My Free Will System: Transmigrating Into My Favorite Immersion Game

"Here I am King Alaric," Elias said, bowing slightly to the throne

King Alaric was sitting lackluster on his throne, tracing his fingers on the detailed patterns carved on the armrest of his throne, and the Queen; Seraphina sat beside him, as graceful and dignified as ever, staring holes into Elias with an expression that boldly spelled out her dissatisfaction.

King Alaric adjusted himself in his seat as soon as he noticed Elias' presence,

"Elias Ashdown, where have you been? I have had my soldiers on the lookout for you. I thought you might have run away boy, scared of your own challenge" He spoke with an underlying mocking tone

'I guess there's no need for him to act nice and polite anymore. In his mind, he has me where he wants…just a few more days till he realizes'

"I simply went sightseeing King Alaric, your kingdom is nice on the eyes. You are a truly dutiful king" Elias remarked

"Haha, is that so? How insulting of me to assume you would run away, but allow me to ask, just what part of my kingdom did you so much like that you decided to spend the night there, rather than my castle?"

Elias slightly bowed his head and replied, "Can you let me keep a secret King Alaric?"

"Why not? Everyone has a secret, so why would I stop you from having one?"

"Then allow me to keep my last night's location a secret sir" He demanded

King Alaric squinted his eyes, staring intently at Elias, but Elias remained unfazed by it, "Very well then, keep your secret. It's just three days left till the challenge day, for your sake, I hope you're prepared"

"I like to think I am" Elias answered

Since he was already in the presence of the king, and the other family heads were not around to interfere, now was a good time for Elias to bring up the flares' situation, specifically Loria's proposition.

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Elias began, "King Alaric, during my sightseeing yesterday, I couldn't help but notice something that deeply troubled me"

A puzzled expression donned on the King's face, "Troubled? Just what is it that troubles you, Elias Ashdown?" He queried

Elias' expression became intense and his gaze fixed on the king, "The flares, the ones called the collared people, I heard about them and the danger they pose to your kingdom but I couldn't help but think there's a better way to keep their abilities in check than slapping a mind-numbing collar on their necks like dogs" he explained

Queen Seraphina's expression noticeably shifted at Elias mention of the flares, a somber expression, like one who recollected a memory that was better forgotten.

King Alaric's expression matched Elias' as his gaze narrowed to Elias, "As you have said, their existence is a threat to my kingdom. I too wish there was a better way for them to cohabit with the rest of the kingdom but sadly there isn't, at least none that I know of" He shrugged

Elias took a bold step forward, "So you're saying, if there's a better way, you would opt for that rather than the current situation," He asked

The king's gaze intensified, "Of course, after all, what is my duty as a king than to make everyone in the kingdom happy" He said in a tone that didn't sound entirely convincing

Elias did not crack under the King's intensity, instead, he pressed on boldly, "Then I am glad to let you know that there is a better way"

"Hmm, a better way? Let's hear it" Alaric demanded

"There is a crystal, tested and proven to have the same containing effects as the collar but without the mind-numbing side effects. The crystal can be found at a cave in—."

"A cave in the Highlands" Alaric interrupted Elias, "I have certainly heard of this…crystal, but let me ask you one question Elias Ashdown" He continued, as he stood up, looking down at Elias from his throne

"Just where did you get this information from? Did the uncollared flares tell you? I've been looking for them." He demanded, and for a brief moment, Elias saw an expression on the King's face. A twisted expression that portrayed a burning rage and at the same time a sweet delight.

This caused Elias to feel concerned as the hair on his body stood on full alert, even the Queen felt like she lost some air at that moment and she let out an audible gasp

But Elias stood his ground nonetheless, refusing to take a step back, "From a passing traveler who is likely out of the Heartland by now" Elias replied

The King sighed, "I see. Did the passing traveler also tell you that the cave you speak of is guarded by a magical beast the size of a mountain? I don't see how this is the easier route" He said

"It is not the easier route but the better route King Alaric. I'm sure that creature is nothing comparable to the might of Eldoria's soldiers.

Judging by the description alone, it looks like something a few strong mages should be able to handle, even if it is just to recover the crystals" Elias explained

The king looked blankly at Elias, "I cannot spare the manpower for that. You of all people should know the situation with the demons' unpredictable emergence.

There's nothing wrong with the current situation of the flares, at least I don't see any of them complaining" He said waving Elias off nonchalantly as he sank back into his throne

Elias's face squeezed into a frown, "They aren't complaining, because they cannot complain thanks to their collars"

"Exactly," Alaric said, clicking his tongue and winking at Elias, "No complaints equals no problem. Or has any uncollared flare, or perhaps a group of them come to you?" He asked with a foreboding tone

'What a sinister man, he definitely knows about the uncollared flares, and judging by his earlier reactions, he has been looking for them. His question is an attempt to bait me to give up the flares Elias mused

"No King Alaric" Elias replied flatly, as he tried to contain his frustration

"Then there's nothing further to discuss, hahaha" Alaric laughed

"Then I will take care of the beast myself," Elias announced

"What nonsensical jargon are you spouting?"

"I will take care of the magical beast myself and bring the crystals back" Elias demanded

"You? Take care of that beast? That beast is the real deal, not some cow. Don't get ahead of yourself, being the chosen child of light doesn't make you invincible, boy"

'Boy?…breathe Elias, just four more days till you set everything straight' Elias thought to himself

"It is not a request, but a declaration. I'm telling you beforehand out of respect" Elias said firmly, looking the King dead in the eye

[+10 000 FWP]