Anyways, Pax put in the effort.
He diligently studied magic.
Because of his physiques, he had no talent in swordsmanship and exercise. But looking at him now, he didn't slack off on physical training either.
A year and half later.
Kingdom of Dragon King held a scholarly convention - Pax posted great results in a mock trial of sorts.
That's where he caught the eye of the king.
The king said, [Even though he was sent as a hostage, his never-give-up attitude is praiseworthy.]
There was even an offer of reward.
Basically, he was recognized.
Pax was summoned to the audience room, and the king asks.
Do you want wealth? Or perhaps rank?
If you want, you can defect from Shirone Kingdom and become a citizen of mine.
Despite the king's generous offers, Pax replies.
"The Eighteenth Princess."
Eighteenth Princess Benedict Kingdragon.
Born of a Magic Race mother from unknown origins. The king used her as a plaything, and she was born of that plaything.
She has no succession right, even though she held the title as Eighteenth Princess, no one recognizes her as royalty.
An apathetic girl, the good-for-nothing princess.
Yet Pax asked for the hand of this princess.
The king was hesitant, but Pax was relentless.
"Other daughters are fine too, what a shame you asked for Benedict. Though, even if it's only in name, Benedict is still a princess. You'll need a stature to match that."
Thus the king of Kingdom of Dragon King permits Pax to temporarily return to Shirone Kingdom.
So he can find a suitable station in Shirone before returning to wed the princess.
Also to ask for another prince as hostage.
A necessary step to save face.
But Shirone Kingdom tactfully refused.
Pax always caused trouble in Shirone.
That's why King Shirone sent him to Kingdom of Dragon King.
Wouldn't it be a pity to send another prince as hostage in his place?
This enrages the Dragonking.
How dare a vassal state like Shirone refuse an order from the Dragonking!
To show his wrath, the king sent his most able knights, Death God Randolph and the Order of Black Knights, with Pax to initiate a coup.
They murdered the rest of the royal family, and installed Pax on that still bloody throne.
"... And that's how I gained everything. Rank, fame, a woman's love, and the strongest pawn."
Pax wraps an arm around the girl besides him as he said, and shoots a glance at the Death God beside him.
That girl blushes. The Death God can only shrug.
Oh, so that girl is Benedict?
Eh?
So far he has yet to mention Hitogami.
Maybe Pax heard the word of god and did nothing with it? [5]
Well, his change of heart is a bit suspicious, but...
"That's why, I have no reason to hate you anymore."
"I see, how respectable."
As if truly grateful, Zanoba takes a deep bow.
Then he asks.
"Since you now wield the strongest pawn, is there a reason to recall yours truly?"
"Ha, about that."
Pax snorts and laughs.
Zanoba and him both like to use I [6] to refer to themselves, it's a little confusing.
"Indeed, if I ask Randolph, he can handle the northern incursion on his own. But despite calling him my pawn, ultimately, he's just a loan. Who knows when he will return to his majesty Kingdragon. To assume borrowed power alone can protect the motherland would be a mistake. I don't want to disappoint his majesty after finally earning his approval."
Because he was recognized, Pax was made king of Shirone.
So he has to show his worth.
"What good am I, if I don't show my resourcefulness once a while?"
How self-aware.
I often try to make myself useful to Orsted as well.
"So, that's why, brother... no, Zanoba. You might have expected revenge when I summoned you, but... that was never my intention. It's as just the letter said. Due to the coup, our country has a moment of weakness, and is now under attack from the north. Right now, the country needs a warrior like Zanoba. So let water under the bridge, and lend me your power."
When he said that, Pax lowers his head.
Not really a bow, but it's lowered.
Not asking Zanoba as his brother, but as his king.
"Of course, your majesty. It's for this that I live."
Zanoba nods.
There's no hesitation there.
His lack of hesitation probably unnerves Pax.
Thus he asks.
"Brother... even though I'm an usurper. You're fine with that?"
Pax fears that Zanoba might plot mutiny?
Perhaps he just wants to lay it all out there first.
He did kill the rest of their brothers.
He said he doesn't harbor hate anymore, but Zanoba still might.
It's not unfathomable to think that Zanoba came back to avenge them.
"..."