Chapter 158

Chapter 158 \n“Now that the tea is here, let’s get started.” \n

Ashley, who received the tray that Sharle-san brought in, poured tea for everyone in the room. Once she was done, Chancellor Bergman began. 

“Ashley Zephanel reported that your aid was impeccably important to the subjugation of the Kaidou pirates, is that correct?” 

“Yes, Your Excellency. I may have acted alone outside of my jurisdiction, but it was just to help Ashley Zephanel.”

“Humu. I wonder how you managed to sail the sea by yourself, but most importantly, I would like to thank you for your deeds. Then, I would like to ask about the transfer circle you collected at the base. You confirmed the circle worked, is that correct?” 

“Yes. I don’t know the exact location of the transfer, but my prediction was the mountains north of the capital, slightly further than Drangrange Margrave.” 

“Regarding that circle – no, let us clarify things. First of all, regarding the ownership of the circle. The country where the transfer circle was recovered can claim ownership of it. But then, the base magic circle you discovered was on a masterless island. Not within any territory. In other words, no country can claim ownership to it, and it solely belongs to you now.”

Fumu… Thanks to the circle, I can gain access to my private space in VMB. But I thought Kurtmerga Kingdom would demand that I hand it over. Cause who knows if it contains the secret of another country, and how valuable it was. Thankfully that’s not the case.

“Alright then, allow me to have a look at the transfer circle and its twin.” 

“Inspect it?”

“Well, the technology to adjust the circle was recovered from the labyrinth so that it can be used outside, as well as how to create a copy is top secret. It varies depending on the nation. I just want to know whether the Drak Kingdom was involved in this.”\n

I see. By examining the magic circle, someone knowledgeable on the topic will be able to tell which country its related to. And since he’s familiar with the Drak Kingdom’s technology, he’d know immediately. 

“Naturally, I will reward you for it. If it is left as it is, the moment the magic circle’s internal magic power was cut off, and the connection to the copy was cut, it may become connected to a different circle. There may be a clue to the transfer destination, but it cannot be done if there is the possibility of traps and an unclear means of return.” 

I didn’t know the rules behind how it works and all, but according to him, if the power was cut off, there was a chance another circle would become connected to it if they had a similar signature.

But as long as the energy remained steady in both circles and remained undamaged, the possibility of this happening was unlikely. The reward prepared by the Chancellor was because there was a risk of destroying the circle in the process, thus rendering it inoperable. That, and also because they planned to overwrite the circle with the Kurtmerga’s technology. 

To be clear, it seemed unlikely that I could decline it, and there was no reason to decline it. If I own the circle, it’d be better to have it adjusted. 

“I understand. I will leave the transfer circles here.”

“Thank you for your understanding. It will take about a week to investigate and overwrite the circles, but with the Festival starting tomorrow, it will take a few days more.”

“I understand.”

“Umu. Regarding the matter with the pirate subjugation. I will leave that to Ms. Zephanel’s discretion. Will that be fine?” 

“Yes, Chancellor Bergman.”\n“Well, I shall return to my office. I leave the rest to you…”

He stood up, glanced at the little girl who silently sipped on her tea in the corner. Also stood up and waited for him to leave the room. Once his figure disappeared in the hall, I turned around and saw the girl watch me intently. 

“A-chan, go to Sa-chan and inform her to prepare a meal.”

“.. Understood.”

“I want it to be prepared in the living room, along with this little one’s portion. We’ll join you when we are done, so please wait for us.”

“… Yes.”

My eyes met Ashley’s as she went to leave the room. Why was the little girl so interested in me? She returned the gaze with eyes full of trust.

“So, you are called Schwartz Powder, are you not? Have a seat. We are about to talk about the real topic.”

The little elf made her way to one of the chairs. Seeing that, I sat in my previous chair.

“I am Zephanel, Kurtmerga Kingdom’s Eternal Honorary Chancellor.”\n\n“Ho! It seems A-chan’s spring time has finally come!”

“Ha, springtime?”

“Well, let us put that aside for now. Without a doubt, this one is truly the Honorary Chancellor of Kurtmerga Kingdom. Preserving the belief over which this kingdom was founded, while not disturbing the current reigning government as much as possible.”

“I have not been long in this country, but I can honestly say that it is a wonderful one.”

“Un, that is it. That is exactly why I summoned you here.”

“— pardon me?

“That, where did you come from?”

The moment she asked that question, the white hair of the little elf became even more brilliant and her jade eyes stared sharply at me. The air gave off an aura that would not allow anyone to life to her. 

“I don’t understand what you mean—” 

“Do you know the true meaning of ‘Magicless person’? It actually refers to a person from a different world. A ‘Trespasser’ Who managed to cross the border between worlds.”