Chapter 12: In the Royal Capital – 11
Upon returning to the waiting room, we all leaned back on the sofa, looking somewhat fatigued. Even Freinir appeared weary, which confirmed that an official audience was indeed a significant drain on one’s mental fortitude.
Seeing us in this state, Mr. Raylot offered words of encouragement. “Thank you all for your hard work.”
“We will present the rewards shortly, but please take a moment to rest here. And, Soushi, I apologize, but I must ask you to accompany me to meet His Majesty.”
“Understood.”
This was something I had been informed of beforehand; the King himself wished to speak with me directly. It was likely that the matter concerning Freinir and the request we had discussed would come up. To be honest, I found the situation rather daunting.
As Mr. Raylot guided me down the corridor, we arrived at a door guarded by soldiers.
This was presumably the “Meeting Room,” but as we approached, a soldier informed Mr. Raylot, “Earlier, Cardinal of the Church entered.”
“It seems we have an unexpected visitor. I apologize, but please wait a moment.”
So, we stood by the door. My keen hearing picked up snippets of conversation from within the room. Though I knew it was wrong, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop.
“…Your Majesty, has the princess acquired the ‘Elixir’?”
“No, it seems it was sold before she could obtain it. The Cardinal’s information was accurate, but we were simply unlucky.”
“How unfortunate… Do you know who the buyer was?”
“Apparently, it was some merchant, and we are currently investigating that.”
“I see. We are also doing our utmost to search for it, so please bear with us.”
“I appreciate the Church’s cooperation. I trust you will handle this well.”
“Of course, leave it to us.”
The conversation ceased, and the door opened to reveal a man stepping out.
He was a somewhat portly figure clad in white and blue robes, likely in his fifties, sporting a suspicious-looking mustache reminiscent of a loach. A “Cardinal” should hold a position just below the Pope within the Church, yet he looked more like a con artist than a dignitary.
He cast a disinterested glance our way before hastily departing.
After the Cardinal left, more conversation drifted from the room.
“…To say we are searching with all our might is a transparent lie to His Majesty. Do they think we are unaware that they have already obtained it?”
“I understand their intentions, but for now, we must pretend to rely on them. I hope we can acquire it through other means.”
“The information we received is also dubious. Informing His Majesty was likely a ploy to gain favor, but sending the princess on a wild goose chase is utterly disrespectful.”
“Hmm. We must consider how to respond when they bring the medicine… If their price is merely to utilize the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family,’ that would be acceptable.”
It seemed to be a conversation between the King and his advisors. It appeared that a tug-of-war was occurring between the royal family and the Church regarding the “Elixir.” The atmosphere suggested that the Church intended to use the Elixir as a bargaining chip for some ulterior motive.
Now, what should I do…? My thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Raylot’s voice. “Thank you for your patience.”
Prompted, I entered the room, where four individuals awaited.
One was a middle-aged man exuding an imposing presence, unmistakably the King. He had brown hair slicked back and a neatly trimmed beard.
Next to him sat the aide who had accompanied me earlier, a handsome middle-aged man with long gray hair flowing down his back.
It was likely that the earlier conversation had been between these two.
Standing behind the King were two knights, presumed to be Awakened Ones. One was the beautiful young man, Lord Harsivil, whom I had met recently, and the other was a strikingly tall, mature woman of the Demon Race, wielding a staff. Her slightly blue skin and greenish-black hair, braided down her back, gave her an exotic air.
“Soushi, welcome. Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you for having me.”
Following the King’s invitation, I sat in the chair across from him.
“First, I would like to express my gratitude once again for your efforts in defeating the Kin of Twilight. Without your intervention, we would have suffered considerable losses.”
“I merely fulfilled my duty as an adventurer, but I am grateful that it was of service to Your Majesty.”
“Indeed. It was fortunate for both me and the citizens. However, I have heard that you fought the Kin of Twilight alone and unarmed. Is that true?”
“Yes. The Kin of Twilight took numerous adventurers hostage and forced me into a one-on-one battle without weapons.”
