“Well, now that I’m relieved our relationship hasn’t been broken, let’s move on to your story.”
“Yes.”
“Jared, you will be formally appointed as the Seventh Seat of the Court Mages at a later date.”
The time had finally come. I had met Olivier and he had given me the unreasonable demand to become a Court Mage. However, when the truth came out, I was indeed asked to be a Court Mage Candidate, and I was surprised, to say the least.
Unlike the previous Court Mage Candidates, Jared had not cleared the trial set by the country. However, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he had achieved even greater accomplishments.
“…Um, I’m very happy to be appointed as a Court Mage, but I believe the Seventh Seat was held by Tres Brauer.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. Tres Brauer and Adelina Bischof have been moved to higher seats.”
Jared was surprised. As far as he knew, the ranking of Court Mages rarely changed.
The rankings of the Court Mages were determined by the Royal Palace and the Mage Association. He had heard that one could not simply take a seat just because there was an empty spot. He didn’t know the details of how the rankings were decided, but it seemed that seats were assigned based on overall magical ability.
This was apparently an attempt to make it easier for the public to understand the country’s strongest forces, the Court Mages. However, even the public did not know who the First Seat was.
The First Seat had been vacant for a long time. He heard that a young mage was chosen about ten years ago, but that person was said to be the King’s confidant, and very few people knew about them.
“We had a lot of trouble deciding on your seat, but we’ve decided to appoint you to the Seventh Seat.”
“Thank you.”
It was an honor to be appointed to the Seventh Seat as a minor and an incomplete mage. While he knew that rank wasn’t everything, he was still happy to be recognized.
“Just like the Court Mages, you are ordered to be an Assistant to the Capital City Guardian. You will be assisting Harald, the father of your fiancée, Olivier. Considering you are still a student, your duties as a Court Mage will be minimal for now. Even though you are a special scholarship student, you should continue attending the Academy until graduation.”
“I appreciate your consideration.”
Lately, he had been spending more time resting and found himself missing the Academy. Although he met his close friends outside of school, the time spent in uniform, chatting idly in the school corridors, was precious. Jared, who had been living life in a hurry, found his heart easing after meeting Olivier and resolving his own issues. Because of this, he had come to realize the value of his student life.
“Jared has already been doing things equivalent to a Court Mage. The time in one’s teens passes by so quickly. Cherish the time you spend with your friends and your fiancée.”
Horst smiled kindly, like a parent, and Jared was filled with gratitude.
“Now, this is, in a sense, the main topic. You refused any rewards. That alone is troublesome, but I heard that you wished that the five girls who tried to help you not be prosecuted and their families not be ruined. Is that correct?”
“Yes. That is correct.”
This was the real test. It was unclear what the King was thinking, but their future might be decided by this conversation with Jared. This was a heavy responsibility.
Jared, who was nervously awaiting Horst’s words, assumed a thinking posture, and then the King spoke.
“First, the girls will not be prosecuted. I promise you that. However, there is a condition. You, Jared, will take care of them.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“You, who wished for their salvation, will be responsible for them. I’m not saying you have to take care of them for the rest of your life, but at least until they become adults, you will be responsible if anything happens. Is that acceptable?”
“Of course.”
Jared’s immediate answer surprised the King slightly.
“I see, an immediate answer. Do you not think they will cause trouble for you or Olivier? I hate to say this, but their father is undeniably a rebel. Don’t you think the daughters are the same?”
“I don’t think so. However, if they do go astray, it will be my fault. If they cause trouble for Olivier, I will apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
“I see, Jared has already prepared himself?”
“To be honest, I don’t know if I’m prepared. However, since the future of the five girls is at stake, I want to do everything I can for them.”
“Very well. In that case, accepting Jared’s wish, we will reconsider the dissolution of the Silent family and the Anglat viscount family.”
“Thank you.”
He felt a great sense of relief without showing it. At least, this way, Mirina and the other four would not be left homeless. Although they had lost their father, they should be able to live with their families.
“However, this is merely a stay of execution. You must understand that not only them, but if even their remaining relatives do anything out of line, I, as King, will have no choice but to punish them severely. Understand?”
“I understand.”
Even if Mirina and the others lived without incident, other relatives might cause problems. The King would not show leniency in such cases. Jared also knew he couldn’t save them twice. There were limits to everything.
“…If that were the case, it would be simpler if Jared took them as consorts. That way, at least their closest family members could be protected.”
“That…”
He couldn’t answer when asked about consorts without being married to Olivier. He understood what the King meant, but Jared couldn’t make that decision. In that sense, perhaps his resolve to do what he could for the girls was not yet strong enough. However, Jared couldn’t imagine marrying anyone other than Olivier.
“Fuh… Please forget about it. It was difficult for Jared, who is not yet married. Well, it’s good enough that you know that such a method exists.”
“Understood. I will keep it in mind.”
“Ah, that’s fine. Then, with this, the future of the five girls and their families is guaranteed for the time being. Next, there is someone I would like to introduce to Jared.”
“Someone you’d like to introduce?”
“Yes. Since you’re probably listening anyway, Veronica!”
As Horst called out in a voice that could be heard outside the room, the door quietly opened. Appearing in the room was Vera with an awkward expression – no, it was Veronica W. Fairlyger.
