Chapter 41

・On February 16, I posted two chapters in succession.

・I have already posted Chapter 8, "Audience III," today, so if you haven't read it yet, please go back and read it.

Thank you very much.

---

Around the time the audience ended, Eltina, in a room designated for the Third Legion Commander, sighed lightly as she closed her eyes after reviewing a stack of documents.

“...Phew”

Despite getting the minimum amount of sleep, she felt a heaviness in her eyelids. She had used healing magic on herself to reduce physical fatigue, but she couldn't alleviate the mental strain.

Even though it was a familiar job, the volume of work and the weight of responsibility in a large-scale project were considerable. Especially with the shortage of personnel due to the transfer phenomenon, the development project was a significant challenge. Even with Eltina's administrative skills, she was barely managing to carry out the orders from the Lord. Moreover, there were still several piles of documents to go through. She was struggling to keep up with the mountain of paperwork.

Just as Eltina was about to reach for the next pile, the door made a sound. A characteristic knock, "Knock, knock, knock," which Eltina recognized as belonging to someone impatient yet reserved. She called out to the door.

“Come in. It's open, Seres.”

After a brief hesitation, the door opened. Peeking through the gap was the Fourth Legion Commander, Seres, who led the [Magic Corps].

“...Hey, El. I've been wondering for a while, how do you know it's me when someone comes in?”

“Seres, your knock is distinctive. Please, come in.”

Seres, tilting her head in doubt, entered the room hesitantly. Her eyes widened in dismay when she saw the mountain of documents on the desk.

“Oh, so... El, you really are busy, huh?”

“No, I was just about to take a break.”

Eltina smiled softly, as she always did. However, Seres, sensing the current situation from her expression and words, looked apologetic.

“S-Sorry. I'll be quick.”

“That's fine. What brings you here?”

When asked about her purpose, Seres averted her eyes hesitantly. After a deep breath, she spoke with a determined look.

“...Hey, El. This is a personal matter... Do you think the Elves are disliked by His Majesty?”

“The Elves by His Majesty?”

Tilting her head, Eltina asked Seres to clarify.

“Yeah. During the war, His Majesty was angrier than I've ever seen him. He was so furious that he might have even made Nogard open the ‘Box.’”

“Yes, I've never seen His Majesty so enraged.”

“...And the Noblewoods were pests, but they still looked like us Elves... That made me feel... Maybe I'm disliked by His Majesty.”

Ah, Eltina understood. Unconsciously, the subject had shifted from the Elves to Seres herself. This must be the real issue, Eltina thought.

“Even before the war, I wasn't taken along...”

As she spoke, Seres seemed to feel even more anxious. Her eyes glistened slightly. Seeing this, Eltina smiled softly, as if comforting a beloved child.

“—Thank you always, Seres.”

“Huh?”

“No, it's my way of saying thank you.”

Despite letting her true feelings slip, Eltina thought this would give her the strength to fight for another two weeks. Replenished with valuable energy and mental satisfaction, Eltina spoke to Seres with a saintly expression.

“Getting back to the topic, I don't think you're overthinking it. If His Majesty disliked the Elves because of that incident, I, being a White Elf, would be more affected than you, a Dark Elf.”

“But even Camilla was taken along...”

“...That kind of comment will make Camilla angry. Besides, in that situation, it wasn't possible to take you to the village. His Majesty acted according to the circumstances and was not neglecting you.”

“I guess... I know that...”

Muttering with a deflated tone, Seres looked down again. It seemed she understood rationally but was still emotionally troubled. Accurately gauging Seres' state, Eltina pondered how to comfort her.

Just then, another knock announced a new visitor.

“Is it Rieve? Come in, it's open.”

After a moment of silence, the door opened quietly, and a colleague appeared. As expected, it was Rieve, who entered with more confidence than Seres.

“...Eltina, I've always wondered, how do you know it's me just from the knock?”

“Rieve's knock is distinctive.”

