Interlude 1: The King
A black orb suddenly appeared in the sky above the Royal Academy, then instantly disappeared into thin air. The King of Valschein was unsure if it had been an attack from an opposing nation, a new kind of monster, or if the Demon Lord had been resurrected two years earlier than they had anticipated, so he immediately ordered the Knight’s Order to investigate the situation.
The truth came to light in no time at all—a young girl of only fifteen years old, who was an incoming student of the Academy, caused this unprecedented event. Her name was Yumiella Dolkness, and she was level 99. The king immediately invited her to the palace.
After she had left the palace, the king and queen discussed the day’s events in the royal family’s personal quarters.
“She was an exceptional girl,” praised the king. “I can’t believe she’s only fifteen.”
The queen nodded in agreement. “Yes, it’s truly incredible.”
Depending on the kind of person Yumiella was, the worst-case scenario could have been the country falling to ruins. The king had called for an audience in desperation of at least avoiding that worst-case scenario, but the results were better than he could have hoped for.
“She not only has combat skills, but she is also smart, logical, and wants for nothing,” the king lauded.
“The way she carried herself was lovely as well,” admired the queen.
The king had planned to monopolize her by providing her with anything she wanted, but he had been completely shot down. However, the king didn’t regret this outcome. Those whose alliance was motivated by greed would likely betray that alliance out of greed—this was something the king and queen had known all too well through their experiences with handling crafty aristocrats.
“I never would have thought that a fifteen-year-old would reach level 99...”
“I didn’t even know that there was an upper limit to levels.”
Scholars across the world had been puzzling over what a level was for many years. The only information known for certain was that defeating monsters, whose bodies were entirely made up of magical energy, would activate and increase one’s magical energy.
The Commander of the Knight’s Order was accomplished enough to go down in history at level 60. Even though word had spread that level 99 was the limit, there was no record of anyone reaching that level in the entire world, so until now, this information had no way of being confirmed.
“I believe the limit was a theory with little evidence behind it,” speculated the king. “We’ll know for sure if her level stays the same.”
“I can see why Edwin had such a hard time believing Yumiella, but even then, what he did was too much.”
“I agree, Edwin’s self-righteous actions are indefensible. I’ll have to knock some sense into that boy.”
The royal couple worried over their second-born son, who had attempted to unfairly condemn the one person who should never be antagonized.
The king shifted his focus back to Yumiella. “Anyhow, I’m surprised she didn’t die from training like that. Even Adolphe said it would be impossible for him.”
“I don’t believe she had any choice but to become strong. She grew up without anyone to love her, without anyone she could depend on...” the queen trailed off. Her heart felt heavy as she recalled the stories she was told of Yumiella’s childhood. “Even so, she doesn’t despise those around her. She’s truly a strong girl.”
“Indeed, perhaps we should despise the superstitions that pervade our country. Even the aristocrats in the audience chamber were too blinded by their prejudice to see that she was a lovely young girl.” Though it was hidden by her unparalleled strength and unusual hair color, Yumiella had refined features. Many high-ranking aristocrats were handsome, but even the king, who was used to being around so many elegant aristocrats, could recognize that she was a charming girl.
“So, what are we going to do?” the queen pondered. “We can’t let her leave this kingdom.”
“Of course not, but it seems like our hands are tied at the moment.”
The king and queen were both sympathetic to Yumiella’s situation, but they also had responsibilities as leaders of the kingdom. They had to make sure that Yumiella would stay in Valschein and, if possible, that she would use her strength for the country.
“That’s true,” agreed the queen. “She doesn’t appear to want anything.”
“I assume aggressively trying to appeal to her would be the wrong move.”
“Yes, I believe she will stay here as long as there isn’t anything too troublesome for her,” the queen reasoned. “All she wants is to live in peace.”
“Then we must straighten up the Academy,” decided the king. “We’ll also have to prevent the other aristocrats from trying to recruit her.”
The king sighed, thinking of the aristocrats who would take every opportunity to even just marginally increase their power. Their efforts to draw her in would only cause Yumiella to be discontented with the kingdom. However, Yumiella refused royal patronage—she understood that there were new problems that came with the position that would put her in.
“It can’t be an adult that persuades her... It would be wonderful if she could become friends with someone of the same age and grow fond of this kingdom.”
“Edwin’s definitely out.” The king sighed. “If only we had known about her sooner...”
“It’s truly unfortunate. There were many other ways he could have verified her level. I’ll need to have some words with him as well. Though, I’m quite sure that Yumiella would have refused any connection to the royal family even without the fuss about expelling her.”
“Let’s have Ronald sent over to be the new headmaster. He’ll do what he can to look out for her from the shadows, but besides that, he’ll be a silent observer.”
The king decided that there would be no major decisions made regarding Yumiella in a desperate attempt to maintain peace in the Kingdom of Valschein and a peaceful life for Yumiella. However, the king knew that neither of those hopes would come true.
“In two years, the Demon Lord will return, and Yumiella will be fated to face him.”
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login