Chapter 202
After finishing my errands at home, I headed for the royal castle.
Of course, I brushed my teeth and rinsed thoroughly.
Since I used the Dungeon Core yesterday even though I said I had no intention of doing so, I obviously need to come up with an excuse—some reasonable explanation for it.
The gatekeepers already know my face well, so I was quickly allowed inside the castle and told to wait in the reception room until Her Majesty the Queen summoned me.
Recently, the Queen’s mornings are often fully booked with audiences—meetings with domestic nobles and foreign guests—so even if someone shows up without notice, they can’t prioritize them.
Well, that makes perfect sense. I didn’t expect to be granted an audience immediately either.
While I waited in the reception room, there was a knock at the door.
For a moment, I wondered if it was already my turn, but—
“Excuse me. Shizuma, it’s been since yesterday.”
“Captain Cres. We didn’t get to talk much yesterday. Has my turn for an audience already come?”
“No, it’ll still take a bit longer. There have been many reports and petitions from domestic nobles. Signs of barren land turning fertile are appearing all over the country. With that, applications and consultations for development subsidies are flooding in.”
“I see—due to Same using the Dungeon Core, right?”
“Exactly. On top of that, many people are coming to express their opinions and hopes about the governance of the former Golda territory. It seems the busy days will continue for a while.”
I see. The country is in the middle of major transformation—rapid growth.
That’s precisely why they need to secure solid foundations right now.
Even if I eventually leave on my journey, I need to leave Seim behind to support this land.
Both as military strength and as someone who can help resolve problems.
“So, what business brought you here today? Considering it’s so soon after yesterday, did something happen within the brigade?”
“Well, ideally I’d like to report this directly and privately to Her Majesty.”
“Don’t worry. Audiences with you and the others in your brigade are always held in places where most of the court nobles cannot overhear. I’ll refrain from asking further until then.”
“That helps a lot.”
A short silence.
He was probably keeping me company so I wouldn’t get bored while waiting. I should find something to talk about… Ah.
“By the way, your sister, Shuris-san, is also stationed on Yasha Island, right? I was there recently, so Same told me a bit about her. Has she sent any updates?”
“Oh, my sister? A short while ago, an imperial dignitary—a very high-ranking one—visited. She and my father went to the island to receive them. I received a letter saying they’ll be returning to Lindblum soon along with the guest.”
“Oh, so that’s what happened. I’m glad to hear that relations with the Empire seem good.”
“Yes. Apparently there was some kind of incident as well, but it ended up having a positive effect.”
Probably related to what happened when I fought as Seim.
If that incident changed the duke’s thinking, all the better.
“Right—I also have something to report. Your companions… well, I’m not sure if that’s the right word, but the people who were also candidates for Hero from your world—you remember them. One of them, a young man named ‘Kazunuma’, is now an apprentice in the Holy Kingdom Knights under my supervision.”
“Huh? Kouhei joined the Knights? Are you sure that’s safe?”
His report was so unexpected that I raised my voice a little.
He has the potential of a Hero—letting him roam free sounds dangerous…
“We’ve placed anti-escape seals and magic tools on him, but I don’t believe they’ll be needed. From what I’ve seen, he’s not the type to run. He’s very disciplined—maybe naturally so. Reports say he’s training with remarkable diligence.”
“Ahh… yeah, that sounds like him. He is very earnest by nature. I think he truly believed in Golda, who was looking after him, and wanted to be useful. Which also means he’s easy to deceive and easy to exploit. You should watch that part carefully.”
This is something I can finally say now.
He’s honest. Too honest.
That makes him easy to take advantage of.
Even back in Japan, he might have been tricked by someone someday.
“I see. If you say so, it must be true. He does have a supervisor watching over him, so I’ll pass your words along.”
“Thank you. Speaking of which, what happened to Muraki—the guy who transformed into a monster?”
“Ah, Kokuri reported on him. His transformed body has been fully sealed and separated. In appearance, he has returned to his original form. However, he hasn’t regained his physical abilities yet—it will take time for his body to recover.”
“Huh, that’s quite the progress. I assume this is related to the techniques of the enemies behind the war? So their technology is starting to be deciphered?”
“Yes. His consciousness is still a bit hazy, but he can communicate. Once he fully awakens, we may learn more specifics about the rituals and experiments done to him.”
“That’s good—progress is always good. …But if we’re uncovering their techniques and magic, they might be wary on their side too. I think you should proceed cautiously and reinforce security.”
“Indeed. Kokuri seems aware of that and has tightened security around the research institute. He said having an excellent advisor made a big difference.”
That might be Hishida-san.
