V2 Chapter 4 The Queen's Quest

V7 POV

 

" Shinigami the Queen has been expecting you, this way please."

 

A Royal servant bows to me before gesturing me to follow him down the hallway to the Throne Room. A huge room with just 3 fancy chairs, I never could understand why only royalty gets to sit down. If anyone deserves a seat it should be the people since a Queen is just a fancy title for a servant that serves everyone in the kingdom.

 

I don't understand why a servant dedicated to an entire Kingdom gets to live better than the people they serve while other servants are dedicated to one person, they are forced to live worst than their master. Humans are just weird.

 

" Knell before the presence of the Queen."

 

The royal servant ordered as he kneels down next to me silently informing me that he thinks I'm uneducated and do not know the human procedures for kneeling before someone. Pah! I have kneeled before a goddess! I don't need some fancy-dressed human to tell me how it's done! Even though I felt like so, I held my tongue and did what was told. I got down on one knee with my head bowed. The strong smells of different perfumes coming from the other high titles citizens standing on both sides of the entrance are killing me.

 

Seriously? What's the point of all these Duke and whatever standing here? What the heck kind of servant is this? I come as a solution to your problem but I am the one on my knees. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Seriously! Humans are weird! Is this what normal villages with a problem bigger than themselves do when they come to ask for help? Why are they treating these people so great? These people wouldn't exist without the people and problems of the Kingdom but here they are being treated like gods even though all they do is come up with a plan and then force the people of the Kingdom to go with it saying it's the best for the Kingdom. Shouldn't the people decide on this? I don't understand why Misaki shows her concern for these humans by putting a Version in all 7 Kingdoms of this continent, keeping them safe from any extremely dangerous situations but doesn't change their dumb systems and does everything behind the shadows.

 

" You may rise."

 

A gentle voice ordered me from the throne and I knew just by the way she spoke that she was the queen of this kingdom. I stood up to my feet just to be greeted by a very excited baby pink-haired Princess who couldn't even stay seated. Her brilliant green eyes burn through me as if I was something wonderful to little girls. ... like... like a pink magical horse with wings? I don't know what kids are into these days but that was how she was looking at me. Seriously how is her hair pink? I turn back to the Queen and try to keep my focus on the very same green eyes framed by her fiery red hair but these eyes glowed with a calm feeling.

 

" I see that you are still wearing your helmet. "

 

She comments as she gestured to my helmet.

 

" I apologize. "

 

I quickly said, wondering why that Royal servant choose to educate me on kneeling but not taking off my helmet. Was he intentionally trying to screw me over? Guess there are servants like that everywhere. I was about to take it off but then the Queen interrupted.

 

" It is fine since I was the one who summoned you here. I apologize, for my little one, she was looking forward to meeting you after watching your battle in the arena earlier. "

 

She waves my actions off with a smile as she gestures toward her daughter seated right next to her.

 

" I see, it is the greatest honor to me, for your highness to have watched my battle. "

 

I said as I bowed my head to the little Princess.

 

" I hope it was up to your expectations?"

 

I asked as I kept my head low but looked at her.

 

" It was beyond it! I can't believe you! A rookie managed to win the title! I and Whiskers were at the edges of our seats during that battle!"

 

She exclaimed with wide gestures and much enthusiasm.

 

" I'm sorry, did you say Whiskers?"

 

I rubbed my neck, silently wondering if she was the kind of princess that bullies her servants by calling them weird rude names instead of their real names.

 

" Oh! Right! Whiskers my pet tiger. Whiskers meet Shinigami, Shinigami Whiskers. "

 

She says as she bends down from her seat to pat V6 who lay at her feet. I almost didn't recognize him with the .... huge pink bow and Bell. A huge grin appeared on my face as I did my best to hold back my laugh.

 

" Wow, an actual tiger. I thought Princesses were more into ... smaller cuter cats. Not that there's anything wrong with Whiskers. Just lovely for hunting but as pets a little too much on the dangerous side for a delicate Princess.... don't you think?"

 

I did my best to hold the small talk as my mind really badly wanted to call V6 out and tease him on this. He was living in the palace as an actual pet tiger?? Oh, this just keeps on getting better and better!

 

" Yes, it's a little out of place but Whiskers is more than a pet. He's been tamed to keep the Princess safe in any situation ever since she was kidnapped when she was younger. "

 

The queen admits with a proud smile. V6 must have done a very good to maintain this cover.

 

" How horrid! Is it too much to ask..."

 

I exclaimed but at the same time was very curious, why would a little girl like that need the protection of a version? Or rather, why would V6 want to protect anyone other than Misaki? What was so special about this girl?

 

" Oh, No. She was saved by Hikaru a wandering merchant who became our most trusted knight, the Captain of the Guard, and the Queen's Bodyguard as the years went by. Most accomplished Knight in the land and one of my most dependable Knights, it was his idea to get Whiskers since all the guards with the Princess on that day failed to keep her away from harm's way. Best idea ever! There hasn't been an incident like that ever again. There have been attempts to which Whiskers proved himself time and time again."

