A Certain Multiverse's Holy Right

In a modest café along the streets of London, the kind commonly found in every neighborhood, Roy, Erica, and Liliana sat at a window-side table. They were enjoying "commoner" coffee and cakes—though Erica, with her refined tastes, found the latter a bit too cloying.

Seated on either side of Roy, the two young women inevitably drew attention. Many of the gentlemen working with laptops in the café couldn't help but steal glances at their table.

Erica exuded the characteristic warmth of an Italian. Her golden hair, aristocratic bearing, and radiant beauty made her appear as regal and precious as a gemstone. Her confident demeanor and stunning figure ensured she commanded attention wherever she went.

Beside her sat Liliana, a striking contrast in style. As an Eastern European, her pale complexion and doll-like beauty gave her a unique charm. When she adopted her serious, knightly demeanor, her cool elegance shone through, creating a different but equally captivating allure.

And between these two enchanting young women sat Roy, making him the object of admiration and envy among the other patrons.

Yet Roy paid no attention to the "commoners" around him. His gaze was fixed across the street, where a building that could only be described as a palace loomed.

"So that's the residence of Duke Gordon," Roy mused, sipping the ordinary coffee in his cup. "To have a palace like this in London, even if it isn't in the city center, speaks volumes about the power and influence of the duke's lineage."

"Duke Gordon is closely connected to the royal family. This palace is actually owned by the Crown and granted to the duke's family," Erica explained. "As the duke's only daughter, Princess Alice, who's renowned throughout Europe's magical circles, resides here."

When Erica heard Roy's musings, she wanted to complain that since Roy regarded the entire Vatican as his own, and that this palatial building of Duke Gordon is nothing compared to it. However, she suppressed that impulse and gave Roy a brief explanation about the duke's lineage.

Then, with a tilt of her head, she asked, "Your Majesty, why are we observing from here instead of just going in?"

Roy leaned back in his chair and replied nonchalantly, "Before abducting someone, it's prudent to scout the area first to ensure success. What we're doing now is reconnaissance."

"My King, weren't we planning to formally request a meeting with Princess Alice and invite her to assist with your ritual?" Liliana asked hesitantly.

"And what if the princess refuses?" Roy countered.

"I don't believe Princess Alice would dare reject a request from the King," Liliana reasoned.

Roy chuckled. "Lili, you're smart, but still a bit naïve. Not everyone respects the King, nor will they always obey without question. This so-called 'White Princess' has a history of interfering with Alexander Gascoigne's plans. With the 'Black Prince' as an example, I won't allow myself to be toyed with by a disingenuous princess."

His expression turned cold. "There are times when strength must be displayed. You have to instill fear, make it clear you're capable of committing the most heinous acts without hesitation. Only then will someone like her submit without resistance.

"And besides, I am the King. Why should I request an audience? That would undermine my dignity. When I arrive, it's only fitting that the princess prepares to welcome me with open arms. I'm not Alexander Gascoigne, someone she thinks she can handle."

Roy stood up, ready to cross the street. "Had Marquis Voban come to London two years ago to deal with this princess, rather than seeking miko in the Far East, she would've already been properly 'trained' to know how to behave. Let's go. It's time to meet Europe's famed princess."

He walked out of the café without looking back. Erica followed closely behind, while Liliana quickly scrambled to settle the bill.

As they crossed the street, Erica leaned in and spoke softly, "Your Majesty, according to information from Oceania, Lord Salvatore has yet to find a Heretic God and may soon return to Italy."

"What's your take on Salvatore Doni, Erica? Do you think he'll take issue with me for taking what belongs to him?" Roy asked with a smirk.

"Based on what I know of Lord Salvatore, he probably won't care about such matters. However…" Erica paused briefly, "he's likely to challenge you to a duel. He's a battle maniac, completely devoted to the sword."

Roy nodded, clearly amused. "You're right. That man is as single-minded as they come. If he does challenge me, so be it. I'll fight him. I'm not one to shy away from such things."

Then, with a wry grin, he added, "Don't worry. I'm not a Devil King who delights in senseless carnage. If Salvatore insists on a duel, I'll ensure it happens somewhere secluded."

Erica couldn't help but smile at Roy's assessment of the King of Swords. She also felt relieved. The Seven Sisters Alliance had been deeply concerned about the potential destruction that could result if two Kings clashed in Italy's major cities. So they contacted Erica about it. Roy's assurance had finally eased her worries about it.

By this point, Liliana had caught up with them, having finished settling the bill. She exchanged a brief glance with Erica, noting her friend's newfound calmness. As Italians and as members of magical organizations based in Italy, they naturally hoped their homeland would remain unscathed.

…

"Apologies, but this is private property. The palace isn't open to visitors. Please leave," said a security guard as the trio approached the entrance.

The guards were ordinary people, unconnected to the magical world.

Before Roy could respond, Erica and Liliana exchanged a quick look. The two women stepped forward and discreetly cast suggestion spells on the guards, who immediately moved aside to grant them passage. Both feared provoking the King's wrath, which they knew could turn them into salt statues in an instant.

Roy and his companions entered the sprawling palace grounds without further hindrance.

Roy observed their actions without complaint. He understood that the two knights sought to minimize unnecessary casualties.

For Roy, the means mattered little as long as the end was achieved. Whether they entered by force or through magical persuasion, the outcome was the same. He appreciated their pragmatic approach and saw no reason to discourage it.

They traversed the lush gardens and entered the grand palace with ease. However, their spellcasting finally drew the attention of someone capable of resisting—a middle-aged woman stepped forward to block their path.