VOLUME 14: CHAPTER 17

VOLUME 14: CHAPTER 17

Days passed; seasons changed.

Half a year had passed since Lark visited the Dwarven Kingdom.

“Put those banners even higher!”

“Hey! Be careful with those flowers!”

“We need more decors over here!”

Looking out the window of his office, Lark silently watched as numerous servants decorated the royal garden below.

Everyone was in a festive mood.

Although the war with the demons seemed to be just around the corner, time had passed by peacefully since he’d returned to the kingdom.

Every day, Lark would spend most of his time either training his body or flipping through mountains of documents, administrating the kingdom together with his trusted vassals. Although he yearned for days dedicated solely for training, being the regent king didn’t give him much leeway for it.

Most people thought that being a king was a simple job involving ordering people on a whim, but reality couldn’t be farther from the truth. The responsibility of a monarch was never-ending. From representing the royal family during important events, to recognizing achievements, carrying ceremonial duties, overseeing the administration of justice, and other various constitutional duties – it was an endless loop of responsibilities.

Unlike the other kings who acted as mere symbols of authority, Lark preferred to oversee the nation himself, delegating important roles to suitable individuals every now and then.

This was the reason why although he trained everyday with Kel’ Vual, Lark still allotted time for his job as the king of the nation.

“Kyaaa! I still can’t believe it!”

“The two are perfect for each other, aren’t they?”

“Huaaah, I feel excited just thinking of the upcoming wedding!”

Listening to the chatters of the servants below, Lark smiled warmly at the thought of the upcoming event to be held the day after tomorrow.

Secretary Irene and his first disciple, Anandra, were getting married.

And their marriage would be held not in a temple, but at the royal garden.

Moreover, according to the Chief Healer, Secretary Irene was currently pregnant. And if the divinations were correct, the child would be a boy.

“Am I going to be a grandfather now?” muttered Lark.

If another person heard those words, they would have found it odd, considering that Lark was still very young.

Fortunately, Lark was the only person inside his office currently. He’d just ordered everyone to take a break and leave him alone in this room.

“Time sure flies fast.”

Who would have known that this day would come so quickly?

That stoic disciple of his was going to be a father soon.

It felt like just yesterday when he’d first arrived in this timeline.

Now that he thought of it, none of his disciples in his previous life had any children. Even Pollux, the oldest of his disciples, didn’t have a child of his own.

Well, according to history, Leanne had descendants, but that happened during the time when Evander Alaester was long gone.

“This is the first.”

Lark smiled even brighter.

“The more reason I should protect this kingdom.”

Not just against the demons, but also against other hostile nations.

Lark had a newfound reason to make these people enjoy worry-free and peaceful lives.

“I hope this temporary peace lasts for a long time.”

Lark wasn’t aware that a great war had just occurred in the Demon Realm. He didn’t know that the Fire Elemental Lord Candela and the Demon Lord Barkuvara had fought each other, leading to the death of millions of demons.

The aftermath of the battle was so catastrophic it deleted the entire demon capital off the map.

Loud knocks were heard at the door. “Your Majesty, I’ve come to make a report.”

Without taking his eyes off the window, Lark said, “Enter.”

The door slowly opened, and a servant entered the room. The servant bowed low, “Your Majesty, the villagers from Gahelpa have arrived at the castle.”

Lark looked at the garden being decorated by the servants one last time. He turned around.

He was the one who summoned those villagers, and he’d been expecting them to arrive at the castle today.

“Just in time,” said Lark. “They’re important guests for my disciple’s wedding. Make sure to cloth them well and feed them. Treat them as you would other nobles.”

Those villagers were mere commoners, but with his authority as the king, no one would dare belittle them during the wedding.

“I shall relay your orders.”

Anandra was an orphan, and the villagers from Gahelpa, especially the village chief, was the closest person to a parent to him.

Lark had ordered the soldiers to escort them all the way to the capital so they could attend Anandra’s wedding.

“Also, Lord Chase is requesting an audience with you.”

“Lord Chase?”

“Yes. He’s currently with the former King Alvis right now.”

Lark didn’t know what this was about, but it might be something related to the upcoming wedding.

“Where is he? I’ll go there myself. Lead the way.”

***

The place where Lark met Lord Chase and the former King Alvis was the royal dining hall, a place reserved only for the members of the royal family.

