——

 

　After arriving at the Royal Palace, a maid from the Second Prince was waiting for me. And suddenly, I was led to the audience room. In there, I joined with Maine.

 

“……Second-san, are you nervous? “

“There’s no way.”

“Hahaha, right.”

 

　After making some small talk, we stepped inside the audience room. In the distance, I saw a man with a King-like atmosphere sitting on the throne. Next to him were the first Prince Klaus, the first Queen White, and the Prime Minister Val Morrow.

　Walking up to King Barwell with Maine, we both bowed down.

 

“Lift your face.”

 

　If this was my previous self, I would have raised my head at this moment. But right now, I have the wisdom of a genius tactician with me. It’s best not to raise your head at the first command, she said. This seems to be some sort of manner when having an audience with a King.

 

“Good, raise you face.”

 

　Barwell urged me again, with a tone that was more relaxed than the first time. Maine and I slowly raised our faces.

 

“Are you the person recommended for temporary lecturer of the First Royal Court Magician Division?”

“Yes, his name is Second.”

 

　Maine answered in my stead. Barwell then looked at me as if looking at some goods.

 

　My eyes met the King’s. Just as I knew, he was a dull, blond, middle-aged man. Most likely due to lack of sleep, there were bags under his eyes that couldn’t be covered with makeup.

　Back in Mobius, King Barwell Castall fell ill and retired from the throne. However, that should be something still ahead. Perhaps, there might be some change in the condition of King Barwell since the Prime Minister was not able to obtain the Brainwashing Magic in this world.

 

“This individual called Second is someone suspicious of whom we know little to nothing about. I don’t think he’s someone suitable to become an instructor for the Royal Court Magicians.”

 

　Suddenly, someone butted in. Sure enough, it was the Prime Minister.

 

“I’m also against it, Father. This person has refused an invitation to the Knight Order twice. I can’t feel any intention from him to contribute to the Kingdom.”

 

　Klaus then followed after him. Is this guy for real? Even someone like me knows that you can’t just say “I (Ore)” and “Father (Chichiue)” while in an audience with the King. But even then, nobody seemed to pay attention to that. How are they even educating him?

 

“Ohh!　Did he decline Klaus’ solicitation?　What a rude individual!　Take this person out! “

 

　I see, it’s because of this spoiled First Queen that the First Prince has that kind of attitude.

 

　……And, two knights who seemed to belong to the First Knight Order came to my side. Is it going to be like this?　Is this really how you’re going to act?　Looking sideways, I could see Maine’s face turning blue and shaking his head slightly. Seems like that’s no good. Hmph, seems like I’ll just have to escape.

 

“Please wait. Adventurers are people who are like that by nature. It’s also true that those who are not interested in status nor honor, and are excellent individuals, are more attracted to live their lives as adventurers rather than as knights. I believe it’s too arrogant to simply kick him out because he declined to join the Knight Order.”

 

“What did you say!?　Hairai! “

 

　Ahh, so that person is Minister Hairai. He has an appearance similar to a store manager with those round glasses in a thick frame and the scarce hair that makes it look like a barcode in his head. I heard from Windfield that this baldy four-eyes is the head of the Second Prince’s faction, and a strong ally.

 

“But if he refused to join the knights because he could make more as an adventurer, then why did he want to become a temporary lecturer in the Royal Court Magician Division now? I’d like to know that, Hairai.”

 

　Now the Prime Minister objected the minister’s argument. These two, I can almost see sparks flying between them.

 

“I heard that Second-dono is on friendly terms with Prince Maine. They spent time together in the same school, ate at the same table, and sometimes they played games with magic in order to improve each other. And as for the matter of being a temporary lecturer, I think it’s a great idea. Furthermore, even Prince Klaus should be aware that they both really are friends.”

