We continued to watch the ugly dispute between the King and the leadership of the Crafter’s Guild with uncertain expressions.
We didn’t know what to say to stop them, nor did we know how to stop them in the first place.
“Your Majesty, Queen, and Grand Crafter’s Master. Please, finish your marital spat before continuing the discussion.”
Finally, Prince Reinhardt stepped in to mediate, but I wondered if his half-hearted tone was my imagination.
“Oh, my apologies.”
“Rai, isn’t it about time you inherited the throne?”
Just like that, the Queen was suggesting the throne to the Prince.
“Depending on the rewards for this occasion, I might consider ascending the throne.”
Prince Reinhardt’s reply surprised both the King and Queen, as they exchanged glances as if taken aback.
“Is that true, Rai? You won’t go back on your word?”
“There’s no need to press me. My word is my bond. However, it still depends on the rewards.”
Indeed, the matter of rewards was scheduled to be discussed next.
Tomorrow’s ceremony was also the award ceremony for those rewards.
However, I had a vague, unsettling feeling…
“I have your word. Now then, let’s move on to the matter of rewards.”
Things are moving fast.
No, considering how things had been dragging until now, moving quickly is something I welcome.
“I have received the report, and I have also heard from the Grand Hunter’s Master. Yamato Hydrangea Mikami and Primrose Hydrangea Mikami will be granted rewards as hunters affiliated with Amister.”
That’s only natural.
I was wondering about Prim’s situation, but since they explicitly stated she was affiliated with Amister, it means Amister will act as a shield for us, regardless of how Valentia might react.
“However, Miss Primrose, we wish to keep your identity as Ancient Foxy as hidden as possible. If it were just a matter with Retisencia, it would be fine, but now that there’s a possibility of other countries getting involved, we want to avoid any unnecessary problems.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. For me, being accepted by Amister is reward enough.”
Considering her accomplishments, is that really sufficient?
No, having the backing of a nation is quite significant.
“I apologize. But fortunately, you are married to Lord Yamato here. We will honor your achievements by adding more to his rewards.”
Ah, so I’m being used as a shield.
Since we are husband and wife, that’s not a problem.
“I am deeply grateful for your consideration.”
Following Prim’s deep bow, I also bowed my head.
“Indeed. Then, Miss Primrose’s rewards will be included with Lord Yamato’s. Before that, there is also the matter of the Alliance this time. Both the Holy Grave and the Order’s Guild’s Feel branch will receive rewards.”
Ah, that’s included too.
Still, considering they mentioned the potential destruction of a nation, it’s not surprising.
“The Holy Grave’s rewards will be presented upon our return to the Royal Capital. For the participants of the Alliance in the Feel branch, you will receive a monetary reward. Also, Rex and Iris, would you consider becoming Royal Orders?”
I don’t know how much the monetary reward will be, but it will likely be a considerable sum.
Rex and Iris have both surpassed level 50, which is probably why the Royal Order offer is on the table. However, I doubt it’s that simple.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I cannot accept as I have a husband and a spouse in Feel.”
“Even if they are offered residences in the Royal Capital?”
“Yes. My spouse is the Butler’s Master of Feel.”
It seems the idea of a spouse being the Butler’s Master was unexpected, as they looked quite surprised.
“I see. In that case, we will not force the issue. Iris, you shall continue to wield your sword more diligently than ever in Feel and strive to protect the people.”
“Yes!”
Since the Butler’s Guild is involved, even if they were to become Royal Orders, it would take considerable time.
“Rex, what about you?”
“Humbly, Your Majesty. I wish to continue as the Order’s Master of Feel.”
“Does your unmarried status have something to do with this?”
“Y-yes!”
“Dianos was also concerned about you, but a report came in recently from Eldis, the lord of the Marquis of Shtarstein’s territory. Baron Traihit has been stripped of his authority and has retired into seclusion, with his eldest son inheriting the family headship.”
Oh, the punishment has already been carried out.
According to Safia, they were planning on a final warning soon…
Ah, perhaps by the time I sent the letter, they had already issued the final warning, and when his attitude didn’t change, they forced his retirement?
Seclusion retirement, I’ll have to ask about that later, but it sounds quite severe, like a near-lifelong imprisonment, as he’s not even allowed to leave his mansion.
“Eh?”
“With this, you have no more worries. Muse also wishes to be transferred to Feel, but considering the rewards for this Alliance, we cannot refuse. She will be transferred once the handover is complete.”
His Majesty knew about Muse as well.
It might have been Tolman’s suggestion, but that’s quite impressive in itself.
Speaking of Muse, her reward has already been decided?
“Th-thank you very much!”
The reason Rex couldn’t marry Rosemary was that Baron Traihit didn’t approve, and intended to marry Rosemary into a high-ranking noble family. Now that Baron Traihit has fallen from grace, there’s no one obstructing their engagement.
