Volume 1 Chapter 13 [Kingdom Side] If I hand it over here, Horace won't return
"...Sigh. If there's a big turning point, it's now."
Valzeil is in his office, reading a letter.
It's on very nice paper and a fancy envelope.
The sender's name is Rangella.
Even though he has a bad feeling about it, he reads it and sighs.
"Your Majesty. They want an antenna. To that request, I... honestly, I don't want to accept it."
The subordinate said that before Valzeil could speak.
The envelope doesn't even say 'Confidential,' and the address is 'Diamante Kingdom Palace,' so all palace staff can read it.
Each noble probably reads it too.
Valzeil, who was a little away from the castle, returned later and is now reading the letter.
"Why do you think that? You read it too, right? The letter says that if we give the hero community that antenna, it will bring big benefits regarding the debt. Even if we pay the entire year's national budget, the limit is just 1% interest at Diamante Kingdom's current state. Why not take the deal?"
Valzeil said that, but there's no contempt in his eyes.
The subordinate glances at the books on Valzeil's desk.
There are 3 books, and their titles are:
'Basics of Earth Magic, Author: Ferno Dora Giftnest'
'Fundamental Alchemy Principles, Author: Rikuna Pluto'
'Tips for Creating Magic Tools, Author: Zethya Oracion'
"'Ancient Three Great Development Books'... Are these copies? I also looked at them. Based on my guess, the hero's master probably 'sacrifices range and specializes in control ability.'"
"...Keep going."
"If we give the antenna now, even if the hero's master comes back here, things won't be the same as before."
"That's likely. They probably relayed the missing parts through the antenna. That's probably the biggest reason why the hero's master was active in this country."
Horace can control his golems within 3 meters of his body.
He can use armed golems easily, but he can't use 'staff' golems because the distance is too short.
That's why he wanted an antenna.
But he doesn't know the theory or materials.
Horace isn't using a 'staff' now, so he can't make an antenna in this country.
"...Did the nobles read this letter? What did they say?"
"They don't use antennas in this country..."
"Just tell me the original words."
"...'What value does useless garbage have? Idiots are easy to control. Our country is safe now.'"
"They have no imagination."
Valzeil looked like he gave up.
"...I thought, somewhere in my heart, that I could invite the hero's master to this castle."
"To be honest, me too."
"I've worked in this castle for many years. But after reading the letter about the golem master's knowledge and the antenna, I understood the 'whole picture'. The antenna. That antenna is the only reason. The hero's master chose this country for that reason."
Valzeil sighed.
"'Rulers must not believe what they don't see. That's why they must gather information and gather subordinates who give accurate reports'... These are the words of the former king. I thought it was just an ideal."
"That..."
"Ugh, I understand why people in the old days put 'pride' and 'laziness' in the 7 deadly sins."
Valzeil looked at the letter again.
"The hero's request... I have to accept it."
"Then..."
"Yes, I'll give up the possibility of the hero's teacher coming back to this country. I choose that. But... I won't guarantee the nobles' 'safety'."
"...Yes."
Valzeil looked up at the ceiling.
Seeing this, the subordinate thought.
Until a few days ago, the king was fat and only gathered people who praised him, no matter how foolish he was.
As a result, a man like Zayte was by his side.
But now, Valzeil has become thin, and his eyes are intelligent, and he looks like a 'king'.
"You can do it if you try"... It's disrespectful to the king, but he wondered if that was just the kind of man he was.
Of course, if he says "You can do it if you try," then the obvious answer is "Then do it." Since he hadn't done it, this is what happened.
"...Hey, do you think the hero's master is upset about not being appreciated for what he did in this country? What do you think?"
"...Considering he only punched the eldest son of the Count family after pulling out the holy sword, he probably isn't completely unforgivable. Still, he doesn't see any reason to be interested in us."
"I see..."
"And, the Demon Lord's power over men is absolute. If the hero's master's strength is exposed and causes a fuss, the Demon Lord will send assassins after him──over and over. Thinking about that, he has no choice but to keep things secret."
"So, what will happen if after defeating the Demon Lord, they don't praise him?"
"..."
The subordinate remembers.
The space within the castle where ordinary people repeatedly make countless trivial complaints.
"They've probably given up. If they apologize and promise to keep a distance, respecting 'Your Majesty,' relations probably won't get worse."
"...Haa"
He lets out a deep sigh.
Giving up would be more convenient.
Only such conditions keep coming up.
...First of all, it was impossible for Horace to fit into this country from the start.
Valzeil etches that into his mind.
"Then, prepare to hand over the antenna. Also... should I include the 'extra' from the underground storage? Who knows how things will turn out."
"?"
"Ah, not now. And... make a list of all the reasonable dungeons in the country. Throw in some nobles too."
"Understood."
Valzeil turned his back to his subordinate, who then bowed and left the room.
After the door closed, Valzeil mutters.
"Just going back to how it should be. Even if they say I can't argue, I can't really do anything about it... But at least now I have some leeway. If I can turn this into national strength, I'll be able to repay everything eventually."
Valzeil reads the documents.
It seems like a list of debts and their details... but from what they can see, the 'Royal Family' owes not a single copper coin to the hero community.
All of it belongs to the nobles.
"As a royal, we regret that we couldn't repay him for his work, but it all comes down to how that 'Omaké' turns out."
It seems that even Valzeil himself is giving something whose value he doesn't fully understand.
In short... his heartbeat is still racing.
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