The Royal Military Academy's Impostor Owns a Dungeon [BL]-Chapter 514: A Promise

There were shining eyes everywhere.

It wasn’t every single cadet, but even the more serious ones were looking at him like he had to say something.

Anything.

And it was at that moment that King Garick truly noticed just how young these cadets really were.

"It’s...a great facility you have here," he finally said, clearing his throat. He wasn’t used to giving praise, but with all those wide, expectant eyes staring at him, he suspected he might not make it out intact if he didn’t say at least that much.

Also, now that he thought about it, he finally understood why that boy’s statues had such odd, shining eyes.

But actually, more than lip service or his daughter’s obvious craving for his approval, King Garick really was impressed. The facility was extraordinary, and even more surprising was learning it had been their idea.

And if that were the case, how could they not deserve such praise? In fact, with something like this, if they didn’t have noble titles already, they should be getting their own.

Their project was that impressive.

In the end, he asked the question that had been on his mind.

"This is the reason for all the unusual movement in your mines, isn’t it?"

Princess Kira straightened and confirmed it with a proud smile.

"Yes! We reached a deal, Father. Which also means I’ve been earning points...and I can shop more now!"

It sounded like a trivial matter, but Princess Kira was dead serious.

Her father wouldn’t have known, but while Luca was extremely generous with food, it was just impossible to quench their most random cravings easily! And they couldn’t expect Luca to be at their beck and call when the guy was too busy for his own good.

So, they were allowed to purchase from the dungeon-linked store with their WCP, which they would similarly earn from their hard work and contributions.

And this was vital for an Orc like her who had such a big appetite. And that mine had contributed well to feeding her, which she was really grateful for.

Meanwhile, King Garick froze, then slowly facepalmed.

Still, deep down, he was glad she could still act like this despite everything that had happened earlier.

He knew the Kira of before wouldn’t have calmed down no matter how much he spoke. Yet here was his child, no, a young lady, standing before him with such unexpected grace.

Maybe this trip really had been good for her.

And in a way, for him as well.

If not for this, he might never have known. He might have kept trusting Grakkar and put them all in even greater danger.

He was starting to drift, thinking of his sister again, when his daughter’s sharp voice snapped him out of it.

"Really?! Seriously?!"

"Kira," he said, raising an eyebrow. "What is it now?"

She was pouting already.

"Well, Father, since it’s no secret anymore that we want to stay here, I think it’s fine to tell you that we actually came up with a real plan! Like, an actual plan we worked on together!"

"...?"

"But then that stupid Grakkar just had to ruin everything," she grumbled. "And now, even when I want to help you, you’re telling me to stay here instead."

Garick held up a hand. He really didn’t want another round of shouting, so he tried to steer it back on track.

"Then tell me, is there something wrong with this plan of yours? Is that why you’re making that face?"

Kira huffed.

"No, Father. It’s not exactly a problem. More like..." She hesitated. "I just didn’t think we could still go through with it. You know, after everything that’s happened."

"What is this plan?" he asked, suspicious now.

To his surprise, Kira glanced at the humans. Almost as though she was waiting for their permission to say more.

It was Kyle who gave her a small nod. He’d been the one who reminded her, at Luca’s request, to bring it up. Luca had told them he was willing to move forward if they were, but he hadn’t wanted to put anyone in a difficult position without their input.

So Kyle nodded, and Kira took a breath.

"We were planning to negotiate to build a facility like this back home," she said, her voice clear now.

Garick’s eyes narrowed.

"In exchange," she continued, "we’d offer building materials, some of our flora and fauna, and a cultural and technological exchange. I was going to volunteer as the ambassador because, as you can see, this isn’t something you just throw together and hope it runs. There’s a lot of science in this, Father."

That last word, science, made everyone blink a little.

She wasn’t joking, though.

But what really caught Garick’s attention was her next line.

"I just didn’t think they’d still want to move forward with the deal, considering... You know. The civil unrest. But then they reminded me to ask you if you were still interested."

Her expression was a mix of emotions—touched, surprised, worried, but also hopeful.

And King Garick found himself similarly stunned.

Especially because with this group in particular, it really wasn’t possible to hide the truth. He couldn’t even attempt to pretend that the Orcs were strong and united under his rule because it would be difficult to lie after being caught red-handed.

They had been the ones to discover Grakkar’s betrayal. They had helped catch his would-be assassin.

So why?

Why were they still offering something like this when it was clear that unrest was brewing among his own people, and he couldn’t even guarantee them any benefit?

In fact, that might even put them at risk.

King Garick stayed quiet for a long moment, his sharp eyes scanning the faces before him.

He knew he wasn’t in the position to demand answers. Not after what had happened earlier, not after they had helped expose the betrayal in his ranks.

Yet he still had to ask.

Because even now, even desperate, he was still a king. And a king had to act in the best interest of his people.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low but steady.

"Then tell me. Why?" he asked, looking at the humans assembled before him. "Why offer me something like this now? When even I cannot guarantee what will happen in the coming days?"

To his surprise, it wasn’t Kira or Ada or even one of the older adults who answered.

It was Luca.

The young lord stepped forward quietly, his golden eyes calm, his voice earnest.

"Your Majesty," Luca said, "it’s because we’re confident you’ll be able to sort this out."

The room went still.

For a moment, Garick just stared at him before letting out a laugh.

It wasn’t mocking.

It was the laugh of someone who couldn’t quite believe the boy was serious, yet could see he was.

Luca really meant it.

He really believed in him.

Garick shook his head slightly. Even he wasn’t sure if he could weed everyone out.

That was why he had left Kira here in the first place. Why he had started moving around without even his aide.

He didn’t know who he could trust anymore.

"Young Lord Luca," Garick said finally, still chuckling, "and pray tell, why are you so confident in our ability to win?"

Luca just blinked at him innocently.

Everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath, half-expecting Luca to reveal some hidden plan or knowledge none of them were privy to.

But then he simply said:

"Because you promised your daughter. And great fathers don’t break promises. And you’re a great father, right, Your Majesty?"

The words fell like a quiet hammer.

Garick stared at him, stunned.

For a moment, no one moved.

And then he barked out a laugh, loud and deep.

It startled everyone else, but he couldn’t help it.

Such simple, innocent words—yet they cut right to the heart of him.

Yeah.

He did promise.

Maybe history wouldn’t remember him as a great king after all this.

But he sure as hell wanted to be remembered as a great father.

So, I guess I just have to win this war.

The thought settled firmly in his chest, and a grin crept across his face as he straightened his shoulders.

"Alright," he said at last, still grinning. "Then, I’ll see to it that I perform according to your expectations, Young Lord."