Chapter 204 - Chapter 203: The Bronze Star Sword and Spear Medal
The second month of Water, the second week, Saturday.
Fourth day of the confinement life at the Royal Castle.
"Yo."
"Ixel-san!"
Mika, who had been endlessly performing Salvage on magic bags, saw Ixel's face appear below him.
The matter of the reward had been put aside, and every single day was spent just doing nothing but Salvage.
The number of magic bags Mika had already salvaged had already exceeded twenty.
The contents were various.
There were things filled with mountains of boxes and bundles of paper, things that looked like bundles of letters, things containing art pieces and decorations, and things containing what looked like weapons and armor.
Since he was blindfolded every time, he didn't know the details of the contents, but there were quite a few old magic bags as well.
"I heard you were here, so I came to check on you."
"Ugh... thank you very much."
They weren't particularly close, but it was still a relief that an acquaintance had come to visit.
Since Ixel had a friendly personality, in this suffocating confinement life, he finally felt like he could breathe.
There were maids and knights present, so he couldn't just talk about anything.
Still, it was far better than the state where only maids and knights clearly attached for surveillance were present.
Ixell sat opposite him, crossed his legs, and drank tea.
What is this?
Just sitting like this makes a picture. This person.
He didn't seem like a human creature at all.
(He comes from a high-ranking noble family, is skilled enough to belong to the Royal Guards. On top of that, he's a handsome man. Is he picking a fight?)
His very existence smelled of unfairness already.
Mika secretly burned with flames of jealousy.
Without caring even a fragment about Mika's feelings, Ixel drank his tea gracefully.
"By the way, do you know the Archbishop of Sarbengeal, Mika-kun? You've been in Sarbengeal for two years, so you must know him."
Ixell placed the teacup on the table gracefully and said such a thing.
Bringing up such a topic now is...?
"I have visited the Great Cathedral a few times, but as for meeting the Archbishop, I don't think I had the chance..."
Actually, I haven't been there even once.
"But, I met him for the first time the other day."
"Oh, is that so."
Such a trivial conversation.
"That Archbishop is returning to Sarbengeal yesterday, so I asked him to stay at my house against his will."
Ixell said with a bright smile.
"He is a busy man. We haven't had many chances to talk slowly until now, but last night we were able to talk in depth."
Ixell's mouth was smiling, but his eyes held a sharp light.
"He seems to be a very open-minded person. I asked him to do something unreasonable, and he listened without a single frown. Ah, I was truly impressed by how deep his heart is."
"Hee... is that so?"
He listened to the request.
Mika also smiled brightly and joined the conversation.
Ixell must have come to tell him this.
After that, they chatted normally, and Ixel returned to work.
As he was leaving, when Mika complained that it was a bit painful not knowing how many more magic bags there were or how many days he would be detained,
"I'll tell you."
He was told.
Who was he telling?
■■■■■■
The second month of Water, the third week, Sunday. Afternoon.
When Mika had been endlessly performing Salvage with eyes like dead fish, it seemed everything was finally cleared up.
In the end, I think he was made to do over forty.
There were some magic bags with a completely different structure than before, which took a little time, but there was no change in the fact that it could be broken through by replacing the mana.
(Now, I can finally go home...)
Mika let out a heavy, heavy sigh.
He left the room and followed the official who was guiding him, but for some reason, they started going up the stairs.
(...Huh?)
Aren't you going to let me go?
As Mika looked up at the official in a daze, he was urged by the knight behind him.
"Follow me."
"Well... yes."
Giving up, Mika also climbed the stairs.
The room where Mika was confined was on the second floor.
And from there, climb another three floors.
In other words, the fifth floor.
The fifth floor had a completely different atmosphere just from the stairs leading up.
Magnificent and luxurious.
Everywhere, it was shiny and glittery, or rather, not shining but expensive-looking things were scattered everywhere.
I don't even want to touch the walls anymore.
Or rather, I don't even want to step on the floor.
A bright red carpet was laid in the center of the marble floor.
Red carpets really exist.
The room he was led to was a room wider than the confinement room, guarded by six knights at the entrance.
It was a room like a half-residence and half-workplace, with sofas, conference tables, tables, and even beds.
Inside the room were about eight maids, over ten knights.
And several people with a dignified presence who clearly seemed to be the core of this country.
Among the knights, there were a few who wore splendid armor and seemed to be higher in rank than the knights guarding the castle.
(...Why am I in a place like this...)
I want to cry...
Mika looked down and glanced around.
