[Nightmare]

"Why is it that the Kozen army is equipping troops to send to Alzeria, and we have not yet sighted any monsters?"

Liliana's eyes pressed down on Helix with a steely gaze.

The gravity in the room doubled instantly, and cold sweat dripped down Helix's shoulder blades.

Both men next to him were tense, and the Royal Knights wore serious expressions.

"It was a matter of time and perceived urgency, your grace." Helix replied.

"As was mentioned in my letter, General Lackbolt was informed of the potential attack on the Capital.

If you were to send him a letter, you could easily call it off—"

"This is not a question of whether I can stop their troops." Liliana interjected with a cold tone.

"I'm asking why you decided to request support from a neighboring ally upon Alzeria's behalf."

Macron winced, and the other people in the room wore cold expressions.

"Master Tyrene's death was a massive blow to this army.

The intel she acquired suggested an attack as early as tomorrow.

That is why Master Tyrene ended my training two months ahead of schedule.

The trip to Kozen takes a month.

If we were to need reinforcements, no country could supply us with troops because of travel time alone.

Diplomatic meetings and other concerns were pressing.

However, I saved the lives of nearly a thousand Kozen soldiers, had proof of the claims, and the country owed me a debt for helping them defeat a beast capable of destroying their country." Helix explained.

"I also helped them obtain defensive material capable of equipping their army, so I alleviated their resource costs.

As a partner of Samma Shaw, I had access to tailors that could create the armor and gifted Kozen the other Stalkwalker hand to auction off for resources.

I was in a unique position and had the resources and temporary influence to aid this kingdom.

I used that influence to act preemptively under the expectation her majesty would turn the soldiers away if she deemed the measure unnecessary."

Liliana's eyes widened in shock.

The two men next to him had the same expressions.

,m Macron's eyes were trembling in confusion as well.

"Defense Chief Salkey, General Masov, please rise." Liliana requested.

The two men stood up straight with their hands behind their backs.

Helix and Macron's eyes widened in shock.

"Do you have questions for this young man?" Liliana asked.

"I do, your majesty." Salkey requested.

Lilliana nodded her head.

The man turned to Helix.

"Are you a traitor?" He asked with a cold voice.

"No, Defense Chief Salkey." Helix replied with a beating heart.

"From what I understand, people almost assassinated you three times in this city." Salkey prefaced with narrowed eyes.

"Before you left, you were involved in a massive security threat.

You were only away for three months, but now an army indebted to you is heading our way, you've thrown our Capital into disarray, and you're training dangerous Earthians that are now loyal to only you.

Forgive me for being so forward, but you're a threat if you and your friends are as strong as you claim."

Liliana's eyes trembled, and Macron's eyes did the same.

"I understand your concerns and suspicions." Helix replied after a deep breath.

"I am not an enemy of any description. If you wish me to leave the Capital before official training for the Earthians begins, we will do so right away."

The man narrowed his eyes at Helix.

"That wasn't much of an answer." Salkey scoffed.

"Forgive me, Chief Salkey. Everything you've said is true, and I cannot refute your words." Helix replied.

"I do not plan to stay in Alzeria beyond the winter, so I cannot be considered a loyal Alzerian.

If the impending attack were to happen tomorrow, I would not stay past the battle."

Liliana, Salkey, and Masov's eyes widened in shock.

"It's as you say. I don't want to be here after what happened to me." Helix continued.

"Alzeria brought me here against my will, people tried to kill me relentlessly, and my lover died.

However, I owe life debts to Master Tyrene, Princess Eliza, Chief Elsa, Master Tilo, Macron, and her majesty.

There are many Earthians and servants that I wish to protect as well.

For those reasons, and those reasons alone, I have returned.

I will not let people in Alzeria die after all they have done for me.

I'm only fast tracking influence to obtain communication with you in the event of an emergency.

That's why I emphasized my Alzerian citizenship."

Those present couldn't believe what they were hearing.

His words were contradictory to his speech the night before.

"The Earthians are also extremely dangerous." Helix continued.

"The reason I'm training them is to prepare them for an attack, should it be large enough to require them.

However, I do not do so haphazardly.

We are building a new legal system that we can safely hand over to the Alzerian kingdom.

It's possible because I, the weakest of my parties, have enough strength to kill all of them if they cause trouble.

That is the only reason I planned to stay until the end of winter."

More shock washed over the room.

"Therefore, if you suspect me of being a traitor for your reasons, I cannot defend myself against them." Helix concluded.

Thirty seconds of silence passed after that.

"Sir Helix. You spoke to the entire Alzerian army last night as a loyal Alzerian Knight." General Masov prefaced.

"Do you understand the gravity of lying to our people?

People are supporting you as an Alzerian and are fighting for your reputation.

If they learned of this, it could throw this entire city into disarray."

Helix sent a wry smile to the floor.

"I do, General Masov." He replied simply.

"Then why would you casually expose your deceit!" Salkey snapped.

"Because I do not wish to lie to her majesty when my intentions are already known, and I don't want thousands to die." Helix replied with a cool voice.

The atmosphere chilled instantly.

"If the monster attack I believe is approaching is linked to the Colossus' awakening from hibernation, everyone in this city will be slaughtered."

Helix's voice was as cold as ice.

"If one of my partners willed it, they could destroy this entire city single-handedly.

With that being the case, if we're seeking reinforcements, it means the attack we anticipate will wipe out this entire country before moving on.

It's also the reason I'm speaking to you today and requesting your support."

"Is that a threat, Helix Margrave?" Masov asked with a cool voice.

"No, General Masov. As I've mentioned, I will leave the city peacefully if her majesty or her army seeks it." Helix replied.

"I'm not here to play political games or be the hero.

If you do not wish for us to be here, we will leave peacefully and not help you fight.

My presence here is to aid you.

If you believe me a traitor, I will leave and consider my debt paid."

Helix was genuinely fed up with the nonsense he was experiencing.

His political tact only went so far when his presence was for their benefit.

"Sir Helix. Are you willing to be held in confinement until further ruling?" Liliana asked.

"Queen Liliana. Did you just say ruling?" Helix scoffed.

He stood up, and the guards unsheathed their swords.

Helix ignored them, turned around and walked toward the door.

—

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