I used detection magic and illusion magic to give Diablo the details he needed. He then relayed that information to the shadow demons, who then disappeared into the shadows. "They are now hiding in his shadow," Diablo announced.
"Thank you, Diablo. Sorry for calling you out of the blue like this." I felt kind of bad. I hope one day I do not end up calling him while he is in the middle of a bath. While it might be good for eye candy, I am sure Diablo will not like it.
"It is my pleasure to be of assistance to Master. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave. I still have many things to finish at the estate. I am currently setting up new defenses to go with Master's current defense system." I smiled at Diablo and nodded. He then bowed and disappeared.
"That man…." King Gravos finally spoke after being silent all this time.
"He is a very powerful demon. And don't worry, he is bound to me by two different contracts. He will not hurt those I deem friendly." I answered without needing for him to fully ask his question.
"I see…" King Gravos tapped his chin before giving me a deep look. "Faith, do you want to take my position? I could really use a vacation. I am sure with all your abilities, not a single person would dare try anything funny."
I held my head. It was not just me, even Adel held her head. However, she didn't seem to mind her father trying to abdicate the throne to me. "Your Majesty, I just want to study magic and become a knight….."
"I see… That is too bad…. If you ever decide you want the throne, please let me know. I will be happy…."
"Stop!" I yelled out, interrupting him. "Your role as king is very safe for many more generations to come. So please do a good job."
"Tch!" Why did he click his tongue!? Shouldn't he be happy that I have no willingness to be the ruler of this kingdom!?
"Father, stop teasing Faith," Adel spoke up, causing King Gravos to shrug his shoulders as if what he had said never happened.
"Anyway. If we can get solid evidence that the Prime Minister is up to something, we can now use it against him to quell any kind of rebellion. And if there is still a rebellion. I will stand on the front lines to protect this kingdom because people like the Prime Minister should not rule. This kingdom would end up no different than the others, and people like me will be ousted or enslaved due to being a demi human." I did not want this to happen. While I was pretty sure no one could enslave me at this point, this did not mean I would want other demi humans to suffer.
"With you around, I can sleep soundly at night, knowing the kingdom will not fall. Faith before you arrived and showed just how powerful you truly are, this kingdom would have turned into a mess. I fear that even my son and Adel would have died during that assassination attempt. You have become this kingdom's guardian. I thank you for everything." King Gravos bowed his head to me.
"Please don't bow to me, you are the king, and I do the things I do because I want to. Adel and Lance are my friends. I will protect them no matter what. This kingdom has done a lot for me, so I will also make sure it does not fall. But do not treat me like some kind of guardian. I just want to be me. A young girl who is almost thirteen who still has a lot of years ahead of her." I do not want to be seen as some guardian. I just want to live my current life the way I want.
"Mmm… This sounds just like you." King Gravos nodded his head in approval. "I will work on the things we talked about. I think you should head to the academy and speak with the Dean."
"Then I will take my leave. Your Majesty, please do take care, especially around that one shadow guard just now." I wanted to give him a fair warning. That shadow guard's actions earlier seemed out of place.
"I know." King Gravos answered while waving me off. I turned and got rid of the barrier before leaving the throne room with Adel at my side. Whether or not the times to come will stay as peaceful as they have been or if war will break out, I can only hope that whatever happens in the end, that those I care about stay safe.
"Faith…." Adel's voice came from my side. Her eyes seemed to be filled with a tinge of worry. I turned and looked at her. "Hmmm? What's wrong, Adel?"
"Faith, if something happens to my father and my brother…. Can you take the throne?" Adel kept her voice low so no one could hear her but me, but her question caused me to look at her in surprise. I do not understand why she would ask me to take the throne when she was also an heir to the throne.
"Wouldn't the person to be taking the throne be you if that did happen? Although I do not think a single person can harm your father now. That skill he got was perfect." I replied after composing myself.
"But…. Just as a big if. If something does happen like that, would you please? I do not think I am really able to rule…." Adel lowered her head. But I see now, she is unsure of herself. She is unsure how good of a ruler she could actually be, which I can understand. She is still young. She has not really learned much about the ways of a ruler and I was really no different from her.
I guess she doesn't realize that she herself has what it takes to be a good ruler. She is compassionate and dedicated. She just needs to learn the ins and outs of everything else.
