Chapter 43: The Prince and Knight's Aspiration
"I believe you already understand, but I didn't ask you to come here just to convey his message," Albert said with a serious expression.
Currently, in the castle, a decryption team composed of magicians and bureaucrats has been mobilized. They are tirelessly deciphering ancient manuscripts in the Great Library.
"Is this in the aftermath of the Demon incident?"
I had hoped you could investigate the connection between the Demons and the Moonlight Temple a little, but it seems to have become quite a serious matter.
"That's right. Since I'm better at academic studies than practical magic, I voluntarily joined the research group. It's clear that dangerous things are sealed within the Moonlight Temple. There are even traces of letters about the study of Transient Stones being sent outside the city."
Outside the city, huh?
Does that mean the Demons have allies?
"Is it alright for you to tell me this?"
"Well, I haven't revealed any specific details, and even if I did, it wouldn't change anything. Besides, there might be some offers from His Majesty to you too. Actually, this isn't the main topic. But still, I'd be glad if you keep what I told you a secret. After all, I'm doing this to get you some recognition," Albert said, smiling as he held a forefinger in front of his mouth.
Hmm, so it's a kind of advice from Albert. Though I can't help but think it's not just out of kindness, especially considering that Albert is also seeking talented individuals.
"So, what is the main topic?"
"It seems that some members of the Knight Order harbor animosity towards you. I thought it would be best to inform you," Albert said.
"If His Highness told you that, then I should be cautious."
"Oh, you knew about it already. I guess I was meddling unnecessarily."
"No, it's not like that."
Shiela was unable to infiltrate the castle due to the high risks involved. Moreover, she had decided against it.
Hence, she only knew the publicly known information about the prominent members and relationships within the Order. Without such background knowledge, it would be impossible to have a meaningful conversation.
If Prince Albert were to support her, she might gain insights into those backgrounds.
"Has there been any change in the situation surrounding the Knight Order?"
"They are considering forming an exploration team composed of knights and soldiers to venture into the Labyrinth. The Kingdom wants clues to infiltrate the sealed Moonlight Temple. Both the Security Forces and the Knight Order didn't have a chance to shine during the recent Demon incident, so they want to redeem themselves," Albert explained.
"I see..."
The Knight Order is planning to enter the Labyrinth. Could it be the reason why Chester, one of Greg's promising men, is coming after me?
Perhaps he sees me, who defeated the Demons and ventured into the Labyrinth, as his business rival.
If Chester's usual behavior is as the surrounding reputation suggests, then it must be intentional.
For instance, it might be his aim to provoke antipathy in me by using his credibility as a weapon. In doing so, even if I speak ill of Chester, those around us would perceive it as malicious slander to bring him down.
Considering Greg's favorable standing above and unpopularity below, Chester might be a similar type of person. He may look down on me simply because I am below him. From the perspective of the Knight Order, I am already close to the Mage Corps.
However, the problem lies in the reason for this animosity. Just that alone wouldn't explain such blatant behavior. What exactly does he expect to achieve by treating me this way?
"Well, as someone belonging to the Dragon Knights, I feel somewhat uneasy about it."
"Why is that?"
"Well, because flying dragons have no role in the labyrinth, you see."
Ah, I see. I understand the reason now.
"At the royal palace, was there any discussion about my flying ability?"
"Well, um, that is... ah, I see."
Prince Albert quickly grasps the situation from my question alone.
As they believed they were the only ones capable of countering the flying demons, my appearance and engagement in aerial combat must have disrupted that belief. If the Mage Corps were to acquire the same ability, the skies would no longer be exclusively theirs. At the very least, they wouldn't suffer the disadvantage of being targeted by demons from the sky.
Furthermore, perhaps he is considering the possibility of me being employed at the royal palace.
The reason seems understandable. In short, it must be about safeguarding vested interests.
But, well... I didn't defeat the demons for such reasons.
There's no point in explaining, as I doubt anyone would understand, and even if they did, it wouldn't change the situation.
"There were voices seeking disclosure of information about your flying ability. However, His Majesty rejected it, as revealing secret techniques could provoke resentment among capable individuals and lead to leaks."
Ah, King Melvin, huh?
"That's because control and experience are crucial in your flying technique, so I only share what can be seen."
"Haha, I see. That's how it looks. Mages who can't access ancient texts struggle to find ways using Levitation and Shields, with or without chanting. Asking them to fight in such conditions is quite a challenge."
Given its high importance and easy-to-understand rationale, paying for the information is a waste, and obtaining it freely would lead to resentment. So, they decided to handle it themselves. Who knows when a mage capable of aerial combat will emerge in the future.
"Um, I can't imagine there are no capable magicians at all?"
"Ricardo's old body did well. He had a hard time adjusting to the three-dimensional movements and ended up vomiting."
Albert shrugged his shoulders.
...I see.
"So... Your Highness, what do you wish for in return for that information?"
"I don't think I gave you any particularly valuable information, though."
"No, it was very helpful, and I understand that you were trying to be helpful, so I feel I should give something in return."
"Hmm... For me, just having gained an acquaintance like you is compensation enough... Oh, right. I have a friend named Alfred who aspires to be a magic technician."
...Huh?
"If you have magical control ability, I think you could do some interesting things. If you're willing, I want you to help him out when he shows up."
"Understood. I promise."
As someone who knows about his double life, an evil smile almost surfaced on my face, but I managed to hold it back. Well, I see. So, he's going with that approach. I wouldn't have minded if he had come at me more straightforwardly. I know Albert's true wishes and what he's aiming for.
I glanced at Marleen and Ophelia. The two of them were happily chatting with Grace and Ashley.
...Well, it's fine. I guess Albert still doesn't fully trust me.
After thanking Albert and bidding farewell, I returned to the terrace on the second floor of the reception hall and encountered Chester.
"You're Theodore, right? You won the individual match earlier. I was making my rounds to greet the guests."
He had a smile on his face.
"I see."
Well, I don't want to be bothered with each individual, and I came here to make my position clear. Let's talk to Chester straightforwardly.
"Um, Lord Chester, would you be available to talk for a moment?"
I said, and Chester slightly widened his eyes, looking at me.
Then, he raised the corner of his mouth meaningfully.
"Me? Sure. I've finished my greetings, and right now I'm doing earth dragon running, so I don't have anything to do for a while. And... as the Hero-Killer, I've been wanting to have a chat with you without being disturbed."
"Do you have a vacant room or something?"
"In the Knight's Tower, there's an underground training room for rainy days. How about there?"