18 - Re-evaluation
A small meeting room in a corner of the castle. Julius, Bacchus, and several others were gathered there. They were holding a regular briefing to exchange information regarding the Hero.
After Bacchus gave a general report on the progress of the training, the topic shifted to something else.
"How has Fumiya been since then?"
"Then, I shall report," Miria, the maid taking care of Fumiya, spoke up. Since she was participating in the meeting, she was naturally no ordinary maid. Miria's original position was that of a female Imperial Guard knight, tasked with guarding the female members of the royal family.
"There are no signs of improvement in Lord Fumiya's situation. He continues to make sympathetic remarks toward the demons. It would be fair to say that things have actually worsened."
"Worsened...?"
"Yes. He has gone so far as to say that it is pitiful to keep them locked in a dungeon forever, and that we should prepare a suitable place within the castle for them to live."
"That is impossible. Does the Hero not understand that?"
"He is a child. It would be fair to say he is becoming more and more like a child."
A slight hint of criticism toward Fumiya could be felt in Miria's tone. For a knight who was loyal to orders to show such emotion... Julius knew he was straying slightly from the agenda, but he decided to ask for details.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I believe this is not something for someone in my position to say, but..."
"It is fine. This is a place to discuss any and all content. Please feel free to voice your opinions."
"Then... perhaps he has been spoiled too much? In the beginning, there was still a sense of restraint. But now, he seems to take treatment on par with royalty for granted. Aside from the matter of the demons, his requests have been trivial so far, but they are only increasing in number."
"For example?"
"The most frequent requests are regarding food. It seems that compared to the food in Lord Fumiya's world, the food of this world is vastly inferior. He interferes with various things, such as the seasoning."
"He doesn't like the food that His Majesty also eats?"
"Yes. That seems to be the case. Thinking that the taste of the food might improve with knowledge from another world, I had him speak with the head chef, but the head chef said he simply could not meet the requests."
"The head chef?"
The head chef in charge of the castle's cuisine. His skill was praised as the best in the kingdom. Julius was surprised to wonder what on earth he had requested that the head chef could not make.
"It seems the ingredients Lord Fumiya mentions are unknown to the head chef. There is a possibility they do not exist in this world, and furthermore, Lord Fumiya's explanations are vague. As a result, he only succeeded in making the head chef angry."
"Well, I suppose so. Essentially, his own cooking was being denied. What else?"
"There are various things, but the most troublesome is the bath."
"The bath?"
"He wants to take a bath in the morning. Apparently, that was the custom in his original world."
"That... surely not exactly as he says?"
Heating a bath in this world is a tremendous amount of work. Hot water does not simply come out when you turn a tap.
"Naturally, it is impossible to fully meet the request. We have him make do with water just enough to lightly rinse his body. Whether that can even be called 'making do' is highly questionable."
As she spoke, perhaps her irritation grew, as Miria began to voice her dissatisfaction more clearly.
"Perhaps at night as well?"
"Every night."
"I hadn't noticed. I wonder why he didn't complain."
"That was simply the Hero's intention."
"No, that's not it. The consumption of firewood must have increased suddenly. Procurement cannot be easy."
"Regarding that, I have no particular..."
"Eventually, the materials officer will come to me with complaints. I'll have to be prepared. Is there anything else that is particularly troublesome?"
"That is..."
"Ah. There is still more?"
"It is difficult to say, but..."
"I cannot think of a solution unless you tell me."
"Then. This is only Lord Fumiya."
"Meaning, the previous things were...?"
"Lord Fumiya and Lady Akemi. Lady Hinata almost never requests anything herself, but if the other two's arguments are accepted, she tends to go along with them."
"...I see. And Lord Fumiya?"
"He is promiscuous with women."
"What!?" "Huh!?"
Even Bacchus, who had been listening in silence, let out a cry of surprise along with Julius. Neither of them had ever imagined that Miria would say such a thing.
"I believe this is a significant problem. If we do not put a stop to it somewhere, there is a possibility that children will be born."
"Uh, it's awkward to ask, but why do you know that?"
"I have heard the stories clearly from the women he has had relations with. After hearing various things, I must eliminate the women who seem likely to be problematic."
"Surely you aren't...?"
"Are you insulting me!?"
"Ah, sorry. Just a confirmation for peace of mind."
"I have received things like invitations many times, but I have never entertained them."
"Is that why? The way you show blatant disgust toward the Hero. I thought it was unknightlike."
"I am a knight! I wish to be more knightly than anyone! Do you understand!? I am a knight, not a prostitute!"
