Chapter 65

"Hahahaha... What are you talking about?"

The king's laughter lost its intonation.

It was a habit of his; when that laugh came out, it meant he was seriously pissed off.

"Without mincing words, our Adventurer's Guild Council is in a difficult position."

"Hmm, hmm."

"The reason is that numerous mishaps occurred during the A-rank promotion exam in the Kingdom of Rubrum, and the responsibility for these has been traced back to the council. The destruction of the dungeon in Rubrum is being blamed on the council for appointing the supervising adventurer..."

"But we fixed the dungeon properly afterward, using the new dungeon core given by Abinion."

So, in the end, it should have been fine and no major incident should have occurred, but either the details haven't been communicated, or they are deliberately hiding the parts they want to hide for political reasons.

It seems the matter is still being treated as a major issue in his mind.

"Ho-ho, indeed, a managed dungeon is a treasure of the nation. I can understand the anger of a fellow ruler whose treasure was destroyed. It hurts a lot, it really does."

"However, the problem is not just that. They claim that the cause of the tsunami that hit his country lies with us. This claim is absurd and unreasonable, but no matter how much we try to reason with them, the Kingdom of Rubrum will not listen. They only repeat their persistent accusations and demands for an apology..."

"What about that, Ryuya?"

Are they asking me?

Well, if there was a party present at the scene, they would ask them.

"The tsunami that hit the Kingdom of Rubrum was caused by the spirit of the sea, Okeanos."

"So, that thing is the culprit...!"

"But it was because her beloved Nereis was taken away from the earth. She was only trying to get her daughter back."

The councillor Recolis's pleading voice was firmly rejected.

"And the one who had her beloved daughter locked in a bottle was the A-rank adventurer Soeides. Not only is he an adventurer, but he is also the exam supervisor appointed by the council, so the council is also responsible."

"I understand. As a parent who loves his daughter, if she were kidnapped, I would go mad and destroy everything. I can understand that feeling very well."

The king nodded in agreement.

"Father! You mean me when you say 'loved daughter'!?"

"You weren't called for."

The king coldly dismissed Princess Isabellera, who had suddenly intruded into the conversation.

"Anyway, King Rubrum and his associates are all furious and are demanding the dismissal of all of us, the council members of the Adventurer's Guild."

"That seems reasonable. If someone's resignation can resolve the matter, it would be best for them to commit seppuku."

"However, the Kingdom of Rubrum has offered a different condition in exchange for compensation and the dismissal of the responsible parties. That condition is the promotion of Lord Ryuya and the alchemist Noem to S-rank adventurers."

Oh.

So that country is supporting us in such a way.

"Is that so unreasonable? The two of them are heroes who saved the Kingdom of Rubrum. It seems natural and fitting to honor them in this way."

"Yes... Among the council members, those who believe that this will save their necks are in the majority. It is now impossible to reverse this trend."

That's why, the bald man said.

"To prevent Lord Ryuya's promotion to S-rank, we must have Lord Ryuya himself decline the offer! That's why I'm here to make this request! I beg you to declare with your own will that you will not become an S-rank adventurer!!"

...

While his attitude is respectful, his argument is completely absurd.

It's like saying to an enemy you're losing to, "We're going to lose if this continues, so please surrender."

"Hahahahaha...!"

The king is laughing again without any intonation.

Is he really pissed off inside?

"I thought the council members of the guild were people of great insight, but perhaps I was mistaken. How shameless must one be to make such a shameless request?"

"Please hear me out. I'm sure you will understand once you hear the reason."

Councillor Recolis pressed on.

"This world is supported by a certain order. It is the order that 'those who possess skills are superior.' Those with excellent skills are strong, those with less effective skills are somewhat strong, and those without skills are weak. This is the absolute principle."

He started to speak with great confidence.

"There is a place for the excellent, the more excellent, and the inferior, and by standing in the right place, the world operates efficiently and orderly. The position of S-rank adventurer is where the most excellent, those with ultimate skills, should stand. It is not a place for the weakest, the 'skill-less.'"

However, he is speaking so openly in front of the 'skill-less' person himself.

