Chapter 19 (2/2)
Uwaaa….was it just as I thought?
Cecilia and I exchanged look, confirming with each other to match our stories as discussed earlier.
“King Darts, may I know what was it that you are not able to understand?” [Cecilia]
From our previous arrangements, we have decided that Cecilia, being the one who has the highest amity with the King to be the first one to answer the questions.
“Hmm, based on the report, Gallis Empire’s hero, Mirror, does not possess only the great sword techniques, but also excellent movements. In addition to that, there’re also a magic absorbing sword and another artificial demon’s weapon in the shape of a tube that emits a flash in the report.” [King Darts]
“Yes. They are all the truth…..May I know if there is anything wrong in respect to that?” [Cecilia]
“I couldn’t really grasp the part…..about how Mirror fell into the river. It doesn’t sound reasonable even if Cecilia Aquarain is a member from the hero’s party who had defeated the demon king. Among those two over there, we have received hidden reports that a guy by the name of Youki has registered with the guild as a rank C adventurer but, the other young boy wasn’t registered with the guild. Besides……” [King Darts]
When he casted his glance at Sheik…….he’s still sleeping!?
It’s certainly inevitable even if we were suspected now. Cecilia could be seen breaking out in a cold sweat as well.
She was probably figuring out how to worm our way out of this. I did ask him not to say anything unnecessary but I don’t recall giving him the green light to doze off.
“…..Sheik, wake up.” [Youki]
“Nn?” [Sheik]
I nudged Sheik with my elbow, to wake him up.
“Do something. Anything.” [Youki]
Would performing just acrobatic movements be convincing enough for him? However, King Darts appeared to have a different proposal in mind as he observed Sheik.
“I would like to have a better understanding of your ability….How about if you were to be Sylvia’s practice partner here?” [King Darts]
Sylvia should be the female knight beside him.…….It should be alright if it does not reach the degree where injuries occur.
“Sure~” [Sheik]
“……then, here I go.” [Sylvia]
Upon hearing Sheik’s reply, the unexpected expression she had on when she was flirting with the King was gone, replaced by a penetrating glare that was cast at Sheik as she approached him.
Despite the supposedly heavy armour weighing on her body, the female knight’s movement was extremely agile. But, Sheik is not any inferior to her too. They were engaged in close combat for a short moment before the female knight parted and backed away a few steps, returning to her former position.
Sheik had not gone in pursuit as well and did a light stretching instead. It seems to be over.
“Sylvia, how is his ability?” [King Darts]
“Yes. His swift movement is of one unbefitting of his age. I am looking forward to seeing his growth in future.” [Sylvia]
Judging on the contents of the conversation, it looks like they have recognized Sheik’s ability.
“King Darts, then..?” [Cecilia]
“Aa, I’ll believe in your story for the time being.” [King Darts]
“Thank you very much.” [Cecilia]
Seeing Cecilia giving a splendidly done and beautiful bow, I lowered my head before the King too. Casting Cecilia a sidelong glance, I could see her looking relieved. The reason being, she might be the one feeling most anxious about the whole ordeal this time. I’m glad that it is a tremendous weight off her shoulders now.
“Hahaha. Just raise your heads! I would’ve believe in your story even if I had not tested his abilities actually. The testimonies received have already proven that what’s stated in the report is not a lie.” [King Darts]
“…..Eh?” [Cecilia]
What do you mean by that? Cecilia looked totally bewildered by that statement. I looked at King Darts with two huge dots in my eyes too.
“Based on the information acquired from Raven, the villagers have already testified hearing loud battle noises coming from the forests. Raven had gone to the scene himself and confirmed the traces of the fight there as well.” [King Darts]
“But, those alone might not be sufficient as a testimony to our report……..” [Cecilia]
“Hmmm. First of all, there would no reason for Cecilia Aquarain to be giving a false report. It will be sufficient so long as you were to prove that a battle did ensue there.” [King Darts]
Could it be because she’s a member from the hero’s party? The King appears to have considerable trust in her.
“Also pertaining to the results of the fight…..from what I have heard so far about Gallis Empire’s hero, Mirror, well if you had lost then you wouldn’t be standing here right now, would you?” [King Darts]
“I had to undergo medical treatment in the village at that time…in worst cases there is a possibility of me getting killed too.” [Cecilia]
“Hahaha. So it seems.” [King Darts]
In other words, could it be that, King Darts has not doubted us at all from the beginning? Cecilia who was at her wits’ end, trying to think of various excuses since earlier started trembling.
“King Darts!” [Cecilia]
“Hahaha. Don’t be so angry, Cecilia Aquarain. It was just a little prank.” [King Darts]
As expected of Cecilia. Despite the fact that the other party’s a King, she still snapped at him. King Darts laughed in an effort to gloss over Cecilia’s anger. I am seriously worried about the future of this country.
Was everything that I have heard about the King just a rumour? Just as that thought crossed my mind, King Darts who was appeasing Cecilia earlier voiced out.
“Fuu…well then. Without further ado, let’s enter the main topic. You have attained quite numerous achievements this time. Not only have you repelled Gallis Empire’s hero, Mirror, you have also relayed it to us on the enemy’s hidden intelligences gathering agenda on Clariness Kingdom and also gathered other valuable information beneficial to the country. So, I would like to grant all of you an award. What do you want?” [King Darts]
An award…… What a sweet sounding word this is. But, a reward might sound even better. Without knowing it, my mind ended up changing the word ‘award’ into ‘reward’. The word ‘reward’ endlessly repeats itself in my head.
Reward, reward, reward, reward… that’s it!
“I want to go out with Cecilia.” [Youki]
Due to the honest desire swirling in my head, I wound up blurting it out by accident.
I was overcome with remorse the moment those words escaped my mouth.
This isn’t a reward that can be granted by the King, is it!?
Sheik burst out laughing while Cecilia was stunned by my words.
Everyone in the room, including King Darts appeared stupefied by my sudden unexpected request.
Rinkage’s Footnotes
1. 自分の首を絞めることになりかねませんからね = It’s a metaphor for ‘An action that will end up putting oneself into an extremely dangerous situation’. Literally, ‘strangling your own neck’. The English version would be ‘Put one’s head in a noose’.
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