13 - An Important Person Without Realizing It
A few days after Ray's interrogation. The prominent figures of the kingdom had gathered in the conference room.
The one presiding over the meeting was the civil official who had interrogated Ray. Julius, the Vice Commander of the Royal Magic Corps. Also present was Bacchus, a Myriad General of the Royal Knights, who had been present during the interrogation.
And sitting in the head seat of the conference room was the king of this country, Ulrius III.
To his left and right sat Hector, the Royal Prime Minister, as the representative of the civil officials, and Hendricks, the Knight Commander, as the representative of the military officials. It was a meeting where the top three of the kingdom had gathered.
\"Now then, thank you all for gathering despite your busy schedules.\"
\"That is all well and good, but is this a matter of such importance that even His Majesty must participate?\"
As Julius attempted to announce the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister immediately interjected. The Prime Minister did not look kindly upon Julius, who, despite being a member of the Magic Corps, showed ambition in political affairs.
\"Yes. There is a case for which I would like His Majesty to make the final judgment.\"
\"However, is the content of the report not regarding that mysterious child captured during the recent demon subjugation?\"
\"It is. However, the matter ultimately involves the Hero. In that case, we cannot make a judgment on our own.\"
\"Involves the Hero... I do not understand.\"
\"Regardless, could you please listen to the report?\"
\"But—\"
The Prime Minister persistently tried to obstruct the report to the King. But this was merely a futile struggle.
\"Prime Minister, enough. We shall listen to the report first.\"
\"Yes, Your Majesty.\"
Once the King spoke, the Prime Minister could say nothing more.
\"Then, immediately to the results of the interrogation. This is not a significant matter. For now, let us call that child Kamui.\"
\"For now?\"
\"He has no memories. Therefore, he says he does not know his own true name.\"
\"Is such a thing possible?\"
\"I used the Orb of Truth and Falsehood, so he was not lying.\"
\"Ho, you went that far?\"
The Orb of Truth and Falsehood was the magic tool used in Ray's interrogation. It was a precious magic tool that could be considered a national treasure. Upon hearing that it had been used, the King sensed the importance of this matter.
\"Yes. He had been living with the Vampio, a race of demons. Moreover, in the Forest of Bewilderment. At the strong request of Lord Bacchus, who thought he might know some important information.\"
As Julius spoke, he turned his gaze toward the Knight Commander.
\"As for the Knights, we want information on the Forest of Bewilderment so badly we could eat it. I have also approved this.\"
The Knight Commander provided an explanation to the King to support Julius's words.
\"Hmm, very well. Continue the report.\"
\"Yes. As a result, Kamui did not possess any information regarding the Forest of Bewilderment. That is a disappointing result. Well, since it is unlikely a demon would speak of it so easily, it was a result I expected to some extent.\"
\"That would be the case.\"
\"However, what is surprising is the method he used to survive in the Forest of Bewilderment. It seems he lived by eating the poisonous fruits that can be found there.\"
\"What? Are not the fruits there all things that would bring a person to immediate death?\"
As Julius had stated, it was surprising content. In the King's knowledge, it was an impossibility.
\"It is exactly as Your Majesty perceives. The method he used, it seems, was to gradually accustom his body to the poison.\"
\"Is such a thing possible?\"
The one who reacted to Julius's report was the Knight Commander. He seemed to have thought of the same thing Bacchus had.
\"As a matter of fact, he did it. However, he said the success rate is quite low. He faced death many times. He stated that surviving was a matter of luck.\"
\"I see...\"
\"However, it is worth trying. Using death row prisoners for experiments might be one way.\"
\"I see... I shall consider it. But if that is the case, that brat called Kamui can scout the Forest of Bewilderment.\"
Using Ray would be faster than trying with death row prisoners. Naturally, that was what the Knight Commander thought.
\"It is impossible immediately. There are magic beasts in the forest. He stated that he possesses no means of fighting. To send him on a forest exploration, he needs to be trained to some extent.\"
To that, Julius explained exactly what Ray had told him.
\"To what extent?\"
\"Since I do not know his actual ability, I cannot say for now. Shall we test him?\"
\"Indeed. Let the Knights handle that. However, the problem is...\"
\"Whether he can be trusted. Regarding that, there is one concern.\"
\"What is it?\"
\"He harbors feelings of gratitude toward the demons. He seems to believe that it is thanks to the demons that he did not die.\"
\"A human like that cannot be trusted!\"
With a single word from Julius, the Knight Commander, who should have found value in Kamui, raised his voice. The military, who had actually experienced battles with demons, held a deep grudge against them. It was not a matter of different races, they hated them as enemies, as those who had killed their comrades.
