CHAPTER 98: MEETING OF HIGHER-UPS

~Themis’ Perspective~

　In the small conference room of the royal castle, all the officials except the king were gathered.

　There was a bitter air on everyone’s face.

　Three days have passed since the royal capital was attacked by the demon.

　Although it had not yet been fully restored, the people of the capital were getting back to their normal lives.

　Thanks to the Vice Commander of the Silver Wing Knights, the damage was kept to a minimum.

　However, this attack smeared the king’s face with mud.

　The ceremony to announce the line of succession to the throne is a ceremony that will determine the future of Yuster.

　The prestige of the Kingdom of Yuster is tattered in wounds, as they were forced to cancel because of a single demon.

“Now, we should retaliate against the demons!” (Official)

“But the demons have sent a letter saying that it has nothing to do with their country?” (Official)

“Even if the war starts, we must first get the word out to the other country…” (Official)

“Who will pay for the war?” (Official)

“The question is, how do we get to the end of the war.” (Official)

“In the first place, isn’t it the problem that the Silver Wing Knights were not able to properly protect the royal capital in this case?” (Official)

“Okay … The deputy leader used the Treasure to protect us, so more than that–” (Official)

　Opinions collide.

　The number of people who wished for war was still small.

　The king’s face was smeared with mud, but the nobles were unscathed.

　In the event of a war, it was the local nobility who would pay the expenses and provide the men.

　The nobles are loyal to the king, but they will not act unless it is in their interest to do so.

　Local nobles are, so to speak, the owners of the city.

　If they put too much priority on appearances and run their businesses at a loss, their fiefdoms will easily collapse.

　That’s why there are few people who want to start a war.

　The debate continued for a while, but in the end, the moderates prevailed and the discussion came to a close.

“… And about the hero who saved the royal capital, is the reward decided?” (Official)

“Well, then I will proceed with the report.” (Themis)

　It’s finally my turn.

　On behalf of the Silver Wing Knights, Vice Commander Themis came forward.

“The Silver Wing Knights evaluated the two adventurers who made this achievement. Please see page 5 of the report.”

　The dry sound of paper rustling echoed in the conference room.

　After confirming that everyone had opened to the fifth page, I told the heavyweights about the assessment.

　The attacker was Sarnus.

　He was the strongest warrior in the demon tribe and was a person who was good at fighting.

　The person was subdued by three people including me.

　Without me and the two others, the royal capital would have been more severely damaged.

　Moreover, I alone could not stop Sarnus.

　This is because Toru-san and Esther-san aggressively attacked.

　In addition, Toru-san used some kind of power to heal my wounds.

(When I asked him about this power, he wouldn’t answer me)

　My life was absorbed by the treasure, was supposed to die like that.

　However, I am still alive today.

　I don’t know how long I can live.

　But I thought,

(God saved me to convey Toru-san’s achievements correctly! Then, the remainder of my life is for Toru-san…) (Themis) [T/N: Is this a flag?]

　This time, I took the role of the reporter at the meeting on behalf of the Commander.

　It was easy to foresee that there would be someone who would argue with him.

“But are Toru is an Inferior? The one who is defeated by him is the strongest warrior of the demon race. Isn’t that a little over the top?” (Official)

　I was right, I thought.

　In order to formally determine the achievements of Toru-san and Esther-san as a nation, we must deal with the fact he is an Inferior.

　Even I, who actually met Toru, could hardly believe that he was an Inferior.

　Those who haven’t even met Toru-san would have a hard time admitting that he was an Inferior and that he made a great achievement.

　That’s why I enthusiastically replied.

　How good a warrior Toru-san was…

　However, the more I speak, the more stubborn the country’s officials become.

　And it’s not just Toru-san. Even the Silver Wing Knights are being called upon to step up, saying that they are a “unit that can only be helped by inferior people.”

　Is the stigma of being Inferior this strong?

(What a stubborn crowd!) (Themis)

　I internally spit out venom.

　No matter how much I explain, I cannot persuade the officials.

　It was when I was about to give up.

　The door of the small meeting room was opened.

　The moment I saw the man standing on the other side, I quickly kneeled on the floor.

　The same is true for others. While sitting in their chair, they bow deeply.

“Good. Make yourselves comfortable.” (King)

　It was King Yuster himself who appeared.

“Your Majesty. Why are you here…?” (Official)

“When I passed by, I can hear your voices.” (King)

　The King walked majestically and took a seat at the far end of the room.

“Is it about the reward for those who have made achievements?” (King)

“Yes, Your Majesty.” (Official)

“Um, then do what Themis says.” (King)

“–But Your Majesty. In my words, this person is and Inferior. It is too much to reward an Inferior. It may have a bad influence on the people of the country.” (Chancellor)

　The Chancellor told His Majesty.

“But he’s the hero who saved the royal capital of Yuster. Even if he’s an Inferior, we can’t save face unless we reward him for what he’s done.” (King)

“… but.” (Chancellor)

“Chancellor. I understand your feelings. If so, let’s do this instead.” (King)

　What was proposed there was unprecedented in the kingdom.