Being a female knight was a special existence permitted only to the Imperial Guard. Because of that, the commitment to being a knight was strong. This was not only true for Miria, but common to all female knights.
"Please don't be so angry. I just felt the mood getting heavy, so I thought I'd lighten it with a joke. I apologize. I am sorry."
"There are jokes that are acceptable to say and jokes that are not. Please refrain from remarks that wound a knight's pride."
"I'll be careful."
"Hoh."
Bacchus let out an impressed sound.
"What is it?"
"No, so Julius has people he's not good with after all. This is the first time I've seen you being scolded."
"I am not good at handling women. No matter who they are."
"Hey? That's..."
"Please do not think strange things. My romantic interests are women."
"Sorry."
"Let's get back to the topic. However, what should we do?"
Julius had never imagined he would be worrying about the Hero's relations with women. It was so absurd that even after hearing the story, he couldn't bring himself to think about it seriously.
"Please do not make me say it."
"I don't intend to. That was a rhetorical question."
"Make him stop. That's the only way, right?"
"If that were easily done. By the way, how many are there?"
A ban on romance. Julius wondered what meaning there was in placing such a restriction on the Hero.
"There are four that I am aware of."
"Four... what do the partners think? It's not a case of 'I can't refuse because it's the Hero's request,' is it?"
The position of Hero should not have that much coercive power. That was Julius's thought.
"Three of them are women who believe that if they can establish a relationship with the Hero, and further become his spouse, they might be given a certain level of treatment."
"Shouldn't those be eliminated?"
The Hero's marriage partner. That is not something to be decided lightly. Women who possess the greed to obtain that position through a fait accompli should not be allowed close.
"Within my authority, I cannot fire a maid."
"I will arrange that on this end. What about the last one?"
"I believe she has fallen in love with him quite seriously."
"...Her status?"
"Why the status?"
It is rude to answer a superior's question with another question. The fact that Miria did so showed she had not yet returned to her usual composure.
"Because it is impossible to completely keep women away. Even if we separate him from those four, he will just invite other women. In that case, there is the option of leaving a partner we can manage on our end."
"I do not see what relation that has to status."
"She cannot become a spouse. Eventually, she will have to disappear. It would be troublesome if she were someone who would cause a stir at that time."
"Disappear, you say...?"
"I mean having her go far away. By giving her a reasonable amount of money, for instance."
"I see..."
"Have you grown fond of the maid?"
If so, she would be unsuitable as the Hero's monitor. That was the meaning behind Julius's question.
"...No, I am fine."
Miria, knowing that, could not utter any answer other than this.
"In the worst case, she may truly disappear in another sense. You might be the one to execute that. Please do not forget your duty."
"Yes, of course."
"Now, her status?"
"The third daughter of a lower noble."
"Well, that's a good position. Then, let her be the one in charge. Ensure that other women cannot get close. Be thorough in that management."
"Yes."
"Now, the conversation has gone quite far afield. Regarding the matter of the demons. The interrogation is over. Is that the correct understanding?"
"And on your end?"
Bacchus did not answer Julius's question, but returned it with a question. Even if he wanted to answer, there was nothing.
"It is over. To put it simply, he knows nothing."
And that was the same for Julius. Bacchus felt a sense of relief.
"Same here. No necessary information was obtained."
"Meaning, he's served his purpose?"
"Yes, that's right. In that case, I don't mind if he disappears."
If he didn't have information, there was no meaning in keeping Rui captured. Bacchus had no reason to show mercy to a demon.
"I would like to do so, but the preparations are not made at all."
"That brat, right. I've heard the stories; apparently, it's terrible. He's not training at all."
"That seems to be the case."
The one to kill Rui is Ray. And Ray is supposed to head straight for the Forest of Bewilderment and disappear from the royal capital. Julius and Bacchus recognized that those preparations were not yet complete.
"Um, is that 'brat' you're referring to the boy named Kamui?"
Miria interrupted the conversation between Julius and Bacchus.
"Do you know him? Ah, the dinner party."
"Yes. Since then, his name has come up several times from Lord Fumiya's mouth."
"...Why?"
"That is also related to the demons. He said that being locked in a dungeon all the time must be lonely, so perhaps the boy named Kamui, who is an acquaintance, could keep him company occasionally."
"I don't understand. Why suddenly such a thing?"
These were not words spoken out of simple kindness. That was how Julius interpreted Miria's story.
"Eventually, he wants to go and see him himself. Lord Kamui is the catalyst. Even if permission is not granted for Lord Fumiya himself, if Lord Kamui is allowed to meet him, he thinks he can use that to his advantage. I believe that is his thought process."
