The Hero of Vengeance

Chapter 22: Engagement

Did I hear that right!? I'm about to meet the King of Albatross!?

"Umm..." I began.

"Is there a problem?" Isabella asked me.

"I...I guess not. But why do you want me to meet him?"

"I want him to stop bothering me about marriage, so I've brought you here. Besides, we're a couple now and it makes sense to show you to him."

I suppose, yeah. It's inevitable. But still, I'm going to meet a King...

Isabella seemed quite confident with her answer. She also didn't seem to notice I was so nervous that I was sweating.

I loved Isabella. I meant that honestly.

I could even say that I would love nothing more than to marry her. A kind and beautiful Princess? What kind of man wouldn't want that!?

But we literally just started dating!

There was also the problem of Cassandra not being completely wrong about me.

I may have had Iratus blood in my veins, but I wasn't entirely nobility, either.

Isabella could very well put herself in an unfavorable situation if she chose something like that.

We approached a large set of double doors guarded by elite knights wearing gilded armor and holding halberds.

As soon as they saw Isabella, they opened the way.

I could tell they were looking at me, but I tried to ignore it. We walked into the room and I could see a man sitting on a marble throne lined with gold and luxurious red fabric. The room was decorated with ornate suits of armor and red carpet. Aside from the man on one of the two thrones, we were the only ones here.

Large paintings hung on the wall of the man on the throne as well as a beautiful pink-haired woman that reminded me of the Princesses. Her eyes were dark blue, instead of the normal icy blue that Isabella and Cassandra had.

Under the two larger paintings, were two smaller ones depicting the two Princesses. Isabella and Cassandra.

Although, they looked completely identical except for what they wore in the painting.

And Cassandra looked quite annoyed in hers while Isabella had a loving smile on her face.

The man on the throne wore a purple shirt lined with gold and black pants. He had a cloak with the same color scheme around himself. A golden crown decorated with many jewels sat on his head.

His eyes were the same color as ice, just like Isabella's. And he had curly brown hair with a well-groomed beard.

If this guy isn't the King, I don't know who is.

We approached the throne and the King turned his attention towards us.

Isabella got down to one of her knees and I made sure to do the same.

Although Walter was behind us, I assumed he had kneeled as well.

"Isabella, my dear, you know there isn't a need for you to do that..." The King said.

"I know. I only wish to respect your office, father," she replied.

"Then you may all rise. Tell me, what brings you here?" He said.

If memory served correctly, his name was Ronald.

We all stood up and Isabella began speaking.

"Father, I grow tired of your attempts to marry me off."

I could tell King Ronald was visibly disappointed to hear these words.

"This again... Please understand that many of our country's nobles and even those abroad clamor for your hand. Marrying one of them would be a benefit to everyone," King Ronald said.

"Father, it would benefit them and you. But I would be miserable..." She said sadly. "If I am to be married, I wish to choose a husband for myself!"

The King placed one of his hands on his face and seemed to be internally battling himself. He then looked up and smiled warmly at Isabella.

"My dear sweet daughter, you know I wish for nothing more than your happiness. I would turn every one of them away in order to see you smile. But I cannot just ignore them forever..." The King said.

"Then they may marry Cassandra. I wish to choose my own husband," Isabella said.

"Isabella, Cassandra only wishes to marry into other royalty. Currently, there are no countries nearby with male heirs. She won't allow herself to marry below her standing, either. Since she is so much more difficult to deal with, I have decided to work with you instead. On top of the fact that... Well, she is the Second Princess..."

"Then I would have you meet my boyfriend, father. It would please me if I could marry him," Isabella said as she notioned towards me.

EXCUSE ME!?

I started sweating nervously as I looked over to Isabella in desperation.

Isabella saw my somewhat fearful gaze and smiled sweetly at me. She seemed to be glowing with positivity.

At that moment, I felt the King's gaze on me and looked at him somewhat fearfully.

The King examined me thoroughly.

I realized that I must have looked strange in a restaurant uniform as I stood in the throne room of a nation.

A nation, by the way, which happened to be one of the world's major powers.

I felt absolutely ridiculous.

"I'm sorry, Isabella. I'm not sure what to think here. Is this a prank of some sort? Who is this boy?" The King said as he tilted his head in confusion?

