Part II
“To Count Ryoji Uchino!”
Called by name, Ryoji knelt before King Marcel and bowed his head. King Marcel nodded solemnly, and a nearby official unrolled a scroll and read its contents in one breath.
“Count Ryoji Uchino has successfully conquered the Intermediate Explorer Dungeon, implemented measures for the poor, and reformed the Royal Magic Academy, including the presentation of a paper on Attribute Awakening. Especially regarding measures for the poor, a letter of gratitude has arrived from Pope Orlando. To reward the significant achievements in the Sandstrom Kingdom, a compensation has been prepared. You are ordered to govern in place of the ailing Count Reim. Additionally, you will receive a preparation fund of 500 gold coins. Furthermore, you will be granted 3,000 gold coins according to your merits. The 3,000 gold coins will be delivered by Elena Sandstrom, who will serve as a Special Inspector after your posting as Count. That is all!”
“Haha! Though I may be physically unfit, I will do my utmost for the development of the Sandstrom Kingdom.”
As Ryoji responded to the official’s reading, a great murmur arose from the nobles gathered in the audience hall, surprised by the enormity of the reward. The faction of nobles, with the departure of the powerful Count Reim, wore expressions of bitterness. King Marcel received the murmur in the audience hall with satisfaction and began to speak solemnly to Ryoji.
“Ryoji, your work this time is truly splendid. As one who holds responsibility for the Sandstrom Kingdom, I express my heartfelt gratitude. Particularly, the paper on Attribute Awakening will be a significant step in enhancing our nation’s strength. I expect further development in the new County as well. I will dispatch my daughter Elena as a Special Inspector, so if you encounter any difficulties, feel free to discuss anything with her.”
“I will do my best without relying on the Special Inspector Princess Elena.”
Ryoji said respectfully to King Marcel and bowed his head deeply once again.
“So, you’re being summoned again this time, huh?”
“This time, it seems King Marcel has something very important he wants to tell Ryoji.”
After the audience concluded, Ryoji was told to stay behind, and while waiting in the training area with a detached expression, Harold appeared with a fully armored King Marcel and a delighted Elena.
“Ryoji! If you desire my daughter Elena, you must first defeat me!”
“Eh?! Wait a minute! King Marcel! You’re all set for a fight, aren’t you?! There’s no way I can battle against the King! And Princess Elena! Don’t give me that face of ‘please don’t fight for me’ and just stop him normally!”
While looking at the fully armored Marcel, Ryoji made a polite refusal while poking fun at Elena.
“Ugh! Ryoji-sama! Please don’t take away the line I thought hard about: ‘Oh! Please don’t fight for me!’ Also, father! That equipment belongs to the founding king Amadeo, right? If you go that far, it won’t be a joke anymore!”
“Well, if I’m going to compete with Ryoji in his mithril armor, I have to use the founding king’s armor, don’t I? After a long time putting it on, there’s been wear and grime, and it cost two gold coins to repair it, so you should pay for it.”
As Marcel happily mentioned the maintenance cost, Elena commanded the official standing nearby.
“What do you mean by ‘pay for it’! The two gold coins should be deducted from your allowance, Father! Ryoji-sama, I am Elena Sandstrom, the Special Inspector assigned. I look forward to working with you long-term. Please feel free to come to my room anytime, even at night.”
“Eh? Wait! From my allowance? But that’s royal equipment, right? Shouldn’t that be paid for with public funds?”
“I understand, Your Highness.”
With a perplexed expression, Marcel glanced sideways as the official responded cheerfully to Elena’s orders. Watching the royal family’s antics, Ryoji chuckled and asked:
“I have a question for Princess Elena. What will you do about the relief activities for the kingdom’s people that you are carrying out? Also, there was some confusion with Carena—was there any prior consultation?”
In response to Ryoji’s question, she began by explaining that she would continue the relief activities while serving as a special auditor.
“I’ll speak with Carena and Melta-san later. Carena will understand. Also, there’s a matter of formally requesting to give up their turn, so I’ll discuss that as well.”
