Chapter 50

As Helian set off on her return journey, Reeve, who had been ordered to investigate the town, was walking down the main street of the labyrinth district.

Her task was to explore the town.

In order to create a map of Helian, she visited various parts of the town, observed the surroundings with her own eyes, and aimed to conduct familiarization training to adapt to the local environment.

She had already covered most of the labyrinth district.

Although she couldn't visit areas restricted to qualified individuals or the vicinity of important facilities near the labyrinth, she had a good grasp of the general geography.

She also observed the people passing by, but she didn't see anyone who could pose a threat to Alchemira.

She heard that the top-tier adventurers and elite knights were all dispatched to the front-line fortress, but some of the injured had retreated to the border city. She was fortunate enough to encounter a high-ranking adventurer who seemed to have escorted his comrades back.

As a result of the combat assessment, while she couldn't accurately gauge their strength due to the lack of actual combat, the highest threat level she estimated was at most a mid-C rank. This level of strength was far from being a threat to even the regular soldiers of Alchemira.

This was good news.

It provided new information that confirmed Alchemira's military superiority.

For Reeve Flexius, who was in the position of a general commander and cared for the country, this was undoubtedly good news.

However, she asked herself, if that was the case, what was this heavy feeling swirling in her chest?

"......How disgraceful."

Looking at her reflection in the slightly fogged glass window of a store, Reeve muttered to herself.

She looked pitiful.

She seemed to have lost her spirit, like a defeated soldier.

At the very least, this was not the appearance befitting a close aide to a great king. However, even though she was aware of this, Reeve couldn't regain her usual composure.

What came to mind was this morning's incident.

The scene where her master gave orders to all the attendants.

"According to what I said yesterday, we will first investigate this town. However, there will be a change in roles. I will have Selene as my guard, and in exchange, Reeve will be responsible for exploring the town."

—It was a shock.

The impact was like being hit on the head with a blunt object, and Reeve almost fainted.

Because the role of guarding the king was supposed to be hers.

According to the previously planned division of roles, that was what she had been told, and Reeve had accepted it as a matter of course.

She was the king's close aide and the eye of Alchemira.

She was supposed to be by the king's side, seeing the same scenes as the king, and intended to always act together with Helian in this town.

However, that role was given to Selene.

Despite it originally being her role, she was told that the roles would be switched.

Now, she was not by the king's side. The eye of Alchemira was seeing a different scene from the king's.

"......!"

Just thinking about this fact, Reeve was overwhelmed by a wave of impulses that made her shudder.

Her chest churned, an indescribable emotion surged, and she could barely hold back from screaming. Her troubled mind posed a single question.

(When did it start?)

When did she become so incompetent?

The first few decades after descending into this world with the king were nothing but a hindrance, and she and Balan were always relying on Eltina. The number of times she had held the king back was countless. It was a frustrating period of several decades.

However, after repeatedly reincarnating and evolving into the "Moon Wolf," she had been of some use to the king. She had served as a calm and composed aide to the king, ensuring that his dignity was not compromised. As a pawn of the king, she had suppressed all her emotions and fulfilled her duties.

So why was she so emotionally disturbed now? When did she lose control over her mental state?

Since coming to this world?

Since the rebellion?

Or—since seeing the encounter between Lilifa Lum Lathewood and the king?

"Hey, miss. What are you doing in such a remote place?"

While walking with her head down, a light-hearted man called out to her.

Looking around, she noticed dilapidated buildings. It seemed she had inadvertently entered a back alley. This was an area she had already investigated. Compared to the main streets, the security was somewhat worse.

"Do you need something from me?"

"No, no, it's not that. I was just worried when I saw a beauty like you in such a place, so I thought I'd say hello."

About one in ten times, it works, the man said with a casual tone.

He was a rather unremarkable man. He had a small sword at his waist, but in a city where adventurers and mercenaries frequently passed through, it was not unusual.

"......Are you human?"

"Yeah, of course I'm human."

"Then I have a question. From a human's perspective, how does my appearance compare? Is it as beautiful as an elf? Or less so? If it's less, how much less? What do I lack?"

A rapid series of questions.

The man frowned at the sudden questions, but Reeve was serious.

Humans generally find elves uniformly beautiful.

The aesthetic standards of the monsters living in Alchemira are diverse, but it is said that the beauty of elves is so remarkable that it can be considered a "commodity" in this world.

The sisters that her master, King Helian, was concerned about were half-elves, and the one currently by Helian's side is the "Heretic Elf" Selene. Although Selene is currently in her fully human form, both are elves.

So, how does her appearance look to humans, who are of the same race as her master?

Compared to the elves, who are considered beautiful by humans, would she still be considered beautiful?

Or, at the very least, would she be considered presentable enough not to be embarrassing?

Until now, she hadn't been particularly concerned about her appearance, but for some reason, it was now bothering Reeve immensely.