 

“I’d like to add something. There’s no mistake in the minister’s words. But this time, I selfishly asked Second-san this request. Moreover, I don’t know a person more suitable than him to be a lecturer. If he were to serve as an instructor, the Royal Court Magician Division would surely achieve a tremendous growth.”

 

　Minister Hairai fluently answered the Prime Minister’s remarks. And right after, he received support from Maine. The Prime Minister then turned towards Klaus to confirm that fact. Klaus nodded lightly, with an expression as if he had chewed on a bitter insect. Then, the Prime Minister finally shut up.

 

“Your Majesty should already know of Second-dono’s track record. I plead for your consideration.”

“Would you allow him to be appointed as a special temporary lecturer? If there’s no visible effect in one month, I’ll personally take full responsibility. So, please, consider approving him.”

 

　As Maine bowed down, I too joined him bowing down. The bothersome trio had their mouths distorted in a way that appeared they would let their sharp tongues speak at any moment. In any case, when Maine speaks with “I (watashi)”, he really looks like a woman.

 

“Raise your face. Second, there is one thing I want to ask you.”

 

　While I was thinking about something completely unrelated, Barwell abruptly said such thing. I wonder what does he wants to know?

 

 

“It was over half a year ago. What were you doing in the Great Library? What were you doing in the Magic Academy’s library? And after that, you visited the Great Library several times along with your team members, what were you doing then?”

 

 

　――Suddenly, I felt a chill down my spine.

 

　What was I doing in the Royal Great Library?　He might be referring to when I was looking around searching for the skill books. And in the Academy’s library, when I was reading the Second and Third Form Grimoires. And later in the Great Library, we three learned some skills. And thanks to my summarized description, they learned the skills faster than usual.

 

“The reports keep coming. This is what I think, the secret of your strength lies there, isn’t it? “

 

　It’s probably been found out. The fact that I can learn the skills just by looking at the book. And that Silvia, Eko and Yukari were able to acquire their skills abnormally fast thanks to my advice “from a game’s perspective”.

 

“…………”

 

　What to do? Should I try to fool him? Or should I honestly talk about it? While I worried about what to do, Barwell said while the edges of his mouth raised.

 

“Fine. Second, you are hereby recognized as a special temporary lecturer assigned to the First Royal Court Magician Division. I look forward to this next month.”

——

 

　……This was actually quite easy. I even dare to say it was kind of anticlimactic.

 

　With one word from Barwell, the audience ended in the blink of an eye. The bothersome trio left while spitting curses against me and Maine, and the minister nodded in acknowledgement and left after adjusting his glasses.

 

　And lastly, those words of Barwell to me. What was that about? I initially thought he implied “I’m always watching you”, but I feel it was sort of different. Did he just want me to tell him my secret?　There’s no way that’s the case. I get the feeling I was approved because I showed a troubled expression. If that’s the case, why?　I don’t know what he’s after.

 

　But, there’s one thing I can say for sure. This world’s Castall King, Barwell, is a little different from the “Profit-seeker, self-centered King” that I knew of. Deep down he might be so, but in this world, his personality is not as dramatized as in the game’s story. At least, during this audience, he was a serious and honest person.

 

“It went great, Second-san.”

 

　Next to me, was a happy-looking Maine. However, I wasn’t able to nod to those words honestly.

 

 

 

　　＊　＊　＊

 

 

“Well then. I too, have to do my best, right?”

 

　While Second headed for the audience, and Silvia went to report to the Third Knight Order, Windfield was heading towards the center of the capital, Vinceton.

 

　However, even though it was the center, the place was a dark and daunting one. As light burns brightly, shadows are also made. And of course, there were such shadows in the royal capital, Vinceton.

 

　Her face was hidden with a mask, and her body, enveloped with a cloak. It seemed an unusual and suspicious gait, but it suited the atmosphere of this place. At a simple glance she looked like a man due to her height. Therefore, nobody wanted to speak to her even though she walked in back alleys where shady men gathered.

“Hey, can I talk with you, for a moment?”

