Chapter 267 – Secret Talks at the Royal Castle

“I now understand why you can use Circulating Ki. It was said that if there were any prospects for the future, they would likely come from magicians of the Ancient Bloodline.”

“…What is the Ancient Bloodline?”

“Legend says they are families descended from the magicians of Beriondora, much like the Silvatoria Royal Family.”

King Eberhart closed his eyes and began to explain.

“As the number of those who could use Circulating Ki decreased and several valuable Spell Formulas were scattered and lost, those with lineage connected to Beriondora were gathered to protect and pass these traditions down.”

It seemed somewhat understood that families close to Beriondora tended to produce excellent magicians. Therefore, marriages were arranged among these families… likely an attempt to revive the magician groups that fought against demons. Hence the term Ancient Bloodline. Aspiring magicians who admired them also gathered, eventually forming what would become the Sages’ Academy.

…This sounds similar to the Verdgar Royal Family.

In the battles against demons, magicians who could use circulation decreased in number, and techniques were lost. Or perhaps due to mixed bloodlines causing decline, they gathered those with similar backgrounds to increase bloodline purity. Those called elders would be the family heads of the Ancient Bloodline… that seems to be the case.

“What about the Sealing Shrine Maiden?”

“They say a special daughter from the Ancient Bloodline inherits the title… The detailed origins aren’t clear… and they currently have circumstances that prevent us from hearing their story. Volheim and others at the Sages’ Academy are researching ways to resolve the situation, but the results haven’t been promising.”

Volheim. The vice chancellor during the Sages’ Academy internal conflict… Given this, it seems he hasn’t reported to King Eberhart about pursuing magicians with the Memory Release Formula.

In any case, including matters about the Sealing Shrine Maiden, it seems we’ll have to ask the elders about those details. Let’s move on to the main topic.

“Actually… part of the reason we came to Silvatoria this time involves disturbances stemming from the Sages’ Academy internal conflict.”

Here, I bring up Princess Stephania’s reason for coming to Silvatoria. Perhaps sensing something suspicious, tension increases in King Eberhart’s expression.

“First… would you please read the personal letter from His Majesty Melvin?”

Princess Stephania presents King Melvin’s letter to King Eberhart. King Eberhart checks the wax seal and begins reading the letter. As he reads further, his expression grows severe.

Regarding the letter’s contents, first it writes about what has been understood so far concerning demons.

The objectives of the demon groups heading toward Verdgar, what was understood from deciphering Ancient Documents, and the hypothesis deduced from this – the possibility that there might be demons in Beriondora.

It also writes about incidents involving Zadias. The bandit disturbance, the attack on Gartner County, the blackmail against Marquis Zilbolt’s family as background, and that the identity of the blackmailer was a demon. Everything.

From King Eberhart’s perspective, the information that there might be demons in Beriondora would be shocking enough, but the part suggesting Zadias might be involved in the blackmail against Marquis Zilbolt’s family must be quite an impact.

If King Eberhart takes actions favoring Zadias’ side after this… well, we’ll have to make some decisive moves ourselves then.

“Is this… true?”

King Eberhart puts a hand to his forehead as if enduring a headache.

“There were many aspects where we couldn’t grasp the full picture of who was pulling the strings… so we were uncertain about how and to whom we should convey this information.”

“…I see. The envoy who came previously probably had this as their main topic too… If I were said to be bedridden in this situation, anyone would be cautious.”

King Eberhart seems to have grasped our movements and circumstances quite accurately.

“If necessary, I’ll undergo Magical Inquisition.”

I convey this, but King Eberhart shakes his head.

“Such measures would be far too shameless. It’s proper for us to verify the facts ourselves. In this case… it would be best to follow the strategy mentioned in the personal letter.”

The strategy in the personal letter… that would be using the plaster statue to issue notices about gathering information on Alvelinde within Silvatoria.

“Marquis Zilbolt is currently heading this way. Could you hear directly from the Marquis? Spirit Tephra is also accompanying us, which should help verify the story.”

“Accompanied by a High Spirit…”

King Eberhart shows a somewhat strained smile and calls a maid, instructing her to escort everyone to the inner chambers when Marquis Zilbolt arrives.

“Please grant your forgiveness for what Marquis Zilbolt has done.”

“…If that story is true, then as a lord it was unavoidable. Fundamentally… it’s my foolishness for allowing

sycophants

to run rampant while I lay ill.”

…Running rampant, huh. There’s probably someone responsible for reporting to King Eberhart… and that person likely has connections with Zadias. We’ll need to be cautious about the informant within the Royal Castle.

“Marquis Zilbolt has arrived,”

reports a lady-in-waiting.

“Hmm. Show him in here.”

