Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons-Chapter 227: A Deal With The king

"Resources," the king echoed. "Including your... unique manifestation abilities?"

Arthur inclined his head. "Including all the guild's capabilities."

"How generous." The king's tone balanced between sincerity and skepticism. "And what does Power expect in return for such loyalty?"

"Fair treatment. Non-interference in guild operations. And..." Arthur met the king's gaze directly, "protection from those who might oppose a new player on the board."

The king's lips curved into a slight smile. "You speak of the Four Families."

"Among others."

King Alaric leaned forward. "You offer loyalty to gain protection, yet true loyalty requires no compensation."

"True loyalty flows both ways, Your Majesty."

The throne room fell silent. Such directness before the king was rarely witnessed.

Then, surprisingly, the king...laughed

Elara glanced at her father with unexpected shock, it was a genuine laugh from her father that she hadn't heard in a long time.

'He laughed?'

"You are really...Refreshing, Guild master Azarel," he declared.

Elara stepped forward. "Father, I believe Guild Master Azarel would make an excellent addition to the Royal Guild Council."

The king's eyes narrowed at his daughter's unexpected interjection. "The Council seats are traditionally held by established guilds with decades of service."

"Tradition can evolve," Elara replied. "Especially when faced with the first manifestation in so long."

Arthur remained silent, watching the royals discuss.

After a long moment, the king nodded. "A probationary seat, perhaps. Dependent on continued demonstration of the... loyalty..."

"Thank you, Father," Elara said, a hint of triumph in her voice.

The king rose from his throne. "We will watch Power's growth with great interest, Guild Master. Do not disappoint us."

Arthur bowed, precisely the depth protocol required, no more, no less.

"Power serves Caldera, Your Majesty.

Alaric's silver eyes narrowed, something dangerous flickering in their depths.

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"Don't you think it's time to take that off?" The king smiled, though his smile promised consequences rather than warmth.

Arthur stiffened. "Take what off, Your Majesty?"

Between one heartbeat and the next, the king vanished from his throne—and reappeared directly in front of Arthur.

No warning. No movement. Simply there.

Elara gasped. "Father...?"

Alaric ignored his daughter, his silver eyes boring into Arthur's. "I said, take it off."

Arthur's heart hammered in his chest. 'He saw through it? None of the four patriarchs were able to see through Loki's Mask. It's an epic-rank item.'

But the king's expression left no room for denial.

"I apologize, Your Majesty," Arthur said, forcing his voice to remain steady. "I wear this so much that I forgot I had it on."

Arthur reached up and touched his face, triggering the mask's release. His features rippled and changed, revealing his true appearance.

'This king is dangerous. He's the first to bypass Loki's Mask...'

Elara's eyes widened in surprise.

Alaric studied Arthur's real face with clinical detachment. "Your loyalty is jeopardized, Azarel... or is that your fake name too?"

Arthur met the king's gaze. No point in further deception.

"Arthur is my real name, Your Majesty."

"But Azarel is the name you used elsewhere, yes? Among the Four Families?"

Arthur said nothing.

The king stepped back. "A man wearing a mask, flying a black banner, triggering a manifestation." He shook his head. "History repeats itself in curious ways."

Elara moved to her father's side. "Father, what does this mean?"

"It means, my daughter, that your new classmate is more than he appears." The king's eyes never left Arthur. "The question is whether he's a threat or an ally."

Arthur made a swift calculation. "An ally, Your Majesty. My circumstances don't allow me to show my real face,"

"While hiding your true face? While provoking the Four Families? While seducing my daughter's interest?"

"Father!" Elara's cheeks flushed crimson.

Arthur bowed his head. "I meant no disrespect to the crown. The mask was... a precaution."

"Against?"

"Those who might oppose a new guild. And, a few other enemies that I have made or will make by making my identity public"

The king laughed sharply. "A reasonable concern, given that ten Shadowhand assassins targeted your guild last night."

Arthur couldn't hide his surprise.

'The crown protected my guild whilst I was gone?'

As if reading his thoughts, Alaric smiled. "I know everything that happens in my city, Arthur."

Elara shifted uncomfortably.

The king continued. "Including my daughter's unusual interest in your protection."

Arthur glanced at Elara, pieces clicking into place.

"I see," he said simply.

"Do you?" The king turned away. "I think not. Not yet."

His silver eyes hardened as he faced Arthur again. "Prove to me that you are an ally, or I will not wait for the Four Families to deal with you... I will do it myself."

The threat hung in the air, impossible to misinterpret.

Elara gulped, her composure cracking. She'd never seen her father act like this—so direct, so threatening.

Arthur sighed before nodding. "Your Majesty, I will prove my loyalty." He glanced around the crowded throne room. "But I can't show it with people inside."

The king's eyebrows shot up. "Interesting," he said, a smile spreading across his face.

Elara looked at Arthur in shock, as if betrayed. Her golden eyes flashed with hurt.

Arthur didn't return her gaze. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, but young people were bound to make mistakes. He couldn't risk his secrets spreading because of someone's careless words.

The king studied his daughter for a moment. "Elara, go get me some tea."

"Father!" She pouted at the obvious dismissal. "I'm not a—"

"Now, Elara."

With a final glare at Arthur, she stormed out, her golden hair swinging behind her.

The king waited until the doors closed.

"Now tell me," the king commanded.

Arthur shook his head. "I won't tell you, Your Highness... I will show you."

He reached into his inventory—a movement that made the king tense—and withdrew something small.

He held it out in his palm.

The king's speed was supernatural. One moment on his throne, the next directly before Arthur, staring at the object in disbelief.

"This..." The king's voice faltered. "Where did you get this?"