She Becomes The Hero In Another World 24 She Has An Audience With The King

At the end of the hall, upon a marble throne, sat the king.

By all appearances, while King Zephron had proper looking robes for his job, Robin noticed that he wasn't a king that liked to wear several bejeweled rings on each hand, or heavy golden chains like a rapper. Instead, the only ornament upon his person was the crown upon his head, and the scepter which rested upon his lap.

"Prince Christian offers his greetings." Christian placed his palm on his heart, and bowed at a 70 degree angle.

'He's not a greedy king, then.' Robin noted. But she still wasnt sure about him. Therefore, she decided to test him, as to whether he was sharp enough to read the meaning between the words she said. She put her hand up to her heart and bowed her head similarly to Prince Christian in greeting.

"Please forgive my lack of manners, King Zephron. As I come from far away, I am unaware of the laws of ettiquette necessary for this meeting."

Of course, her underlying meaning was this: I don't give a flick about court manners. If you are worthy of my respect, then I shall respect you. If not, then don't blame me for being impolite. I am the one who is inconvenienced here, not you.

A light flashed in King Zephron's eye as he grasped onto her underlying meaning.

"And welcome to you, Hero Robin. Of course, since you are ignorant of court manners, it is fine to dispense with all formalities for the time being."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Robin nodded, before standing straight. From her earlier probing, it seemed that Zephron was all right, in terms of kings. At least, he wasn't a stickler for court manners, and didn't seem to be an ignorant puppet ruler. Nor did he appear to be a tyrant. With just that one sentence she developed a feeling of respect for the man.

"I am curious, though, as to how you ended up here so far away from your homeland? Why do you wear a mask? Could you tell me your story?" King Zephron asked.

Robin sighed.

"Well, there's not much to tell, quite frankly.

It should only be the third day since my arrival. I was on my way home from work, when suddenly I looked up and I found myself in Kinsward town with neither prior warning, nor explanation.

Yesterday evening, I pulled the Hero's sword out of its stone. Immediately following was the news that Kelly Village was under attack. I rushed there as fast as I could, killed the orcs, and then spent the rest of the night rescuing a damsel in distress with Prince Christian, Keith, and Gerard, here.

Quite frankly, it's been a very busy three days, and I still have no idea how I got here."

"Hmm...but you still haven't answered why you are wearing a mask. Is it for some secret reason?" King Zephron asked.

Prince Christian glanced at the Hero. 'Will he actually tell him?' Christian wondered.

Robin closed one eye. "Not at all. I hide my face because when I'm not on Hero work, I do not wish to be recognized by people I have no business with. There are quite a few whom I wish to avoid. The paparazzi, a.s.sa.s.sins, ..." Robin once more enumerated the many kinds of people she did not wish to involve herself with until the king interrupted her with a merry chuckle.

"Well, of all the Heroes this country has had the pleasure of hosting, you are, by far, the most interesting." King Zephron replied. Although he didn't quite know what 'paparazzi' were, he could guess they were an unpleasant sort of people.

Off to the side, a court scribe was holding onto a small globe, recording the entire conversation. After all, it wasn't every day that the king met with a Hero. It was similar to taking a photo or a video of a famous foreigner who decided to visit one day.

"I'll take that as a compliment, then." Robin replied, inclining her head cordially.

"In fact, I should very much like to speak with you some more, however..." King Zephron darted a bitter glance at a particularly sour-looking elderly minister, then a pointed glance at Christian. "According to my schedule, I am supposed to be in a very important meeting these next few hours. Thus, I extend an invitation to you to stay overnight in the castle. Do you mind?"

Christian, having noticed that look, felt his hopes begin to falter. It did not appear that he would be able to wriggle his way out of trouble this time.

Robin smiled. "Mind? You just offered for me to stay at one of the best rooms in the capital. I should hardly think anyone would be able to refuse such an offer. I gladly accept!"

'Not to mention they won't charge money for the stay.'Robin mentally observed.

Then Robin felt a tug on her shirt. She glanced behind her, and remembered Gerard. "Ah, this one is Gerard. He's travelling with me for the time being. May he also stay here?" She asked.

"But of course!" Zephron agreed. "No Hero's companions are ever unwelcome inside this castle. I will have someone arrange it. For the time being, let Keith show you around. He's familiar with the castle, after all."

"Then, I could also-" Christian began.

"You are to remain here, Christian." the King said sternly. "I am not done speaking with you."

With great effort, Keith hide the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"By all means, do come this way." He nodded his head towards Robin and extended an arm towards a side door.

"Over to the left, you'll find the castle gardens..." He explained as he led them off.

Christian watched as his companions left him alone in the throne room with his father. His last spark of hope faded when the door shut behind Gerard.

Then the question came. "My son, I hope you have a very good explanation for all of this."