Skeleton Knight, in Another World

Volume 7 - Ch 18

Translator: Silver Editor: Namorax

Conversation With the Royal Family

When the door in the back of the room opened, a young man and woman were the first to enter.

The young woman was slightly taller and older than Chiome.

Her blonde hair cascaded down her back in waves and her large, brown eyes perfectly matched her delicate facial features. Despite the flower-designs sewed into the collar and cuffs off her gorgeous dress, it didnt come off as too extravagant.

Her eyes contained a strength and dignity that only added to the competent atmosphere the girl projected.

Next to her was a young man.

He was tall and had fine, light-brown hair coupled with intelligent, blue eyes.

His luxurious clothes were impeccable and he effortlessly projected a princely vibe.

In combination with the thin smile on his lips, he could be said to be rather handsome.

The pair parted at the doorway and allowed an older noble to enter the room and take a slow look around.

He appeared to be in his late fifties or early sixties.

It could be said that he was aging with dignity, even with the wrinkles that were set into his forehead, his blue eyes carried a steady strength within them, a strength that was empathized by the mix of white and blonde hair atop his head and in his beard.

Given that both the young man and woman bowed towards him, I assumed that he was the King.

Both Lille and Dylan stood and tried to bow towards the older man in a similar manner.

However, the older gentlemen stopped them with a wave of his hand.

No need for formalities. You must be fatigued from your journey, theres no need for formal greetings.

Even with those words, no one attempted to sit down as Lille took a step forward.

Thank you for your concern, your Majesty. I am Lille Nozan Soulia, first princess of Nozan Kingdom. Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice.

Was that a practiced greeting, or was she just nervous? Lille gave a somewhat stiff greeting as she curtsied.

The elderly Kings eyes began to shine as he watched Lilles small gesture.

Oh, this belonged to Melissa

Deep emotions were reflected on the kings face and the young lady looked surprised when they heard Princess Lilles name.

I am King Carlen Delft Rhoden Olav. I am also your uncle.

With a smile on his face, King Carlen began to introduce the two people beside him.

Let me first introduce my daughter, your direct cousin and the second princess

The young woman stepped forward and performed a graceful curtsy before the King could finish speaking.

Juliana Marill Melissa Rhoden Olav. Feel free to call me Juliana.

Lille responded to Princess Juliana with a natural smile of her own.

And my son, the Crown Prince.

I am Sect Rondaro Carunon Rhoden. Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Princess Lille.

After Princess Juliana introduced herself, King Carlen drew attention to Crown Prince Sect.

Prince Sect gave Lille a quiet smile as he elegantly bowed towards her.

At that point, King Carlen directed his gaze towards Dylan.

It hasnt been that long since you departed, but today you are accompanied by my niece?

King Carlen raised an eyebrow when he asked his question, but Dylans smile remained intact as he replied.

It has been a while, your Highness. We have already met before, but I am Dylan Targ Raratoia, the elder of Canadas Raratoia village. As you have said, today I act as Princess Lilles companion.

King Carlen eyes focused on Dylan as those words left his mouth.

Its surprising that you already have a connection with Nozan.

Well, since there is a lot of overlap between relationships, perhaps this is a mere coincidence?

King Carlen responded to Dylans question with a laugh.

Lets have a seat before we listen to your story.

After the King let out a small sigh he took the center seat on the opposite side of the table, with Princess Juliana and Prince Sect taking the seats at his sides.

Lille offered them a small bow before taking her seat, with Dylan following her example.

However, Zahar and Nana, who were acting as Lilles guards, remained standing behind her.

King Carlens eyes briefly wandered in our direction, and Dylan was the one that answered his unasked questions.

These are my attendants for today, my daughter, another member of our village and one of our friends.

The Kings eyes bulged when he heard that.

There isnt much of a resemblance.

Dylan smiled wryly at the Kings natural response.

Ariane had been chosen as his daughter by process of elimination.

Well, she takes after her mother.

Ariane made a difficult expression at Dylans question and turned her head away.

Was it my imagination, or had her ears turned a little red?

King Carlens eyes glanced over Chiome and me, but he didnt say anything in particular before turning a puzzled look towards Lille.

