BXBX NOVEL Chapter 66 – The Kingdom of Denian (3)
Chapter 66 – The Kingdom of Denian (3)
Chapter 66 – The Kingdom of Denian (3)
Ketal followed the man.
There were no attendants or servants.
He walked through the splendid hallway in silence.
Soon, they arrived at an enormous golden door.
“Although he said it was fine, it would be wise to show some respect, at least for your own sake.”
“I’ll do my best.”
The man knocked on the door.
“I have arrived as summoned, Your Majesty.”
“Enter.”
A voice came from inside.
With a creaking sound, the door opened.
The man slowly stepped back.
Ketal entered.
Clack. Clack.
The sound of the barbarian’s footsteps echoed in the vast audience chamber.
On the elevated throne sat a man.
He was a middle-aged man with a full beard, wearing the most luxurious clothes Ketal had ever seen.
And on his head, the symbol of his position: the crown.
‘King.’
A king stood before his eyes.
Kings still existed in modern times.
England was a prime example, and Japan also had its equivalent of a king.
But those were modern contexts.
While a king would be respected, they didn’t feel like the owner of the country.
They were more like figureheads.
But this was a medieval fantasy world.
The king before him was a king in the true sense.
A person who wielded absolute power and practically ruled all the lands of the Kingdom of Denian.
The true master of the country.
Not only that, but he was a myth-like figure, granted the divine right to distinguish between humans and non-humans.
Ketal found himself face-to-face with such a being.
He didn’t feel overwhelming power or intimidation, but he enjoyed the situation.
While he was holding back out of respect, he felt like stomping his feet in excitement.
Ketal stared at the king.
His gaze didn’t sit well with the man standing behind the king, who frowned.
“Bow your head, barbarian.”
The man spoke quietly.
“The person before you is the king of this country.”
Suddenly, an intense pressure burst forth.
The fierce pressure was enough to stop the heart of an ordinary person.
However, Ketal smiled and brushed it off.
“You’re not wrong.”
Seeing Ketal dismiss it as nothing, the man’s eyebrows twitched.
“Unfortunately, you are not my king.”
Barbosa was the king of the Kingdom of Denian.
Ketal was not a citizen of the Kingdom of Denian.
In fact, as long as he was named Ketal, he was not a subject of anyone.
“Sorry, but I’m not in a position to bow my head.”
“Are you a king somewhere as well?”
“No, but there are those who would be quite upset if I did.”
Ketal shrugged.
“But I can show respect to a great king.”
Ketal placed his hand on his chest and bowed slightly.
“Nice to meet you, King of the Kingdom of Denian, Barbosa Denian. I am Ketal. Just a simple barbarian. Ketal.”
It was a very polite and clean bow.
It did not lose dignity, nor did it appear servile.
Barbosa’s face showed surprise.
The man who had been frowning also hesitated.
And Ketal shouted inwardly.
‘Wow!’
To greet a king with dignity and respect—how wonderful this situation was.
Scenes from the creations he had seen in the past overlapped in his mind.
He was so happy he felt like his head was going to explode with joy.
But he restrained himself.
There were no scenes where laughter burst out in such situations.
Ketal barely held back his laughter and straightened his posture.
“…Surprising. Just as Elene said, you’re very different from typical barbarians.”
“So other barbarians are not like this?”
“Starting with the fact that you can hold a conversation, yes. If only all barbarians were like you.”
Barbosa sighed and rubbed his temples.
‘Looks like the barbarians outside are the same as the ones in here.’
No need to meet them.
Ketal stored that information in his mind.
“You don’t have to worry about formalities. Step back as well. From here on, it’s between him and me.”
“…Yes.”
The man stepped back.
“So, what is the reason you called me?”
The conversation turned to the main topic.
“I met Elene and Aaron. And the captured knight.”
Barbosa tapped his armrest with his fingernail.
“I confirmed their humanity.”
“What were the results?”
“My ancestor said if one believes oneself to be human, then one is human. In other words, if one believes they are human, they are human.”
“They were human.”
Farman, Elene, and Aaron—they were all human.
This was unexpected, given that Elene had called herself a monster.
“It seems she believed herself to be human in the end.”
“The fact itself isn’t a major issue. We conducted experiments on the captured knight. The results came quickly.”
Farman possessed powers that could not be described as human.
Barbosa’s eyes darkened.
