Last Day of Miglance

Hello, sir. Did you enjoy your stay with us?

Everything was great. Now I understand why the king likes it here so much.

Hahah... He honors us so much. We're doing our best to not disappoint him.

Please don't misunderstand me, we value all of our guests. Take care and see you again soon.

I'm sure I'll be back before you know it.

Well hello there, Aldo.

King Miglance! You're back.

So I am. This place is starting to feel like home. I'll be staying longer to ensure the reconstruction is going smoothly.

Not many kings would leave their castles to observe the rebuilding of their city. The country really is in good hands.

......

Did I say something wrong?

No, that's not it. Don't worry yourself.

......

In good hands... Are you so sure?

Sometimes I wonder... Do I really deserve to rule this country of the sword?

Your Majesty, pardon my intrusion!

Mm... Is it morning already?

I hope you slept well, Your Majesty. I have your schedule for the day...

I know, I'm supposed to meet with the Knight Commander.

Correct, Your Majesty. Please allow me to accompany you to the castle.

Hahah... I don't have any need of a guard. Please return to you station.

But Your Majesty...

I might not be able to defeat the Beast King, but my sword isn't just for show. Are you implying I can't handle myself?

N-Not at all, Your Majesty! Please excuse me then.

Well then, am I going to have to wait for Lakhesis in the meeting room? Maybe I'll take this chance to go out and find him myself.

I have a report, Sir Lakhesis. The flowers outside the windows are watered to perfection♪

Shouldn't that report be going to the castle gardener?

My, oh my, you're absolutely right, Sir Lakhesis!

I hope I'm not intruding on anything, Lakhesis.

Your Majesty! I didn't expect for you to come alone...

Good morning, Your Majesty!

Well if it isn't Soira... I've heard good things about you. The Sunshine Knight, was it?

Well if it isn't Soira... I've heard good things about you.

You're so sweet, Your Majesty!

Am I interrupting? I could wait in the meeting room if you prefer.

No, this isn't anything urgent. Mind giving us a moment, Soira?

Yes, sir. I'll report back once my mission is completed!

Hahah... That one sounds like trouble.

On the battlefield, she's an exceptional asset... But she's difficult to understand at times.

Anyway, about today's agenda... I've received another notice from a noble demanding immediate repairs to the castle.

Yet another?

Yes... He claims the state of the castle threatens the "dignity" of the country. Some of them have already started buying off contractors and pushing ahead the repairs.

And I assume you stopped them?

Of course. The contractors were redirected to repairing public buildings and the transportation system. But none-the-less these nobles are doing everything they can to get what they want.

These nobles are getting out of hand... However, I cannot risk insulting them due to the fact that their ancestors supported my family.

Yes, they're like a curse passed down the generations.

Let's get back to the work at hand. Give me a progress report on everything.

Understood. Baruoki has seen little damage since the Beast King's assault some time ago. We've increased our patrols in the Karek Swampland and especially Serena Coast where beasts still frequent. The capital city received the least damage since the beasts focused their attack on the castle. That leaves one more concern...

Rinde, correct?

Yes, Your Majesty. Rinde is still under constant threat of another attack.

Because it's closest to the Dusken Lands. We should've fortified the town as a frontline base.

The former Knight Commander resigned in shame because of that. But the time between their declaration of war and the battle at Rinde was too short to prepare.

I've decided then. We shall go to Rinde and personally observe the situation.

Um Your Majesty... The people may not be ready for your visit on such short notice.

That's exactly how I want it. I want to see the reality of the situation.

That makes sense. Well then, I'll prepare the carriage.

Don't rush yourself, Lakhesis. I'm sure you still have to assign tasks to the knights.

That is very thoughtful of you. Thank you.

I'll go ahead and look around the city. Meet me at the east gate.

Look who it is...

It's really you, Your Majesty. Good day to you. How interesting that you dress as though you're going to war...as always.

I saw you coming out of the petty guardroom. How humble you are to interact with the commoners.

Now now... What brings such honorable nobles to my filthy, burnt-down castle?

Honorable? Please Your Majesty, we are nothing compared to the noble radiance of your light. We were just looking for the workers we hired, but they seem to have...disappeared.

The contractors have been reassigned to where they are needed. Though you may not agree with my decision... The well-being of the people take precedence over the aesthetics of this castle.

How cruel that is... Our king has decided that our own well-being is of no importance.

I don't have time to beat around the bush. What do you want?

