Chapter 45 – The Prince and the Knight's Wish

“I think you already understand this, but I didn’t ask you to come all this way just to relay his words.”

Albert said this with a serious expression.

“Right now at the castle, they’ve formed a decryption team by mobilizing the Mage Corps and civil officials. They’re frantically trying to decipher ancient documents while turning the Great Library upside down.”

“The aftermath of the demon incident, I assume?”

I had hoped they would investigate the connection between the demon and the Moonlight Temple a bit, but… it seems things have become quite serious again.

“That’s right. I’m better at academic studies than practical magic, so I’ve been voluntarily participating in the research… Regarding the Moonlight Temple, it seems certain that something quite dangerous is sealed there. We’ve also found evidence that research on Transference Stones was being sent outside the city via letters.”

Outside, huh.

That would mean that demon had companions.

“Is it really… alright for you to tell me such things?”

“Hmm. I haven’t said anything specific, and even if I did, it wouldn’t change anything. His Majesty might have some inquiries for you too, and actually, this isn’t the main topic. But I’d be happy if you could keep what you heard from me confidential. I’m also doing this with the intention of earning your favor.”

Albert put his index finger in front of his mouth and smiled.

Hmm. From Albert’s perspective… is this a warning? As he said, considering that he’s seeking talented people, it probably isn’t just out of kindness.

“Then, what is the main topic?”

“It seems some members of the Knight Order hold resentment toward you. I thought it would be better to inform you as well.”

“—If even Your Highness says so, I suppose I should be careful.”

“Oh? You already knew? Then was I being unnecessarily meddlesome?”

“Not at all.”

Sheila couldn’t infiltrate the castle either since it was too risky. Or rather, I stopped her.

So I only know the background from the surface-level information like the names of prominent members and their relationships, but even to make various speculations, I need information at that level.

If I have Prince Albert’s support, I might be able to see the background more clearly.

“Has the situation surrounding the Knight Order been changing?”

“Well, there’s talk about forming exploration teams with knights and soldiers to delve into the labyrinth. The kingdom wants clues about how to enter the sealed Moonlight Temple. Both the security forces and the Knight Order didn’t have much opportunity to shine during the recent demon disturbance, so they want to redeem their tarnished reputation.”

“I see…”

The Knight Order going into the labyrinth, huh. That might be the reason why Chester, the promising member of Greg’s faction, is bothering me.

Perhaps they see me, who defeated a demon and also explores labyrinths, as business competition.

If Chester’s usual behavior is as his reputation suggests, then it must be intentional.

For example—his goal might be to make me hold resentment against him using his own credibility as a weapon. Even if I speak ill of Chester because of this, people around would think it’s slander to frame him.

Considering that Greg is well-liked by his superiors but disliked by his subordinates, Chester is probably a similar type of person. As he usually does, he might be looking down on me because I’m of lower status. From the Knight Order’s perspective, I’ve been close to the Mage Corps from the beginning.

But the problem is the reason for their resentment. They wouldn’t do something so blatant just for that, and I wonder what exactly they expect from me by behaving this way.

“Well, as someone belonging to the Dragon Knight unit, I think they must feel quite frustrated.”

“Huh, why is that?”

“Well, wyverns have no role to play in the labyrinth.”

—Ah, I see. Now I understand the reason.

“Has there been any discussion about my Flight Technique at the palace?”

“Um, that is—oh. So that’s it.”

Prince Albert is quite quick on the uptake, as expected. He seemed to grasp what I wanted to say just from that.

They thought they were the only ones who could counter the flying demon, but then I appeared and fought an aerial battle—if the Mage Corps becomes capable of doing the same thing, the skies will no longer be their exclusive domain. At the very least, mages would no longer be at the disadvantage of being targeted one-sidedly from above by demons.

Also… they might be considering the possibility that I myself could be hired by the palace.

The reason is quite clear. Essentially, their vested interests are being threatened.

It’s not like… I defeated the demon for that reason though.

Even if I explained, I doubt they’d understand, and even if they did, the situation wouldn’t change, so it would be meaningless.

“There were voices requesting disclosure of information about your Flight Technique. But His Majesty rejected it to avoid earning the resentment of capable personnel or causing them to leave by forcing them to disclose secret techniques.”

King Melvin, huh.

“That technique depends entirely on control ability and experience, so there’s nothing to disclose beyond what you can see with your own eyes.”

“Haha. That seems to be the case. So while they understand the logic… that’s about how it seems. Mages who can’t participate in the ancient document research are struggling desperately, trying to divide roles with Levitation and Shield duties or manage with chantless and chanted magic. Asking them to fight under those conditions is practically impossible.”

It seems they decided to do it themselves because while it’s highly important, the logic is too simple to pay a price for, and if they tried to get the information for free, it would earn resentment. Who knows when mages capable of aerial combat will appear as latecomers.

“Hmm, I don’t think there are absolutely no mages who can do it?”

“Old man Ricard could do it. Though he wasn’t used to three-dimensional movement and ended up vomiting terribly.”

Albert shrugged.

…I see.

“So… what does Your Highness hope to receive from me in exchange for this information?”

“I don’t think I’ve provided you with particularly valuable information.”

“No, it was very helpful, and I understand that you’re trying to be my ally, so I think I should give you something in return.”

“…Hmm. For me, just getting to know you is sufficient compensation… Well then. I have a friend named Alfred who aspires to be a Magic Engineer.”

…Huh?

“I think if we had your magic control ability, we could do various interesting things. If you’re willing, when he shows up, I’d like you to help him out.”

“…Understood. I promise.”

Knowing about his double life, I almost let a mischievous smile appear on my face, but I managed to suppress it.

But I see. So that’s his approach. I wouldn’t have minded if he had been more direct, since I know Albert’s true desires and what he’s aiming for.

I glance sideways at Marlene and Ophelia. The two are laughing carefreely while enjoying conversation with Grace and Ashley.

…Well, whatever. It probably means Albert doesn’t trust me that much yet.

After thanking Albert and parting ways, when I returned to the second-floor terrace of the guesthouse, I ran into Chester.

“Theodore-kun, is it? I just won the individual competition. I was making rounds greeting the guests.”

He said this with a smile.

“Is that so”

Well, I don’t want to deal with troublesome matters one by one, and I came here to clearly establish my position. Maybe I should try talking to Chester directly.

“Um. I’d like to have a private conversation with Sir Chester. Would you have time for that?”

When I said this, Chester slightly widened his eyes and looked at me.

Then, meaningfully, he lifted the corner of his mouth.

“With me? Sure. I’ve finished my greeting rounds, and since they’re currently doing the earth dragon race, I don’t have any duties for a while. I too—would like to have an undisturbed conversation with you, the hero who slayed the demon.”

“Is there an empty room or somewhere we could talk?”

“There’s an underground training ground in the Knight’s Tower for rainy days. How about there?”