Since we had gone out of our way to visit Alec’s mansion, it was decided that we would stay for one night.
The next day, Floria, Silvia, and I went for a stroll through the royal capital. Although we mainly just popped into shops or browsed food stalls, we still had a great time.
As Kousuke and his group had returned to Alec’s mansion once, they were thinking of going back to the Tower Management Layer that day, but something unexpected had happened.
Surprisingly, the reply from King Maxim, which was expected to take some time, had arrived.
“…No, that can’t be possible?”
Floria, standing next to Kousuke, was surprised by the unusually fast response. Alec, who had informed Kousuke and the others about the reply, gave a wry smile at Floria’s words.
“Well, that’s usually the case. It seems that because it was a letter from me, they prioritized processing it.”
If it were just that, it might have been dismissed as beautiful sibling affection (?), but King Maxim was surprised by the contents of the letter. It stated that Floria, King Maxim’s niece, was currently staying in the royal capital and wished to visit, and even mentioned that Kousuke would accompany her if possible. This surprised King Maxim himself, who had met Kousuke in person several times. He had never imagined that a god, even an avatar, would come to visit him.
Contrary to Kousuke’s group’s expectations, King Maxim’s decision was swift. While it wasn’t possible to arrange a meeting on the same day due to security concerns, the letter stated that arrangements would be made by the day after tomorrow. In other words, they would be able to meet King Maxim the day after tomorrow. Alec, smiling wryly at the swift progress of events, asked Kousuke, “So? What will you do?”
“What do you mean? Of course, we’ll go!” replied Floria, as if it were obvious. Alec waved his right hand back and forth. “Ah, no, no. Not that. Are you staying here tonight and tomorrow?” Looking at Kousuke with expectant eyes, Floria gave a wry smile and glanced at him. Meeting Floria’s gaze, Kousuke nodded slightly. Although they could return to the Tower Management Layer since they had two days, they were willing to stay if Alec wished.
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Until the audience with King Maxim, Kousuke and his group spent their time leisurely. They did various things, such as separating Kousuke and Silvia for Floria to spend time with her parents, and visiting places they couldn’t get to on the first day. On the day of the meeting, Kousuke and his group headed to the castle in their usual attire. When Kousuke suggested wearing formal attire for the meeting, Alec and the others shook their heads. This meeting was strictly a “private” visit, not one held with a retinue of civil officials. Furthermore, since Kousuke was not formally announcing himself as an avatar, it was deemed unnecessary. Kousuke, being an outsider to such matters, left the finer details to Floria and Alec. By the way, Silvia was in her usual shrine maiden outfit, so that was also as usual.
Thus, Kousuke and his group ascended to the royal castle, and as expected, they did not meet King Maxim immediately. They were led to a separate room and had to wait until the appointed time. This was a customary procedure, so Kousuke and his group did not mind. What surprised them was that while they were waiting for the time to come, an unexpected person appeared.
The person who appeared when the door to the waiting room opened was Crown Prince Leonard, who was slated to be the next king. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting,” he said, bowing to Kousuke, which indicated that he was aware of the situation. Leonard, who looked young for his age, evoked a sense of nostalgia in Kousuke, who shook his head. “No, please don’t worry about it. We are the ones imposing. More importantly, I’m glad to hear you’re doing well.” “Hahaha. Thank you. It would have been even better if my father were doing well,” Leonard said with a slight shadow on his face, causing Kousuke and his companions to exchange glances. For Leonard to say so voluntarily suggested that the king’s condition was not very good.
Noticing their reaction, Leonard continued with a nod. “Well, we’ll know about my father soon enough. For now, shall we go?” “Huh? Together?” Kousuke blurted out, but Leonard immediately agreed. “Yes, that will be faster.” Leonard, who should have been busy as King Maxim’s representative, had made a special appearance to personally guide Kousuke and his group to King Maxim. This would also save time on procedural matters.
Kousuke and his group learned part of the reason for the swift meeting and followed Leonard deeper into the royal castle. Needless to say, this was where the king normally lived, and it was a place normally accessible only to a limited number of people. Even Floria had never been here before. Upon opening a door adorned with luxurious carvings unlike any other in the castle, they entered what was supposed to be King Maxim’s room.
Leonard, who was leading the way, didn’t notice, but the moment they entered the room, Kousuke noticed Silvia cast a meaningful glance. Even Floria, whose attention was focused on King Maxim, didn’t notice. Perhaps only the person herself, Kousuke, and Kouhi, who had accompanied them, noticed Silvia’s change. However, Kousuke and Kouhi, while noticing Silvia’s state, followed Leonard and Floria without saying anything. They knew without being told that making careless remarks here would be problematic.
The group proceeded through the spacious room as if nothing had happened on the surface, and entered a room further inside with a bed. There, as expected, King Maxim was waiting, propped up on his side as if anticipating their arrival. “Uncle Maxim… no, Your Majesty!” Floria, whose feelings for the king were stronger as an uncle than as a monarch, corrected herself from what she had initially called. “Hahaha. Floria, in your case, it’s fine to call me uncle,” Maxim said with a relaxed smile, then immediately turned his gaze to Kousuke. “Avatar. Please forgive me for receiving you in this state.” “No, please don’t worry about it. I can see your condition. Rather, wouldn’t it be better for you to get some proper rest?” King Maxim’s complexion was so poor that Kousuke felt compelled to say so.
However, in response to Kousuke’s words, Maxim smiled again and shook his head. “No, no. I’m feeling quite well today. That’s probably because some familiar faces have come to visit.” That Maxim’s words were not mere pleasantries was evident from Leonard standing beside him. Leonard nodded vigorously at Maxim’s words. Nevertheless, even an amateur like Kousuke could see that Maxim’s condition was considerably worse than usual. Kousuke secretly thought that they should leave as soon as possible.
King Maxim’s condition is quite poor. So much so that even an amateur like Kousuke can tell at a glance. Nevertheless, it is commendable that Maxim welcomed their visit.