“So you’re just going to ignore what I want?”
“If Ryoji-sama says, ‘I don’t want you,’ I will step back while soaking my pillow with tears, you know?”
“Of course I wouldn’t. Princess Elena is surprisingly assertive, isn’t she?”
“Ara? There is no woman who isn’t assertive!”
As Elena responded with a beaming smile to Ryoji’s exasperated sigh, Marcel, who had been in shock upon hearing that he would have deductions from his allowance for repair costs, suddenly restarted.
“I won’t allow it! Ryoji! If you say you will marry Elena, then we will have a proper match!”
“Understood! I will accept the challenge in order to marry Ryoji-sama! Father! Get ready!”
“Wait! Elena! Where did you get that weapon? Isn’t that the Windrapier used by Elina Sandström, the wife of the founding king? What is the meaning of taking a national treasure out without permission?!”
“Are you the one to say that, Father? It’s not a problem since my name is similar to that of Elina, the wife of the founding king!”
“That weapon creates a tornado that engulfs a ten-meter radius! Ryoji, help! The king is in danger!”
“Do as you please… Oh, Harrold-sama, I’ve made some new sake.”
“Oh, that’s great. Let’s drink it right away.”
With an exasperated tone, Ryoji regained his composure and handed the sake to Harrold. Cheerfully receiving it, Harrold left the training grounds with Ryoji while hearing Marcel’s screams and Elena’s cheerful voice.
A newspaper article stating that Ryoji had become a landholding noble set a record for newspaper sales. The residents of the Royal Capital bought the newspaper for themselves, not through group purchases, to learn the details of Ryoji’s remarkable achievement.
“There’s quite a lot written here. ‘The Hero of Drugul finally becomes a landholding noble! Within just three months of being promoted, he has risen from baron to count, and now to a landholding count!’ Oh, what a clever headline. ‘Voices say that the accomplishments established by the Hero are “rather late.” Obtained detailed confidential information from a duke who is a royal relation!’ Hey! The duke who is a royal relation is none other than Harrold-sama! Why is he leaking information to the newspaper!”
“Harrold-sama must be pleased. It’s a complete victory for the Pope’s faction. The power balance, which was thought to be fifty-fifty, has reportedly shifted to 60% in favor of the Pope’s faction and only 10% for the nobles.”
As Ryoji read the newspaper while commenting, Melta offered him tea. When Ryoji asked how she was so knowledgeable about the noble affairs, she replied with a smile.
“It’s information from Kuro-chan. Since it’s through the duke, the reliability is high.”
“By the way, even if you add them up, that’s only seventy percent. What about the remaining 30%?”
“That’s the neutral faction and the Royal faction. According to Kuro-chan, both are favorable towards the Pope’s faction.”
“The noble faction is in a state of collapse. I hope they don’t do anything reckless out of desperation.”
—
“Why has it come to this? Why must we, who have led the kingdom for 500 years, feel so uneasy!”
“This is because the newly-risen noble Yuhan has been flattering the Pope’s faction.”
“No, it’s because that lowly Ryoji became a count.”
About ten nobles gathered in a renowned eatery in the Royal Capital, although it wasn’t a high-end place, were venting their dissatisfaction while drinking. They were from the noble faction, and normally, they should have been able to enjoy sumptuous meals and high-class wines without reservation.
“Until now, we could have entered any restaurant with just a little insistence! What’s this about ‘prioritizing our reservation customers’? How much more will they insult us!”
It became common knowledge that the Hero of Drugul belonged to the group called the Pope’s faction, that a power struggle was occurring between the Pope’s faction and the noble faction, and that nobles connected to the noble faction had continuously caused scandals.
Moreover, it had also been widely known that Elena and Ryoji were on the verge of engagement, leading Marcel to favor the Pope’s faction, becoming a hot topic among the residents of the royal capital.