\"However, considering his circumstances, I believe it cannot be helped. He was alone in that forest in a state of memory loss, was he not? He would cling to anything that would save him.\"
\"Hmm, yes. Well, that is true.\"
A child wandered alone into the Forest of Bewilderment. Thinking of it that way, the Knight Commander could not completely deny Ray's feelings. It was because of the thought that since he was a child, he would not understand anything.
\"Furthermore, it is not entirely impossible to draw him in.\"
\"What is that?\"
\"His livelihood. He does not wish to be proven innocent. On the contrary, he said the life in the solitary cell is comfortable, so he wants to be kept there for a while.\"
\"What? He says such interesting things.\"
The King usually did not show much emotion, but he seemed genuinely caught off guard by this, showing an expression that was surprised yet amused.
\"I speculate that this is because life in the forest was that severe. And he has no one to rely on even if he becomes free. It is obvious that he would struggle with his livelihood.\"
\"So we sell him a favor by guaranteeing that. Well, that much is fine.\"
\"Yes. I would certainly like you to consider that.\"
\"Is that the judgment you seek from His Majesty?\"
Over such a trivial matter. Such feelings were embedded behind the Prime Minister's words.
\"No, this is not it. However...\"
\"However, what?\"
\"He is a talent too precious to let go. Please consider it positively.\"
\"Ho, how rare. For you to praise another person.\"
\"That is not the case. But, it is certain that he is special.\"
\"...In what way?\"
Julius truly valued Ray. Realizing this, the Prime Minister was quite surprised inwardly. The Prime Minister acknowledged that Julius was excellent. And that Julius recognized a child as excellent.
\"His mind works abnormally fast. He saw through what the Orb of Truth and Falsehood was in an instant.\"
\"What did you say?\"
\"There is no mistake. And his initial answers were all the kind that seemed to be testing how the orb would react. While speaking the answers, he was confirming the orb's reaction. And he did so while thinking about what the optimal way to answer would be next.\"
Julius had seen through Ray's thoughts. It was Ray's failure, as his guard toward Julius had been lax at the beginning of the interrogation.
\"Is he not just slightly intelligent?\"
\"I believe it is more difficult than you think. He did not know the contents of the questions in advance.\"
\"...I see. That is certainly true.\"
Thinking of an answer that could immediately verify the magic tool's reaction without knowing what question would come. The Prime Minister also admitted that it was certainly not an easy thing.
\"This may be rude to Lord Bacchus, but from halfway through, Lord Bacchus was being played by him.\"
\"Hmm? Hey, that is...\"
\"Did you not notice? That he was answering questions with questions. The orb does not react to that.\"
\"...True.\"
\"However, is that not evidence that there is something he wants to hide?\"
The Prime Minister felt suspicion at Ray's thoroughness. This thought was correct. In fact, Ray was hiding things.
\"Regarding that, I checked the records after the interrogation. He did not lie.\"
There was simply nothing to prove it. Conversely, only the proof that he had not hidden anything existed.
\"Hmm. And yet, he shows such caution. How old is he?\"
The King also seemed to have become interested in Ray and asked a question. This was exactly what Julius wanted.
\"That is also unknown. By appearance, he is slightly over ten years old. Twelve or thirteen at most?\"
\"At that age. In that case, one becomes curious about those lost memories.\"
\"Yes. I am as well. However, there is no means to investigate them.\"
\"Hmm. I have also become interested. I shall decide right here and now. That person is innocent. After that, he shall be trained by the Knights, and we shall take care of his livelihood. How is that?\"
\"That is a decision I am grateful for. Do the others have any objections?\"
The King made the decision exactly as Julius had hoped. If anyone were to oppose it, it would be the Prime Minister.
\"Well, very well.\"
The Prime Minister also accepted Ray's disposition as it was. The Prime Minister was not one to exclude something that could benefit the national interest based on personal feelings. If he were, he would have been removed from the Prime Minister's seat long ago.
\"There is no problem with taking care of him at the Knights. But what about his treatment? Surely you are not promoting him to a knight?\"
The Knight Commander had no reason to oppose. On the contrary, since the possibility of conquering the Forest of Bewilderment increased, he was in full agreement.
\"I believe simply keeping him as a ward is sufficient. Furthermore, there is one more thing I would like him to do.\"
\"And that is?\"
\"This slightly contradicts what I have said until now. Please keep that in mind as you listen.\"
Once again, Julius began to speak to the King. The following story was what he truly wanted a decision on.