Surprisingly, Lord Chase’s face was flushed by the time Lark arrived. It seemed that the Lord of Golden Wheat City had already drunk a lot of liquor although it was still early in the morning.

“Ah, King Lark,” said the former King Alvis. He worriedly and embarrassedly looked at Lord Chase beside him. “We didn’t expect you to come to us personally. About this… I apologize if we’re meeting you like this.”

No one in their right mind would meet the king of a nation while drunk. Even the former King Alvis was horrified by what was happening – even for him, this was the first time something like this happened.

Lark gave a courteous nod at the former King Alvis.

“You shouldn’t have asked for an audience if you’re drunk, Lord Chase,” said Lark in a displeased voice.

He respected Lord Chase, that’s true, but it didn’t mean he should let matters like this pass easily. Otherwise, it would sully the crown’s authority.

“Go back,” said Lark. “Come look for me again once you’re sober.”
Since Lord Chase had done a lot for him and for this kingdom, Lark decided to leave the man with just a warning.

Lark was about to leave the dining hall when Lord Chase spoke.

“Your Majesty,” said Lord Chase. “I apologize if I look unsightly, but I’m really upset right now.”

Lord Chase’s every breath reeked of liquor. Now that he’d taken a closer look, Lark realized that all of the seven bottles on the table had been drank by Lord Chase alone.

“I sent my daughter here… my only daughter here! To help with the administrative tasks of the kingdom! I agreed to send that child to the capital because you asked! But look at what happened! Not only is she getting married, she’s even pregnant!”

Lord Chase’s voice reverberated throughout the dining hall. The servants waiting near the counter flinched and hid in the kitchen after hearing the man drunkenly shout.

For a moment, Lark thought that this must be what it felt like to deal with in-laws.

Some of the royal guards waiting nearby were ready to take Lord Chase away by force, but Lark wordlessly told them to stay where they were.

“Lord Chase, you are drunk,” said the former King Alvis.

“I know I am drunk!” said Lord Chase. “But I have to say this! It has to be now!”

Lord Chase wobbly stood up. He used his hands to push himself up and stared directly at Lark.

“Your Majesty, my roots may be that of a commoner, but I am still a father.” He growled, “That damn Anandra. He didn’t even come to ask me for my daughter’s hand in marriage! That rude bastard! He should have visited Golden Wheat City first!”

Hearing this, Lark finally understood why Lord Chase was so upset.

The man probably felt that his only daughter was being taken away from him without his consent. For a doting father like him, it probably felt utterly disrespectful.

Lark fell silent. He felt somewhat responsible for this blunder. Now that he’d thought of it, he was so occupied with training and administrative tasks that he forgot to remind Anandra of such basic courtesies.

While Lark was pondering on how to tackle the issue, several footsteps were heard outside.

And soon, two people entered the dining hall. Both of them had hairs reminiscent of the morning sun. They really looked so compatible.

“Father!” roared Secretary Irene the moment she entered.

Behind her, Anandra stood – and he was shaking.

Lark almost chuckled when he saw Anandra cowering behind his future wife, as though he was afraid that Lord Chase would murder him.

His oldest disciple, who didn’t even cower when facing the basilisks, was now trembling in fear before his father-in-law.

It was really funny no matter how Lark looked at it.

“I-Irene?” muttered Lord Chase.

Secretary Irene stomped toward her father, her eyes burning with rage.

“I heard everything on the way here! How dare you raise your voice against His Majesty!”

Seeing his daughter burning with rage seemed enough to make Lord Chase sober. The muddled eyes of the Lord of Golden Wheat City cleared up instantly, and realization of what he’d said and did dawned on him.

“T-That’s…”

“You were even younger than me when you had your first kid! What’s wrong with me getting married at my age, huh? Drinking so much when people haven’t even had their breakfast! You’re bringing shame to our family! This! I’m so disappointed in you, father!”

The words ‘I’m so disappointed in you’ were the finishing blow.

Lord Chase fell back on his chair, almost toppling it.

“Sweetheart, that’s enough,” whispered Anandra.

Lark’s ears twitched. He clearly heard it.

Anandra noticed this, and his face flushed from embarrassment.

“You shouldn’t get so worked up,” said Anandra. “Think of our child.”

Irene nodded and started calming down her breathing. She looked so upset that Lord Chase had done something so embarrassing.

Anandra swallowed the lump in his throat. “F-Father.”

Lord Chase frowned.

