Chapter 18 (1/2)

The presentation was a success.

The Carbanera Knight Order will be deploying for a search and destroy mission of the anki nest.

The majority of the decisions were decided the same day, but the Order does not have all its members in the castle at all times, so the sortie was set for two days later in order for them to get all their forces in order. Incidentally, Sedam has become hired as a solo adventurer, and Claura will be coming along as an overseer on behalf of the Magician Guild.

“...... I don’t really mind either way, but you’ve been made into the Order’s ‘ally,’ huh. That Grand Cross is quite shrewd.” (Sedam)

“Ah, so it’s like that……” (Gio)

Sedam is taking advantage of the buzz after the meeting to come talk to me. Indeed, now that I’m an ally, I’m honor-bound to be an ally in the future. In other words, the Order has just gained me as a backer, and I have just gained a duty to support them. If the Grand Cross said what he said with all these considerations in mind, then there is nothing else I can do but to be impressed.

“...... Becoming allies with people left and right will bind you up until you cannot move, dear Great Wizard-dono.” (Claura)

As I am chewing over the sarcastic advice offered by Claura,

“May I have a bit of your time?”

I get stopped by the Grand Cross.

…… I can’t think of a good reason with which I can turn him down.

♥♦♣♠

The Grand Cross and I moved to his own office, He is currently making s.h.i.+l tea for me.

“For the Grand Cross to brew it himself, what an honor this is.” (Gio)

I fear that talking to this person too long will make me reveal my true colors, so I really didn’t want to talk with him at all. But now, all I can do is sh.o.r.e up my nerves and turn a sharp gaze towards him.

“So, what is it that you wish to talk about?” (Gio)

“As we had just decided, the command of the subjugation force will be entrusted to Arnogia. However, as can be seen, he is still young.” (Armand)

“......” (Gio)

Opting to speak as little as possible to decrease the chances of me tripping myself up, I continue sipping my s.h.i.+l tea without saying anything.

“I was blessed with him quite late, so I cannot help but to be fond of him. You might think me a doting parent, but…… I wish to ask you to support him.” (Amrand)

“...... Hmm.” (Gio)

Oi oi. Well, I’ve already been made out to be an ‘ally,’ but if someone who could drop meteors on whoever he dislikes arrives on your doorstep, the smart thing to do would indeed be to try to draw him to your side. But still.

“To be evaluated so highly is an honor. However…… is he not already being supported by the other knights?” (Gio)

“Largely, yes. However, there are those who have expressed discontent. As you may already know, the Order used to belong to the Carbanera family.” (Amrand)

He explains to me that according to the Order’s current regulations, the position of Grand Cross is determined by all the knights casting votes. In other words, there is candidate rivalry.

“So Gillion-dono is also aiming for the Grand Cross seat.” (Gio)

“From his perspective, he is but exerting a claim to what he believes to be rightfully his…… but yes.” (Amrand)

“...... Rather than ‘support my son,’ ‘I don’t want you to support Gillion’ is what I seem to be hearing……” (Gio)

Now that I’ve become an official ally of the Order, a declaration from me in support of either side would probably be of quite some weight. If I take Gillion’s side, then things could get troublesome for the Sadishu father and son.

“..... Gillion has only inherited the bad aspects of his father.” (Amrand)

“Fuumu……” (Gio)

If I am to weigh the pros and cons, supporting Arnogia would earn me trust from the Grand Cross and knights. On the other hand, Gillion and those in his faction (if he actually has one) would resent me for it. Another thing that I need to consider is that the more involved I get with the Order, the higher the possibility that it will limit the actions I can take from here on.

“The alliance between the Order and myself is secure and unshakeable. I believe the knights themselves will elect the most appropriate person for the seat of the Grand Cross.” (Gio)

“...... Those words alone are enough to give me relief. Wizard-dono, let us continue to build a mutually beneficial relations.h.i.+p.” (Amrand)

Be it either Arnogia or Gillion who becomes the next Grand Cross, I will get along with the Order without showing any discrimination or favoritism. Spinning that on its head, it means that I will not support either of them, but neither will I sabotage either of them. It appears that what I meant to say was indeed properly conveyed.

♥♦♣♠

“...... It tires me out so much though……” (Gio)

While I am lying dead tired in the extravagant guest room that I had been a.s.signed, this time it is Arnogia who calls me out. I leave my room only after firmly deciding that if he is also going to talk to me about supporting him, I will run away, even if I have to use a spell or two.