Furthermore, Rosemary also approved of Muse, resolving the issue entirely.
While the timing might have been lucky, this is perhaps the most significant outcome. I had intended to ask Rex and Rosemary for their support when I returned to Feel, but now I’ll have to add Muse to the list.
“Indeed. Now then, Lord Yamato, thank you for waiting. Here are your rewards.”
It’s finally here.
I heard it would include a knightly title and registration with the Order’s Guild, along with an engagement to Princess Yuriana. But since the Alliance rewards aren’t included, I’m curious what else has been added.
“First, I approve Mina Fallhight’s registration as an Outside Order. Normally, we do not permit C-rank Orders to non-lords, but I have heard that Mina is engaged to Lord Yamato, and we desire any connection, however small, with the Ancient Class. Therefore, we grant her this special permission.”
This is greatly appreciated.
Mina won’t have to resign from the Order’s Guild and can remain an Order.
Even if the reason is to maintain her connection with me, the Ancient Class cannot remain completely uninvolved in political matters, so this is not an issue.
“Th-thank you very much!”
Mina bowed deeply, tears welling up in her eyes.
Prim and Flam were comforting her, but they all looked happy.
“Furthermore, I wish for you also to register with the Order’s Guild as an Outside Order. You will be granted the title of Sky Knight, and thus be an O-rank Order.”
My shoulders slumped.
I heard it would be a knightly title, but this is even higher, a title held only by Grand Order’s Masters, a Sky Knight, and an O-rank Order?!
“Wh-what!? That would make me higher than the Grand Order’s Master!”
“It would, and rightfully so. Wouldn’t you agree, Tolman?”
“His Majesty is correct. She fulfills the conditions for the title of Sky Knight and promotion to O-rank as an Ancient Human. Furthermore, none of the past O-rank Orders were Grand Order’s Masters. Frankly, even O-rank feels insufficient for him, considering he single-handedly defeated a Demise Species.”
No, what about that?
I understand that past O-rank Orders didn’t become Grand Order’s Masters.
But if a child like me suddenly appears and becomes an O-rank Order, won’t that cause issues within the Order’s Guild?
“It will, but your status as an Ancient Human is well-known in the Royal Capital. Furthermore, tomorrow’s ceremony will be attended by nobles and Orders, allowing them to witness your achievements firsthand. While the suppression of the Demise Species will be kept confidential, you have single-handedly defeated several Anomaly Species, which is more than enough, in fact, unprecedented.”
“By publicizing this extensively, we can handle any issues that arise.”
Tolman and Dianos asserted this with confidence, but I still felt uneasy.
“Another reason is this: if it is announced that Miss Primrose is married to an O-rank Order, then Valentia and the Anti-Beast King Organization will have little leverage, no matter what they say. I’ve heard of Prince Leonas’s past womanizing, and I can guess his intentions. However, at some point, Miss Primrose’s existence will be revealed. At that time, if she’s only an M-rank Hunter, they might consider absorbing her along with you into Valentia. However, if she’s married to an O-rank Order, Amister’s affiliation will remain firm. Thus, anything Prince Leonas might do will be meaningless, and in fact, he would be making an enemy of Amister.”
Given that explanation, I had no choice but to accept.
While Hunters are affiliated with nations, they can also transfer between them.
This is the freedom of Hunters, and no nation can stop a Hunter from wanting to move. However, this applies to me as well.
So, if I were to move my base of operations to Torencia, I would become affiliated with Torencia.
However, as an Order, my affiliation is with the Amister Knights, so my affiliation doesn’t change even if I go to another country.
Therefore, if my status as an O-rank Order is made public, Prim, who is married to me, will also be officially seen as affiliated with Amister.
In other words, even if Prince Leonas were to fabricate an engagement with Prim in Valentia, since she is already married to me, who am I an O-rank Order, it would be considered a clear act of hostility towards Amister.
“I understand. If that is the case, I will accept.”
Having understood the situation, I nodded without hesitation.
I had considered taking down Prince Leonas and the Anti-Beast King Organization if necessary, but I wasn’t sure if that alone would protect Prim.
“Thank you, Yamato.”
Seeing Prim smile with joy, I felt happy too.
“We are also relieved. I am sorry to trouble you, but with this, we have gained another means to check Valentia.”
Not at all, I’m happy to help as it allows me to protect Prim.
“And lastly, as it is her wish, I would like you to take Yuliana as your wife.”
This was already planned, so I had no problem with it.
“And also, would you be willing to include Manalies in that? She also wishes it.”
Huh?
Princess Yuliana had such an arrangement, and the Chancellor mentioned it this morning, and Prince Reinhardt just now, but Princess Manalies too?
No, no, why would that happen?
I only met Princess Manalies yesterday!
“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, would you allow me to explain why Mana wishes to marry Yamato?”
“Indeed. He is our guest, so it is necessary. Forgive me, Miss Primrose, but could you please explain?”
