An Urgent Summons.

About a week of peaceful days had passed.

“Master, a summons has arrived from the royal palace. They request your presence immediately.”

“Understood. Let’s head over now.”

It was just past noon, and it was rare for His Majesty to issue an urgent summons.

In other words, the situation was likely critical.

“Very well. I shall inform the palace. Please stay safe on your way.”

Seeing off by James, Vim and his group left the estate.

“Master, are you going out?”

“Yeah, to the royal palace.”

“Then I shall accompany you.”

“Just try not to draw attention, okay?”

Walking around with multiple girls drew enough stares as it was. Vim already felt like he stood out way too much at the Guild.

“Understood.”

Diana walked right beside Vim.

Every passerby was captivated by her beauty, though she herself didn’t seem to care much about being watched.

After walking for a few minutes, they arrived at the royal palace.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

As usual, they were let inside on sight.

The guard looked slightly suspicious upon seeing a new face, but decided it was fine since she was with Vim.

“We have been expecting you. Oh, I see you have an unfamiliar face with you today.”

The attendant who always guided them remarked upon seeing Diana.

“Well, you could say she’s a new companion.”

“I see. This way, please.”

They were led to the reception room and took a seat on the sofa.

After waiting there for a short while, the reception room door opened again.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Forgive my sudden summons once again.”

His Majesty gestured for Vim and the others to stay seated as they tried to stand, then sat on the sofa opposite them.

“And who might this young lady be? I believe this is our first time meeting.”

His Majesty naturally directed his gaze toward Diana.

“This is Diana. She’s my contracted spirit.”

“W-Wait a moment. Did you just say Diana?”

“Yes. Are you familiar with her? She’s the Spirit King of Light.”

At Vim’s words, Diana gave a bright smile.

In contrast, the hand His Majesty used to hold his teacup began to tremble.

“I thought nothing you did could surprise me anymore, Vim, but it seems I was foolish.”

“Is that so? Hana and the others accepted it pretty easily.”

“It seems I have not built up that level of tolerance yet… To think you possess the capacity to form a contract with a Spirit King…”

His Majesty slowly brought the teacup to his lips.

“So, what is the matter today?”

“Ah, right. I almost forgot because I was so shocked.”

His Majesty set down his cup and began to speak.

“The truth is, we received intelligence that a massive horde of demonic beasts is heading toward the western border.”

“How many?”

“Ten thousand.”

Everyone showed expressions of shock at His Majesty’s words.

“I want you and your party to wipe them out. You are the only ones capable of moving right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“The high-ranking adventurers are off slaying wyverns that appeared in the south, while the First through Third Knight Orders and the Mage Order have been deployed to defend the eastern border.”

“So you want to keep a certain level of military force in the royal capital?”

“Precisely.”

The royal capital housed many crucial state institutions.

If they deployed any more knights or mages, the capital’s defense force would drop drastically.

“It feels like the timing is a bit too convenient, doesn’t it?”

“Do you think so too, Vim?”

“Yes.”

The timing made it seem as if the enemy was targeting the exact moment their forces were divided.

“Well, understood. We’ll go scatter them.”

“I am counting on you. Also, if this turns out to be orchestrated by another country, could you investigate that as well?”

“I’ll do what I can.”

“It might be useless to worry, but please be careful this time.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After leaving the royal palace, Vim and his party decided to head back to the estate first.