Volume 4 Chapter 19 [Kingdom SIDE] I Always Thought I'd Definitely Mess Up
The Obsidian Magic Dukedom's head changes regularly, with the 3 noble families taking turns to serve as the "Magic King" of the realm.
Still, that title mainly increases influence over the "central area" of the Dukedom; in reality, it's mostly about bragging rights within their divided territory.
But since they rotate, after many years holding the king position, you end up seeing the Magic King at the world conference.
Of course, there was a time when Gaspar Redless was the Magic King, a while back, and those who saw him then could always tell, 'He's bound to step on some huge landmine.'
And yet...
"Your Majesty. It's urgent."
"...Ranza, lately you sound so normal, like nothing is happening."
"I've recently realized that no matter how much you boss around, it doesn't really make a difference."
"So you want me to shout even more?"
"Yes."
"..."
At the Diamante Kingdom, royal office.
Valzeil was relaxing with coffee on a clear morning, but even though Ranza brought him papers──some serious──the look on Ranza's face was just so casual, it was almost like every day.
"...I see."
He took the papers from Ranza and checked them.
Overall, it was roughly what Valzeil expected──within his predictions.
Gaspar Redless.
Valzeil could barely remember a man with so little "results"──rare for him too.
But, he's proud... no, how to say it... better to say 'overly self-aware,' or more precisely, 'unconsciously overconfident.'
He doesn't care how others see him; he just believes himself to be "special." That's the feeling you get from him.
Well, it's true that most power-wielders tend to have that tendency. Power is about forcing others to do things, and since they've held it for generations, it's natural they consider themselves "special."
So don't bother people, especially not where the hero and his teacher are.It's true I think that's pretty reckless, though.
It's fine for powerful people to have a sense of privilege.Actually, it's worse that they don't realize the privilege they hold and act as if it's nothing.That puts a huge strain on the person on the receiving end.
But, unlike the violent strength of adventurers, power can shift easily through balance of forces.I think, "Stop acting so full of yourself," but it probably won't reach them.
"By the way, Horace. You're a school teacher now?"
"Looks like he's only had a brief teaching experience, just about 2 months, they say."
"He's the man who trained the hero. His teaching skill must be top-notch...well, probably he's been worn out trying."
"Is that so?"
"The report says he's 13, a first-year middle schooler, but... 13 in that country is the time when kids are most free."
"Freedom, huh?"
"He's really sharp about what parts you shouldn't cross──the 'Don't go there or you'll get in trouble' stuff, you get it?"
"Yeah... what a pain."
When Ranza turned serious, Valzeil thought 'Something's wrong,' but decided not to ask because no one would benefit from it.
"And Gaspar... Hmm, he's borrowed 20 million gold coins and plans to go through with it?"
"Yes, his involvement in the bombing can be questioned, but it's technically a failed attempt with no casualties.It's a good way to show him reality."
"Hmm... How will he pay it back? Since he has influence over a third of magicDukedom, he could cut that off... but it's written here, isn't it? Prison Dungeon──lock him up."
That phrase sounds nostalgic to Valzeil.
The memory of throwing most of the notoriously ruthless nobles, including Duke Lecoitenides, into the 'Infinite Demon Night Parade' Prison Dungeon is still fresh.
The 'punishment' of throwing someone into a dungeon is, in other words, because they might rebel in there.And, any items gained inside are said to come out through a hole near the entrance──this is why the Prison Dungeon is chosen.
Once the prison term ends, you can leave, but most die inside, so it's basically a death sentence──though there's still a tiny chance to come out alive.
...The only real consideration is that the dungeon chosen at the resource spot does give some food, so the chance to survive isn't 0, but it's very slim.
"...And so, the world conference approached me to discuss their concerns."
"There's probably no reason to oppose it. Besides, the current issue with that country being a Permanent Council Member is another problem, so it's important to address."
"Hmm, I see."
Basically, there are 7 seats for Permanent Council Members at the world conference.
Six countries changed since the Demon Lord's birth 15 years ago, only Diamante Kingdom remains the same, mainly because Horace was running the capital alone back then.
Obsidian Magic Dukedom became a Permanent Council Member amid the Demon Lord's rise, 'promoted' due to the situation.
But if he points out something important about this country, it's that magic Dukedom was founded 1,500 years ago.
Diamante Kingdom's history is only 4 hundred years.
That's not short, but compared to the magic Dukedom, it's about a quarter of its age.
Despite being so old, it wasn't a Permanent Council Member until the Demon Lord appeared; their rise was not because their power grew but because they took the seat. In other words, the 'thorn in the side' of magic Dukedom disappeared, and they advanced.
Regardless of Ranza's point about the 'reason for being a Permanent Council Member,' it's rare for a country with such a long history to be so half-hearted.
A long history means maintaining culture over the ages, absorbing external influences, and developing──being stagnant would be strange.
Especially with the 'Three Great Families' acting as the core of the nation.
...Of course, I haven't never been a Permanent Council Member before, but I'll skip that here.
"...Ranza. Do you know what the magic Dukedom was like when Gaspar was the 'Magic King'?"
"Gaspar? ...No, I wasn't in a position to observe the world back then..."
The Three Great Houses rotate as Magic King, so obviously, Gaspar was also a Magic King at some point.
However, Valzeil seems to have some thoughts about that.
"...You'll understand eventually. Yeah... It's worse than before, so be prepared."
"I don't really like measuring people who might become wise kings and those who won't with the same standards..."
"Well, don't worry about that. Just watch carefully, he's amazing."
"Yes."
After telling Ranza to leave the room, Valzeil looks up at the window.
He probably wasn't speaking to anyone in particular, but he mutters.
"Twelve years ago. The time has come to deal justice to the mastermind behind that huge incident──the death of my brother."
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