“Yes. Yamato, the reason Mana said that is because of the letter I sent her.”
The letter Prim sent… was it the one I asked the Grand Hunter’s Master to send before the Holy Grave arrived?
How did that become the reason?
“In that letter, I wrote about how I fell for you, and how I challenged you to a duel, lost, and then got married. I also included other things. She said I was bragging too much.”
Well, it was a report on the situation and also a marriage announcement, so a little bragging is understandable, isn’t it?
“That may be so, but Mana, being my childhood friend and also a Hunter, became interested in you, who defeated me. She then heard about your accomplishments in defeating Anomaly and Catastrophe Species, as reported to Your Majesty, and your capture of Retisencia’s spies. From there, as a fellow Hunter, she came to admire you, and eventually, her feelings turned into love.”
Ah, I think I’ve heard similar stories from Earth.
So, by considering what kind of person I am and gathering information, her feelings turned into romantic love?
Wow, I have no idea how to respond in this situation!
“I, for one, wish to grant Mana’s wish. However, the decision rests with Yamato, so whatever answer you give, I will accept. Everyone else feels the same.”
So you’ve already discussed this. You’re quite efficient.
And when did you even have that conversation?
“This morning. Just before we went to the garden. Although, given the mood yesterday, I had anticipated this development.”
So you sensed it when we met?
This has become a difficult situation. I need to decide quickly, and both Princess Manalies and Princess Yuliana are looking at me anxiously.
“Also, this is a calculation on my part, but my marriage with Yuli is three years away, so until then, we will be engaged. Even for a princess of the Amister Royal Family, the title of fiancée does not hold that much weight. Therefore, other countries, or even Retisencia and Solemne, might try to push their princesses onto him.”
Princess Manalies is 18, so she can marry soon. Moreover, her sister and nobles are listed as fiancées, so it can be easily rejected.
It may be a decision based on calculation, but I also have no desire for any princesses from Retisencia or Solemne. Frankly, I planned to refuse, but if it can serve as a shield, I might be willing to accept.
“Understood. However, it’s not a decision made solely on calculation. Since she’s Prim’s childhood friend and everyone else agrees, I will do my best.”
That’s for sure.
Just like everyone else, I need to try my best to love her.
“Thank you.”
Princess Manalies rejoiced with a smile as radiant as a blooming flower.
Yes, I knew she was beautiful and cute, but she becomes even cuter when she smiles.
“I am grateful, Lord Yamato.”
His Majesty looks as though a great weight has been lifted, but more than that, he looks like a father who wishes for his daughter’s happiness.
Queen Roena, Princess Manalies’s mother, and Queen Sajanca, Princess Yuliana’s mother, also look happy.
I will work hard to make them happy and not disappoint their expectations.
“Rai, is that acceptable?”
“Do as you please.”
Huh?
Prince Reinhardt seems to be smiling wryly. Did something happen?
“Then, though it is sudden, it will be in the spring. I will abdicate the throne to Reinhardt. This is a decided matter.”
And then, a sudden declaration of abdication from His Majesty.
The Orders are also surprised, so this was unplanned.
“H-how sudden, Father. Brother, you were so hesitant, how did you come to agree to accept the throne?”
“It can’t be helped. Mana and Yuri will both marry him. Especially Mana, as she will be renouncing her claim to the throne.”
“Ah, well, that is true…”
Even when marrying a Hunter, one does not need to renounce their claim to the throne.
However, to join the Wing Crest, the claim to the throne becomes an obstacle.
This means Princess Manalies will be joining the Wing Crest.
In that case, Princess Yuliana will become second in line.
Prince Reinhardt has a son named Lessheit, but he is only two years old and has not yet been granted a claim to the throne.
He won’t be granted a claim until he is ten years old.
Incidentally, Duke Turkis has emerged as third in line, and his daughters will occupy positions four through seven. However, Duke Turkis has explicitly stated that he and his daughters have no desire to ascend the throne. Thus, there’s a possibility that the eighth in line could ascend the throne.
No, that would be problematic too.
“For these reasons, even if I ascend the throne, there will be no change in the succession order for some time. However, once Lessheit turns ten, he will be first. Yuri will be second, and if Mana or Yuri have children, they will take precedence.”
That’s right.
If I marry a princess, my children will have a claim to the throne, won’t they?
In other words, this sudden abdication declaration was made with consideration for future succession issues as well?
“I cannot say that is not a reason, but the biggest reason is that Father wishes to retire and live a free and easy crafter’s life.”
Prince Reinhardt stated this with conviction, and the King nodded with a wide smile.
Princess Manalies must have felt like she was jumping off Kiyomizu Stage when she made her proposal, but to think he would go so far beyond that…
No, once it’s decided and spoken of, I must take responsibility.
Along with the exchange with the Grand Crafter’s Master earlier, the King is starting to seem like a rather useless father…
