Supreme Archer: Taking The Game's Weakest Class To The Top

"Such a language is not welcomed in His Majesty’s castle," the guard said, hinting at Jake and Viktor’s ambiguous arguments.

These two didn’t care about their presence or the place they were in until the guard called them out. The man stood encased in armor from head to toe, his features hidden. His equipment seemed to heighten his voice, making him look more intimidating than he already was.

Viktor fixed his countenance upon hearing this man’s tone. It wasn’t particularly rude, but it also wasn’t respectful. There was a clear middle ground in his attitude.

Yet, the years of discrimination and being looked down compelled Viktor to glare at the man. He responded to him once he calmed down.

Viktor said, "Late though it may be, I’m here to request an audience with His Majesty. It’s urgent, requiring His Majesty’s wisdom."

"We’ll take you to the inner castle, where you’ll wait for His Majesty’s response," the guard said. Without waiting for Viktor’s reply, he turned around and guided them to the inner castle.

The inner castle was divided into small territories, each belonging to a royal household. Viktor’s house naturally had its place in the castle, to which the guard had carried it.

Viktor didn’t need any guidance, but he knew that this guard would keep tabs on them from now on—not that he could do anything about it.

Despite being the worst and least popular, Asta Bow’s corridor and rooms were clean and sparky. No speck of dust could be seen, meaning the maids attended to their duties wholeheartedly.

Viktor sank into a soft sofa while Jake sat on a chair by the table.

"We’ll get an audience since I said it’s urgent. I’ll teach you the etiquette of our empire now," Viktor said as he sprawled on the sofa. He didn’t look like a royal at all. "Join your right hand’s index and middle finger. Bring them before your chest, count to five seconds, and then sweep to the right. Keep back straight and head straight.

Don’t roll your neck like an idiot. That’s all you need to know before meeting The Emperor. We must do that greeting in sync, so don’t mess it up."

"So I do that the moment I see The Emperor?" Jake asked.

"Yeah," Viktor nodded. "Leave the rest to me. He might try to test you with The Royal Tea, but you should be used to it by now unless he orders the highest-quality brewing. That should make you puke. If that happens, swallow it back."

Jake sighed. "What kind of a person is the Emperor? Does he like to prank?"

"You think I know The Emperor well? Never had a chance to become close to him. I only follow the proper etiquette whenever I have to speak with him. I know that he likes to serve The Royal Tea for some reason. It might be because this tea stirs mana, and he’s a mage. He has a presence that makes others respect him, the presence of The Emperor.

He greatly respects the old hag, so I dislike him."

"You tsundere… I feel like I haven’t heard that in ages." Jake shook his head.

"Compared to other houses, he’s still an ally. I respect him, even if he didn’t take our house’s mantle only because of the old hag," Viktor added.

Jake nodded. "The Empire’s citizens reflect their Emperor’s disposition. I read that in a book. I haven’t seen much poverty in the capital, and even people living outside seem to have a good time and live in good conditions. The same goes for Asta Bow House and their people."

"Hah," Viktor chuckled.

Three knocks resounded in the room.

"May I?" a female’s voice asked.

Viktor drawled, "Yeah."

A maid stepped in and did a curtsy. She wore the inner castle’s dress, golden red, representing her master’s image. A stylish, transparent orb in which mana swirled like a trapped butterfly glinted on her right wrist.

It was a beautiful item.

Every other maid working in the castle wore the same accessory. If the Emperor were from another household, for instance, Asta Sword House, all maids would have sheaths with swords dangling from their waists.

It represented the house and master they worked for the most.

"His Majesty has agreed to meet Viktor Asta Bow and his player companion, Archer, privately in his office. His Majesty’s awaiting your arrival," the maid said.

Viktor and Jake casually stood up, causing the maid to look at them oddly.

"Guide the way," Viktor said.

The maid nodded and turned on her heels, going past the threshold in a soundless gait. She glanced at the guard before guiding the two guests to her master.

The guard was now behind Jake and Viktor.

These two didn’t appear troubled by it at all.

After a few arduous endeavors through the stairs, Jake and Viktor were before The Emperor’s office. Two more guards stood on either side of the door, protecting it.

They confirmed Jake and Viktor’s statuses before announcing their arrival.

"Let them in," The Emperor said across the room.

The doors opened on their own.

Once inside, Jake and Viktor followed the etiquette. The five seconds of silence and respect were the most crucial, and they allowed Jake to take a proper view of the Emperor.

He appeared to be in his early forties, with neat, short blond hair and a chiseled chin. The man was much more handsome than many men two decades younger than him. His skin seemed unblemished by the years he had been the emperor.

Deverell Asta Orb.

He sat across the room behind his desk. There were two chairs prepared for Jake and Viktor. Of course, tea had also been served.

"You may sit," he said.

Jake did as the man instructed. He didn’t know what it was, whether The Emperor’s presence was as great as Viktor said or perhaps even greater, but he couldn’t bring himself to talk to him at all.

Only Viktor could. "Thank you, His Majesty."

Deverell smiled. "It’s a private meeting about the urgent matter. We however wish to congratulate you, Archer, for winning two tournaments in a row. You’ve gained fame as a Joker, though. Would you like us to address you as such?"

Viktor narrowed his eyes. ’He knows so much already. Hah, our ruler doesn’t slack at all.’