291 Reports
Weeks had passed since the incident, the amount of snowfall had significantly lessened, and the city of Richtpole remained busy as it was. Many businesses were thriving, keeping up the demand for citizens. Not only legal establishments, but illegal activities continued their clandestine operations.
The city seemed to be in its usual state. However, when the night came, the majority of the citizens felt like there was a hole in their routine; they had been missing something. It had been weeks since they had their last attendance at Rickroll's show.
To the people's surprise, for whatever reason, the group suddenly announced that it would go on an unexpected hiatus with no definite period. Reportedly, not a single person has seen the group's leader, Rick, since the announcement. They began to think that something must have happened to him; that was why they were on a break. Not a single performance of Rickroll has been played in the theater since then. Although their company continued to sell their products and services, proving that they were still active.
"So there is still no news about him yet?" "Not yet, Your Majesty." One morning, in the chamber adorned with luxurious decorations and items, a man was sitting on his own seat inside his office in the royal palace. He appeared to be in his fifties and possessed a slightly stout six-foot body due to his large appetite. Due to his age and lifestyle, his copper-shimmer hair was undergoing baldness. There might still be hair on the sides of the head, but the crown and front of the head are now mostly bald. The man was clad in gaudy articles: a deluxe jacket with gold trim, gold buttons, and white ruffle cuffs, and frilled with a white satin jabot. He wore a red royal mantle made out of Queen Evil Tarantula's silk and lined with the soft and silky white fur of a Wolf Sovereign, an A-ranked monster. The man was none other than the king of Astley, King Richard Astley XV, who ruled the Kingdom of Astley for the past fifteen years. Currently, he was listening to the daily reports of his male secretary regarding multiple matters, such as the financial and diplomatic status of the kingdom. Among the news he wanted to hear, the king was looking for something that was not included in the reports—the details about Rick. "It's been weeks since I ordered Austin to kill him, yet the group did not announce his death and went on a break instead. Do you think Austin has failed?"
"I found it impossible, Your Majesty. Sir Austin is a very skilled man. He absolutely follows every one of your orders and he never fails. No being in this world could ever escape from his bullet." "Hm. You are right. Austin never fails me," the king muttered as he leaned on his chair. "But Austin even admitted that Rick was strong too, he even dodged one of his bullets. Even so, Austin said he made sure of Rick's perish by blowing up his head. So Rick's death was certain." Not long ago, the king was already suspicious of Rick's appearance in the city. Due to his extreme popularity, the king speculated that Rick would become a threat to him someday. After being overshadowed by him, the king ordered one of his most skilled men, Austin, to investigate Rick. However, every time he tried to spy on him, Rick immediately got away. That eventually raised the suspicion of the king against him. But one fateful day, Austin perceived the elusive Rick walking along the streets while being completely invisible. Rick had always been a slippery fish, so Austin was baffled by his action and thought it to be a trap. Nevertheless, Austin subsequently decided to follow after him, and he found him entering the royal palace. Upon discovering that, he immediately reported what he saw to the king. When the king heard his report, one thing came to the king's mind as to why the superstar Rick sneaked into the palace: to meet up with Prime Minister Robert Lancer and his son, Prince Paul. The king was aware that Robert and Paul were orchestrating a revolt against him based on the reports and rumors he had gathered so far. Since he could not do anything for the two for political reasons, he decided to eliminate their accomplice instead. Midnight after the discovery, Austin ended the life of Rick, or that was what they were supposed to be. "But to think that Rick was actually cooperating with the Prime Minister and Prince Paul on planning His Majesty's fall. You really can't judge people by their looks."
"Hm. That was why I have been feeling something weird lately." The king put on a proud smile, caressing his goatee. "It must have been the presence of Rick." "As expected of the king!"
In reality, the king actually did not feel anything peculiar inside the palace, as he was not physically and skillfully powerful; he was not even strong enough to be considered an adventurer. He just wanted to show off his secretary and make his name more fragrant. "Hmph." The king scoffed. "Anyways, the Rickrolls still could not accept the death of Rick, so they hid it from the public."
"Sir Rick was a famous person after all, so hearing the news of his death would cause turmoil among the masses." "Indeed, but my legacy is more valuable than their entertainment. It is sad to say, but Rick actually entertained me with his songs. Anyways, what is my schedule for today?"
"This afternoon, His Majesty will be watching a play in the theater. After that, you will attend the party hosted by Count—"
Knock! Knock! Knock! Suddenly, three heavy knocks cut the words of the secretary. Both the king and secretary turned their attention to the door. Soon after, a loud voice could be heard from the other side.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty! But we have an emergency!" The voice belonged to a knight. Doing something like that, interrupting the king in his supposed kingly work, was absolutely rude and disrespectful. But according to the seriousness of the voice, the king let it slide. "Let him in." "Yes, Your Majesty." When the secretary opened the door, the knight quickly entered the office and gave a salute. "What's the problem?" the king asked. "Your Majesty! The City of Count Connard was attacked by an army of fifty thousand strong, and they are currently marching their way to the capital." "What?!"
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