Book 2: Chapter 48 (2/2)

「The last time the 8-star skill orb appeared was 250 years ago. Since there is no one alive from that time period, and the records being in old writings, it seems to have taken some time to decipher the meaning of its appearance.」

「What meaning does all these hold for the “Other World”…?」

「…His Majesty might even tell you about it if you go to the Holy Royal Palace. Perhaps also about the thing that is called the “Covenant”.」

Covenant.

If I remember correctly, the dragon also used that word.

「And there is another big difficulty that His Majesty has to take care of – the giant snake. Did you know that it destroyed a mansion in the 2nd Holy District?」

「Ah… yes. I was there. I think it was House Riviere’s…」

I remember hearing that from Captain Arthur.

「Yes. The problem is the man who died crushed by the collapsed walls of the mansion.」

「That would mean he’s a victim, right?」

「Yes, he is a victim this time, but a month ago he was the perpetrator.」

One month ago—meaning “Sprouts and New Moon Banquet”?

「That man was the one who poisoned Prince Kluvshrat’s sauce dish.」

.

I was shocked to hear that.

「It is highly possible that one of the 6 Great Dukes, House Riviere, attempted to assassinate Prince Kluvshrat, thus there is now a discussion going on about the demolition of House Riviere. House Riviere has raised a strong objection, and is gathering their knights… It is a highly tense situation. Basically, a civil war could start at any moment.」

Should I go to the Holy Royal Palace or not?

Earl Sillys withdrew to his room saying, “I am going to take a nap” — this is like saying, “If you want to escape, now is your chance”.

The Earl predicted that the Holy King would not let go of me since I now know the state secrets. But on the other hand, he also feels gratitude, so he is giving me the chance to escape if I want to.

Great turmoil will soon occur in the future. Including the demolition of one of the 6 Great Duke Houses, what is the merit of me remaining in this country?

(Should I ask for a huge amount of money in return for signing the contract magic?)

No, I don’t need such a thing. All I need is the money for basic necessities.

(And the information about the “Covenant”.)

I’m interested in it, but it’s not something which is absolutely necessary to me. Even in this world, it’s good enough for only “a small fraction” of dignitaries to know that information – I am fine with being in the “ignorant majority”. It will clearly drag me into trouble, after all.

(In other words, there are no merits.)

On the contrary, there are only demerits. If I am unable to leave the Holy City due to the contract magic, I wouldn’t be able to find Lark or Lulusha-san. Furthermore, there is a high possibility that many troubles related to the Holy King will occur.

「…Considering the advantages and disadvantages, there is only one answer.」

After that, I left the mansion. I said hello to the gatekeeper and told him I’m going out for business. I cut through all the districts in between and arrived at Block 5.

I had to ask the way to the place I was looking for many times – it is only expected in this world where there are no smartphones or navigation systems – and most of the people kindly helped me out.

「Is this the place?」

In front of me was a 4-story stone building. The building had a thin, deep architectural structure that you don’t often see around these parts. An inn called “Silver Citrus” where Silver Balance was lodging.

「Did they choose this place just because it has “silver” in the name?」

When I opened the entrance door – a colored glass carved with wood patterns on the surface – a bell rang.