Kousuke felt a sense of unease, wondering if a royal family member could prioritize their daughter over their position as prince. When he voiced this, Alec readily nodded.
“It’s fine. Rather, it would have greater political significance if I publicly renounced my claim to the throne.”
The presence of a blessed individual within the royal family exerted a significant influence on their surroundings.
“No one will stop me; in fact, there are those who would encourage it.”
The current king had three sons, all alive and well, with the first and second princes already having fathers of their own.
Third Prince Alec had only one daughter, but this paradoxically meant that Alec’s renunciation of the throne would cause no issues.
Of course, there were past obligations and entanglements, but according to Alec, these would largely become irrelevant once he secluded himself in the Tower.
Central Continent itself maintained a stance of non-interference from the perspective of other continental nations.
This was precisely why Alec, upon hearing about the recruitment of stewards for the Tower, had gone out of his way to conceal his identity and investigate in person.
The outcome was beyond expectation, or rather, beyond prediction, he said, laughing with amusement.
“I never imagined there would be other blessed individuals besides my daughter. Or perhaps that’s why the impregnable Tower was conquered?”
“No, that’s not correct. At least, I don’t possess a blessing. Nor were any of the members who conquered the Tower.”
“…That, in itself, is surprising…?”
“Naturally, I cannot discuss further details with an outsider.”
Alec gave a soft laugh at Kousuke’s refusal.
“That’s true. I am still an outsider, after all.”
“Ah… so you’re fully intending to come here?”
“Absolutely. I can’t think of any place with better conditions than here for me right now.”
Seeing Alec state this with conviction, Kousuke sighed and looked towards Wahid.
Catching Kousuke’s gaze, Wahid nodded.
“I see… Very well, we will present new conditions. If you agree, will you accept employment as our steward?”
“Indeed. That would be acceptable.”
Given Alec’s current position, immediate employment wasn’t feasible.
Therefore, they decided to meticulously iron out the terms.
As a result, after various adjustments to the details, Alec was finally hired as a steward.
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First, he must formally announce his renunciation of the throne.
Second, while coming to the Tower is acceptable, he is not to divulge where he will be staying (this was Alec’s proposal).
He may bring necessary subordinates, but only a few.
Naturally, those individuals must completely sever all ties with the Florece Kingdom.
And so on…
After much discussion and deliberation to establish the conditions, Alec, accompanied by Kouhi, headed towards the Florece Kingdom.
Kouhi was brought along to shorten travel time.
Similar to the incident with the Succubus clan before, they decided to use a method of repeatedly teleporting to get closer and then making a single long-distance teleport for the return journey.
A week later, Alec returned to the Tower with Kouhi, a few subordinates, and one young girl.
The subordinates, as expected, arrived with their families.
Alec had instructed them to believe they would not be returning to the Florece Kingdom.
By the way, Kousuke later learned from Kouhi that more people had actually wished to come.
However, Alec had decided that bringing such a large group was impossible and had narrowed it down to the current members.
Furthermore, Alec had also brought his own daughter, his original objective.
Alec’s daughter introduced herself as Floria Doria and bowed her head.
“My name is Floria Doria. I look forward to working with you.”
After saying this, Floria stared intently at Kousuke.
“W-what?”
“Nothing. You don’t seem strong at all for someone who conquered the Tower.”
“Hahaha. That’s true. I hardly participated in any battles. I just followed Kouhi.”
Kousuke shrugged as he said this.
“What? So you’re as weak as you look.”
Floria visibly showed her disappointment, but Kousuke didn’t seem to mind.
He thought that based on his appearance alone, it wasn’t unreasonable to be perceived that way.
However, one person present in this place did not overlook Floria’s words and took action.
“…Wha-!? What are you doing?”
Before she knew it, Kouhi had drawn her sword and was pointing it at Floria’s neck.
Her speed was so astonishing that no one present could move.
“Is the sword at your hip merely decorative?”
“…What?”
“How dare you, a weakling who cannot even keep up with movements of this level, speak so brazenly to my Master?”
Using Floria’s words against her, Kouhi provoked her.
“…Ngh!?”
Despite the sword at her neck, Floria glared at Kouhi.
Alec stepped between the two, who were on the verge of an incident.
“Ria, stop it!”
“…But!”
Ignoring his protesting daughter, Alec bowed his head to Kouhi.
“Kouhi-dono, I apologize. I will speak to Ria sternly later.”
“…There won’t be a next time, okay?”
“…Ah, I understand.”
After delivering a single line, Kouhi lowered her sword, and Alec nodded.
Meanwhile, Floria continued to glare at Kouhi, but she didn’t attempt anything further.
Kousuke couldn’t tell if she was reflecting on her father’s attitude or if there was some other reason.
Alec then turned to Kousuke and bowed his head.
“Kousuke-dono, I apologize as well.”
“Ah, no, no. I’m aware that I appear weak.”
Kousuke smiled as he said this, but Alec shook his head side to side.
“However, it is a fact that Kousuke-dono manages this Tower. …I’ve always told my daughter not to judge by appearances, but…”
Saying this, Alec looked at Floria with a wry smile.
Floria, feeling her father’s gaze, averted her eyes.
Kousuke could sense from her demeanor that the rather strong-willed princess was, in fact, weak when it came to her father.
He also discreetly checked Floria’s Status and found she possessed the title of
For a princess of a nation, she had a high Sword Skill, but unfortunately, or rather predictably, she was no match for Kouhi.
Then again, comparing them was misguided in the first place.
The Doria family (including the beautiful wife who had also come) and their subordinates had their residences assigned.
For now, the meeting was adjourned, and they headed towards their accommodations.
The official commencement of duties was set for a few days later.
Until then, it was time to procure furniture and daily necessities.
With the arrival of Alec and his subordinates, an official administrative body, more developed than a village but less than a town, was finally established on the Fifth Floor.
For those who thought Kousuke’s response was quite different compared to Gazeran’s, you are sharp!
Eh? You noticed that normally? (Sorry, sorry)
…Putting aside the trivial interlude, there is a proper reason.
It might sound like a foreshadowing, but it’s not a significant reason (Hey!). That story will be told later, so please wait until then.
2014/6/19 Typo correction
