Chapter 434 – Cleaning Up After the Dream Demon

Though Leslie’s complexion had improved somewhat with recovery magic, he was still in a post-illness state. While it would be better not to push himself, the mansion was also full of holes and damaged in various places.

Therefore, it was decided that the ducal family would move to the inn in the central district where Grace and the others had been scheduled to stay, and rest there.

As for the ducal servants and guards, they would go to the lodgings in the Royal Castle. The Duke and I needed to head to the Royal Castle to report to King Melvin.

As for Leslie… I thought it would be better for him to rest, but he insisted on going to the Royal Castle to explain things in his own words, so I decided to respect his wishes.

“Well then, after we see everyone to the inn, we’ll be returning home first.”

Grace said this as we left the mansion.

“Yeah. See you later.”

“Mhm. Theodore.”

“See you later!”

When I smiled and nodded at Grace, she smiled back. Marlene, Sheila, and Marceska waved and each boarded their carriages.

Perhaps because of the flashy magic used when defeating the Nightmare, knights and soldiers had also rushed over from the Royal Castle. Well… there shouldn’t be any concerns about safety during the move.

Of course, we also had escorts for our group heading to the Royal Castle. The Termwills soldiers and the ducal guards formed a procession to escort Princess Stephania and the others returning to the Royal Castle, along with the Duke, as we moved through the city. It was quite conspicuous, but given the people moving, it was understandable.

The group consisted of Princess Stephania, Princess Adriana, Princess Elham, Duke Driscoll, and Leslie. Quite a lineup of important figures.

Leslie, stating he hadn’t yet received His Majesty’s judgment, rode in a carriage with the knights who had come from the Royal Castle. Clark, concerned about Leslie’s post-illness state, rode in another carriage to look after him.

Now then… While moving by carriage, and though things weren’t fully settled yet, perhaps I should consult with the Duke a bit about tomorrow and beyond.

“Duke. May I have a moment?”

“What is it?”

“I was thinking of repairing the mansion using Magic Construction.”

At my words, the Duke’s eyes widened for a moment, but he waved his hands with a slightly flustered expression.

“No, I couldn’t possibly have you go that far…”

“But cleaning up from the current state would be quite difficult. I also think Lord Leslie would recover faster resting in a familiar environment.”

Well, there were also parts that my Familiar had destroyed.

“Hmm… Well then, though it’s embarrassing, I’ll take you up on your offer. I am deeply grateful for your repeated kindness.”

The Duke hummed for a moment but then bowed his head.

“Then, let’s proceed with the mansion repairs tomorrow.”

“Yes. The guards and I will also help with the cleanup.”

“Understood.”

Although the wall and floor Materials were destroyed, they were still there in place… It should be possible to repair them to some extent without preparing new materials.

The furniture was also destroyed, but it would be best to sort them into those in good condition and bad, and repair what can be fixed.

“Magic Construction? If it’s something Theodore-sama performs, it must be truly amazing.”

When Princess Elham said this, Princess Stephania smiled and nodded.

“Absolutely. He made modifications to the castle in my territory before, and it was magnificent. Rooms and passages were created in the blink of an eye.”

“Oh? That sounds fascinating…”

The Duke let out an impressed sound at Princess Stephania’s words.

“I’d like to see it up close once.”

“Hmm. What do you think? If the Ambassador is willing…”

I suppose he’s suggesting that the Princesses come to observe as well. Hmm… Just like when I built the shipyard, it seems people unexpectedly enjoy watching Magic Construction.

“I don’t mind.”

When I answered, Princess Stephania and the others peeked at each other’s faces with happy expressions.

“Let’s help with the cleanup too.”

“That’s right. We can use Levitation and Create Golem. Magic should be put to good use.”

“Leave metal repairs to me.”

Even though they’re each Princesses of a nation, they’re quite agile… But since they’re all accustomed to using magic, they would indeed be immediately useful.

While having such conversations, the carriage arrived at the Royal Castle. When we got off the carriage in front of the Guesthouse, King Melvin and Prince Josiah were waiting there.

“We have come to report on the recent incident.”

“Mm. Well done, Theodore. Duke Driscoll, I’m glad to see you’re unharmed.”

“Yes. Thanks to the Ambassador, my family, servants, and I were all able to safely survive the Nightmare’s attack.”

