Scheming against Stalemate (Part 4)

'What a peculiar building.'

An enormous, , golden-yellow cuboid building entered Jogri's eyes. Compared with the previous buildings he'd seen on this planet, this one emitted a feeling of luxury and wealth. Even if there were taller buildings beside it, it'd still stand out the most, without a doubt.

As the destination was closing in, the vehicle slowed down and descended steadily. During the entire journey, he could perceive the "easiness" coming from every Knight aboard. It felt obnoxious for Jogrin, but there was nothing he could do, as every single one of them averted their gazes, as if they'd be consumed as soon as they laid eyes on him.

While it was understandable, Jogrin felt troubled by this. Fortunately, it appeared this situation wouldn't last much longer.

An opening appeared on the side of "Palacial" - the cuboid building, and a platform extended from the opening. It was to receive the flying vehicle boarded by Jogrin and the others. On the inner end of the platform, a couple of men in blue helmet waved a red glowing stick, guiding the pilots of the vehicle on its landing.

After a successful landing, the group of men exited the vehicle. Having arrived at a novel place, Jogrin looked around with his usual expression.

With lion-shaped torches, which were actually lights powered by electricity, hanging on the walls, and fancy looking carpets laid on the floor, the interior of the building looked just as luxurious as the exterior, if not more.

He gazed at Proxer, who returned an affirmative nod to him.

'Proxer seems really nervous... about something inanimate. Does he have something in mind?' Jogrin was dubious about Proxer next intentions.

"This way, please." Captain Ryov gestured the others to follow behind him.

As they walked down the wide, luxurious hallway, the group passed by people who had yet to know the existence of Jogrin, as they also curiously stole gazes at the large group of men who proceeded with more and more caution. Of course, some gossiping couldn't be avoided as they were being conspicuous. All of the Knights except Ryov kept their heads down, their stress piling up as they trod.

'It feels like these Knights are in a constant state of high stress as soon as we got here. Is "king's" authority that imposing? I should be more wary of him than Kapel, I suppose...' Having picked up even more "stress" from those who passed by, which was of course discomforting to Jogrin, a thought manifested.

It seemed Jogrin couldn't afford to let his guard down at all.

After a while, the group had eventually reached a pair of doors which looked... somewhat shabby. It should be reasonable to assume that the structures within such an advanced looking building would look at least a bit grandiose, but instead the pair of doors looked a little obsolete.

"Um, you see, it's well-known to all of us here that His Majesty likes this door for some reason, so he asked to put it up at the entrance to his throne room."

"Interesting..." Honestly, Jogrin didn't really care about that. The door was never his concern, but the presence that had yet to be "registered" on the other side of the door was.

In the very next instance, a dissatisfied click of tongue could be heard. It came from Kapel. It was indisputable that Kapel and the king went way back, and most of it didn't seem to be good memories.

"Well then... Let us head inside, shall we?"

"... On your lead." Explicitly displaying dissatisfaction on his face, Kapel curtly replied.

Ryov signaled two of the vanguards to push open the doors. And only a few moments after they entered the room...

"Kapel, you solicited my Knights for someone that looks so easily breakable? You said in the report that it was an important affair that may be related to the "Teletrophe". Did you use that as an excuse to manipulate my Knights? Your impertinence sure knows no bounds." Such condescending words from the one sitting on a throne entered the ears of Kapel's group who were kneeling before the young and slightly chubby man.

'This must be the "king" he was referring to...' Pondered Jogrin as the king gazed down at him with eyes as condescending as his words. 'So he's the type to only view things as they are on the surface... That's not a wise move at all.' The king already left a bad first impression on Jogrin with a mere fit from him.

Abruptly, he sensed that Proxer became "alerted". The trigger for it was unknown, except that the most likely reason was a new term he just heard -- "Telestrophe". And apparently, he was thought to be related to this term. As he was about to dive into deep thought again, to figure out what "Telestrophe" could be, another interruption was thrown at him.

"So? What do you have to say about your rash actions?" The king interrogated impatiently. Silence prevailed for a brief moment as the Knights continued to keep their heads down.

"Your Majesty, as mentioned in the report, which you should have received just before our arrival, there was-"

Apparently, Kapel had been writing a report to the king during the time on the vehicle. Despite his earnest tone during his explanation, he was almost immediately interrupted by the king.

"Ah ah, stop right there. I'm not about to listen to that report all over again. You sure have the guts, Kapel, announcing to the public that what happened at that hospital was just a drill, without seeking my approval. Did you know I can behind bars for that? Not to mention, you used my men for this proclaimed alien. Did you think you can fool me by just bringing a random boy from the streets? Aliens are supposed to be all gooey and have tentacles as arms..."

'He has a huge misinterpretation about aliens... Where did he even get that information from? Even if there are some like that, not are of them are...' Jogrin felt exhausted just listening to the king blabbering on and on.

"I am honored to have you read my report so thoroughly, Your Majesty." Kapel bowed and added a sarcastic remark. "However, more time is required to unveil the truth behind the bombardment."

"So you're saying you're not doing your job well? How disappointing!"

The king, seemingly having fun with poking fun at Kapel, laughed out loud. Kapel twitched his face in distress and frustration.

'No, you're the one who's disappointing.' A thought emerged in Jogrin's mind.

As if having read Jogrin's mind, the king turned his gaze towards the scrawny boy and squinted his eyes.

"You... How can some plebeian such as yourself be capable of all that destruction? Unbelievable! Hmph! Whether you're actually guilty of blowing stuff up... you are still going to pay down to your last straw for what you've done!" The king sounded indignant.

"Your Majesty, I should humbly remind you, please refrain from making such remarks for now, as any reimbursement must be approved not only by Your Majesty, but also the Administrative Council."

"I'm speaking to this so-called alien now. So don't bother me now, unless you want to be punished."

As he kept on blabbering, Jogrin noticed what the king was saying was definitely unsubstantiated, and complete, utter nonsense.

'Will this fool shut up already?' Having his expectations of the king turned to dust and blown away, Jogrin seemed to want to leave and rid himself of the meaningless spouting from the king.

'Hmm, actually... With this king person, I can use him to have me expelled... But first, I need to find the shuttle that came with me.'