Chapter 51
Having safely concluded the duel, Claude and the others were guided by a servant and headed towards the reception room.
Upon entering the reception room, King Poseidos and Prime Minister Richman were waiting.
After bowing, they took their seats, and Poseidos began to speak.
“You really went all out, didn’t you. We intend to suppress such incidents as much as possible, but I imagine fellows like that will continue to appear.”
“Thinking about it calmly, I knew it was a poor move, my apologies.”
“No, no. If Claude hadn’t gotten angry, I probably would have done the same thing.”
Aniki is giving a wry smile.
“You summoned us, so I presume there’s something you wished to discuss?”
“Let’s get to the main topic. We believe, Claude-dono, that you should build up more achievements and rise further in rank.”
“I’m still only eight years old. Don’t you think I’ve risen far enough already?”
“Considering your age, that’s true. But frankly, considering your abilities, we want you in an important post.”
“Your Majesty. With all due respect, might some not see this as excessively favoring the Prominence House?”
If the royal family favors one noble house, of course, there will be those who oppose it.
“Finel-dono, your concerns are quite valid, but we are making this proposal fully aware of that.”
“This is just between us, but it seems the monsters in various regions are becoming more active. We want to secure as much military strength as possible.”
“Claude is indeed exceptional in terms of combat power. He can command troops and, as an individual combatant, he’s likely one of the most skilled in the kingdom. However, as his father, I cannot offer up my young son.”
“I understand how you feel, Finel. I wouldn’t want to put my own children in danger either.”
“Then, isn’t the conclusion already decided?”
“Finel-dono, please calm down. Bolstering our forces isn’t just about fighting on the front lines. Recently, the Prominence House has been exporting high-quality equipment and Recovery Potions, haven’t you?”
“We certainly have, but what of it?”
“There are items mixed in that cannot be sourced from the Prominence Domain. Am I correct in assuming that Claude-dono is the one providing them?”
“It’s true that Claude has made significant contributions.”
“Now that Claude-dono has become a Baron, he needs to take on some duties. We were thinking of entrusting him with the procurement and coordination of equipment and Recovery Potions.”
“So, this would mean direct transactions with the Royal Palace, correct?”
“I’m glad you understand quickly. You may involve a merchant company as an intermediary if you wish. We would be grateful if you would accept.”
“So, basically, things will continue as they have been, just with a different delivery destination, right? If that’s the case, I don’t see any problem in accepting.”
“It’s a modest job, but ensuring a steady supply of equipment and consumable Recovery Potions will lead to an increase in national power. I’m counting on you.”
“I will do my utmost.”
And so, having accepted this new role, the meeting concluded.