Chapter 28

Due to a contradiction, I rewrote it m(_ _)m

Thank you to those who pointed it out m(_ _)m

Changed 陛下 to 王様 m(_ _)m

Then, after talking with his father for a while, they arrived at the capital.

He stuck his head out of the carriage door and looked up at the capital's walls.

"Wow... it's huge!"

It was so impressive that he could only say that much.

(No kidding, it's huge, about 15 meters tall!

My family's castle walls are only about 10 meters.

In my previous world, you don't see walls this tall very often...

Our country was a small one, right? Is this the difference in civilization?)

Although he wasn't a castle enthusiast, he had tried various hobbies during his high school years when he had no friends, so he was quite knowledgeable.

He was particularly fond of war-related topics like the Three Kingdoms and Japan's Sengoku period, so he had studied them quite a bit.

There were people at the city gate, but they naturally passed through without much of a glance, entering the capital almost like VIPs.

"Wow... wow wow wow!!!"

He was overwhelmed by the size of the city.

"Hahaha, surprised, Rain? This is the capital, the largest city in our country."

"Yes! I'm very surprised.

The roads and squares are much larger than in my territory, and I can see the castle in the distance.

Is that where the king lives?"

"Indeed! That's right! You'll be coming here often, so take a good look!"

"Yes, Father!"

As they continued, the scenery gradually changed, and they arrived at a place with clearly higher-class houses.

Each house stood in its own style without disrupting the overall atmosphere, but one house stood out in a bad way.

"Haha! Look at that house! It's too flashy!"

"Oh, that's Hilde's (second wife) family's secondary residence."

"..."

Silence fell.

(Oh no, did I fall back into my old habits? No, I didn't say anything bad.

Let me smooth it over.)

"Umm, in a good way, it has a unique charm..."

"You don't have to force it.

I agree. There was no need to build it in such a way that it stands out so much."

"Y-Yeah, hahaha..."

A dry laugh escaped.

The city had designated areas for large houses, but even a layman could see that this one was forced in, making it unnecessarily conspicuous.

(They just want to show off the difference from their neighbors.)

Thinking this, they continued and soon arrived at a more legitimate mansion.

"Wow! What a beautiful house, Father!"

"Isn't it? We've arrived at our secondary residence!"

"Here? Impressive, Father! You have good taste."

"Ha ha ha ha ha"

"Ha ha"

They entered the house in high spirits.

At the front of the house, the butlers were lined up.

"We have been waiting for you. Thank you for your long journey, sirs."

"You've worked hard too. Has anything unusual happened?"

"No, sir. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened."

"That's good. Rain and I have to go out again right away. Please take care of Sophie and the others."

"Understood.

Ladies, please, this way.

We will take care of your luggage."

"Indeed. We will return to the castle."

"Yes, understood. Have a good trip."

(What? We're going now? No, I'm tired. I wish you'd spare me.)

In this country, it is customary to show your face and express gratitude when you arrive in a city with a secondary residence.

"Wait a moment! If you're going to meet the king, please take me with you!"

As expected, the second wife tried to interfere.

"No! Have you forgotten the customs of this country?"

"I remember, I remember!

So, I should meet the king, Prous..."

"No! I've already informed the king that Rain will be coming! It can't be changed now!"

She said this with a hint of anger.

I really wish she wouldn't shout; it's bad for my heart.

Also, I wish she would switch places with me.

But of course, I couldn't complain and had to go along with it, reluctantly getting into the carriage.

(Sigh, my first meeting with the king...

Oh, I'm getting nervous, it's uncomfortable.)

I started fidgeting, a habit from my previous life.

"Rain, stop fidgeting. It's unbecoming. I understand how you feel, but try to calm down."

"I understand, but I am still nervous."

"Don't worry.

Just act normally.

I'll do the introductions and explanations, so you just need to be quiet."

(He says he'll do the introductions, but he's already informed them.

And he says I just need to be quiet, but that's a flag for questions.)

I'm feeling gloomy now.

"Wow..."

Currently, I'm looking up at the castle from below.