“Losing a friend and his child is a sorrowful story.”
“So, what is it that you’re curious about?”
“You spoke to Elene about their true nature. She relayed that information to me.”
Barbosa pressed his forehead, looking troubled.
“…It makes sense. Apart from not understanding the existence of such things, it could be the right answer.”
Beings without death.
A collection of things so small they couldn’t be seen.
And entities that believed themselves to be human.
The worst part was that the possibility wasn’t low.
Barbosa asked in a quiet voice,
“Do you think those beings can reproduce?”
“Probably.”
The nanos completely replaced humans.
They grew taller and their nails lengthened.
It meant they could replicate.
There was no reason they couldn’t bear children.
Barbosa smirked bitterly.
“…It’s too great a threat. There’s no time to mourn the loss of a friend and his child.”
It was a threat to the human race.
“The Empire might need to act. You’ve encountered them directly, so you know them better than anyone. So let me ask you.”
Barbosa narrowed his eyes.
“How do you think we should respond?”
Ketal answered Barbosa’s question.
“We should start by talking.”
Barbosa frowned, as if the answer was unexpected.
“Talk? They are monsters that are replacing us. Talking won’t work.”
“It probably will. They genuinely believe they are humans before the replacement. For instance, Farman could’ve left anytime he wanted, but he hasn’t.”
These beings were an aggregation of extremely small nanos.
Human restraints were meaningless.
They could simply disperse into their original form and escape.
It would be very disadvantageous for them if the information about Farman being held here got out.
But Farman stayed here.
“Hasn’t anyone from the Kingdom of Lutein come?”
“…They have. The princess asked us to treat him well and send him back.”
“That’s excessively human. They replaced the Kingdom of Lutein and are acting as if they truly belong there.”
Their purpose was unknown.
It was necessary to determine whether they harbored malice towards humans or were simply tools operating in a certain manner.
“They might not have a self-awareness, but it’s good to meet and talk once. We need to know what they want and what their goal is.”
Barbosa looked at Ketal with a curious gaze.
Ketal shrugged.
“I’m just a simple mercenary. Such grand matters are not my concern. They are your concerns.”
“…I see.”
The conversation came to an end.
“So, what are your plans from now on?”
“Since I’m in the Kingdom of Denian, I plan to do some sightseeing. I also intend to visit the House of Akasha.”
“…Are you acquainted with the House of Akasha?”
“You mean Milena? I have a connection with her.”
Barbosa’s face showed surprise.
“You know the head of the House of Akasha?”
“Do you know her?”
“She is an outstanding woman. The public perception may not be great, but she is doing what is necessary for the country.”
“Oh?”
Receiving praise even from the king—Akasha had certainly succeeded.
“The House of Akasha is based in the capital. It’s not far from here.”
“That’s close.”
Ketal’s eyes sparkled.
Barbosa, observing him for a moment, spoke up.
“Do you have any identification?”
“I have a C-rank mercenary badge. There shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You seem to be mistaken. This is the capital of the Kingdom of Denian. A C-rank mercenary badge isn’t enough to move freely. You’ll likely face various bothersome procedures.”
“Really?”
That was unexpected.
Ketal thought a C-rank mercenary badge would solve most issues.
Barbosa explained.
A C-rank mercenary was recognized as a proper mercenary, but they were still just a mercenary.
The capital was a place where nobles resided.
A C-rank might not be trusted enough to be freely accepted.
Procedures and inspections were required, especially in a strong nation like the Kingdom of Denian.
It wasn’t uncommon to be detained for months.
“It’s not just our kingdom. Most capitals of any major kingdom require procedures and inspections for C-rank mercenaries.”
“I see.”
Ketal was interested in the procedures of this fantasy world, but he had no intention of being tied down for months.
Movement was more restricted than he had expected.
Barbosa, noticing Ketal’s contemplation, spoke up.
“You plan to travel around this world, don’t you?”
“Probably.”
“In that case, I will prepare a proof of identity for you.”
“Hmm?”
“You brought Elene here.”
Barbosa spoke calmly.
“Even if she is now changed, she is the child of my friend. Consider it a token of my gratitude.”
Barbosa gestured to the knight who had stepped back.
The knight hesitated for a moment but then nodded and left.
“It will be a badge that attests to your identity as endorsed by me. Except for special places like the Imperial capital or the holy sites of the Church, you should be able to enter with just a simple verification. I will have it prepared for you.”
