Chapter 74: The Otherworld Ambassador and the Second Princess
"Now, let's move on to another story," Melvin said.
For King Melvin, this must have been the climax of the current conversation. The atmosphere had become somewhat softer.
"A good story, you say?"
"Yes. It's about the discovery of the Sealed Door, the defeat of the Demon Zevion, and the retreat of the Demon Zalbash. We must reward those who have achieved such feats."
In other words, it was a discussion of rewards. The reason he had asked for Grace to accompany them was likely for this purpose.
"Theodore, your feelings haven't changed since you spoke to me before, have they?"
"If you mean continuing as an adventurer, then no."
"What about you, Grace?"
"I will serve by Theodore-sama's side, and that's enough for me."
Her response was almost immediate, showing no hesitation. King Melvin closed his eyes and then smiled wryly or perhaps somewhat self-deprecatingly as he said, "I see... You don't want to become a burden, is that it? While I appreciate your willingness, considering the request I just made, it's understandable that you wouldn't want to be entangled in matters like titles and estate management."
Bestowing titles and lands would come with obligations such as managing the territory and serving in the royal court. Since they relied on Theodore as a force for anti-demon battles and to accumulate strength by exploring dungeons, King Melvin probably wanted to avoid getting involved in other mundane matters.
"Ricard, what do you think would be best in this situation?"
"Giving them honorary positions alone... the king might not hold those in high regard, and it could be seen as a token gesture."
"Yes, that's true. Mildred, what about you?"
"In the course of fulfilling the request, there should be practical benefits to handle situations as they arise."
"In addition, it would be desirable for these benefits to not clash with the interests of other nobles and to avoid unnecessary disputes," King Melvin added.
"That's correct."
"Indeed."
King Melvin and the two dignitaries exchanged smiles that seemed oddly rehearsed. Well...
"Considering the magnitude of their achievements, it should be something on par with existing positions for mages, titles, and noble ranks. We should also add some authority to clearly distinguish it from a mere honorary position."
"Exactly. And it should focus on matters related to dungeons. In other words, it would involve creating new positions, titles, and honors for this purpose."
King Melvin grinned mischievously and looked towards me.
Hmm... while it appeared as if they were having a discussion now, it seemed more like they had already planned the flow of this conversation from the beginning.
"So, I propose this: let us position their exploration of the dungeons as my official representatives and grant them a title. How about 'Ambassador to the Otherworld'? It would signify that they act on my behalf."
In other words...
Regarding the actual operation of the Termwills Great Dungeon, it had been entrusted to the Adventurer's Guild. However, considering it as a resource and ultimately determining who would manage it, it would fall under the jurisdiction of the king as long as it was within the border city. Legally speaking, that is.
The same would apply to the lower levels, the actual otherworld or questionable ones. The Ambassador to the Otherworld, in this case, meant that if they deemed it necessary to carry out the royal request of fighting demons, they could enter wherever they wanted and do whatever they needed to without seeking permission from the kingdom or the guild.
If the royal family has grasped the full extent of the labyrinth, it would likely become the pretext of something like the Otherworld Administrator.
On the administrative side, it wouldn't be me or the royal family, but rather that girl I saw in the labyrinth and those behind her. It's safe to say that King Melvin's understanding of the labyrinth is quite high.
Well, they call me an ambassador, but in essence, it means that I have the freedom to do as I please within the labyrinth based on on-site judgment, with the king's approval.
Originally, I had planned to do so if necessary against demons, but it's reassuring to have it guaranteed from the beginning.
In practice, I'll be collaborating with dignitaries like the king, the head of the knights, the royal mage, the Moon Temple, the Adventurer's Guild, and others. Having equal authority to these bigwigs on-site is quite an exceptional treatment.
Using a title instead of a noble title or a position name might be aimed at suppressing the resentment of sensitive nobles or ensuring independence by not being a publicly appointed position. There seems to be such an intention.
"You won't see you as an ordinary child anymore. Jasper, was it? I've heard about when you captured him and when you fought Zevion. There's a remarkable judgment on the spot. Therefore, I considered eliminating anything that would be a hindrance."
...Hmm. Looking at it calmly, it seems like the only superior I have is the king.
"Similarly, Grace, I'll reward you for defeating the demon Zarbash. I'll grant you a knighthood under the direct authority of the Otherworld Ambassador."
Grace closed her eyes and quietly bowed. A knighthood, huh? It's only for one generation, but I can welcome this. Grace's official status should be better. If it's under my direct authority, I have no objections.
"Shirun's daughter, I'm also expecting your contributions."
"Me too?"
"Yes. I've heard from the academy. You're showing promise in healing magic. Support Theodore along with Grace."
"Though I lack talent, I'll do my best."
Ashley nodded, and King Melvin smiled with satisfaction.
"Formal announcements and honors will come later. Tonight, enjoy food and drink to your heart's content."
With that, King Melvin raised his glass. Well, what a bold move.
After the dinner with the king, as I was about to leave with the same servant who had guided me here, a young woman and a court lady stood in the balcony garden.
She's about 17 years old, I guess? She has a refined face, but her sharp eyes give off a strong impression.
"Oh..."
The woman acknowledged me and, with her fan spread open, looked at me as if assessing me.
With her extravagant dress, it's needless to say that she holds a high position... but the location matters.
This is the area where the royal family lives. At the very least, I should consider her to be on the level of a duchess's daughter, but it's highly likely she's a princess.
I can't tell if she's the first princess or the second princess, but based on rumors and hearsay, I have a hunch.
"You. You're the king's guest, right? I'm the second princess, Rosemary. Remember it from now on."
As I suspected, it's Rosemary. I'd rather avoid meeting her if possible.
"I'll allow a straightforward answer. Is your name Theodore, right?"
"Yes."
"I see."
Rosemary walked up to me.
"Now, Your Highness..."
The servant, the guide, seemed to hurry to speak, but when Rosemary smiled slyly and gave him a glance, he stumbled over his words.
"You seem to have made quite an impact with your actions."
Rosemary maintained that expression, closed her fan, and pushed up my chin.
She stared at my face for a while, but eventually, she smiled with amusement.
"Hey, you. If you wish, I could keep you as a pet. I rather like those cheeky eyes of yours."
...Keeping me as a pet, huh? In the sense of incorporating and appointing me politically, is that what it means?
It's quite something to say.
Considering that she's the elder sister, I imagine Prince Albert and Princess Marlene are also having a hard time. From what I hear, they seem to enjoy power struggles.
It's comforting that the eldest brother and eldest sister seem to be normal... but if there weren't someone like Rosemary, Albert and the others might have had a more peaceful life.
The servant who was guiding us seemed to muster some courage. Well, I was invited as the king's guest. I guess it's important to avoid trouble on the way back, but I don't need any protection.
"I won't meet your expectations, Your Highness. I have a request to fulfill."
If the intention is to incorporate into a faction, it's a meaningless conversation when there's already a request from King Melvin and talk of a title.
Before that, Chester, who I didn't quite agree with, was cut off, so he doesn't seem like a very trustworthy person.
"I see."
Rosemary muttered as if bored and, with her fan closed, concealed her expression. She seemed to be thinking about something, but eventually shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, fine. You're my father's guest. I'll overlook a bit of rudeness."
The person who seemed relieved by those words wasn't me but the servant. Well, I understood that for the servants, opposing Rosemary required a great deal of determination.
"Everyone's like that. Always talking about the labyrinth, the demons... it's boring."
As she left, I heard her voice along with the sound of her fan clapping.
Well... if you want a replacement for Chester or Fernando, please look elsewhere.