"Well, it's hard to say how much......"

The man's gaze fell on Reeve's body.

Her exposed white thighs, her slim waist, her chest larger than average, and her silver hair, which appeared more resilient and delicate than silk. Her face was beautifully sculpted, almost like a doll, and her composed expression suited her well.

After scrutinizing her body parts, the man nodded. Anyone who couldn't see her as beautiful must have rotten eyes. Without hesitation, he concluded and spoke casually.

"You're just as beautiful as an elf, if not more. Your question itself is almost an insult. I'd be happy to challenge you to a duel, seriously."

"A duel? Why would that lead to combat?"

"No, not in that sense...... Are you serious, miss? Are you a natural?"

The man tilted his head in response.

While his words lacked a certain something, at least from his perspective, she didn't seem unattractive.

Feeling a slight sense of relief, Reeve patted her large chest.

"Did a man leave you? If so, don't worry. You're definitely a beauty. It's just that the man had no eye for people—, Huh!?"

—Ah, I made a mistake.

Seeing the man's expression, Reeve instantly realized her mistake.

It seemed she had let her emotions slip again.

She deeply reprimanded herself and reined in the emotions that had leaked out.

The man, who had been talking casually a moment ago, was now completely silent.

He had apparently failed to jump back in time and was sitting on the cobblestones with a thud. His hand reached for the hilt of his sword, but he was trembling as if he had encountered a vicious monster.

Judging by his failed attempt to stand, it seemed he had lost his composure. Still driven by his survival instinct, he was trying to create some distance by backing away while sitting.

Facing such a man, Reeve approached him slowly, her expression—no, her face devoid of emotion.

"—I thank you for answering my questions. By the way, this is something my master often says: 'Words are the source of disaster.' Careless words can sometimes become a curse that brings calamity."

She looked into the man's eyes.

In his wide-open eyes, her own face was reflected.

...Ah, it's fine.

Her face, reflected in his eyes, was already devoid of any expression.

No emotion was visible.

She was already calm.

With a blank expression, emotionless, Reeve spoke.

"By the way, I would like you to retract your earlier comments... about my master's 'judgment.' For both our sakes."

Emphasizing the last words, the man nodded vigorously while still sitting on the ground.

Good, thought Reeve.

Because her master had repeatedly ordered her, "Absolutely do not kill him."

If he had refused, it would have been a very problematic situation.

Feeling genuine relief at getting his agreement, Reeve turned to leave.

At the same time, there was a thud behind her.

But Reeve paid no attention. Even if the man had fainted from the pressure, it was no longer her concern. She left the scene with quiet steps.

When she returned to the inn, she could see light coming from their room. It seemed her master had already returned. Although she had lost her sense of smell in her fully human form, she could still faintly detect her master's scent.

Inhaling the scent she hadn't smelled in half a day, Reeve headed to the second-floor room.

Arriving silently at the door, she took out a hand mirror, carefully checked her appearance, and then knocked.

"Who is it?"

Her master's voice, which she hadn't heard in half a day, penetrated her ears.

It felt as if she hadn't heard it in a long time.

"It's Reeve. I have just returned."

"Come in."

With the master's permission, she pushed open the door.

There was already a visitor in the room. The Fifth Army Commander was handing over a few sheets of paper that looked like a report. The king quickly scanned the report and then looked into the air.

"That's all for my report. How about it, General?"

"Hmm. It's sufficient for the first day. It seems there were no particular incidents."

"Hey, General, that's a given, right? Did you really think I would cause a commotion?"

"......No, of course not. What are you saying, Gardi? I trusted you, yes."

The king nodded a few times and spoke words of encouragement to Gardi.

Reeve, standing in the corner of the room, felt a sharp pain in her chest.

"I trust you."

Those words were now too distant for her.

With that, the report seemed to be over. As Gardi was about to leave, Reeve stepped forward in front of the king.

She would have liked to kneel, but since she was told to avoid such formalities abroad, she bowed deeply instead.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Reeve. You must be tired. Can I hear your report first?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you for your kind words. I will now begin my report on today's investigation."

Reeve then reported the information she had gathered during her solo mission today, summarizing the key points.

She had covered the areas accessible to the general public in the labyrinth district.

She had gathered information on the reputation of the border lord from the conversations of passersby.

She had assessed the damage caused by the monster horde that attacked the fortress and the current situation.

She had evaluated the average threat level of the adventurers trying to enter the labyrinth.

She had also assessed the combat capabilities of a high-ranking adventurer she encountered by chance.

She would compile the details into a report, but the main information to be conveyed orally was as follows.

After finishing her report, the king, as usual, recited the incantation only he was allowed to use.

"Tactical Virtual Window: Unlock. Selection: Map. Target Area: Direct Selection. Format: Wide Display."

The king's gaze swept over the air.

He was probably looking at a "special map" that no one else could see.

