Sir! Your Majesty. Good news, sir…”

The guard brought us to a throne room. Very austere. This has to be the source of austerity. The man who wears a crown sitting on the throne right now, Damon IX, I presume.

“Calm yourself, Sven. And who are these gentlemen? Could it be? Are you here to accept our request?”

“We are, your highness.”

“Excellent! Sven, summon Lady Min this instance.” Ordered, The king. “Now, let’s see what we have here.”

He used some kind of magical ability. I notice his eyes turned from normal green to blue clockwork. May be similar to the moon goddess’s.

“Warrior Lv24, Vet/Thief Lv51, Detective/Sharpshooter Lv51, Slime Lv30 and Theurgist Lv15. How astonishing...”

“Lady Yajeon of Min clan, your majesty!”

“Lady Min, we’ve got wondrous news for you. We present to you the valiant heroes.”

“Finally, the godsends. I am Yajeon, leader of the Min clan. In the name of my people, we thank you for lending us your swords and shields.”

“Our pleasure, my lady. Now, what could we be of service, your highness?”

“We ask you to avenge her clan, her people. Lady Min’s land was razed, her people were either enslaved or put to death by those heinous cultists. We would like to assassinate the one who is responsible for such hideous actions. One of five eyes of Daharuma, Nikugen. Alas, we currently have no leads on him.”

“You’re in luck, your highness. We have a lead-know where to find a lead.”

“How the moon bathes me with fortune! You truly are a sight for our sore eyes. Please, do name your price.”

If we nurture seedlings well, flowers will flourish beautifully, that’s what I always say. We need his highness’s alliance, at least, to have military aid by our side and financial stability. 

“As you see fit, your highness. ”

But I would appreciate if you give some of your men. 

“Such chivalry shall not go unrewarded. Sven! Prepare six sacks of gold. Everybody else please follow me.”

The king took us to an armoury-his personal armoury. Generously handed out weapons to us. Then later, the guard, Sven, brought here, a handsome amount of money. 

*Received following items *

-The Desert odour, equipped by Koyanagi D’oscurita

-Fireflame Shield, equipped by Koyanagi D’oscurita

-Priestess Agnes-Amon’s shotgun, equipped by Izulu Tsukino

-Ashen blade, equipped by Phonos Nightshade 

-Sorcerous ring of Queen mother Xanthippe, equipped by you

-5400G

Also Vilnis, he prefer not to use any weapon, saying that he prefer fist and kick, the king kindly offered to train him in Martial arts but may take quite some time. A few weeks, he told us but I requested to shorten it to one day.

Yes, it may be too urgent but you know what: time is an assassin.

So the next day, another relaxing day, I send Vilnis off to the Dojo. 

That was the plan. Until the king comes to pick us up in person.

“Your highness, may I say this is very benevolent of you. But really, you needn’t to…

“Nonsense! I would do anything for our hero. Ah! We are here.”

He halted his horse in front of, seemingly, a refugee camp with lots and lots of these huge earthen pots. I wonder what’s inside.

“Your majesty.” We were greeted by an extremely handsome Korean-like man.

“Lord Yeongmo. We apologise for such urgency but this matter requires the utmost attention…”

“Nothing to apologise, your majesty. I’m glad to be of service in anyway I could.”

“This is Vilnis, he’s going to be your student for today and this is Sir Gelynas.”

Vilnis is awfully quiet today. I wonder what’s wrong with him?

“Thank you for helping us. Min Yeongmo is my name. I serve the Min’s clan as its steward.”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah, I’m Gelynas. Please take care of Vilnis.”

“Do not worry. He is now in capable hands. We could vouch for Lord Yeongmo’s mastery in martial arts.” The king relieved me as Vilnis is slowly faded away from my sight.

“I don’t doubt that, your highness. It’s just….. he behaves as if something got his tongue today, Vilnis, I mean. I don’t know but he’s never been like this before.”

Maybe I should ask the doctor to do a little check-up.

“We could perceive his endeavours, you know. Should you worry not, Sir Gelynas.”

“Yeah, maybe I’m overthinking it. Thank you, your highness.”

“Speaking of which would you happen to be free for today?”

“Well, of course. Nothing needs watering and those three are just staying in playing tabletops. I’m all yours, your highness. What’s up?”

“We were just wondering if you would fancy a picnic with us?”

“Sure, your highness.”

So it was his plan all along, wasn’t it? Coming to my place, dropping off my kid and then asking me out. Naughty naughty king, you are, Damon.

Haha…. Sounds too much like those Harem bitches in anime. 

“Here we are, sir Gelynas. The ten thousand blooms garden.”

“Oh, wow!”

Flowers! Blooming blossoms, flowers are everywhere! Hyacinths, chrysanthemums, lobelias, aconites, queen of the meadows, ornithogalums! 

It’s like the earth is in front of me like a garden in the heaven that let me witness the beauty of the world below! 

“I’m… I’m lost for words. It’s just…… absolutely phenomenal. All I could ever dream of. I feel like singing, do you mind?”

“Be our guest.”

Oooh, I can hear the music playing now! 