(Probably, the people in this room are all related to noble families.)
From knights to maids, it didn't seem like there was a single commoner.
To Mika, just being there was an enemy territory where his Hit Points were drained.
With the Field attribute, he took damage every turn.
That was his state of mind.
When he was guided to the table, he saw a familiar person sitting there.
It was the King.
(...Guff!)
Mika almost vomited blood.
Just when he thought he could finally go home, the boss character appeared.
(Ah... I'm dead.)
Even if his soul was about to leave his body, this was unavoidable.
He thought that the losing event had finally begun.
His Majesty recommended the seat facing him with his hand.
When he looked around wondering if he could sit, he was told with his eyes that it was fine to sit.
"You need not be so humble. Thanks to your rare Skill, we have had a harvest larger than expected."
(...I am deeply honored...)
A parlor maid brewed tea, but he couldn't bring himself to reach for it.
"Do you possess such power from birth?"
(...I don't know if I can say 'from birth'. It's just that I thought, 'If I do this, maybe I can do it?' So I tried...)
When asked by His Majesty, Mika did not say that he was using mana to replace the mana registration.
He didn't know how his words would affect things.
He didn't want to get involved in more trouble by saying something careless.
...Although, one could say he was already involved in the greatest level of trouble.
When His Majesty gave a signal, a man of about forty attached a badge to the left chest of Mika's robe.
(A badge, or rather... a medal?)
When Mika looked puzzled at why he was given such a thing, the people in the room clapped all at once, and His Majesty smiled.
"It suits you quite well. It is said that there is no example of someone of your age holding a medal."
It seemed to be a medal after all.
Or rather, why a medal?
The story was just progressing on its own, as if it were an event from another dimension.
"The Bronze Star Sword and Spear Medal. The criteria for receiving it are 'Those who have fulfilled their duties for many years in military service and left remarkable results'."
The man who attached the medal to Mika explained the medal.
"However, if the merit is great, the part of 'for many years' is handled flexibly."
He said with a bright smile.
However, another part of it was bothering Mika.
(In military service...?)
Military service.
In other words, the Salvage of the magic bags this time belonged to military service.
(I didn't see anything because the items taken out were blindfolded. Were the bundles of paper things written about some kind of secret matter...?)
Various other things were also inside.
He didn't know what was inside the magic bags, but was it necessary to make them come out for now?
If the owner of the magic bag was a spy, they could confirm instructions from the home country and what information was taken out.
If the owner was a general of an enemy country, they could obtain important information of the enemy country.
There were no obvious suspicious points like being stained with blood in the magic bags, but it seemed he was made to do quite dangerous work.
(That's why it was absolutely necessary to blindfold them.)
There were many knights in the room, and he thought they were too cautious, but it seemed that was the case.
He understood the necessity of not giving unnecessary information, but he wanted them to consider the position of those who were made to do it without knowing.
But, unfortunately, he was not in a situation where he could complain.
Mika smiled brightly, stood up slowly, and saluted sharply.
"I am glad I could be of help, Your Majesty."
If there is anyone who can answer anything other than this, bring them to me.
(...I don't want to die yet.)
He didn't want to know what information was taken out.
Mika's wish was just one.
Just let me go home.
His Majesty nodded satisfactorily and recommended sitting again.
"I heard you were excellent at the Academy, but I never thought you were also an adventurer."
"My father was not at home, and our life was difficult. I thought if I could help the household finances even a little..."
"Ho ho... that is admirable."
When Mika told one of the motives for starting to be an adventurer, His Majesty nodded.
He couldn't say things like "I want to live freely as an adventurer" even if his mouth was torn open.
After that, His Majesty asked something, and Mika answered safely, continuing for a while.
While talking like that, for some reason, a board game of Buattre Heed was prepared.
"I heard you are quite good at it. How about one game?"
"I don't think I can be Your Majesty's opponent... but if you lend me your chest."
Mika bowed politely.
(Who said that unnecessary thing!!! You idiot, you fool! You moron!)
And he cursed in his heart.
Well, it was probably the Marquis for sure.
The Buattre Heed with His Majesty, which had somehow started, was approaching the endgame.
The people in the room were all standing.
I think there are definitely people thinking in their hearts, "Why are you playing with such a thing, finish it quickly."
Naturally, Mika was one of them.
Mika moved a piece and glanced at His Majesty.
His Majesty didn't think for long and seemed to be playing casually, but he was actually very good.
Sometimes he made moves that seemed to have no meaning, but they would be effective later.
Probably, he was being guided to become like that, but I think he has quite a skill.
(I thought at first what would happen...)
Is it bad if I win?
Thinking that, he wondered whether to hold back, but there was no need to do such a thing.
He was simply strong.
Even without holding back, Mika was gradually being pushed into a disadvantageous position.
When His Majesty moved a piece, voices of "Ho ho..." could be heard from the surroundings.
The gallery was amazed at the very steady piece movement without any showiness.
At first, His Majesty moved to slowly surround Mika's main camp.
Then, Mika, who was attacking normally, would attack first.
Using simultaneous actions and coordinated attacks to attack, His Majesty also used simultaneous actions and coordinated attacks to counterattack in the same way.
Thus, the first and second waves were repelled, and in the meantime, the siege narrowed slowly, and Mika gradually became in trouble.
His Majesty defended with the minimum force and was planning to tighten the squeeze on Mika with the forces he had been saving up.
On the other hand, Mika had already repelled up to the second wave and was at a disadvantage in terms of force.
A difference in force that could not be defended even if he defended.
(If I just go on the defensive and lose, it's fine.)
Is it a bit too obvious?
If I don't move even though it's decided that I will lose if I defend, it seems they will see through that thought.
When Mika moved a piece, a murmur arose from the gallery.
"How reckless."
"Has he given up the game?"
Mika began to divide the pieces protecting his main camp.
Using fast pieces and key large pieces to create a third wave, break through before the siege was completed.
A surprise attack on His Majesty's main camp.
(A situation where I will lose whether I defend or attack. Then, what I show here is my stance.)
Sitting and dying doesn't suit my nature.
It is Mika's determination to fight to the death.
(Well, there is no fighting to the death in a board game. We take turns moving pieces.)
Still, I should show the attitude of repaying a blow.
His Majesty, who had been playing silently until now, smiled for the first time with a smile.
"So you were going to come like that."
"I am just playing normally."
"I see."
Saying so, His Majesty moved the pieces to narrow the siege as before.
Honestly, since Mika's defensive force had decreased, if he broke the siege and attacked the nearest pieces in order, the game would be over.
But he didn't do that.
It seemed he would play along with Mika's third wave.
He advanced the pieces one by one and prepared for the attack.
The siege of Mika's main camp was also almost complete.
(If I'm going to attack, now is the only time.)
Mika's hand, which was about to move a piece, stopped.
He couldn't help but stare intently at His Majesty's main camp.
(...The arrangement... has changed...!? When did it happen!?)
The key large piece for defense had swapped positions with the adjacent piece.
With this, simultaneous actions and coordinated attacks were impossible, and it would be one-sidedly collapsed by Mika.
There is no one else who can do this except His Majesty.
No one had touched the pieces on the board.
Only Mika and His Majesty could move the pieces.
Since Mika didn't do it, the rest was only His Majesty.
(He is trying to lose on purpose...?)
I don't know the reason why he is doing such a thing.
Just a game?
Does he want to see a commoner in trouble, panicking?
Mika also thought at first that it might be bad if he won, but he felt relieved that His Majesty seemed to have a higher skill than himself.
However, if he attacked here, he would win.
It was a sudden reversal victory from the point where he was relieved that he could lose safely.
Of course, he would be flustered.
(...Don't mess with me.)
Anger boiled up in Mika's stomach.
He was made to play Buattre Heed with His Majesty, whom he didn't want to play with, and then this treatment.
To be honest, he felt like throwing the pieces.
There are three choices that can be considered here.
First.
Pretend to make a mistake, or even if it's obvious, just lose.
Since the game has become a farce, he should lose with all his might.
If he can buy time for one or two more turns, His Majesty's siege will be completed.
Mika's main camp will be destroyed in an instant.
If he doesn't attack there, it means His Majesty has no intention of attacking either.
Both sides will just repeat useless moves endlessly.
Until His Majesty is satisfied.
Second.
Point out that the pieces are moving.
This might be dangerous if you call it dangerous.
Accusing His Majesty of cheating.
But if he gets angry and punishes him for that, it means he is that kind of person.
Well, there is a possibility that even if His Majesty forgives, the others won't.
After all, there are many gallery members around.
And, the third option---.
Mika moved the pieces with simultaneous actions and mercilessly delivered coordinated attacks to the weak points.
Just by doing that, he succeeded in making a hole in His Majesty's main camp.
"What!"
"No way!?"
Voices suddenly rose from the gallery.
Ignoring the murmuring gallery, he looked at His Majesty, who was staring intently at the piece Mika had moved.
And there were a few people in the gallery who had the same reaction.
Probably, these people were the ones who noticed that the arrangement of the pieces had changed.
When Mika looked at His Majesty, His Majesty also raised his gaze and looked at Mika.
In the intersecting gazes, no emotion could be read.
Eyes that hid his own emotions and seemed to see through everything.
Mika also killed his emotions as much as possible and stared at those eyes.
A few seconds of a suffocating gap.
But soon, His Majesty's eyes softened.
"Hahaha. I was careless. You hit the weak point beautifully."
Saying so, he declared surrender.
After that, the gallery murmured for a while, but he was dismissed after receiving praise from His Majesty.
It seems he can finally go home now.
Phew...
By the way, there was no mention of the reward.
It seems he was repaid with this medal.
The recipient said that one gold coin pension is deposited in the bank every month.
If I live for forty years, the pension might be enough for the reward.
Haa...
■■■■■■
In Kelnile's quarters, where the servants had been dismissed.
"That was too much of a game, Your Majesty."
Prime Minister Dedoderic pointed out Kelnile's cheating in the Buattre Heed just now.
He said that there was no need to do such a thing against a child like that.
"Why? Wasn't it a great success?"
(...What do you mean?)
Not understanding the meaning of Kelnile's words, Dedoderic made a puzzled face.
"You couldn't see it from your position."
Yes, Kelnile said happily.
"At first, he was quite shriveled up, but that face of that person at that moment. Real anger was floating on it."
Kelnile took a sip of the redone tea and laughed again as if remembering.
"Anger, you say? Not confusion?"
"There was probably confusion as well. But what came out strongly was anger. I saw terrible anger."
It is quite rare to be "angry" in that situation.
The opponent was the King, and the surroundings were only the heavyweights of the nation.
There were also many knights.
A normal commoner... no, even a common noble would probably turn pale with confusion.
It wouldn't be strange to be in a panic.
Kelnile rested his cheek on his hand and glared at the void.
"Moreover, he chose to go straight for the win. Many people cannot make a move in such a situation, but that person made a move. I thought maybe he didn't notice because he was a child, but that doesn't give a reason for 'anger'. That person knew and made the move."
Dedoderic nodded at Kelnile's analysis.
"He is very different from the shriveled child when he entered the room. Perhaps he might be easily overwhelmed by the atmosphere. And it seems he is not good at suppressing emotions."
"It is a bit dangerous... Anger and a temperament that goes straight ahead. Considering that he has a rare Skill..."
"Well, isn't it good?"
Kelnile said brightly to Dedoderic, who expressed concern.
"He is probably still a student at the Academy? He is much better than the shriveled child at the beginning."
Kelnile sat up and reached for the teacup.
"Now, it is a bit regrettable that Rubalwarus has taken the initiative."
"The engagement talk?"
"That person would be more useful if used in the rear rather than on the front line. It is better to keep him in the capital than in the Leventein domain on the front line."
"Indeed, we want to avoid losing that Skill. However, it shouldn't be too obvious..."
Although it is possible to order the Marquis Leventein to cancel the engagement with his daughter, it will leave a grudge.
"We don't even need to cancel the engagement. The point is to keep him in the capital. There is also the option of having him work in the royal palace or placing him in the Court Magic Institute."
"Yes... And regarding the information department of the royal palace---."
(...Increase the number of people. That is all I can say from me. The method is up to you.)
Kelnile waved his hand with a bored look.
"Yes."
Dedoderic bowed respectfully to such Kelnile.
The investigation of information related to church irregularities was not yet finished, and now a large amount of various information that had been sealed in magic bags and could not be taken out had come out.
Magic bags held by people who seemed to be spies from Gronoir Empire, or people who seemed to be plotting a rebellion.
Other magic bags that had been seized for various reasons.
Old things were over fifty years old, and of course, there were recent ones.
Things and information that had been given up on until now had been taken out in large quantities.
Even just investigating these was a huge amount.
"In any case, first of all, hurry up with the investigation of the information... And, the consideration of how to deal with the church---."
"Regarding that, a rough policy will be solidified soon. I should be able to report in a few days."
"Um... Ah, that's right."
Kelnile said as if remembering.
"Don't collapse, Dedoderic. If you collapse, it will be very hard to run."
Dedoderic smiled bitterly at Kelnile's words.
Then, bowing respectfully,
"As you wish."
He answered so.