The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 69. Last Night

We entered the castle without much fanfare. I noticed that the soldiers were moving all around us. From one place to another like chickens without heads, they were so busy they didn't even greet Warrick or Aqua. I turned to Sarah before asking her about it.

" Sarah, aren't they supposed to greet you guys?"

Sarah turned to me and began to answer me.

" Usually yes, however, because of the hero arriving soon they are taking defensive measures to make sure that we are ready regardless of what happens. I personally think that they are all over reacting. I mean after all; we're going to handle it without much of a problem I imagine."

" I see. Well, better safe than sorry I suppose. In a way, I'm looking forward to this fight. I do want to see the difference that these 3 months have made between us."

" Don't worry John, you're barely recognizable from when you first arrived. It's almost a shame, you were cuter back then."

" I agree. Recently Master has become so dashing!"

Anna agreed with Sarah's assessment of my progress. Her eyes were glowing like a forest full of lightning bugs.

" I'd rather be seen as cool than cute anyways."

" Don't pout John, I never said your current state is worse than the one from before. It's just different. It's like a different way to cook your favorite meal."

We continued to follow Alex as I occasionally gave Sarah the side eye. Before long, we entered a somewhat large room with a big square table and chairs to sit in. Donovon also joined us. Alex gestured towards the table and began to speak.

" This is a strategy room. I brought us here to work out what we all are going to do tomorrow. The border is well guarded, but we haven't planned anything for actually confronting the enemy as that isn't our job. So, Father, Mother, have you thought of what we will be doing?"

From that point Warrick and Aqua more or less, made an outline of a plan. The simple version of it is that the party of myself, Sarah, Anna, Cynthia, Asha and Sharon will meet the Hero Party while they move through the small Forrest before reaching the border walls. I asked for the girls to separate the party and to leave the hero and me to fight 1 on 1. My request was granted even though all of the girls looked at me as if they were dissatisfied with my decision. After that, it was dinner time. Anna and I had our own food in the kitchen. Once dinner was finished, Alex and Donovon visited us from the dining room. I waited for either of them to speak first. In this case it was Donovon.

" Marquess Matthew, I would like to apologize for what I almost had done. King Warrick and Queen Aqua explained what you have done for the Royal Family. I let my own bias cloud my judgement. I apologize for that."

Donovon bowed his head. I was confused by this. Alex saw my confusion and began to speak.

" Captain Don is an honorable person Matthew, you see, he reacted the usual way he would from years of fighting Promethia. When he saw you, it was more muscle memory than any kind of hatred for humans. I can vouch for the man he saved my life, time and time again. Also, once mother and father explained what you have done. Captain Don felt greatly ashamed for his actions. I hope you can accept his apology!"

Alex seemed to be telling the truth, Donovon still hasn't risen from his bow. Now everyone in the kitchen was staring at me. I felt a tap on my arm. It was Anna, she began to speak.

" Master, if you truly can forgive him, then forgive him. If not do not let the stares change your mind!"

Seems Anna is still angry about the almost attack. I think the poisoning followed by this, may have caused a great amount of stress for her. I'll need to find some way to help her relax after this is all over. After nodding to Anna, I turned to Alex and Donovon and began to speak my mind.