“Oh how I'm lost in the beauty of this garden galore
All the beauty that I see has me feeling so complete
Roses, violets, and tulips I see as I explore
The Red Geraniums and White Marigolds, such colors I adore


Oh all these flowers bloom around me, fluttering their wings
Reminding me to slow down and enjoy the beauty all around me


Delphiniums, Mums and Carnations, Poppies and Daisies too
Asters, Pansies, Lilies of the Valley, whatever I view
Bee Balm and Snapdragon, Bluebells growing wild
Poppies, Larkspur, Zinnias, a picture so sublime


Oh all these flower blossoms swirling around me, lazes my time away
Reminding me to slow down and enjoy the beauty all around me


Snapdragons, Hollyhocks and Snowdrops, never cease to amaze
The Dahlias and Peonies, a gorgeous blooming maze
Roses, Snapdragons, and Zinnias, growing so tall
And forget-me-nots of blue, their melodic rhythms call
 
Oh all these flowers bloom around me, forever in my heart
Reminding me to slow down and enjoy the beauty all around me”

Whew! That was like the most fantastic feeling ever! Now I get it why they always sing, the Princess in the movie. Even though my song’s so horrid-just a hotchpotch of gizmos.

On the bright side, I’m one step closer to become Koyanagi’s ideal princess. All I need now is a tiara, a sparkly over-extravagant dress and a prince.  Guess I already have Prince Koyanagi since he lives in a castle or maybe former Prince Damon who’s playing harp over there. He’s got to be a prince before he became king, right? Wait! Hold on! Since when did that giant harp get there? I don’t remember seeing one around here.

“Sir Gelynas! Shall we have lunch now!”

“Sure! Just give me a sec!” 

I get off the ground, walking to his highness who’s currently arranging our meal on a mat beside that giant harp I don’t even know where did it come from.

“What’ve you got there, your highness?”

“These all are Havsgard’s specialty. Shark and chip, Mutton cheesy soup, Creamy saffron choux, Berry-glazed Halibut, Tomato bun and these Crispily fried flower crisps. here you go.” The king passed me a plate and a pair of cutlery then he poured me a cuppa.

“Thank you.”

Judging by how appetising it looks, I’m going for the shark and chips. Honestly, I couldn’t possibly see the difference between this and English fish and chips except this is made of shark meat. Alright, here goes!

Mmmhh! Wow! This is so good. The meat is quite meaty yet there’s a slight of sweetness. And the chips tasted like chips, nothing out of ordinary.

“How was the shark if we may ask?”

“Tasty! Say, your highness, is it common to eat sharks here?”

“Indeed. It was quite a history, in fact. Would you care for a history lesson?”

“I’m all ears.”

Okay, let’s try Tomato bun next.

“It was during Queen Ingrid’s reign. Below our shores, there lied the grand city of Marelagt. The city of the Melusine. In those days, sharks had been a major threat to the melusine. 

The sharks had killed hundreds of them, their hunters, their gatherers, therefore, drove the city to starvation. Due to their most dependence on sea resources….”

“Ah! Ah! Ah! Ouch! Gosh, that sure was spicy. I thought you said that it was a tomato bun.”

“Ahaha, it may call so but there isn’t any usage of the actual tomato. The redness of the buns is thanks to….”

“Chilli!” I coughed.

“Yes, but 1 out of 4 only. Our star ingredient is smoked paprika. They genuinely go well with Mutton cheesy soup, you ought to try.”

“Thanks for the tip!” 

I continue to cough as I reach out for the soup.

“Now where were we? The city became destitute of food. Grand lady Eglantine, their leader at that time, decided to come ashore-sought Alliances. 

Coincidentally, the day Her Grand Ladyship came happened to be the same day as Queen Ingrid’s brother’s wedding ceremony occurred at the nearby beach. 

Her Grand Ladyship arrived bloodily upon our shore. She was severely wounded-also chased by some sharks. That would’ve certainly given everybody a fright. Still people was rushing to her aid drove off shivers of sharks. 

Her Grand Ladyship was hospitalised for quite a nasty period of time under Queen Ingrid’s wings. 

After her convalescence, She had made an agreement with Queen Ingrid. In exchange for our aid against shark’s raid, she offered her domain to be a part of our kingdom. Queen Ingrid’s consent under two conditions: She must hold on to her title as a ruler of the grand city and she must serve our kingdom as a minister of maritime affairs. 

Then our war was officially begun. Many sharks were slaughtered. Abundances of them were waved ashore. Causing us a rancid pile of mess.”

“Sho you reshide sho sheat rem.”

“That would be the best solution. Oh! You’ve got…..”

“Yeah?”

“May I?”

His hand’s reaching out for my cheek.

“You are one messy eater, Sir Gelynas. You know that?”

He’s wiped my cheek gently with his thumb. Gosh, I’m such a gluttonous pig. 

Actually, I don’t even care what people think. Being fat isn’t a crime after all. But seriously how come I barely gain a pound? I’m practically nibbling all the time.

His hand was really soft though. And warm too.

“You’re a real charmer, your highness. You know that?”

“Alas, I have never had a chance to meet my sweet princess yet. Am I by any chance looking at one right now?”

“Ha! Very funny! Very funny, your highness.”

Guess I’ll always be a princess in this world then. Ha, Two princes. How could I choose?