In the end, Benjamin arrived at Glory that day at his fastest speed.
As the capital of Carites, the city has an ancient and graceful atmosphere. Within the gray city walls with the characteristics of the old era, each row of buildings seems to have been built for many years. Even if they are extremely clean, they can't help but reveal a retro style. Palm trees were planted neatly on both sides of the road, and even the soldiers guarding the city gate wore the most gorgeous armor Benjamin had ever seen.
Hundreds of years ago, this was the earliest capital of the empire, and the first generation of kings established their capital here. But later, with the expansion of the country, the capital of the empire moved several times, and Glory, who represented the original glory, gradually fell into neglect. It wasn't until the empire split that the great prince, who had nowhere to go, came here to establish Carites and at the same time flaunt himself as the purest royal family.
Therefore, among the capitals of the Three Kingdoms, Glory is the least prosperous but the most noble city.
"How am I going to see the king and sneak into the palace? Will I be discovered by the church's spies?" After entering here in disguise, Benjamin asked Miles.
"Of course you can't enter the palace." Miles shook his head and said, "There is a restaurant outside the palace, which is a secret and private property of the royal family. The king will meet you there."
Benjamin thought for a while and said, "If the king secretly leaves the palace, won't he be discovered by the church people?"
"No." Miles shrugged and said, "Actually, the king often does this, leaving the palace to go to some romantic places. The church will pay attention to it at first, but then gradually no longer cares. So. Don’t worry, even if he comes out to meet someone, no one will think it’s strange.”
“…”
After hearing this, he should have been relieved, but why did Benjamin suddenly feel more uneasy
Is this king... really reliable
No matter what, he followed Miles to the restaurant. They had already reserved a seat in advance and were led by the waiter to a separate room.
They sat down at the table, ate the snacks on the table, and waited for the king's arrival.
About an hour later.
"...Sorry for keeping you waiting."
The door to the room was quietly opened, and a middle-aged man who looked a little chubby slipped in quietly from the door.
Miles stood up from the chair, nodded to the visitor, and said, "See your Majesty." When Benjamin saw this, although he felt strange in his heart, he followed suit.
… This man is the king of Carites
"Sit down, don't be so particular at times like this." The middle-aged man waved to them, then came to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.
The two sat down. Benjamin also began to observe this unattractive man.
In fact, if you really want to talk about it, the other party's facial features are somewhat similar to those of the queen of Icol and the former king of Freeden. But similar facial features present completely different temperaments. This king... looks a bit ordinary.
He's like the kind of guy you might not recognize if thrown into a crowd. The other party also has no aura that a king should have. He is ordinary and even a little wretched. Every move shows that he has received special etiquette training. His confidence and cheerfulness seem to be forced out, but will show up from time to time. A little weak.
Is this man... really the king
"Your Majesty, this is the Benjamin Reese I mentioned to you before, the mage who can summon giant water balls in Havenright." Miles introduced, "I finally completed your mission. After observing him, I brought him to you."
The king heard this and nodded: "Thank you for your hard work."
As he said that, he turned to look at Benjamin with an expectant look in his eyes.
"Do you really have the ability to confront the Pope?"
Benjamin was stunned, shook his head and replied: "I disappoint you, that water ball was purely accidental. Your Majesty, I do not have the ability to compete head-on with the Pope."
"... That's it."
The king's expression suddenly became a little disappointed.
However, he turned around and said: "You should have seen the situation of Carites now. You have reversed the situation like Freden, so you should be able to do something. Bar?"
Hearing this, Benjamin smiled bitterly.
It was not just him who was able to drive the church away from Freden.
Moreover, in his opinion, Carites' situation was much worse than Frieden's.
"Your Majesty, before that, I have a question to ask you." Benjamin said solemnly, "Do you really want to drive the church out of Carites?"
When the king heard this, he was stunned for a while and nodded.
"The church has no intention of helping me bring down Ikol and Freden. Over the years, I have seen this clearly." He said slowly, "What they want is my power, and they want all the countries All included in the territory.”
"But... with all due respect, why didn't you realize this problem at the beginning?" Benjamin was too lazy to be polite anymore. The current situation was obviously caused by the king himself, "Look at the situation in Horli Kingdom, you Don’t you understand what kind of existence the royal family will become after turning to the church?”
Hearing Benjamin's almost accusatory words, the king lowered his head and did not refute anything. The middle-aged man, who looked almost forty years old, looked like a child being criticized by the teacher.
Seeing this, Benjamin shook his head.
Being able to treat him like a king is the only one he can do. I don’t know if it’s because they are born like this or if these people are suppressed by the church, but... none of the kings of the Hori Kingdom may be so cowardly.
"Your Majesty, I have no intention of blaming you. But your attitude makes me very uneasy." Benjamin spread his hands and continued, "I'm not sure if one day the church realizes that something is wrong, you will accuse me directly."
The king still lowered his head and remained silent.
"In this case, I'm afraid I can only refuse your request." Benjamin shook his head and said.
The atmosphere became increasingly tense, and Miles looked on, unable to say anything.
Benjamin simply stood up and prepared to leave.
"Master Benjamin... In your opinion, I may not be a qualified king." Finally, the king sighed and had to start to try to retain Benjamin. "It's not just you, in fact, many people outside think so. My father has always Very disappointed in me, my brothers and sisters looked down on me, and the bishop sent by the church didn’t take me seriously.”
Benjamin turned around and stared at the king quietly.
The king shook his head and continued: "Actually, I also know that I may not be this material. I am the eldest prince, and I have high hopes from everyone. As a result, no matter what I do, I am slower than my younger brothers and sisters. They are independent. When I was king, I was very unwilling and got carried away, so I thought of using the power of the church to take back the country from both of them. This is the stupidest thing I have ever done in my life. I didn't Way to deny it.”
Benjamin continued what the other person said: "Everyone has done stupid things, the important thing is how to make up for it."
"I know." The king also stood up and nodded, "I was too young at the time, not yet thirty years old. I thought that my father could live for at least another ten years, and I could play for another ten years. I had enough fun. Learn to mature again. It’s just that... my father didn’t leave me this time.”
Benjamin asked: "What about now?"
"Now, I don't want to let myself down anymore." The king supported the table with his hands and said slowly, "The most common thing my father said during his lifetime was to be careful about the church. If he knew what I had done, he would be very angry. . Master Benjamin, I don’t want to face my father’s disappointed eyes in my dreams every day, please help me.”
Hearing this, Benjamin finally came back and sat down on the chair again.
"If you are really determined, maybe I can really help." He smiled, "Your Majesty the King, I hope we can have a happy cooperation."