Chapter 64

After the battle, we returned to the castle in a carriage.

In the carriage, I was in the middle, with Alberto on my left, Dian on my right, and Aries next to her. Silfa was driving the carriage, and Shiro was on my lap.

Outside, Tao and Galilea were walking right next to the carriage.

"Really, don't worry us so much."

"I'm sorry, Big Brother Alberto."

When I apologized, Alberto immediately showed a gentle smile.

"Well, it was good that we could test the magic sword unit. Lloyd, the magic sword you made was even stronger than I expected. I look forward to working with you more."

"Yes, sir!"

"Hey, hey, Big Brother, it was Lloyd and I who used the magic swords. Don't forget that."

Dian, who had interrupted the conversation, nodded in response to Alberto.

"Of course. I also rely on you, Dian."

"Leave it to me! By the way, Lloyd, I heard you defeated a demon? That's amazing!"

Well, it wasn't a demon, but I smiled inwardly and nodded, holding the magic sword that absorbs magic.

"Yes, I couldn't have won without the magic sword Dian made!"

"Heh, that's a nice thing to say! I thought a magic sword that absorbs magic would be useless, but it seems to be effective against demons!"

Dian, blushing, rubbed his nose.

Aries poked her head out from beside him.

"Lloyd, did you properly praise Shiro? It's not an easy task to notice your danger from so far away and bring everyone here."

"Of course, Aries. Good job, Shiro."

"Arf!"

When I stroked Shiro on my lap, he barked happily in response.

"Oh, you didn't need to say that. The two of you are bound by a very strong bond. It's wonderful."

Aries, smiling, stroked both Shiro and my head.

A peaceful atmosphere filled the carriage.

"…By the way, Lloyd, what do you intend to do with them?"

Silfa asked me, seeing that our conversation had paused.

"They are members of the assassin guild who served the Lord of Rodest. Though they have their reasons, they have all committed evil deeds in the past. They say they want to serve you loyally, but it's hard to know what they will actually do."

After that, I explained about Ren and the others.

They used to serve the Lord of Rodest as assassins, but now they want to work for me.

…It's not a lie, but it seems that Alberto and the others don't quite trust them.

"Silfa's point is valid. It's good to have subordinates. Lloyd, you're at a good age. However, the responsibility for a subordinate's mistakes always falls on the superior. If you take on notorious people as subordinates, you will be seen in a similar light. Especially since you are royalty, there will certainly be people who criticize you. What do you intend to do when that happens, Lloyd?"

At Alberto's unusually serious words, I thought for a moment before answering.

"Alberto's words are very reasonable. I will make sure they behave well and not be seen in a bad light. If they make mistakes, I will punish them severely and take responsibility."

"…Hmm, well said. There is no falsehood in your words, is there?"

"Yes."

Alberto, saying this, put his hand on the scabbard at his waist.

"H-Hey, Big Brother…"

"Be quiet."

The atmosphere in the carriage became tense at Alberto's cold tone.

Just as his finger twitched, a voice was heard from outside the carriage.

"Wait!"

The carriage came to an abrupt stop with a neigh.

When I opened the window and looked outside, Ren and the others were kneeling.

"…We have indeed committed evil deeds. We have killed people. We are not ordinary humans. We were usually despised. …But Lloyd didn't look down on us. He helped us and saved our lives. We want to repay his kindness. We are prepared to risk our lives for that! If you want to punish us, cut me down first!"

Ren looked straight at Alberto.

The others followed suit.

"To the princes, our trust is like garbage. Your words just now were expected. But we have a great debt to Lord Lloyd. We want to repay that debt. We want to live for Lord Lloyd."

"I also beg you. I will do any work, no matter how menial."

"Heh, I'm confident in my cooking skills. We are unexpectedly useful. We won't let you down."

"I'm also good at cleaning. Please, trust me."

Seeing everyone bow their heads, Alberto sighed.

He took his hand off the sword, turned to me with a blank look, and smiled.

"Heh, don't make that face. I was just testing Lloyd's resolve. I would never draw my sword on my beloved little brother… Though I didn't expect this to happen."

Alberto chuckled, looking at the kneeling Ren and the others.

"I, the Second Prince Alberto di Salam, have heard your resolve. I will not allow anyone to criticize you. You can work for Lloyd with peace of mind."

"Yes, sir!"

Hearing their responses, Alberto nodded in satisfaction.

With Alberto's backing, those who would look down on them would not dare to act.

"Alberto's handling was excellent, and Lloyd's response was perfect. The bond between beautiful brothers… delicious. Heh heh."

"Even the adventurer's guild struggled with these assassins, and you made them say such things… impressive, Lord Lloyd."

"Indeed, to stand up to my threats shows great resolve. Such subordinates are hard to come by. Well done, Lloyd. Keep aiming higher."

"…Heh, both the subordinates and Lloyd are risking their lives for each other. What a story… damn, my cheeks are wet even though it's not raining. …Squish."

"Love… love… sniff."

Everyone started muttering after watching our exchange.

Dian and Aries were even tearing up.

What's going on? This is a bit scary.

***

A few days later, I was summoned by Charles.

When I was led to the throne room, I knelt before him.

Uh, he looks really serious.

This is bad. He's definitely going to be angry.

It's one thing to sneak out at night, but I also made assassins my subordinates and wreaked havoc in the Rodest territory.

I really went overboard.

Trembling with fear, I waited for Charles to speak.

"…Lloyd, you've done something incredible."

"Y-Yes…"

As I bowed my head, Charles continued.

"I have always been wary of the Rodest territory. The lord there often plotted wars. That's why I had Alberto prepare for war, so we would be ready if they ever attacked. This time, we were able to act quickly because of that. But, Lloyd, you got to Rodest even faster and arrived just as they were about to rebel, and you punished them. What an incredible thing you've done."

"Huh…?"

Surprised by his unexpected words, I looked up.

"Moreover, according to Alberto, you have added some formidable warriors to your ranks. They say they will serve you with their lives. I thought you were impressive, but I didn't expect this much."

Charles nodded.

…What is he saying? I still don't understand.

I asked Charles.

"Father, are you praising me?"

"Of course. Well done, Lloyd! You are my son after all!"

The ministers clapped.

Alberto, while clapping, winked at me.

It seems Alberto has twisted the story to make it look good for me.

"For this, you deserve a reward. How about you govern the Rodest territory as a reward for your achievements?"

"W-What? You mean I should become the lord of the territory!?"

"No, you can appoint someone else as the lord and give them instructions. I know you are not the type to settle down as just a lord. However, indirectly governing a territory will be a valuable experience for your future. Besides, you seem to have more things you want to do. Having a territory and resources will be convenient, won't it?"

Hmm, now that he mentions it, having a territory where I can freely conduct magical experiments would be very convenient.

Large-scale and ultra-wide-range magic requires vast land.

I hadn't considered it before, but with a territory, it might be possible.

"…I understand, Father. I will govern the Rodest territory with responsibility."

"Good, good, keep it up, Lloyd!"

Charles nodded in satisfaction at my answer.