Chapter 265 – The King's Illness

“Mother likely took one half of the spell formula with her when she fled Silvatoria. Since I possess the other half… the complete form exists within my mind.”

As I spoke, everyone’s gazes gathered on me.

“Ah… So that’s why you had Marquis Zilbolt search for Lisa-sama’s magic.”

Grace closed her eyes and let out a small sigh.

“Yes. The current conversation has clarified several things for me.”

If we were hiding the Memory Release Formula from Zadias, we couldn’t conceal our own memories. Therefore, it was highly likely that we possessed the magic held by the elders. Whether there was concrete evidence or not, Zadias searching for magicians who had been at the Sages’ Academy was… well, only natural.

“I see… So Lisa-sama…”

Princess Stephania mentioned that when she crossed over to Verdugal by ship as a child, she had also met Mother.

In any case, Mother headed to Termwills, then became an adventurer who explored labyrinths… and eventually met Father.

Well, she might have met Princess Stephania after becoming an adventurer. Mother probably also investigated the situation in Silvatoria.

“I believe this must have been a matter of concern for Mother as well.”

“Theodore-sama…”

Ashley furrowed her brows with worry. When Marlene looked at Princess Stephania as if wanting to say something, she gave a wry smile.

“While you are the Otherworld Ambassador… unless you intend to hand that magic over to Zadias, Verdugal has no standing to comment on how that magic should be handled. I don’t believe you would use it for some negotiation with Silvatoria, and Father should feel the same. I received one half from Adriana… and similarly, I entrust that fragment to you.”

“Thank you.”

Considering Princess Stephania’s position, I needed to properly report to King Melvin via the communication device. Well… perhaps I’ll have Alfred convey it.

“At any rate. First, we should ascertain His Majesty Eberhart’s physical condition and thoughts, I suppose.”

Claudia spoke.

…That’s it. While the worst-case scenario of him being Zadias’s accomplice seems to have been eliminated, his actions must have caused considerable mental strain. Given that we’ve only been told he’s confined to his sickbed… depending on his condition, the question remains whether we should tell him the complete truth.

I’d like to minimize the shock King Eberhart would receive as much as possible.

“What about contacting Her Highness Adriana? Shouldn’t we inform her that we’ve taken over the matter?”

“I’ll send her a letter. She’s bored with the monotony, so if I write that along with greetings I’d like to play with her like when we were little, Adriana will understand that I’m cooperating. …I’d like to write about monster-slaying games, but that might be too direct even as a metaphor?”

Princess Stephania smiled wryly. Monster-slaying games, huh. That must be her frank opinion of Zadias.

“…Did you really do that? Such things.”

“Yes, yes. It’s from when we were children.”

When Rosemary showed a slightly exasperated expression, Princess Stephania blushed a little and cleared her throat.

“We should also ensure Her Highness Adriana’s safety.”

“Indeed. Well, let’s consider wording that wouldn’t be problematic even if intercepted.”

Since it would be based on Princess Adriana’s metaphorical secret letters, making the meaning comprehensible only to her… even if someone read the exchange from the middle, the underlying meaning would become even more obscure, perhaps.

They began discussing the letter’s wording in detail, saying this and that. Their consultation seemed rather enjoyable as well.

After sending the letter indicating our intent to cooperate with Princess Adriana, there were no more visitors, and we didn’t venture outside either, so superficially everything was quiet.

And soon, the day of our appointment with King Eberhart arrived.

“Please, this way.”

The maid who welcomed and guided us when we arrived at the royal castle by carriage was Carmela, the same as during our first visit.

Sheila, Tephra, Ambrum, Lavigne, Ignis and the others would remain behind for now. While Tephra is a witness to Zadias’s deeds, she couldn’t remain hooded indefinitely, nor could we risk another encounter with Zadias. We plan to have them join us with Marquis Zilbolt at the most effective timing while monitoring the situation here. If anything happens, we can communicate via the device, so it’s not a problem.

We proceeded through the castle’s spacious corridors, passing the audience chamber. When we reached the area before the royal family’s living quarters, Carmela turned to us and bowed.

“I shall take my leave here.”

