Chapter 12: In the Royal Capital – Part 15
I am currently facing His Majesty the King in the Audience Chamber alongside Freinir.
To my side stands the Prime Minister, Julius, while Princess Margarot is seated across from us. Naturally, the guards, Harsivil and Meldoza, are positioned behind the King.
“Let us not waste time. Could you provide us with the details?” His Majesty’s voice cuts through the heavy atmosphere.
“Certainly. First, may I be permitted to retrieve an Elixir from my Item Box?”
“Very well, you have my permission.”
The two guards take their positions. It is strictly forbidden to open an Item Box in front of nobles without permission, for security reasons.
I slowly reach into the black void of the Item Box and carefully pull out a beautifully decorated vial. I place it gently on the table before me.
“Lord Meldoza, please Appraise it.”
“Of course.”
Lady Meldoza steps forward, her sharp eyes fixated on the vial, which she slightly widens in surprise.
“…It is indeed an Elixir. There is no mistake.”
“What a surprise…”
The air in the room shifts dramatically. The princess, in particular, glances back and forth between Freinir and me with wide eyes.
“So, Sir Soushi, you intend to present this to the royal family?”
“Yes. I heard rumors that the Queen’s condition is not good, so I decided to offer it last night.”
“Where did you hear such rumors?”
“From a certain merchant, if you would allow me to keep the details vague.”
“Hmmm… A perceptive merchant would certainly pick up on such matters. What do you think, Julius?”
“I believe that is unavoidable. The Queen has not shown her face at the soup kitchens for some time now.”
“Indeed. Now, what do you wish to gain by offering this Elixir?”
The King’s gaze sharpens, reflecting the gravity of the situation. This is undoubtedly a matter of utmost concern for the royal family. We are not just any adventurers; we are a party with complicated backgrounds. Our leader is a makeshift hero of unknown origins.
“As you are aware, our party consists of many individuals with various entanglements. Therefore, I hope to gain some of your Majesty’s influence to help us navigate these complications.”
“Are you referring to the Duke’s household?”
“I also speak of the Arshuram Church. Of course, there may be entanglements involving the Elf Race and Beastmen that I am unaware of.”
“Are you saying you wish for the royal family’s backing in case something happens?”
“In a word, yes. I do not intend to abuse it, but having that assurance would be beneficial.”
“Hmmm…”
The King exchanges glances with Julius. Julius seems to be contemplating my words, but honestly, there isn’t much information available regarding us.
A moment of silence stretches until it is broken by Princess Margarot.
“Father, we cannot afford to waste time. While we deliberate, Mother is…”
“I understand. Julius, what do you think?”
Pressured for an answer, the Prime Minister slowly shakes his head.
“I cannot make a judgment immediately. However, we should prioritize the Queen’s well-being.”
The King closes his eyes for a moment, then fixes his gaze on me.
“Very well, I shall accept your offer of the Elixir. We will discuss the details formally later, so please wait for a moment.”
With that, His Majesty takes the Elixir into his hands and, leaving Harsivil behind, exits the Audience Chamber.
“I hope it’s not too late…”
As the door closes, Freinir looks up at me.
“It should be fine. However, I should have presented it before entering the Dungeon. I didn’t expect it to turn out this urgent.”
“Indeed. I was surprised when you suddenly brought it up yesterday, but I never imagined you had foreseen this.”
“No, this situation was purely coincidental. I didn’t think the Queen’s condition was so dire.”
As we converse, Raylot approaches and calls for Freinir. It seems the awakened Queen wishes to see her.
“If possible, why not use Purification on her?” I suggest.
“Good idea. I’ll see what I can do.”
With that, I bid Freinir farewell.
Now alone with Harsivil, the silence feels a bit awkward, so I decide to break it.
“How long have you served the royal family, Harsivil?”
“Me? It’s been three years. I come from a relatively low-ranking noble family, which is how I ended up here.”
“I see. It seems there are quite a few former nobles among adventurers, like Freinir.”
“Not necessarily. The ratio isn’t that high. However, those from noble families often receive support when they Awaken…”
His words trail off, suggesting that adventurers from noble backgrounds have an easier time surviving due to their family’s backing. It’s true that someone with such support would have an advantage over someone like me. It’s a reminder of the disparities that exist even among adventurers, reflecting the harsh realities of human society.
“However, after entering the Dungeon with you today, I realized just how inexperienced I still am. I also understood the weight of defeating a Kin of Twilight on my own.”
“I often tell my party members to be aware of their own strengths. If you can hold your own in an A-Rank Dungeon, it’s hard to deny your capabilities.”
“That was more than just holding my own.”
Harsivil chuckles, but the power he displayed in the Dungeon was only a glimpse of what he is capable of. I realize I should have asked to see more of an A-Rank adventurer’s abilities.
As I ponder this, the group that went to see the Queen returns.
Both the princess and Freinir are in tears, and I think it might be best for them to go to another room, but they all take their seats.
The King leans back in his chair, exhaling deeply, and turns his gaze toward me. His expression seems to have softened somewhat.
“Thanks to you, Sir Soushi, my wife has been saved. Allow me to express my gratitude.”
“That is the most important thing. I am relieved to hear it.”
“However, I never expected you to possess an Elixir. It must be fate, but this time I truly feel the presence of the divine.”
To the King’s words, I respond, “Indeed,” but knowing it was the guidance of Bad Luck, I feel a twinge of guilt.
“Now, regarding your earlier request, both my daughter and I are grateful to you. Therefore, should you and your party, the Soul’s Guidance, encounter any troubles, I promise the royal family will lend their support. However, please understand that there are limits to our assistance.”
“Understood. If I can receive your support, that is more than sufficient for an adventurer.”
“Indeed. I asked Freinir, but are you not interested in being ennobled? You have defeated a Kin of Twilight, presented an Elixir to the royal family, and saved the Queen’s life. I have heard from the Count that there are many merits to consider. It would not be impossible to grant you a barony, or even a viscountcy.”
“I do not wish for anything that does not match my capabilities. I am still an adventurer in the making, and I want to first understand my own potential.”
I respond, but I feel I may have overdone it, trying to sound impressive. I might have just created a moment of embarrassment for myself. Freinir, who was just crying, is now looking at me with sparkling eyes.
“Are you saying you aim for the pinnacle as an adventurer? That is also commendable. In addition to the royal family’s backing regarding the Elixir, I will prepare a suitable reward. Also, please take care of the matter I requested the other day.”
“Of course. I will ensure Lady Shizuna reaches Oz safely.”
It seems I have managed to navigate the situation regarding the Elixir quite well.
For a party of adventurers with complicated backgrounds, gaining the royal family’s backing is invaluable. While I may have inadvertently increased my entanglements, I suppose it is something I must accept as a part of living in human society.