My family's castle is also castle-like, but this one is about twice as large.

The doors open with a "Open the gates" command.

We leave the carriage and ascend to the castle.

"Is it okay to come suddenly?"

"Of course, I've already informed them."

Of course.

"Um, Father, I don't feel well. Can I go back?"

"No."

Of course not.

"My stomach hurts..."

"Endure it."

Grr.

"Um, I have a prior engagement..."

"Give up. Besides, you don't have any friends, do you?"

Not now, not then.

We arrive at a particularly eye-catching door.

"Ha... ha... ha..."

I take a deep breath, not sure how many times.

"King of Pornezia! Duke Orion and his son have arrived!"

A voice from inside says "Admit them," and the door opens.

"Then, let's go, Rain."

"Yes, Father."

We enter the audience chamber together.

We walk straight in and kneel a few meters in front of the king.

"Lord Rondo Duke of Orion and his eldest son Rain Duke of Orion have arrived."

"Indeed, well done. Raise your head."

I raise my head to see King Pornezia. (Of course.)

He has a stern face, the kind you might imagine for a king.

In terms of good looks, my father is the winner, but that's a matter of personal preference.

"Thank you for coming, Rondo."

"Of course, I will come whenever called."

We continue with some small talk.

I bow my head slightly and pray inside:

(Please end soon, please end soon.)

"By the way, you. Your son possesses an unusual number of skills."

"Indeed! He has an unusual amount of MP and speed. There is also a skill that is still unknown."

"Hmm, still unknown?"

"Yes, I've inquired in all directions, but I haven't received any specific information."

(I knew this from books, but it seems the detailed descriptions of skills can't be seen with the magic eye stone.)

"Hmm, then I will specially lend you one of my magic eye skill holders."

"Oh! Ha ha! I am grateful for King Pornezia's consideration!"

"Indeed."

(Bad! This is a dangerous situation! My magic level is clearly abnormal. My physical level has already exceeded 52, surpassing even top adventurers! I'm probably in the top three in this country.

If I'm found out, it won't end well...

I need to buy some time!)

"Father... what are you talking about?"

"Yes, there's a skill you don't understand, and I want to hear about it."

(Which one? My spear? No, that doesn't explain your attitude so far.

Then, the Magic King? No, that's not it either. Then, why didn't you show me the magic book?

Could it be the Divine Eye?

No, no, no, wait, wait, wait, that's bad! I need to prevent it at all costs or I'll lose my advantage!)

"Um, I have a request of the king!"

"Ho, what is it?"

"Yes! One's abilities should be discovered by oneself. I've read many books, so I'm sure I'll find it eventually.

As someone who seeks knowledge, it would be shameful to learn everything from others.

I am very grateful for your offer, but I would like to decline if possible!"

I bow my head.

A somewhat heavy silence follows.

(Did I go too far?

What if I lose my head?

Should I run...?)

Then,

"Ha ha ha ha ha!!! Oh! I see! At just 5 years old, you have such a wonderful mindset! Indeed! It's important to seek knowledge and to want to know! Very well!"

He was in a good mood.

"King of Pornezia! My son was very disrespectful!"

"It's fine, it's fine! I was being too intrusive! Forgive me!"

"Not at all! I am very grateful that you heard my son's request!"

"Indeed! You may leave now!"

"Ha ha!"

We exit.

(Aaaaaa... I'm so tired... I made it... I almost threw up.

I really felt the acid in my throat.)

As I was feeling drained, Father said from the side,

"Ha... ha... You! You were really worried!! What made you say that all of a sudden!"

"N-no, I just felt that if I knew all my skills now, I might regret it later..."

"What is that? A hunch?"

"Yes, it's a hunch, but I just feel... I want to find out on my own later..."

"...I see, I'll accept that for now.

But! Next time, we need to discuss things before we go!"

He said this with a hint of anger, but his face was slightly smiling.

He was happy that his son was so eager for knowledge, but at the same time, he didn't want him to take such (positionally) dangerous actions.

"Let's go back to the secondary residence!"

"Yes!"

And so, Rain's first audience with the king ended successfully.