Chapter 534 – On Each Other's Pride

Belius was racing through the air and performing somersaults in the workshop’s courtyard, seemingly testing his own capabilities. Eventually, as if satisfied with the results, he returned to the room, lay down on the floor, and relaxed while Charlotte brushed him, his ears and tail twitching to the melody played by Irmhild.

“He has such beautiful fur,” Charlotte remarked cheerfully.

“I wonder if he likes Irmhild’s lute as well?”

“I hope so.”

Seraphina tilted her head, while Irmhild smiled.

Yeah. During the time with the Magic Stones, he couldn’t move around much, so he seemed to enjoy flying and running quite a bit. But even when listening to music like this, he doesn’t seem entirely displeased—perhaps he really does like music.

And he seemed to want a sense of taste too. I’ve heard legends that Cerberus likes sweet things, so I wonder about that. Although I made his body, his preferences are all Belius’s own.

I went to the workshop’s kitchen, brought back some stored sugar candies, and gave one to each of his three heads. Belius tossed them into his mouth without hesitation. His tail was wagging, so he seemed happy.

“So you ended up giving him a sense of taste too.”

“Belius requested it.”

Rosemary looked somewhat puzzled by the scene.

“Well, I incorporated Dark Magic so he can directly absorb Magical Power from what he eats. Nothing goes to waste.”

“Dark Magic… I suppose it’s an application of Magic Stone Extraction and Magical Power absorption?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

Since the tongue is also a mass of muscle, that part was recreated as well.

“Creating a sense of taste is quite mysterious. I wonder what the first person to think of it had in mind?”

Ashley tilted her head. Yeah, that’s a fair question. Actually, we even know the name of the Magician who developed this Spell Formula.

“According to the books, it was a reclusive Magician who wanted to enrich his diet while immersing himself in research. He had Magical Creatures cook for him, but they kept messing up the seasoning, so he gave them the ability to taste…”

“I see. So it was born out of necessity.”

“A Magical Creature chef… That sounds rather amusing.”

Grace nodded in understanding, while Claudia closed her eyes, impressed. Well, it might seem a bit lazy, but I guess necessity is the mother of invention.

Belius seemed somewhat unsatisfied, so Marlene and Sion fed him more sugar candies… As we were relaxing and watching them, Queen Eldorene and her group, escorted by Princess Stephania and Elliot, arrived.

Since Elliot had returned early, it seemed Queen Eldorene and the others had stopped by the Labyrinth Trading Company while it was still open before coming to the workshop.

They mentioned they’d peeked into the shop to greet everyone and bought souvenirs for Grantios. They probably planned to discuss other miscellaneous matters more leisurely after arriving at the workshop.

First, I introduced them to Belius, since his body was now complete.

“This is Belius, a Cerberus. I suppose he’d be classified as a Magical Creature, but his will is entirely his own.”

“My word… Hmm. Pleased to meet you.”

When Queen Eldorene greeted him, Belius nodded and smiled.

“Once again, pleased to meet you, Belius,” said Princess Stephania.

Corulis also showed its palm to Belius as if greeting him. Belius politely bowed his heads to each of the guests in turn.

“…Well now. His coat’s luster, his expressions—he doesn’t look manufactured at all.”

Well, he has the same structure as a normal creature: a skeleton, muscle tissue, and fur on top.

“As for his expressions, I’d say it’s more about his personality. It seems he likes music.”

“Is that so?”

It was Marion who reacted.

“Yes. He might even enjoy singing.”

“That’s wonderful. I’d be happy if Irmhild-san and I could sing and play for him later.”

While having such conversations, I guided Queen Eldorene and the others to the workshop’s reception room.

The group consisted of Queen Eldorene, Elliot, Weltes, Eckels, and the former vice-commander of the royal guard, Gymnos.

Once tea was poured into each of their cups, it was time for discussions.

“First—regarding the Magical Inquisition, His Majesty Melvin has informed us that there were no issues,” Elliot said quietly.

Upon hearing this, Eckels and Gymnos stood up and bowed their heads silently.

We had also received details about the Magical Inquisition’s questions via the Communication Device. They covered basic matters like working as a member of Grantios for its development, loyalty to Grantios’s queen, thoughts on post-defeat treatment, and the resolve and reasons for fighting Demons. There were no problems, and no falsehoods were detected.

“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to speak. For the future of our tribe, and to repay the grace of Her Majesty and Sir Theodore, who saved our lives, we humbly request to accompany you on the battlefield.”

With those words, Eckels bowed deeply. We had already heard about their motives and reasons from Queen Eldorene, and the truth of their words had been proven by their voluntary submission to the Magical Inquisition. I nodded and responded.

“To be honest, I’m not too worried about the former royal guard members. The fact that you’ve undergone rigorous training and can move in an organized manner is proof of your disciplined behavior. I understand Sir Eckels’s desire to work for the future of Grantios and the tribe by standing on the front lines. However…”

They are undoubtedly capable individuals with solid fundamentals, making them valuable as combat assets.

However, as surrendered commanders, some friction is expected. That can’t be overlooked. I paused and glanced at Weltes.

“It’s about how they’ll coordinate with the people of Grantios, more so than with us. I’d like to hear Sir Weltes’s thoughts on this.”

When I asked, Weltes quietly closed his eyes and bowed. Then he spoke.

“We, along with our clan, have sworn loyalty to Grantios and Her Majesty. Therefore, we will follow whatever Her Majesty decides. But if you’re asking for my personal opinion apart from that… Well, I do have some thoughts. The Magical Inquisition confirmed there were no falsehoods, but even if they believed it at the time, feelings can waver.”

Yes, that’s true. Indeed.

Weltes looked at his own hand and clenched his fist.

“However, if one can not only act according to their words consistently, without interruption, but also continually prove that their words were true… That is what I call conviction, and such a Warrior is worthy of trusting with our backs. I hope that both of you are proud Warriors.”

…I see.

These words challenge Eckels and Gymnos’s pride as Warriors, while also reflecting back on Weltes himself for having spoken them.

In other words… It means that we have no choice but to build mutual trust through our actions as Warriors. It also means he doesn’t oppose Eckels joining the Demon-Slaying Knight Order itself. I’ve heard that the Fishfolk are a proud Warrior clan… That must indeed be the case.

Upon hearing these words, Eckels and Gymnos bowed deeply to Weltes.

“…I understand Sir Weltes’s position. Having heard what he just said, I support Sir Eckels joining the Demon-Slaying Knight Order.”

“Indeed. I don’t believe today’s discussion alone will resolve everything. However, the Demon-Slaying Knight Order is also a gathering of various factions. I too once pointed my sword at the Ambassador. In that case, this isn’t someone else’s problem. As an internal matter of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order, I want us to think about it together.”

Elliot also voiced his opinion as Commander.

“…Then it’s settled. Eckels shall join as one of the military officers dispatched from Grantios. Gymnos, you will oversee the tribe in Eckels’s absence.”

“Yes! We are deeply grateful for your words!”

Eckels and Gymnos knelt before the queen and responded.

Well then… Caduceus had been waiting in another room, and it seemed Miriam had also arrived at the workshop with the artisans from the Labyrinth Trading Company.

Now that the matter with Eckels and the others is settled, we can freely discuss handling Grantios’s specialty products, the newly made Magic Tools, the chessboard, and other such topics without reservations.