Some of us were having an idle chat recently when a most interesting theory came up. Had Aldo, the hero, not intervened in the battle, then you could've been defeated, plunging the kingdom into chaos.

Get to the point.

Having one king rule the country is good for smooth governance, but it has inherent risks. Should anything happen to you, the entire country would be affected.

And since our gallant king has the propensity for personally taking part in battles... Even as unlikely as it is for our king to be harmed...

Please understand that we only have the concerns of our king and country in mind.

......

Which is why we are making this humble request.

Would you entrust a portion of governance to a House of Peers that we hope to establish?

A House of Peers?

It would be made up of wise philosophers and thinkers chosen from within the noble houses.

They are experts in law and justice, and have the potential to take on more leadership roles. With them supporting you at home, you could lead our troops afield with peace of mind.

The main army of the beastfolk is broken and only the remnants must be dealt with. I doubt there will be any further battles that might risk my life.

Oh... Do you not think that there are other hyenas out there looking to finish off our weakened kingdom?

......

This is neither the place nor time to make a decision such as this. The House of Peers, was it? I shall consider it.

It seems we're not getting anywhere. Perhaps it's time to do things the hard way?

Absolutely not. He might be lost, but he is still our king. I'm sure he can be convinced...should he understand the danger of the situation.

...... They must've known I would hear them.

So they aim to threaten the king into giving up some of his governing rights. But without the support of the common people, they would be in a lot of trouble.

No point in discussing this alone. I'd better go to the east part of the city and prep the carriage.

I apologize for the delay. We are ready to depart for Rinde anytime.

Good. Let us be off then.

We have arrived. I hope you had a comfortable ride.

Oh, how I've missed the sea breeze... It's been so long since I last visited Rinde.

I assume you'll want to take some time to look around town. Meanwhile, I'll assemble the expeditionary force that we dispatched here.

Then let's meet at the lighthouse afterwards.

Yes, Your Majesty. Please stay safe.

I've received word you were coming. Are you heading to Rinde?

I understand. If you have need of me, please let me know.

I see. So the beasts have yet to give up, have they.

This will never end unless we wipe them all out.

I'm working like a slave here. Maybe I should've kept working as a mercenary so at least I'd get paid well.

I'm working like a slave here. This all better be worth it.

It's good to see you all.

Your Majesty?

I never would've imagined the king would be out here on inspection.

I thought I'd better see what's going on with my own eyes. From what I saw, the people are making the best of things, but they look exhausted.

I understand the feeling well. That is why I'm considering establishing a base for the knights in Rinde.

Hence the expeditionary force.

And you miss, may I ask who you are?

My name's Laminas. I assist Breeno, Deirdre, and the other knights dispatched here.

And I'm very grateful that you take care of my father.

As you might've guessed, she is my daughter. She was just a child when you saw her last.

Your daughter?! My my, she has grown.

That little girl was quite the troublemaker, always talking about becoming a knight. She's calmed down since then.

It's never too late, you know. I could teach her a few things. First lesson, stick 'em with the pointy end.

That's very kind of you, but no thanks. Helping and supporting knights suits me better.

Hmph... Not everybody is lucky enough to have the Knight Commander for a father.

Well, tell me if you ever change your mind. Something tells me you've got a lot of potential.

Come now, Deirdre. Let's not bother my daughter.

By the way, you mentioned setting up a base here... Does that mean we'll be here for a while?

Afraid so. You must understand the situation, and I know I can count on you. We'll start this on a trial bases, then later on...

That won't be necessary.

Your Majesty?

In the name of House Miglance, I hereby grant you permission to establish an order of knights in this town. Lakhesis, as soon as we return to the capital, you are going to start recruiting volunteers for a new army.

Are you sure about this?! Should the capital lose such a large force, the nobles will be most displeased.

Worrying about the nobles won't get us anywhere...

But you have a point. Breeno. Laminas. I want you two to stay here.

Deirdre, I'd like you to go back to the castle and assist Anabel.

Deirdre, I'd like you to go back to the castle in case there are any sudden raids.

Babysitting that ice-cold woman again? Whatever...

Me? Well, okay. As long as you pay up later.

I'll be careful to assign the more reputable troops to different stations so the nobles won't notice. What do you think, Lakhesis? I want an honest opinion from our Knight Commander.

I would've done the same. I must say, you never fail to impress me.

However...

What's your concern?

Nothing. It's fine.

Hmm... If you say so.

I guess that means we're done here. Lakhesis, I'll leave the details to you. I'll head back to the castle and get started on the next step.

I'm counting on you, brave warriors. The future is in your hands.

