Please read this before continuing to the chapter.
I need to clarify something. In nearly all instances where a person spoke to Kousuke, they were p.r.o.nouncing it as “Koh-soo-ke (Kohsuke)” rather than “Ko-oo-soo-ke (Kousuke)” [the -oo- is very short]. I made it more obvious for this chapter, but I will only do so for this chapter since it was purposely focused on. In the previous and the follow chapters, I will leave it as “Kousuke” in all instances for the purpose of not confusing any readers.
ONTO TO THE CHAPTER!
Word count: 8746, over 25 pages single s.p.a.ced.
Chapter 30: The Task and the Music Room
The two reached the imperial capital in three days, a day earlier than planned.
Despite its name, the imperial capital was not built on a large scale. In fact, Kousuke felt that this place was even smaller than Ricardo where Horun resided.
The structuring of the capital was typical. Various, small buildings surrounding a large castle at the center and a 2-meter tall wall enclosing the perimeter. The wall had three gates, each of which had a long, un.o.bstructed road leading directly to the castle. Contrary to the castles he’d imagined, Kousuke felt that the castle in the distance boasted of fort.i.tude and humility rather than the much-expected gaudiness.
Entering through “The Falcon Gate”, the two began their search for a room.
According to Scheidt, the door was named as such since an image of a falcon would appear on it when the gate is closed.
The other two gates were aptly named “The Rose Gate” and “The Bronco Gate”. They were erected by the first king and were lovingly preserved by his predecessors.
Finding an inn, the two quickly settled in and took out the bottles.
「Well then, I’ll be heading off to the castle now」(Scheidt)
「Take care. I think I might go sightseeing in the meantime」(Kousuke)
「Mm, got it」(Scheidt)
Kousuke waved goodbye as Scheidt left the inn.
He ignored everything around him and quickly stepped towards the castle.
The guards at the castle entrance quickly sighted Scheidt and gripped his spear tightly in caution.
「I brought the medicinal water as requested, may I pa.s.s?」(Scheidt)
Scheidt requested as he presented the bottle.
「Please allow us to inspect the authenticity of the product first」(Guard)
The stiff-faced guard held out his palm. Pa.s.sing the bottle to the guard, Scheidt was led to a small station while the inspection occurred.
The guard grabbed a bottle from the shelf and poured its content into a dish. He carefully uncorked Scheidt’s bottle to begin the test. He dipped a needle into the bottle and mixed it into the dish. The mixture slowly began to emit a sweet aroma, completely masking the room.
Nodding at the result, the guard turned towards Scheidt.
「I confirmed its authenticity. Please accept my grat.i.tude for your efforts in its retrieval.
After your belongings are checked, I shall have someone lead you inside」(Guard)
After having all weapons removed and stored in the station, another guard appeared to lead Scheidt inside.
The interior of the castle was much like its exterior, simple and dignified.
「Please wait here for a moment」(Guard2)
Being idle in the waiting room, Scheidt began to wonder how long he would have to wait, but was surprised to see the same guard immediately return to receive him.
「The king and princess await your arrival. Mind yourself in their presence」(Guard2)
「Of course, please lead me in」(Scheidt)
Following the guard’s lead, the two entered the throne room.
A crowned man in his 50’s and a pale, blue dressed woman in her 20’s sat on the throne. Their features were overly plain and a slight change in their wardrobe would easily make them appear like a commoner. Their dignified aura, however, was impossible to hide.
The king stared directly at Scheidt as the princess looked slightly confused seeing no one with Scheidt.
Standing in line around the throne were 6 heavily armored guards and 2 civil officers.
Scheidt slowly approached the throne and knelt at a distance with his face down.
「You may raise your head」(King)
「Thank you, your majesty」(Scheidt)
「You have our grat.i.tude for your efforts in the retrieval of the medicinal water」(King)
「Yes, we are gratified by your efforts」(Princess)
With the king’s praise, the princess subsequently voiced her approval. As expected of the Diva Princess, her voice was absolutely soothing to the ears.