 

She elaborated with a waving hand. His idea to get Whiskers? This must have been one hell of a lucky guy! Out of all the tigers in the world, he managed to catch a version instead. Unless this was some sort of plan for V6 to obtain his current cover?

 

" Well then Whiskers, you have earned my respect. I apologize for looking down on you earlier as a tiger. "

 

I could see V6's face twist in anger. Oh, gods! This was just too easy. I grinned as I find myself wanting to tease him even more.

 

" Oh! No, don't worry about it. No harm was done right Whiskers?"

 

The young girl assures with a waving hand. V6 let out a grunt before chuffing and rubbing his head against the princess's legs before laying back on the ground. He started laying on his side stretching out his front paws to show his claws while glaring at me. What? Angry that people take you as a joke? Yeah, buddy, I read you loud and clear.

 

" Thank you for overlooking this Princess. Now, what was this quest you wanted to hire me on?"

 

I thanked her before my gaze and attention returned to the queen.

 

" Ah, yes. Our Kingdom has been having some problems at the east border, people have been going missing."

 

She explains with a grim expression.

 

" Is this quest extremely dangerous?"

 

I asked, hoping that it would be remotely interesting since humans' quests are too easy for my version skills.

 

" It has to be since they just disappeared from their beds. It began a month ago but no one saw or heard anything out of the ordinary. 50 females and a horse are missing, all of them were of different ages. Most were around the age of 10 to 30 but there have been reports of a missing 64-year-old grandmother and a prize Gypsy. There are rumors that it might be demons."

 

She elaborated with a sigh as she leans back into her throne, sadden that such a situation was even happing to her people.

 

As soon as I heard " It has to be" My mind was bored, wondering what lame monster would I be sent to kill. I didn't pay much attention to the rest of what she said but the moment she said Demons my mind was paying full attention, racing from excitement to go there immediately and kill.

 

" Demons ?! Leave this to me!"

 

I grinned as I rubbed my hands together, happy at just the thought of killing demons.

 

" Excellent! What would you need to accomplish this? A team of the best Knights?"

 

She chimed as she gestures to one of her servants, ready to give her order and get me all that I would need. Good thing for her, I would only be needed myself for this quest. I doubt her humans and human gear could help me in this adventure.

 

" I can handle it by myself. "

 

I answered as I stood to my feet, ready to go. The crowd broke into a frenzy of opinions. Most were calling me mad or saying I was wasting the Queen's time. I bowed to her and was about to leave when the Queen called out to me.

 

" Shinigami, you have not named your prize yet."

 

She reminded as she stood up. The only reward I want is killing the demon lord or demons or a deadly challenge but saying that to the Queen is super out of line.

 

" I trained for the sole purpose of protecting and which I will uphold until my final breath.

 

I will not accept any reward on any quest that has innocent lives hanging in the balance."

 

I said with a grin, leaving the room.

 

" Well, that's very heroic. "

 

A Knight leaning against the wall outside the throne room says to me with a smile. I nod my head to him before continuing my path back to my Caravan.

 

" Aren't you going to wait for the Knights that the Queen has arranged to help you?"

 

He asks me as he rushes after me.

 

" I don't require help for this quest, kid."

 

I informed him as I waved him off.

 

" But! You don't even know what you're facing! Not to mention you might be fighting hordes of demons!"

 

He explains trying to change my already made-up mind. Hordes?! Killing so many demons?! What a treat!

 

" Perfect!"

 

I purred as I rubbed my hands together in glee, already picturing myself in murdering mayhem.

 

" Isn't that extremely dangerous?!"

 

He exclaimed as he walked right behind me, sticking a little too close for my liking. Hehehehe... More demons for me! I have dreamt of this day for so long!! Well, all those dreams also include the Demon Lord..... but better than no demons.

 

" Which is why no one should throw away their lives for this quest."

 

I said as I paused by the exit to give him a stern look to let him know that I don't need any of their help.

 

" But aren't you doing just that?!"

 

He says in concern as he blocks my path.

 

" What is the use of them if they can't even detect the foe?"

 

I place a hand on his shoulder and move him out of my way. I then continued my way down the Palace's steps to my Caravan.

 

" Even so! There's no way you'll be able to handle it on your own!"

 

He yelled out, with a tone that made him sound, so sure of it.

 

" That's for me to decide, kid."

 

I pulled myself onto my Caravan and was about to take my horse's reins from the Servant but the Knight takes them from him as I reached out for it.

 

" There's no way you're doing this alone."

 

He demanded. Who the hell this guy thinks he is? Ordering me around like that, foolish human.

 

" And there's no way I will ask for help especially when I know nothing of the foe which will lead to the death of many. Now would you just leave me be? You wouldn't want to disappoint your Queen, right? Now be a good kid and follow orders."

 

I say as I grab back my reins from him as soon as I got it back I gave my horse the signal to run.

 

" Finally!! Demons!!

 

I imagine killing them with my own two hands as I rode past the outer gate of the Palace's walls. I then heard the sound of another horse coming towards me at full speed.

