The following day, Luke drove both Renne and Haruto to the castle. They had received their rank papers: Renne was granted the prestigious title of Royal Guard, while Haruto was assigned as a common soldier.
"Whoa... is this the palace?" Renne exclaimed as they approached the dazzling, massive structure.
"This is the domain of our Holy Ruler, King Paul the VI," Luke said to them both.
"Why 'Holy' Ruler?"
"Oh, about that. He came into power twelve years ago at the age of just ten, right after his father died. After taking the throne, he claimed that the Earth Semant had chosen him personally to be the Holy Ruler."
"And what's the proof of that?"
"Look, Renne-san. Two hundred years ago, when all the Semants lost contact with humans, a few chosen individuals were established as 'Royalty' who contacted with the Samants on behalf of the people .The people now trust them completely."
"Wait, what do you mean they 'lost contact'?" Haruto asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Well, we don't know what actually happened, but the Semants haven't descended to the human realm in two centuries. It's said that they rule their regions remotely through the royal families."
"Ah, I see. So that's how it works," Renne murmured.
In the meantime, they reached the massive doors of the royal court. The enormous gates swung open to reveal a courtroom entirely clad in gold. Sitting upon the throne was King Paul the IV. They all bowed respectfully in front of him.
"Raise your heads, m—" The King stopped mid-sentence. His face flushed as his gaze fell directly upon Renne.
"Ahem! And what were your names again?"
"I am Haruto Yagami, Your Majesty."
"I am Renne Ryuuki, Your Majesty."
"Let's see... Haruto is a common soldier, and Renne is... a Royal Guard. Well then, I, Paul the IV, the Holy King, officially bestow the title of Royal Guard upon you, Renne. From now on, you will reside within the Royal Palace. As for Haruto, you are no longer needed here. You are dismissed."
It was as clear as day that the King had taken an immediate liking to Renne. He wanted to keep her trapped within the palace, and more importantly, he wanted to separate Haruto from her.
"H-Huh? But Your Maj—"
"Nothing more, Haruto. This is the absolute rule of the kingdom."
Renne stepped in front of Haruto and bowed her head slightly.
"Your Majesty, may I have a moment to speak privately with Haruto? We have traveled a long way together."
Although Paul IV reluctantly permitted it, he looked visibly displeased. Both of them walked out of the opulent court and into the quiet hall.
"Well, that was unexpected. But this might actually work in favor of our plan."
"Maybe, but Haruto... that king gives me the creeps."
"I know. But right now, it's our best option. Focus on gathering information about the source from the inside. I'll look for clues on the outside until then. Let's stay in touch. I'll sneak in to visit you every night." Renne's face suddenly turned bright red.
"E-Every night?"
"What, is that too much?"
"N-No! Absolutely not, you can come anytime."
"Alright. Well then, goodbye for now."
"Yeah... be careful, Haruto."
Renne turned and walked deeper into the palace, while Haruto headed outside into the grounds.
Almost six months had passed since Haruto and Renne arrived in the Garlack Kingdom. Haruto had been quietly working as a common soldier the entire time.
"Hey Haruto, your shift is over. Go get some rest."
"Thanks, Bruno-senpai."
Common soldiers were the lowest rank. They usually guarded the outer perimeter of the Royal Palace or acted as the first line of defense during attacks. Haruto was specifically posted as a Royal Palace guard solely because he was friends with Luke.
"Hey Haruto, grabbed dinner yet?"
"N-No, senpai."
"Then let's grab something to eat together."
"A-Ah, I actually have some important work to take care of! See you later!" Haruto quickly ran off before Bruno could insist.
Renne had been given her own lavish room inside the palace. Suddenly, she heard a soft, rhythmic knock on her balcony door. She quickly walked over and opened it.
"You're back." Renne immediately wrapped her arms around Haruto, hugging him tightly.
"Hehe, yeah, I'm back. But hey, you shouldn't be hugging me like this. You're getting married tomorrow, remember?"
"Oh, come on. You know this is just an act so our plan works."
"Haha, I'm just joking. You look cute when you pout, though."
"Heh—what?" Renne placed her hands on her warm cheeks, looking down at the floor as her face flushed red.
"Anyway, listen, Renne. I'm going to be completely off the radar for a while during the ceremony tomorrow. You'll have to handle things on your own if something goes sideways."
"Huh? Where are you going?"
"There's a specific place I need to investigate."
For the past six months, Renne had been desperately trying to find a way to obtain the location of an artifact called the 'Eye of Estarath.' Although it wasn't a real eye, it was said to imitate one and possessed immense magical energy. However, only royal blood could activate it, and rumor had it that the artifact was traditionally brought out during royal marriages.
Because of this, Renne had formulated a plan to seduce King Paul—and she had succeeded. Tomorrow was the day of the marriage.
"Haruto... good night. Tomorrow, we finish this so we can finally go home."
"Yeah. I can't wait either."
Haruto bid her goodnight, hopped smoothly onto the balcony railing, and vanished silently into the darkness.
Just moments later, Renne heard a sudden, sharp knock on her bedroom door.
"Renne-san, are you awake?"
"Yes. Come in."
The door opened, and a girl around Renne's age stepped into the room.
"Too excited for tomorrow to sleep?"
"Ah, no, no. I just usually sleep late. By the way, what are you doing up at this hour?"
"Well, as the General of the Royal Guards, it's my duty to stay awake and ensure your safety. Especially since you and the King are getting married tomorrow," the girl said, puffing her chest out with a hint of pride.
"Now, get some sleep, Renne. You don't want dark circles on your big day, do you?"
"Ah—no, not at all. Thanks for worrying about me."