Chapter 79

"Then—shall we move on to the next story?"

For King Melvin, the previous story had reached its climax. The atmosphere had become somewhat softer.

"Is it a good story?"

"Aye. About the discovery of the Sealed Gate, the defeat of the Demon Zevion, and the Demon Zalbash, we must reward those who have done well."

In other words, it's about the rewards.

The reason he asked me to bring Grace along must be this.

"Theodore, have your feelings changed from what you told me before?"

"If you mean staying as an adventurer, then no, they haven't."

"Grace, what about you?"

"I—I would be honored to serve by Lord Theodore's side."

Her response was almost immediate. There was no hesitation in Grace's answer.

King Melvin closed his eyes, then a wry, almost self-mocking smile appeared on his face as he spoke.

"Hmm... You mean it would be troublesome if it became a hindrance. I appreciate that, but after making such a request, it is indeed a welcome development."

If he were to grant a title and land, it would come with responsibilities like managing the land and serving the court.

The more he could avoid getting entangled in other trivial matters, the better, especially since he was counting on Theodore as a force against the demons.

"Richard, what do you think is best in such a case?"

"Granting only an honorary position might lead to speculation that the king is not taking it seriously."

"Aye, that's true. Mildred, what do you think?"

"The reward should be practical and allow for flexible handling of the mission."

"Furthermore, it should not conflict with the interests of other nobles and avoid unnecessary disputes. What do you think?"

"Indeed."

"Aye, exactly."

The two advisors and King Melvin shared a strangely artificial smile.

...Well.

"Considering the magnitude of the achievements, it should be on par with the honors and titles given to existing magicians."

"Add a few privileges to it, making it clear that it is not just an honorary position."

"Exactly. And it should be related to the Labyrinth. In other words, it would involve creating a new position and bestowing a title."

King Melvin smiled mischievously and looked at us.

Hmm. While they are discussing it now, it seems like they had already planned out the flow of this conversation from the beginning.

"So, I will position you as my official representative in exploring the Labyrinth and bestow upon you a title. How about 'Ambassador to the Otherworld'? It would mean acting on my behalf."

—Well.

While the actual management of the Great Labyrinth of Termwill is entrusted to the Adventurer's Guild, it is legally under the king's jurisdiction since it is located in the Border City.

Even the lower levels, which are questionable in their existence, are nominally under his authority.

An ambassador to the Otherworld, and acting on behalf of the king—this means that if you need to enter certain areas or take certain actions to fulfill the royal request to fight demons, you don't need to seek permission from the kingdom or the guild each time.

If the king had a full understanding of the Labyrinth, he might have given a title like 'Administrator of the Otherworld.'

But the actual management is not in my hands or the royal family's, but rather in the hands of the girl I saw in the Labyrinth and those behind her. King Melvin's understanding of the Labyrinth is quite high.

Well, calling it an ambassador means, in essence, that I have the authority to act as I see fit within the Labyrinth. Even if I intended to do so to fight demons, having it guaranteed from the start is a welcome development.

In practice, I will work in coordination with the king, the head of the knights, the court magician, the Moon Temple, and the Adventurer's Guild, but having the same level of authority as those high-ranking officials on the ground is—quite exceptional.

By giving a title rather than a noble rank or an official position, it seems he aims to avoid the resentment of the nobility who are sensitive to status, and to ensure independence by placing it outside the organizational framework.

"I will no longer see you as an ordinary child. I have heard about your capture of Jasper and your battle with Zevion. Your judgment in the field is exceptional. Therefore, I have considered removing any hindrances."

...Hmm. Calmly speaking, it seems like my only superior is the king.

"Similarly, I will reward Grace for defeating Zalbash. I will grant her a knighthood and position her as a direct subordinate to the Ambassador to the Otherworld."

Grace closed her eyes and bowed her head quietly.

A knighthood. While it is a one-generation title, it means she will be treated as a low-ranking noble. This is welcome from my perspective. Having an official status for Grace is definitely better. If she is my direct subordinate, there's nothing more to ask for.

"I also have high expectations for you, Syl's daughter."

"Me, too?"

"Aye. I have heard from the academy that you excel in healing magic. Support Theodore well, along with Grace."

"I will do my best, despite my lack of talent."

When Ashley nodded, King Melvin smiled more deeply.

"The formal announcement and bestowal of the title will come later. Enjoy the feast tonight."

With that, King Melvin raised his wine glass. Indeed, he is quite decisive.

After the dinner with the king, as I was about to leave with the same servant who had guided me in, I noticed a young woman standing in the garden with a lady-in-waiting.

She looked to be around 17. She had a well-defined face, but her narrow eyes gave a sharp impression.

"Oh...?"

When she recognized me, she opened her fan to hide her face and looked at me as if sizing me up.

Her luxurious dress clearly indicated her high status... but this place is the royal living quarters.

This is at least a duke's daughter, but the most likely possibility is a princess.

Whether she is the first or second princess, I can guess from the rumors and hearsay.

"You. One of Father's guests. I am the Second Princess, Rosemary. Remember that."

Indeed, it's Rosemary. I would have preferred not to meet her.

"You may speak freely. Your name is... Theodore, correct?"

"Yes."

"Hmm."

Rosemary walked up to me with quick steps.

"Your Highness—"

The servant who was guiding me tried to intervene, but Rosemary gave him a thin smile and a glance, and he was at a loss for words.

"You seem to have accomplished quite a lot."

Rosemary kept her expression fixed, closed her fan, and used it to lift my chin.

She looked at my face for a while, then laughed with amusement.

"...You know, if you wish, I could keep you. I quite like those defiant eyes of yours."

...To 'keep' me is quite a bold statement.

Does it mean to politically recruit and support me...? Is that right?

She is even more formidable than I had heard. With a sister like this, Prince Albert and Princess Marlene must have a tough time. From what I've heard, she seems to enjoy power struggles.

The eldest son and daughter are said to be normal, which is a relief... but without someone like Rosemary, Prince Albert and the others might have had a more peaceful life.

The servant who was guiding me seemed to have made a decision and raised his head. Well, since I was called as a guest of the king, it would be troublesome if there were any trouble on the way back, but I don't need any protection.

"I cannot meet your expectations, Your Highness. I have a mission to fulfill."

If she intended to recruit me into a faction, it would be meaningless now that King Melvin has offered me a mission and a title.

Moreover, the way she discarded Chester when he didn't meet her expectations doesn't make her a trustworthy person.

"Hmm?"

Rosemary muttered with disinterest and opened her fan to hide her face. She seemed to be thinking about something, but eventually shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, fine. You are Father's guest, after all. I will overlook your rudeness."

The servant, not me, seemed relieved by her words. I understand that it takes a lot of courage for the servants to disagree with Rosemary.

"—Everyone is so boring. All they talk about is the Labyrinth and demons."

As she left, I heard the sound of her tapping her palm with her fan.

Well... if she wants a replacement for Chester or Fernando, she should look elsewhere.