Ah. He thinks it's a joke... Understandable...

"This man here is my partner in the adventurer company I have made. I told you all about it, did I not? He is the first person I have ever met that did not care about who I was. He also happens to be a noble! That way, the other members of nobility will leave him alone. Although...I neglected to mention that I had fallen in love with him. He is so wonderful!" Isabella said proudly as if she were showing me off.

I gave an awkward wave and half-smile to the King as he looked closely at me.

I think it'll be nice if I get out of here with all of my limbs still attached.

Then the King did something that surprised me.

He let out a loud and hearty laugh. Not in a mocking way, but out of genuine happiness.

"My word! This boy is an Iratus! What is a member of their legendary household doing here!?" The King said loudly.

Isabella motioned for me to speak.

I quickly explained my situation to the King and he smiled.

"It's unfortunate to hear about Sir Ulysses, but I'm glad you're here. Sadly, I have a few hangups about just simply giving you my precious daughter. Normally this sort of thing would be absolutely out of the question. You understand why, yes? On top of her mother not being very fond of your family..."

It was pretty obvious.

A man just showing up and trying to marry the daughter of a nation's ruler was something very serious. And usually impossible for someone not of noble or royal descent.

I might have been nobility, but half of me was still a commoner. Part of me wanted to curse my mother's blood but I couldn't allow that.

Despite never knowing her, I loved her. She was the woman that gave me life.

Traded hers for mine.

I could never hate her in any way and I would defend her honor to the death if need be.

"I understand perfectly well, Your Highness," I said.

"Good. It's not just a simple matter of your birth. Even with your mixed lineage, I can hardly just give my precious daughter to man she barely knows, right?" The King said.

For a moment I felt angry with him.

Without thinking, I opened my mouth to speak.

"Hold on a second, your Majesty... Haven't you been doing that all along?" I asked.

The King's eyes went wide in shock as he opened his mouth in surprise.

"Mizik!" Isabella said worriedly.

Then the King held up his hand.

"Excuse me? You are quite bold, young man. To speak to me in such a manner is normally forbidden, but Isabella loves you very much, it seems. I'm interested in what you have to say, here," the King said.

Thank you for being reasonable!

"Thank you, your Majesty. Isabella told me that she's been engaged multiple times to people she doesn't even love. How is that fair? If you want her to be happy, shouldn't she be allowed to choose whoever she wants?" I said.

The King frowned and looked away.

"I do want her to be happy... Isabella is my precious daughter. I've always hated these damn rules we have to follow as members of the nobility... You might just be the first person she has ever wanted to marry, however..."

"Father! I've never met a man like him in the past! Would you please allow me to he engaged to him?"

"Isabella, you are aware that whoever takes your hand will be the next to rule Albatross, correct? This isn't just a simple matter of love. He has a bold and impressive spirit, but can he rule a country? Would the Iratus household allow it? They are very particular about who they share their blood with..." The King said.

"Your highness. I am in line to be the next head of the household. I have the documents to prove it," I said.

"But of course. It is your decision, then. Which means you'll be a Duke...interesting... Your children would be strong, indeed... Ah, Isabella. I have one question. Can Mizik rule Albatross?"

"If Mizik is unable to rule, I can simply teach him. I think he would make a fine ruler. There is no one else I would rather marry," Isabella said.

The King suddenly smiled and placed his hand on his chin. He seemed to be deep in thought.

"We would finally have the Iratus eyes... Our family would be even more powerful...hmm..." He said quietly.

"Father...?" Isabella said.

"Ah! My apologies! I was thinking about the future! Now then, let me see if I can arrange something. Mizik is your name, yes?" The King said as he turned to me.

"Yes. Mizik Iratus," I replied.

"You look quite young. How old are you, exactly?" He asked.

"Currently I'm fourteen. I reached adulthood a while ago."

"I will invoke a compromise between us, then. I shall allow the engagement to proceed, but you will not be married to her until a week after your fifteenth birthday. You've impressed me, young man. And I want to see if you are truly committed to Isabella. Would you agree to marry her?" The King said firmly.

I could feel my heart racing as I looked at Isabella.

I looked over at her and she smiled adoringly at me.

The most kind and beautiful woman in the world...will become my wife.

I looked at the King confidently and spoke the words in my heart.