“They demanded such a thing? The Kin of Twilight truly seems to be an incomprehensible existence. To engage in battle on their terms and emerge victorious speaks volumes of your strength.”
“That may be the case. However, I am still inexperienced and uncertain of my own capabilities.”
“From your words, it seems you are indeed a person of great insight, as Lord Lautrec and Viscount Barius have mentioned. It is fortunate that you discovered the Duke Armand’s daughter.”
“I am equally grateful for her joining our party.”
“Hmm…”
At that moment, the King furrowed his brow slightly.
The royal family likely had mixed feelings about Freinir. Those who awaken their abilities, even if they are nobles, are required to become adventurers at least once. Therefore, Freinir’s current situation was not particularly problematic. After all, if the Duke’s family was content to cast her aside, the royal family could hardly intervene strongly.
“My daughter has been quite worried about her. However, we have not received accurate information from the Duke’s family, leaving us in a difficult position. I believe I may have been rude to you regarding this matter the other day. My daughter cherished the Duke’s daughter as if she were her own sister, so I hope you can understand and forgive me.”
His phrasing of “I hope you can forgive me” could be seen as somewhat arrogant, but it was rare for a king, even in private, to apologize. Acknowledging the princess’s blunder was no small matter.
“I believe it is only natural for Her Highness to feel that way.”
“I appreciate your understanding. Now, returning to our discussion, I trust you realize that today’s ceremony serves a purpose beyond merely bestowing rewards. A hero who has defeated the Kin of Twilight, a former duke’s daughter, a High Elf, and the daughter of a Beastman chief… Adventurers of such political value are rare. You understand this, do you not?”
“To some extent.”
“Thus, we wished to demonstrate that you are recognized by the royal family as soon as possible. Of course, this does not mean we intend to hinder your activities as adventurers. Such actions would violate our agreement with the guild.”
“Understood.”
“However, as you continue your activities, I would like you to be mindful of the political implications. You, the ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ are already under scrutiny, whether you like it or not. Aligning with any particular faction may lead to significant friction. Please exercise caution.”
“I understand. I intend to operate as an adventurer for the time being.”
“That would be wise. Now, the reason I summoned you here today is not only to convey that but also to request a few tasks from you. Julius.”
The King turned his gaze to the aide seated beside him. Though referred to as an aide, he was likely a person of considerable rank to sit next to the King.
The designated aide, Mr. Julius, bowed and began to speak.
“I am Julius Carcasand, appointed as the Prime Minister of this nation. I hope to be remembered.”
“I am Soushi. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
To think that someone who appeared to be in the prime of youth was the Prime Minister. Being the second-in-command of the nation requires not only capability but also charisma, connections, and various political powers. For someone so young to possess such qualities was indeed remarkable.
“I will explain the requests. First, I would like to ask for your assistance in escorting a certain individual. The destination is the capital of Oz Country, Gal-Oz. I believe you may be familiar with this person.”
“Is it Lady Shizuna from Oz Country? I have escorted her once before.”
“That is correct. She is an adventurer from the ruling class of Oz Country, and she needs to return to her capital. However, due to the lack of diplomatic relations, we cannot send an official delegation. Therefore, we wish to request the assistance of the adventurers of ‘Soul’s Guidance.'”
“So, adventurers can enter Oz Country, is that it?”
“Precisely. Furthermore, Lady Shizuna herself specifically requested ‘Soul’s Guidance’ for this task, insisting that if she were to be sent, it should be your party.”
It was likely because I had ensured she had a pleasant journey before. She had also become quite friendly with the women in our party, so it was understandable that she would request us for a long journey. However, it took quite a bit of nerve to make such a request…
“Additionally, we would like you to demonstrate your capabilities as an adventurer. Understanding the level of strength required to defeat the Kin of Twilight is crucial for the protection of our nation.”
“What would you like me to do to demonstrate that?”
The one who answered my question was the King.
“As you may know, there is a classless dungeon known as the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’ beneath this castle. I would like you to enter this dungeon with Lord Harsivil and Lady Meldoza and showcase your strength against the monsters within. You may explore up to the fifth floor, and anything you acquire in the dungeon will be yours to keep. What do you think?”