23 - The Dinner Party Again
Rei was heading toward the dinner party, a gathering he thought he would never be invited to again.
He had intended to decline, citing poor health, but the messenger who visited his room would not allow it. Half-forced, Rei was led away, following the messenger toward the dining hall.
"I have brought Lord Kamui."
(How forceful.)
Complaining in his heart, he entered through the opened door. Inside the room were Princess Ekaterina and one other person, Hinata. Seeing this, Rei's bad feeling grew even stronger.
"You've finally arrived. Now, take a seat."
"Yes."
Prompted by Princess Ekaterina, Rei took his seat.
"...A bit closer. Fumiya is not here today. Rest assured."
(That's not the point.)
For Rei, Fumiya was not the only one he wished to avoid. Hinata, of course, and Princess Ekaterina were also targets of that desire. However, he could not go against the Princess's words, so after a moment of hesitation, Rei decided to sit next to Hinata. It wasn't that he wanted to be near Hinata. He simply didn't want his face seen from the front. Although he had grown younger and significantly thinner, changing his appearance, there was no guarantee that Hinata wouldn't notice.
"Since there are only three of us today, let us begin casually. Prepare the meal."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Rei didn't understand what was different from previous times, but assuming there were some customs involved, he asked nothing about it. The food was laid out before him. Once it was all set, they began to eat.
"How is your training coming along?"
"............"
There was no answer to Princess Ekaterina's question.
"Kamui?"
"Ah, were you speaking to me?"
Rei's resistance ended in futility. It was a resistance with no chance of victory from the start.
"I am well aware of Hinata's progress. I train together with her, you know."
"The Princess as well? I was unaware of that."
"Hinata and I share the same specialty attribute."
"I see."
"Are you not going to ask which attribute it is?"
"Which attribute is it?"
"...The Light attribute."
"I see."
"............"
Princess Ekaterina became visibly displeased by Rei's completely uninterested responses. Noticing this, Hinata spoke to Rei.
"Um, Kamui-kun."
"-kun?"
"Ah, sorry. Lord Kamui."
"Lord... -kun is fine."
"Then, Kamui-kun. It's embarrassing to say it myself, but people who can use Light attribute magic are rare."
Few people specialized in Light attribute magic. Princess Ekaterina had wanted Rei to be surprised that she was one of them.
"Ah, is that so? By the way, how many are there in the Mage Corps?"
"That would be—"
"About a hundred."
"Um, what is the total number of the Mage Corps?"
Hearing only "a hundred" didn't make it seem rare at all.
"About three thousand, I believe?"
"Ah, that is few."
As far as Rei knew, there were not five, but six attributes. Considering one of them could not be used by the Human Race, it came down to five attributes. Dividing three thousand by that, he could understand the rarity of the Light attribute a bit better.
"Furthermore, those who can use advanced Light attribute magic number fewer than ten."
"Advanced... you mean wide-range magic?"
Broadly speaking, the classification of attribute magic was as follows, those with weak power were beginner. Those with higher power were intermediate, and those that affected multiple targets or wide areas were advanced.
"That's right. Hinata and I have mastered advanced magic."
"Mastered is an overstatement. I've only just become able to use it."
"When it comes to wide-range Light attribute magic, I only know Area Heal. What else is there?"
"For attack magic, perhaps Ray Rain or purification. Other than that, there is Bright Wall..."
"Um, I don't understand the effects."
Being told only the names of the spells, Rei had no idea what they were.
"Ah, right. Ray Rain is an attack spell that rains down spears of light."
"Spears... ah, I see."
Magic names usually described the appearance of the spell exactly. He had wondered where the spears were in "Ray Rain," but he understood that the light beams were perceived as spears of light.
"Purification is an attack spell, but it's limited to undead. It can erase undead."
"Heh. Such magic exists."
"Bright Wall is a defense spell. It blocks enemy attacks with a wall of light."
"You mastered all of those? That is powerful."
"I can't say I've mastered everything. I was boasting a little just now. Because Kamui seemed so uninterested."
Finally having drawn a compliment from Rei, Princess Ekaterina's mood improved slightly.
"I apologize. I am unstudied in magic, so it didn't click."
"Ah, I see. But I hear you've been training quite hard with the sword?"
"I still have a long way to go. The more I train, the more I feel my own lack of strength."
Thanks to Geel's guidance, Rei was improving rapidly. In terms of speed of improvement alone, he was equal to or even superior to the Heroes, Fumiya, Hinata, and Akemi. However, as he improved, he became more aware of his own and others' true abilities. Rei was conscious that he was far from reaching the level of Geel, let alone the other high-ranking knights.
"I see. But even that Geel thinks you're worth teaching. You have talent, don't you?"
"I don't know myself."
"You do. The Royal Knights—no, the entire castle—is buzzing with talk of you. They're wondering who this man named Kamui is, whom 'Mad Sword' Geel publicly declares as his disciple."
"Huh? That's a lie, right?"
"Oh, you didn't know?"
"I had no idea."
Training himself and letting Rui escape. Rei's interest was directed nowhere else.