"I will cherish and love her more than any man ever could! You have my solemn word. A vow on my honor as the son of Sir Ulysses Iratus. I will treat her well," I said.

"You are an admirable man, Mizik. I only wish most nobles could be half as decent. I am allowing this because of that and I desperately wish to see Isabella happy. Also, I will be watching you as time goes on. If you prove to be a scoundrel, I will cancel the engagement immediately," The King said.

I stole a glance at Isabella and she had her hands together as she stared at me.

"Well then, I guess that settles that. You two are now officially engaged to be married. I think you two should spend more time getting better acquainted, dont you think? And Mizik, we will discuss your status on a later date. Until then, this engagement will remain as secretive as I can make it," The King said with a smile.

"Thank you, your Majesty, I said

"Of course. Just remember to keep things pure, you two..." The King said as he narrowed his eyes at me

"Of course, father! I wouldn't go that far yet!" Isabella said quickly.

A moment later, the large doors at the entrance to the throne room burst open.

A well-dressed man in his mid-twenties came strutting over to Isabella with a very annoyed look on his face. He had short, well-groomed blonde hair and blue-green eyes.

It was Arvild.

Great...what now...?

"Isabella, my dear! Please reconsider our engagement!" Arvild shouted to her.

Isabella turned away from him as coldly as ice and stepped back.

"Again...? There's nothing to consider. I want nothing to do with you, Arvild. What's done is done. I cancelled that engagement yesterday for good reason! I am sick and tired of your advances! Now leave us," she said.

Then Arvild stepped forward and took hold of Isabella's chin. He laid his hand on the back of her waist as he looked deeply into her eyes. His expression softened as he stared.

I could already feel the flames of jealousy beginning to flare up.

"Isabella, your beauty is unmatched. I would be the happiest man in the world to have you as my wife. Please think it over, would you, dear?" 'Arvild' said.

I stepped forward and before I could push him off of her, Isabella shoved him away.

"Don't touch me, you pervert! I want nothing to do with a man as vile as you are!"

"Isabella, please! Is there anything I can do? Anything you desire? Name it and I'll have my people get it for you."

I had held my tongue long enough.

I stepped between him and Isabella and glared at him.

Arvild was probably almost a foot taller than me.

Fortunately, I was still growing. I wouldn't be like this forever.

"Isabella is engaged to be married to me. I would suggest that you leave right now," I said angrily.

"Oh? She left me for a little runt like y-" Arvild stopped as he took a closer look at me. "What...? YOU AGAIN!? YOU DAMN BRAT!!! HOW DARE YOU! I will give you one warning...LEAVE HER AT ONCE, OR I WILL SEPERATE YOUR HEAD FROM THE REST OF YOUR BODY!!!"

What happened next was a bit of a blur.

I planned to draw Vengeance from my inventory, but I didn't need to.

Walter had been quiet for the entire duration of this meeting until Arvild threatened me.

I hadn't noticed at the time, but he had been poised to strike as soon as hands were laid on Isabella.

Walter darted forward and violently shoved Arvild away.

He drew the massive greatsword 'Honor' from his back and held it out towards Arvild with ease.

There were golden runes along the flat of the iron blade. They glowed intensely.

"You will NOT threaten the young Master! Mizik Iratus is the only man that Isabella has ever allowed to be engaged to her. If you so much as breathe at him wrongly, I will erase you from this world!" Walter shouted angrily.

"Guards!" The King shouted.

Immediately a troop of elite gilded knights stormed into the throne room and surrounded Arvild.

Arvild slowly stood up and glared daggers at Walter's sword.

"I suppose I'll have to draw mine, as well," he said.

Arvild reached into his inventory and pulled out a well-decorated silver longsword.

It was jeweled just like mine and Walter's sword. The gems on the hilt and runes on the blade glowed with a bright pink.

So that's...

[False wielder.]

"Wielder of the greatsword 'Honor', I would like you to meet my blade: 'Bravery'. It is a pleasure!"

The guards around Arvild tightened their grips on their weapons.

This would be a very destructive fight...

To prevent this, I decided to step forward.

I was probably a lower level than them, but I might've been able to bluff against Arvild.

I quickly pulled Vengeance out of my inventory and pointed the curved blade at Arvild.

