Chapter 79

"No... This is out of place, isn't it?"

I kick back at Alyushia's suggestion for now. Who would willingly step into such a situation? Even if I were to go, I'd be content with hanging back and quietly keeping watch from the rear.

"Well, even so, there is an appointment letter with the king's seal," Alyushia insisted, pressing her case.

"Hmm..."

Alyushia pushed her reasons, and I felt a bit cornered.

Indeed, while I am not a knight because I haven't been officially appointed, I am still a guide approved by the king. This was evident from the appointment letter she showed me on the day we reunited in Bidden Village.

I have no intention or ability to question the king directly about his true intentions, but since I have been formally appointed by a high-ranking official of the country, I can't strongly resist if I'm told to at least make a greeting.

"It's a good opportunity to spread Lord Beryl's name to other countries!"

"Cut it out, that's too much."

Hembritz, who was present, agreed with her suggestion.

While waving my hand to dismiss it as exaggerated, I glanced around and saw that the other knights practicing had similar expressions in their eyes.

"Hmm? Everyone looks like that?"

Well, it's certainly more appreciated than being rebuffed, but I'm just an ordinary middle-aged man. Personally, I can't quite accept being introduced in such a setting.

"Sir, you may not like being in the spotlight... but as part of your duties as a special instructor, I hope you can understand."

"...Is that how it is..."

A vague awareness crept over me that I was no longer just an ordinary person.

Of course, it's Alyushia's fault for recommending someone like me, but if I'm honest, I'm partly to blame for accepting the offer. The question of whether I could refuse an appointment letter with the king's seal is another matter, but let's set that aside for now.

As the Reberio Knights, there are probably issues of prestige and such with other countries. It doesn't seem like a situation where I can easily refuse.

"Ah... So, will I be greeting the Pope?"

"Well, in previous years, the royal family of Sphendoria has come for the audience and tour. The greeting will be with them and the Church Knights."

"Hmm... Not the big shots from the Sphendorian religion, then."

I thought it would be the religious leaders since it's a theocratic country, but apparently not.

"The highest authority in the Sphendorian religion is the Pope, but the political center is the State Council. The chairperson is traditionally held by a member of the royal family."

"I see."

I nodded, understanding Hembritz's explanation.

A parliamentary system means it's not a dictatorship. Even in the Kingdom of Reberis, while the top is the king, there is also a noble council below him. It's a similar setup.

"So... the chairperson of the council will be coming?"

"Last year, the first prince and third princess came. This year, it's likely someone of similar status will attend."

"Prince and princess, huh..."

I lost my voice at Alyushia's words.

Talk of royalty, princes, and princesses was something I couldn't even imagine a short while ago. To be dragged into such a world in such a short time makes me wonder if it's not a cruel joke by the gods.

Did I do something wrong? I was just teaching swordsmanship in a quiet village.

Maybe I made a mistake by taking Alyushia as a disciple that day. I don't really want to think that, but being thrust into the center of the world like this makes me want to complain.

Well, whatever.

Probably, the greeting will just be a few words about being a special instructor. The purpose of the delegation isn't me. It's best to get it over with as quickly and politely as possible.

"In that case, I need to be careful about my attire..."

"Indeed, casual clothes won't do. You don't have a knight's armor, do you?"

However, this brings up another issue.

Naturally, I need to dress appropriately for such an important occasion. Unfortunately, I don't have any formal attire for such events.

Even when I was introduced as a special instructor to the knights, I was in my usual clothes.

During training, everyone wears comfortable clothes, so it wasn't a big deal, but for a formal occasion, it's a different story.

"Hmm, I don't have any fancy clothes, so I'll have to buy some—"

"If that's the case, I'll take you to some good stores."

"Oh, okay."

Wow, it's been a while since Alyushia spoke so quickly.

Well, having a proper outfit isn't a bad idea. Even without the Sphendorian events, with Mui entering the magic academy, it's something I should prepare for.

But, I've never been in such situations, so I have no idea what kind of attire is appropriate.

Alyushia seems excited, but I think it's best to rely on her. I don't even know what kind of stores to look for.

"Well, I'll take you up on that offer."

"Understood. I'll adjust the schedule immediately."

"Ah, yeah, no rush or anything..."

Speaking of which, I've walked around the city with Kurni, Fissel, and Lucy since coming to Baltrain, but this will be my first outing with Alyushia since the knight's greeting. She's also busy, so I felt bad asking her to accompany me, but it seems she's fine with it.

Phew, this is a bit too much for an old man like me. I don't have any ulterior motives, but Alyushia is a high-ranking official and a stunning beauty.

"By the way, when is the delegation expected to arrive?"

I asked about something that was on my mind.

It can't be today or tomorrow, so there should be some preparation time. I need to clear my schedule for that day.

However, if it overlaps with an event involving Mui, I'd prioritize that. I haven't heard of any such conflicts, though.

"From now, about a month from now."

"That's good. I would have been in trouble if it was tomorrow or next week."

Hmm, a month from now.

Mui starts school next week, so she'll probably be settled in by then. With a month, I can probably get the necessary attire and adjust my schedule.

"But... I don't think I'll ever get used to such occasions."

I'm just an ordinary middle-aged man, a commoner of the Kingdom of Reberis at heart. My title has changed, but my feelings haven't.

If asked if I'm excited, the answer is definitely no. If I were just an outsider, I might have considered it a sightseeing trip.

"Hehe, you'll have more opportunities like this."

"I'd rather not, if possible..."

I could only give a wry smile in response to Alyushia's smile.

I feel suddenly exhausted. Physically, I'm fine, but mentally, I'm drained. Just coming to practice with a sword has done this to me.

However, this is probably something that will happen sooner or later. It's better to take a positive approach and see it as a longer preparation period.

"Hahaha! It's all about getting used to it. I was nervous at first, too."

"Hembritz is right. You'll get used to it eventually."

"You make it sound so easy."

Both Alyushia, the head of the knights, and Hembritz, the deputy, seem experienced with such events.

These two, much younger than me, have far more experience. They seem even more impressive than usual.

"Shall we practice some swordplay to clear your mind, Lord Beryl?"

"Sure, let's do that."

Hembritz suggested with a cheerful smile.

His ability to notice such small details is part of what makes him a great guy. It's surprising that he has no romantic interests, given how attractive he is, even to me.

Well, there's no point in dwelling on that. As he suggested, facing the sword might help lift my spirits a bit.

I took the day off to come to the training ground. Let's focus on the original purpose.

Finally, this work has made it to the bottom of the cumulative rankings. This is all thanks to those who have read it. Thank you very much.

I hope for your continued support in the future.