As good news about the Pope’s faction circulated in newspapers, each report of scandals involving the noble faction led to people, who had previously complied out of fear of retaliation, beginning to resist.
“In places like this, our honorable bloodlines are being sullied! And what is this?! This lowly cuisine! Is there nothing better?!”
“I’m very sorry. This is the best we can do at a place like this.”
One noble threw the dish to the ground and started yelling at the owner of the establishment. As if synchronized with him, the surrounding nobles began to accuse the owner as well. Seeing the owner bowing deeply and instructing for new dishes to be prepared, they raised their voices in anger once more.
“Enough! We will never return! Open your shop only when you can provide decent dishes and wine! Call a carriage!”
“Um, if you’re leaving, about the payment… Oh no!”
As the nobles attempted to leave, the owner tried to collect the charges, only for one of the nobles to draw his sword and point it at the owner’s neck, beginning to speak in a cold voice.
“Hey. Are you planning to serve us bad drinks and food and still charge us for it? Consider it an honor that we have come to this place. Or do you want to become rust for my sword? That could be an honor too, you know?”
“N-no, that won’t be necessary. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“What a complete waste of time.”
As the store owner apologized with a pale face, the nobleman snorted and sheathed his sword, leaving the store with the other nobles. The store owner’s face, which had been pale with fear, gradually turned red with anger. At that moment, a man approached.
“Store owner, that was terrible. Do those people always act like that?”
“No. They suddenly came in, ordered drinks and food, and then they started yelling ‘You serve bad drinks and food!’ and left without paying! What the hell! I don’t know who they think they are, but they act so arrogantly!”
“First time at the store, and they behave like that? From what I’ve heard, they belong to the noble faction. Recently, they’ve been digging their own graves by provoking Count Ryoji Uchino. So maybe they came here for a drink to drown their sorrows?”
As the man speaking to the store owner took out a newspaper from his pocket to explain, the store owner and the surrounding customers began to listen quietly. After he wrapped up his explanation with Ryoji’s achievements, he took a swig of ale and took a moment to breathe, receiving thunderous applause from the owner and other customers.
“I’ll cover the bill today! Actually, I wrote that article myself! Ever since Lord Ryoji came to the Royal Capital, the newspaper has been selling like hotcakes, so don’t worry about it! And, store owner! Can I write about today’s events in an article?”
“No, that’s… what if they come back and yell at us?”
“Don’t worry! I’m acquainted with a Duke, so rest assured! I’ll make sure it’s well protected! Let’s deal some heavenly punishment to those who are just boasting with the name of nobility!”
The man’s words fired up the surrounding customers. The store owner, with eyes blazing like he was filled with fighting spirit, shouted loudly, “I’m in on this!” Afterwards, when the nobles who saw the article tried to retaliate against the store, they failed miserably due to Harrold’s schemes, and the reputation of the noble faction fell even further.
In the grand hall, students and faculty of the Royal Magic Academy gathered, alongside guests like Harrold and Elena, and among figures such as the chief court magician Hermann, Cardinal Ralph, and Yuuhan and Marco. The reading of names began loudly.
“Now, we will hold the graduation ceremony for the Hero of Drugul, the nemesis of the Ox-Men, the prodigy of the academy, the one who awakened to cooking, the master of mushrooms, the liberator of Cave of Trials, the conqueror of the beginner exploration dungeon, the worthy opponent of King Amadeo Sandstrom, the conductor of pudding and ice, the seeker of after-dinner desserts, the one who leads the academy onto the right path, the blessed by the gods, the executor of judgment, the enemy of women, the sweet Marquis, and the beloved of Princess Elena, Count Ryoji Uchino!”[TN: Sounds like the Wrestler Intro][AND yes, I will not use beastmen, or even minotaur for the OX-Men, I like the term better for this series]
“Hey! Why did you start with all the title names? I can’t believe you said all that at once! It’s actually impressive!”
Ryoji shouted a retort to the reading of his titles, and laughter erupted from all around. After the light-hearted exchange on stage, Ryoji was handed his diploma by Principal Charlotte, receiving a grand round of applause. He held up his diploma high and addressed everyone.
