Chapter 4

The day after a black hole appeared above the school, I came to the castle to have an audience with His Majesty the King.

It seems that the black sphere that floated in the sky, though it disappeared quickly, was witnessed by many people, causing a bit of a commotion in the capital.

Knights were dispatched to the school for investigation, and as expected, I was questioned as well. Of course, I emphasized that Prince Edwin was responsible.

It seems that not only the prince and the school principal, but also the teachers and students who were just watching were questioned.

It seems that the uniform of the school is acceptable for the audience. It appears to be treated as formal attire, similar to military uniforms.

As the heavy door to the audience chamber opened, the knight guiding me urged me to enter.

At the far end of the room, adorned with a red carpet and luxurious furnishings, sat a handsome middle-aged man. He was His Majesty the King, and the person next to him was the Queen, with the dignitaries of the country surrounding them.

I have knowledge about the major nobles, but since the faces and names do not match, I cannot tell who is who.

As I advanced into the audience chamber and performed the ritual of a subject, His Majesty spoke to me.

"Yumiera Dorkness, raise your head."

When I raised my head, His Majesty continued.

"I am aware of what happened at the school. It seems that my foolish son and the school teachers acted rudely. I am sorry, Miss Yumiera."

The audience chamber buzzed as His Majesty bowed his head slightly in apology. I did not expect to receive an apology from His Majesty.

"No, no, it is not something for which His Majesty should apologize.

I acted unreasonably and caused trouble for everyone. I am sorry."

As I hurriedly apologized, His Majesty spoke in a gentle voice.

"Miss Yumiera, please raise your head. There were many ways to determine the level, such as conducting a physical test or using magic at the opening ceremony.

I think it is unreasonable to condemn someone based on a one-sided judgment."

"However, it is also true that it is hard to believe that a delicate young lady like you could have a level of 99. Some of my subjects are skeptical.

Therefore, I want Adolph to judge the truth. I believe everyone will be convinced by his word."

As His Majesty spoke, a tall man of about the same age as His Majesty stepped forward.

He is Adolph, the commander of the knights, and is known as the strongest knight in the kingdom. His level is around 60. Considering that the recommended level for the final boss battle in the game was 60-70, you can understand how strong he is.

He stood in front of me, drew his sword silently, and swung it horizontally at my neck. What, all of a sudden?

Is it okay to counterattack? Using magic without permission in front of the king seems inappropriate. I have not been told to fight or defend myself by His Majesty.

I should avoid it. But I cannot fly backward. I must avoid it within the range of movement allowed in the audience chamber.

In an instant, I bowed deeply and dodged Adolph's attack. The sword grazed the top of my head.

"No one in the knight corps could have responded to that attack. Moreover, you had the time to think about how to avoid it. I believe your level 99 is correct."

As Adolph said this, the surrounding people, who had just noticed his sword swing, began to murmur.

"I am sorry, Miss Yumiera. As a knight, it is shameful to attack without warning, but I could not disobey His Majesty's command."

Adolph apologized to me in a voice only I could hear.

It seems that this was something His Majesty had instructed beforehand.

His Majesty, who makes his subordinates do the dirty work while pretending to believe, is quite devious. The first apology might have been to make the subsequent conversation go smoothly.

"I am sorry for the sudden attack, Miss Yumiera. I am relieved that you are not injured.

Now, could you show us some magic? It is fine to use a small-scale spell here."

After Adolph returned to His Majesty's side, His Majesty asked me to demonstrate dark magic.

"Yes, I will do so."

Thinking of a spell that would not endanger the surroundings, I cast Shadow Lance.

Multiple black spears shot up from my shadow, causing a murmur among the onlookers.

"Hmm, dark magic is rare. Chief Court Mage, is there any danger in the dark attribute?"

An elderly man in a robe answered His Majesty's question.

"The dark attribute is just one of the attributes, like the four elements or light.

It is a very powerful attribute, strong against the four elements but weak against light.

How it is used depends on the user."

"Dark magic is used by high-level monsters. Is it really not evil?"

"There are also monsters that control the four elements, and there are documents that mention the existence of light-attribute monsters, though their authenticity is unknown.

Perhaps it is because there are fewer users of dark magic that many people have imagined it to be evil."

"Hmm, people fear what is rare and poorly understood. Perhaps the same reason applies to why black hair is disliked."