The future? The King's been acting weird lately. It's like he's concerned about something...

Or maybe I'm just overthinking things. At least, I hope I am...

Your Majesty, may I have a word with you about the nobles?

You don't need to tell me what I already know. I can see it in your face. They may try to buy some time, which means they may make a move on our trip back home.

Just what I was thinking. So what should we do? I could board the carriage alone and draw them out...

That'll only mean they'll take us on one at a time. And I don't have time to waste here. I've got business back in the capital...

So...we're going to ride into their trap?

There's no other way. I understand the risks, but believe me, there'll be no mercy for traitors.

Sometimes I wish you were a little less stubborn.

Hahah... As do I!

Excuse me, sir. I'd like you to stay here. Lakhesis will take the reins.

Don't be silly, Your Majesty. You may be the king here, but when it comes to the carriage, it's my responsibility. No matter how dangerous the road, it is my job to get my passengers back safe.

Your stubbornness has spread to your people, Your Majesty. I have a job to do as Knight Commander as well. You will both be safe under my protection.

And here it is...

Not bad... They managed to recruite some tough looking monsters in a short time.

Though it's not a walk in the park, I'm confident that each of us can handle one of them.

Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Did I just hear a scream?

Please don't hurt us... Our lords just ordered us to go to Rinde.

Somebody, help! I don't want to die!

They were ordered to come here?!

Dammit! They want to split us up using their servants!

How twisted can they get...

Run, Your Majesty! I'll do what I can here...

Don't even think about it! You'd be surrounded and overwhelmed by the enemy. Not even the Lance of Miglance can defeat four enemies at the same time!

But if I don't...

I can handle two of those monsters and live...which I'm sure they've anticipated.

U-Understood, Your Majesty... Please be careful.

Sorry, but I can't let this happen!

Who's that?!

I am just a traveling swordsman! I was listening in... Oops! I mean I heard a rumor... And so here I am!

By the legacy of these clothes, I guide the people with my light!

Don't get cocky! Anyone short of the Paladin can't easily take on two of those monsters at once...

I do whatever it takes to defend the people!

Ack!

A light?

I guess it is natural for one or two insects like this to buzz around a light.

This is but a daydream, and I'm here to clean things up.

What's going on?

This isn't the time for tea and small talk. These monsters mean business.

I'll fend off their blows while you two go on the attack.

I see that you're finished with the inspection. Would you like to return to Unigan?

I understand. If you have need of me, please let me know.

Up ahead is the Serena Coast. The remnants of the beastfolk make it a dangerous place. Please let me know when you're ready to leave.

I can feel it in the wind... This battle is over.

You showed up at the right time, Shield of Miglance. I'm most impressed.

My lance is as sharp as ever!

The holy sword may be gone, but the royal sword yet lives... By its name, I sentence you to death!

By the light of the holy sword... I sentence you to death!

Looks as though our job is done. It's time that we depart.

Wait! Tell me...

Now's not the time. We'll see you again...

You guys!

(Father!)

I b-better get going, too!

Hold it.

Uh oh...

Hah... I know not who you are, nor why you helped us... But allow me to say that your outfit suits you well.

......

Thank you... Your Majesty!

Take care and may the protection of the sword be with you.

......

What the beasts did here is unforgivable... You could have been killed!

The beasts? They had nothing to do with this...

Listen to me, Lakhesis. The important fact is that someone wants me dead. This does actually prove that the nobles were right. Having one ruler has its risks.

However...

This is a topic that can't be discussed here. Let's go back to the capital. Driver, can you get the horses ready? You two should come with us, too.

Oh, but we were...

I'll tell them you couldn't perform your duties because you got attacked by monsters.

Th-Thank you, Your Majesty!

The carriage is over this way. Please follow me.

Your Majesty... What are you thinking?

We have arrived. I hope you had a comfortable ride.

Thank you again, Your Majesty. We're truly grateful.

No need for that. Give my regards to your lords.

E-Erm...

We will. Please excuse us.

You're saying that their lords will be angry to learn that we've returned unharmed?

We'll see. One thing I do know is that they won't just give up and move on. They'll most likely come looking for us, and that's exactly what I want.

I have a bad feeling about this...

Your Majesty, thank goodness you've returned safely.

I heard about the terrible attack instigated by the beastfolk. It brings me great relief to see you unharmed.

Drop the act! Have you not considered the consequences of putting our king in danger?!

Hold your tongue, Lakhesis. We mustn't do this in front of the people.

The people?

What's going on?