Miria also understood Fumiya quite well. Even if Fumiya's thoughts were easy to read.
"I suppose so. Then, as for permission... perhaps we use it in reverse to buy time."
To keep Fumiya quiet, it might be a good hand to grant one request. That was Julius's thought.
"Is it possible?"
The one who voiced doubt was Bacchus.
"It's Kamui-kun. It would be easy for him to coax Lord Fumiya."
"Coax... you too, show a bit more respect to the Hero. But well, I suppose that's true."
"Shall we do that then? It's not a plan that absolutely must succeed."
"But what if Kamui is used by Fumiya?"
"Based on the reports, I don't think that's possible. Cecil."
Cecil was also participating in this meeting. Cecil, too, was not originally a maid. She was a mage under Julius's command.
"I also believe the possibility is extremely low."
"What is the reason for that?"
The questioner from here was Bacchus. Julius received reports from Cecil almost every day. He rarely asked her to repeat them.
"Lord Kamui dislikes the Hero. He wants to avoid contact as much as possible. Regarding that feeling, unusually for Lord Kamui, he does not hide it."
"That is a problem in its own right. Why does he dislike him to that extent?"
"The Hero was the one who created the opportunity to kill the demon who was his savior. He seems to have those feelings."
"Grudge for killing a demon? Ah, come to think of it, he did state clearly that he is grateful to the demons."
Ray's emotions would normally be quite problematic. However, he would not be held accountable for them. As long as Ray had utility that allowed such things to be permitted.
"His emotions seem complex. While he has feelings of fear toward demons, on the other hand, he also feels that he was saved from a painful life in the forest. Therefore, he tries to think of it as directing his grudge toward the Hero and his gratitude toward the kingdom that gives him food and shelter."
"You understand his feelings that well?"
"Lord Kamui said so himself. When it comes to things regarding the Hero, Lord Kamui is relatively talkative."
Of course, this was something Ray was doing intentionally. One day, he suddenly thought that being grateful to the kingdom was hypocritical, so he intended to lay a few breadcrumbs.
"As long as he doesn't become the Hero's puppet, there's no problem. Either way, it will be after we seek His Majesty's approval."
"Of course. Then I will list it as an item for the next resolution."
Once Bacchus was satisfied, Julius informed them that he would add it to the agenda for the next meeting.
"But how long can you drag it out? At this rate, who knows how many years it will take."
"The deadline was originally just over three months. We only need to deceive them until then."
"Ah, that's right. I had forgotten."
Regardless of Fumiya's feelings, when the deadline comes, Rui will be killed. They only need to keep him quiet until then.
"Besides, Lord Bacchus, have you seen the state of Kamui-kun's training?"
"No, I'm busy dealing with Lord Fumiya and the others."
"I see... shall we listen to the reports about Kamui-kun together once in a while?"
"Hmm? Ah, I don't mind. I'm curious about that brat too. Unlike you, though, not in a good way."
"Are you still holding a grudge about what happened during the interrogation?"
Bacchus had been completely played by Ray. Bacchus held a grudge for that. Though, this was Julius's fault. If he hadn't mentioned that fact in front of the King, Bacchus probably wouldn't have cared so much.
"It's not that. It's because that brat is cheeky."
"Well, fine. Cecil, please give the report."
"Yes. Um, where should I start?"
"Ah, right. You can speak in reasonable detail. Since we just talked about the Hero, that would be more interesting."
"Understood. Even so, I will focus on the training that Lord Bacchus is curious about. Regarding Lord Kamui's training, I believe it is progressing smoothly."
"What!? That can't be right. He still can't even spar!"
Cecil's story differed from the situation Bacchus recognized. Bacchus voiced his objection.
"That is because the starting point is different. First, I will talk about Lord Kamui's initial situation. I infer that when Lord Kamui first left the dungeon, he was in a state where he struggled not just to run, but even to walk. While short distances might have been possible, he should not have been able to walk long distances."
"It wasn't that bad, was it? He was actually walking."
This explanation from Cecil also differed from Bacchus's perception. There were facts that Bacchus did not know about Ray.
"That was because he was using magic power."
"Magic power?"
"I judged that it was close to physical reinforcement. Lord Julius's judgment is the same."
"Julius too... the reason for thinking so?"
"I will continue the explanation. I noticed it because I felt the flow of magic power from Lord Kamui. I have heard he testified that he learned about magic power from the demons."
"Was that so?"
"It should be. In fact, Lord Kamui's skill is considerable. He is constantly flowing a tiny amount of magic power through his body. That's the feeling. It makes sense that he learned it from the demons."
