kscans

Chapter 28 - Praised by Her Majesty the Queen

"Dareth, you have once again performed a great service."

"Ah, thank you, Your Majesty the Queen."

After returning to the Royal Capital, we had an audience with Her Majesty the Queen. She had graciously summoned us to hear our report on the incident at Grossa Magic Academy and to offer her commendations. However, the words "strict with the incompetent" were stuck in my head, and I was tense the entire time.

"I heard from Elena that you solved the matter from a blacksmith’s unique perspective. It was brilliant of you to notice the magical aftereffects. You have my praise."

"I am most grateful."

I was happy to be praised, I truly was, but I wished she could have toned down the pressure just a little. For Elena-sensei to have a person like this as her older sister was incredible. If I had been born her younger brother, I probably would have regretted it.

"Iz, Militar, you both did well. It must have been difficult to capture the deviant."

"No, I had no problems whatsoever. I simply did what was necessary to protect the kingdom."

"The same is true for myself. I merely did everything in my power to protect our precious students."

The two of them answered with such composure. It was obvious they were more mature than I. I wished I could have become an adult like Militar and the others.

"However, Your Majesty the Queen, it was all thanks to Dareth-dono. If not for him, we still would not know the origin of the staves."

"It was precisely because Dareth-sama put his wonderful knowledge as a blacksmith to use that peace was maintained at the magic academy."

And they were even making me look good. What capable women they were. Her Majesty the Queen nodded in satisfaction. Ah, what a peaceful moment. Just as the warmth of the scene was sinking into my heart, I heard a strange grinding sound, girigiri. What was that?

"Gugigigigi…"

It was Shion, grinding his teeth. He was standing in a corner of the Throne Room, his arms held by Senji-san and a guard. He was glaring at me with eyes full of utter hatred. He was so, so scary.

"Shion. You incompetent fool, learn from Dareth. It is only natural for a disciple to learn from his master’s example."

"I, I absolutely cannot agree! I have never once thought of this man as my master… Gwaaaah!"

"Hey! What is that tone you're using with Dareth-dono! Someone like you wouldn't normally even qualify to be his disciple!"

Senji-san and the guards immediately began to beat him. Shion was forced to nod while crying tears of blood. I thought he might quiet down after that, but he started making a racket again.

"Why are you the only one with such beautiful women! I was the guild master in Rieten, you know! It’s wrong that they’re not by my amazing side! Gaaaaah!"

"How many times do I have to tell you to be quiet! This is why you’re in this mess!"

Shion really was just a bundle of pride. Militar and Iz maintained an attitude of seeing and hearing nothing. Watching Shion get thrashed, Her Majesty the Queen murmured with a sigh.

"Dareth. How goes the training of that incompetent one? Is it proceeding well?"

"Y, yes. Shion is fundamentally a serious person, so he’s working hard every day. His blacksmithing skills are improving, albeit little by little."

"Hmm, is that so. It is surely a testament to your guidance, Dareth."

Her Majesty the Queen nodded, satisfied. Well, it wasn't like Shion’s skills were actually terrible. I was thinking that maybe I'd move him up to the next stage of training after the audience was over when I overheard the surrounding soldiers talking.

"Dareth-san is truly kind. To think he’s looking after that toilet guy despite being so busy."

"If it were me, I’d have lost my temper and been done with it. Taking care of some old guy who’s nothing but a useless, cheeky bastard."

"Dareth-san really is a man of character. I need to follow his example."

I glanced at Shion, and saw veins popping on his forehead, looking as if they were about to burst. I was getting genuinely worried they might actually rupture.

"H, hey, Shion. Let’s just calm down, okay? Take a deep breath and compose yourself…"

"Don't you dare give me orders! I am greater than anyone else in this world… Gyaaaah!"

"That’s enough! You are in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen!"

Senji-san and the others beating Shion down had become a familiar sight. Soon after, our audience with the Queen concluded, and we exited the Royal Palace. The sun had set completely, and it was now dark.

"Well, I guess I’ll head back to my inn."

"Where are you staying, Dareth-sama?"

"I’m staying at an inn in the East District."

"I will stay there as well."

We started heading toward the inn. Iz, also finding Shion's stare unsettling, had him walk ahead of us, held by Senji-san. Militar had been smiling for a while now, but I wondered why her smile seemed a bit strained. After a short walk, we arrived at the inn. I hoped they had a room for Iz.

"Teru-san, I’m back. Um, do you have any vacant rooms…"

"Dareth-san, welcome back! I was so tired of waiting! Sheesh! I’m always telling you to come back sooner, aren’t I!"

The moment I opened the door, Teru-san leaped at me. Militar and Iz’s expressions instantly hardened.

"…Dareth-sama? Who is this woman?"

"Uh, um, this is Teru-san, from the inn."

"I see… I would also like to stay here. Are there any vacant rooms?"

"Yes, there are. Please, come inside."

"I will be staying here tonight as well."

"Understood, Legion Commander."

And just like that, it was decided that Militar and Iz would be staying too. And from behind us, I heard a gugigigi… sound.

"Why…"

It was Shion.

"Why are you the only one having such a good time! It’s not fair! Why does everything good happen only to you!"

"Wh, what’s with you all of a sudden?"

I wasn't quite sure what was going on, but he suddenly flew into a rage. Come to think of it, he’d gotten angry about something similar before.

"I’m obviously the one who’s better with the ladies! Hey! Let me stay here too!"

"We have no vacant rooms, so please be on your way."

Before Senji-san could strike, Teru-san cut him off sharply.

"You just said you had rooms!"

"We are now at full occupancy. Goodbye. In any case, a stinky, dirty old man like you would be a nuisance, so we’d have to refuse."

Teru-san ushered the three of us inside and closed the door without a hint of hesitation. Through the window, I could see Shion and the others left behind.

"Get a move on, Shion! Your lodging is the stable!"

"Get me a better inn!"

"Like I'd do that! Even the stable is too good for you!"

Shion was dragged away while being beaten. Poor guy…

"Dareth-san, dinner is ready."

"Sensei, it will get cold if you do not eat soon."

"Please take your seat at once."

"Ah, yeah, right. Sorry."

I sat down between Militar and Iz, who were for some reason radiating a tense atmosphere. Do they not like something on the menu, I wondered as I took a sip of the warm soup.

◆◆◆ (Side: Shion ⑤)

"Hurry up! You'd better thank the horses again today!"

"I told you to stop pushing me!"

Shoved by Senji, I fell face-first onto the stable floor. In an instant, I was covered in dung and urine.

"Hey! You got my clothes dirty! Pay for them!"

"Like I care! Pay for your lodging!"

To top it off, he even stole what few silver coins I had left. My dignity had hit rock bottom.

"If you try to run, I’ll burn you at the stake."

After spitting out those words, Senji quickly left. I was left all alone. The horses around me seemed to look at me with expressions that said, not this guy again.

"Wh, what’s with that look! Revere me more! I am a human being… h, hey, stop that!"

The horses turned their backs and kicked manure at me with their hooves. And while this was happening, Dareth was probably enjoying himself with three beautiful women. Until morning. I, on the other hand, was covered in crap. The moment I thought that, something inside me snapped.

"…Dareth! You are the only one I will never forgive!"