He raised an eyebrow at it and eyed the blade curiously.

"Most people don't know about this one. I'd like you to meet the legendary sword, 'Vengeance'," I said as I glared at Arvild.

Arvild recoiled slightly as he heard the name of my sword.

"V-VENGEANCE!? Impossible! No one has seen that sword for over three hundred years! How the hell do you have it!?" He said, unable to hide his shock.

"It's a long story and I don't feel like sharing. This sword seems to have a mind of its own, though. I might not be able to stop it if we fight. It really wants you dead, Arvild," I said.

Arvild placed his sword back into his inventory.

"Sorry, but I'm not about to do battle with someone capable of wielding Vengeance right now. Isabella, I hope you come around at some point and see the error of your ways. I'll always accept you, you know? Of course, I would never say no to a maiden as fair as you..." Arvild said as he narrowed his eyes at Isabella and licked his lips.

"Leave my fiance alone, you disgusting pervert! Or do you want to know what my sword is capable of?" I shouted.

Arvild twisted his face in annoyance at me.

At the same time, Isabella came up and hid herself behind me. I could feel her trembling slightly.

When she wore her armor and stood next to me, she seemed as fearless as could be. But right now, she was scared.

"I suppose I will take my leave, then. No need to escort me out, I know the way," Arvild said as he walked through the circle of knights. They raised their weapons back to the resting position in response.

I put my sword away and watched as the knights followed Arvild out. Walter kept his sword at the ready.

"I can't believe I almost allowed such a revolting man to marry my daughter!" The King shouted angrily. "Mizik! You have my full gratitude for standing up for Isabella."

Walter looked over to me and gave a slight smile.

"Thank you. Truly, I didn't wish to fight him here. You prevented quite a bit of damage with your courage," Walter said.

"I agree. And it's very impressive that he wields such a weapon! My word... An Iratus boy, the son of Duke Ulysses, and the wielder of the lost sword!? Isabella, he's quite the catch, no?" The King said, seeming to have calmed down.

"Yes! I think he is," Isabella said.

She gently wrapped her arms around me and leaned her head on mine.

Her chest was pressing against my back, so it was hard to think straight...

She was only a few inches taller than me, but seemed to use it to her advantage.

I felt like I froze in place as she held me close to her. I could definitely get used to this.

I'm the luckiest man alive.

"Thank you, Mizik. I'm truly grateful for your protection. Next time, though, I'm going to protect you instead. Just like I promised!" Isabella said with a confident smile.

"I'm looking forward to it," I said as I turned to her.

The more I thought about her, the more in love I felt.

I wanted to cherish her always. My precious friend, my fiance, and hopefully soon, my loving wife.

"Alright, that's enough for now, you two," the King said as he motioned for us to distance ourselves.

We reluctantly stepped back from one another.

"Mizik, I do believe it's getting late. Perhaps you should be getting home soon?" Walter said suddenly.

I looked out one of the windows of the throne room and saw that the sun was going to set soon.

I looked over at Isabella and she frowned slightly. It looked like she was pouting because I had to leave

"Don't worry, Mizik. I'll be fine. I have Walter protecting me and a legion of guards. I'll see you tomorrow, though. You can come to visit me here!" She said as she perked up.

It was true. She had given me full permission to roam the castle and she was also my wife-to-be. There wasn't any reason for me not to be allowed in.

I nodded at Isabella.

"Then I'll be back tomorrow. I'll see you then!" I began making my way out of the throne room and a guard stopped me.

"It would please me to escort the Princess' finance back home. Will you allow me?" The guard said.

"Of course," I said. I made sure to wave to Isabella one more time before heading back to the Diner.

* * *

As I lay down in bed after taking a bath, my heart and mind both raced nonstop thinking about the woman I was destined to marry.

It seemed like we were moving so quickly...but then again, these kinds of things happened all the time in higher society.

At the same time, I didn't care.

She was so perfect. I was sure we would live long and happy lives together. I had so many other things that I could be thinking about, but I only wanted to picture Isabella.

I had no idea when I met her in Lorelei that she was a Princess! And to think I was set to marry her...

I knew it would be hard to sleep while thoughts of her danced in my mind, but I needed to.

Tomorrow is another wonderful day! I love being alive!

Eventually, I was able to calm myself down enough to fall asleep.