"I see. That's how it's been framed. So you'll have to work hard."
"Um?"
"The people around you seem itching to know your true strength. Right now, they're afraid of Geel, so no one says anything, but I think many knights will challenge you to a duel soon."
"That's the worst..."
While a normal knight would be proud of such a thing, to Rei, it was nothing but a nuisance. If it helped him get stronger, it would be one thing, but for now, Geel's guidance alone was enough.
"Oh, isn't that an honor? If your strength is recognized there, becoming a knight isn't just a dream."
"I have no intention of becoming a knight."
"Why? Becoming a knight means being given a noble title, even if it's the lowest. If you achieve merit there, rising to a hereditary noble isn't a dream either."
"I don't understand much about peerages."
"Goodness. Learn a bit about such things. If you become a knight, you're given the lowest noble title, Knight. This is a life peerage, the same as the lowest civil official, a Baronet. Inheritance of the title to children is not permitted. Inheritance is permitted from Baron onwards. And above that..."
"Ah, I looked up the titles above that. Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquis. And Duke, who were former royalty."
"That's right. We are currently at war. If your military achievements are remarkable, there's a possibility you could reach Viscount in a single generation."
"I see."
"Are you not interested in titles? But you wouldn't have to worry about your livelihood."
"I am not the type of person to be a noble."
"You, as a man, why don't you have a little ambition?"
"Ambition is a double-edged sword. Don't many people ruin themselves because of it?"
Rei didn't understand Princess Ekaterina's intention in strongly encouraging his advancement in the kingdom. He didn't understand, but he felt it was better to clearly show that he had no such intention.
"...This is troubling. Hinata, why don't you say something as well?"
"Ah, yes. Um, Kamui-kun."
"Before I listen. Why is Hinata-sama involved in this?"
From Princess Ekaterina's reaction, Rei understood that this conversation was the reason he had been summoned. However, he didn't understand why Hinata was present for this topic.
"That's..."
"See, isn't it just as I said?"
"What do you mean?"
"I told Hinata that it would be useless to beat around the bush. But Hinata said she wanted to gauge your reaction."
"Then, please tell me your objective clearly."
Without asking, Rei already knew the objective. Still, he urged Hinata to speak because he wanted to get it over with quickly.
"...I want Kamui-kun to help us."
"That is impossible."
"Don't answer immediately, could you think about it a bit more?"
"I have no intention of staying in the castle. I believe I mentioned this before."
There was no room for consideration. Rei had other things he had to do.
"I know that. But even if you leave the castle, Kamui-kun should have nowhere to go."
"I also explained that I would go on a journey to find such a place."
"But you don't know if you'll find it. In that case, wouldn't it be better to live in this country?"
"...Hinata-sama cannot understand my feelings."
"What do you mean?"
"Not knowing who you are is more painful than you think."
"That's... but we are also suffering. Coming to another world where we have no family or friends, and then being called Heroes..."
Rei thought this was a very Hinata-like way of speaking. She seemed to be considerate of others and offering advice, but in the end, it always became a story about herself. When he was in his original world, he didn't think of her this way. He had been happy just listening to Hinata's worries, even the small ones. Rei realized that his feelings had changed from what they once were. And he was glad for that. Because he understood clearly that the most important thing to him now was the oath with Kamiira.
"I cannot understand the feelings of the Heroes. That is the same as Hinata-sama not understanding my feelings."
"I suppose..."
"There is no way things will work out between people who cannot understand each other."
"I think that's wrong."
And the way she believed she was correct was unchanged from before. The previous Rei had thought of this as Hinata's sincerity in wanting to be right.
"What is wrong?"
"People cannot understand each other immediately. They understand each other over time."
"This is troubling. Hinata-sama and I are already greatly misaligned. How should I fix this misalignment?"
"By talking things through thoroughly."
"If we talk things through thoroughly, will I come to think that it's okay for me to die?"
"Eh?"
Hinata did not understand the meaning of Rei's question. She didn't understand that this was the misalignment Rei was talking about.
"May I confirm just in case?"
"Y-yes."
"By 'help,' do you mean help in the fight against the Demon Race?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Fight the Demon Race, and then die."
"I didn't say that."
"It's the same as saying it. I am not a Hero. If I fight the Demon Race alongside the Heroes, will I be safe?"
In reality, he didn't know. Naturally, knights and soldiers also participated in the battles. Their life or death depended on ability and luck. Rei understood that, but he was irritated that Hinata was trying to involve others in a life-or-death struggle, and doing so unconsciously, so he spoke in this manner.
"...But Kamui-kun is the disciple of Lord Geel, one of the Three Pillar Knights."
"And?"
"You should be strong."
"'Should be,' is it? Based only on speculation, you ask me to help with a mission where there is a risk of death. As I thought, I cannot understand you."
"No. I'm not asking you to fight. More like a talking partner, or someone to consult. Anyway, we need someone we can talk to without reservation."