“I apologize if I didn’t come to Golden Wheat City to ask for her hand in marriage,” said Anandra. “It’s an oversight on my part. I should have known better.”

Anandra’s face turned even redder as he uttered his next words, “Although it’s too late now, I hope you can give us your blessings for this marriage. Not just for us, but for our child. Father, I really love your daughter. I will take care of her, I promise you that.”

Everyone in the room was stunned when they heard Anandra utter those words.

Lark was broadly grinning, Secretary Irene was covering her face while inwardly shrieking, and the former King Alvis simply stood there in total silence.

Lord Chase closed his eyes.

Hearing Anandra speak those words to him in a straight face, most of the grievances he’d been feeling disappeared.

Lord Chase realized he was the one in the wrong about this.

Did he become too stubborn? Overprotective?

Still, he needed to do this much to protect Irene.

“We’ve been expanding Golden Wheat City. Do you know what that means, young man?” said Lord Chase.

“…Father?”

“As the Lord of Golden Wheat City, I’m capable of hiring powerful mercenaries if the need arises. If you hurt my daughter or my grandchild – mark my words, even if you’re His Majesty’s disciple, I shall kill you with my own hands.”

“Father! Who do you think you’re threatening right now!”

“No, Irene. I need to say this.”

Anandra nodded in agreement. “I understand, father. Please don’t worry. I will cherish Irene and our child until my last breath.”

Secretary Irene covered her face again.

Anandra was normally a man of few words. She couldn’t believe he was capable of uttering so many cheesy lines even when surrounded by other people. It was a side of him she wasn’t aware of.

***

Two days passed.

The wedding day had finally arrived.

As per the wishes of the couple, the wedding was held in the royal garden instead of the temple. Moreover, only the immediate families of both sides were invited. Currently, only King Lark, Chryselle, George, Austen, the chief of Gahelpa Village, Valak, the members of House Chase, a select few royal guards, and several castle officials were in the royal garden to witness the ceremony.

“Hey, why is Master the one officiating the wedding?”

“I’m wondering about that, too. Shouldn’t it be a priest or something?”

Hearing the whispers of George and Austen, King Alvis chuckled, “It’s the couple’s request. By the laws of the kingdom, although the majority of the citizens follow the Water God, the crown has the power to bind two individuals in marriage. Of course, the temple must have at least two representatives to witness the wedding. That’s what those wedding officiants next to King Lark are for.”

“Then I should ask Master for the same thing once I get married.”

Austen frowned at that statement. “Huh?! You’re still young. Stop saying something stupid!”

“I’m talking about the future, stupid!”

The former King Alvis chuckled as he fondly listened to the banter between the brothers.

Currently, King Lark was standing near the altar. Anandra and Irene stood five steps below him.

With the assistance of the representatives from the temple, Lark officiated the wedding.

The couple exchanged vows, and half an hour later, the two were officially declared husband and wife.

Everyone shrieked when the two kissed each other.

The village chief of Gahelpa and Valak looked at the couple proudly, while Lord Chase openly wailed, saying he’d just lost his daughter.

It was a simple wedding.

But Anandra and Irene knew this day would become an unforgettable memory in their life.

***

After the wedding, Lark received news that Duke Drakus had arrived at the castle.

He’d already expected guests to come and give their congratulations for the wedding, so he readily met with the duke.

Lark met with the head of House Marcus a few hours later.

“It’s been a while, father,” said Lark.

Lark never forgot Duke Drakus’ request before to call him Father whenever other people were present. This way, it would be easy to establish the fact that the Marcuses were now royalty.

Duke Drakus nodded in satisfaction when he heard this.

“I’m here to congratulate your disciple in his marriage,” said Duke Drakus. “Here. I hope you can give this to him. Just think of it as a token of appreciation from the Marcus Family.”

Duke Drakus handed a small, sealed box to Lark. Lark didn’t know what was inside, but that’s something for the couples to find out.

Lark put the box away. “The journey to the capital must have been tiring. Thank you for coming all the way here, Father.”

“Haha, not at all. I would forever regret it if I couldn’t personally congratulate your disciple. I see that he’s not with you.”

“He’s normally the silent type. I shall relay your intentions to meet him later.” Lark paused. “Father, I heard you’ve halted the construction of the fortress.”

Duke Drakus laughed, “Getting straight to the point so soon, aren’t we?”

