Chapter 672: The Spencer Kingdom’s Holy Sword

“Sister-in-law Daniela, Commander Giovanni asked me to examine the Spencer Kingdom’s holy sword. Did you know about this?”

“I see. No one told me directly, but I heard hints. They asked whether you could restore any holy sword. Naturally, I said I didn’t know. What do you think?”

Sister-in-law Daniela studied me closely. A damaged holy sword would be an enormous crisis, so her expression was understandable. I could probably repair it even if it were broken, but giving an uncertain answer would be wiser. I did not want requests to repair holy swords arriving from across the world.

“I can’t say until I’ve examined it.”

“That’s true. I hope there isn’t a problem…”

Hmm. Would proving the holy sword was functional require someone to use it? If so, they might declare me its wielder, creating a terrible problem. Had no records or legends survived?

“Sister-in-law Daniela, I know very little about this kingdom’s holy sword. Could you tell me what it’s like?”

“Well, I don’t know much either. Its name is Excalibur, and apparently, it releases a blade of light.”

“I see.”

That was an extraordinarily conventional holy sword. It had also been immensely popular in the game because its design was so beautiful. Many players displayed it in their homes without ever using it. Naturally, I had been one of them. It was an excellent holy sword.

“That isn’t much information, is it? Very well. I’ll search for relevant documents.”

“I’m sorry to trouble you, but thank you. This is one of the kingdom’s most important secrets, so I doubt I could obtain the records myself.”

“Of course. That slipped my mind.”

Sister-in-law Daniela stuck out the tip of her tongue, then left the room.

That expression was unfair. A person could fall for her. If Brother Alex ever learned of this, he would definitely become jealous. I would keep quiet.

I relaxed until dinner, when a servant came to summon me. I had assumed we would eat in this room, but apparently not.

Naturally, I was escorted to a dining room within the royal family’s private quarters.

Were people outside the royal family allowed to dine here? Or had becoming Sister-in-law Daniela’s younger brother-in-law made me an honorary member of the royal family? I was afraid to ask.

“Thank you for inviting me to dinner.”

“Julius, there is no need to be so formal. We shall have none of that here. Even I occasionally wish to eat dinner in peace.”

His Majesty spoke with an expression halfway between a smile and a grimace. Her Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince were present, along with Sister-in-law Daniela. Relaxing under those circumstances seemed remarkably difficult.

Despite that, I soon felt at ease. Everyone’s consideration helped, but Mira’s presence mattered most. Our household’s soothing idol was an idol here as well.

Mira happily stuffed various fruits from the table into their tiny mouth.

“Daniela and Giovanni told me you agreed to examine this kingdom’s holy sword.”

“Yes. I don’t know how much help I can provide, but I’ll do everything possible.”

“Good. I am counting on you. Regarding the holy sword, an organisation is responsible for its safekeeping. Visit them tomorrow. Naturally, we cannot allow the relevant documents to leave their premises.”

“Thank you. I’ll go at once.”

Excellent. We had taken one step forward. If I studied the existing knowledge, I could claim the records had inspired any idea I produced. And if people well acquainted with the holy sword existed, I could cooperate with them and involve the researchers, as I had in the Raven Kingdom.

“Oh, yes. We must also prepare for dear little Julius’s recital.”

“Indeed. May I invite my friends?”

“Then I’d like to invite mine as well.”

Her Majesty and Sister-in-law Daniela became excited about the Julius Recital. His Highness the Crown Prince, apparently hearing about it for the first time, joined in.

It seemed I had no choice but to perform. I could only pray that the audience remained as small as possible.

Nero had already returned by the time I went back to my room. I did not know where he had eaten, but it could not have been nearby. He had probably run there, eaten hurriedly and run back. I felt guilty.

“Nero, you may take your time over dinner.”

“Don’t worry. I ate at a leisurely pace and exchanged information with Sir Lionel.”

“I see. Incidentally, the recital seems likely to become larger than expected.”

“As we anticipated. Sir Lionel and I were just discussing that possibility.”

Apparently, Lionel had foreseen this outcome. Since he had sent no warning, he must have decided it could not be avoided. One could hardly reject a request from the royal family.

I would simply have to do my best.