“Oh.”
Ketal was touched.
He had looked forward to meeting a king but hadn’t expected the conversation to go smoothly.
To them, he was a barbarian and a foreigner.
But the king was showing such kindness and consideration.
The stereotype of kings being cruel and greedy was being dispelled.
“There is one request. Should a situation arise in the future related to this matter, I may ask for your cooperation. I will offer satisfactory compensation, so it would be appreciated if you could assist.”
“I’d be grateful for that. Thank you.”
Ketal beamed.
* * *
Ketal had left.
Barbosa sat on the throne, staring absently at the closed door.
Suddenly, he spoke.
“Is this satisfactory?”
[Yes, well done, child.]
With a low voice, a skull appeared.
[Thank you for accommodating my sudden request.]
“What choice did I have, knowing the consequences of refusing the Tower Master’s request?”
[Consequences? There are none. It would just sadden me, that’s all.]
“And isn’t that a consequence?”
[Oh, come now. You’re becoming more difficult as you grow older.]
Barbosa sighed.
He had known the Tower Master since childhood.
Technically, it was more that the monster had taken an interest in him and sought him out.
Many envied his connection with the Tower Master, but from Barbosa’s perspective, he wished someone would take this old monster off his hands.
“But for you to act directly… Are the rumors true?”
[Yes. The world is distorting.]
“I was aware of that. I thought it was just a rumor.”
[It’s no longer just a rumor.]
The Tower Master chuckled.
[Those creatures are likely the starting point. Child, are you familiar with the forest that holds nothing?]
“I am.”
It appeared to be an ordinary forest, but once entered, one could never leave.
Upon leaving, one would vanish instantly.
It was one of the Forbidden Lands in the world.
[Upon inspection, that forest has turned into a truly ordinary forest. One can enter and leave without any issues.]
“What?”
Barbosa’s eyes widened.
[Frightened, I checked other Forbidden Lands. Fortunately, only that one has changed. But… who knows when the door might open.]
“That’s… alarming.”
[The balance between the Forbidden Lands and reality is breaking.]
The Tower Master murmured.
[It’s not just the Forbidden Lands that are the problem. The evil ones, the gods, and other entities are also distorting. Even the seals on abominations are weakening little by little.]
“Abominations? This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
[It’s a tale from ancient history, forgotten now. Only a very few old ones like me still know about it. Perhaps the Emperor knows? I can’t fathom his schemes.]
The Tower Master clicked his jaw.
[Distortions are appearing one by one. There seem to be constraints, so for now, there aren’t any major movements… but either way, it’s not good for humanity. We need to prepare.]
“One of those preparations involves that barbarian?”
The Tower Master had suddenly appeared and made a request to Barbosa.
He had asked him to show kindness to the barbarian who would come.
Ketal believed that Elene’s insistence was what allowed him to enter, but in reality, it was possible because the Tower Master was behind it.
Barbosa, looking puzzled, asked,
“Is that barbarian really that important? I understand he’s an extraordinary warrior since he defeated Adamant, but there are many such individuals. I didn’t think he was someone the Tower Master would concern himself with.”
[If you look at it from a purely results-based perspective, you might think that.]
The Tower Master smiled.
Only those who had seen the true nature of the barbarian could understand his value.
Instead of explaining, he redirected the question.
[What do you think of that barbarian?]
“…He’s peculiar. And alien.”
Barbosa frowned.
An alien entity that could replace humans.
And to suggest having a conversation with such a being.
At first, he thought Ketal was just a smart and rational barbarian.
But the more they talked, the more he felt something was different.
This barbarian did not share the same values.
“But the declaration’s result was that he is human.”
The Declaration of Humanity, which could only be used by those with the blood of the Denian royal family, had been employed.
But there was a deception involved.
The declaration wasn’t necessary.
The moment he faced someone, he could tell if they were human or not.
And Ketal’s result was human.
[A human. Whatever the truth may be, it seems he believes himself to be human. That’s a relief.]
“What is he, then?”
[A being from the distortions.]
“Distortions?”
Barbosa’s face went pale as he understood the meaning.
The Tower Master chuckled.
[The world is distorting. In a way that’s not good for us. Aliens will come out.]
The Tower Master murmured.
[In that case, it wouldn’t hurt to befriend an alien who is friendly toward humans.]