Duke Driscoll responded to King Melvin’s address.

Leslie also got out of the carriage, supported by Clark.

The moment Leslie saw King Melvin and Prince Josiah, he knelt in a subject’s bow.

“I am Leslie Driscoll. My carelessness and weakness of heart caused this disturbance. I have no face to show Your Majesty Melvin and Your Highness Josiah… but this matter was beyond my brother’s knowledge. I beg you, please let the punishment fall on me alone.”

“It appears a Demon—one calling itself Nightmare Grazheim—that was dwelling in a cursed object from the old castle in the duchy possessed Lord Leslie and controlled him. We separated the Nightmare from Lord Leslie and defeated it.”

“…I see. So it’s a similar situation to that time, then.”

When I briefly explained the situation, King Melvin seemed to grasp the general picture from those words.

“That time” must refer to Rosemary. It could mean the Ancient Document from the Royal Castle’s Hidden Room, or the time Rosemary was trapped by the Ancient Document with the magical Trap.

While there are differences in details, it could be said to resemble both of those situations.

“However… We saw a tremendous pillar of light even from the Royal Castle, so I thought it must have been an opponent requiring such Great Magic, but a Demon, you say? It’s helpful that you came to report immediately, but are you not overexerting yourselves?”

“I didn’t sustain any major injuries. Lord Leslie’s exhaustion is probably greater.”

“Indeed, he doesn’t look well. Let’s continue the discussion inside. Have the court physician come to the Guesthouse.”

“Yes, sir!”

A soldier who received instructions from King Melvin ran off. We all moved inside the Guesthouse.

“Thank you, Theodore-kun. Thanks to you, it seems we’ll be able to hold the reconciliation meeting safely.”

Prince Josiah spoke to me.

“That’s good to hear.”

“Since we need to publicly announce the reconciliation between the two families to a certain extent, we have to make it somewhat grand. Having no worries is significant. Truly… I’m grateful.”

Indeed… If we had overly heavy security for a reconciliation, it would suggest there were still causes for concern.

“—That concludes everything Nightmare Grazheim said with its own mouth, and the full story I heard from Lord Leslie.”

We finished the report after moving to a room in the Guesthouse.

“I see… From what I’ve heard, it doesn’t seem to have been intentionally caused. Lord Leslie. There are no falsehoods in what was just said?”

Leslie, who was having his condition checked by a doctor, nodded at King Melvin’s question.

“Given my current position, I should naturally undergo Magical Inquisition. However, it’s also true that my vigilance was insufficient, and my envy toward my brother gave the Nightmare an opening to exploit. I don’t think being controlled means I bear no responsibility whatsoever.”

“If we’re speaking of responsibility, this situation was also brought about by my lack of virtue. I should bear some responsibility as well.”

After hearing Leslie and the Duke’s words, King Melvin quietly closed his eyes. He seemed to ponder for a while, but soon opened his eyes and spoke.

“Very well, I understand. Then, let’s conduct the Magical Inquisition after your health recovers, and keep it brief. If it’s proven that Leslie’s words contain no falsehood… Yes, let’s see. As punishment, I order you to assist in dealing with the disadvantages and other consequences arising from Curtis’s activities.”

“That is…”

Leslie’s eyes widened. Though called punishment, it’s practically a merciful judgment in name only. Leslie’s cooperation is essential for cleaning up after what Grazheim did.

“I understand your desire for punishment, regretting your own Failure. Know that using those feelings for the sake of all who dwell in the Kingdom of Verdugal is itself atonement.”

“Y-Yes! I will devote my entire soul to this endeavor!”

Leslie knelt before King Melvin with a deeply moved expression. King Melvin’s expression suddenly softened.

“Well… When it comes to magical relics from older eras, they tend to be unmanageable or difficult to handle. To be honest, I’m also full of shortcomings, so I can’t speak too strongly. Once the situation with the Demon is settled, we’ll need to proceed with managing or comprehending such matters… Theodore. At that time, may I ask for your assistance?”

“Yes. Though my power is limited, I will provide what help I can.”

When I nodded, King Melvin showed a gentle smile.

Well then. It seems Leslie’s position has settled for now.

Given the circumstances, I didn’t think King Melvin’s judgment would be severe… But with the future now clearly determined like this, the Duke must be relieved as well.