So, for what reason have you traveled all the way from Nozan to visit your uncle? Is it something important?

After King Carlen shifted the course of the conversation, Lille took out a letter and placed it on the table.

Zahar, who had stood behind her, then stepped forward to present the letter to the king before returning to his place behind Lille..

Uncle Carlen, Ive come to you today and ask that you hear out our request. The details have been written in the letter from my father, his Majesty Asparuf.

With a serious expression, Lille addressed Carlen not as the King of Rhoden, but as her uncle.

King Carlen didnt call her out on the issue, breaking the wax seal on the letter and examining its contents, his face immediately froze in an astonished visage as he read.

When they saw the change in King Carlen, both Princess Juliana and Prince Sect looked towards Lille.

Is it true that the Hiruku Theocracy invaded Nozan, Delfuento and Salma? It says that the invaders number around two hundred thousand, but

Princess Juliana involuntarily let out a surprised shout when she heard the questions her father asked regarding the letter, while Prince Sect had an indescribable expression on his face as he knitted his browed and stroked his chin.

Wait a moment, Father!

The elegant Juliana violently rose from her chair and yanked the letter out of King Carlens hands, while he was still in the middle of reading it, and frantically began reading it herself.

Goodness, Juliana. I was still reading that.

Although the King complained about his daughters behavior, Princess Juliana tried to authenticate the half-read letter by staring down a dumbfounded Lille and questioning her.

Is what written here true? Has the Theocracy used wicked methods to attack the other kingdoms with undead!?

I-Its the truth! I thought my life had come to an end when one of those monsters attacked me!

In response to Princess Juliana forceful inquire, Lilles passionate personality came out as she hastily replied.

However, Princess Juliana didnt seem interested in that particular detail as she started pacing around the room and talking to herself.

But, doesnt the Hiruku religion have a long and benevolent history? The doctrine itself is rather ordinary, so I never expected it to be such a heretical religion

King Carlen let out a large sigh as he watched Princess Juliana behavior before he took up the letter and paid her no mind.

After a little while, the King lifted his head from the letter and turned his eyes to a smiling Dylan.

It says here that the Canadian elves will be participating in the upcoming war, but if that true this is basically a territorial dispute between humans, right?

Dylan began to chuckle and nodded his head at King Carlens skepticism.

The adversary is the Hiruku religion. If there is a cause for us to remove or weaken it, then the great elders should be all the more willing to join.

King Carlen made a worried expression when he heard Dylans answer.

So youre still working on this plan without higher approval?

King Carlen looked at Dylan with a disbelieving expression on his face, yet he simply shook his head and said nothing.

This isnt a decision that a single village elder is capable of making.

Lille and her two guards began to pale as they listened to Dylans and the Kings conversation.

Their worry was understandable.

In this upcoming war, the participation of the elves was indispensable when facing an undead army capable of simultaneously invading three countries.

If Maples council of elders refused to join the war, it would spell the end of Nozan and its neighboring countries.

However, besides their concerns, Dylan seemed confident about something.

Theres no need to worry. Canada also has a duty to defend the people of Rouen Forest. Above all else, we must take part in the upcoming battle it is that type of situation.

Listening to Dylans words, everyone had a strange look on their faces, but Princess Sect seemed to have noticed something because there was a smile on his face when he raised a hand towards Dylan.

Seeing the princes actions, Dylan tilted his head in curiosity.

What is it, Prince Sect?

Assuming that Canada will participate in this war, what will Nozan be providing you in return? Is there anyone kind enough to lead a hand without seeking something in return?

Hearing the princes question, King Carlen and Princess Juliana looked at Dylan, waiting for his answer.

Nozan Kingdom and Margrave Branier of the Salma Kingdom have agreed to release their elven and beastmen slaves and make it illegal to enslave either race in the future.

Princess Sects eyes narrowed at Dylans answer.

Thats quite the large demand. Not only the elves but the beastmen as well

When Prince Sect looked down at Chiome besides me, she received his gaze and returned a sharp bloodlust filled gaze of her own.

There was a smile plastered on his face as Prince Sect shrugged his shoulders.

Excuse my impoliteness. If it was only a verbal agreement, are you sure they will uphold it?

