After expelling Duke Nachlstadt Nizheg, the conversation continued in the Audience Chamber of the Dragon King’s Castle.
“So, Prince Primrose and Madam Apricot’s defection has been acknowledged by the Beast King?”
“That appears to be the case. They are also spreading news of their marriage to O-Rank Order Yamato, so it’s unlikely they’ll be caught up in the civil war in Valentia.”
In some cases, I might have to get involved myself, but I’m grateful that the possibility of being dragged in without a fight has disappeared.
“We’ve heard that news in Valentia too. You are said to be an Ancient Human who evolved for the first time in decades since becoming the Grand Hunter’s Master, and a hero who saved the country from Retisencia’s machinations. For that achievement, you received the title of Sky Knight and became an O-Rank Order.”
Honestly, please stop calling me a hero.
It’s just too embarrassing.
“That is correct. However, I have a letter for His Majesty the Dragon King from my brother regarding this matter. Please examine it.”
“From His Majesty the New King? Understood.”
Mana handed the letter from Emperor Reinhardt to Prime Minister Isaac, who after a brief check, passed it to Emperor Folias.
“…What?”
There seemed to be two letters, but Emperor Folias let out such a sound midway through the first one.
“I apologize, but we will be changing locations. Only the Prime Minister, Heldina, Brother Harut, Freyus, and Duke Hertrich will be present.”
Emperor Folias, saying this, conveyed a few words to Prime Minister Isaac and then left the Audience Chamber.
Heldina Dragoon, Queen of Valentia, Harut Dragoon, Commander of the Valentian Dragon Knight Order, Freyus, the Vice Commander and my future father-in-law, and Duke Hertrich Lindworm, who will be Queen Heldina’s father.
Unlike Nachlstadt, Duke Hertrich can be trusted, I suppose.
“Then, H.R.H. Manalease, H.R.H. Yuriana, Lord Yamato, and everyone from Wing Crest, allow me to show you the way.”
It seems Prime Minister Isaac will guide us to avoid getting tangled up with the nobles.
I believe the nobles felt my magic when I rebuked Duke Nachlstadt, but that’s a different matter entirely. Many nobles in Amister wanted to get close to me, so it’s impossible for the nobles of Valentia, who wield power and wealth even more than in Amister, not to think the same.
Therefore, I’m grateful for Prime Minister Isaac’s guidance, but since I don’t know what the nobles might do, Prim and I will walk at the rear, keeping watch to make sure no one is led away.
After waiting in a separate room for about thirty minutes, we were led to a drawing-room in the royal residence, as preparations were complete.
Emperor Folias, Queen Heldina, Crown Prince Harut, Duke Hertrich, Prime Minister Isaac, and Freyus were already seated, and the Royal Dragon Knights were in position.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting. It was necessary for everyone present to know the contents of this letter.”
Setting up the room aside, how did they manage to explain it in thirty minutes?
I don’t know the contents of the letter, but it should concern Prim and me, so thirty minutes seems insufficient, and I can’t imagine it’s believable either.
“Did you finish explaining in such a short time?”
“I can only say ‘to some extent.’ The contents are hard to believe, but regardless of the truth, it seems proof has been presented to Amagi Castle in the form of magic stones, so we cannot disbelieve it.”
“We can genuinely understand how you feel.”
The members of Wing Crest nodded in agreement with Mana’s words.
Prim is nodding too, but you’re in the same boat as me, aren’t you?
“And that Miss Primrose is actually an Ancient Foxy. However, due to issues with Valentia, it was deliberately kept secret, her level and license were not disclosed, and she has been presented as a P-rank High Hunter. It’s elaborate, but it’s unavoidable given the current situation.”
Duke Hertrich mentioned Primrose, and Prim displayed her license. Since licenses cannot be forged, the information written on it is beyond doubt.
“Even though defection to both countries has been permitted, we need to keep Miss Primrose’s situation hidden due to Leonas. I can understand this, but… looking at her license, her level is also too high. Furthermore, it’s said she raised her level this much in less than two months, so reaching level 70, which is said to evolve into an Ancient Class without fail, seems to be a matter of time.”
Crown Prince Harut opened his mouth with a look of disbelief, and I can’t help but agree.
“That’s also an unbelievable story, but the most unbelievable thing is that you defeated an End Species. At that point, it’s already an unbelievable tale. To think that Lord Yamato and Miss Primrose each independently defeated an Orc Emperor and an Orc Empress is something I’ve never even heard in a story!”
Queen Heldina looked at Prim and me with an indescribable expression, but I’ve been told this so many times in Amister that I’ve developed a tolerance.
