Chapter 78 – The Otherworld Ambassador and the Second Princess

“Now then—shall we move on to the other matter?”

For King Melvin, the previous discussion must have been the main event. The atmosphere had softened somewhat.

“Is this the ‘good news’ you mentioned?”

“Indeed. Regarding the discovery of the Sealed Door, the defeat of the Demon Zevion, and the demon Zalbasch, we must reward your achievements.”

So this was about rewards.

The reason he’d asked me to bring Grace along was likely for this very purpose.

“Theodore. Your feelings on the matter haven’t changed from what you told me before, have they?”

“If you mean about remaining an adventurer, then no, they haven’t.”

“Grace, what about you?”

“I—as long as I can serve by Theodore-sama’s side, that is enough for me.”

Her response was almost immediate, showing no hesitation.

King Melvin closed his eyes briefly, then showed a wry, almost self-mocking smile as he spoke.

“Hmm… So you don’t want anything that might become a shackle. From my perspective, having just made such a request of you, that’s actually quite welcome.”

If he were to grant a noble title and territory, it would come with obligations like managing the land and serving at court.

Since delving into the labyrinth allows one to accumulate power, and given that he’s counting on us as assets against the demons, King Melvin probably wants to avoid situations where we’d be tied down with other trivial matters.

“Ricard, what would be appropriate in such a situation?”

“Simply granting an honorary position… might lead to speculation that the King actually holds you in low regard.”

“Indeed. You’re right. Mildred, what do you think?”

“Given the nature of the request, there should be practical benefits that allow for flexible handling of situations as they arise.”

“And on top of that, it would be preferable if it didn’t create conflicts of interest with other nobles or invite unnecessary disputes. What do you think?”

“Quite.”

“Absolutely.”

Then King Melvin and the two dignitaries exchanged strangely artificial smiles.

…Um.

“Considering the magnitude of your achievements, it should be something comparable to existing honorary positions, titles, and ranks for magicians.”

“Add several authorities to it, making it clear that it’s distinct from a mere honorary position.”

“Exactly. And it would be best if it were related to the labyrinth. In other words—we’re talking about creating a new position or title and bestowing it upon you.”

King Melvin grinned mischievously and looked at me.

Hmm. They’re talking as if they’re consulting about it now, but it feels like they had this scenario, or at least the flow of this conversation, planned from the beginning.

“So, here’s what we’ll do. I’ll grant you a title that positions you as my official representative exploring the labyrinth. How about… Otherworld Ambassador? That would make you my proxy.”

—Um.

While the actual operation of the Termwills Great Labyrinth is entrusted to the Adventurer Guild, when it comes to who ultimately manages it as a resource, since it’s located in the Boundary City, it should fall under the King’s jurisdiction. Legally speaking, that is.

The same applies nominally to the lower levels where his control doesn’t effectively reach—and the Otherworld, whose existence is dubious.

An ambassador to that Otherworld… and being a proxy means—in this case, that if I judge it necessary to carry out the royal family’s request to fight demons, I won’t need to seek permission from the kingdom or the Guild for every little thing, like whether I can enter certain areas or perform certain actions.

If the royal family had a complete understanding of the labyrinth, the title might have been something like Otherworld Manager instead.

But the ones managing it aren’t me or the royal family—it’s that girl I saw in the labyrinth and whoever stands behind her. It seems safe to assume King Melvin’s understanding of the labyrinth is quite profound.

Well, even though he calls it “ambassador,” it essentially feels like I’ve been given carte blanche to act as I see fit within the labyrinth.

Even though I would have done so anyway if necessary against the demons, having that assurance from the start is certainly welcome.

In practice, I’ll probably need to coordinate with the King, the Knight Order Commander, the Court Magician, the Moon Temple, the Adventurer Guild, and other dignitaries, but having authority equivalent to such important figures on-site—that must be an exceptional treatment.

Calling it a title rather than a noble rank or official position—seems aimed at avoiding resentment from status-sensitive nobles, or ensuring independence by keeping it outside established organizational frameworks.

