Chapter 144

Until the banquet, I spent my time mostly patrolling inside Lindblum while also sightseeing with Melt-chan.

Since the incident in the Underside, the underground districts had been properly reorganized, and those shady types who had lingered in the city all seemed to have left.

“Construction everywhere, isn’t it?”

“Indeed. In the lower levels, many new farms are being established, and I hear they’re even building new ones outside the North Gate.”

“Since there’s the matter of the Core, the more farms there are, the more and more vegetables will be harvested, right?”

“Mm, exactly. That’s surely why they’re expanding farmland now.”

It would also help solve the employment problem for the refugees.

Apparently, the victims of that incident weren’t limited to the ones I rescued. Men and even children had been discovered later in the warehouse district.

So, it wasn’t just a vile gang collecting women’s bodies; there must have been some other purpose behind it.

Once again, I felt deeply the rashness of my decision to slaughter them all, and my weakness of reason.

Even so, later investigations uncovered “human order forms” from their hideout, making it clear that the mastermind had already fled this continent—or that it had been a crime carried out by people from another land.

“Well then, shall we head back for today? Tomorrow at last is the banquet.”

“Right? I can’t wait! I wonder what kind of food they serve at the castle?”

“Hmm, I can’t even imagine. Something to look forward to tomorrow.”

Yes, it was nearly upon us—the day we would inform the nobles that a Dungeon Core had already been used.

Naturally, the news would spread to the castle staff, and then to the common citizens as well.

At the same time, the nobles, betting on the revival of lands they had once given up on, would start grandly advertising to their subjects and recruiting new settlers.

If refugees were accepted there as well, it would strengthen the nation.

But then that would leave a vast amount of land, sparsely populated… the former Gorda territory.

I wonder what they plan to do with it… well, not something I should be meddling in.

And so, on the way back, we chatted idly about what dishes tomorrow’s banquet might bring.

The following day, 4 p.m.

Since morning, discussions had been underway in the royal palace: the year’s financial reports, budget allocations, matters of foreign trade—affairs of state.

Apparently, these talks would continue for about three days. The queen’s true aim was to see how the nobles would react and shift their opinions once the truth about the Dungeon Core was revealed.

Rather than simply making an announcement, she would use it as a tool to expose the nobles’ true intentions and maneuverings—a strategy most impressive in a ruler.

Because this country had been small, both in land and power, it had long been underestimated by other continents. But surely now, under her leadership, it would flourish.

With the might of the Thirteen Knights as her pieces, if she gained land and production capacity as well, this nation would grow into a strong power not inferior to others.

“Grandpa! Look, look! A carriage—it must be here to pick us up!”

“Oh? Very well then.”

Melt-chan, peering out through the sunroom window of the lounge with radar-like sharpness, reported excitedly.

Despite her adorable gestures, tonight… she would transform into a woman of stunning beauty.

Upon arrival at the palace, she was to head straight to the dressing room with Kokuri-san, where she’d be fitted with a gown and have her makeup done.

Heh, to think that I’d be the one to see it with my own eyes first—I may have done Shizuma a bit of a disservice.

When we reached the palace, other guests were already gathering one after another for the banquet.

I was guided toward the grand hall adjacent to the palace, while Melt-chan went with Kokuri-san into the inner chambers.

Already, I was looking forward to reuniting with her once she was dressed up.

“Well then, see you later, Melt-chan.”

“Mm, wait for me, Grandpa.”

Adorable… To be called “Grandpa” by such a lovely granddaughter—truly, it makes life worth living.

…If only every suffering soul could taste such joy.

If the country grows prosperous, perhaps fewer people will be caught up in such tragedies… I want to believe that.

“Rue-dono, we’ve been expecting you. Until the banquet officially begins, you may of course mingle in the hall, but since I believe you don’t yet know many people, we could also guide you to a separate room if you prefer.”

Upon entering the venue, I was greeted by none other than Captain Cress of the knights.

Hmm… that would be dull. I’d rather have a sip of wine in the hall itself.

When I told her that—

“Understood. After Her Majesty’s address, there will be an announcement concerning the Core. Please, do be careful not to overindulge in drink before then.”

“Mm, understood. Captain, if you don’t mind, would you accompany me? Having a beautiful lady by one’s side lifts the spirits, you see.”

The captain was clad in armor again tonight, though unlike her usual battle gear, this one was ceremonial—almost resembling a gown.

It radiated both beauty and dignity, a figure at once powerful and graceful.

“I… I’m not used to being spoken of that way, but thank you. Very well, I shall accompany you.”

“Mm, I’ll be counting on you then, Lady Cres.”

I took her hand. Old though I was, to offer escort like this felt fitting—and in this way, there would be no vulgar rumors about “the captain of the knights having brought a man.”

I had considered waiting here for Melt-chan, but to only see her in her finery outside the venue would be a waste.

Entering the hall, I was struck first by its size.