The nobles said His Majesty has an important announcement to make.

What?!

Everyone, I have important news to deliver. It has been decided that we will establish a House of Peers.

The heck's a House of Peers?

What's that do?

The House of Peers will, on behalf of His Majesty, govern the country in his stead.

This is nonsense!

I believe you both understand by now. There must be an organization that can make decisions outside of the king's direct commands.

Perhaps you are right.

Your Majesty! There's no need to agree to this!

Lakhesis... There's something I haven't told you. I was already thinking that our mission to Rinde would be my last as king.

Y-Your last?

Did I hear that right? His last mission?

I've witnessed everyone growing stronger since our battle with the beastfolk. I now believe that this country can survive without a king.

Be that as it may, we mustn't trust the power of governance to the nobles...

My, oh my... Who would have thought our king would have the wisdom to agree with us?

Do you think I'd be so foolish? I have no intention whatsoever of entrusting any power to the House of Peers.

Y-Your Majesty? B-But you just said...

I was only stating the facts. And thus, I hereby declare...

That we shall establish the first parliament, lead by a representative elected by the people.

A parliament?!

Is something the matter? Doesn't that satisfy the role that your House of Peers would have? It will just be chosen by ALL the people.

Each citizen, including yourselves, will have the right to participate. You just have to be elected. I'm positive that your "experts" would agree with me.

Damn...

Nothing is set in stone... Come on, we'll return later.

Move out of the way peasants! This is not a show!

Y-Your Majesty. Your words, they were just meant to deceive those wealthy idiots, right?

I meant every word. I would never lie in front of my people.

So...about the mission being your last...

That was also true. Now, I have a favor to ask. Please select your most trusted members and send them to the throne room. We must not let the nobles get a step ahead of us. The first assembly must begin right away.

Yes, Your Majesty, we'll start deciding immediately.

Your Majesty... I had no idea you were considering these plans.

I have been for some time. Soon I will no longer be your king. And this country will no longer be known as the Kingdom of Miglance.

......

Don't look at me like that. I apologize for not telling you sooner. I'd like to explain why I came to this decision.

Please go on...

Haha... First, I have to admit that this is as much for me as it is for everyone else.

You see, I don't want to have my daughter bound to a life in the royal family. She'd be better off travelling the world and discovering its secrets.

And so... It became my goal to bring the throne to its end.

I see, Your Majesty. Whatever you decide, it is my honor to follow it through.

I appreciate it, Lakhesis. Now, it's about time we went to the throne room.

There is nothing I can say to change your mind, is there, Your Majesty?

No... You seem less shocked than Lakhesis was, Anabel.

Trust me, I am equally as shocked, but since Sir Lakhesis agrees, I believe all will be fine.

......

This is most overwhelming...

But I am ready to accept your crown, King Miglance.

The crown in now under my care.

Haha...

What is it, Your Majesty?

It's just... It feels strange. I'm no longer King Miglance, just Kadlim Belum Miglance. I had assumed it be this huge, historic event, but it seems I was wrong.

King... I mean, Sir Kadlim, you have earned the respect of each and every one of us during your long reign.

Lakhesis, I hope you will continue to be by my side, as my friend.

You need not even ask. It would be my honor.

Now then, it is time we discuss the establishment of the parliament. The approval of the first government measure marks the inauguration of the parliament. I'd like to ask a member not of the knights order to make the first announcement.

Well, I guess it might as well be me.

Firstly, Sir Kadlim... I believe serving as our king was no easy task. You have our eternal gratitude and respect. It was our honor to support you during your reign.

We, the first members of the parliament, have decided on our first order of business.

And that is...

To establish a symbolic monarchy.

A symbolic...

Monarchy?

In short, we ask that you take the throne again.

What are you saying?!

However, unlike before, we will advise you and play a greater role in the governance of the country. Furthermore, we do not wish for you to constantly be on the throne.

These incidents have made it clear that the country is far too dependent on the king. Going forward, we ask the king to take on some challenges...while we are able to act independently.

Plus, the king will help ease the minds of the knights and commoners during the transition.

The king will play a more symbolic role in the day-to-day governance of the country. The first act of the government is for the king to grant us the power to put decisions into action.

......

Sir Kadlim?

*sigh* And here I thought I'd finally be able to take a vacation... But there's no rest for wicked, right?

Can we take that as a "yes"?

Fine, I'll return to my role as king... At least in a symbolic role until the new system is settled.

Allow me to return your crown to you.

All hail King Miglance, defender of the people.