Rathlands [Monster Hunter] [ENG]

Chapter 18 (Khryselios POV)

It wasn't long before the emperor of the Skypiercers, Ingred Etrapanob, made a rather discreet appearance at Rathlands Castle. On the very evening he had received the letter, Khryselios, greatly intrigued by this sudden show of interest, had hastily drafted his reply. The next day, at dawn, his messenger flew to Tengoku, their capital. Two days later, the Malfestio confirmed the meeting scheduled for three days later - just enough time to get to Ignis. And then the long-awaited day arrived. Everything happened very quickly.

The silver Rathalos stood at the head of the table in the interview room. As a Pink Rathian finished setting cutlery on the vast table, the King of the Rathlands glanced thoughtfully at the letter he had kept with him for the interview. He knew that Skypiercers only acted when their interests were met. He was a bit wary. Their people were not known for their altruism.

"What a good idea I had to plan a meal. Hopefully, it will help getting on his softer side" Khryselios thought, letting his gaze wander over the flames burning in the fireplace.

Astalian and Tinarg quietly entered the room.

"Good evening, Your Majesty," Astalian greeted him.

Khryselios looked up.

"Astalian, Tinarg, good evening," the king replied kindly.

The generals took place on each side of the table, next to their king.

"Skypiecers' emperor should be here any minute now, Your Majesty," Tinarg informed him.

The silver Rathalos nodded slowly.

"Very well, then. Sakura?" he hailed the pink Rathian, who looked up, intrigued. "Ask Knart to bring the first appetizers. Our guest will be here soon." he asked.

The maid bowed, then left to answer the king's request.

"Did you invite Zenith to this meeting, my king?" Tinarg inquired.

Khryselios froze inside.

No, of course he hadn't invited him. It would have spelled disaster. He would have been perfectly capable of behaving in a totally undisciplined and unscrupulous manner. If there was one thing he didn't want to show to Ingred Etrapanob, who seemed willing to support him in the war effort, was the tension growing between him and his eldest son. Over and above his own image, it was Zenith's own image that would be tarnished for years to come if he were to act up again... So no, of course, he didn't want to take that risk, even if it meant dispensing with the useful experience of such a meeting.

While these thoughts raced through his mind, there was a short pause. Khryselios realized he was spacing out a bit late.

"Oh, forgive me, General. Alas, no, I'd like to keep this interview as secret as possible. The fewer people involved, the more discreet it will be. I've thought about it, you know. It would have been an enriching experience for Zenith as a future king, but I'm afraid he'll have to wait for another opportunity to live it," he replied with a slight smile.

Tinarg looked confused. The King of the Rathlands also felt Astalian's questioning eyes on him. But he remained silent to support a form of certainty.

Fortunately, the silence didn't last long, as the soldiers he had sent to escort his guest knocked on the door.

"Come in," Khryselios replied.

Messire, your guest, His Excellency Ingred Etrapanob," one of the Seltas announced, escorting the Emperor and his bodyguard.

The neopteron bowed before opening the door fully, revealing Ingred and two other Skypiercers. They entered the room.

"You are dismissed," the King of the Rathlands ordered the soldiers.