I had once attended a luncheon at House Allheus as Hash, but this was on a scale even greater.

Well, of course—as host to nobles and foreign dignitaries, such grandeur was to be expected.

“Rue-dono, if you’d like wine, it’s over at that table—shall I fetch some for you?”

“No, no, let’s go together, shall we?”

“Then I’ll join you. But I don’t drink alcohol…”

“I see. Then perhaps we’ll sample some light snacks instead? And if you don’t mind, I’d be grateful if you could tell me about the people gathered here.”

“Nothing would please me more.”

Perhaps she had been instructed to devote a certain amount of time and effort to entertaining me, but Lady Cres moved about responding to my requests.

This, in itself, served as a kind of deterrent. The indomitable captain of the Holy Principality’s knights… and the mysterious old man she seemed to know. Without doubt, such a pairing would leave an impression on the other guests.

“Rue-dono, would you prefer red or white wine?”

“Then white… and waiter, do you have anything non-alcoholic to drink?”

I had the attendant prepare a drink for Lady Cres.

What was handed over seemed to be grape juice, the fermentation halted before alcohol could form.

“Here you are, Lady Cres. This should be non-alcoholic.”

“Oh… thank you, I appreciate your consideration.”

“Think nothing of it. If I’m leading a lady around with me, this much is only proper.”

I could feel eyes on us from all around.

Partly because of her beauty, but more so, no doubt, because no one knew what I truly was.

I had dressed in ceremonial attire myself, clothing that matched well with the surroundings and drew no strange looks.

So these gazes were not due to any oddity of dress.

“…That should be enough attention, I think.”

“Rue-dono?”

“Ah, forgive me. I’ve made you stay with me despite your own obligations. I’ll wait here for Melt-chan now. Surely you have people you need to greet, don’t you, Lady Cres? You needn’t concern yourself with me any longer—I’ve made my presence known sufficiently.”

“I see… so that was your aim. Very well. Rue-dono, then I leave the rest in your hands.”

“Aye, understood.”

Seeing Lady Cress off, I stationed myself near the doors of the hall, a plate of canapés and the same grape juice I’d given her in hand.

Not long after, the doors opened.

Entering was Kokuri-san—wearing the very dress she had claimed she’d “never wear”—and beside her, Melt-chan, clad in silver and pure white, dazzling all around her.

…Friends, are you seeing this through my eyes? Melt-chan is as adorable as ever.

With makeup’s help, she had leapt forward in years, transformed all at once into a beautiful young lady.

No doubt Kokuri-san had chosen to stand by her so the girl would not bear all the attention alone.

I immediately moved toward the two of them.

“Good evening, Kokuri-san. And… Melt-chan, I hardly recognized you. You look stunning.”

“Ah, Grandpa! You know, it’s the first time someone’s drawn all over my face like this. It tickles, and makes me look like someone else. It’s a strange feeling!”

“Heh, ‘drawing on your face,’ is it? Well, I suppose that’s true. Kokuri-san, you also look splendid in your gown tonight. The two of you together were such a sight, I almost didn’t have the courage to approach.”

Silver and sky-blue for Melt-chan. And opposite her, Kokuri-san in a soft honey-colored dress.

Her hair seemed to shift with the light, glowing flaxen now, while the strands that swayed shimmered faintly in iridescent hues—mysterious and enchanting.

“You’re quite the flatterer, Rue-dono. Well then, what do you think? Isn’t Melt-san transformed? Your worries will no doubt come to pass.”

“Mm, yes indeed. Already, all eyes are upon her.”

“Don’t worry. Do you see those in black attire with blue handkerchiefs? They are knights assigned as bodyguards. For today, Her Majesty has given them special authority to remove anyone by force—be they high nobles or their heirs—should the need arise.”

“Oh-ho, that is reassuring indeed.”

“So, the rest is for you two to enjoy. As for me, I must seize this chance to promote our new magic tech to the foreign guests.”

“Understood. Melt-chan, here—try this. Then let’s go see what other dishes they have.”

I handed her the plate I had been carrying.

“What’s this? A tiny piece of bread?”

“It’s tasty. Almond cheese paste, with… maple syrup, perhaps?”

“Ahm…”

Crunch, crunch—the sound accompanied the delighted smile that spread across her face.

Her expression, normally simply “cute,” tonight was elevated by makeup and gown into a smile capable of captivating the opposite sex in an instant.

“Come then, let’s enjoy ourselves together, shall we?”

…That made eight in total so far.

Even as Melt-chan and I sampled dishes and observed the guests while I explained the nature of nobles to her, men kept approaching to strike up conversation with her.

To think they would speak to a young lady accompanied even by an old man such as myself…

Ah, here comes number nine.

“Well, well! I knew it—you are her! I thought so. Do you not remember me? I believe we’ve met once before.”

The young nobleman, just entering adulthood, addressed Melt-chan immediately.