\"Hmm. Speak.\"
\"To speak of that, I must first start with the Hero.\"
\"So the Hero comes up here. In other words, the following story is the main subject.\"
\"Yes. That is exactly right. Unbelievably, the Hero has fallen under the charm of the captured Vampio.\"
\"What!? What do you mean by that!?\"
This matter had not reached the King's ears. At the unbelievable report, anger appeared on the King's face.
\"I do not know exactly at what point it happened. However, considering the opportunities for contact, it was likely during the transport...\"
This was Julius's misconception, in reality, it was during the battle. Moreover, it was not that he was put under a charm, but simply a case of love at first sight.
\"Knight Commander!\"
\"Yes! My deepest apologies!\"
\"What is the Knights' corps doing!? You should be well aware of the danger of the Vampio!?\"
\"I shall immediately investigate the details and give the responsible party appropriate punishment!\"
\"Of course! What a thing. Unbelievably, the Hero was put under a charm? ...Well, fine, the measures have been taken, I presume?\"
Even if such a fact existed, it was simply a matter of keeping it hidden. Originally, the Hero's reputation was the worse it became the more one knew of his character.
\"The thing is, no matter how many times we attempt to break the curse, the Hero's attitude does not change.\"
\"What?\"
\"I attempted to remove the charm several times using various excuses. But it does not work at all. He continues to make unreasonable demands, such as wanting to see the demon or wanting them to be set free quickly.\"
It was not a charm. There was no way his feelings would change with a curse-removal spell.
\"Is such a thing possible? Is the Vampio's charm such a special thing?\"
\"That is also unknown. Information on demons, especially the Vampio race, is scarce.\"
\"Then, kill that demon immediately!\"
\"I would like to, but that is not possible.\"
\"Why!?\"
\"The Hero insists that if that demon is executed, he will not work for this country. He says he will leave the country immediately.\"
\"What? Does that man have no awareness of being the Hero? The Hero's enemy is the king of those demons. The Demon King!\"
The King's anger shifted slightly toward exasperation with the Hero. The thought occurred to him whether a Hero who protects the enemy would be useful in battle.
\"Regarding that, as the one in charge of his education, I cannot apologize enough.\"
\"Exactly! This is not a problem that can be solved with an apology! Not just Julius. What was Bacchus doing!?\"
\"Yes! My deepest apologies!\"
\"...However, I have felt it for some time, but what a childish Hero. No, even so...\"
After unleashing his anger, words of lament leaked from the King's mouth. Fumiya's nature as a problem child had reached the King's ears before this.
\"The matter I seek a judgment on is the measure against this.\"
\"...I shall listen.\"
\"A method by which this country does not incur the Hero's resentment. That is, for someone other than a person of this country to kill that demon.\"
\"Hmm. That is one way. But who shall we make do it?\"
\"Kamui.\"
\"What?\"
\"If I am not mistaken, he himself hinted at this. If I bring up the offer, I believe he will undoubtedly take it. No, if he obtains freedom and a guarantee of livelihood, he will likely suggest it himself.\"
Julius had properly understood Ray's invitation. Though, naturally, he did not understand the true intent.
\"...It is not bad. It is not bad, but if we do that, we will have to let go of that side—no, kill him.\"
\"That is correct. I feel it is a pity to lose someone who can think of such a thing so quickly, but when weighed against the Hero, unfortunately...\"
\"Is there a way to avoid killing him?\"
\"As a result of considering various options, there is only one possibility.\"
\"What is it?\"
\"Send him into the Forest of Bewilderment. That way, he will not catch the Hero's eye. If that happens, there is a possibility that the Hero's—quite literally—bewilderment will subside in the meantime. No, if the opponent dies, that possibility is high. However, if the Hero's anger has not vanished, we cannot bring him back to our side. In that case, if he successfully completes the mission in the forest, the problem of what to do afterward remains.\"
\"Hmm. Even so, can the two objectives be achieved? Moreover, if he fails in the forest, it saves us the trouble of disposing of him here. It is not bad.\"
\"Yes.\"
\"Since it cannot be helped that we cannot keep him close, afterward... perhaps we could make him a spy and send him to other countries indefinitely.\"
The fact that the King himself brought this up meant that the King too was intrigued by Ray. This was favorable for Julius.
