As we entered the throne room, Ramon and the others knelt on one knee in unison. After a quick glance at them, I followed suit, trying to make my movements look natural.
Whispers spread through the room almost immediately.
"Who is that boy in those strange, blood-stained clothes?"
"Is he some street rat? Why is he here?"
I ignored the murmurs, but I was curious—what would the king himself say about me?
Ramon straightened his posture and spoke. "Your Majesty, I, Ramon, have successfully retrieved the largest mana crystal—the dungeon core."
While he continued his explanation, I kept my head lowered, hoping to avoid any direct attention. But despite Ramon's efforts to steer the conversation, the king finally turned his gaze toward me and spoke.
"Who is that young boy in the back with the peculiar attire?"
I remained silent, not eager to draw more attention to myself. But before I could decide whether to speak, Ramon answered for me.
"According to the ancient summoning scroll provided by Viscount Dorian Ironhart—"
The room went still.
The moment Viscount Ironhart's name was mentioned, I noticed the king's eyes shift toward him. I turned my gaze slightly and saw the viscount stiffen, cold sweat forming on his brow. Judging by his reaction, the king hadn't been informed about this beforehand.
Before the silence could stretch too long, the viscount quickly interjected. "M-My Majesty, I only provided the scroll at the request of Hero Ramon and Lady Emma. I believe there may have been an... _error_ in the summoning incantation."
Ramon immediately spoke up, his voice calm yet firm. "It was indeed an accident, but despite his lack of strength, this young man still fought alongside us and aided in our survival."
The king's gaze returned to me.
"Tell me, child, what is your name? And where do you come from?"
_So much for avoiding attention…_
Sighing internally, I straightened up like Ramon and followed his lead. "Your Majesty, my name is Alve Westberg. I come from a world known as Earth. With all due respect, I believe Hero Ramon may have exaggerated when he said I helped. I merely fought a horde of goblins while trying to survive."
The king raised an eyebrow. "Goblins? Have you ever fought monsters before?"
"No, Your Majesty. The world I come from has no monsters or magic. If I were to describe myself, I would say I am a student, knowledgeable in mathematics, finance, and logical reasoning."
A deep, hearty laughter suddenly echoed through the throne room. The king leaned back on his throne, amused.
"Hahaha! This child… trying to copy Ramon's etiquette with such a serious face!"
The nobles exchanged glances, uncertain whether they should laugh as well. I remained expressionless.
The king then leaned forward slightly, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Tell me, Alve, are you familiar with the concept of royalty?"
I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. My world once had monarchy systems as well. However, we now follow a different political structure. I am familiar with nobility and royal traditions, though they are no longer practiced where I come from."
The king's curiosity only deepened. "A different political structure, you say? Would you be willing to explain it to us?"
This time, I answered without hesitation.
"No, Your Majesty. It would not be wise, and it may cause unnecessary complications in this world."
The room fell silent once more.
I could feel the weight of the king's gaze, as well as the quiet tension among the nobles. Whether my answer had impressed or irritated him, I couldn't tell just yet.
But one thing was certain—this conversation was far from over.