 

" Please no more trouble. "

 

I muttered to myself hoping it would just pass me by. The horse then slows down next to my Caravan and matches my pace. I sigh as I look at the rider, whom of course! Was the Knight from before.

 

" Of course. ...."

 

I thought as I facepalmed.

 

" Oh! What a coincidence! Looks like we are heading I'm the same direction."

 

He chimed like it wasn't obvious that it wasn't true.

 

" Oh? Really? I was heading towards Ralux, kid. You really going the same way?"

 

I randomly said hoping that it would, by some miracle work and he would leave me alone. He gave a confused look. Giving me hope that it might work, he might leave me alone!

 

" Well, then I hope you don't mind the company. "

 

He smiled as he continues to ride by my side. Of course, it won't work.

 

" I don't but I plan to ride through the endless forest which isn't for kids to play around in. Go, home kid."

 

I replied as I glared at him.

 

" The forest rumored that anyone who enters will never find a way out without god or luck by their side? What a great shortcut!"

 

He praised me as he pats me on the shoulder. Great?! Great shortcut??! How is that??

 

" ..... yes..... *Sighs* Aren't kids supposed to be easy to scare off? You know what? I forgot that I needed to... kill myself. So why don't you go on ahead and I'll meet you there? That's if you don't lose your way because of some magical gingerbread house and get eaten by a witch, kid."

 

I sighed, feeling exhausted already.

 

" You ran out of scary areas didn't you?"

 

He asked as he nods knowingly.

 

" Yes, but in my defense, I spend most of my life in the Kingdom Eclipse."

 

I added hoping it would make me look less lame in some insignificant way.

 

" That's the neighboring Kingdom, that's isn't much of an excuse."

 

He pointed out as he brought his steed closer to my caravan.

 

" Well, I didn't have plans on leaving it for any other Kingdom."

 

I shrugged as I relaxed in the driver's seat.

 

" I see.... so what's changed?"

 

" Someone threaten to take away what was promised to me."

 

" Is it ..."

 

" Yes, it is pushing your luck to ask about it. Know your limits and get your ass back home kid."

 

" Sorry about that. Anyway, what's your plan for detecting the enemy?"

 

" Let's see Step 1 Get rid of the annoying kid pestering me."

 

I listed out as I side-glanced at him, hoping he would get the message and leave me alone.

 

" Oh, that's a hard one. Any ideas?"

 

He spoke as if he truly didn't know I was talking about him.

 

" Maybe abandoning him in his sleep but I doubt that it would be that easy. "

 

" True, since your Caravans wheel needs oil which causes that squeaking."

 

He pointed at back wheel as he informed.

 

" SO THAT WAS WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT! I was stumped for the past week trying to figure it out. "

 

I exclaimed as I fist-palm my hand, in realization.

 

" Couldn't you have just had it checked out at the local blacksmith?"

 

" My previous job required me to be expedited and try not to be recognized by the people. Which meant I could only interact with people once a month or so."

 

" What were you working as? A thief?"

 

" More like an assassin."

 

I awkwardly clarified my cover staus, wondering how well it would work since it was my first time interacting with a human on a more personal level.

 

" Why go to such lengths to keep your life secrecy?"

 

" Working as an assassin brings many enemies, besides having a secret is like a bubble it will come to the surface sooner or later. Which will bring harm to anyone who has interacted with me? Better be invisible and have no one than that, right? That way I would have no weaknesses. "

 

" Sounds Lonely, is that why you become Shinigami?"

 

" No, I was looking for someone much stronger than me in Katusha."

 

" Then why accept this quest?"

 

" Because it's extremely dangerous and might have demons! Duh! What kind of question is that?!"

 

" Yeah but..."

 

Oh, gods! Why does he keep talking? Why does he want to get to know so much about me? Can't we just travel in silence? Man..... Maybe I can scare him away. I held a blade to his neck.

 

" You know what I can do with a blade, better turn back now or be prepared. Now, are you going to make the right choice kid?"

 

" ..... Yeah, that's not going to work on me, if you wanted to do that, you should have done it before meeting the Queen or not tell her you, live by a code. And by the way, Killing the Queen's Knight is just begging for trouble."

 

I sigh as I put back my blade.

 

" I'm never going to get rid of you am I?"

 

" Yup."

 

" *Sigh* Fine! But anything that's extremely dangerous or a demon is my kill! You see them! You do not engage! You tell me! You got that?!"

 

" Yes, Sir!"

 

"* Sigh* Kids, never know when to give up.... what is this world coming to?"

 

I said with a heavy sigh wanting him just to go away.

 

" By the way, I'm not a kid. My name is Hikaru."

 

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News With V3

Now just in, the Mistake even against the Grand Elders decision has just been promoted to Version status and given the title Version 4.1. Summary of how the Mistake was born, 14 years ago Misaki realized she left another growth tube running while awakening Little 7 from his slumber. The Mistake was also at his awakening age, but when he was taken out his number was a distorted 4 . He is a failed version but Misaki placed him under the care of V2. And now that rat has replaced V4."

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