\"That? No, if that is possible...\"
\"But he cannot become a full-fledged spy immediately. That will depend on the results of the training at the Knights. In the first place, if no results are achieved at the Knights, we cannot even send him into the forest. In that case, well, we shall give up.\"
\"I understand. Then, may I proceed in that direction?\"
\"I do not mind. However, there is a deadline. When is the next time the Hero will appear in public?\"
\"In three months, there is a reception inviting guests.\"
\"That was it. A formal presentation after achieving the subjugation of demons and showing his ability. That was the arrangement. But three months, eh.\"
\"My apologies. Considering the notifications to guests, confirmation of attendance, and the movement to the royal capital, that amount of time is inevitably necessary.\"
\"That is not what I mean. He must acquire the means to fight magic beasts in just three months. I think it will be a difficult three months for this Kamui. Moreover, in reality, it is not even three months. We need to allow a period to calm the Hero, whose demon was killed.\"
The King judged that it was unlikely a child, who was probably a complete amateur, could gain the power to fight in less than three months. It would not proceed as desired.
\"Since his life is at stake, he will likely do it desperately.\"
\"Hmm?\"
But unlike the King, Julius had not given up. Rather, he believed that Ray would not give up.
\"He likely knows that if he kills the demon, he himself will be killed. It is precisely because he has the mind to realize that I think he is a pity. And since he suggested it knowing that...\"
\"Do you believe that child has a chance of winning?\"
\"No, I cannot say that for certain. There is a possibility he is plotting something sinister. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to keep a close watch on him.\"
Julius valued Ray's ability, but he did not trust him. He clearly told the King of the risk as a risk.
\"I see. Knight Commander.\"
\"Without a doubt.\"
\"...Perhaps we should just keep him in the castle. He cannot escape even in the middle of the night.\"
The place with the strictest surveillance in the capital was the interior of the castle. The King considered placing him there.
\"I wonder about that?\"
But the Prime Minister raised an objection to that.
\"What, is the Prime Minister dissatisfied?\"
\"Naturally. To let someone who cannot be trusted into the castle. Moreover, what happens if the Hero sees his face? He will think he is a person of this country.\"
\"If you say that, if he is training at the Knights, there is a possibility they will meet. Hmm, a problem has arisen.\"
If kept at the Knights, the Hero would also think he is a subject of the Laurel Kingdom. Then the desired result would not be obtained. That was what the King thought, but...
\"That is fine. The Hero already saw his face during the subjugation. Since he knows who he is, we can just utilize that.\"
The Prime Minister did not feel a problem with that. He had opposed it solely out of the desire not to let him into the castle. The Prime Minister also agreed with utilizing Ray.
\"Hmm. So we will go with the pretense of temporarily protecting someone with no relatives.\"
\"Yes.\"
\"In that case, where is the best place to keep him? The barracks?\"
\"The usual barracks...\"
The Knight Commander, who was looked at by the King, hesitated.
\"What? Is it no good?\"
\"The surveillance of important rooms is strict. However, as for the coming and going of people, it would be extremely suspicious.\"
\"...Night outings?\"
The Knight Commander did not say it explicitly, but the King understood the meaning.
\"As you suspect.\"
Going out at night was forbidden. This rule was not followed. There were many people who secretly slipped out. In that sense, the official residences were not suitable as places to prevent people from escaping.
\"How troublesome. Is the military discipline alright with such things?\"
\"With all due respect, it is precisely because the usual times are strict that the leeway to allow a breather is necessary.\"
\"If you only tighten, you suffocate. It cannot be helped for general soldiers. Well, that is fine. If the barracks are no good, then what remains is...\"
\"Would it not be better to just leave him in the dungeon? Since he himself desires it.\"
The Prime Minister remained in the position of opposing letting him into the castle.
\"That is an option. But is that alright?\"
\"What do you mean by alright?\"
\"Whether loyalty to the kingdom would be directed with such treatment.\"
\"That is...\"
When that point was struck, the Prime Minister could say nothing. He was a reasonably excellent Prime Minister, but regarding this statement, it was not something made after careful deliberation.
\"Um, I think we should first ask the person himself.\"
While no good plan was decided, Julius mentioned that he intended to confirm Ray's own wishes.
\"Is that alright?\"
\"If the person desires the dungeon, I ask that a place be prepared within the castle.\"
\"I see. But there is a possibility we are being outsmarted.\"
\"If he can escape from that, then that is the end of it.\"
\"Hey?\"
\"His location is either the dungeon or the castle. If he is someone who can escape from there, he can escape no matter where we put him.\"
If he could escape from those two places, which were likely the most secure, it would be impossible to keep him. It would be the same no matter where they put him.
\"...That is also true. I thought too much.\"
\"No, it is likely because I made the story a bit too big.\"
\"Indeed. I was also carried away because Julius evaluated him so highly. Even if he has talent, I do not know if it will truly be useful. Well, just handle it appropriately.\"
\"Yes.\"
\"However, make sure to report properly. Including the matter of the Hero.\"
\"Yes.\"
\"Is that all for the report?\"
\"Yes.\"
\"Then, the meeting is over. Everyone, do your best.\"
\"\"\"Yes!\"\"\"
◇◇◇
Ray did not think that he himself was the subject of a meeting attended by the King. Even if he knew, what he did would not change.