I’ll try to act tough, as if nothing they say bothers me.
“We can genuinely understand how you feel. We couldn’t understand what was being said at first either.”
“I’m sure.”
“Rather, even if someone could understand, they would immediately doubt their sanity. It’s simply too far-fetched. However, the magic stones of both End Species have been presented to Amagi Castle and are strictly stored in the treasury. It was even written that if you ever come to Amister, they would be shown to you, so we can’t help but believe it.”
Were they written to that extent?
“Ah, though it’s a bit late, I have imposed a duty of confidentiality upon the Royal Dragon Knights. We have also used contract magic, so nothing will leak from them. Of course, we have no intention of speaking of this elsewhere.”
“We appreciate your consideration.”
It seems the Royal Knights quite often have opportunities to learn important secrets. In Amister, the Royal Order also used contract magic, so that’s unavoidable.
“That also caught my attention, but I’m more interested in the new technology that has been announced by the Crafter’s Guild. The fact that it can withstand the magic power of an Ancient Class means it can be used without issue even by High Class.”
Crown Prince Harut is interested in that. He’s a level 44 Hydragonewt, so I can understand how he feels.
“You gifted Freyus a sword, didn’t you? It was a gift from an individual to an individual, and as a proposal of engagement, I won’t take it away. However, currently, only that one sword is in Valentia, along with a few that Hunters obtained in Amister. Fortunately, none of them have been robbed as they are all High Class, but I don’t think this is sustainable.”
“There are divided opinions among us as to whether to prioritize the Dragon Knight Order or provide them to Hunters. I believe they should be provided to Hunters, but Crown Prince Harut insists on prioritizing the Dragon Knight Order. Duke Hertrich also prioritizes the Dragon Knight Order, but believes that High Class should be prioritized rather than all members at once.”
I’ve heard that from Freyus as well. Valentia, in particular, can prepare Adamantine Steel on its own, but Magic Silver and Crystal Silver must be imported from Amister or obtained from Labyrinths. Thus, even if they supply it throughout Valentia, it will take longer than Amister.
“If I may offer our opinion, we should prioritize High Class regardless of whether they are Dragon Knights or Hunters. Frankly, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the new technology and alloys were created for High Class. I understand that it takes time to prepare a sufficient quantity of Crystal Silver, but using that as an excuse to put Hunters last will not benefit Valentia.”
I agree. Amister, which can prepare Crystal Silver on its own, can supply High Hunters while prioritizing the Order’s Guild. However, that’s not the case in Valentia. That’s why they’re struggling with how to handle it. However, I had the knowledge of alloys transmitted to Ed and had him make it not for the country, but for myself, so I support Emperor Folias’ opinion that it should be provided to High Hunters rather than the entire Dragon Knight Order.
“Prioritizing High Class, whether Dragon Knight or Hunter. However, that will not boost the morale of the Dragon Knight Order. We should prioritize Dragon Knights over Hunters.”
“I can’t let that statement pass. Because of those Hunters, we are reducing the threat of monsters, aren’t we? Or do Dragon Knights in Valentia make a living hunting monsters?”
Crown Prince Harut’s statement is unacceptable as a Hunter. He’s not saying it from the heart, but rather from a desire to re-equip the Dragon Knight Order, but such a statement also implies that he subconsciously thinks that way.
“There is no such thing. Lord Yamato, His Highness Harut believes that Valentia should do the same as the Order’s Guild in Amister by renewing their equipment.”
Crown Prince Harut makes a sheepish face at Duke Hertrich’s statement. In other words, he was envious.
“The Order’s Guild renewed its equipment due to the threat of Retisencia. High Class individuals require frequent replacement of not only weapons but even armor. Furthermore, for a certain reason, it was judged that simply updating the equipment of the High Order would not suffice, so new equipment was developed for the general Orders as well.”
The “certain reason” was simply that there were too many petitions for changes in equipment design.
“That reason is the hypothesis regarding levels, isn’t it?”
Oh, I was wrong. And is that written down too? Emperor Reinhardt, aren’t you giving out too much information? No, it probably means Valentia can be trusted that much.
“Yes. Not only my brother but even my father and the Grand Order’s Master could not object to that hypothesis. In fact, Lydia and Ludia have evolved into Hydragonewts, and this Raus is also on the verge of evolving, so to speak.”
Lydia, Ludia, and Raus, who Mana mentioned, widen their eyes as if they hadn’t heard. It’s natural, as I hadn’t heard it either.