"Hmm?"
There was something strange about Cecil's explanation. Bacchus noticed it, but he couldn't immediately tell what it was.
"Lord Bacchus, how long can you continue to use physical reinforcement magic?"
"So that's it..."
With Cecil's following question, Bacchus understood.
"Lord Kamui can likely remain in that state all day. However, because his original physical strength is far too low, even in that state, he can only exert power inferior to a normal person."
"I suppose so."
Being able to use physical reinforcement magic continuously is abnormal, but that doesn't mean he has the strength to withstand a mission. That was Bacchus's thought, but...
"And that situation is certainly improving."
"No, that's strange. I haven't received such a report."
"The person in charge probably does not understand what Lord Kamui is doing."
"What is he doing?"
"First, during the training time with the knights, Lord Kamui cuts off his magic power. He seems to have the idea of bringing his basic physical strength up to a normal level without the aid of magic, and that is actually proving effective."
"But I hear the state of his training hasn't changed at all."
"This is also a guess, but perhaps the knights are not trusted by Lord Kamui? That is why the contents of his training are hidden."
"What!?"
This was Cecil's misunderstanding. The reason Ray hid his serious training was to prevent Fumiya and the others, who were also training at the practice ground, from noticing his knowledge. For that reason, he was merely doing harmless training.
"What Lord Kamui does during the time with the knights is repeating climbing up and down stairs, and practice swings. Is that not so?"
"That's what I've heard. The person in charge reported that since he can't even run, there is nothing to teach him."
"He can run."
"What?"
"Recently, although quite slowly, he has become able to run."
"Why was there no report of that?"
"As I said, the contents of the training are being hidden. Lord Kamui's actual training is carried out in secret. 'In secret' is not the correct expression; it would be more accurate to say that he spends all his time, except for the time spent in the library and sleeping, toward the recovery of his physical strength."
"............"
Setting aside the effect, it was clear that Ray's training was not what they had thought. Bacchus was surprised by this.
"In terms of time alone, isn't it the case that no one in the knights can match him? Even his meals seem to be focused solely on the recovery of physical strength."
"Meals?"
"In that sense, Lord Kamui's demands regarding meals are also considerably noisy."
"Hey, not just the Hero, but the brat too. The head chef must have a headache."
"I wonder about that. The head chef seems to be quite fond of Lord Kamui."
"Hmm? What's the difference?"
Both made demands about the food; one made the chef angry, while the other was liked. Bacchus couldn't understand why that happened.
"At first, he made him angry. He said he didn't want anything other than salad and soup."
"Why?"
"Because he cannot get used to luxury."
"Even so..."
"To not forget his life in the forest. That is how it is."
Julius subtly hinted to Bacchus that it was for the missions Ray would be given in the future.
"I see. So that's it."
"...Are there other reasons?"
"That is something Cecil does not need to know."
"...Understood. Returning to the topic. Now he has started eating meat as well. Saying that it is necessary to restore physical strength. However, he said he wanted absolutely no seasoning, and that made the head chef angry again."
"But?"
"After that, he said he wanted to speak directly with the person who does the cooking. So I let him meet the head chef. He was asking various things. Which ingredients are good for the body, what effects they have, what kind of beast's meat this is, and so on."
"...He went that far."
Even if it was to regain physical strength, could one be that thorough? Bacchus thought he himself could not do it.
"Finally, he started doing simple cooking himself, and after tasting it, he began specifying the contents of the meals."
"I don't get it. So why does the head chef like him?"
"The head chef was surprised. Although it's called cooking, it's actually very simple. For the salad, just adding plant oil and a little salt by eye, and squeezing the juice of several types of fruit. Yet, depending on the combination of vegetables in the salad, it becomes surprisingly delicious."
"Hoh."
"When the head chef asked how he could do such a thing, he said that if he knows the individual tastes, he can somehow imagine the taste when they are combined. The head chef was shouting that it was talent. Lord Kamui has acquired one source of employment. If he wishes, the head chef would gladly take him as an apprentice."
In reality, this was Ray's talent. He hadn't been allowed to live in luxury since he was small for nothing. His experience of tasting delicious things was not inferior to those of his own generation, nor even to general adults. That probably wasn't the only reason, but as a fact, Ray possessed a sense of taste far superior to the people of this world, where cooking methods were not well-developed. Of course, Ray didn't do this because he wanted to eat delicious things. Since many of the ingredients had different names from his original world, he simply tried to judge what they were by tasting them. He only added the adjustments to appease the head chef, who seemed far too grumpy.
"Who is that brat?"