“I’ve decided to stop viewing you within the framework of an ordinary child. Jasper, was it? I heard about when you captured him, and about your fight with Zevion. I believe your judgment on-site is extraordinary. Therefore, I’ve considered removing potential shackles.”

…Hmm. Looking at it calmly, it seems like the only person above me would be the King himself.

“Similarly, I’ll grant Grace a reward for defeating the demon Zalbasch. I’ll bestow upon her a knight’s rank, positioned directly under the Otherworld Ambassador.”

Grace closed her eyes and bowed her head quietly.

A knight’s rank, huh. Though it’s only for one generation, this means she’ll be considered among the lowest ranks of nobility. From my perspective, this is welcome. It’s definitely better for Grace to have an official status. And if she’s directly under me, I have no complaints.

“Silrun’s daughter. I expect great things from you as well.”

“M-me too?”

“Indeed. I’ve heard reports from the academy. They say you’re showing remarkable talent in Healing Magic. Support Theodore well, together with Grace.”

“Though I lack talent, I will give it my all.”

As Ashley nodded, King Melvin smiled with apparent satisfaction.

“The formal announcement and bestowal will take place later. For tonight, please eat and drink to your heart’s content.”

King Melvin raised his wine glass as he spoke. My, my. Still, he’s making quite a bold move.

After the dinner with the King ended, I was about to leave with the same servant who had guided us here when I noticed a young woman standing in the balcony garden with her maid.

She appeared to be around seventeen, perhaps? She might have refined features, but her narrow eyes gave a sharp impression.

“Oh my…?”

Upon noticing us, the woman opened her folding fan to hide her expression while looking us over as if assessing our worth.

Given her luxurious dress, her high status went without saying… but considering the location.

This is the royal family’s living quarters. At minimum, she should be considered at the level of a duke’s daughter, but the more likely possibility is that she’s a princess.

I couldn’t tell if she was the First Princess or the Second Princess, but judging from rumors and hearsay, I had a feeling I could guess which one she was.

“You there. You’re Father’s guest, I presume? I am the Second Princess, Rosemary. Remember me from now on.”

So it was Rosemary after all. She was someone I would have preferred to avoid meeting if possible.

“You may answer directly. Your name is… Theodore, if I’m not mistaken?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm.”

Rosemary walked right up to me.

“Um, Your Highness…”

The guiding servant tried to interject anxiously, but when Rosemary glanced at him with a faint smile, he fell silent.

“I hear you’ve been quite active.”

Keeping that expression fixed, Rosemary closed her fan and pointed it at me as if to lift my chin.

She stared at my face like that for a while before eventually laughing cheerfully.

“…Hey, you. If you wish, I could take you under my wing? I’ve rather taken a liking to those impertinent eyes of yours.”

…’Take you under my wing’ is quite a statement.

That means… politically taking me in and promoting me, right?

She’s even more than I’d heard. If this is what the older sister is like, Prince Albert and Princess Marlene must have their hands full. From what I’ve heard, power struggles seem to be her hobby.

It’s a relief that the eldest brother and sister are said to be sensible… but if there weren’t people like Rosemary, Prince Albert and the others might be able to live more peacefully.

The guiding servant seemed to have resolved himself and raised his head. Well, I was invited here as the King’s guest. He must be worried about trouble occurring on my way back, but I don’t need any protection.

“I’m afraid I cannot meet your expectations, Your Highness. I have accepted a request.”

If her intention is to draw me into her faction, it’s pointless since I already have the King’s request and the title.

More importantly, given how she discarded Chester just for slightly displeasing her, she doesn’t seem like someone to be trusted.

“Is that so?”

Rosemary murmured with apparent boredom, then opened her fan to hide her expression again. She seemed to be contemplating something before eventually giving a small shrug.

“Well, fine. You are Father’s guest, after all. I’ll overlook a little rudeness.”

The one who sighed with relief at her words wasn’t me, but the servant. Well, I understood that speaking up to Rosemary must require tremendous resolve for the servants.

“—Every last one of them. Labyrinth this, demon that, how boring.”

As she left, I heard the sound of her fan tapping against her palm from behind.

Well… if you want replacements for Chester and Fernando, look elsewhere.