Chapter 9

In the audience chamber of Granthes Castle, the sunlight filtering through the high windows cast a gentle, indirect light, enveloping the room. The nobles and high officials lined up, quietly watching over the scene. Under their watchful eyes, I knelt on one knee halfway down the red carpet leading to the throne.

"Raise your face."

Following the minister's command, I lifted my head to see King Alan seated on the throne above the dais. Queen Carla and Lord Cyril were also present beside him.

"Sophia, you risked your life to protect my son, Cyril. First, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for your courage and dedication."

I received the words directly from His Majesty, and upon hearing the minister's voice permitting a direct response, I bowed and said, "Your words are too kind."

After a few exchanges, King Alan spoke again.

"By the way, I hear you informed the knights in advance about the presence of a suspicious person?"

Instead of answering, I bit my lip. I had thought that by informing them, I could prevent the incident, but now I wondered if it had been a mistake. However, remaining silent would be a poor strategy. After a moment, I managed to say, "Yes, I did inform them."

"…I see. Can you tell me why you thought there was a suspicious person?"

"In the hall, I saw a man in a robe bearing the crest of the Aurorze family. However, the Aurorze family was dissolved about ten years ago, so I judged him to be a suspicious person."

"I see. If there was a nobleman who should not exist, he would indeed be a suspicious person."

His Majesty, impressed, narrowed his eyes and said, "In other words—"

"Despite having received such information in advance, my knights failed to protect you, which is a grave mistake."

As expected, this was the conclusion. If this continued, the knights would be punished, and the knight corps would weaken, just as in the original story. Even though the original story ends happily, I would prefer to avoid this outcome. As I thought this, King Alan asked me, "What do you think?"

…Could it be that King Alan also wants to avoid this?

Yes, with the prophecy, King Alan must know that difficult times are ahead. It wouldn't be surprising if he wanted to avoid the weakening of the knight corps. However, since I was injured, the knights must bear the responsibility. Therefore, the role King Alan is asking me to play is— I opened my mouth to speak.

"As I mentioned the other day, I had hoped for the reopening of the presentation. Your Majesty accepted my request, but it would not have been possible without the knights' efforts."

"…Are you saying that you forgive the knights?"

"I do not have the authority to decide, but personally, that is how I feel."

King Alan smiled slyly. Then, he muttered, "You've found a rather capable girl, Cyril," but his voice did not reach me. I could only read the first few words of his lips.

King Alan returned his gaze to me. I swallowed hard, feeling a predatory smile directed at me, but I clenched my hands to resist the pressure. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the audience chamber fell silent. After a brief pause, King Alan's expression softened.

"…Very well. I cannot ignore the opinion of a benefactor. The knights' failure this time will be offset by their contribution to you."

A slight sigh of relief could be heard from the surrounding people.

"Sophia, you saved my son's life. To repay this kindness, I will bestow upon you the Silver Sacred Guardian Medal. Continue to serve the Kingdom of Granthes."

The audience chamber buzzed with excitement. I had heard that some reward would be given, but the medal was unexpected. This is the medal the heroine received in the original story for saving the world. It is supposed to be treated as a position equivalent to a baron. Awarding it to a minor like me is a significant matter. From the surprise of the Queen and Lord Cyril, it is clear that this is King Alan's personal decision. Although I don't understand his intentions, I cannot refuse.

"I gratefully accept it."

At that moment, the largest applause of the day echoed through the audience chamber. Thus, the audience with the king concluded. As I left the audience chamber, one of Lord Cyril's attendants appeared and said, "Lord Cyril has invited you to a private tea party."