As King Eberhart nods, Marquis Zilbolt, Elliot, and Tephra appear. They’re all wearing hoods. Sheila has accompanied them as escort.

Lavigne and Ignis should be in the carriage they rode to the castle, standing guard. They can’t exactly stroll around the Royal Castle, so they’re staying in the carriage.

Ambrum… is still playing the shadow clone role. He shows himself at windows dressed as Marquis Zilbolt, or transforms into Elliot to wait at the inn, being quite diligent about camouflage operations. Basically, he’s taking the role of disrupting location tracking.

Though he’ll also serve to warn Elmer and guide them to evacuate to the annex basement.

“Well come, Marquis Zilbolt. Spirit Tephra. And Sir Benedict. No, it’s Sir Elliot now, wasn’t it?”

While waiting for Marquis Zilbolt, I explained Elliot’s entire situation. Elliot, hearing his name, removes his mask and kneels. Tephra also removes her hood, revealing her face.

Ashley’s hair color has been restored with color remover. Comparing Elliot and observing Tephra, King Eberhart sighs.

“You’ve suffered hardships due to my foolishness.”

“Your words are too generous.”

Marquis Zilbolt and Elliot each respond to King Eberhart.

“I came along to testify to Marquis Zilbolt’s innocence but…”

Tephra tilts her head, looking somewhat uneasy.

“…I’ll believe you. I too am something of a magician. I wouldn’t mistake a spirit for something else, and I’ve heard stories about the High Spirit dwelling in Mt. Tephra.”

At King Eberhart’s words, Tephra shows a satisfied smile.

“These are the evidence items.”

I present the wooden box containing the plaster statue and Caex Gem. King Eberhart frowns upon seeing inside the box.

“…We’ll have to use these to shake up Zadias. We must summon him before he becomes suspicious and prepares his defenses.”

“We don’t know who might be informing him. There are parts that also need reporting to His Majesty Melvin, so if permitted, we’d like to be present at that meeting as well.”

I make the request. King Eberhart considers my words for a moment before asking.

“…I see. I’d heard Verdgar possessed a Demon Slayer… is it you?”

If I’m a magician who can use Circulating Ki, it’s natural he’d draw that conclusion.

“Yes.”

“…Then, I’ll swallow my pride and say this. I’d like to request your presence.”

“I’d like to ensure Her Highness Adriana’s safety as well,”

says Princess Stephania.

“Adriana?”

“It seems surveillance eyes are on her. She warned us to be cautious.”

“Understood. — Someone! Call Adriana here.”

At King Eberhart’s words, a lady-in-waiting bows and goes to fetch Princess Adriana. If it’s King Eberhart’s summons, even if there’s surveillance, they shouldn’t be able to stop her. Ensuring Princess Adriana’s safety is necessary.

Before long, Princess Adriana appears in the inner Royal Castle. She was said to be Princess Stephania’s friend… but her appearance is, how to say… fitting for the title of princess, with the aura of a sheltered young lady. Though her true nature is probably different.

“…Father… your appearance is–“

“Yes. It seems this treatment was successful.”

Princess Adriana’s eyes widen at King Eberhart’s appearance.

“That is most wonderful. Please forgive me for being unable to report my brother’s suspicious movements.”

“Fine. If I had noticed, he might have resorted to force.”

That’s right… King Eberhart was bedridden and unable to move, so if cornered, he might have assassinated King Eberhart, claimed it was illness, and purged those who knew the circumstances.

Princess Adriana was carrying secrets and was being watched as a rival for the throne, so there were parts where she couldn’t move freely.

“Steph… thank you.”

“No, Adriana. I’m glad you’re safe too.”

Princess Adriana turns to Princess Stephania, takes her hands, and they rejoice at their reunion.

“Zadias… isn’t in the Royal Castle?”

Meanwhile, King Eberhart, having received a report from a lady-in-waiting, frowns.

“He said he was heading to the Academy. That at the evening banquet welcoming Her Highness Stephania, he definitely wanted to show Her Highness Stephania something.”

“…I see. Since my treatment finished earlier than scheduled, tell him to return to the Royal Castle early to properly welcome Princess Stephania too.”

“Yes.”

They can’t tell him to return immediately because that would make Zadias suspicious.

…Something he wants to show Princess Stephania, huh. Unless he sensed danger and used it as an excuse to slip away… Is he planning to show some research results?

Considering his character – it might be his plan to show off something that demonstrates his martial prowess at the banquet as a return for my martial demonstration. It would also serve as a show of force to the nobles invited to the banquet.

In any case, events have been set in motion.

The enemy forces consist of Zadias and Chancellor Volheim. Then the Black Knights group. We’re assuming various possibilities including products of magical research and cooperating demons… well then.