The plan was cunning, but it was beyond risky and hovering over the boundaries of foolish recklessness. It would take only one wrong step for the kingdom to fall apart like dominos, one city dragging down the other.

"You are flying too close to the sun, your majesty," Arthur made his opinion known after he heard the king's words. "If I didn't believe in your abilities, I would not have asked to be your advisor. However, even I think it is reckless, and I am not the one to judge."

"There are measures in place to prevent such a scenario," King Solomon was as tranquil as a lake. "The current threat is manageable, as we can take care of the Mernars. However, the situation can be reversed if we pretend that we cannot."

"Manageable? A town full of people was turned into statues," Arthur clenched his fist, a bubbling rage appearing in his heart. "You should know that the Mernars aren't fighting us without reason."

"I am aware," the king nodded.

"Then you should know that this is a part of their plan," Dia interrupted. "These guests that are here to sign a treaty are planning something."

"That is why this is our chance because we are aware of their moves. I don't have any solid evidence to believe that the Alva Kingdom is involved, but they are the only suspect."

"I admire your insight, your majesty," Dia said. "However, the real threat isn't Alva. It is your people. The nobles have a hand in this, and they need to be punished."

"They need to be punished?" the king gave a hollow laugh, his eyes morphing into ones of ridicule. Arthur knew he was not the kindest, but the change took him by surprise. "You are too naive if you think I hold that kind of authority over them."

"Are you saying that a civil war is possible?" Arthur asked, and the king gave a slight nod. "If we leave them to do their bidding, then Freda falling isn't impossible."

"Freda will not fall, not under my rule," the king leaned back with confidence. "There will come a day where we take over the continent, and the people will sing of freedom for miles."

Arthur was silent as he stared at the king. It took him a moment to realize that he missed something essential. Because Alva mistreated him and Solomon saved him once before, he assumed Alva was the oppressor here.

However, from the words just spoken, Arthur realized that the king had no intention of stopping at just Alva. This man was too ambitious, and he wanted to conquer the surrounding lands once the war with Alva was over.

'We tried to oppose the heavens,' Solomon told him in the trial, and Arthur always assumed the opposition had something to do with Ruki.

However, maybe it was someone different. Perhaps it was something worse because as the man sat in the dim light of the window, he looked like a burning flame. In the end, the flame will burn itself and everyone around it.

"What do we need to do?" Dia asked as if his ambitions were understandable, and maybe they were, to people of this world.

"I need you to be neutral when you meet them," the king said as he tapped his fingers on the table. "There is no need to act like you are on their side or wish to return, but there is also no need for you to fight them. It is best to retain a proper luring distance."

"That is all?" Dia was confused. "Then what?"

"The war summit is to discuss the current plan against the Mernars and organize our forces. If you keep staying by the Seika's side," the king turned to look at him, "I fear it would be difficult to make more allies in the kingdom."

"I didn't know I was so infamous," sighed Arthur with helplessness. "You try to help the kingdom, and you end up with enemies. Is this the fate of good rulers?"

"It is the fate of those who destroy a city, kidnap a dwarf, fight a platoon, offend a duke, kill a noble, cut away a titled knight's arm, and ask to hand over a kingdom while demanding to be the king's advisor," the king listed his misdeed. Now that Arthur thought about it, he might have gone too far.

"Maybe that's the reason the lords are trying to make things difficult to me? There was even an assassination attempt when I got to Hidden City. That's not very kind of them," Arthur laughed a bit, and the king met him with a silent stare.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't start a civil war," the king said at long last, and despite Arthur smiling, the princess was radiating cold and murderous energy.

"Are we expected to endure their attacks until they succeed and keep smiling in their faces? The nobles need to see an example made out of someone, and I would be happy to help with that," Dia said.

"In due time, just not now," the king gave a sly smile and ignored the aura she was giving off. Arthur knew they were being too brazen with their words and actions, but the king seemed to value them both: a weapon of mass destruction and the Seika of Living Beings.

"That reminds me," Arthur paused. "There was a guy who I met when I was a slave. It was another Seika, and he was the one to connect me to you and the Knight of Courage."

"Ah, yes," the king nodded with a genuine smile. "He is my knight and the one responsible for carrying my cause. He is the Seika of Light, and subsequently, became the Knight of Freedom."

"The Knight of Nobility also attacked me using light," Arthur pointed out. "I guess these two are related?" he was a little disappointed.

"It was a blessing given to the heir of the previous Knight of Nobility," the king explained. "It was the only way to push the Ancient One away from power."

"The previous Knight of Nobility, and also the one who betrayed the previous king," Dia muttered. "It seems he has no intention of leaving the arena, though."

"Indeed," the king nodded. "This will be the end of our discussion. Make sure to attend the summit and the auction houses. Maybe you would find something to make use of them."

"And how should we handle the summit?" Arthur asked as he glanced at Dia. The king smiled at them before he snapped his fingers and turned into a scattering light. "A projection?" he sighed.

"It is an incredible ability," Dia pointed out. "Probably another blessing from the Knight of Freedom," her words made sense. However, it was hard to notice whether the king was there or simply using this blessing.

"I think we need to act separately here," Arthur said after a few moments. "We shouldn't let what we have to disturb our pursuits."

Dia turned to him before standing up and walking over. Arthur turned to face her, and he had to look up at her. The princess caressed his face with her hands as she stared at his eyes.

"You are one of my pursuits," she said before kissing his forehead gently. Then, as she drew back with a smile, the princess promised. "We will find a way to make things work."

Arthur imagined that they succeed and that they would get to experience life together. Her eyes and warmth told Arthur that no one could love him like the way she did.

Everyone saw the best of him. Maybe it was not love that they felt towards him, but their affection stemmed from seeing him as his best self: a kind-hearted, helpful, and caring person. However, Dia saw him at his worst.

They were enemies who slowly built trust between each other. Dia saw his despair, his cruelty, and his villainous acts and loved him nonetheless. Maybe that was why he felt her love was more genuine because he couldn't think of a thing that she would hate about him.

"The only gods are those we love," muttered Arthur, but it was also a warning. Dia didn't say anything and leaned down to kiss his lips before resting her forehead on his.

"Then you are my god because I love you."

***

The war summit gathered every noble and lord of the kingdom in one place, so it was understandable that some fights would break out. However, the nobles' honor made sure that these things were resolved with eloquence and pride. Hence, The Arena of Honor exists.

The summit should happen tomorrow at noon, and it was only the afternoon of today. However, manager Ma insisted that they show their face in the palace's gardens because they needed to forge new connections.

However, as soon as they decided to head down, they heard that the Arena was being used.. Their curiosity got the best of them, and the two decided to see who would be fighting against who.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.