「Bring forth the promised reward of six gold coins. Are you satisfied with this?」(King)
The reward was the equivalent of a typical household’s income in six months. There was nothing unsatisfactory about this.
「With due respect, permission to speak, your majesty, your highness」(Scheidt)
At Scheidt’s request, the king’s eyebrow rose slightly.
「Speak」(King)
「I was aided by another individual in the retrieval of the medicinal water. As such, I only deserve half of this reward. However, I wish to receive something else in its stead」(Scheidt)
「Could you perhaps explain why the other individual is not with you now?」(Princess)
The princess queried. Her eyes twinkled as if understanding something.
「The other was satisfied knowing that he would be paid and is currently resting in the inn」(Scheidt)
「I see. If possible, could you invite him here as well?」(Princess)
「At your highness’s command, there are only a few that could reject such a request.
However, please excuse my bluntness, but may I know the reason why you wish to meet Kousuke?」(Scheidt) 【TL: WHY ARE YOU REVEALING NAMES?!】
「Let us continue this at a later time. For now, please allow us to know the contents of your request」(King)
Scheidt scanned his surrounding and explained after a short pause.
「I was an intelligence agent from the Kingdom of Shidalm」(Scheidt)
The entire throne room was shocked to hear this information. The king and princess’s gaze became slightly cold and the guards were immediately glaring in hostility towards Scheidt.
Shidalm, the country adjacent to Karbaret to their southeast, much like their mother country, was a behemoth in comparison.
「Was? Are we to a.s.sume that you are one no longer?」(King)
「Yes, your majesty. The overbearing and corrupt politics became too much to endure… So I escaped」(Scheidt)
「You were definitely pursued, were you not? How impressive you must be to be able to escape their clutches」(King)
The four a.s.sailants that attacked the two as they left the mountain were a part of the pursuers. Those four exposed their ident.i.ty by being silent. If they were to have explained why they were attacking, it was likely that it would affect Kousuke’s decision to attack them. If Kousuke actually backed away from that fight, the four would have definitely succeeded in eliminating Scheidt. Even Scheidt felt hesitant to attack as the four were originally his comrades.
「My gift allows myself to foresee imminent danger. With this, I was able to avoid detection and safely arrive here」(Scheidt)
「I see. And? What is it that you wish from us instead?」(King)
「I wish to be taken in by your majesty. I wish to be able to live out the rest of my life peacefully, please grant me this reprieve, your majesty!」(Scheidt)
「…… State your reasoning for choosing our country」(King)
「Yes, your majesty.
Only in this country would I be able to directly speak with someone of royal blood. With the peculiar nature of my escape, I require the a.s.sistance of one with immense power to be able to put a complete stop to Shidalm’s attempts on my life. Of course, I am also willing to provide my services to a just monarch as yourself, your majesty.
This was my thought process for choosing this country」(Scheidt)
Unlike royalty, if Scheidt were to have chosen to take haven with a powerful n.o.ble instead, more problems would arise.
One such path as being used as a p.a.w.n for the n.o.ble’s personal gain, like aiming for the throne. In hindsight, the king before Scheidt could also be of similar disposition as a corrupt n.o.ble, but being able to appeal directly to his majesty how useful he can be would more than likely lessen the chance of becoming a disposable p.a.w.n.
「You believe that we would step forward for you in this case?」(King)
「No, your majesty. I wish to provide you something valuable that would alleviate the situation as a whole」(Scheidt)
「Elaborate」(King)
「Information. With me, I brought various internal secrets of Shidalm that only those from the intelligence agency and royalties have access to」(Scheidt)
「Hmm…… The contents of such information would definitely a.s.sist in deterring them. Now then, we have one last thing to speak of」(King)
「Yes, your majesty」(Scheidt)
With this, the king squinted harshly. The sudden shift in his disposition caused Scheidt to feel a mountainous pressure on his shoulder.
As expected of the king, a ruler’s aura cannot be ignored.
「You are now under suspicion of being a spy for Shidalm. Now, convince us otherwise」(King)
As the head of this country, the king could not accept Scheidt’s story to be wholly true.
