Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1996: Making a deal

"Your majesty, it's quite the shock when you request a sudden meeting like this." King Lune remarked in a voice that pretended to be relaxed.

Yet only I noticed from his gaze that his demeanor held no trace of ease.

Truth be told, he appeared somewhat on edge because of my summons for this encounter.

I had intentionally withheld the purpose to keep him on tenterhooks, though perhaps I overdid it a touch. For he looked rather weary...

No, weary didn't quite capture it...

His expression screamed of a man who had fretted through the entire night over some dire concern.

Judging by his evident strain, I realized I might have pushed too hard, which wasn't ideal given the proposal I planned to float next.

But regrets were pointless now that the deed was done.

So, only one path remained ahead.

"It's straightforward, really—I have a topic I wish to broach with you. Whether it turns easy or thorny hinges entirely on your reply." I replied in an offhand manner.

King Lune furrowed his brow involuntarily at my words, yet I met his probing stare with a composed, nonchalant expression as he tried to read my intentions.

We locked eyes in this standoff for several moments until at last he spoke, "Very well, take a seat, and let's talk this over."

His words suggested he was resigned to whatever fate might bring.

This reaction only bolstered my suspicions further.

The Lune Royal Family had clearly never prioritized ruling their realm. King Lune's conduct revealed they were accustomed to drifting with the currents.

Indeed, their nation's fortunes made it rare for troubles to plague them.

Fortune favored them in most affairs, leaving little cause for concern.

The puzzling aspect was why such a prosperous land had yet to evolve into an empire.

Did they lack the drive for expansion, or was some boundary at play?

Perhaps they concealed their strength, or maybe the blessing upon their land imposed restrictions?

In the end, I dismissed these musings as futile. Once my proposed arrangement unfolded as intended, uncovering that truth would merely be a question of time.

Once seated, I fixed my gaze on him and declared, "I wish to strike a bargain with you."

King Lune's brows knitted tighter, his unease visibly deepening this time.

He could sense that my words pertained not to the Solar Kingdom at large, but solely to the affairs of the Lune Royal Family.

Swallowing hard in apprehension, King Lune urged, "Go ahead and speak your mind."

I nodded affirmatively before stating, "I seek to view the relic belonging to the Lune Royal Family."

As anticipated, an odd expression flickered across King Lune's features.

Noticing this, I continued, "I'm aware this violates the Lune Royal Family's traditions, yet it's a crucial task I must undertake. In exchange, I offer the Solar Kingdom first access to the divine energy barrier I'll deploy soon. Provided you permit me to..."

King Lune abruptly lifted his hand, cutting me off mid-sentence.

My own brows creased faintly in response, though the interruption hardly caught me off guard.

What I requested was demanding, after all.

That said, I had no intention of backing down without a fight.

"In truth, that won't be necessary." King Lune replied, clearing his throat uncomfortably.

Surprise washed over me at his response, as it deviated from my expectations. He didn't appear opposed; rather, it felt like he might consent to my plea.

Even so, his phrasing struck me as peculiar.

Composing himself briefly, King Lune added, "Truthfully, we had intended to reach out to your majesty about this very matter."

His revelation left me momentarily stunned, prompting me to narrow my eyes scrutinizingly at him.

Though skepticism gnawed at me, the earnestness in his gaze convinced me of his sincerity.

Still, the situation defied logic entirely...

Just moments ago, he'd seemed steadfastly resistant, and now...

His abrupt shift bordered on erratic, like a man with fractured resolve.

Catching my dubious glance, King Lune explained, "Prior to this, the moment hadn't aligned properly. But the ancestor has already instructed us to guide you to the relic at the opportune time. With our current schedule allowing it, I believe now is ideal."

I arched a single eyebrow at him, a wave of doubt creeping in.

The unfolding events hinted at some hidden snare drawing me in.

Yet upon reflection, I chose to proceed, lacking any viable alternative.

Ultimately, compliance was my sole recourse in this bind.