His Majesty and the Chief Court Mage spoke in a way that could be heard by the surroundings. This conversation was probably for my benefit.

Dark magic and black hair have the worst image in society, so I am very grateful.

"Miss Yumiera, your achievement in reaching such a high level for the first time in the world is remarkable.

Now, I would like to hear about the process you went through to reach this level."

His Majesty seems to want to know the method of leveling up. It is understandable as it concerns the strength of the country. I do not think it will be very helpful as I did not do anything special.

"I did not do anything special. I just kept defeating monsters.

I was fortunate to have a talent for magic, so I could use it to some extent even at level 1."

"Did you have a teacher?"

"No, I learned on my own. I defeated monsters in the forest of my territory and, once I got used to it, continued to explore dungeons."

"Dungeons? Were there dungeons in the Dorkness territory?"

"There is a dungeon where many dark-attribute monsters appear. It is not popular because it is disadvantageous to the four elements."

I have never seen anyone in the Dorkness territory's dungeon.

In the game, it was a bonus stage for the light-attribute heroine.

"Did you not have a teacher? Did you not receive combat training?"

"No, I thought that defeating monsters and leveling up would make me stronger than combat training."

"Oh, I see."

For some reason, I was given a wide berth. It seems that in this country, the standard is to receive sufficient training before fighting monsters.

"Did your family not stop you because it was dangerous?"

"Well, to be honest, I left the house without permission...

I was not noticed as long as I was home on the days the tutor came."

"My parents... Ah, I am sorry."

His Majesty seemed to remember that my parents do not leave the capital and looked at me with pity. It was actually quite fulfilling and enjoyable.

"Other special things... Ah, I wore a growth charm."

Charms are equipment with various effects. The growth charm doubles experience points.

In the game, it becomes available for purchase after defeating the demon king, but it was sold normally in the store.

"Without a protection charm!?"

Charms affect each other, and having more than one does not work. The protection charm can prevent a fatal attack once. It is not used much in the game but is very useful in reality.

It was the most expensive item in the store.

"Also, I used a monster summoning whistle. I blew it as much as I could in the forest and dungeons."

The monster summoning whistle forces an encounter with monsters. Unlike in the game, walking around does not guarantee an encounter with monsters, so it was very useful.

"Adolph, can you do the same?"

"I cannot part with my protection charm, and I cannot blow a monster summoning whistle when I am alone. It is too scary."

His Majesty and Adolph looked at me as if I were crazy.

I just thought about efficiency to level up, but it feels unfair. I did occasionally face situations where I nearly died.

His Majesty cleared his throat and spoke in a strict tone.

"Yumiera Dorkness, I want you to wield your power as the sword of the kingdom."

"Yes, Your Majesty. As one of your subjects, I intend to be a shield for the Balshain Kingdom."

I nodded to His Majesty's question but casually changed "sword" to "shield."

It is a statement of intent not to use myself as a human weapon for invading other countries.

"I understand. I will call upon your power when the kingdom is in danger."

I am relieved that my intention was understood and accepted.

"Now, I want to reward you for your unprecedented achievement. If you have any wishes, feel free to speak.

I will prepare a title, territory, national treasures, and even welcome you into the royal family if you wish."

The audience chamber buzzed at His Majesty's generous offer.

However, I am being tested. Is what I desire money, fame, or marriage to the prince?

"An unexpected reward, I am very grateful.

What I desire is a peaceful life. As long as the country and my surroundings are peaceful and my basic needs are met, I have no other desires."

"I see, I swear to strive for your peace.

However, you have no greed. If you have any other desires in the future, please let me know. I will do my best to provide them."

His Majesty seemed satisfied with my answer but also a bit troubled.

He is probably concerned that he cannot prepare a chain to bind me to the country.

Yes, if something becomes unpleasant, I plan to escape the country.

Thus, the audience ended, and I left the audience chamber.

It was very tense, but I was relieved that His Majesty was someone I could talk to.

I had also anticipated being forced to join the military and participate in wars. If that had happened, I would have fled with all my might.

Finally, I followed the knight to leave, but it seemed to be a different path from the one I came in.

As I followed the knight deeper into the castle, I asked him.

"Excuse me, but it seems we are going in a different direction from the exit..."

"Yes, Lady Yumiera, you have been invited to the Queen's tea party."

It seems that I am not yet free to leave the castle.