Chapter 1 : C1 part6
Different World Nation Alchimyra -The Weakest King and the Unrivaled Army-
Chapter 1 part 6
“Preparation for Exploration”
King Helian found himself in his study, his mind burdened with worry.
The reaction of the commanders during the recent audience left him feeling unsettled.
Despite his earnest attempts to display regal behavior, a slip of the tongue had already occurred.
Although he tried to remedy the situation afterward, it seemed his efforts fell short.
He couldn’t help but recall instances where politicians on television faced the consequences of a single misstep, losing their positions in a swift turn of events.
Even as the ruler of a nation, he understood that circumstances could swiftly change, potentially leading to his own downfall. The fragility of his position weighed heavily on his mind, as he pondered what actions or words might jeopardize his place on the throne.
And if he were dethroned and treated as a mere mortal, his life would be in immediate danger.
As a player who is not a king, he is nothing more than an ordinary individual, easily slain by even the lowliest goblin. That is why Helian must do everything in his power to avoid being dethroned.
He had already made a slip of the tongue. There was no going back now. As they say, spilled water cannot be gathered up again.
Therefore, his focus should be on how to rectify or recover from the mistake he had committed.
“…If possible, I want to maintain the image of a benevolent king.”
He had strived to follow the path of a virtuous king. He had been mindful of national strategy and had placed great importance on maintaining security, rarely engaging in aggressive wars of conquest except for one exceptional case.
Essentially, he had avoided provoking unnecessary conflicts and had pursued the path of becoming a great nation through peaceful means. He had never acted as a merciless tyrant.
So, how could he maintain that image?
For instance, when sending his subordinates into uncharted territories where unknown dangers lurked, how should he behave as a king?
“It’s not right to order them to go into a dangerous zone with only a few people and not even see them off…”
The investigation itself is absolutely necessary. I believe the orders given were not wrong. However, it doesn’t seem like the right course of action as a king to not even see off the subordinates who are going into a dangerous area.
It may seem hypocritical to think like this after giving the order, but throughout the path that Helian has walked, there has never been an option to silently push his subordinates into a deadly situation.
“Let’s start with what we can do… We should think about concrete follow-up measures after seeing them off.”
This is also an important task as a king.
Furthermore, if we speak strategically, seeing them off might boost their morale.
If that’s the case, it’s a win-win situation. By investing a small amount of time in seeing them off, we can increase the potential for them to achieve better results when they return.
“If that’s the decision, it’s time for action.
Move your hands and feet, and go to the scene. Hear it with your own ears and see it with your own eyes.”
I imitated the catchphrase of the professor who was in charge of the seminar.
According to the professor, it’s necessary for those in positions of authority to take action. The professor, who liked to share anecdotes and had a tendency to talk at length, had his flaws, but I’m glad I didn’t brush it off. In life, you never know what will be useful to you.
…I never expected that at just under twenty years old, I would find myself in the position of the highest authority.
Anyway, I leave the castle gate and head towards the main gate of the outer wall.
The escort along the way is handled by the personal guards belonging to the First Legion.
On the way, I realized the fact that if betrayed by the personal guards, I would be easily killed. However, the majority of the people in this country have enough combat power to kill Helian.
With that in mind, I decided to stop being fearful. When you have a steady resolve, things usually work out somehow. You could say it was a desperate mindset.
And without any incidents, we arrived at the main gate of the northeast outer wall.
The surface of the heavily guarded main gate is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, pulsating with occasional surges of light along the patterns.
It serves as evidence that the large-scale barrier magic surrounding the capital is still in operation. This is not particularly concerning.
The issue lies in the scene unfolding at the plaza in front of the gate.
“…What is this?”
The plaza was filled with soldiers gathered together.
If that were the only sight, it would be fine. One could interpret it as reinforcing security measures for guarding the outer wall gates.
However, they were adorned in equipment that prioritized flashy appearances over practicality.
And in the stretch of about 300 meters from the plaza to the gate, they stood in two rows, perfectly aligned.
They remained motionless, standing face to face, creating a pathway that one would need to pass through to exit the gate.
At a glance, they appeared to be an honor guard assembled to bid farewell for the departure.
“What are these guys doing? Instead of this nonsense, they should be dedicating their efforts to maintaining security in various areas… I really should have sent out the Second Legion Commander, Balran, for this.”
Helian muttered his complaint under his breath, making sure it went unheard by the nearby guards.
It was exaggerated to think that deploying two legion commanders was necessary. It might be acceptable during peacetime, but not in this emergency situation.
Moreover, the expression on the faces of the honor guard was peculiar. Amidst their overwhelming pride, a hint of sorrow could be seen. It was as if they were sending a noble to their doom. It was an ill omen indeed.
“King Helian.”
“Your Majesty.”
Approaching him, the ones who called out to Helian were Leve, chosen for the investigation team as a Moon Wolf Managarm, and Eltina, an Ancient Elf. Both of them were equipped solely for practicality.
Beside them, their respective attendants stood by, leisurely surrounding Helian, holding up finely tailored white cloths to shield him from the surrounding gazes.
“King Helian, I will take care of your cloak.”
With a brief refusal, Leve carefully removed Helian’s cloak with delicate hands.
One of the attendants who swiftly approached knelt beside them, reverently extending both hands to receive the cloak. Then, another attendant, who brought a case tailored with black velvet, meticulously placed the cloak inside as if handling fragile goods.
“……….Huh?”
Helian unintentionally let out a surprised voice.
Why was his cloak being taken off?
With no time to question the remarkably graceful movements, that cloak was an exclusive equipment for the king player, adorned with the nation’s emblem embroidered on the back. It was a symbol of his status as the king.
The fact that it was reverently removed and taken away, what could it possibly mean?
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
After deeply bowing, Elthina froze at the ominous premonition and circled behind Helian, helping him put on the new attire. It was a sturdy cloak that strikingly balanced practicality and magnificence.
In quick succession, lightweight handguards made of a light material were attached to various parts of his body, and his shoes were replaced with greaves crafted from synthesized dragon scales.
Then, the cloths held by the attendants were simultaneously folded, exposing the center once again to the surrounding gazes. There stood Helian adorned in expedition gear.
The attendants, having completed their flawless work, quietly stepped back, leaving only the three figures dressed in expedition gear in that space.
“Wait, please.”
Helian’s mind was filled with a torrential sweat.
It seemed that it wasn’t an act of rebellion, but why was his usual cloak taken off?
Why was he forced to wear expedition attire?
And why were Leve and Elthina standing slightly behind and on either side of him—essentially positioning themselves as if Helian were leading the way?
“Helian-sama, I swear to risk my own life to protect you. No matter what lies ahead, I am determined to safeguard you above all else.”
“Though I am but a humble individual, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to Your Majesty and the prosperity of our nation. I undertake this mission with utmost readiness and resolve.”
The former statement belongs to Leve, while the latter belongs to Elthina.
Faced with their resolute declarations, Helian was completely petrified.
“…”
What… is this?
How did things end up like this?
Someone please tell me it’s a joke.
Because I genuinely don’t understand.
It feels as though the situation is portraying King Helian himself embarking on an overseas investigation.
Helian hurriedly recalls the order he had just given, but he has no recollection of making any bold or insane statement like “I will personally embark on an overseas investigation.”
(…Wait a minute.)
Helian carefully reflects on his own words.
Indeed, during the audience earlier, he recalls asking if he remembered exploring uncharted areas during the early stages of this game, and he received a response from the “Three Beings of Origin” confirming that he did “remember.”
And then, he had instructed Leve and Elthina to embark on the investigation together, having set aside the essential balance required for maintaining security.
During that time, he distinctly recalls uttering words to them as a form of reassurance…
“Just think of it as something similar to our initial explorations, without getting too worked up. Recall those times. If there’s any difference compared to back then, it’s simply the absence of Balran.”
Similar to our initial explorations.
The only difference is the absence of Balran.
The absence of Balran.
The absence of Balran.
The absence of Balran.
In other words…
“Could it be that Helian, who had embarked on the initial explorations alongside the three demonic creatures, is now perfectly included as a member of this investigative team?”
“…”
With jerky movements resembling a rusty tin toy, Helian turned around.
Standing behind on either side were Leve and Elthina, their expressions showing determination.
And further behind them stood a group of unremarkable covert soldiers dressed in black attire, likely selected by Sixth Legion Commander Camilla.
Facing forward once again, Helian’s central field of view captured the grand gate leading to the outside forest, with rows of ceremonial guards lined up on both sides.
I observe my own attire.
Instead of a flashy red and black ornamental coat, I am clad in sturdy and unassuming expedition gear.
“From this moment forth, it is the deployment of the expedition team led by His Majesty the King himself into foreign lands!
Ceremonial guards, raise your swoooords!!”
With the roar of the lion-headed ceremonial guard—curiously, Balran was among them—all the guards sprang into action.
In perfect harmony, like a disciplined military force of an authoritarian state, they aligned their heels and raised their ornate golden swords high toward the heavens.
It exuded a solemnity reminiscent of a medieval painting.
The atmosphere is suffocating, leaving no room for escape.
Desperately seeking help, Helian looks at Leve with a glimmer of hope.
There, among the stern faces, is a close aide to the king with sparkling eyes that seem to say, “The king himself leading the way through this hardship. Truly, Helian-sama is exceptional.”
How wonderful it would be if I could simply say, “It’s a misunderstanding.”
“Hmm… It’s been a while since we last explored an uncharted area. It brings back memories of those days.”
Ah…
Despite saying that, I can’t stand how my own words sound forced, succumbing to the tense atmosphere of this place… Argh!
“Then, let us proceed. Leve, Elthina.”
Accompanied by two legion commanders and five covert soldiers, the King of Alchimyra heads towards the grand gate.
Everyone gathered there watches with proud expressions as they bid farewell to the departing king.
Yet, with an air of predetermined harmony, King Helian walks confidently forward, while deep inside, he screams at the top of his lungs with all his might.
“Why is this happening? What did I do wrong? Is it insane for the king himself to lead a reckless reconnaissance mission? Someone stop this! How did everything end up like this?”
And so, King Helian, the brave ruler of Alchimyra, takes the first step into the unknown lands beyond, leading a mere seven-member expedition, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.