Chapter 35

"See you all later."

We said our goodbyes to Tao as we returned to the town.

Incidentally, the other Beowulfs, except for Shiro, didn't come with us and seemed to be staying in the forest.

Grimm said it was probably because there were still young ones who hadn't grown up yet.

I told Shiro not to let anyone attack people, but I wasn't sure how much he understood.

Well, it seems he understands what I'm saying, so it should be fine. Probably.

"Arf!"

Shiro barked confidently, as if to say it would be fine.

...Well, he just looks like a regular dog anyway.

The villagers probably won't be overly afraid.

But these guys seem to have a lot more magic power than before... I'll try not to think too deeply about it.

***

A few days later, I was summoned to the throne room.

Albert was with me.

Usually, he would give a wink when our eyes met, but today he had a serious look on his face.

I wonder what's wrong.

"Ah, Albert. And Lloyd. Thank you for coming."

Ignoring my concerns, Charles welcomed us.

"First, Albert, you did well to successfully complete the task of slaying the monsters. ...But there were various troubles, it seems. Being attacked by multiple monsters and a magic user, it was only by luck that there were no casualties. You are the second prince. I know you are an excellent magician yourself. However, it was rather rash to go with only the guards, I must say."

"Hmm, I have no excuse."

Albert bowed his head at Charles's stern words.

Indeed, now that I think about it, it was a bit rash.

Even if the appearance of a magic user was unexpected, slaying monsters is a dangerous task.

Albert seems to be quite reflective.

"Indeed, be more careful in the future. ...And Lloyd."

"Y-Yes!"

Uh, is he going to lecture me?

I waited for Charles's words with tension.

"---Well done."

Contrary to my expectations, the words thrown at me were praise.

I couldn't help but look up, and Charles smiled under his beard and nodded.

"I heard from Albert that you gave power to the guards and bravely faced the monsters even when surrounded. That's quite impressive for your age."

"Hmm..."

I thought I would be scolded, so I was a bit let down.

Charles leaned forward and continued.

"I've also heard a lot about your talent from Sylph. Your sword skills are improving rapidly, it seems. Responding to the given tasks and producing results is one of the most important things for a king. ...How about it? It's a bit unusual, but I'm thinking of giving you the right to succeed to the throne."

"Wh-What!?"

I exclaimed in surprise at Charles's words.

If that happens, I'll have to study to become a king along with Albert and others, and compete for the throne with other princes.

I just want to study magic freely.

I have no interest in the right to succeed to the throne.

"King!"

Albert stood up.

He's going to object. I'm saved.

It's too much to give the right to succeed to the throne to a ten-year-old like me.

I sighed in relief.

"That's a very good idea. Lloyd will surely become a pillar of this country. The knowledge of being a king will surely be useful in the future. The competition for the throne with Lloyd is a threat to me, but if it's Lloyd, I can't help but lose. I even feel honored to have competed with him."

But then Albert agreed.

Wait, hold on.

I hurriedly stood up.

"W-Wait! ...I am deeply honored and grateful. But I am not fit to be the king of this country. I respectfully decline."

"Hmm—"

Charles thought for a moment and nodded at my words.

"...I see, that's a shame."

Phew, that's a relief. It seems I managed to decline.

Being suddenly given the right to succeed to the throne is crazy.

But he gave in surprisingly easily.

Well, it's a relief.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"I see, so Lloyd, you're saying that your potential is too great to be contained by this country alone? Indeed, this continent is not yet at peace. You might become a world conqueror. ...Hehe, you're aiming high, my son. If that's the case, I must respect your thoughts."

"Your potential is too great to be contained by this country... Indeed. For example, you might grow into a great magician like William Bordeaux, who spans the world. For that, there might be more important things to do than the education of a king."

Charles and Albert were muttering something.

They both have a creepy smile on their faces, but I guess it's fine.

"Lloyd! Then keep working hard from now on!"

"I'm counting on you, Lloyd."

"Y-Yes!"

Somehow, they're looking at me with great expectations... But at least I managed to avoid the right to succeed to the throne.

I'm relieved.

***

A week has passed since then.

Basically, my daily life hasn't changed much, and I've been doing what I like.

The only change is that Albert has been inviting me to the magic practice field more often, and the frequency and level of Sylph's swordplay have increased.

"His Highness Albert, Lord Lloyd is going to practice swordsmanship now."

"But we did that the other day. Today we're going to practice magic."

"What are you talking about? It's swordsmanship."

"No, it's magic."

The two of them are glaring at each other, sparks flying.

...But sometimes it's a bit heavy to see them fighting over me.

Moreover, Charles has been calling me more often lately to ask about my recent activities, and I've heard that Tao has been asking around about Roberto.

"You're quite popular, Lord Lloyd... Hehe, if your reputation keeps rising, I'll have a good time when I take over your body..."

"Arf!"

Grimo laughed and Shiro barked energetically.

It's so noisy.

I just want to master magic.

---There are still magics in this world that I haven't seen.

I want to see them all. I want to remember them. I want to play with them.

I looked up at the clear blue sky, facing the depths of the unseen magic.

---The most important things for a magician are, first, lineage. Second, talent. And last, effort.

The last one is literally for those who accept effort as effort, but for those who enjoy accumulating it, it can be the greatest power, not the last.

...What? If someone has all of these?

Haha, that's a scary thought.

At least I don't want to fight them.

"...That's what that guy said, I guess."

Grimo muttered.

"Is something wrong, Grimo?"

"No, nothing. Ah, it seems Sylph won the rock-paper-scissors."

Looking over, it seemed they had been playing rock-paper-scissors, and Sylph, the winner, was running over.

"Lord Lloyd!"

Sylph waved happily, holding a wooden sword.

I sighed and headed for the courtyard.