The Last Monarch : Unlimited Regeneration
Chapter 54: Road to the Capital (Part 3)

Chapter 54: Road to the Capital (Part 3)

In the royal capital of Valanthria, two of the kingdom’s top generals were sitting in the garden with their king. The three of them were having tea while discussing the worsening political situation.

Over the past few months, rumors of betrayal had begun to reach the king’s ears.

"I need both of you," said the king. He placed his teacup on the table. "Keep an eye on the other five noble families. I have a feeling that the servant’s death this morning was no coincidence. They tried to poison me, but the target was wrong."

Earlier this morning, when the king was about to have his breakfast—just as he lifted his teacup—he suddenly felt a bad premonition.

He asked the servant to drink the tea instead. The servant obeyed, and immediately collapsed. Foam spilled from his mouth, and he began to convulse.

If the king had drunk the tea himself, he wouldn’t be standing here right now.

"Can you do that for me?" the king asked.

The two generals nodded. "Of course we can. Your command is absolute. Anyone who betrays you will be crushed."

The king nodded with satisfaction. These two generals were the closest to him—one of them was even his blood uncle.

The new king of Valanthria was only twenty years old. Still very young, and his thinking often lacked stability. There had been several decisions he made that brought shame to his name.

"Thank you."

"Don’t worry, Your Majesty. You are our liege. Protecting you is our duty," said the king’s uncle.

The king smiled in relief. He picked up his cup again and emptied it in one gulp. He placed it back down with a little more force than before.

He was about to stand and return to his chamber, when suddenly he remembered something.

"What’s the latest about the assault near the desert by Chillg City?" asked the king.

The two generals exchanged glances. They both shook their heads, for this matter wasn’t their responsibility. The one in charge of that mission was Clard. He should’ve reported back by now, but it had already been more than a day.

"Is Clard alright? Do you know anything about him?" the king asked again.

Both generals shook their heads. "Sorry, we don’t know yet, but we will look into it. Once we get any news, we’ll inform you right away."

The king nodded. He stood up and began walking. But he stopped for a moment.

"Do you think there’s a possibility that Clard’s unit was defeated by the Prince of Ant Bee?"

The generals shook their heads. "Impossible."

"Clard is already strong. He’s one of the reserve generals with great potential. Right now, he may only be at five percent of our strength, but with the right guidance and special elixirs, he could become a powerhouse. I think it’s impossible for him to lose to a newly born Ant Bee," explained the king’s uncle.

Hearing that explanation, the king felt relieved. Clard was one of the few loyal reserve generals under his command. If he were to die, the king would lose a key supporter.

"Thank you." The king waved his hand. "I’ll take my leave then."

And with that, he left the garden.

***

Alvaric and Tamae had resumed their journey. In two days, they would reach the border between the territory of Chillg City and Sky Lord City. They were only passing through Sky Lord’s land.

Maybe just for two or three days—depending on the situation. After that, they would enter the capital’s outskirts. But to actually reach the capital, they still needed about seven to nine more days of travel.

"I thought the royal capital of Valanthria was close... Turns out it’s this far," Alvaric muttered.

Tamae glanced at him briefly. "Cold guy, where are you even from? How can you not know something this basic?"

Since Tamae started talking about Valanthria, Alvaric had looked like he didn’t know how to respond. He usually didn’t say much, but this felt different.

It wasn’t the silence of disinterest, but rather the silence of someone who had no clue.

"Aren’t you a demi-human from the monkey tribe?"

Alvaric gave her a confused look. "Huh? Why would you think that?"

"Because you look like one of them. But... like a defective monkey born with thin fur—and no tail," Tamae explained.

"Are you insane?" Alvaric snapped.

He wanted to scold her for comparing him to a monkey-type demi-human, but he restrained himself. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

In this world, there were no actual humans. It made sense that most people didn’t know what Alvaric truly was. Among all creatures here, the ones closest to humans were monkeys.

It was understandable that Tamae assumed such a thing.

"I’m not a demi-human," said Alvaric.

Tamae was shocked to hear that. "Not a demi-human?" She looked him up and down repeatedly. "But you’re not a monster or a demon either. You don’t have horns."

"I’m neither of those. I am from the human race," he replied.

Tamae furrowed her brows, confused and puzzled. "Human race? Is that a kind of demon species?" she asked innocently.

There had been cases of humans entering this world through portals, but most of them appeared inside dungeons or in monster territories.

Very few ever showed up in demi-human lands. And when they did, humans usually massacred the demi-humans they met—believing they were monsters.

That was what happened to Zurath and his family. But unlike most, Zurath had managed to survive... though he was still eventually killed by humans.

"Alright, I’ll explain a bit about humans."

***

Alvaric began to explain about humans and Earth from his own perspective. Tamae listened in awe, fascinated by technologies she had never imagined before. It made her curious—curious enough to want to visit Earth herself.

"When are you going back? Can I come with you?" she asked excitedly.

Alvaric shook his head. "I don’t know. A few months ago, I was stranded in the desert and never figured out a way back. Maybe... I’ll be stuck here forever."

Tamae looked even more excited. "Alright! Then I’ll help you find a way home." She gave him a big smile. "But you have to promise me something! Take me to Earth with you!"

Alvaric wanted to say something, but decided against it. "Alright... if I’m still alive."

"You will live. I believe in you." After seeing Alvaric fight the beast earlier, she was convinced he wouldn’t die easily. "But even I’m not sure you can defeat the main generals. They’re insanely strong."

"Is that so?" he murmured, slightly intrigued. Tamae’s words lit a spark in him. "That makes it interesting. Revenge is too easy. That wouldn’t be any fun."