From the perspective of other countries, this country would be only considered a minor power. Any failure could potentially lead to this country’s collapse and would instantly destroy the efforts of his predecessors.
「As of now… I can only verbally deny such accusation…」(Scheidt)
Scheidt could only shake his head in denial.
「As expected. Even the information you brought could be forgeries bent on misleading us. Your presence here alone could be used to sow discord among the ma.s.s」(King)
「Please allow myself to prove my loyalty. I shall work for the benefits of this country and hamper the Shidalm Kingdom」(Scheidt)
Seeing where the king was leading, Scheidt voiced his decision.
「Not yet. We shall investigate and further gauge the consequences of harboring you in. We will proceed accordingly then」(King)
「What shall become of myself in the mean time?」(Scheidt)
「We shall have you detained. Do not fret, you’re simply not allowed to leave the country and we shall have someone monitor you. Also, your weapons shall be confiscated indefinitely until we state otherwise」(King)
Scheidt internally sighed in relief, at least it wasn’t the worst possible outcome. He felt that heading towards imprisonment and torture.
At the very least, they won’t be too hostile considering Scheidt’s retrieval of the medicinal water.
With every word and action planned, he has successfully brought about a relatively positive result. In hindsight though, everything he did was required to meet the king in the end.
「Your majesty, one last word, if I may」(Scheidt)
「Hmm? We’ll allow it」(King)
「The other individual, Kohsuke, is an unrelated adventurer in my plight. I implore you to not punish him or confiscate his justified reward」(Scheidt)
「We have no objection on that matter. Kohsuke, this man, is someone difficult to deal with to begin with」(King)
「How is that possible?」(Scheidt)
Shocked, Scheidt’s eyes opened widely at the king’s statement.
「In regards to this, I shall provide an explanation」(Princess)
The once silent princess opened her mouth. Hearing her voice, Scheidt turned his gaze toward the princess. Seeing she had full attention, she nodded and began her explanation.
「This may come as a surprise, but your coming today with the medicinal water was foretold.
And no, we were not monitoring those entering and exiting the forest,
but instead I received an oracle from the G.o.ddess, Seminruuz」(Princess)
「By Seminruuz, do you perhaps mean the G.o.ddess of Music?」(Scheidt)
「That is correct」(Princess)
Scheidt was even more confused, just how does this all relate to the G.o.ddess of Music? Why would her sight be on this meeting?
「The content of the oracle is as such: “The one named Kohsuke among the two bringing the medicinal water has much knowledge of unique and unknown songs. Invite him, and listen to his songs. With his help, your horizon shall broaden”」(Princess)
「So Kohsuke was nominated by the G.o.ddess, I see. This is quite unbelievable」(Scheidt)
He could only give off a dry laugh at this situation.
『Just how many more surprises are you going to give me, Kohsuke』(Scheidt)
Scheidt suddenly realized something. The odd look the princess gave him upon entering now made sense to him. She was expecting TWO people.
「I have nothing more to add after knowing Kohsuke’s safety would be preserved」(Scheidt)
「Well then, it may be abrupt, but we have a request we would like you to complete.
Worry not, it is but a simple task. Bring a guard with you back to the inn and invite the one called Kohsuke to the castle」(King)
Agreeing to the task, Scheidt left the castle with a guard in tow.
He returned to the inn thinking that Kousuke has probably left to sightsee the capital. However, what awaited him in the room was that very person.
「Oh, welcome back. Is the person behind you your friend?」(Kousuke)
Closing and placing the book on the table, Kousuke greeted and look towards the two.
Scheidt knew the book in Kousuke’s hand was something recently bought. He must have already went sightseeing and returned. As for funding, the monster parts he harvested must have covered for the book.
「Thanks. I thought you were heading out for an errand, Kohsuke」(Scheidt)
「I did. Still, it’s impossible for me to see everything in a day or two so I kept it short and looked around the immediate area」(Kousuke)
「I see」(Scheidt)
「So then, I’ll say it again but.. may I know who the person behind you is?」(Kousuke)
「It’s decided that I need to go the castle again. The person behind me is accompanying me regarding this」(Scheidt)
「Hmm. Will it take a while? I don’t mind, but will you return for dinner?」(Kousuke)
「I think I’ll end up having a meal at the castle instead. The same will probably apply to you as well, Kohsuke」(Scheidt)
Kousuke only stared blankly at Scheidt’s last comment.
