The King’s Invitation

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Alden established an office in Crystal Glare long ago to recruit talents from all walks of life in the capital.

After arriving in Crystal Glare, Paul and Malon settled into the office, while other lords either stayed with relatives in Crystal Glare or had already acquired their own residences there.

In addition to the lords, a large group accompanied Paul and Malon, including Secretary Bernard, Minister of Agriculture Hansel, Lady Setia, Captain of the Guard Victor, and many guards. Both Bernard and Hansel were originally from Crystal Glare, so their return this time was like a family visit.

Once inside the city, Bernard and Hansel went home to visit their relatives first.

After settling in, Paul and the others, guided by the office staff, explored the nearby neighborhoods before returning to the office to rest.

"An order from the palace," said Garrix, the head of the office, when they returned. "If the two lords have arrived in Crystal Glare, please visit the palace tomorrow."

"So soon?" Paul was somewhat surprised. "Aren't all the lords and envoys supposed to visit the new king together on a designated day after arriving?"

Garrix smiled happily as he replied, "It seems our new king greatly values the personal friendship he has with you."

As the head of Alden's office in Crystal Glare, Garrix was aware of the special relationship between the new king, Rodney XVIII, and the Northwest Bay.

Receiving the palace's command made him very happy, as it indicated that his lord was significant in the king's eyes.

Paul asked, "Have the other lords received any news?"

Garrix shook his head. "It seems they have not."

---

The next day, Paul and Malon, along with Victor and Lady Setia, arrived at the palace gate.

Everyone surrendered their weapons; to avoid trouble, their gunpowder weapons were left at the office, and after undergoing a thorough search, they finally entered the palace.

A court attendant led them into a reception room.

"The place where His Majesty the King resides is quite nice!"

Paul admired the room's decor and said to Malon and the others with a smile.

"I'm glad you like my reception room, Paul."

A hearty voice came from outside as King Rodney XVIII of the Aldor Kingdom walked in with a smile.

Recognizing the voice, Paul immediately bowed like the others toward the entrance.

"No need to be polite, no need to be polite, everyone. Today, let's interact as we did in the Northwest Bay. Paul, Malon, and the beautiful Lady Setia, and Captain Victor."

Except for Paul, Rodney addressed everyone by name, even though he had only met the others a few times aside from Paul in the Northwest Bay.

"At your command, Your Majesty."

Paul replied slowly, raising his head.

Oh!

He distinctly felt his heart flutter a few times.

Paul's gaze was drawn to a figure beside the king.

This was a woman who could be described as beautiful from every angle. She had long, wavy, bright golden hair cascading smoothly over her shoulders and back. Her fair oval face was perfectly adorned with sapphire-like eyes, slightly thick eyebrows revealing a spirit not often found in ordinary women, and a straight, elegant nose above full, rosy lips that were somewhat enticing. Such a perfect face was supported by a gracefully curved, slender neck, and further down... cough, cough.

Paul quickly averted his gaze; staring at others, especially a beautiful woman, could be considered rude, and the other party might very well be a member of the royal family.

Mind your image! Mind your image! Paul repeatedly reminded himself in his mind.

Of course, that stunning fullness and graceful curve remained firmly etched in his memory.

"Ha ha, everyone, please have a seat!"

Rodney XVIII extended his arm, gesturing for them to sit, wearing a playful smile, as he noticed Paul's gaze lingered for a moment when he entered.

Everyone took their seats again.

Rodney XVIII addressed the group, "Let me introduce," he said, pointing to the woman beside him, "this is the daughter of the late King Rodney XVII, my cousin, Princess Catherine Rodney."

So she was the famous Princess Catherine! Those from the Northwest Bay greeted her somewhat reservedly.

"Everyone, I'm very glad you could come to Crystal Glare, especially at this time…"

Catherine responded gracefully, but there was a hint of sadness in her voice; she had yet to recover from the shadow of her father's passing.

"It is our responsibility and duty," Paul replied on behalf of everyone.

"This is Paul Grayman, Earl," Rodney XVIII said, pointing at Paul and introducing him to Catherine.

Catherine's eyes brightened as she looked at Paul. "So you are Earl Grayman."

"Yes, Your Highness Catherine. I often heard of your exploits in the Northwest Bay," Paul answered somewhat bashfully.

"I've also heard of your deeds, especially when I…"

Catherine nearly revealed her sister's identity but stopped herself, seemingly aware that her sister had not yet indicated her identity to this young Earl.

"Thank you for providing food and weapons for the royal army during the civil war, as well as for the technology and market you offer now." She promptly changed the subject.

"That is what I should do as a vassal of the kingdom."

Paul responded somewhat politely, thinking to himself that he had also profited quite a bit from the royal family.

King Rodney XVIII went on to introduce Malon and others to Catherine one by one.

"It's truly incredible," Rodney XVIII remarked after the pleasantries. "Just four or five years ago, the Northwest Bay was an obscure place for us living in Crystal Glare. Ah, I hope you don't mind me saying this."

Malon replied, "Your Majesty, you are objectively describing it; we are all well aware of the situation in the Northwest Bay those years."

The king smiled, "And now, the Northwest Bay has become a land of wealth and opportunity. It must be said that this is a miracle. And from what I know, the center of this miracle is you two Earls."

Malon shook his head sincerely. "Your Majesty, it's mainly Paul; I merely made some investments following his guidance."

Paul immediately added, "Your Majesty, the investment from the Ganard family was crucial in realizing some of my early ideas."

The king's smile widened. "It seems you all possess noble character. I'm very pleased to have vassals like you."

He turned his gaze toward Paul.

"Earl Grayman, I hope to replicate the miracle of the Northwest Bay throughout the entire kingdom. What do you think?"

(End of the Chapter)

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