We're at the capital!

  "Yes, I can finally get out of here!" Marcus said.

  "Thank God, I can finally rest peacefully," Leo said sarcastically.

  "You guys sure have a beef with each other," Wise said.

  Upon arriving at the capital, Gideon and Owen headed straight toward the royal palace while the others separated, going to their own destinations. They arrived at the palace doors and were greeted by the royal guard, who escorted them to the king. Upon entering the throne room, the members of the council were shocked to see Owen himself. Owen walked toward the aisle and kneeled in front of the king. The King of Cynhelm, Paul Cyning III, spoke, "Rise. State your business, Lord Owen."

  "I've come here personally to clear the allegations about me saying that I will commit treason. I swear in the name of my ancestors, who sacrificed themselves to help nourish this very land, I, Owen Valentine, swear my utmost loyalty to the throne." All eyes were on Owen.

  The king responded, "I, Paul Cyning III, acknowledge your oath."

  "Your Majesty, I know that it is rude of me to ask, but may I have a word with you in private?" Owen asked.

  "Very well. Can I ask, who's this boy that you've brought along here?" the king replied and asked.

  "He's my youngest son, Your Majesty," Owen replied.

  "I see. He doesn't resemble you one bit—he looks like your wife Elizabeth. Boy, state your name and age," the king said and asked.

  Uhh... I'm... Gideon Valentine. I'm 10 years old. I sounded like shit. I wanna kill myself from embarrassment.

  "HAHAHAHA! You sounded like a kid that has diarrhea," Wise said while laughing.

  Shut up, you dang shadow ball.

  "I see, you're at the same age as my daughter. Indigo, call Irish and tell her to entertain Gideon—show him around the palace while I'm having a private conversation with his father."

  "Understood, Your Majesty," Indigo replied.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Everyone’s eyes are on us. I want to get out of here so badly.

  Wise replied, "Yeah, I can feel the pressure. It's immense. Look at that guy—just by looking into his eyes, all I can see is pure malice," Wise said.

  I recognized their emblem. He's from the house of Vellcranis. Well, our house has a long history of grudge against each other. It must be his blood boiling from anger.

  A girl suddenly arrived and spoke out of excitement, "Father, you've called me. Where is this boy Indigo was talking about?"

  Ugh... she gives me the same vibe Reynard has.

  "Look, there he is beside Lord Owen. Now, Lord Owen, we shall go and have our conversation started," the king said.

  The king and Owen left the scene, and the others continued their work.

  "Hey, what's your name?" Irish asked Gideon.

  Maybe if I don't talk and turn around, she'll go away.

  "You know it's kind of rude to snub people right in front of them—you know that, right?" Irish said, annoyed.

  Huh? Did you say something?

  "Annoying the cute princess, huh?" Wise teasingly said.

  It's not like that, you bastard. This is the Reynard method I'm using.

  "Ehh... I feel bad for your brother," Wise said, disappointed at Gideon.

  Don't give me that damn look!

  "Didn't you hear?! I said it loud and clear! W-H-A-T I-S Y-O-U-R N-A-M-E?" Irish said, annoyed.

  Oh. My name is Gideon Valentine.

  "Nice to meet you, I'm Irish."

  Irish grabbed Gideon's wrist and dragged him around the palace.

  Where are we? "This is so very tiring. This is such a drag," Gideon thought to himself.

  "This is the palace garden. It looks beautiful, right? I've planted this flower. Let's look at the fountain—I'm going to show you something. Come," Irish said.

  Fine, fine, I'll come.

  "Here, a coin. Take this—make a wish. It’s said it will make your wish come true."

  Gideon’s eyes lit up with excitement and said, "Really? I wish that I could get out from this place now!"

  Gideon got slapped by Irish, and said, "You are so rude!" She cried and ran away.

  Wait, Irish! I'm sorry!

  "What a jerk—you made a girl cry. Tch... tch..." Wise said, really disappointed.

  Gideon searched the whole garden just to find Irish.

  "Irish! Where are you? I'm really sorry!"

  A boy arrived and asked, "Who are you? Why are you roaming around the garden and calling out my sister's name?"

  Uh... I'm Gideon Valentine.

  "Valentine? This is my chance. I challenge you to a duel. By the way, my name is Kaiser Cyning—the heir to the throne."

  I decline. I'm still not good at swordsmanship.

  "I do not accept your reason. You're the son of the Demon Lord Slayer himself—how can you not be good?" Kaiser replied.

  [Notice]

  What's this?

  [Event Mission]

  [Defeat the Crown Prince in a 1v1 Duel]

  [Reward: Rare Chest]

  [Yes] or [No]

  Um... Should I click yes or no? I don’t know what the punishment is if I lose, but I wanna risk it. I've already died twice anyway.