In the World of Sword and Magic as Space Marine

Chapter 37: Last Dinner Guest

The Draphia, City of Colors, welcomes the Crown Prince and the rest of the heroes as they march through the main street with cheers. Prince Benton and the Duchess rode their horses since Viscount Lindver provided the mount after realizing VIPs were in rough shape.

Meanwhile, William and his two personal guards (One Space Marine and one Tech Marine) follow the VIPs on foot. There was no need to ride a horse since their superhuman physical traits allow them to match the pace or outrun them; no horse could carry a fully equipped Space Marine due to their weight.

Keeping his promise and following the city's protocol, William left his army outside the city with Sergeant Space Marine in charge until William returned. Thanks to the helmet's short-range radio, William can communicate with his army and his bodyguards if it is needed. As for the army, they immediately set up the camps and guard positions, making sure there was no weakness from possible attack. Half of the Catachan Jungle Fighters disappeared into the forest to which no one was able to find out what they are up to as they merged into shadow.

When the group arrived at the Viscount's castle, they were welcome again with many servants and minor nobles. A particular group of servants caught William's attention as he recognized the Crown Prince's servants and head butler, Mr. Jon. William was already aware that Prince Benton left most workers back at Deron but retained his servants when they left the city a few days ago. Sir Dolven and his knights bought enough time for non-combatants to escape when Kharak's Warband ambushed them.

"Mr. Jon and the rest of the servants arrived this morning. They were tired and exhausted, but Mr. Jon managed to inform me of the ambush, which I immediately began gathering forces to send tomorrow morning. Imagine my surprise when city guards alert the entire city for a possible siege after hearing the news." Viscount Lindver explains to Prince Benton as Crown Prince's face brightens up after seeing his close friends survived the ambush.

The reunion was tearful as Mr. Jon, and the rest of the servants cried with joy and swore never to leave Prince Benton ever again. Even Mia and the Duchess wipe a small tear from their eyes while servants of other nobles admire Prince's servants' will and noble strength. On the other hand, William and his two battle-brothers were stone faces as they didn't felt any emotion. This realization was a bit weird for William as he knows the circumstance of the situation, but his mind refuses to express any sad emotion for some reason.

'Strange, I'm not feeling any sad emotions at all. This also happened when I found about the destruction of Greenhill and the death of Sir Dolven. Am I losing my humanity?' William thought to himself while he hides his face behind the helmet. One thing for sure, William has more questions than answers as he stays in this world.

A few minutes later, the reunion ended with Mr. Jon, and other servants reposition themselves as personal servants of Crown Prince with professionalism and composure. The residents of the castle and minor nobles welcome the Crown Prince and his companions as they entered the castle with Viscount's servants taking each VIP into their rooms.

When it is William's turn, the servants assumed he was one of the knights of Crown Prince since William and two Space Marines were fully armored from top to bottom. For this reason, they were escorted to a lesser room suitable for lesser nobles or knights. William didn't mind the downgrade since he preferred privacy so he could think about the current situation. The two battle-brothers simply refused the room and stood guard in front of the door, making sure no one could disturb the Emperor's Champion.

Thanks to two Black Templars, William has peace and quiet to organize his thoughts, including Sir Dolven's loss. William considered Sir Dolven a friend and mentor to this world's knowledge. The death of a significant person such as him is painful and a massive loss as Sir Dolven was a prominent ally of William in this kingdom. The loss of Sir Dolven would mean a power vacuum within the nobility, including an investigation and possible blame game which could result in death.

William now has to start playing the political game of this world if he wants to start building forces for the upcoming Chaos. Of course, William could take over the kingdom with the force he has and subjugate the people, but this would only waste his time which he doesn't have.

The support from Crown Prince and the Duchess are essential to have as they have the heart of the people and influences to move nobles loyal to the crown. Suppose William does obtain the Deron and the Fort Stormfist. In that case, William can focus on building more forces and firepower from defending the region from the remaining vampire factions and Orc raiders from the southern border.

William's thoughts were interrupted when he heard the knock from his door. William stands up and opens the door to see a very nervous man with fancy blue clothes standing between two Black Templars giving death stares through their helmets.

"Sir William, Viscount Zachary Lindver request your presence in the main dining hall to attend dinner with Crown Prince and the Duchess." The messenger delivers the message to William best he could while nearly wetting his pants as two Black Templars stay silent and continue to unleash the presence of death itself onto poor fellow.

"I accept and will be there shortly. Please wait outside for few minutes." William said and closed the door to change his into formal clothes. After a quick change of clothes (Thanks to inventory and equipt ability), William left his room with a messenger, quickly leading the giant man and two other giant kights following them to the diner hall.

William and his battle-brothers arrive at the dining hall entrance, to which a messenger knocks on the door to announce William's entrance. When the door open, William entered the hall while two dozen nobles and servants silently watch the giant man walk past them, breaking all types of protocols and etiquette in front of Crown Prince, Viscount, and the Duchess.

William passed everyone at the long table and took the seat next to the Duchess seated across Viscount Lindver. Meanwhile, two Black Templars follow William and stand few feet behind him while scanning the room for potential assassins. Crown Prince and the Duchess smiled in silence but decided to help William with awkward room silence.

"William, you have to introduce yourself to Crown Prince," Duchess Beckett whisper to William so the dinner can officially begin.

"Oh, ok," William whisper back to the Duchess and turn his head to Crown Prince, and spoke out loud.

"Hey, kid. Sorry for coming in late. It looks like I was holding everyone from their dinner plates." The entire room gasps with shock except for the Crown Prince and the Duchess as they couldn't hold back their laugh anymore, confusing every noble even more.