Hinata changed the subject. This was likely her true intention, but it didn't change the fact that it was a nuisance to Rei. No feeling of sympathy for Hinata arose at all. On the contrary, the more they spoke, the more Rei began to dislike Hinata. 'Cannot understand' was Rei's true feeling.
"...I will stop beating around the bush and speak clearly."
"Yes."
"I cannot meet your expectations. The reason is not just my own convenience. Even if you ask, I cannot answer. If I must say something, please obtain permission from Lord Julius first, and then come to me."
"...From Julius-san."
"I cannot say anything more. Please let this matter end here."
These words were directed not at Hinata, but at Princess Ekaterina. He believed that if he spoke to Hinata, she would surely say something more.
"...I see. Let us end this matter for now."
"'For now,' is it?"
"If permission is obtained from Julius, we will talk again."
"I will not attend. Even if it is a request from the Princess."
"...I see. We'll see about that after asking. Now then, Hinata, the conversation is over."
"But..."
"No matter what else we say today, things will not progress."
"...I understand."
Reluctantly agreeing with Princess Ekaterina's words, Hinata stood up and left the room.
"...Then, I will also—"
Rei immediately tried to stand up, but...
"Kamui, stay a while longer."
"But the conversation with Hinata-sama has ended."
Knowing it was a futile struggle, Rei couldn't help but say it.
"The talk with Hinata is over. So next is a different topic."
"...So that's how it is."
"You seem to have forgotten, but I am the princess of this country. You have an obligation to obey me."
"I am not a person of this country."
"Even so, you are being cared for by this country."
"For that... no, well, I suppose so. What is the topic?"
He didn't say out loud that he intended to pay the price for being cared for. Because through the talk with Hinata, he realized that Princess Ekaterina did not know the detailed circumstances.
"Serve me."
"...Pardon?"
"I am telling you to work for my sake."
"Is that not the same as Hinata-sama's request just now?"
"It's completely different. I'm not telling you to help Hinata and the others. I want you to work only for me."
This was even worse. He couldn't say that out loud either. What he spoke was a harmless question.
"Why do you desire such a thing?"
"You are a favorite of Julius and a disciple of Geel. Whether in knowledge or martial arts, you have merit."
In other words, it was the same as Hinata. Despite not knowing Rei himself well, she was inviting him based only on the evaluations of others.
"You overestimate me. I cannot believe someone like me would be useful to the Princess."
"That is for me to judge."
"How will you make that judgment? With all due respect, the Princess does not know me. I cannot believe you can judge based on that."
"I will get to know you from now on. Today's time is for that purpose."
"Once you know, you will no longer wish to invite me. It is a waste of time."
"...Do you dislike serving me that much?"
Displeasure appeared on Princess Ekaterina's expression. She felt irritation toward Rei, who would not obey her. And Rei felt the same irritation.
"It is not that I dislike serving the Princess, but that I cannot serve anyone."
Rei simply kept that irritation in his heart.
"Why? If it's Julius, I'll explain it to him."
"You may explain, but that will not solve the matter."
"I am the princess?"
"I am aware of that. However, how do you intend to explain it to Lord Julius, Princess?"
"That is..."
Princess Ekaterina could not immediately return an answer to Rei's question. With that, Rei understood the general situation.
"You can say you want me as your subordinate, but you cannot explain the reason. Is that it?"
"I wonder why you thought that?"
"Just a feeling."
Rei ended up reflecting on his own loose tongue.
"Liar. You know the reason why I want you as my subordinate."
The fact that she noticed this meant Princess Ekaterina was not a fool. Rei had hoped she would be one.
"I have no idea at all."
"Still intending to play dumb? Then, I'll tell you from my own mouth."
"That's quite alright."
"No. Now that you've realized it, whether you like it or not, you will become my subject."
"As I said, I know nothing. There is no need for me to become the Princess's subject."
"Do you understand? I am saying I will make you a direct subject of the King."
"What are you talking about? I don't understand."
Rei had no choice but to say this. Princess Ekaterina was not saying she would make him a subject of the current King. She was telling him to become her subject. For that to mean he could become a subject of the King showed Princess Ekaterina's ambition. She was aiming for the succession of the throne in the next generation, despite being a princess. Such a dangerous plot was not something one encountered often.
"Still playing dumb, then?"
"I am not playing dumb; I simply do not understand the meaning of what the Princess is saying."
"I have a winning chance."
Princess Ekaterina had no intention of giving up on involving Rei. It was from the feeling that now that he knew, she could not let him escape, but her persistence in ignoring Rei's act of playing dumb could not possibly leave a good impression.
"I do not know what the Princess desires from me, but I will never serve the Princess."
"Even though I am asking this much, you still insist on rejecting me."
Rei had no memory of being asked. Since it was tedious to explain that a request and coercion were different, he refrained from doing so.
"I do not have the qualifications to serve the Princess. That would not be permitted. That is all."
"...I see."
Even if it was the Princess, he could not speak of the secret pact with Julius without permission. Thinking so, Rei only spoke in vague terms. However, this unnecessary consideration would become Rei's misfortune. And the fact that he had underestimated Princess Ekaterina's arrogance. Rei did not know that at the time.