"Teacher."
"Your Majesty, you may simply call me by name." Lakil, standing opposite Valient, bowed respectfully.
"Please sit. Let's sit and talk. What do you think?"
Seeing Valient gesture for him to sit, Lakil hesitated for a moment before finally taking a seat across the low table.
"Teacher, it has only been a month, yet you've become far too formal with me." Valient waved off the Head Maid, who was about to step forward and pour the wine, then picked up the decanter and personally filled Lakil's cup.
Lakil held the wine cup in both hands. Only after Valient had filled it did he set it down before him and slowly reply, "Though it has only been a month, you are now the king, while I am one who serves you. I must observe proper etiquette."
"Before outsiders, I won't say anything if you behave this way. But when we meet in private, I still hope you will treat me as your student."
"Your Majesty, this..."
"Lakil."
"Your subordinate is here." Hearing the authoritative voice, Lakil immediately rose and bowed.
"Now, in my capacity as king, I order you not to act so stiffly during private meetings. Otherwise, it will be disrespectful to me." Valient stared at the standing Lakil and spoke in a deep voice.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Lakil sighed and replied.
"Good. Teacher, you know what to do now, don't you?"
"Yes."
Lakil hesitated briefly, then finally shed his rigid manner, softening his expression as much as possible before sitting down again.
For their first meeting after the change in status, Valient gradually helped Lakil relax through the art of conversation. During their exchange, Lakil no longer addressed him as Your Majesty, instead calling him by name.
"Teacher, this plan will last twenty years. During that time, I'll