Chapter 158: National Selection Party
Even after Cassandra-san departed for the Baumgarten Territory, we continued to train our Gifts by going to Golem Valley and other dungeons.
Cassandra-san… She is, quite literally, the treasure of House Altmeier. One of the kingdom’s foremost military strategists. Since I’ve entrusted it to her, the Baumgarten Territory should be fine. Even if the Baumgarten Territory couldn’t withstand a monster offensive, she should act appropriately and protect the domain’s people.
I’ll believe that.
All I could do now was send funds to support Cassandra-san.
And, because Cassandra-san’s departure left a gap in our intelligence gathering and connections with other nobles, Claudia and I also made appearances in high society.
That said, it’s not like we obtained useful information every time, though.
Since the prophecy of the Evil God’s revival, parties and such have been held to dispel the gloomy atmosphere, but… at the party venues, all the nobles have dark expressions.
The inhabitants of this world feel the presence of goddesses and evil gods firsthand through the power of their Gifts and the threat of monsters. The existence of gods is more immediate here than in my previous life. For that reason, they fear the Evil God’s revival.
Even though for me it’s just a scenario proceeding as planned, for the people of this world, it’s more terrifying than any cataclysm.
With the nobles, who are the commanders of soldiers, in this state, can they truly contend with a great horde of monsters…?
I felt a twinge of unease.
Well, there are also nobles who don’t seem to feel fear. No, to be precise, they probably do feel it, but they’re nobles who don’t let it show.
I felt this was common among high-ranking nobles, starting with House Altmeier. They’re likely deliberately pretending to be unfazed so as not to spread anxiety. We’ve also received the high rank of Margrave, so we need to be careful about that.
After that, I rushed all over the royal capital, gathering necessary equipment. I even went to the casino, that minigame I mentioned, and bought up prize equipment.
This is different from before when I left everything to Reinhardt. I’m taking a proactive stance to defeat the Evil God.
However, I won’t neglect giving advice to Reinhardt, just in case. There’s also the possibility that only Reinhardt, with his Hero’s Gift, can defeat the Evil God.
Speaking of Reinhardt-kun, his Gift finally evolved into Hero. Rumors are flying around town that Reinhardt might be the one to defeat the Evil God. Receiving the Hero’s Gift at this time, when the Evil God is reviving, has that much of an impact.
Or rather, perhaps they want to think so.
It was at such a time. I received a summons from the King.
And it wasn’t just me; Claudia, Cornelia, and Lily were summoned too. What could it be about?
When we arrived at the royal palace’s audience chamber, instead of the usual nobles, there was an armed group. They were dressed in various, uncoordinated outfits. Adventurers. The atmosphere felt somewhat tense.
“Swift Lightning,” the “Schwarzwald Knights,” the “Black Sword of Oath,” “Mirror Moon”—the adventurers gathered in the audience chamber were all famous names in the royal capital. There were several names even I recognized.
Among the adventurers, I also saw Reinhardt.
“His Majesty the King is arriving. Receive him with due respect.”
Just as I was about to speak to Reinhardt, a clear voice resonated.
Hurriedly kneeling, the King appeared. He didn’t sit on his throne as usual but stood before it and began to speak.
“Thank you all for gathering in response to my call. I am grateful. As you all may already know, the revival of the Evil God is near.”
Everyone likely knew. There was no one here who would lose their composure over it now.
“You are the pinnacle of martial prowess representing this kingdom. I am convinced that each of you is a warrior capable of matching a thousand. I wish to entrust the subjugation of the Evil God to you.”
“The Evil God…”
“Us…?”
“Hoh…”
“Such gracious words…”
Even these seasoned warriors stirred a little at this. The king of a nation was not unilaterally ordering them but had deliberately chosen the word “request.”
That’s how serious the King was.
“To those who subjugate the Evil God, I shall grant any reward they desire. The fate of the kingdom rests on your shoulders. Please, lend your strength for the sake of the world.”
“King! Is it true that the reward will be whatever we wish?”
At that moment, a male adventurer stood up and questioned the King. He was a man in red armor with an intimidating aura. I could feel firsthand that he was considerably strong.
“You cur! How dare you speak to His Majesty in such a manner!”
“It is fine.”
Normally, he was someone who wouldn’t even be permitted to address the King directly. It was natural for the Prime Minister to be angry, but the King forgave the man’s outrageous behavior.
“It was about the reward, wasn’t it? Of course, it is as I said, whatever you desire. Well, within the scope of my authority, that is.”
“Is that so. You won’t go back on your word, then?”
“Of course.”
“Hearing that puts my mind at ease! We, the ‘Crimson Wings,’ are in on this deal! What about you lot? Well, I don’t care about any cowards who get cold feet!”
“Honestly, you should show a little more respect for etiquette. Your Majesty, as a fellow adventurer, I apologize for his outrageous behavior. The ‘Black Sword of Oath’ will obey your command and subjugate the Evil God.”
“‘Mirror Moon’ will also take part.”
“Of course, ‘Swift Lightning’ too.”
“The ‘Schwarzwald Knights’ will follow His Majesty’s command to any lengths.”
“Me too! Don’t you go forgetting ‘Hekireki (Thunderclap)’!”
Everyone’s gazes gathered on us, the remaining ones. They were waiting for our decision.
Our decision? That’s already settled!
“We, ‘Reginleif,’ are at Your Majesty’s command. We shall demonstrate our ability to annihilate the Evil God.”
This was the moment the National Selection Party, which would later become humanity’s hope, first declared their intent to subjugate the Evil God.