Chapter 86: The Flow of Diamonds

　Viscount Howler wants to talk to me about the donation of diamonds that he had been entrusted with by Henry.

　I changed into my going-out clothes and got into the Howler family carriage.

　At the Howler Household, all the servants smiled at me, and I could tell that they treated me as a family member as the fiancé.

　I was shown to the Viscount’s room, and the three of us, including Henry, who had arrived earlier, were left alone.

“Quickly, Henry tells me that you can create diamonds from charcoal, Miss Mai. How much of that can we expect?”

“It doesn’t take much magical power to make diamonds, so as long as I have charcoal, I can make as many as I want. I don’t know how many diamonds a teleportation magical tool uses at once, but I think I can give you as many as you need.”

　The Viscount murmured quietly, “As much or as many as you want …….”

“Can you explain to me on your own why you decided to offer the diamonds?”

“Traveling by boat takes a long time, and the only people who can travel back and forth are those who can leave the country for long periods of time. I thought it would be nice to be able to make a round trip in a short period of time.”

“I see.”

“Also, I thought that if my diamonds could help increase exchange with the Kingdom of Arcetheus, I could help dispel the prejudice against beastmen. People fear what they don’t know. Unknown diseases, unknown races, unknown cultures. Things that aren’t so scary once you know about them can feel excessively frightening if you don’t know about them.”

“I see. Very persuasive. Then, from now on, would you be so kind as to explain your current opinion in front of His Majesty the King as well?”  

　His Majesty the King?　I’m sure if his Majesty offered a large amount of diamonds to the Magic Department, no one would say anything. From now on?

“His Majesty and I have been friends for many years. When I told him that there was someone who wanted to donate diamonds,  without revealing your name, but he was reluctant to kept anonymous. His Majesty has said that he wants to meet the person who will be donating the diamonds.”

“is that so……”

“His Majesty just wants to confirm your thoughts and what kind of person you are. Due to his position, it would be troublesome if you asked for something in return later or made a donation with a political agenda in mind. Please understand.”

“I understand what you’re saying.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

　After the conversation ended, I follow the Viscount to the front door with Henry.

“I don’t know much about noble etiquette, so I wonder if it’ll be okay.”

“His Majesty knows that you are a commoner, Mai, so don’t worry. As long as you speak honestly, you will be fine.”

“To explain about the diamonds, I would also have to tell him that I can use magic.”

“I’ll take action so that you won’t be asked to join the magic department.”

　I have no choice but to believe Henry’s words, but I hope it will not be a situation like the Spring Waiting Festival or what happened with Kyrias-kuns’ family farm

　A magnificent black carriage was parked in front of the entrance. It was a royal carriage. The carriage passed through the castle gate with a face pass from the driver, and continued on. My hands started to sweat.

　I was nervous, but I decided to be useful with my magic. By donating the diamonds, my wish to “make Mr. Henry’s regrets smaller” would be one step closer to realization. This is where I have to step up to the plate. I slapped my face with both hands twice. Slap!　Slap!　Henry was surprised and said “Eh?” in a low voice, but I didn’t care.

　We arrived at the castle and entered the castle surrounded by guards. After a lot of walking, we were led into a large room. The carpet was a deep dark red. The curtains were made of heavy fabric. And there stood a large desk made of polished high-quality wood.

　On the other side of the large desk sat a man with an overwhelming presence that instantly made it clear to see that he was the King.

“Mitchell. Is that her?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, this is Mai, my son’s fiancée.”

“Mai, thank you for responding to my sudden call.”

　Viscount Howler introduced me, but I think I was too nervous and had a blank expression on my face.

“Miss Mai, thank you for coming. The Viscount told me that you are donating the diamonds. Can you tell me why?”

　I took a deep breath and then repeated what I had told the Viscount.

　His Majesty was looking at me and listening to me. As I was talking, I thought to myself, “This is Henry’s father.” Viscount Howler also has green eyes, but it is His Majesty whose green eyes are the same color as Henry’s. Their faces do not resemble each other.

“Mai, Mitchell says you can create diamonds with magic, is it true?”

“It’s true.”

“Can you show me here?”

　I looked at Henry. He took out a paper package from his pocket and placed it on His Majesty’s desk. “I brought the charcoal,” he whispered to me. As expected. This man always a step ahead..

　I spread the paper and looked at the charcoal. It would have been worth seeing if I cast a spell, but I thought it would be embarrassing to chant a spell just in front of His Majesty, so I decided not to.

“Well then.”

　I pictured the completed brilliant-cut diamond in my mind, chanted (transform) silently, and released the magic power. Some of the charcoal vanished, and in exchange, two large diamonds appeared.

“Holy!” The Viscount let out a strange cry. His Majesty blinked just once. Mr. Henry looked at the diamonds with a blank expression.”

“I can’t believe my eyes. Mai, are you tired?”

“Not at all.”

“How much can you make in a day?”

　How much?　You mean how many, right?

“I have never tried until I ran out of magic, but I have made more than fifty and never got tired, so I can make as many as I need if I have charcoal.”

　His Majesty was silent. I’m not bragging. I’m just stating the facts.

“Hehe. Mitchell, you see things you never thought you’d see alive.”

“I was thinking the same thing, sir.”

　His Majesty looked at me as he said “Mai.” Should I look away? I didn’t know, so I just looked back into his eyes.

.“Are you sure there is nothing you wish for in offering this?”

“Nothing in particular. I just hope that the magical tools you make using my diamonds will not be used in war.”

“…… ho?”

“My only wish is for the magic I use to be useful for bringing happiness to people.”

“Then I promise I will honor your wish.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

　All right. I’ve said what I wanted to say.

　I left His Majesty’s room with Mr. Henry, who was looking a bit distant. The Viscount, who also has a distant look in his eyes, stayed behind.  I wonder why both father and son had such expressions on their faces.

　Henry is laughing silently as we walk the same route we took when we came.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No, there is nothing wrong. However, I doubt there is anyone in this country, even the nobles, who can so boldly say in front of His Majesty, ‘Don’t use me for war.’ Hehe.”

　I guess those words were disrespectful after all. I guess I still haven’t fully accepted the difference in our social status. But if His Majesty the King asks me to come, I can’t refuse.

　Maybe I should have said it in a more roundabout and gentle way. When I remember the look on the Viscount’s face as he stared into the distance, it makes me feel bad.

　Mr. Henry whispered in my ear.

“I fell for you all over again.”

“Really?　Why?”

“I was proud that the woman I loved was the most powerful woman in the country and the most dignified woman in the country.”

“I see. I hope that’s the case. But after I gave my opinion, you and the Viscount looked as if your souls were about to leave your bodies. ……”

　Mr. Henry laughed aloud, a rare “Ahahahah!” and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I don’t know why he’s giving me a kiss now. You know, the escort walking in front of us turned around a little and looked right at me.

　Henry laughed out loud, “Ahahaha,” and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I don’t know why he kissed me now. The guard walking in front of me turned around a little and looked at me with his right eye.

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