“I am terribly sorry for calling you here, Wizard-dono.” (Arnogia)

I make my way to the castle's courtyard, where Arnogia is waiting for me. For some reason, he is in full armor, and there are knights all lined up behind him. There are about 20 people in the whole group.

“I don’t mind, but…… What is your business?” (Gio)

“Actually, we wish to ask for help with our training.” (Amrand)

“Training?” (Gio)

“We heard that Wizard-dono can create monsters similar to anki, so……” (Arnogia)

Oh, he’s referring to [Create Ogre Platoon]. I’ve never showed it to him, but Mora → Sedam → Arnogia is probably how he ended up hearing about it, I expect.

Actually, this is a good opportunity for me as well. How well would these knights, who are supposed to fight against anki and undead as their job, fare against level 6 ogres? It would serve as a yardstick against which I can estimate this world’s power balance.

“I myself have never fought against a real anki. Half of the knights are also the same. Those present here are only a part of my company, but would you grant us an opportunity to conduct training against something similar to anki?” (Arnogia)

His request ended up being something much more decent and proper than I had expected. His eyes are s.h.i.+ning with a clear sense of duty. Almost too brightly so for this dirty adult.

“If you require remuneration, we have it prepared here.” (Arnogia)

After Arnogia lowers his head, a young knight respectfully offers me a leather bag. It appears to be filled with gold coins. This young man really is diligent.

“No, I cannot accept remuneration for such an easy request. Use that money wisely for the Order’s sake.” (Gio)

“Th-, thank you very much!” (Arnogia)

Arnogia lowers his head in perfect sync with all of the knights behind him. The young knight that is holding the gold coins looks visibly relieved. If the Order is tight on money, then Arnogia my boy, you shouldn’t hand out money so freely…… Your father is worried about you, you know?

“Well then…… By means of this spell, may a platoon of 6 ogres be created from naught and be under my control for 3 full days. [Create Ogre Platoon].”

“Uoohhh……” (Knight)

“They really are anki……” (Knight)

“But the color is different.” (Knight)

“To even be able to do something like this……” (Knight)

Since this is training, I summoned the ogres without weapons. However, they are almost 3m tall, and their rock-like fists are more than capable of beating any normal human to death. In comparison to my impression of real large demons, I think their combat power is about the same.

The knights are raising a great commotion. Arnogia also has his eyes wide open. While large demons have pitch black skin, these ogres are reddish-brown, and they are also not emanating searing hatred. Some of the knights are calmly pointing out the differences, but I personally would have wanted them to be a bit more calm.

“Well then, let’s split into two groups and get started. I’m asking just in case, but would it be a problem if we kill them……?” (Arnogia)

“Ahh. Feel free.” (Gio)

“Waaaait a second!!” (!)

An angry voice cuts in. Even without looking, I can tell it’s Gillion. Lioria and his own subordinates are also with him.

“Aru! What, did you think you could steal a march on me?” (Gillion)

“Uu please stop~” (Arnogia)

“Nii-san. That’s rude!” (Lioria)

Gillion is shaking Arnogia with a superior att.i.tude, for which Lioria reproaches him. Arnogia is smiling, albeit a troubled-looking smile, but the subordinates on both sides are glaring at each other with quite threatening expressions. I gather from the faces of people of the people looking down at the courtyard from the windows above that the only people who respect Gillion are those under him.

Grand Cross, I don’t think you have much to worry about, you know?

“Wizard-dono. Let me have a go first! It’s fine, isn’t it?!” (Gillion)

“Bu-, but we were here first……” (Arnogia)

Arnogia is apparently bad at handling Gillion (well, I think most people wouldn’t use the word ‘easy’ to describe talking to Gillion though), judging from the timid att.i.tude that he is taking. But the fact that he raised a reb.u.t.tal instead of stepping aside means that he’s not completely overwhelmed.

“Gillion.” (Gio)

“Yea, Wizard-dono?” (Gillion)

The me back in j.a.pan was also bad with Gillion’s type, and I might have been quite irritated if someone like Arnogia was my subordinate. However, a different position brings with it a different perspective. Completely unrelated to the talk about the new Grand Cross, I myself have grown to like him quite a bit.

“This time, Arnogia was here earlier. Don’t worry, I can always make more ogre. Can you be patient and wait until they are done first?” (Gio)