“Thank you for holding this graduation ceremony for me today! Just earlier, I confirmed with the Principal that the special class will now have eight members, including me and Orlando, with Elizabeth dropping out and Neiham joining. The general class is now at 108 members because of various circumstances. With the academy’s reforms changing from a two-year to a three-year course, I hope you’ll learn new attributes and spell shortening skills! Please spread the word that ‘the academy has been reborn in our generation’ throughout the Sandstrom kingdom! Also, if you feel like it, come visit the territory I govern! I’ll hire you at a good salary if you achieve excellent results! Of course, you’re welcome to come even during your vacation!”
Ryoji’s words received enthusiastic applause and shouts of approval from everyone present.
“I’ll graduate at the top and have the count hire me!” “I’ll also present a paper and collaborate with Ryoji-san!” “I’ll awaken my lightning attribute and hone my sword skills to get hired!” “I’ll be hired as a magician!”
While Ryoji continued speaking, he observed the motivated students and the professors and instructors, who looked somewhat amused.
“Also, as a thank you for the graduation ceremony, I’ve prepared food! There are dishes and drinks available at the training grounds, so feel free to dig in! And, of course, I’ve prepared desserts too!”
Ryoji’s statement brought an uproar of cheers that shook the grand hall. When he turned his gaze toward the guests, he noticed Elena giving a modest fist pump. With a wry smile, he began to move towards the training ground, where Marco and Yuuhan approached him.
“You really managed to prepare this much food.”
“Well, yeah. With my connections, I can get this much ready. Marco-kun, today I’ve also got drinks prepared, so enjoy to your heart’s content! And Lord Yuhan, thank you for everything today. I’ve been able to obtain my territory thanks to the Count. I believe it’s also because I was promoted as a knight. I’ll return the garrison, but if you ever need anything, just call for me, and I will rush to help… Ouch!”
“Why are you planning to return the garrison? It’s your city that you built! Aurelio was saying with a look that seemed about to die, ‘Is it okay to convert the tasks we’ve been forced to take on into monetary compensation and bill Ryoji-san?’ If you leave it like this, they’ll chase you to the ends of the earth!”
“What the heck! I’m not senile yet! Marco’s tsukkomis are unmatched in the world, so pulling out the family heirloom fan that easily… Ouch! That hurts! I haven’t finished talking yet… Ouch! Wait a… Ouch!”
“Shut up! What do you mean unmatched in the world? The family heirloom fan! I received a medal for being in charge of tsukkomi from King Marcel, but you’re the root of all evils!”
“That’s cruel! A wonderful nickname for Marco was created in the Royal Capital! The official tsukkomi master for the entire Sandstrom Kingdom, including the king! Isn’t that amazing? I thought of it and spread it around! Here comes a shocking secret revealed right here! What do you think, Marco… Ouch! Wait… Ouch! Let me finish my story… Ouch! Ouch! It hurts!”
“It was you! You spread that title! While I was on guard duty at Drugul, I was told by adventurers, ‘You’re Marco, the official tsukkomi master for the entire Sandstrom Kingdom, including the king! I respect you!’ When I heard it for the first time, I drank myself into oblivion until I lost my memory!”
“Oh, that’s the power of the tsukkomi master. To see it live…”
The students, instructors, and professors were watching the comedic exchange between Ryoji and Marco with looks of admiration.
—–
“Phew. That was terrible. Where is Princess Elena?”
“Over there, having a heated debate about sweets with some of the female students.”
“She’s unwavering as always. By the way, can we get Cardinal Ralph away from constantly touching the mithril clothing?”
“Well, well. Since Ryoji-sama will be leaving the capital soon, I wants to make the most of it!”
“Then here, this is a mithril statue of Iorus I made to kill time. I’ll give you this, so let go!”
“R-really? What should I do if I receive something like this? Oh! The mithril equipment is perfectly recreated! Aah! Should I dedicate my life to Ryoji-sama?”