"If a 'skill-less' person were to become an S-rank adventurer, the order would collapse, and the world would descend into darkness. To prevent this, I appeal to your sense of propriety and your love for the world. Please make a wise decision!"

"Um...!"

"Wait, Ryuya."

The king stopped me from responding.

"Let me speak first."

"Yes."

"Councillor Recolis, I understand your argument. I don't want to understand, but I do."

The king's voice has lost all intonation.

"Whether or not what you say is true, I will tolerate the immediate damage that will occur if Ryuya declines the S-rank promotion, right?"

"Immediate damage...?"

"King Rubrum is someone I meet from time to time. He is a wise king. He is demanding Ryuya's promotion to S-rank as a condition to stop the dismissal of all council members... is that correct?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"Then, if Ryuya declines, the condition set by the king will not be met, and all the current council members, including you, will have to leave. Are you prepared for that?"

So, he is willing to lose his job to prevent my promotion to S-rank.

If that's the case, he must be determined...

"I have something to discuss with King Centaurian."

"Hmm?"

"Your Majesty, you are on good terms with King Rubrum. If you were to speak to him, his anger might subside, and he might offer more lenient conditions, wouldn't he?"

"Are you asking me to persuade King Rubrum? To forgive you?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"And to have Ryuya decline the promotion to S-rank?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I'm speechless.

The king raised his hand, signaling to wait a moment. His hand was trembling with anger.

"Councillor Recolis, one more thing. Are you aware that our Kingdom of Centaurian is strongly supporting Ryuya's promotion to S-rank?"

"Yes."

"To the point of doubling our financial aid to the Adventurer's Guild. But if Ryuya's promotion, which we hope for, does not come to fruition, the increased aid will be canceled, right?"

"No, I must insist that you proceed with it."

What is this guy saying?

"The adventurer's business is harsh, and money is never enough. I would like the Kingdom of Centaurian to increase its support for our Adventurer's Guild and contribute to the world."

"But that is conditional on Ryuya becoming an S-rank adventurer."

"Please reconsider that condition."

Let me summarize what this idiot is saying.

He doesn't like me, the 'skill-less' person, and doesn't want me to become an S-rank adventurer.

So, he wants me to decline.

But he still wants the benefits and relief that come with my promotion to S-rank.

He doesn't want to lose his job and wants the money.

He doesn't want to hear the request but still wants the reward.

How shameless can he be?

"No, no, no, no, wait! I'm not saying I won't listen to your request at all! There must be others who are up for promotion to S-rank, right?"

?

"I believe there is a new A-rank adventurer named Noem who possesses the 'Alchemic King' skill! I will fully support her promotion to S-rank! I will be her patron, using my skills as a council member of the Adventurer's Guild! How about that!?"

"I don't want to."

The one who said this was Noem, who had just been mentioned.

Recolis didn't even realize she was there.

"Huh? Ah? What...!?"

It took Recolis a moment to realize that the girl was Noem.

"Wait, why do you have to decline? Your 'Alchemic King' skill is wonderful! You are the one who deserves to be an S-rank adventurer!"

"Ryuya is more deserving of the S-rank than I am. ...No, the S-rank is more deserving of Ryuya. If you reject Ryuya, then such a title has no meaning."

"Don't be selfish! I intend to support you in the future! That is your destiny, being born with such a wonderful skill!"

"If I decline the promotion, I will tell everyone it's your fault."

"Listen to me, you brat!!"

Recolis, enraged, lunged at Noem.

I grabbed his shoulder and forcibly pulled him back. I wouldn't let his dirty hands touch Noem.

"What are you doing, you...!?"

"Who's being selfish here? You're a pitiful old man who can't take responsibility even when you're bald. You're just a kid."

"What the hell...!?"

How can an adult be someone who only wants rights without fulfilling responsibilities?

Don't play with everyone here with your childish tantrums.

"Ryuya...!"

"Your Majesty."

"I'm sorry, but I have to say my piece. I've reached my limit...!!"

When I nodded, the king, like a dam breaking, ...

"Stop treating people like dirt, you damn brat aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh