Heavenly Castle - Chapter 101

Chapter 101: Threat under the guise of discussion

Audience with the king.

I wondered if such a challenge will be able to be solved, but everything got arranged unexpectedly easily.

It seems that with the efforts of Sieg, who showed great sympathy for the cause of the improvement of labor conditions for slaves, the audience was arranged on the evening of the next day.

It seems that to make that happen, Reginshion company donated three national-grade treasures, so I feel quite indebted to them.

But as a result, the audience became possible. Since it came to this, I must make sure I’ll make the king promise improvement of labor conditions for the slaves.

And while I had those thoughts, I was led into the throne room. And upon stepping into the spacious hall, I immediately had my breath taken away.

Luxurious and gorgeous.

No other words could describe that room more precisely. Looking down, a magnificent massive carpet. Looking up, a vivid stained glass added flair, surrounding the upper part of the castle. The chandeliers are also enormous and gaudy.

It’s my first time seeing a stained glass after coming to this world.

And while I stood lost in thoughts, Sieg and Rabia who were walking in front of me, kneeled.

When I once again looked in front of me, two men were up on stairs of about five steps in height. One was a brown-haired man around fifty years of age, and another one was a green-eyed man with mean eyes. This one seems to be in his early twenties. Both of them were dressed in extravagant attire, but the younger one had a crown on his head, so he is probably the king.

In other words, none other than the king Inishida der Karluk himself.

「……Ugh, the one over there! On your knees!」

And as I stood absentmindedly gazing at them, nearby guards raised a frenzied scream.

I was about to kneel without thinking, but recalling what I was told beforehand I in a rush changed to a daunting pose.

As Yuri told me, in order not to be made light of, I, as a king, should puff my chest with pride.

「You little……!」

However, I was about to break down when enraged guards reached for their swords.

I was about to scream, but Rabia made them halt with a shout.

「Please wait!」

When Rabia yelled so, every infuriated gaze in the hall turned to him.

「……There should have been an offering from Reginshion company, you wouldn’t say that this rude man is it?」

As the voice of the young man resounded from the stage, Rabia twitched in surprise. Raising my eyes, I noticed that his Majesty Inishida is staring at me with an amazing grimace on his face.

His anger itself filled the air, turning the scene into a bed of nails

Among such a tense atmosphere, Sieg raised his head and replied.

「With all due respect, I have to state the following. We, of Reginshion company, arranged this occasion answering to demands from Taiki-sama present here. I have the privilege to give an official introduction. This person over here is the ruler of Heavenly Country, His Majesty the King Taiki-sama.」

Sieg’s announcement stirred up a commotion in the hall. Judging by how noisy they got, I guess rumors of Heavenly Country are quite well known.

However, his Majesty looked at me from the stage with eyes full of suspicion.

「……King of Heavenly Country? You wouldn’t say that you seriously mean that?」

His stare even had hints of killing intent. Meeting that gaze, Sieg slightly lowered his head.

「…At least I do believe so. I pride myself to be able to see if my business partner is lying or not…」

Hearing Sieg’s reply, Inishida clicked his tongue and looked at me.

「……Indeed, forest folk like that elf is one thing, but normally one wouldn’t show such an attitude in front of royalty of a foreign state. However, I cannot believe you so easily.」

Though harboring wariness, Inishida also seemed to be troubled with how to deal with me. He’d like to denounce me but he can’t. He’d like to say that this is a sham, but he has no proof.

That’s probably what’s going through his head. But, at this rate, the conversation won’t progress.

Instead of continuing with this stalemate I’d just advance the conversation by myself.

「Your Majesty Inishida. I’m the king of Heavenly Country, my name is Shiihara Taiki. And this is princess Ayla of Azur Kingdom and princess Yuri of the Imperial Country of Fleida. Magician Aifa serves as our escort.」

「Uh, A-Azur Kingdom and Imperial Country of Fleida……?」

I thought I should start with self-introductions, but seeing that Inishida was clearly shaken I tilt my head in puzzlement.

So the names of Azur Kingdom and the Imperial Country of Fleida have a greater effect than Heavenly Country about the existence of which he isn’t even sure?

「Prime minister.」

「…Indeed, there are princesses with such names, but whether they are real or not…」

Inishida exchanged a short conversation with the man he addressed as prime minister. Looking at that scene I said.

「So, would you mind if I speak?」

Asked so, Inishida looked at me with a frown. If he is hesitating, this might be the time to go on the offense.

「My request would be, simply put, amendment of the slave related laws, I guess.」

「……Amendment, of slavery laws?」

Instantly, all emotions disappeared from Inishida’s face. Surrounding guards seemed to be merely confused, but the prime minister became completely pale.

「……Ehm, first of all, slaves also should have a minimum degree of life necessities provided by their owners. Next, prohibit slavery with the exception of those that are to become slaves for their crimes or debts. Following, provide severe punishment to slave traders that obtained slaves through illegal means.」

As I used this chance and kept voicing my requests, the prime minister interjected before Inishida could reply.

「Ple-please wait! Karluk Kingdom has its own laws! This applies to the laws about slave treatment as well! And they are quite close to the content of your request!」

Being told so by the flustered minister, I tilt my head to the side.

「So you guarantee the lowest degree of livelihood…… Does that include home with a roof, bedding, three meals per day and sufficient sleeping hours?」

When I asked for confirmation, not only the prime minister and Inishida stiffened, but even Sieg and Rabia, that were kneeling in front of me also stiffened.