{Sword}

Since it sounded like the king had some business with me, I went over by myself. That cunning Shadow bastard didnt show up a second time either. However, he sent an awfully polite letter.

What he wrote was terribly round bout, but it basically said, Show up at the palace if you dont feel like makin enemies out of us. If you do, Ill use any means to crush you. Make sure to absolutely keep this a secret from Indra.

As I thought, he apparently realized that he can somehow handle me, but the same couldnt be said bout Indra. No choice, I spose. Ill drop by for a bit.

Officially I was told to report on the dungeon clearin and present a part of the loot as a gift to the king.

Well, since I figured as much, I presented some jewels, which Id have offered nyway, together with a jewel box. The nobles persistently bickered bout it bein too little or too commonplace, makin me think that they sure are cheeky to run their mouth despite not havin contributed nythin themselves, but their behavior was well within the range of what Id expected.

No matter how much I handed over, theyd never be satisfied either way. Even if I gave em all our loot, theyd obviously spout some crap along the lines of Bein able to only fetch so little, no wonder, considerin your commoner trash thats posin as adventruers.

Me thinkin, Very well, lets kill one of em and steal all their jewels n ornaments in such a case, clearly stems from me bein influenced by Indra. That girl would definitely say somethin like that. Or rather, shed actually go through with it.

The king raised a hand, causin the nobles to quiet down. I heard they didnt take him serious back when he got enthroned, but it looks like he made them shut up forcefully by crushin any opposition with his own martial prowess and the schemes of that cunning sadist.

Hence, no matter how dissatisfied they might be, the nobles arent showin any of it on their faces.

We shall gratefully accept the presents offered by you. You achieved a great deed by clearing the dungeon. Everyone, leave us alone.

A commotion ran through the audience hall, but Shadow loudly said, Its a royal decree. All of you, leave the hall. Knight Leader, make sure that they find the way out.

Yes, Sir!

The Knight Leader followed Shadows instruction.

A wave of malice washed over me. They gotta be lookin down on me as upstart, huh? Or seem to plan killin me and stealin all my assets.

Man, I really wanna get out of here as soon as possible and drink some booze.

Hero Thunderclap Whitefang, Id love to have a little chat with you. Shadow, prepare a room.

As you wish, Your Majesty.

Whoa, the cunnin sadist looks totally gainst it. That bastard probably doesnt want me nywhere near the king after havin lost the verbal argument gainst Indra.

Then again, hes been wary of me ever since my academy days. Or to be precise, hes wary of everyone except for the king.

Anyway, seems like hes recognized me as an enemy after his lil showdown with Indra.

I unintentionally let a sigh slip out. After casting a glance at me, the king fixed his eyes on the cunnin bastard.

Shadow, there was something you wanted to tell him, right?

But.

Whats the point in you making an enemy out of a hero? Or did you possibly forget why Im in my current position in the first place?

No. Sir Hero Thunderclap Whitefang, the other day I was extremely rude to you. My behavior on that occasion had been inexcusable. Thus it is only natural for you to feel upset. But, please, I would be deeply indebted to you if you could find it in yourself to forgive my impolite conduct.

Whoa, what an incredible accumulation of sarcasm.

I sighed once more, No, my partner has been rude as well. My partnerplease treat her kindly. If you trigger her, I will not be able to hold her back. As such, I would like to ask you to desist from doing something that would be equal to summoning a dragon over.

Seriously, gimme a break. That girl seems to truly love teasin folk like that cunnin sadist. Its way too dangerous to let these two meet.