“Don't lump me with Seres. My knock is normal. I have proper etiquette skills.”

“...Hey, Rieve. Don't put me down so casually.”

Seres, maintaining her usual assertive expression, retorted immediately. She only showed her vulnerable side to Eltina, her fellow Elf and most trusted friend. With [Character Trait: Resilient], Seres always tried to hide her weaknesses in front of others.

Thinking how endearing this was, Eltina asked the new visitor.

“So, Rieve. Is there something you need from me?”

“Yes. I came to find Seres, but this saves time.”

“Huh? Me?”

Seres, looking puzzled, heard Rieve deliver the message with his usual calm expression.

“Herian-sama is embarking on an expedition to the human world outside the forest, disguised as a merchant. You, Galdy, and I have been chosen as his companions. We need to discuss the security arrangements, so please gather in the Ninth Conference Room in two hours. Understood? I'll inform Galdy and head to the conference room. That's all.”

After delivering the message, Rieve quietly closed the door and left. Seres, who had been staring at the closed door, turned to Eltina with a radiant smile as soon as she understood the meaning of Rieve's words.

“Yay! His Majesty called me, called me, El! I'm not disliked by His Majesty!”

Seres, hugging Eltina in excitement, exclaimed joyfully. Eltina, smiling like a mother, comforted her, “That's great.”

After a moment of celebration, Seres regained her composure, listened to Eltina's instructions as a subordinate, and left the room with renewed energy. Eltina, watching Seres leave, thought, “This will give me the strength to fight for another three weeks,” and returned to her work.

---

A few days later.

Herian and his party, having completed their departure preparations, stood in front of the capital's main gate. Wearing an expedition coat, Herian gazed intently at the massive gate that separated the outside world from the capital.

“Herian-sama, everything is ready. We can depart at any time.”

Turning to Rieve's voice, Herian saw the plain carriage and the attendants. Rieve, the versatile character and close aide to the king, Galdy, who was most proficient in the fully human form, and Seres, the magic expert, stood quietly, ready for the journey, wearing outdated equipment for disguise.

These three were the attendants he would take on this trip. Considering the need to keep half of the legion commanders at home in case of emergencies, this number was decided. This setup would likely continue in the future.

（...That day, I stood in front of this gate too.）

Herian recalled the events of the first day he was transferred to this world. Caught up in the situation, he had gone on an expedition to the unexplored area with Rieve and Eltina.

It felt like a distant past, yet also like it happened yesterday. It was a testament to the intense and rich days he had spent.

However, unlike that day, there were no ceremonial guards to see them off. To emphasize that this was a routine mission, he had declined the ceremonial send-off.

Another crucial difference from the first day was that he was stepping out into the world of his own volition, not because of an unfortunate incident.

“Hmm—Although I have been on many expeditions, I never thought I would explore another world. I remember the day I descended into that world with the ‘Three Beginnings.’”

To motivate himself and switch into the role of a leader, he deliberately used a phrase similar to the one he used before.

The three legion commanders behind him responded in their own ways.

“I will protect you with my whole being. —This time, for sure.”

“Leave the magic to me. I'll burn any enemy to ashes.”

“Don't worry about the rough stuff. Just stay calm, Commander. I'll do my best, even if I can't help with the complicated stuff.”

Their words were reassuring. Rieve seemed a bit too serious, but he would support her. It wasn't as easy as saying it, but he was the king, their superior. He had to show that he could provide the necessary support.

With determination, Herian addressed his attendants.

“Then let's go. Rieve, Seres, Galdy.”

“““Yes—!”””

Thus, the king of Alkymaira took his first step outside the country. Not like that day, when he was swept away by circumstances and forced to leave, but this time, by his own will.

---

(Added on February 23)

I'm sorry, I forgot to write the next chapter's posting date!

I moved the February 23 posting to February 16, so the next chapter will be posted on [March 2 (Friday)].

(As I did in one chapter, I posted two chapters in succession and will take a break next time.)

Thank you for pointing it out!