"That is what I want to know. If it's possible to show his training, I would like Lord Bacchus to see it as well. Even subtracting the point that his physical strength is inferior to others, the sight of Lord Kamui's training is something that makes the observer feel pained. What is driving Lord Kamui to that extent?"
"To that extent... I certainly want to see it."
"But it's impossible."
"Why?"
"Once he notices he is being watched, Lord Kamui stops his training. If Lord Bacchus is more skilled in stealth than I am, there might be a possibility."
"Hey!? That's..."
Whenever it came to reports about Ray, Bacchus was constantly surprised.
"Yes. It is undoubtedly a presence-detection type. In other words, the claim that he cannot use magic is a lie."
"Is that not a problem?"
Ray had hidden the fact that he could use magic. This would undoubtedly become a problem. Whether it was Ray's fault for hiding it, or their fault for not seeing through it, was unclear.
"I intend to make that an agenda item for the meeting with His Majesty as well. If we are to seriously watch Kamui-kun, a mage will not suffice. We need a spy."
"...Who is he?"
Bacchus uttered the same question again. The more he heard, the more he realized Ray's inscrutability, and he began to feel uneasy.
"Things that even the person himself doesn't know cannot be investigated. However, it has been proven that he possesses the perfect talent for the role he will play. Time will solve the rest."
"That's not it. Is he not dangerous?"
"We were prepared for that from the start, right? Turning Kamui-kun's loyalty toward the kingdom. That is also something that must be done during this period. In that sense, the knights..."
The knights' treatment of Ray was not something that would evoke goodwill. This did not align with the national policy. This, too, would be viewed as a problem if it became clear in the meeting.
"Sorry. There was likely a condescending attitude toward him, thinking he couldn't even run properly. I will speak sternly to the person in charge."
"Please do. Now, as I just said, Kamui-kun's situation is more favorable than Lord Bacchus thinks. I judge that the original plan will not be greatly disrupted."
"I suppose so. If what I just heard is true."
"It is true. Well, I believe that's all for the report."
"Um, may I make one proposal?"
Julius was about to end the meeting, but Miria announced she had a proposal.
"Lady Miria, did something happen?"
"Shall we change the assigned maids?"
"Pardon?"
"I shall become the one in charge of Lord Kamui, and Cecil shall take the Hero."
"What are you saying!? I do not believe there is any need for that!"
Cecil, faced with Miria's unexpected proposal, turned pale and denied it.
"I am a knight. After all, it is more desirable to serve someone who is strict with themselves, like Lord Kamui."
"You must be joking. I, too, am one who pursues the path of magic. I have no desire to serve someone who forgets their duty and is infatuated with women, even if only temporarily."
"Then, what happens to me?"
"That is for you to resolve. It has nothing to do with me."
"That's unfair! Only thinking of yourself!"
"You! Is a knight's received order not absolute!?"
"W-wait, you two, what's wrong? Why are you getting so worked up?"
Julius was in a panic at the sudden argument between the two.
"I simply cannot stand that Hero anymore. He is too far removed from the chivalry I aim for."
"No, wait, this is troublesome, Lady Miria, this was decided at the beginning."
"Are you favoring your own subordinate?"
"No, that's not it. Lord Bacchus, please don't just stay silent, say something."
"No, the Imperial Guard is not under my command."
A quick and wise judgment, rare for Bacchus. He moved to avoid being dragged into the fight.
"That is not the issue, is it?"
"Then, let's do this. Once I have met Lord Kamui, let the person himself decide which of us is better."
"There is no need for that!"
"Wait, Cecil. Even you, who are always calm, are getting this worked up."
"Taking care of Lord Kamui is the job I was ordered to do!"
"That's true, but it was by order. With such a stubborn attitude, it almost seems like you have a crush on Kamui-kun."
"T-that is not..."
Cecil looked down, her cheeks flushing slightly. Julius was even more surprised by this unexpected reaction.
"Eh, what's with that reaction? Kamui-kun is much younger than you, right? And he's scrawny."
"No, although it's gradual, his build is improving. Since he has no useless fat, in a little while, he'll be even more wonderful... it's nothing!"
"...Re-examination! Re-examination! I will check once more if Kamui-kun has been made a familiar!"
"Y-yes, you're right. Let's arrange it quickly."
The result of the re-examination was negative. Unlike in a game, in a reality where statuses cannot be seen, one can only check based on physical characteristics. If that were the case, no matter how suspicious Ray was, he could not be judged as a demon. Ray is not a demon. He simply possesses magic power—which by now has mixed with Ray's own and cannot be judged as a demon's—and abilities.