Chapter 10: Medals

“When you’re ready, Your Highness” Jerry said sarcastically.

“Don’t mock me.” Emile responded.

“Now now, don’t fight. We’re here to fight the Demon Lord. Not each other.” Larmen said.

The trio stood outside the Throne Room with Emile in the front, Jerry to the right, and Larmen to the left. Jerry still felt tired from when he was knocked unconscious from the Arena. His eyes felt heavy, his legs felt like they were about to collapse at any moment, like a long game of Jenga.

Jerry looked over towards Larmen. He was still in his armor, with no helmet. Smiling, and standing tall like a hero from a children’s tale.

‘What a monster’ Jerry thought.

Emile sighed as she put her hands on the door to the Throne Room.

“Ready?” Emile asked.

“As I ever will be, Your Highness.” Larmen said giving a bright smile, and a thumbs up.

“Let’s just get this over with.” Jerry said while rubbing the back of his neck.

Emile pushed the doors to the Throne Room open to find Royal Guards lined against a red carpet that led to the throne where the King sat.

As the doors opened, the Royal Guards held flags high, and the converged above, and in the center of the red carpet.

Jerry was stunned at the display. Never in his life had he seen this before other than in movies, and TV shows.

Emile took the first steps forward down the carpet and was soon followed by Larmen. Jerry was still in a slight daze before he caught on and walked down the carpet with the other two.

“Well fought you two. It is my honor to assign both of your roles in the party that will be formed to fight the Demon Lord.” The King said as he rose from his throne.

Emile and Larmen quickly kneeled to the King, leaving Jerry stood up. Jerry thought about kneeling but decided against it. He didn’t want to kneel to no one and besides, he didn’t know how to.

“Jerry, why do you not kneel before me?” The King asked. As the words exited the King’s mouth, Emile and Larmen quickly looked at Jerry.

‘Get down!’ Emile could be seen mouthing these words to Jerry.

Jerry looked at Emile with the tired he had and then looked back at the King.

Jerry thought about what to say for a moment as his actions at this very moment could change how people view him.

“I only kneel before true warriors.” Jerry said as he looked into the King’s eyes.

As Jerry said these words, he could hear some of the guards whispering.

“Bastard! What does he think he’s doing in front of the king! I’ll kill this bastard myself when I get the chance.”

“Relax! You’re in the presence of the king!”

“Why is that? Does it involve where you come from? Your previous world?” The King asked.

“Yes. I only show respect to those that were on equal footing as I am, or better.” Jerry said.

It was slightly a lie. He would usually respect people equally back home but he didn’t feel like it in this world. He has dealt with many things coming here, mostly things that pissed Jerry off.

“I see. Well, I don’t mind too much. Now, raise your heads.” The King said. As the King said these words, Emile and Larmen rose. Emile stared at Jerry with a dazed and confused look.

“Now, for winning the duel, I will assign you as the leader of the party. Larmen, please step forward.” The King said, gesturing Larmen to come towards the King.

Larmen stood in front of Emile and kneeled before the King, just before the stairs acceded to the throne.

As the King came down the stairs slowly he was handed a decorated sword by one of the Royal Guards. It was decorated with gold and gems on the guard, handle, and pommel while the blade was engraved in hypnotizing patterns.

The pommel was made of engraved gold and had the shape of an arrow point, and had a gem in the center of it.

The handle was made of smooth gold and had 4 gems on each side. Going down, the gem’s colors were red, green, blue, and gold. The sword seemed to need two hands to use properly.

The guard was made of engraved gold and went out about 3 inches to the side, facing up.

The King, now standing in front of Larmen held the sword in front of his face, brought it down to Larmen’s right shoulder.

“Do you, Larmen Jarek, swear to defeat the Empire’s enemies, and deliver justice to the Demon Lord.” The King said

“I swear to defeat the Empire’s enemy and bring justice to the Demon Lord.” Larmen said.

The King then brought the sword up and brought it to Larmen’s left shoulder now.

“Do you, Larmen Jarek, swear to protect the weak and innocent with your dying breath?” The King asked.

“I swear to protect the weak and innocent until my dying breath.” Larmen said.

“Then I, as King of the Empire, recognize you as the Hero of the Empire. Please serve us well, and defeat the enemy.” The King said.

The King then brought the sword up, back to his face. Larmen then soon rose from a kneeling position to standing up straight. The King then brought the sword down on its side in his palms and held it out towards Larmen.

“As the Hero of the Empire, this will be your sword to defeat the Empire’s enemies and bring peace and prosperity to the land. You will hold it in your right hand when using it.” The King said.

The King then gestured to a Royal Guard and then the Royal Guard then brought a decorated shield. The Royal Guard kneeled before Larmen and held the shield out before Larmen.

“This will be the shield used to protect the weak and innocent. It will protect you and those that you choose to protect.” The King said.

Larmen put the shield on with his left hand.

The shield that was given to Larmen looked very nice, Jerry admitted.

The shield was made of steel and had a picture of a fire-breathing lion in the center while jewels decorate the edge of the lion and the shield.

The King smiled at Larmen

“Now, you are truly the Hero of the Empire! When you return from defeating the Demon Lord, I will allow you to marry Emile. Please, return safely” The King said.

“I will, Your Majesty” Larmen said.

Larmen then returned to his previous spot, placing the sword in front of him, and the shield to his left before kneeling again before the King.

“Jerry, please come forth.” The King said.

Jerry then took several steps forward towards the King. Now being several steps away from the King, the King held his hands out.

“I’m sorry for what had happened. However, by the rules, you have been disqualified. I acknowledge you as the winner, but everyone else does not.” The King said in a low voice.

“I pray that you will still fight for the Empire, and will appoint you as the Knight of the Empire. You will fight for the Empire, defeating our enemies while also helping the weak and innocent.” The King said and held one of his hands out toward Jerry for a handshake.

“You will be with the Hero of the Empire, and fight alongside him. You will defeat the enemies of the Empire with him, and protect the weak and innocent alongside him.” The King said.

Jerry thought about it for a moment. Weighing his options, he decided to go along with it. He clasped the King’s hand and shook it.

“I will” Jerry said.

“Please, look after him” the King whispered.

Jerry then returned to where he had previously stood.

“Now, please rest. Tomorrow, we have a big day tomorrow” The King said while laughing