Chapter 134 The Lion's Bowl
The morning dew sizzles, and soon the sun rises high in the sky.
At noon, when the sun is farthest away, the highest seat in the audience chamber of Asgardam Royal Castle is filled.
"Einherjar Knights' commander, Leonhardt Sieg. And the deputy commander, Leiva Batigan. Raise your faces."
Breaking the tense silence, the command was given.
But it wasn't the king's words. The one speaking on behalf of the king was an elderly man standing next to the throne, Chancellor Gimley Dvalinn.
Leonhardt and Leiva, kneeling on the red carpet leading to the throne, slowly lift their faces in obedience to the command.
Sitting on the throne is a slender man. He is Ask Garland, the current king of Asgardam.
"...Well, Leonhardt."
"Yes."
"This time, um, your efforts in defeating the Star Crown Beast were truly commendable. Your repeated achievements as the commander of the Einherjar Knights are indeed fitting."
"I am honored by your words, Your Majesty."
"Uh, yes."
However, the man who should be in the highest position speaks very hesitantly, to the point where Leiva finds it almost childish.
(What a lack of spirit...)
Next to him, Leonhardt, with the same blonde hair and blue eyes, looks humble and respectful. They are not far apart in age.
But the difference in their presence is like heaven and earth.
Leonhardt shows unwavering respect for the king with his steady gaze. Meanwhile, King Ask, despite sitting on the throne, fumbles and looks uneasy, glancing at the chancellor beside him and the pet crow perched on his shoulder.
At this rate, who can tell who the king is?
Leiva hides her anger behind a cold mask, but her heart is not at peace. What particularly irritates her is the presence of the crow resting on the king's shoulder.
(Bringing a pet to an audience is absolutely unacceptable. Is he trying to insult the commander? He lacks awareness as a king.)
It is unthinkable for a king, who should bear the weight of the nation and its people, to bring a pet to an audience. Moreover, King Ask likely has no awareness that this is an unacceptable act.
Since the previous king passed away, King Ask has been raised as a puppet by the chancellor and is still not involved in policy-making. Unless it's a national issue, the throne is often left empty. Leiva firmly believed that the corruption of the knight regime, which the citizens whisper about, lies in the lazy royal authority.
"Hey, Leonhart."
"What is it, Chancellor Gimley?"
"I've heard that the knights of the Twelve Seats have been acting strangely lately. They're actively cracking down on noble elements and also providing support to Ygg religion followers. I ask you, is this your doing?"
"...Unfortunately, no. As you know, Chancellor, I'm busy every day fighting the evil beasts as a protector of Asgardam. I have neither the time nor the intention to arrange such matters as you fear."
"Indeed. You are the shield and sword of this country. Your skills should be used against the beasts, not extended to the political baton."
"I understand."
"There was also the recent incident where Duke Rompt was murdered. Maintaining public order is the duty of you knights. Don't forget to fulfill your responsibilities."
"Yes. I will keep that in mind."
(...The crackdown on noble elements is likely because the nobles are causing problems. Blaming the commander for that is misplaced. Do they really want to keep hammering this point?)
The Chancellor's words were filled with caution towards Leonhart. The knight order commander is merely a weapon for the royal authority, and should not aspire for more. Leiva felt bitter about the blatant warning.
──Leonhart, the knight order commander, is truly fit to be king.
It's a fact that such rumors are whispered within the knight order. That's why King Ask appears frightened when facing Leonhart. Does the king realize that his weak demeanor only strengthens those rumors?
The ongoing mix of fearful praise from King Ask and sarcastic criticism from the Chancellor, all while Leonhart responds calmly without a flicker of emotion, is something Leiva watches with a troubled heart.
* * *
"...That was a pointless moment."
"Leiva. I don't appreciate inappropriate behavior in this royal castle."
"However, Sir Leonhardt, Lord Gimley's way of speaking is quite off the mark. Isn't that just venting frustration?"
"If this kind of exchange clears the fog from our country's mind, isn't that a good thing?"
"Even if it's fine for you, we, the members, can't agree with that."
After the audience ended, her steps felt a bit lighter as she walked through the castle.
The feeling of freedom made her heart and mouth lighter too. She was scolded for being disrespectful, but still, she found herself arguing back instead of apologizing. Leiva thought how lucky she was to have such a boss.
"Sir Leonhardt's achievements are unmatched. Yet, if you're shown such blatant neglect, your subordinates won't be satisfied."
"I received praise directly from King Ask. Isn't that enough of a reward?"
"...Is reading someone else's written praise really what you call direct?"
"You're speaking too much, Leiva."
"...I apologize."
Leiva was reprimanded more strongly this time and fell silent.
Her beloved superior's elevation while putting down the current king indeed was an attitude unbecoming of an assistant commander.
But still, the knight walking in front of her was strong and proud, and just watching him filled her with pride. He was dignified and impressive. His demeanor had no flaws, which made the previous king seem even more lacking in comparison.
(...Honestly, I often think that Sir Leonhardt should be the one in charge. I really wish King Ask had a bit more vigor.)
Leiva would scold the knights who openly wished for a change in power whenever she heard them. But if she were to reveal her true feelings, she would declare that she wanted to look up to Leonhardt Sieg as her king.
A valiant knight with the strength to even defeat the Star Crown Beast. Because of his abilities and presence, rumors spread that "he is truly the one who carries the blood of the heroic King Sigmund." It was said that the current king Ask and the previous one were of a different bloodline, and that Leonhardt Sieg should rightfully sit on the throne as the true heir.
Such rumors have spread. It's no surprise that the Chancellor and those close to the Garland family are wary of Leonhardt.
(Despite Sir Leonhardt showing his loyalty... it seems pointless.)
Even if he has no intention of causing trouble, what's the point of all the commotion around him? There's no desire to stir up schemes for fun or to let them happen.
She doesn't have any intention of siding with the Chancellor, but if she were to borrow a phrase, "Knights should focus on security, not politics."
That's why, as she passes through the castle gates leading outside, her mind is already busy thinking about the tasks ahead.
But then...
"Commander! Assistant Leiva! There you are!"
"What's going on?"
The messenger, with a desperate look, rushes up the long stairs leading to the castle gates, and she feels a sense of foreboding.
The tasks she had considered must be put on hold.
"We've received reports that the Star Crown Beast from Aegir Library has gone berserk! Commander, we need your help urgently!"
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