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(King Sion's Castle)

"After all of these years. It's great to see you're doing well, Royal Killer."

'Royal Killer' was Louis's code name when he was still a Royal Knight in his early days of service.

"I haven't heard that name in a long minute. I'd love to chat all day, but then we would just get off topic. So, let's talk about why you summoned me."

King Sion cleared his throat, then went to explain.

"A great threat has revealed itself. I've looked into many great individuals for the task, but none had feats equal to your's. Please, as the proud King, I ask that you hear me out."

Louis thought about an easy way to turn it down, but if the king himself was begging, then it might be worth it to listen to the details.

"Well..I guess? I'm listening."

The king's tone turned serious as he spoke on the task.

" The very special royal Vangray family has received some unwanted attention from someone. Ever Since I, the king, named them worthy to hold the forbidden texts in their vault, there have been mysterious movements in their area of living. There was also a recent attack from a group of unknown men, luckily, one of my best Knights was there to deliver a letter that day."

Already, it wasn't sounding good.

"Movement? Don't you have a bodyguard for them if they're that important? And why trust them with the texts?" Louis asked.

"The Vangray family excels in the best kind of security magic. Having it with them hold the texts will keep them away from any bad hands. And there is already a good force of knights at their mansion. Not to mention the A-tier team I assembled."

If it was already under control and had heavy help, why was Louis needed? It wasn't making any sense.

"But, then what am I needed for? Is my presence even necessary?"

King Sion nodded, replying "It is indeed. While the knights act as bodyguards, your task will be something more. We need you to investigate anything suspicious. I know there's not much to go off of, but please, do you best to find the culprit. Can I rely on you?"

"If you're asking if you can rely on me, it is not a problem for me to answer with confidence. My answer...is…."

Louis put on a bold look, and spoke like a brave warrior.

"...ABSOLUTELY not."

"??!! No? But why? You're one of the most powerful people in the kingdom. And you're the best detective." The king was shocked and baffled. This would be a simple task for the man who holds the title of 'Royal Killer'

Louis wore a smug face, he had no shame in explaining his down-grade in skill.

"Why? You ask. It's been 5 whole years since I've done any kind of operation. Not to mention it's been that long since I've casted a spell. Haha, I haven't even punched a man for that long. If you trust me with such an important task, I suggest you get someone who's not out of practice and out of shape. Hell, I'd probably make things worse if I went to help. Sorry, but I'm not capable of such a mission."

He gave every good reason why he wasn't the right man for the job. Still, King Sion had faith.

"I very well see your point. But having you on the job would still be a great card to play. I understand and respect your decision. I just ask that you think about it."

"Don't worry I will. I still wouldn't get your hopes up. After all, I am incapable."

Louis turned off and went on his way out of the room, when the voice of an old friend spoke.

"That's a shame. Everyone had faith in you, but here you go, rejecting an important request."

It was a man with long white hair who had purple eyes. What he wore was a grey and blue uniform. This man was an old friend of Louis, one of the very few who hold the title of 'Royal Knight'

His name was Alex.

"I didn't think those would be your first words to me in 5 years. And rejecting the mission is my own business anyway." said Louis.

"The Vangray family. One father, one mother and two young kids. If something happens to them because you didn't want to help, wouldn't it weigh on your conscience. Even after the weight of the mission you failed five years ago."

Louis tightend his fist, and started into the eyes of Alex.

"It's not my fault if some criminals decide to kill them. That's out of my hands. Also, it would be better if you don't bring up my last mission. Don't forget who decided to sit out on that."

Before the mission 5 years ago had started, Alex was one of the few who stayed behind. Later on, this resulted in the operation lacking enough man power and eventually failing.

"You make a good point. Royal Killer. But I sat out because I'd rather not have blood on my hands. If you would've listened to me back then, you know Lia would've still been alive. Now you have the blood of enemies, allies and innocent people like Lia on your hands."

"That's all you know how to bring up. There's no point in talking to you anymore. I'm going to head off."

As much as Louis wanted to use his years of martial-arts training to beat down Alex, it was a better option to walk away. Seeing as he wasn't part of the military anymore, his crimes of attacking a Royal Knight wouldn't be overlooked. For now, he just needed to head back home to his shack and sleep.

'The knights did rudley wake me up, after all.'