He’s smart.
Too smart—hopefully not in a dangerous way.
Used well, he’d be a huge asset to the country.
We passed the time with idle conversation until finally, someone arrived with a summons from Her Majesty.
Just like before, we were called to a conference room on the upper floor.
“Requesting an audience so soon—did something happen, Shizuma?”
Upon entering, Her Majesty asked immediately, not sounding annoyed, but more as if she feared something bad had occurred.
To dispel her concern quickly, I gave a straightforward report.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Yesterday, I returned the Dungeon Core of the ‘Dead Sea That Devours the Earth’ to the land of this country. I came to report what effects it may have.”
“Wha…! Is that true!? And is that the consensus of the brigade!?”
“No, it was my own decision. However, the use of the core had been entrusted to me. I can’t explain the details, but there were a few things I wanted to test using the core. Now that I’ve finished that, I decided to return it.”
“I see… That is truly welcome news. I believe our nation is now at the dawn of great change. That is why we must be more vigilant than ever of foreign threats and consolidate our foundation. And now, to have yet another core returned… such fortunate events in succession make me feel like I must raise my guard even further. So then, tell me, Shizuma: what effects can we expect from returning the core?”
I explain the disturbances in the ocean currents near the port town and Yasha Island, the suppression of whirlpools, the possibility of increased fish harvests, and also the possibility of monsters entering the inland sea.
“That is wonderful news. The reason ships from other continents stop at Yasha Island before heading to the mainland—its greatest reason—is the difficulty of navigation. Without sailors native to Yasha Island who understand the surrounding waters, they cannot safely reach the port town. That is why ships must stop at the island first. If that problem is solved… the benefits to trade and travel will be immeasurable.”
I see… so that was part of the reason.
It seems I’ve brought this country a different kind of major benefit—different from enriching the land.
“As for this use of the dungeon core, I don’t think it needs to be made public. You can simply say that things improved because the Yasha Island dungeon disappeared. Though I’m sure some sharp people will eventually figure it out.”
“Very well. But… Shizuma, I cannot allow you to walk away without any reward. I’ve heard you still haven’t registered with the Adventurers’ Guild. You’re being treated as a Jade Rank due to the Explorers’ Guild’s assessment, but be sure to register with the Adventurers’ Guild later. I will grant you the status of Ruby Rank adventurer. Frankly, both you and Same have accomplished deeds worthy of Sapphire, but I assume you don’t want to draw too much attention. You don’t need the rank for dungeon exploration, but since you will be traveling often from now on, having a high adventurer rank will be useful. Consider that part of your reward.”
“I deeply appreciate your consideration. I humbly accept.”
A very well-chosen reward. It seems Her Majesty now has a firm grasp of how to handle the members of the brigade.
“That concludes my report. Your Majesty, Kokuri-san—do either of you have anything to tell me?”
“No, nothing at the moment. Kokuri?”
“Let’s see… Shizuma-kun, do you already know the recent condition of the people we’re keeping here?”
“Yes, Captain Cres told me earlier.”
“I see. Then I don’t have anything else. If anything… Hishida is proving to be remarkably capable, and I plan to officially hire her as my assistant.”
“I think that’s a good idea. She understands the big picture well—her own position and the situation around her. I don’t think you need to be overly wary. Well, you might still need some secret countermeasures, but…”
“Yes, that’s my impression as well. She’s very smart and handles herself well. I’ll give her proper work and rewards and make sure she becomes loyal to this country.”
If they can manage that, both Kazunuma and Hishida will become valuable assets to the nation.
After finishing all the reports, I left the castle once the audience was over.
They asked whether I wanted to show my face to my former classmates, but I have no intention of getting friendly again. As long as we’re in the same country and they’re contributing somewhere else, that’s enough.
“Phew… It’s completely spring now.”
Walking the forest path between the castle and Lindblum, I look around and notice the nature anew.
The forest greenery is growing vibrant, the plants sprouting—signs of a bountiful summer.
Having plenty of food really does contribute to peace.
Looking deeper into the forest, I can see people who look like adventurers bending down to gather something—likely a harvesting request.
Apparently, people rarely came near this forest before because it was under royal management. But thanks to the dungeon core’s influence, medicinal herbs and wild vegetables now grow in abundance here, so more people have started coming.
At this rate, I might need to build a fence around our home soon. Otherwise, adventurers might start wandering close by accident.
Thinking about such peaceful problems, I walk leisurely down the path home.
I guess that’s the influence of peace—ending up having to think about issues like that.
Alright… I wonder how Melt is doing. I hope Selene is working well as her assistant—