Chapter 39: Return

“Then, Yuuka-dono, Aoi-dono, Kakeru-dono. You’ve been of tremendous assistance this time. I earnestly hope that you’ll continue to build a good relationship with me, and with this nation of Orion.”

“…Your words are more than I deserve. It’s an honor. We too hope to maintain good relations with Lord Rain and the nation of Orion going forward.”

Yuuka placed her right hand on her left shoulder and bowed her head toward Rain. Aoi and I, standing on either side of her, followed suit.

Rain responded with a solemn demeanor that made it hard to believe he was the same young man who had been sulking and begging us to stay in the royal capital longer just yesterday. Now, with not only us but also Rain’s guards and other high-ranking nobles present, he was conducting himself with appropriate dignity—though to us, this side of him felt far more unnatural.

Having been raised as royalty all this time, he could clearly switch this on and off with ease. From our perspective, this side of him was what felt out of place.

“I hope you’ll come to the royal capital again. You’re all welcome at any time.”

“Understood. We look forward to that occasion.”

The reason for this somewhat theatrical exchange was that, for appearances’ sake, it had been decided that forming a friendship with S-rank adventurer Yuuka and the Sage Aoi would help keep my existence hidden.

To keep my name out of the records of Blessed Ones, I was being treated as their attendant. I felt bad having Yuuka and Aoi take the public spotlight, but they had gladly accepted the proposal. The invitation to the royal castle had been issued as a request to Yuuka the adventurer, and the only one at the Adventurers’ Guild who knew about me was the Guild Master, who was bound by confidentiality. Rain had likely anticipated all of this from the start and issued the request to Yuuka accordingly. He really thought everything through.

Since we would continue our interactions with Rain even after returning to Berlia, frequent contact would appear to outsiders as simply maintaining a friendship with Yuuka or Aoi. This friendship held no real legal force or binding power, so there was no risk of being summoned by the nation.

Though our stay was brief, exploring the royal capital had been thoroughly enjoyable. Prices were high, but there were mountains of things unavailable in Berlia, so I looked forward to visiting again.

“At first I wasn’t sure how things would turn out, but we gained a valuable ally, got to sightsee in the royal capital, and had a great time.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, Kakeru. …It was a problem that your existence became known, but it’s a relief that the one who found out was him.”

…It was fortunate that Rain had such a harmless obsession and that we could help each other, but he was still royalty, so speaking about him that casually felt a little disrespectful. Admittedly, his usual behavior did make it difficult to remember his status.

We were currently on our way back to Berlia in the same Sleipnir-drawn carriage we’d arrived in. A lot had happened, but I’d enjoyed my stay in the royal capital.

“I’ll stop by the research lab on the way back to the mansion to pick up necessary items. We need to strengthen the mansion’s security urgently.”

“Yes. I never imagined Kakeru’s existence would be exposed because of us… We’ll need to be more careful than ever.”

“That couldn’t be helped. I never expected someone to be watching Blessed Ones that closely. Besides, the Adventurers’ Guild will apparently make my absence look natural, and they’ll cover for me too.”

It seemed they would spread different rumors to overwrite the truth about me. The country’s intelligence department was apparently quite capable.

Aoi would also strengthen the mansion’s security using magical tools, so it seemed certain things would be safer than before.

“Still, I never expected there to be a list of past Blessed Ones’ Unique Skills… That might have been the most surprising thing I learned this time.”

“Yes. I never would have thought that the same Unique Skill could exist, but not appear in the same era.”

“It makes sense that the country manages such information. With this list, we can prepare somewhat for attacks from other Blessed Ones.”

Though the interior was soundproof, we instinctively lowered our voices—such was the magnitude of this information. Come to think of it, it was hard to believe Yuuka was the first to ever receive “Sword Saint,” such a classic yet powerful Unique Skill, in this other world where Blessed Ones had existed for so long.

As Aoi said, being able to grasp combat-type Unique Skills to some degree would be a major advantage when fighting Blessed Ones. Apparently there were Blessed Ones in this world who committed evil deeds as well.

…I did wonder if it was really okay for him to hand over such important state secrets to us, but perhaps it was proof of his trust in us. We would keep it carefully managed where others couldn’t see it.

“For now, I’ll be earning money at Japanese flea markets. Anyway, it looks like I can take it easy for a while.”

Ever since Aoi’s situation was resolved, I’d been suddenly called to the royal capital and had to rush there immediately.

I suppose I’ll hole up in Yuuka’s mansion and relax for a while.

Besides, I’d be receiving goods from Rain, so it might be a good time to enjoy Japanese items within the mansion as well.