Duke Drakus stared at Lark for several seconds. As years went by, his son was starting to resemble him more and more.

“The fortress… it’s true we halted its construction. How could we go against the wishes of the crown? We’re merely grateful you’ve allowed us to continue constructing the port.”

Surprisingly, although Duke Drakus was ambitious, he was openly showing Lark that he had no intentions of antagonizing him right now.

Lark thought that Duke Drakus was really wise.

This man before him had probably realized that Lark would choose the kingdom over the House Marcus at any time. 

“It will cause unrest among the other nobles if the House Marcus expands so quickly. I hope you understand, Father.”

Duke Drakus’ smile broadened even further when Lark uttered the word ‘father’ again.

“The House Marcus stands on the side of the crown. It is only natural for us to heed the decree since we are also part of the royal family.”

As expected, the duke made sure to emphasize the fact that the Marcuses were now royalty. More than fame and authority, it seemed that the duke reveled more on this fact.

“It’s reassuring to hear that,” said Lark. “I received reports that Gaston has returned to the duchy?”

“Ah, the butler,” said Duke Drakus. “He’s expressed his intentions to retire. That fool. I don’t understand why he couldn’t let go of his loyalty to that bastard.”

The ‘bastard’ Duke Drakus was pertaining to was definitely the original owner of Lark’s body.

After learning that the original Lark Marcus was gone and that Evander Alaester had taken over the body, Gaston grew distant over the years.

Gaston had come to accept reality somewhat, but the old butler couldn’t bring himself to serve the new Lark wholeheartedly.

In the end, Gaston left the capital and returned to the duchy to retire.

Lark didn’t stop Gaston. He believed it was the correct move for the both of them. Hopefully, Gaston would find peace after retirement.

“Father, I hope you can pull some strings and take care of Gaston during his retirement.”

Duke Drakus nodded. “That can be easily arranged.” He looked around the room. “There’s something I need to tell you. It’s one of the reasons why I came here personally. Ah, my desire to congratulate your disciple for his wedding is sincere, of course.”

Lark immediately understood the duke’s intentions. “Everyone, leave us.”

The royal guards and servants nearby left the room.

After the door was shut, Duke Drakus spoke, “It’s about the merchant. Big Mona.”

Lark didn’t expect this name to come up.

“Mona?”

“Be careful of him, my son. If my intel is correct, that merchant is behind the murder of several nobles and other prominent individuals.”

Big Mona had made an oath to Lark before, and even now, the fat merchant remained bound to that oath. As long as the oath was in effect, Big Mona wouldn’t be able to do anything that would harm Lark.

“I don’t know why he’d been killing a lot of people recently, but just to err on the side of caution, I decided to warn you about him personally.”

Lark surmised that the murders were probably related to Big Mona’s quest on revenge.

“Such a person shouldn’t be trusted,” said Duke Drakus. “The Marcus Family is part of the royal family now. It’ll be a shame if this ends just because a merchant decided to backstab the monarch.”

Lark didn’t reply immediately.

As expected, Duke Drakus did all of these not for the sake of Lark, but for the Marcus Family.

“If you want, I can take care of this matter for you,” said Duke Drakus.

He was indirectly asking Lark for permission to kill the fat merchant before things escalated further.

Although Big Mona had gained tremendous power, the duke could still eliminate him if he put his mind to it.

Lark shook his head. “He’s one of my people. Don’t touch Mona.”

Duke Drakus frowned. “But if he starts pointing his dagger toward you—”

“—Duke.”

Now that only the two of them were here, Lark started addressing Duke Drakus by his title.

“I dislike repeating myself,” said Lark coldly. “Do not touch Mona.”

For a moment, Duke Drakus shuddered. He realized that he’d forgotten momentarily that the one he was dealing with was not his real son, but the legendary magician from the Era of Magic.

This person before him could snap his neck with just a will.

Realizing that he’d overstepped his bounds, beads of sweat started running down Duke Drakus’ back. Of course, Duke Drakus didn’t show his fear on the outside.

Duke Drakus sighed. “If that is His Majesty’s will, I shall gladly obey.”

The meeting ended shortly after that.

After meeting with Duke Drakus, Lark also met with several other nobles, all of them congratulating Anandra and Secretary Irene on their wedding.

These nobles couldn’t attend the wedding personally since they weren’t invited, but they still personally handed their presents to express their intention of forming an amicable relationship with the royal family.