Chapter 4

"Lloyd Di Sarum, I have arrived."

One day, I was summoned to the throne room.

The one who called me was the King of Sarum, my father, Charles Di Sarum.

Charles, the tall old man seated on the throne, greeted me with a broad smile.

"Oh, well done, Lloyd. It's been a while, hasn't it? About three years, I suppose."

"Yes, since my seventh birthday."

Many children die from illness or injury before they turn seven, so that birthday holds special significance.

Even the busy Charles came to see me on that day.

However, the words he gave me then were, "You are the seventh son, much younger than the others, so you don't need to worry about the royal succession. Just do what you like without feeling pressured."

As a king, he must be very busy, so I only see him occasionally as he walks down the hall.

But why does he need to see me now... I'm nervous.

While I was still bowing, Charles said with a hint of disappointment,

"Hmm, I remember you were like this the last time we met. So formal and not very childlike... It's okay to hug your father after not seeing him for so long, you know?"

"...I jest. I cannot do such a thing."

"Hmm, well, that's fine. It shows you've learned your manners well. Come a bit closer."

"Yes, sir."

At least he doesn't seem angry, and the atmosphere doesn't feel like I'm in trouble.

I stood up and went to his side.

Charles looked at my face intently and nodded slowly.

"Hmm, you have a good expression now."

"Thank you."

"I heard from Silfa and Albert that you've been working hard on swordsmanship and magic."

"! N-no! I'm flattered...!"

I hurriedly bowed at Charles's words.

"What's there to be flattered about! Silfa, who trained my other sons in swordsmanship, says you have the greatest talent among all the princes and will become the best swordsman in the kingdom! Even Albert, one of the best mages in the castle, is jealous of your talent! He says he couldn't properly cast a 'Fireball' at your age, but you can control it perfectly! To make those two young talents say such things about you is quite an achievement!"

Charles crossed his arms and nodded happily.

...Wow, they really said those things.

I thought I was hiding my abilities, but I guess I wasn't good enough.

Using magic in the castle is indeed dangerous.

If my reputation gets too high, I might get involved in the succession, which would be troublesome.

I need to be more careful. But given my nature, I can't stop researching magic...

"I have great expectations for you! Keep up the good work!"

"Um... Yes, I will..."

Seeing my vague response, Charles's face clouded over.

"...But, no matter how excellent you are, it's difficult to add you as a candidate for the throne now. The higher-ranking princes, including Albert, have already received the necessary education for that. ...I feel bad if you've been working hard with that in mind. That's why I called you here to explain."

—Ah, that's what it is.

So Charles thinks I'm working hard to gain the right to succeed the throne.

Of course, I have no such intention, so I felt relieved.

"Please don't worry, Father. I'm just doing what I like, as you said. I have no interest in the throne from the beginning."

At my words, Charles's eyes widened.

Then he narrowed them, looking deeply moved.

"—Yes, yes, I'm glad you said that! I'm proud to have such a capable son!"

He even seemed a bit teary-eyed.

...It's the truth, though.

While watching the moved Charles, I scratched my cheek.

"Relax! Lloyd, your efforts will never be in vain! Keep up the good work!"

"Yes, sir..."

"Very well, you may leave."

I'm not sure what he's thinking, but at least my current life seems safe.

I sighed in relief and turned to leave the throne room.

"...Still, to show no interest in the throne and just keep working hard... At the age of ten, you're quite something. Perhaps a true king should be like that. I might need to reconsider the candidates for the throne."

Charles was muttering something, but I couldn't hear him well.

It's probably about politics. I'm not interested in that.

I just want to get back and read my books. I left the throne room quickly.