“Impossible. If my memory serves me correctly, Lydia and Ludia both left on a journey as soon as they became B-rank.”
Crown Prince Harut looks at Freyus with disbelief.
“As Your Highness remembers. I also gave them permission, thinking it would be beneficial for them, but I never expected them to return after evolving, let alone getting engaged, in just a few months. Lydia, Ludia, your licenses.”
“Huh? Ah, yes.”
Prompted by Freyus, Lydia and Ludia present their licenses. Raus, perhaps thinking he should do the same, also presents his license.
“Th-they have truly evolved…”
“And at level 45. It’s hard to believe, but as long as it’s written on the license, there’s no room for doubt.”
“That is surprising, but what surprises me more is this kid named Raus. He’s only 13 years old and level 42? I’ve never heard such a thing.”
The three members of the Royal Family exclaimed in surprise. Both seem to be unusual cases. Especially Raus, given the incident in Etrada, will likely strive for higher levels even after evolving.
“Certainly, with such clear reasons, I understand why Amister decided to renew the Order’s Guild equipment. Valentia also wishes to do so, but unfortunately, we cannot prepare that much Crystal Silver, so at most, we can only do so for weapons.”
“Amister, already immensely powerful, will become even more so. However, as evidence that they are not directing that power towards our country, they have even documented the level-up hypothesis, so we should rejoice.”
Ah, so that’s why the hypothesis was also mentioned in the letter. Now that I think about it, it makes sense.
“Seeing the results, I am even more inclined to prioritize the Dragon Knight Order, but there is no point in doing so by angering an Ancient Human. If it were an invasion by another country, it would be different, but there is no record of Valentia being invaded other than by Solemne nearly two hundred years ago. Although they hunt monsters for experience, we should not create strife with Hunters.”
The Dragon Knights directly under the Dragon King are few, numbering only about 500. Including the guards and private Dragon Knight Orders organized by nobles, there are over 5,000, but even then, there are only about 200 High Class individuals, and they are said to not possess the same strength as the Dragoness Menage, like Mr. Rybart. On the other hand, Hunters, led by the Dragoness Menage, have over 300 High Class individuals, so in terms of combat power and experience, they are the ones we would rely on if it came down to it. Yet, he prioritized appearances. I don’t quite understand Crown Prince Harut’s thinking. No, I understand it, but considering it’s for the country, he should be able to make a clear decision.
“I think it would be fine to just have the armor of the armor replaced later.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Crown Prince Harut reacted to my mumbled words.
Damn, I forgot. Because he’s a Hydragonewt, his senses are sharp.
“Ah, my apologies. I don’t know whether the Dragon Knights use Magic Silver or Adamantine Steel, but looking at your Royal Dragon Knights, it’s not exactly full plate armor, is it?”
“Not really. Even with Ee-quipping, we fight while riding Wyverns, so we can’t wear full plate armor. Therefore, we integrate Magic Silver plating into leather armor.”
That makes sense. Even if it’s made of Magic Silver, full plate armor is incredibly heavy. Unlike humans who can manage with Physickering and Manalurring, it’s a considerable burden for Wyverns.
“Then, wouldn’t it be better to make alloys the mark of High Class, and then just replace the armor once they evolve?”
Of course, it needs to be designed to allow for that from the start. If so, they wouldn’t need to craft entirely new equipment even after evolving, and by preparing Jade Silver or Blue-Gray Iron each time, wouldn’t that reduce costs?
“I see! Indeed, there’s no need to equip all Dragon Knights with this alloy. We’ll consider that eventually, but if we design it so that the armor can be replaced with that in mind, then not only when the armor is damaged, but even when evolving into High Class, we can respond immediately. Folias, what do you think of this?”
“If that’s the case, I don’t mind, but the weapons will be a lower priority.”
“That’s fine. Of course, we want the High Class Dragon Knights to do it quickly, but for everyone else, armor is the priority. Ever since the rumor of the Order’s Guild renewing their equipment spread, the number of petitions has only increased.”
Emperor Folias gives a wry smile at the excited Crown Prince Harut, but were there such petitions in Valentia too? Well, even the armor of the Royal Dragon Knights looks rugged, and as a woman, the design is a bit lacking.
“I can understand the sentiment. Especially your armor, Lord Yamato, is magnificent. Is that the armor specifically for Sky Knights that I’ve heard rumors about?”
“Yes. It was crafted by His Majesty the Regent Aiver, and bestowed upon me by His Majesty the New King.”
Duke Hertrich looks at my Arc Order’s Coat with interest. It’s flashy, but undoubtedly cool. It doesn’t have a cosplay feel, but still.
