"Guards!" Yuval bellowed, desperation fueling his strength. His eyes were wide with fear as the figure stood firm before him unshaken and unbothered.
The guards burst in through the door, alert and ready to protect their king. They flicked on the lights to illuminate the room and see clearly what threatened their Lord.
They prattled about the room looking for the danger, while Yuval watched them with utter disbelief.
The figure, revealed to be a young man draped in all black attire with a katana hanging by his side, was clearly standing in front of his bed. Yet, they act as though he was a ghost.
He couldn't comprehend whether it were the guards that lacked common sense or him simply imagining things.
Was the young man clearly in front of him an illusion only he could see?
After a while of prattling about and finding no danger, the guards turned to Yuval with a questioning look.
"My Lord?" They questioned which baffled Yuval the more.
But before Yuval could find his tongue, the system spoke.
Yuval's gaze flickered toward the system, his voice coming out in whispers.
"He is? Then why didn't you tell me quickly? I almost made a fool out of myself."
Yuval exhaled aloud, his muscles that had gone stiff finally relaxing.
"Where has he been since? And why did he sneak into my chambers this late at night?" Yuval continued lowly, his voice barely above a breath.
Hearing this, a satisfying smile bloomed across Yuval's face.
A fool isn't all he is, after all. He has the brains to send someone out on a mission, heh!
"What kind of mission?"
Yuval's satisfied smile disappeared, turning into a deadpan stare.
For real?!
"I have wives in the capital?" He questioned with a weary look, tired and emotionally drained.
"Knights?"
Yuval sighed softly, too tired to digest so much information this late at night.
"I didn't know Yuval could allow any of his wives such freedom."
"I see…" Yuval responded, his eyes blank.
The guards still in the room stared awkwardly at him, glancing to themselves and back. Yuval had been whispering inaudible things for a while, so they couldn't help but wonder and fear for his mental health.
So, even though he's impotent and can't intimately satisfy them, he still demands they stay loyal and keep their bodies untouched.
And for that, he sent his most trusted ally on such a mission. Sigh!
Lifting his weary gaze, Yuval dismissed the guards then turned his focus to his so-called most trusted ally.
"What's he called?"
What a name.
Seeing Yuval's gaze and focus on him, Derim lowered himself into a bow. He had been silent since entering the chamber and was a bit surprised when his Lord acted so strange at the sight of him.
But seeing him back to normal, his mind was back at ease.
"They remain loyal, Sire. As always, they're only about their work, nothing else,> Derim reported.
"I see."
The capital must be far from here, how did he get there? Or is he like those ninjas who fly through the sky?
Yuval's gaze scrutinized Derim, observing his all black traditional attire that was akin to those worn by powerful figures back in the days. A flowing coat that fitted his size perfectly, over a black trouser and a pair of black boots.
His hands were covered with black gloves.
By the side of his waist was strapped a sheathed katana. His hair was midnight black, short and only reaching his brows. It was well trimmed with no parted sides.
His gaze seemed cold and devoid of emotions, but it was peaceful. His skin from the little he could see, which was from his face, was pale unlike his.
Yeah, he resembles one.
Yuval leaned toward the system and whispered softly.
"Is he strong?"
Bet! He looks like it.
To Derim, he continued.
"Is that all?"
"Yes, Sire."
I don't know for how long he's been working without rest, but I really need him to do something for me.
"I have another mission for you," Yuval blurted, staring at him to catch his reaction. But Derim remained still and blank.
He's probably used to all this anyway.
"I want you to spy on my brother," Yuval started.
Ever since I refused his request and told him I'd think about it, I've been curious how he took it. And what he might do.
This is good. Having an ally I can send on secret and personal missions.
"We recently had a meeting that I'd say didn't go quite well for them. So I want you to check how things are with him and report back to me."
With his hands folded firmly behind him, his posture straight and rigid, Derim replied.
"Yes, Sire. Which one?"
"Huh?" Yuval's mouth slowly hung open, unable to comprehend the question.
"Which of your brothers is it?" Derim rephrased.
The muscles in Yuval's face locked up, keeping his mouth agape.
"What do you mean which—how many bro—"
I have more than one brother?!
He slowly turned his head to the system which averted its gaze, unwilling to look at Yuval.
Yuval turned back to Derim, swallowing his spit.
"H-how many are they?" He questioned with a pounding heart.
"Huh? They're four, Sire."
Yuval flopped back onto the bed, the mattress jolting beneath him and bouncing him a few times before settling.
I do not have just one brother after my neck, but four? No one told me this.
Most especially, what was my old man thinking giving me the throne?!!!