"What do you think?" Damian's voice echoed in the grand hall.
He was kneeling on one knee, facing the middle-aged man who sat on the throne. He was none other than the Greenwood Kingdom's king, Theodore El Greenwood.
Because this matter was extremely important and related to Noel, Raincart was also summoned to the palace.
Theodore looked down for a moment before glancing to the side, finding Raincart looking away. His face was a bit distorted, not because he was concerned about Noel's situation but because he found this plan amusing.
"What do you think, Raincart? You don't have to hold back your laughter," he said while shaking his head helplessly.
"Are you sure about it? Well…" Raincart let out a loud laugh as if he had gone insane. There was no way Raincart would be happy to see his grandson send himself to his own grave. However, Raincart added, "That plan is so ridiculous that I actually support it."
Theodore and Damian raised their eyebrows, not expecting this kind of answer.
"Apologize for interrupting." Damian furrowed his eyebrows. "But this is an extremely reckless plan. There is a high chance that we will die."
"Yeah, I know." Raincart nodded with a serious expression. "However, if you take another look at it, they've become desperate to think that this path is the only way to go forward."
"Desperate? They have been cornered so much by the Supreme Devil Organization that they have to do it if they want to survive. Is that what you mean?" Theodore asked while stroking his chin as though he were still thinking about it.
"Exactly. If you look at it optimistically, you can see at least four benefits. First of all, the trip will be dangerous, but the reward is so great that they won't be cornered anymore. If we can go with them and somehow succeed, that one thing might be worth a single expedition or even more."
"Secondly, you can actually get more runes from him, including the new type of rune. As much as I don't like to see you extorting my grandson, he is the one offering it. So, it's better to accept it."
"As for the third benefit, they said nothing about the hermit, right? But I don't think there is anyone in the Greenwood Kingdom or the Muivell Kingdom that could be considered one. And if that hermit was that strong, then I'm afraid the identity of that hermit is far more special."
"Hmm?" Theodore picked up the hidden message from his statement as he couldn't help but interject, "Special and not from the kingdoms… Are you telling me…"
"Yeah, Your Majesty. I believe that this hermit comes from a distant kingdom, which is said to be ruled by non-humans. I can't say much about the details, especially how they can find this information, but making a connection with such a person will be extremely beneficial for us."
"I mean, according to the legend, their kingdom is within the area of future expansion of this kingdom. By making an early connection, we have the chance to learn about their territory. Who knows, we might be able to establish a trade with them before our expansion reaches their place."
Theodore couldn't rule out such a thing as it was truly extremely beneficial for them. It might be something that his descendants would reap, but it would surely pave the way for their kingdom.
Theodore asked, "What about the last benefit?"
"Currently, Damian is in a close relationship with Noel. By accepting this request, that bond will become stronger. Even if he doesn't become our ally, I'm sure that he won't be our enemy thanks to the bond with Damian. And on this trip, Damian will be able to learn about his growth."
"I mean, they are planning to get stronger rapidly, right? Although Damian has begun teaching Noel, he hasn't seen a lot of results. And since the progress is a secret due to the nature of the ability, it's better if we set another test on this trip to figure out his potential."
Theodore could understand what Raincart was thinking. On the one hand, he seemed to be trying to exploit his grandson. On the other hand, everything he said showed his full support for his grandson. In fact, he was trying to make Damian join so that Noel's safety would increase tremendously.
Even though he didn't look like it during the conversation, Raincart was extremely protective of his grandson. He just couldn't do it on the court.
Theodore looked at Damian, asking, "How about you, Damian? This is an extremely risky mission. So, I want to hear whether you want to do it or not. There is no need to say you will accept my decision or something. I want to hear your thoughts."
Damian didn't answer immediately. He made sure he worded his answer correctly.
"If I speak clearly, then this mission is extremely risky. I don't really want to do it. The risk is simply that big. However, I can't deny that the benefits are extremely tempting. It feels like my patriotism is getting fired up."
Theodore smirked. "Alright. I have received your thoughts."
He rose from his throne and declared, "Damian, as the king of the Greenwood Kingdom, I order you to accept the agreement and help Noel reach his desired place. Do anything necessary to get the most benefit while avoiding unnecessary problems in the future."
"If you can complete this mission and bring back all the rewards to the kingdom, depending on your contribution, you might be able to become a Marquis. And I'll surely reward you properly."
"Ha!" Damian lowered his head. "I shall accept this mission for the prosperity of the Greenwood Kingdom."
The king walked to Damian and patted his shoulder two times, saying in a gentle tone. "This is going to be extremely dangerous. Make sure you return to this place alive, understand?"
Damian smiled. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Theodore glanced at Raincart and said, "You are not going to get angry if Damian returns after deeming the mission unsuccessful, right? We can't hurt national stability."
"Hmph." Raincart harrumphed and looked away. On the one hand, he didn't like that idea since he wanted his grandson to be safe. On the other hand, it didn't change the fact that Noel suggested a reckless plan. So, he didn't say anything.
Damian politely bowed to them before leaving the room.