“Regarding this Arc Order’s Coat, we are using materials that are quite problematic. However, there are currently only three Sky Knights, so we are confident that it is equipment fitting of that title.”
Mana added, but indeed, Gryphon leather would be troublesome. I feel the same way.
“Oh. Crafted by Lord Aiver, who became Regent. As expected of a first-class Crafter, it’s truly beautiful. But what are these problematic materials?”
“Would it be alright to discuss that later, after we’ve finished our current conversation?”
“Why?”
Crown Prince Harut also seems interested, but Mana apparently wants to proceed with the current discussion.
“Because if I talk about it, the conversation ahead will not progress. There’s even a possibility it might be forgotten.”
My Wing Crest members nod their heads vigorously. Is it that bad?
“That… well, it makes me afraid to hear about it…”
“Indeed. However, I am not without interest, so let us proceed with the discussion about the invitation from Mother Dragon Gaia.”
There’s a part of me that feels like “finally,” and another part that feels like “it’s finally here.” We came to Valentia because we were invited by Mother Dragon.
“First, the audience with Madam Gaia is scheduled for tomorrow. Heldina and I will accompany you, but we have separate objectives, so we plan to return first.”
“Separate objectives?”
“Yes. It’s a bit embarrassing, but I will be taking Madam Gaia’s daughter as my Queen. This trip to Mount Wilness is for preparations for that. Ah, we were already planning to go to Mount Wilness soon, so accompanying you is purely coincidental.”
So that’s how it is. While Dragonians have never been Queens before, Emperor Folias reportedly had a fateful encounter with Madam Gaia’s daughter when he visited Mount Wilness through Queen Heldina’s introduction. Therefore, he had been making preparations to make that daughter his Queen. Queen Heldina also knows her, so the discussion between the couple ended quickly.
“So, Your Majesty, do you know the reason why he was invited by Madam Gaia?”
“Yes, I apologize, but I do not. Besides, Madam Gaia does not explain unless necessary. However, since she invited him, I don’t think it’s simply to entertain him.”
We were thinking the same thing, but again, we don’t know the reason for the invitation. Madam Gaia is said to have lived for over 200 years, and being a Dragonian, her way of thinking might be different from ours.
“Yamato, is there anything else you want to ask?”
“No, I’m fine.”
If that’s the case, it’s better to ask Madam Gaia directly.
“Then, please come to the castle tomorrow morning at 9 AM. A carriage will be sent to pick you up at the base of the mountain, so you will be traveling by Beast Carriage to the foothills.”
“Understood.”
It takes about two hours by Beast Carriage to the foothills, so it would be wise to have lunch prepared.
“I thought it would take a bit longer, but it ended surprisingly quickly. Well then, shall we immediately be told what materials are used in that armor?”
Glad that the conversation ended sooner than expected, Crown Prince Harut eagerly resumed his questioning.
“Well, let me ask you in return, Crown Prince Harut, what do you think is used?”
“Are you asking me to guess? Interesting. Hmm, since rare monsters seem to have been used, could it be the hide of an Abnormal Species? I’ve heard that near Float, Tempest-Liger and Grandic-Boar appear.”
Crown Prince Harut answers with great confidence, but unfortunately, he’s wrong.
“The correct answer is Gryphon. As they nested in the Treasure Trees of the Ideal Mountain Range, we hunted them there.”
“…Gryphon?”
“What? Gryphons, aren’t they M-rank Monsters?”
“Th-that’s right. Furthermore, they are said to be extremely close to A-rank…”
Gryphons haven’t been seen in Amister for decades. They don’t exist in Valentia, but they are still recognized as the highest-ranked M-rank monsters, so most people are aware of them.
When I explained the Gryphon subjugation in detail, they were greatly surprised. Flying made them troublesome, but they still have weaknesses as living beings. The reason high-rank monsters were avoided was mainly due to issues with weapons and magic power. In fact, Lydia and Ludia together defeated a G-U rank Monster, the Heavy Shell Grizzly, and Emperor Reinhardt, Princess Eliss, and Madam Maruca also defeated a Sky Serpent and a Heavy Shell Grizzly as a group of three.
When I told them that, Crown Prince Harut’s face lit up, making me feel like I might have said something I shouldn’t have. Emperor Folias is thoughtful, or rather, seems like a scholar, while Crown Prince Harut is, in the best sense, a warrior, and in the worst, a brute. There’s apparently one more brother between them, but he’s studying to become the heir of a noble family he married into, so it seems unlikely we’ll meet him.
