"As you all know, our kingdom, which is located on the southern part of the continent, is far from the northern demonic kingdom and the western orcish tribes.
However recently, our neighboring kingdom Galeon, has been under siege by both the demons from the north and the orcs from the west.
If they succeed in laying the kingdom Galeon to waste, it would only be a matter of time when they will do the same to us. Although it is still not clear on what their aim is, and on whether the demons and the orcs have forged an alliance, we can't allow them to do whatever as they please.
King Fray of Galeon has requested an alliance and is requesting out help. Seven days from now, our generals along with most of our soldiers will be heading to Galeon. With the size of our army, I fear it will be insufficient. Therefore to all brave warriors who have gathered here, our kingdom requires your assistance in purging the threat that looms before us. Anyone who joins our army will be rewarded!"
"Of course we will join!!"
"Yeah, those dumb orcs don't stand a chance!!", the crowd cheered as the king finished his announcement.
King Oraen turned around and breathed a sigh of relief as he heard the crowd's cheers. But not all of the crowd were enthusiastic about it. They knew how strong orcs and demons were. If it were only the orcs they were fighting, then they stood a good chance. But with the demons, their chances of survival was pretty slim. Lower class demons had incomparable strength and brought great fear just by their appearance alone. Although relatively few, there were also the high class demons who were seldomly seen. Most of the people who had the misfortune of meeting one never made it back. But the few who did survive told tales of how his companions were easily slaughtered by dark magic. The crowd continued to cheer while some chatted with the others.
"Enlistment for the army will start tomorrow here at the stadium. So be sure to come back tomorrow if you are joining!", the announcer said as some of the people started leaving the stadium.
As Oraen was about to leave with the generals and head back to the castle, he saw Cruz and Surk talking.
'Hmm...General Cruz is acquainted with her. Then, I guess it would be okay if I ask her.', Oraen thought as he approached the two.
"General Cruz, it seems that you two know each other?", Oraen asked as he faced Cruz.
"Yes your majesty. Surk is actually the apprentice of an old friend of mine. We met recently before the competition. I suggested to my friend to let Surk enter the competition."
"I see. Surk, I would like to ask a personal favor from you.", Oraen asked as he faced Surk.
Surk was surprised at this sudden request. Moreover, it was a request from the king himself. Surk was speechless until Cruz nudged him from the back.
"O-of course your majesty!", Surk replied immediately without thinking.
"You see, with our army aiding the kingdom Galeon, a representative of our kingdom would be necessary. I had wished to go myself but alas I cannot. However my son, Prince Keldar, will be going in my place. He has strong swordsmanship and I know he can protect himself. But as his father, I can only worry for his safety. So I would like to ask you if you can join the army under General Cruz and help him protect my son?"
"I would like to your majesty, but...I have to ask my master first if he will allow me.", Surk replied slowly bowing his head.
"Surk, it's okay. I've already told your master about it. He said he's going to accompany me and allow you to join him if you wanted.", Cruz patted Surk on the back.
"Then, I'll do my best your majesty.", Surk bowed to Oraen.
"Thank you Surk. I wouldn't have asked you of this favor if my son wasn't so stubborn on allowing some of my knights or generals to bodyguard him. But with you hanging out with him as a swordsman, I'm sure he won't mind with you being a strong and beautiful girl.", Surk immediately replied to what he said.
"But your majesty, I'm a mmphmmph...", Cruz had covered Surk's mouth before he could say anything further.
"What is it Surk?", Oraen was curious on what Surk wanted to say.
"It's nothing your majesty. Surk just wanted to say that 'I am a blacksmith'", Cruz replied quickly.
"Ah! I see. I forgot. Haha. Anyway, I'll be depending on you Surk. Take care.", Oraen bid farewell as he left with the other generals.
After the king had left, Cruz finally released his hand over Surk's mouth.
"Ghah...W-why did you stop me? The king thought I was a girl!", Surk said as he struggled to regain his breath.
"It's fine, don't worry about it. They won't find out. Plus even if you had told him, he would have thought that you were lying and that you really didn't want to help him.", Cruz said as he persuaded Surk to keep it a secret.
"That is...but..."
"You worry too much. Just let me handle it. Trust me. Anyway, we should start looking for your master, I'm sure he's eagerly waiting for this to get on his hands.", Cruz placed the chest in a sack and hoisted it over his back as he started walking headed to the stadium exit.
"...okay...", Surk said doubtfully as he followed Cruz.
Note: Next chapter will be posted next week.
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