Even now, using the excessive time in the solitary cell, he was attempting various things.
(Now then, today is a review of magic once more.)
(Again? You've already confirmed the magic handed down from Kamiira-san many times, right?)
It had been like this ever since he entered the solitary cell. A conversation between the two Rays. Although the food and such were much better than in the forest, being all alone was, as expected, lonely. Especially since life with Kamiira had been fun even if it was painful.
Moreover, he had not completely digested the matter of Kamiira in his heart. The shock of killing the person he loved was not something that vanished so easily.
(It's fine, right? After all, I'm happy that I can use magic.)
(Even if you say you're happy, isn't it just a bunch of plain stuff?)
(That's not true. Shadow Space is incredibly convenient.)
(It's the same as the item boxes that appear in novels, isn't it?)
(I don't have to carry a bag. Storage inside the shadow, you know? Being able to carry luggage empty-handed is the best.)
(Yes, yes. Then there's Presence Detection, Presence Concealment, and Binding, was it?)
(Yes.)
(Somehow it's like a thief or a ninja.)
(It's probably a characteristic of the Vampio. It feels specialized for stealth. For the sake of sneaking in. Skills necessary for performing blood-sucking.)
Unlike humans, many of the demons' magics are not things acquired from scratch. They polish the magic they possess as innate skills. In other words, demons' magic is something they possess because it is necessary for their race.
(Probably. But the lack of attack magic is painful.)
(Don't say that. But it's not like there is none. It's just that Kamiira-san couldn't use it.)
There are things that demons acquire from scratch as well. However, since there are many things that become weaknesses even if acquired depending on the race, not many demons attempt it.
(Dark magic, huh. Can humans use this?)
(Ah, I'm curious about that too. If we can't, then in front of people... but is that worry necessary?)
(...There's no worry about the magic we can use. Only Shadow Space. That's what we need to be careful about.)
Presence Detection and Presence Concealment were, in the first place, things where one must not let it be noticed that they are being used.
(Now then, first is Presence Detection.)
(First, as if that's the only thing we can test.)
(...Shut up. I can test Presence Concealment too.)
(Though I don't know if it's working. Since nobody comes, I can't tell if I've erased my presence.)
The magic Ray inherited was not suited for testing alone. On the other hand, unlike attack magic, it had the advantage of being testable without being noticed by others.
(You're really noisy. If you have time to complain, deepen your understanding of the magical arts side.)
(It's already in my head, isn't it?)
(Just being in your head is not enough. It's like reading a book every time. You have to make it your own.)
The memories handed down from Kamiira. However, unlike transferring abilities, they were merely things that existed as knowledge. To make use of them, one had to deepen their understanding, and this too required actually testing them.
(You're so serious.)
(Just do it.)
(...But, I've been thinking.)
(What?)
(Don't we feel more and more unlike humans?)
It was not that he had inherited Kamiira's abilities and knowledge. He was talking about their current situation.
(Exaggerating. We just became able to use a bit of magic, right? Besides, that's normal in this world.)
But the original Ray did not understand that. The fact that he did not understand was strange, but he did not notice that either.
(That's not it.)
(Then, what is it?)
(You and I are just different personalities, right? When one is on the surface, the other is asleep.)
(You're awake, aren't you?)
(That's only since coming to this world.)
(True.)
Two personalities possessed consciousness simultaneously. Such a thing did not happen in the original world. Not only that.
(That's still fine. But why have we become able to think about things separately?)
(Who knows?)
(This is really weird. I've never heard of this as a symptom of multiple personalities.)
(We are not doctors. We don't know all the symptoms, do we?)
(Maybe so, but...)
(It's fine, right? Isn't it convenient? Being able to think about different things simultaneously is efficient.)
The primary personality, Ray, did not understand the sense of wrongness felt by the secondary personality, Ray. The primary personality was in a state like sleeping while leaving things to the other, and no memories remained. During that time, he thought the secondary personality was thinking and acting on its own. But in reality, it was not so. Only the personalities were different, the thinking capacity was one. Previously, it had not been possible for the secondary personality to think about something else while the primary personality was awake.
(Well, whatever. It is certainly convenient.)
Even if he felt a sense of wrongness, once he thought it through, since they were the same human, it resulted in the same conclusion.
The secondary personality, Ray, also stopped saying anything more and began studying the knowledge inherited from Kamiira as told.
Without realizing that continuing this would further the separation of the two personalities' thoughts.