“Don’t do that! I don’t want it! As the Cardinal, please guide your followers!”
“I have nothing, do I…?”
“Lord Hermann! I will give you ten potions and a mana potion I made, plus one secret medicine! Please stop face-planting on the ground!”
“Oh… should I dedicate my lifelong loyalty to the Count?”
“Don’t do that! Please dedicate your loyalty to King Marcel! You there! Duke Harrold! Even if you look at me like that, I’m not giving you the expansion room!”
“Tch. Should I spread a rumor that Ryoji didn’t give me a present?”
“Don’t say something so terrifying nonchalantly! I’ll send something!”
“Sorry for urging you.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll prepare gifts for the guests and the Academy’s Principal, professors, and instructors…”
Seeing Charlotte, Reynold, and others gathered around with expectant expressions, Ryoji sighed wearily.
—–
“Is everyone ready?”
At Ryoji’s words, Carena, Melta, and Kuro nodded vigorously. Seeing this, Ryoji began to greet Charlotte and his classmates from the special class who had come to see them off.
“Thanks for seeing us off! I said this during the graduation ceremony, but if you come to my territory, be sure to stop by! I’ll welcome you! And if you run into any trouble, leave a letter with the house steward! I’ll definitely come running! Alright! Let’s set off!”
At Ryoji’s command, the driver cracked the whip on the horses, and the carriage began to move quietly. As the carriage carrying Ryoji and the others progressed from the estate to the main street, voices called out from the roadside.
“Ryoji-sama! Come visit when you open your shop!”
“Even when you go over there, bring delicious things to the Royal Capital!”
“I’m waiting for an article to come out about you making a mistress and a love affair breaking out!”
“Who said ‘make a mistress’ just now? I’m not going to make a mistress!”
As Ryoji shouted back at the voices from the roadside, laughter erupted from all around.
“Take care!”
“I’m looking forward to your exploits being in the newspapers!”
“Leave it to me! I eagerly await the newspaper!”
—
“We’ve advanced quite a bit, huh?”
“Yes. I think it’s about three hours from the Royal Capital?”
“Understood. I’ll leave it to you from here. If anything happens, I’ll come back immediately.”
Nodding at Carena’s words, Ryoji jumped onto the transfer magic circle in the magic tool expansion room.
“Welcome back, Ryoji-sama.”
“I’m home.”
After smiling at Melta, who had returned to the mansion first, he opened the door to the guest room. There stood Harrold, waiting for Ryoji’s return.
“Thank you for waiting.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing for calling you back. It was important to make a grand exit from the Royal Capital.”
The transfer magic circles were completed in seven locations: the residences of the esteemed figures—King Marcel, Harrold, Cardinal Ralph, Chief Court Magician Hermann, and Theobald, the head of the Royal Knights—as well as the Royal Academy of Magic, all connected to Ryoji’s residence.
This time, Ryoji, having heard of a secret request, received a letter sealed with the royal wax from Harrold and began to check its contents.
“What do we have here? ‘There are rumors that heavy taxes are being imposed in Count Reim’s territory. Count Ryoji Uchino must work to restore the standard of living for the citizens of the kingdom through fair and just management of the land.’ Even though it says ‘there are rumors,’ the wording ‘must work’ indicates the heavy taxes are a certainty, right?”
“However, even my intelligence agency could only gather information at the rumor level. They must have been doing quite a good job. It’s unimaginable that they would exploit the citizens of the kingdom!”
Hearing Harrold’s bitter words as he slammed the desk, Ryoji spoke reassuringly.
“Don’t worry. Once I get there, I’ll erase all the corruption in one fell swoop. Lord Harrold, you just relax at your residence and enjoy some tea while you wait. Before heading to the capital, I’ll check on the surrounding villages and towns.”
“I have heard some suspicious rumors as well. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions.”
—-End—–
Chapter 3 will be next week.
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Thanks for the treat.