Chapter 88

"Sorry, it's a bit short."

The next day, His Majesty came down with a fever. It seemed he had been too excited.

However, he apparently told the Secret Service and the other High Elves, "Under no circumstances is it Rayji's fault, so don't be angry," and I only received glares from various people.

The message from His Majesty was, "Yesterday was fun for the first time in a long while. Don't forget the promise."

But I never made a promise...

"Good morning, Mr. Rayji."

As I was having breakfast in the guest room provided to me, Asha came in.

Her smile, like a blooming flower, was incredibly adorable, and it was easy to understand why His Majesty would say she was the best in the world... I wondered vaguely if this girl could really like me.

"?? Is something wrong?"

"Ah, um, no... You're wearing pants today, aren't you?"

She was wearing slim trousers, similar to the riding outfit I had seen in the Lev Magic Empire, not the dress from yesterday.

"Yes. His Majesty ordered me to wear this... I wonder why."

"..."

Perhaps for easier movement during a long journey?

"He also ordered me to pack my belongings in one travel bag..."

"..."

So, you're really leaving today?

"...Asha"

I left my half-eaten meal and walked over to her.

Then I grabbed her arms with both hands.

"Listen carefully."

"Y-Yes."

"I'm leaving this country now."

"Y-Yes... Yes?"

"So, please take care of anything you need to do. You have 30 minutes. Be careful not to be noticed by the Secret Service. I'll only talk to Yuri."

"Eh, eh, eh—"

I quickly covered her mouth as a fireball floated up with her loud voice.

Your Majesty... I will keep the promise. But I might become a wanted person...

When I asked where Yuri was, she was in the same terrace as yesterday. She was reading a large, thick book, like an encyclopedia, which looked like a painting.

"Yuri, I'm sorry to interrupt your reading."

"...I'm not sure if it can be called reading. I'm just rereading it over and over."

"Over and over?"

"This is the history book of the Sylvis Kingdom."

It was written in a script I had never seen before. The language she spoke was the same common language used across the continent, but each race had its own unique language before the common language was introduced. The magical song Asha sang was in the old Elven language.

"His Majesty often said, 'Read it well... History repeats itself.'"

"..."

I couldn't say anything.

History repeats itself—she was probably referring to the disasters that befall the king.

"Did you talk to His Majesty last night? I'm prepared to accept my fate even if I become the king."

"...Yes, I understand."

"Good... Then go. You're taking Asha with you, right?"

Yuri seemed to know everything, or perhaps His Majesty had already told her.

In any case, if Yuri becomes the next king, this country will be fine. She may seem strict, but she has a kind heart and is tolerant of other races. Some of her siblings even viewed humans as enemies.

"Still, aren't you being too passive? Are you okay? You were probably forced by His Majesty, right?"

"Ah, ahaha..."

You knew that much. I thought for a moment to stop, but because His Majesty was so forceful, I made up my mind.

I might be too passive, but this time, I'll go with it.

If I really, truly, from the bottom of my heart, didn't want to—Asha would surely tell me honestly.

"Um, can I say one thing to you, Yuri?"

"...What?"

"Do you know that His Majesty, the King of Sylvis, won't live much longer?"

"..."

This time, it was Yuri's turn to be speechless. But it was a "yes."

"When you ascend the throne, I will come to this country. I will definitely come. So, could you spare a little time to meet me then?"

"...Alright."

Yuri nodded surprisingly smoothly.

Good. Then I can tell her the truth I've been carrying in my heart. I couldn't tell His Majesty, but I can tell Yuri—there's still time.

"Can I ask you something in return? I have a favor to ask."

"What is it? If it's something I can do."

"...Take care of Asha and Matvey."

"?"

I tilted my head. Asha is one thing, but Matvey too?

"You look confused. ...It's fine, just keep an eye on them."

"But Matvey is staying in this country, right?"

"Of course. That idiot would only cause problems if he went outside the forest. 'Keep an eye on them' means exactly that."

"I see...?"

I nodded, even though I didn't fully understand.

I said goodbye to Yuri and left. Before entering the mansion, I looked back, and Yuri was reading the history book just as she had when I spoke to her earlier.

Regarding the destruction of the innate gem, there is a talent called "Orb Destruction," but the issue is that "destruction without using the talent is impossible." It's a bit complicated, I'm sorry.

As for what the innate gem is made of, at this point, you can think of it as an "unanalyzable mysterious substance."

Next issue: Escape.