episode_0051

A small scream was heard from someone in the crowd. In that brief moment, someone who had witnessed the scene covered their mouth with their hand and made a sound.

It came from above, so it must have been one of the ladies and young ladies watching from the terrace. However, the surrounding nobles began to share words in a noisy manner, perhaps because the sound had burst. Glenn could hear it vividly in his ear. Kiss. Knight. Choice. Love. Warrior… Warrior?

“Saint Militia Airgrants, with the blessing of benevolence, would like to appoint ‘Red-Eyed Glenn’ as my escort knight. In addition, I would like to appoint the six upper-level adventurers who are not here to the same position as ‘Red-Eyed Glenn’. Please, grant me your permission.”

“…”

The king was unable to respond right away, perhaps because he was shocked by the situation unfolding before his eyes. Even for a king who had been through a lot, this situation did not seem like something that could happen easily.

Glenn wanted to raise his head high. He wanted to see the expressions on other people’s faces, and at the same time, he was scared.

While Glenn was both curious and fearful, fortunately, the King quickly came to his senses and declared, freeing Glenn from his suffering.

“I, Teius di Regnum Alcrea, the rightful successor and ruler of the Kingdom of Alcrea, hereby authorize the appointment of Red-Eyed Glenn as the escort knight to assist Saint Milicia Airgrants. I also authorize the appointment of the six senior adventurers who are not present to the same positions. And Saint Milicia Airgrants and the escort knight Red-Eyed Glenn, starting tomorrow, expect that you will successfully carry out your missions and complete them in the near future. With this, the inauguration ceremony is concluded. ”

“Thank you. Glory to Alcrea.”

“Glory to Alcrea.”

The saint heard the king’s proclamation, and soon the crowd shouted the same thing. Glenn joined in.

It was the end. All the procedures for the inauguration ceremony that had been communicated in advance were completed. Finally, Glenn was able to raise his head. He was able to stand on his own two legs. And he saw.

I could see the crowd filled with shock, horror, and amazement. And among them, I could find Guildmaster Rashford looking at them with a meaningful smile.

“If that Endymian guy sees this, there’s going to be chaos.”

Huh? At that moment, a voice was heard from behind. It was the King. It was a very small voice, but Glenn could recognize it well enough.

Endymian? Was it the first prince? Glenn was puzzled by the name of the stranger coming from the king’s voice, but it was not a situation to ask, so he just kept silent.

They quickly forgot about it thanks to the crowd cheering and congratulating them right in front of them.

And, I couldn’t take my eyes off the saint who stood before the crowd with her pious and incredibly beautiful face. No, right now, it seemed like I shouldn’t take my eyes off her.

Suddenly, I thought about it again. Why did the saint give me a warning like ‘never leave my side’, as if something was going to happen at the inauguration ceremony? There was a bit of a commotion, but it ended perfectly without any problems.

Maybe, that action a little while ago, that… that slap on the forehead, because of that… ugh, it’s too hard to express in words.

Glenn shook his head and tried to pull himself together, but he couldn’t. He felt like he would be in trouble with the saint if he showed even the slightest strange behavior in this atmosphere.

So, since he couldn’t yet predict what the future would hold, Glenn cautiously turned his gaze forward again, looking at the celebratory crowd.

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The inauguration ceremony, which had been full of topics, ended. As the crowd dispersed, Glenn’s mind also returned to reality. The two of them still could not leave. They stood there in silence until everyone in the audience room left.

Some nobles and armored men glanced at the saint and him, but soon they all disappeared.

And then, silence finally came to the throne room. Now, all that remained were Glenn, the saintess, two or three knights in charge of guarding, and the king and his family.

‘Hey, Guild Master, you just left?’

Glenn was quite surprised when he noticed that the person who had the most important role in this inauguration ceremony had just left without a moment’s hesitation.

Why? Honestly, wasn’t he the one who should have stayed until the end? The inauguration ceremony was over safely, but there were still enough questions gnawing at his mind, and they were starting to overflow. Or maybe Glenn was just thinking too much. Glenn just hoped it was just his delusions.

“It’s been a long time, Your Majesty. How have you been?”

“Hmm. How have you been? I’ve heard a lot about you. You’ve had a hard time. I heard that this man, a high-level adventurer recognized by our royal family, helped you in both material and spiritual ways. I’m glad I could be of help.”

“Yes. If it weren’t for your help, Glenn, I wouldn’t be standing here. I can only thank you for the grace of Your Majesty and the country. ”

While Glenn was thinking like that, Milicia began to have a friendly conversation with the king. Glenn was a little embarrassed. In fact, he had never thought about what to do next. The saintess had only said that she would prepare for the trip the next day after the investiture ceremony.

So, Glenn had no preparation what to say to the King, whom he had suddenly met for the first time in a long time.

“‘Red-Eyed Glen’. I heard you were quite upset after that incident, but it’s good to see you looking healthy.”

“I am sorry, Your Majesty. Thanks to your grace, I am able to stand on my own two feet again. Ha, thank you always.”

Oh my! I wasn’t prepared at all, and he came rushing in! Your Majesty is bad!

As Glenn bowed his head and greeted her, though he was somehow stammering, he heard a faint, innocent laugh. It was a woman’s voice. It was definitely not a saint.

Yes. She was one of the two members of the King’s family still remaining in this audience chamber. She was the First Princess.

“Even if that’s the case, you’re taking a similar attitude. This isn’t a place where we can have any public conversations, is it? You don’t have to be so nervous.”

The first princess, Josefina d’Alcrea, spoke to Glenn with a smile and ease. She was a member of the royal family who was widely considered to be the most politically capable of anyone in line to the throne.

Not only was the force behind her no joke, but the princess herself was said to be the best among her competitors in terms of the virtues that a royal should possess, including her looks, excellent speaking skills, and ability to command people.

“Lady Josephine. It’s just that Glenn hasn’t seen His Majesty for quite some time. Please don’t be too harsh on him. He is my bodyguard, so any comments you make about him will be considered criticism of me from now on. ”

Oh, yes. Yes. Yes?? At those words, Glenn was almost startled. No, it was certain that his expression had already been dyed in astonishment. That wasn’t an emotion that only Glenn had.

The first princess, Josefina, who heard those words, looked at the saint with a face of utter disbelief. Everyone’s eyes were focused on the saint with her pious, calm, and gentle smile.

However, the queen muttered a small ‘Oh my’ and covered her lips with her hand.

“Saint Militia? You, you know what you just said… right?”

“I apologize if I was rude, Your Highness Josefina.”

“Ah, no. I’ll say it again, this isn’t a public place. I’m not a petty person who can’t even tolerate that much. More than that…you did something really incredible a little while ago. It’s the first time I’ve seen a saint give blessings through kissing in a ceremony like that. ”

Oh my, that act was shocking even for the royal family. When the kiss was suddenly mentioned during the ceremony, the king’s face seemed to turn pale for a moment, and the queen smiled softly and let out a laugh.

However, Saint Milicia showed no shame in her actions even in front of the royal family. Her ears were slightly red, but it seemed okay to ignore it.

And then, nodding her head, the saint answered confidently.

“I assure you that you will probably never see her again. Your Highness Josephine. Because for me, there is no one who deserves such a blessing as Glenn, and I do not have that in mind right now.”

At those words, the First Princess, who had been asking the question, looked even more worried. However, perhaps because she wanted to confirm, she asked the question carefully and indirectly.

“That, that means… Even after the pilgrimage is over, will Glenn be the saint’s… something like that?”

“Yes.”

To the saintess who expressed her opinion in a short answer, the first princess responded by covering her mouth with her hand and mumbling something. The king touched his forehead with a slightly disturbed expression. The queen, who also covered her lips, but whose eyes had changed to those of a smiling person, seemed to be the only one who responded positively to the saintess’s argument.

“If the warrior and… Endimian Oppa heard this, he would faint. Well, given Endimian Oppa’s personality, he’d definitely figure it out soon-”

“Prince Endymian enters! And Princess Luna enters too!”

“That’s amazing.”

Secretary Niccolò’s voice rang out urgently, as if to answer Josefina’s mutterings.

Glenn was also surprised by the voice. What. Those two people, are they just entering the audience room now? Weren’t they there just a moment ago? Of course, since he had never seen their faces before, there was no way Glenn would have noticed even if they had come, but this was still quite surprising.

And the saintess was making that complicated expression she had shown yesterday again.

“Still the same.”

Suddenly, it seemed as if the King had muttered a word as he passed by. Before Glenn could recognize the voice, the main door to the throne room opened with a bang. And a rather sturdy man wearing armor entered.

Following him, a woman whose height barely reached the man’s chest followed. The woman’s attire had patterns that proved to anyone that only royalty could wear it. However, it seemed like it was an outing outfit that was different from that of the first princess or the queen.

Anyway, the man who took the lead approached with confident and uninhibited steps.

