108-108 The Serenzas (2/2)

The two men were silent as if thinking again, but soon the king shook his head and handed back the letter he had finished reading to the prince.

...... I'm not good at thinking, so I guess I can't help it. I'll see if I can't come up with a better idea, and I'll ask Oaken for his wisdom. It won't be too late for me to give you an answer.

”Yes, I think it's better to answer this matter carefully. And I have one other thing to report.

Is there more?

Yes, ......, about Noor, the man who gave you the Black Sword.

What's wrong with him?

Yes, that's ......

The king heard the sound of the prince swallowing a large gulp of spit.

The king waited for the next words, thinking that it was unusual for the always calm prince to be so upset.

”......, sir. That man has been using the Black Sword, a labyrinthine relic, for quite some time now, and has been using it to ──── clean the sewage system in the capital, and has also been using it for excavation work to rebuild the capital's waterways.

”Construction?　Excavation?　You dug up the earth?　With that sword?

...... Yes. I've had additional research done and there are signs that the man has used the black sword before to drive piles into the ground for the construction of his reconstruction home. ......

”...... pile driving ......?　I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm not sure what to make of that.　──── Bwahaha!

Suddenly, the quiet office was filled with loud laughter.

The prince watched in amazement as the king belly laughed.

”Chi, father?

”...... Ha, that's good. You're a dope. That's really funny. It looks like I was right to entrust the Black Sword to that ...... man.

Aren't you angry, ......?

No, I'm not angry. That would be a good news story. Well, well, ...... I'm glad you're getting a lot of use out of it. I'm glad to see you're using it so much. It's much better for the sword than keeping it as a decoration in the castle. It is serving the people well, isn't it? No, it's fun, it's fun.

The king laughed for a while, and when the laughter finally died down, he asked the prince, half in tears.

...... So, what's the prize?　I'm sure it's well-deserved, isn't it?　You've contributed so much to our country, you can't do nothing. If your budget is not enough, you can sell off the treasures in the treasure house and set up a special budget?

It seems that most of the work at ...... is paid for through the Adventurer's Guild. In the event that you're looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, then you're going to want to make sure that you're getting the most out of your business.

One-fifth?　Isn't that a fair compensation for his work?

Yes. Yes, as a commission for the accomplishment of a task (・・・・・・).

The king laughed out loud at the report as well.

”Ha, that man. So he must be very rich already?

Yes, in terms of monetary assets alone, that man has done a tremendous amount of work and has a huge amount of ...... assets.

”Haha, well then, I guess I'll have to turn down another monetary reward. What should I do?

The king snorted and put his hand on his chin.

The king snorted and put his hand to his chin, ”...... can't help thinking about this. I'll tell the man that I'll help him in any way I can, just tell him what he wants. No, I'm pretty sure I already said that. ......?　What should I do? That's a tough one.

The king pondered for a moment, then suddenly grinned like a boy who loves to play pranks.

...... Yes. I'm sure you'll be glad to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with that.　Wouldn't it be interesting to send him a letter saying, 'This is the man you wanted to know about, who is responsible for the rise of the Kingdom of Crace'?

”Father, is that ......?

Well, of course I'm joking. Of course I'm joking. I can't let my benefactor do that. Of course I'm joking, but ...... you'll see. I'm sure you'll see the look on the face of the head of Salenza when that man shows up.

I can only see ...... big trouble ahead.

”Well, I guess so. I think so too. I'm sure it will be a big problem.

The king smiled happily for a moment, then returned to his serious expression and told the prince briefly what he would do.

As for the letter from Sarenza, I will convene the Six Saints tomorrow for a meeting. After that, a decision will be made as to what to do. I'll let that man know at ......, I guess. Anyway, tell him to let me know if there's anything he needs to know.

”...... Yes.

”────And...

The king looked at the prince again with a serious face.

And,” the king looked at the prince again with a serious face, ”I gave you the bear figurine.

He then smiled with amusement.