Lilles cheeks became inflamed at Prince Sects spiteful smile and question.

My father wont go back on his word!

Lilles eyes began to shed tears when she slammed her hand against the table. Princess Juliana sighed and offered an apology after she and King Carlen scolded him with their eyes.

There is no excuse for my actions. I did not mean to speak ill of your father. Im only a bit worried. Whether or not the stated condition is guaranteed, it will determine if the Elven authority will agree to participate. Simply put, they do not know your fathers character.

Prince Sect words seemed to have upset Lille again, but Dylans smile remained ever present in front of her.

No, Im sorry. Theres no need to worry. They are not so barbaric as to renege on their promises.

Dylan turned towards me and let out a slight chuckle.

Prince Sect seemed confused by his behavior.

I hadnt intended to force the conditions onto anyone, but it may have seemed that way on the other side.

(Heh, after that rampage no one would dare to cross you)

Ariane half whispered her opinion to me.

However, my own actions werent solely responsible for that, so I rebutted her.

(If I recall correctly, only Lille-dono and a few others witnessed my outburst, but werent you the one who turned a section of the city into a swamp, Ariane-dono?)

While Ariane and I refused to yield on the matter, Pontas tail suddenly blocked my gaze.

Kyun!

I couldnt see anything but her fur.

It was like Ponta was acting as an arbitrator or something.

While in the midst of our silent battle, Lille was progressing ahead.

Uncle Carlen, please lend us your strength to save Nozan!

Princess Lille also turned to her father, King Carlen, after Lille made her plea.

Temporarily assuming that the elves of Canada will participate, how much time is left before Hirukus undead army invades?

Dylan immediately answered King Carlens question.

It should be seven days at the earliest?

Seven days!? Thats the same as saying theres no time at all!!

Carlen let out a surprised shout when upon hearing Dylans answer.

Even if we left the capital now, would we even be capable of reaching Lanbaltic in seven days? Furthermore, we would still need to cross the Burugo gulf to reach the neighboring country

Prince Sect calmly began counting the days.

King Carlen acknowledged his point while looking at his niece with pity in his eyes.

Enough, Sect. Asparuf-dono probably sent her here out of worry.

He cut Sect off with that statement.

Princess Juliana made a sorrowful expression as she stared at Lille.

In the eyes of the three of them, Lille was the last daughter of a dying country.

Well, their reactions were probably normal.

The threes pity and the meaning of their words only upset Lille even more.

I-Itll be alright! We only left our palace today, yet were already here! With Arc-donos power time isnt an issue!

He poor choice of words, coupled with her seemingly incomprehensible explanation and assurance that there was No problem only seemed to draw sympathy from the others.

What are you going to do?

Prince Sect asked the King that question as he pitied the poor girl.

However, before King Carlen could say anything Dylan spoke up and answered the Princes question.

The number of days required to return with reinforcements isnt an issue. Arc-kun is accompanying me for that very reason. Theres no need to worry about distance constraints.

Dylans continued smile as he spoke his explanation, had the three of them looking at one another in confusion.

When Dylan chuckled and directed his eyes towards me I immediately understood that he wanted a show of proof to help them along.

After a quick nod, I invoked my magic immediately.

Dimensional Step

The target location was directly behind King Carlen.

What!? Ha!? !!?

It must have been quite shocking for a knight to suddenly disappeared and reappeared behind you.

The three had temporarily forgotten how to speak as they sat there with their eyes blew wide open.

They werent the only ones with bulging eyes.

The servants in the corners of the room were in a similar state.

Dimensional Step

I invoked the magic again and returned to Arianes side. However, only the sound of my movements filled the room, as the ability to speak still eluded them.

It was Prince Sect who broke the silence.

The Path of Spirits. I thought it was a mere fairy tale.

Sects words caused King Carlen and Princess Juliana to turn their heads towards Dylan, who silently nodded in return.

The Path of Spirits seemed to be a well known elven anecdote among humans.

Maybe the tales of the Great Canada Forests first Chieftain, Evangeline, building transfer shrines through the forest had been passed down as an anecdote by humans.

Surely with such an ability But why, Dylan-dono?