While the king spoke as if it were nothing, the ability to instantly grasp the geography and the positions of friend and foe, and to oversee the battlefield, was truly a "royal feat."

Monsters are confident in their individual abilities. The last resort is their own strength. This is a monster's instinct and a characteristic that all monsters, to a greater or lesser extent, possess. This characteristic can potentially reduce a monster army to a mere rabble.

However, what brings them together is the king's power.

Instantly grasping the battlefield, reading the distribution of friend and foe, and accurately assessing the situation. No matter how powerful the opposing monster horde, they are just targets before the king. Under the king's control, with the perspective of a god, all of Alchemira's enemies have been buried.

Through the steady accumulation of victories, the king has led the army, guided the people, and expanded the country.

No fool would underestimate the king just because he lacks the power to fight.

They understand that without King Helian, the country would not function.

They know that they are what they are today because of the king's guidance. Moreover, after the great speech during the incident, no one could still harbor resentment.

"......Hmm, it's quite a beautiful town. It must have been built according to a perfect urban plan from the beginning...... But this town, it seems familiar......"

The king muttered something. His gaze, fixed on the air, seemed to be lost in thought.

Eventually, he seemed to reach some conclusion and nodded, returning his gaze.

"I have a good grasp of the general investigation results. I'll check the details in the report, but you can submit it by noon tomorrow. Take a good rest and then start working on it."

"Yes, sir. Understood."

The king is kind, but one must not take advantage of his kindness.

She resolved to start working on the report immediately upon returning to her assigned room.

"By the way, do you have any questions, concerns, or anything you want to ask?"

At the question from her master, something in her chest ached.

A near-impulsive feeling arose deep in her chest.

A multitude of questions rose from the back of her throat.

Why was I removed from the guard duty?

Did I make any mistakes?

What am I lacking?

Why did you smile at Lilifa Lum Lathewood?

Why don't you smile in front of me anymore?

What can I do to see your smile again?

"......No, not really."

"Hmm, I see. Then, is there anything else you want to tell me or share with me, even if it's not work-related?"

Please give me an order.

An order to serve you.

Please punish me.

A punishment to be forgiven by you.

Please keep me by your side.

I want to see your smile again.

"Nothing in particular, Your Majesty."

—She couldn't say it.

＋ ＋ ＋

"Hmm."

Staring at the door through which Reeve had left, Helian grunted.

Her work today exceeded his expectations. The town was large, and he had thought that covering half of the labyrinth district would be sufficient for today, but she had almost covered the entire area except for the restricted zones.

Moreover, she had assessed the strength of the adventurers passing by and brought back information on the reputation of the border lord, which could affect his "dominance."

Gardi had also done a good job, but in terms of the quantity and quality of information, Reeve was superior. She had brought back more than what was asked of her, and without causing any unnecessary trouble, she had completed her tasks reliably. He thought it was the right decision to assign the investigation to Reeve.

However, he felt that Reeve's mood was somewhat downcast when she returned with the report. Since her work was more than sufficient, he wondered if she was troubled by something else. He asked if there were any problems, but she said there were none. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but it was nagging at him.

If only he had his usual ears and tail, he could have been more certain, but in this town, she was in her fully human form. Without her ears and tail, Reeve was a flawless cool beauty. Her expression was fixed in a composed manner, and it was hard to read her emotions. As a king, she was perfect, but as an inexperienced master, it was a bit difficult.

"Without certainty, it would be unwise to press the issue..."

If he probed too much and made Reeve uncomfortable, it would be disastrous.

For now, he would have to carefully observe her more than usual and wait and see.

"Still, this town is more well-organized than I thought."

He muttered while looking at the <Map> displayed again.

The <Map> reflected the geographical information collected by Reeve and Gardi, showing a layout that resembled a long cross. The eastern market district was yet to be investigated, but it was likely to mirror the western commercial district, expanding outward from the outer walls.

The town was well-structured. Buildings lined the streets in an orderly manner. From this bird's-eye view, it was clear that the land was used efficiently without being overly crowded, creating an ideal layout.

This is not the norm. Towns that develop naturally tend to be complex and patchwork-like, with buildings added and expanded over time. This can lead to intricate and bizarre streets, over-crowded areas, or regions with too much space between buildings.

However, this town lacked such issues. It seemed to have been built according to a perfect urban plan from the beginning. There was no doubt that this border city was created with a complete blueprint in mind.

"It's like the old capital of Kyoto."

He recalled the map of Kyoto from his Japanese history textbook.

He had visited Kyoto on a family trip. He remembered seeing the streets that still existed from that time. It was a memory from his elementary school days. Yes, it was when his father and mother took him—

—Suddenly, he felt a constricting sensation in his chest.

He shook his head frantically, scattering his thoughts. He suppressed the memories of Japan. There was no time for unnecessary sentimentality now.

"......Maybe I'll take a bath to clear my head."

A steam bath is still a bath. Sweating it