Chapter 278 – Feast and Honor

We temporarily patched the holes in the airship and then moved together to the royal castle’s guest room to wait for the banquet.

Though there was still time before it started, the conversation naturally continued about the airship.

“Those Golems you fought were originally developed as armor for magic knights and magicians,” Old Sigmund explained.

“Is that so?”

Indeed, shields equipped with magical power conversion armor seemed quite useful…

“The size directly correlates with absorption capacity. When miniaturized, the performance becomes rather limited. Improving efficiency was the challenge.”

“In that sense, using them as Golem armor might have been quite logical,” Valentina remarked.

It seemed they had chosen to leverage the strengths rather than solve the problems regarding Golems.

“Then perhaps we could even build the airship’s hull entirely from conversion armor. Converting absorbed energy into propulsion, for instance. That would achieve both defense power and mobility.”

“That might be reasonable, but production would be the issue. After all, it’s not something ordinary blacksmiths can make. It requires spell formulas to create… and the larger the scale, the more difficult the magic control becomes.”

“Magic control is my specialty. If you could teach me the production process and spell formulas, I’ll take charge of it.”

“That’s reckless… or so I’d normally say, but in your case…” Old Sigmund smiled wryly.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” I answered, and a maid entered, bowing respectfully.

“The banquet preparations are complete.”

“Then let us proceed.”

The banquet was held in the dance hall located in one wing of the royal castle.

They had apparently brought in tables and arranged dishes upon them. The musicians were already prepared, playing gentle melodies.

We were seated at a balcony overlooking the hall. King Eberhart and Princess Adriana’s seats were there, along with Elliot’s, Marquis Zilbolt’s, and those of his retainers.

Being the guests of honor, we were visible to everyone but difficult to approach. King Eberhart seemed to have chosen this location deliberately. While one could greet Princess Stephania after climbing the stairs, it was right in front of King Eberhart’s position, making careless conversation impossible.

“We’re seated here too, so you understand what His Majesty Eberhart intends,” Old Sigmund said.

“Basically, ‘stay out of it,’ I suppose?”

“Something like that.”

“We don’t know how they’ll announce Zadias’s situation, but… there was a disturbance during the day, the banquet is being held despite his absence, and the opposing elders are appearing in public. With my elder sister present too. Those with limited information would hesitate, while those in the know would understand the approach,” Rosemary said, fluttering her feather fan with a shiver.

“If they stick their necks out carelessly, they’ll be accused of trying to probe the royal family’s internal affairs. Normally there might be complaints, but today is clearly not ordinary times.”

“Especially with His Majesty Eberhart present too,” Claudia added with closed eyes, prompting a wry smile from Princess Stephania.

Any noble without that much perception wouldn’t last long. Since Princess Stephania’s visit was rather sudden, few regional lords attended. Most attendees were court nobles… Well, today’s events would likely spread throughout Silvatoria soon enough.

Ashley and Marlene were both listening intently to the conversation. As a lord, Ashley probably found much of it educational.

The banquet attendees began entering the dance hall. The nobles glanced toward Princess Stephania on the balcony, but only bowed from afar—none approached.

Once everyone had gathered, the musicians changed their tune. In response, King Eberhart and Princess Adriana appeared. The nobles stirred slightly—it had been a while since King Eberhart appeared in public.

King Eberhart smiled in our direction before having Princess Adriana stand a step behind him as he approached the balcony’s edge. He then surveyed all present and spread his arms wide.

“My people, thank you for gathering today. I fell ill and could not appear before you for many days. I’m sure this caused you anxiety, but worry no more.”

King Eberhart paused and looked toward us.

“Princess Stephania from Verdugal, concerned about my condition, visited with skilled healing magicians. My recovery is entirely thanks to their efforts.”

As King Eberhart spoke, Princess Stephania stood, gathered her skirt, and curtsied, prompting applause.

“Furthermore, as you can see, Elder Sigmund of the Academy has also recovered from illness and attends this banquet. This too is thanks to those brought by Princess Stephania. Through their actions, I dare say the dark clouds casting shadows over our kingdom have been dispelled.”

Dark clouds casting shadows… Well, that metaphorically refers to Zadias and Volheim. For those in the know, King Eberhart’s stance is clear—he’s publicly declaring his extremely poor opinion of Zadias and his faction.

“And Marquis Zilbolt.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You endured much hardship while I lay ill.”

“Your Majesty. Such undeserved words.”

Marquis Zilbolt knelt in a vassal’s bow.

“Your wife and child were also ill, were they not? Some who don’t know the circumstances might criticize the path the dark clouds forced you to take. But Marquis. I know you are innocent. I know your integrity. Henceforth, I shall not permit any groundless slander against you.”

“I shall strive to prove worthy of Your Majesty’s trust and bring no shame to the kingdom’s nobility.”

So he compared being taken hostage to illness. They couldn’t publicly reveal Zadias’s actions directly, but the metaphor sufficed. This would lead to rumors that Zadias and Volheim had poisoned King Eberhart, the elders, and Marquis Zilbolt’s family.

Some might speculate this led to his downfall and disinheritance. The king and elder recovered. Despite the crown prince’s downfall, Marquis Zilbolt—who belonged to the crown prince’s faction—had his honor publicly declared.

They might connect the castle’s destruction and airship incident in some way… but the truth would be concealed to protect the kingdom and royal family’s honor.

“And one more thing. Regarding the renowned Sir Benedict of our Magic Knight Order, there’s something I must tell you all.”

Following Marquis Zilbolt, Elliot knelt.

“This man is Elliot Rodias Siln, a noble of Verdugal. Having regained his lost memories, it’s only proper he be returned to Verdugal. Sir Elliot. Raise your head.”

“Yes.”

“You served well as my sword until today. Your loyalty and valor—I shan’t forget them, even after you depart these lands.”

“Your gracious words. I shall never forget the kindness Your Majesty has shown me. Though I return to Verdugal, should danger threaten you, I will surely come running.”

“Good. And regarding this healing, those with particularly remarkable achievements shall receive rewards. I’ll speak with them later.”

King Eberhart narrowed his eyes and nodded before turning back to the attendees.

“I celebrate the friendship with the Kingdom of Verdugal and wish for our mutual prosperity. And to welcome Princess Stephania, who has visited our kingdom, I have prepared this banquet. Everyone, tonight, drink deeply from your cups, dance and sing, and celebrate to your hearts’ content.”

Cheers praising King Eberhart, Silvatoria, and Verdugal resounded.

King Eberhart raised a hand in response to the applause and cheers before returning to his seat. The musicians began playing lively music, and dishes were brought out one after another.

Sheila and Irmhild seemed particularly interested in the musicians’ performance. Well, it might inspire them in some ways.

“Theodore-dono. I apologize for not mentioning your name publicly. Normally, I should have announced it and explained the rewards in more detail,” King Eberhart said upon returning.

“No, thank you for your consideration,” I replied with a wry smile.

They concealed the information because I’m a Demon Slayer.

“I considered several rewards for you, but I’m not fully aware of your circumstances. I thought something matching your wishes would please you more. If you have any desires, speak them freely.”

Asked this, I thought for a moment before answering.

“Then… something to prepare for fighting demons.”

“Excellent. Then I shall open the treasure room. You may choose from among its contents.”

…The Magic Kingdom’s treasure room. I wonder what we’ll find there.