Chapter 372 King Ragnar Dunderbun
Used to such constant provocation, Prince Zokaka ignored them all as they entered the huge monolithic mansion, walking under the lead of Minister Paakan. His two disciples had slipped away after passing three blocks. After walking for a few minutes, the three finally entered the throne room.
'Even though it appears to be a medieval period, the interior looks quite magnificent and opulent, with a spacious hall adorned with luxurious furnishings, artwork, and intricate decorations,' Damien thought.
On the throne, a middle-aged-looking fat dwarf and another lady sat proudly, both wearing crowns signifying that they were king and queen. The royal guard standing beside them yelled, "Show your respect!"
Both Prince Zokaka and Minister Paakan knelt and saluted, "Long live my king and my queen!"
King Ragnar beamed as he looked at his son, while Queen Kudini Lavabane snorted, "Hmph! Prince Zokaka, why is your servant not bowing in front of his majesty?"
The royal guards also shouted coherently, "On your knees, Giant!"
Prince Zokaka responded, "He's not my–"
However, Damien stopped him and burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha… Is this really how you want to play here, Ragnar Dunderbun?" he uttered calmly.
"Such poor mannerisms! Guards, what are you waiting for? Chain this giant!" Queen Kudini Lavabane ordered, pointing at Damien.
The two guards dashed and brandished their spears, aiming at Damien.
"Father! Please help me out!" Prince Zokaka couldn't hold on any longer. "This is the martial master I have informed you about."
King Ragnar was unaware of his words. So he questioned, "What do you mean? I don't get it."
"Your majesty, yesterday, I sent a royal letter detailing the appearance of a fire dragon and the massacre of all the scouts at my side," Zokaka said briefly.
"Huh! Something like that happened!" King Ragnar showed surprise. "No, I didn't receive such a letter. Well, guards, bring me the Elder of the Communication Department. Effective immediately."
The guards who were pointing their weapons retracted their spears, saluted, and rushed out of the room.
"Kek, he must be lying. I don't believe a word coming out of this bastard's mouth," Queen Kudini Lavabane grumbled.
"You're in my damn court. Can you mind your language, my Queen?" King Ragnar glared at her.
"My bad! I'll hold my tongue," Queen Kudini responded and looked away as if anything happening here had nothing to do with her anymore.
King Ragnar grinned and continued, "Seventh Prince, you can continue with your report."
Prince Zokaka cast a chance at Damien, who gave a nod of approval, before speaking with confidence. His voice was neither too servile nor too loud. "The scouts on my side taught me several lessons through military drills and daily discipline routines. For twenty-eight days, we had nothing but to catch some bandits and drug peddlers. However, the next morning, with a thundering roar, a giant Red Dragon appeared out of nowhere. In the blink of an eye, it breathed fire and burnt the camp. Those who were lucky enough to escape its breath were eaten."
"Fortunately, my master," he breathed out a long breath before pointing at Damien, "this Great Giant appeared just in time to save me by slaying the dragon in three moves." To verify his story, Damien waved his hand, and the red dragon's head plopped onto the floor.
As the scene unfolded, a hunched-back old dwarf entered and gave a royal bow. "Greetings, Your Majesty! What order do you have for this old man to summon me in your honorable sight?" He spoke with flattery, showing off his age-old experience and silver tongue.
"Elder Jeeka Braveword, my son here, told me such an interesting story." King Ragnar stopped there meaningfully as if hinting something at him.
Elder Jeeka was wise enough to understand it. So, he said, "Ahh! Your Majesty, forgive this old man. I failed to deliver a royal letter." Then he started kowtowing in front of him. Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Argh! Enough with your acting, just give me the letter," said King Ragnar, as he didn't like to take this too far.
Getting away easily, the old man pulled out a letter with a royal seal.
Tearing the seal, King Ragnar smoothened the piece of paper and started reading through it. A few minutes later, he placed the letter on the table and lauded, "Since Prince Zokaka Dunderbun accepted his master, then he is his people. So, he didn't have to show his respect to any of the officials, and royalties, including me. Alright, I hereby announce Prince Zokaka Dunderbun passed the first test with distinction. You can excuse yourselves."
He further added, "My good ministers, please stay!"
Hearing that, Zokaka gave a royal salutation and left the hall along with Damien.
After the two left, the Queen was the first to interject, saying: "Milord, the giant seems suspicious. As a dragon slayer, why did he have to accept… him, of all the people? Please, look more into his background. Maybe he was a spy sent by our neighboring kingdoms."
"Argh, here comes again." King Ragnar scolded. "Kudini, I'm not a child to not understand your intention here. So, can you please keep your emotions in check this time? Oh, please-please-please, from today onward stop interfering in anything to do with the Seventh Prince and the giant."
Enraged, the queen snorted and walked away, flipping her overgrown blouse as if some fly had blocked her path. She too strolled out of the room as she muttered under her head, "What's so good about a son of a maid?"
Only the two ministers and the king remained in the throne room. Shaking his head in disappointment, he asked, "Tell me, my good minister. Did Queen Kudini have anything to do with the incident with the letter?" The question was directed at the old minister.
As he signed, Minister Jeeka Braveword replied, "Yes, my lord… This time my hands are tight. Sir, she threatened me with my current position. So, I have no choice but to delay the royal letter."
"Okay, I understand. Never do such a thing again." King Ragnar warned and turned his attention toward the other minister. "Minister Paakan, you are his appointed inspector. Can you guarantee the Seventh Prince's verbal report?" he asked.
"I do, sire. I have checked everything and the details are exactly as he reported. For all accounts, the giant is a big mystery. I failed to gauge his current strength even with my Smithing Eye technique." Minister Paakan responded.
"Hmm, certainly, I even failed to inspect his strength. Alright, you are dismissed."
Soon, the two ministers scuttled out of the hall leaving the king alone.
Standing up, the King thought, "Huh! My worries are for nothing. With this new player, it will become fair play. Oh, Giant, I'm looking forward to you." Then he disappeared from the room within thin air.
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