「Me too?」(Kousuke)
「Yea, you were cordially invited by the royalties themselves」(Scheidt)
「Why? I don’t recall doing anything particularly amazing or foul. I can’t see any reason for this summons.
Is this about the retrieval of the medicinal water?」(Kousuke)
That was the only thing that Kousuke could relate to this situation.
「No, but the princess received an oracle from the G.o.d, Seminruuz. Your name was stated within this oracle」(Scheidt)
「Seminruuz…… The G.o.ddess residing over music? Now I’m even more confused」(Kousuke)
「Since Kohsuke knows of many unheard songs, the princess wishes to hear them from you」(Scheidt)
「Ah, so that was the case」(Kousuke)
Kousuke came to a complete understanding hearing Scheidt’s explanation. The unknown songs they’re referring to are songs from Earth. Being the only person with such knowledge in this world, it’d be a wonder if he wasn’t invited personally to share the knowledge.
At least he him being the Dragonslayer wasn’t exposed, Kousuke felt that it wouldn’t harm him if it"s just sharing his music. Rejecting their invitation would just invite suspicion anyways. Being invited in the capacity of a musician, he shall fulfill this and only this duty in full!
Kousuke unpacked some unnecessary things luggage and prepped for departure. Similarly, Scheidt gathered all of his belongings into his bags to bring back to the castle.
「So you’re taking everything with you?」(Kousuke)
「It’s necessary. I’ll be staying at the castle for some time」(Scheidt)
「That’s quite something to be able to stay at the castle, but isn’t this a waste of this room’s deposit?」(Kousuke)
「Well, can’t really complain about it now. Done packing? Let’s go」(Scheidt)
With the guard taking the lead, the group attracted a lot of attention from the townspeople as they headed to the castle.
Upon reaching the castle gate, they stopped.
「We’ll be taking a different route from this point forward. A guide will come for you if you just wait here, Kohsuke. Right, Mr. Soldier?」(Scheidt)
Scheidt faced toward the guard with the question, to which the guard answered with a nod.
「See ya, then」(Scheidt)
「You too…… No wait, just how long will you be gone?」(Kousuke)
「I’m not too sure, honestly」(Scheidt)
Since it was completely at the king’s discretion. Scheidt honestly had no idea just how long this would take. In the worst-case scenario, he may never see the light of day again. The only thing he could do at this point was to hope for the best and pray that it wouldn’t inadvertently harm Kousuke as well.
Ignorant of the actual situation, Kousuke waved goodbye to Scheidt in a carefree manner.
Kousuke leaned against the wall and began observing his surroundings. Around fifteen minutes later, a maid approached him.
「Would you perhaps be Sir Watase?」(Maid)
「Ah, yes. Are you my guide?」(Kousuke)
「Yes, that is exactly so. Please follow me, the princess awaits your arrival」(Maid)
At the maid’s guidance, the two entered the inner portion of the castle. Due to the small size of the castle, even Kousuke felt he wouldn’t get lost. The lack of interior complexity quickly led the two to the room the princess supposedly awaited.
The maid halted at the door. As he thought they reached their destination, Kousuke realized how incorrect his speculation was upon hearing the maid’s words.
「We shall have you undergo a physical examination here. Upon entering, please follow the instruction of the individual within」(Maid)
「A physical?」(Kousuke)
「Yes. It is to confirm that you are not carrying anything dangerous」(Maid)
「Oh, that’s fine then」(Kousuke)
It’s not too dissimilar to a regular check-up, or so he thought.
There was a male servant within the room. He immediately instructed to remove all belongings in possession.
Since he had almost nothing on him, the examination ended very quickly. The only thing among his belongings that can be dangerous and hidden were his throwing knives, of which, he left back at the inn.
【TL: and underneath his timid appearance, the strength of 10,000 bulls are hidden, ready to tear apart all who stand in his way