Endymion of Alcrea. The first prince and second in line to the throne, he was the eldest son among the king’s legitimate children. He was a man who displayed outstanding talent in swordsmanship and horsemanship, and with his characteristically hot-tempered personality, impulsive attitude, and challenging attitude, he was the first to volunteer for the development of the central region, and he was a man who actively participated and gathered fame.

However, the problem was his temperament. He was so fiery and impulsive that he was widely disliked by those who wanted to support him as king. There were many things he could gain from his temperament, but there were also many things he could lose.

“Abama! Thank you for the invitation! I accomplished my mission and arrived here today! It’s been a while! ”

“It’s not a public place, so I guess you can talk comfortably… It’s been a while. Endymian.”

“Father? I came back with my brother Endimian. I’m glad you look healthy.”

“Oh, come on, Luna.”

The king had a worried face at Endymian’s loud voice, but his expression naturally relaxed at the greeting of his youngest. Luna di Alcraia. She now appears quite careful and polite, but it is only because she received strict education as a princess, and in reality, she has a rash and impulsive personality like her brother. She is the type of person who cannot be satisfied unless she directly jumps into things she is interested in.

Glenn knew him to some extent, as he was a member of the royal family who had become famous by joining the Wonchae warriors. The two had similar personalities, so they often hung out together, and he made a fuss about wanting to join the development of the central region, which was successful in dispatching him despite the king’s concerns.

“Sorry for being late, Father. The weather wasn’t very good on the way here, so it took an extra day. And, it’s been two years since I last saw you, Saintess.”

Rather than the cheerfulness from a moment ago, Endimian looked at Milicia with a somewhat mysterious gaze. Milicia bowed her head politely in greeting, her face slightly stiff.

What the heck, that is. Glenn felt the mental confusion that appeared when he was really upset.

“I hope you are well. I am glad to see you again. Prince Endymian. I hope you have been well.”

“Ah. I couldn’t do that even though I wanted to suffer when I thought of you! I heard that something big happened to you. You were upset and tired! But don’t worry! I can handle it all! ”

“That’s over a long time ago, son.”

“It is as the King said.”

What are you talking about? The world’s evaluation was not wrong at all. This man, the first prince Endymian, is truly self-centered and impulsive. He spouts nonsense so confidently without losing his expression. This must be a realm of talent.

And Milishia, who I caught a glimpse of, seemed a bit uncomfortable with Endymian’s attitude. No, it was definitely very awkward.

Oh, come to think of it… I told you not to ever let go. When the story of this prince and that princess came up, Glenn got a little nervous.

“Saint, it’s been a long time since we last met. I’m glad you look healthy. I heard that you were on the verge of being forced into marriage.”

“I hope you are well, Princess Luna. I am sorry for worrying you. I am fine. I am able to stand here thanks to the salvation of my escort knight Glenn, who is next to me. For a bright future, so that I can move forward…”

“Huh? Oh, no…hmm, I see.”

Oh, oh, what was Princess Luna’s expression just now? Her pupils dilated and her mouth fell open as if she had heard something she couldn’t believe, but in an instant, she returned to her original calm expression.

And finally, the focus of the story began to return to Glenn.

“Hmm, this man…Saintess. Is this man your knight escort?”

Endymian, who had been resting his chin on his hand for a moment, nodded to Glenn.

Glenn was convinced. Hmm, that’s for sure. The energy emanating from that solid body, the unorganized energy, is literally reckless. If I practice a little more, I’ll be able to refine that energy.

Glenn, who was thinking like that, was soon startled. A tall man suddenly appeared in front of his eyes. For a moment, he almost screamed or stepped back.

But Glen barely held on. Oh, why do I feel hostility? Endymian asked Glen, who was tilting his head at the sudden emotion.

“Hmm. You look pretty young… How old are you?”

“Oh, I’m twenty-six this year.”

“What! That’s ridiculous. With this height and face, twenty-six?”

“Brother. Why are you pretending not to know? Didn’t you witness it yourself three years ago? Red-eyed Glenn, the adventurer who defeated two high-level demons and was rewarded by Abamama.”

The First Princess looked at Endymian in that state and pointed out with a pitiful look. Endymian scratched his head slightly and tilted his head. It seemed like he had no recollection.

Well, it would have been better if Glenn had been so small back then! He was noticeably shorter than the other four! It makes me mad, but I understand, okay!

Glenn wanted to vent his frustration but barely held himself back. But that wasn’t the end of it.

“Hmm, I was there that time too…but he was such a small man. Wasn’t he a child back then? I can’t believe it. Saintess, do you really not regret appointing this man as your bodyguard? I would have recommended someone with a stronger body and more experience as your bodyguard.”