Another court lady took over as guide. The fact that even among maids, access to the castle’s inner depths is restricted—it seems they’re quite meticulous about concealing information regarding King Eberhart’s condition.

“His Majesty Eberhart awaits. However, before entering this room, there are several things I wish to convey.”

When we reached an especially large door, the court lady turned to us and spoke.

“What might they be?”

“First of all… His Majesty’s appearance may differ somewhat from what Your Highness Stephania remembers. Additionally, regardless of the healing outcome, everything you see and hear about His Majesty must remain confidential.”

“…Understood. I swear upon the honor of the Kingdom of Verdugal.”

At Princess Stephania’s words, the court lady nodded and knocked on the door.

“Her Highness Stephania has arrived.”

“Hmm, let them enter.”

When the reply came from within the room, the door slowly opened inward.

A spacious room. Inside, several royal guard magic knights stood by. The court physician. And the Court Magician. Other royals didn’t seem to be present. Only close aides, it appeared. That Zadias wasn’t here… well, that makes things easier.

Princess Stephania bowed formally to the room’s master. We followed suit.

“…It has been too long, Your Majesty.”

“Well, you’ve come. First, raise your heads and show me your faces. Your attendants as well. You intend to treat me, after all. I’d like to see your faces properly.”

The room’s master—King Eberhart—lay upon a bed. The right half of his face had transformed into something resembling a dragon’s appearance. This… might be better described as mid-transformation rather than an illness.

“…Hmm. Princess Stephania, you’ve grown quite beautiful. While I have ended up in this state.”

After surveying our faces, King Eberhart narrowed his eyes. The dragonified half of his body also smiled.

“We heard you were confined to bed and were concerned for your well-being.”

“There is pain during progression… but no matter, it’s not life-threatening. Well, it is troublesome, though. Like this, I cannot appear in public.”

He said it jokingly… but I understand. So this was the reason he couldn’t meet the envoy.

“Ordinary healing magic doesn’t work, and even the unique healing magic passed down in Silvatoria is meaningless. While temporarily restoring my appearance is possible, it quickly reverts to this state. Since it only means experiencing intense pain for longer, I’ve left it as is.”

“I see… So that’s how it is.”

“My apologies regarding Verdugal’s envoy. Not to make excuses, but the timing was unfortunate. My condition was worse than now, and the pain made speaking difficult. There was also a proposal to use a shadow clone, but we hesitated since that might cause unnecessary misunderstandings among the nobles.”

“…I can imagine how you must feel.”

Silvatoria’s unique healing magic. That must be the reconstruction magic Mother used for healing.

But… if physical reconstruction doesn’t work and the condition progresses… this can hardly be called an ordinary illness. If not some form of curse, then perhaps related to magical aptitude…?

“It can’t be helped. This is something like the fate borne by Silvatoria’s king.”

“You know the cause? …What is it, exactly?”

“Remember, this must remain confidential?”

King Eberhart smiled ruefully.

“Silvatoria is said to be hated by ancient demons. Therefore, whoever becomes Silvatoria’s leader must perform a ritual each year to disperse the curse so it doesn’t target the entire nation. But… that ritual isn’t perfect and requires a small price.”

Is that… similar to how Verdugal’s king performs the Nation Protecting Ceremony?

“The price… could it be”

“Yes. The body is gradually eroded with each ritual. Normally, it only causes temporary health issues without major problems… but depending on magical aptitude, mutations like this can occur. I’ve grown old, I suppose. The mutation speed has increased.”

In other words, this is… erosion caused by miasma.

Demons are beings who leave nothing behind when they perish. If “ancient demons” refers to the demon lord, then this is…

The lord wasn’t destroyed. Only sealed. Awakening… meaning if the miasma characteristic of the demon lord that promotes demon mutation also applies to King Eberhart’s symptoms… the mutation aspects match in various ways. There’s also the example of the half-demons created by Gardinis.

“…That’s the situation. The point of telling you this is… you mentioned taking a different approach, but even if it proves ineffective, I won’t blame you.”

King Eberhart laughed in that manner.

But… what about this? Magical power circulation is a technique to counter demons. And it’s also a lost technology from Silvatoria. Using circulating ki to… neutralize and purify a body eroded this far by miasma—might that be possible?