However, Vic underestimated his importance in Paula's heart. For Vic, it was just an ordinary rescue, and he didn't feel much. But for Paula, it was a completely different story. It was the redemption of her soul, a ray of light in despair.
Soldiers have already reported that the Elite Camp troops have arrived, and the king's banquet is ready, just waiting for the four of them to arrive.
The palace tour was over, and Vic had indeed broadened his horizons. It was the first time in his two lives that he had seen a private palace, and he was quite amazed.
Paula led Paula directly to the restaurant, where everyone was already seated on both sides of an absurdly long table. Paula and the old king sat at the head of the table, with Zephyr and Vic on their left and right.
Once everyone had arrived, the old king announced the start of the banquet, with music playing nearby. The students ate and whispered among themselves.
The old king and Paula were also talking quietly. The old king would glance at Vic from time to time, but Vic ignored him completely. He was currently engrossed in eating. The palace chefs were very skilled, and Vic thought it was delicious.
The food, drinks, and fruit juices were plentiful, and the trainees enjoyed themselves immensely. Although it wasn't as lively as when King Luffy hosted a banquet, everyone felt relaxed at this event.
After the banquet, the old king kept Vic behind, saying he had something to say to him. Vic didn't refuse; some things were better said openly.
The old king led Vic to his residence and went directly into the study next to the bedroom. After Vic went in, the old king ordered everyone to leave the area and then closed the study door.
" Mr. Vic, I apologize for disturbing you now!" the old king said sincerely.
"It's alright, let's get straight to the point!" Vic said calmly.
"It's like this, my daughter was kidnapped and almost lost her life. It was Mr. Vic saved her at the critical moment. I am very grateful!" The old king said, bowing to Vic.
Vic didn't shy away and accepted it directly. He had indeed saved the princess, and accepting her father's bow of gratitude wasn't presumptuous. So what if he was a king? Now, his identity was that of a father.
"I've been wanting to give you something as a token of my gratitude, but your instructors have been adamant about not accepting it. I don't even know how to express my thanks!" The old king did mention this at the banquet, but Zephyr refused.
"No need for material thanks. Just treat your people well. You can provide appropriate relief to those who are poor, and help those who are sick and can't afford medical treatment. Making life better for ordinary people is the best way to thank us!" Vic is not a money-loving person, and he usually doesn't carry money with him unless necessary.
" Mr. Vic's awareness is truly remarkable. If any country had a king like Mr. Vic, it would be a blessing for the common people."
"Alas, what a pity! I had my daughter late in life, and I don't know how many more years I have left to live. If I could see Paula get married, I could die in peace. When the time comes, I will pass the throne to my son-in-law and let him be the king of this country!" The old king said to Vic with a sigh.
Vic, of course, understood what the old king meant: marry a beautiful and wealthy woman and reach the pinnacle of life. Of course, in the king's eyes, this was already a windfall, and few people could resist such temptation.
But all of this was meaningless to Vic. It was just a fragile little mountain. Standing on such a peak, there was always the danger of falling. This was a world full of mountains, and there were even higher and more distant peaks waiting for him in the distance!
"Your Majesty is too kind. I am a person who yearns for freedom. If I were confined to one place, I might go crazy. I am not king material. Your Majesty will surely grant your wish. There are many who want to be Your Majesty's son-in-law. I'm afraid the princess will be spoiled for choice!" Vic replied with a smile.
The king also knew Vic's thoughts. He had seen it before: Vic was not the kind of person who yearned for power. Getting him to marry Paula would be no less difficult than getting him to wash his hair upside down.
"But Paula really loves her savior. She wants to repay him with her body. I only have one daughter, and I'm willing to give him the entire kingdom as a dowry. I just don't know if my daughter is fortunate enough to have that!" the king said with a sigh.
"Perhaps she doesn't like him? Perhaps it's just gratitude towards her savior? The princess is too young; she can't yet discern the true nature of these emotions. If we just wait a while, she might understand!" Vic said unmoved.
"Sigh, my daughter is just unlucky. Oh well, let nature take its course. I just hope you can come back and visit Paula when you have time, even if it's just as a friend!"
The old king knew he couldn't sway Vic's unwavering will, so he had to settle for second best. He knew Paula wouldn't give up anytime soon, and it would be some comfort if Vic could come and see Paula.
"We're already friends. I'll come over when I have time. I won't go to say goodbye to Paula, but Your Majesty, please give her a heads-up!" After saying this, Vic walked to the window of the study, seemingly preparing to leave through it.
"Wait a moment!"
The old king called out to Vic, who was about to leave, and handed Vic a small wooden box, no bigger than the palm of his hand, from the bookshelf behind him.
" Mr. Vic, this is a treasure passed down from my ancestors. It's probably over a thousand years old. Nothing in the entire palace has such a long history, except for one sentence that has been passed down!" the old king said nostalgically.
Vic glanced sideways at the bookshelf behind the old king, somewhat disapproving. Such valuable things are just casually placed here.
"What? You don't believe me? Don't you know that the most dangerous place is the safest place? My family has always kept it out in the open to preserve it."
A history spanning over a thousand years! It's a history forged in blood and fire. This country wasn't always so peaceful and prosperous.
"So this treasure has the longest history; it has withstood the test of blood and fire!" The old king saw through Vic's thoughts, and after speaking, he seemed to be recalling something, his eyes somewhat dazed.
Vic thought about it and realized that the old king made sense. The Forbidden City in his previous life was less than a thousand years old and had changed hands several times. The treasures inside had been stolen several times. The deeper you hide your treasures, the more likely they are to be noticed. It would be safer to leave them in an inconspicuous place.
Moreover, this is the world of pirates, where turmoil is even more frequent. If it weren't for the favorable geographical location, it's uncertain whether the old king's family would still be able to maintain control of the royal family.
"Your Majesty, this item is far too valuable. I really cannot accept it. It has witnessed the rise and fall of your royal family over thousands of years; its significance is extraordinary. I cannot accept it!"
Vic firmly believed that the power resided within himself. Although it was an item that had been passed down for thousands of years and was considered a treasure by the old king, it might not be so for Vic.
"Actually, this was a last resort for me! I no longer have the ability to protect it, and I feel like there are still people eyeing it. Through this incident, I've realized how insignificant ordinary people really are. I hope that you, with your strength, can continue to protect it!"
As the old king spoke, he stroked the small wooden box, his voice low and filled with helplessness. Vic could sense the genuine emotion in his words; he wasn't just joking.