Sweat ran down King Carlens face as he stared at the fearlessly smiling elf.

Why what?

Dylan was enjoying this situation as he tilted his head and asked King Carlen to elaborate.

Is the cooperation of our country so important to you that youre willing to reveal a secret ability?

Dylan let out a slightly bitter laugh at King Carlens question.

In a sense, youre right As I stated before, this is an unavoidable situation for us, but the same applies to your country as well.

Dylan gave Prince Sect a meaningful look after saying that.

Prince Sect let out a small sigh before reaching over and whispering something into the Kings ear.

Is that so. Such a thing

More sweat began to form on King Carlens forehead as he muttered to himself.

Princess Juliana glared at Prince Sect when she saw the Kings reaction, but he just indifferently chuckled as he returned to his seat.

King Carlen looked over the letter once more before handing it over to Dylan, who was still smiling even now, with a look that said hed reached a decision. Lille nervously watched the King as we awaited his answer.

It appears that we can not afford to ignore this situation. Given the lack of time, we can probably gather five thousand soldiers. However, can the five thousand soldiers truly be taken there without issue?

It shouldnt be an issue.

While the King had decided to send add he been worried about the transportation for them, but Dylan quickly eased that worry.

Very well, Sect, apart from the actual command of the forces, I entrust the planning of the Nozan reinforcement operation to you.

Lille was overwhelmed with joy at the Kings decision.

However, Princess Juliana objected to King Carlens decision.

Please wait! Since the elves will be taking part in this just effort allow me to participate as well, father. We need to deepen our relationship with the elves after all!

Princess Juliana made a powerful declaration, but King Carlen didnt concede on the matter.

That is why there is something else Id like you to handle. Ill leave this matter to Sect. That is my decision. Now settle down.

While she was dissatisfied with the Kings decisions, Princess Juliana reluctantly yielded to his will.

With Princess Juliana pacified, Prince Sect respectfully kneeled before the King.

Your orders have been received. I shall strive to meet His Majestys expectations.

King Carlen, merely nodded at Prince Sects display.

Then it is decided, as soon as the forces have been gathered, the reinforcements shall be sent to Nozan.

After saying so Dylan looked back at me for confirmation, and I nodded in agreement.

With that, King Carlen decided to bring the meeting to an end.

While everyone began to prepare for upcoming events, I also began to look ahead towards the future.

It would be my first time transporting five thousand people, but just what was my maximum capacity?

Before that, I should find a good spot to make a drawing of this palace, as I still needed to make the transfer marker between Nozan and Rhoden.

As that thought occupied my mind, I saw Prince Sect approach Dylan as he prepared to leave the room.

Dylan glanced at him with saying anything in particular.

Dylan-dono, I have to ask, do you plan to seek aid for Nozan from one of the Empires?

I just managed to hear Prince Sects whisper.

Certainly, if one of the pinnacles of human power became involved, then gathering troops would be a non-issue, but that was an impossibility.

Unfortunately, we do not have a connection with either of the empires

Dylan replied to Prince Sect with a chuckle.

That was also a problem.

However, Prince Sect continued to press the issue.

Then, you would if you had those connections?

Given the circumstances, I do not believe that the participation of one of the empires is necessary.

Prince Sects eyes narrowed as he apologetically lowered his head.

Nozan was the one requesting aid after all, and Dylan goal was to gain the participation of the elves. However, there was another, fatal flaw.

I couldnt transfer to the empires with my magic.

To be precise, there were a limited number of locations inside the empires that I could travel to using my magic.

Using Transfer Gate, I was only able to travel to places Ive been before and could clearly remember. I couldnt just travel to places Ive never been before.

Speaking of which, I wondered how that one imperial town I visited was doing now the one where I blew up that Hiruku church?

While I was nostalgically looking back on such things, Prince Sect turned a thin smile in my direction.

Is that so, please excuse me. I look forward to working with you now and in the future.

Prince Sect offered a small nod and left the room after saying that.

His appearance and manners marked him as the embodiment of a prince, something about him left a strong tough to swallow impression. While I kept my impression to myself, Ariane and Chiome seemed to be in agreement with them, as suspicion could clearly be seen on their faces as they watched him leave.