“Who are you? I don’t remember you.”

“Oh? I thought we met once at the library. At the time, my eyes were stolen by the silver-haired girl you were with… but you are every bit as beautiful yourself. How about it? Shall we take a walk in the courtyard?”

“Ahh—you’re the one who spoke to Sheele! I refuse, sorry.”

“Wha—! Then at least tell me your name? The silver-haired one’s name is Sheele, isn’t it?”

“Ah—slipped up! Then mine’s a secret.”

Hmm, so there was some encounter with Shire, was there… I confess I don’t recall all of her experiences or memories from that time.

It must be because her foundation is different from ours.

“Are you sure? I do hold enough status to be invited to this banquet, you know—”

“Hmm, that crosses the line. Since you’ve invoked that phrase, I can’t turn a blind eye.”

“What’s this, old man? Are you with her? Right now, I am—”

The next moment, bodyguards in black appeared from nowhere, seized the young nobleman by both arms, and escorted him out of the hall.

That makes nine.

“Fastest record yet! He got carried out so quickly!”
“Ho ho ho, indeed. That was a bit much, wasn’t it?”
“This feels like… a strange sort of game, doesn’t it?”
“Mm, a strange game indeed. If you do something bad, you get thrown out—that’s all this little game is.”

For now, it’s better that Melt doesn’t know the details. Until she grows up a little more, she should just think of it as ‘the bad nobles are being taken away.’

Even if I’m called overprotective, that’s my true and honest feeling.

Though the nobles were enjoying their free time in their own ways, the knights on guard began to reinforce their positions around the stage—where the Queen would soon stand.

Perhaps sensing this, the guests stopped their chatter and fixed their gaze on the doors, waiting for her arrival.

At last, the doorman in charge of opening and closing the hall doors swung them wide, and a calm announcement rang out:

“Her Majesty the Queen will now enter.”

With those brief words, the Queen entered, and soft applause welcomed her.

“I heard the meeting earlier grew rather heated… yet Her Majesty seems composed.”
“True, but it is also true that we lack the budget after the war. It’s obvious this fiscal year will be harsh. I heard the participants were desperately running about the hall, gathering arguments to sway the Queen.”
“Wasn’t there talk of drastically reducing imports and exports? Diverting most of the large vessels to the port town of Golda to prioritize reconstruction?”
“I doubt the land of Golda alone can turn our country’s situation around…”

Fragments of the nobles’ conversations drifted through the air.

Most likely, the Queen had announced new policies in anticipation of this year’s harvest and national yield greatly increasing. That was why those unaware of the circumstances resisted, while others simply observed how things would unfold.

“Melt-chan, before long I’ll need to go give my greetings. In the meantime… you should visit someone you know. Is there anyone here you’d like to see?”
“Hmm… maybe the Knight Captain? Kokuri-chan looks busy, so… ah! Awawa-san!”
“Oh? That one… yes, that would be the leader of the Glory Knights. Go ahead and greet them.”
“Okay! Don’t mess up your greeting, alright?”
“Mhm, mhm, leave it to me. I’ll do it properly.”

The Queen stepped onto the stage and formally declared the beginning of the banquet.

The court orchestra, who had been waiting quietly at the side of the hall, began to play soft music.

Now then… it’s still a little early, but perhaps I should make my way closer to the Queen before it’s time for greetings.

“Your Majesty, I wish you well. Thank you for your gracious invitation tonight.”
“Rue-sama, I’m glad you could come. The piece currently being played will end in about fifteen minutes. At that timing, I’ll prepare the stage for the announcement. If possible, please remain nearby until then.”
“I understand. But don’t let your nerves trouble you, Your Majesty. Tonight will indeed mark a great turning point for this nation… yet it has already begun. All that remains is to let everyone know. Opposition and objections can no longer stop it. You need only declare it.”

At times, I find the gap between the face this Queen shows to the public and the one she keeps within to be quite large.

That must be why Kokuri is always by her side.

“Yes… you’re right. Heh, it’s strange. Speaking with you, Rue-sama, feels as though I am being gently admonished by my late father.”
“Was I too forward? Forgive me if so.”
“No, not at all. I find it comforting. Yes… the nation has already begun to change. And I will allow no one to hinder it, oppose it, or obstruct it. All I must do… is make the declaration.”

The Queen’s resolve—and the aura of authority it released—caused the nobles who had drifted closer to flinch back a step.

Mm. At this moment, no one must be allowed to disturb this atmosphere or intrude on this time.

Here, she must overwhelm all present with her strongest and most commanding self.

The music eventually ceased, and the Queen once more ascended the stage.

With every noble’s attention upon her, she unleashed her overwhelming presence and declared:

“Everyone, cease your chatter and turn to me. What I am about to announce is of the utmost importance.”

And so—

From this night forth, the Holy City of Lendia would be reborn, standing shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the other continents.

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