The meeting with the King was ongoing, but although Renee, who was originally the leader of the merchant caravan, should have been the one to interact with the King, Kousuke had already become the representative.
This was because Renee was showing that she was leaving it to Kousuke, and the King was also proceeding with the conversation with Kousuke.
Kousuke himself had no intention of saying anything about it.
“Well, the subjugation matter is fine, but the main issue is about what happened during the transport,” the King said.
The moment the King said that, Kousuke noticed that some of the people standing by reacted.
He didn’t know what their position was in reacting, but Mitsuki seemed to understand and told him mentally.
However, Kousuke pretended not to notice and tilted his head.
“Is something wrong?”
“…Hmm. Did something happen that would lead you to say that, given what transpired?”
“We adventurers understand that results are what matter, more than the process.”
Kousuke’s casual reply caused King Ernest to lift the corners of his mouth slightly.
Kousuke’s words were tantamount to saying that whatever happened in the interim was irrelevant.
In truth, the job of an adventurer is one that demands success or failure in fulfilling a request, and nothing more.
While it was a somewhat blunt statement, Kousuke’s argument was not incorrect.
Furthermore, he was implying that they had done their job properly this time, and therefore, they should not be burdened with anything beyond that.
Specifically, he meant that they should not be drawn into power struggles.
“I suppose that’s true. However, there are times when your opinions are necessary.”
“Opinions? From an organization that completely disregards our opinions and easily releases attackers?”
Kousuke’s direct words caused those around him to show dumbfounded expressions.
This included Renee and the others.
Only Kousuke, Kouhi, and Mitsuki, who had spoken the words, maintained their expressions.
Kousuke’s current words were equivalent to asking why their opinions would be valued by an organization that would so easily release criminals.
It went beyond sarcasm and was effectively a direct criticism of the King.
Even King Ernest looked dumbfounded at those words.
Amidst the silence, one man interjected.
Normally, interrupting the King’s words could be considered disrespectful, but he probably judged it to be a timely intervention as the King had paused.
“You, if I’m listening to you, you are being excessively rude!!”
“Rude, you say?”
Kousuke let out a sigh and looked towards the man.
“In what way am I being rude?”
“Wh-what did you say?!”
“Our opinions were already conveyed to the town’s patrol. You released them after making a judgment based on that, correct? In other words, that was the nation’s decision, wasn’t it? It’s impossible for us to further interfere with a decision made by the nation.”
Kousuke’s final words were directed at King Ernest.
Kousuke was asking if it was appropriate to say something at this time that went against the nation’s decision.
To Kousuke, the accusation of rudeness was completely off the mark.
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King Ernest was inwardly surprised as he received Kousuke’s gaze.
He had not expected someone who could construct an argument so skillfully.
To be frank, he had, in his heart, considered Kousuke to be merely an adventurer.
However, that thought had been completely blown away by their conversation so far.
There was a risk of being manipulated by the flow of the discussion.
Thinking this, King Ernest immediately switched his mindset.
What had started as a somewhat casual meeting, he now treated as a significant discussion for the nation.
“…Indeed, you are correct.”
“Wh-what?!”
“Your M-Majesty!”
King Ernest lightly raised his right hand to quell the commotion around him, but kept his gaze fixed on Kousuke.
Kousuke, too, met his gaze directly.
Meeting his gaze did not mean staring back intensely, but simply facing him as an equal.
However, only a select few could withstand the gaze of a King who had held his position for over twenty years.
In a sense, those who could endure such a gaze, which could be considered intimidating, were only those in similar positions.
Yet, Kousuke accepted the gaze with natural ease.
The atmosphere, vastly different from moments before, silenced the others.
Those present were all skilled at reading the mood.
They were aware of the tension between Kousuke and King Ernest.
“Hmm. Your concerns are justified. Therefore, I shall declare here and now: You will incur no responsibility from the nation for the words you have spoken at this moment.”
The words, though limited in scope, meant that Kousuke could say whatever he wished without being held accountable. The surroundings stared with wide eyes.
Such exceptions were rare, even in informal settings.
They were typically granted only when the other party was recognized as an equal to the King, or in extremely rare, special circumstances like this one.
“I express my gratitude for Your Majesty’s special consideration.”
Sensing the atmosphere, Kousuke said so and slowly bowed his head.
After that, Kousuke and the King continued their conversation in a straightforward manner.
The content of the discussion was an objective account of the events that occurred during the transport, from Kousuke’s perspective.
Kousuke’s personal thoughts and feelings at the time were excluded.
He understood that personal opinions held no meaning in such a setting.
Beyond that, it was up to the King to decide how to interpret it.
Kousuke believed it was not his place to interfere further.
“…Hmm. Your opinions have been of great value. I thank you again.”
“No. I am glad if I could be of assistance.”
Their conversation continued, maintaining the same tense atmosphere.
By then, no one dared to interrupt their dialogue.
“Indeed. By the way, I’ll ask this in front of my subordinates, but would you consider working for me?”
“Thank you for the offer, but…”
“I thought as much.”
What was a significant matter for those around them was casually brought up and quickly concluded between the two, without any pause.
The King’s invitation was genuine.
However, he had not expected Kousuke to accept it.
His offer for Kousuke to become his subordinate was made with the understanding that there were those who desired it.
While he hadn’t completely dismissed the possibility, he had spoken knowing it would most likely be refused.
At the same time, he carefully observed those around him who showed signs of relief upon Kousuke’s refusal.
For King Ernest, not only was the conversation with Kousuke important, but the reactions of his subordinates were equally so.
One could say that this meeting was arranged precisely for that purpose.
Considering this, a satisfactory outcome had been achieved from this discussion.
Unable to interject, the conversation proceeded smoothly. The Kingdom’s party and Renee’s group could only silently observe the exchange between the two.
Especially after the King’s demeanor changed, none of them could truly follow the underlying thought processes behind their conversation.
It was an interaction occurring at a remarkably high level, perceived almost as if one were a detached observer.
Although the meeting was finally drawing to a close, only the participants could have foreseen the trap that awaited them at the very end.
The meeting itself will conclude, but the final discussion regarding rewards will continue slightly longer.
An encouraging message has been posted on the NaroCon website.
I have read it immediately.
There is still time until the end of this month, so I look forward to your messages.