 

“Ahh?　Who are you? “

 

　In the back of an alley, Windfield ran into a shabbily dressed man who looked like a vagrant. At first glance the man blended quite well with the surrounding bums, but there was one big difference. His eyes were not dead.

 

“Do you enjoy, playing homeless? “

 

“…………Let’s change places.”

 

　After a moment of silence, the man managed to squeeze those words while sweating nervously.

 

　The man was impatient. And thus, he began to think. ‘How was I discovered?’ He certainly had crossed dangerous paths time and time again. He had slipped from dangerous situations countless times. It was the same now. 「Pretending to be a homeless person fishing for garbage near the dumps where the 『Staff of the Royal Archives』 lived」, was easier when compared to his past jobs.

 

“You are, a reporter, right?　Let me guess, Vince newspaper? “

 

“……And what if I am?”

 

　The man got even more impatient. The reason was, he had been completely seen through.

 

　What would a reporter from the Vince newspaper be doing in such a place? At a glance, it was easy to tell the other party was involved. I’ll be disposed of, he thought. Even the person in question seemed like that. Therefore, the man was scared.

 

　And after seeing such misunderstanding develop, Windfield laughed with her nose and opened her mouth.

 

 

“I have, a great story for you.”

 

 

　The plan of the best tactician in the spirit world had begun.

　And the moment when the pieces would collide, was coming closer――

 

 

=====

 

Thank you for reading.

 

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Cheat sheet

Stats details

＜Status Details＞

• HP　Hit Points
• MP　Magic Points
• SP　Stamina Points
• STR　Short range attack skill power, strength, physical power.
• DEX　Long range attack skill power, dexterity, hit rate.
• AGI　Quickness, avoidance rate.
• INT　Attack Magic skill power.
• LUK　Good luck, critical rate.
• VIT　Simple defense.
• MGR　Magic defense.

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

1. Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
2. Lance(Kyousha)
3. Knight (Keima)
4. Silver General (Ginshou)
5. Gold General (Kinshou)
6. Bishop (Kakugyou)
7. Rook (Hisha)
8. Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
9. Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

List of Swordsmanship skills

Swordsmanship

1. 《Soldier Swordsmanship》　                  Normal attack.
2. 《Lance Swordsmanship》　                    Piercing attack.
3. 《Knight Swordsmanship》　                   Precision attack.
4. 《Silver Swordsmanship》　                     Strong single-target attack.
5. 《Gold Swordsmanship》                           Small-range attack to all directions.
6. 《Bishop Swordsmanship》                       ???
7. 《Rook Swordsmanship》　                      ???
8. 《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　       ???

List of Shieldmanship skills

Shieldmanship

1. 《Soldier Shieldmanship》　                  Normal defense.
2. 《Lance Shieldmanship》　                    Piercing deflection.
3. 《Knight Shieldmanship》　                   Defense + knockback.
4. 《Silver Shieldmanship》　                     ???
5. 《Gold Shieldmanship》                           Ranged guided defense + knockback.
6. 《Bishop Shieldmanship》                       Reinforced defense (Temporarily boosts VIT and MGR)
7. 《Rook Shieldmanship》　                      ???
8. 《Dragon Horse Shieldmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Shieldmanship》　       ???

List of Archery skills

Archery

1. 《Soldier Archery》　                  Normal range attack.
2. 《Lance Archery》　                    Piercing range attack.
3. 《Knight Archery》　                   Precise sniping range attack.
4. 《Silver Archery》　                     Strong single-target range attack.
5. 《Gold Archery》                           Weaker range attack with added knockback.
6. 《Bishop Archery》                       Strong piercing range attack.
7. 《Rook Archery》　                      Very strong single-target range attack with scaling % damage.
8. 《Dragon Horse Archery》　    Powerful piercing range attack.
9. 《Dragon King Archery》　       Powerful on-impact range attack.

Types of Magic skills

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

1. First Form　      　      Regular attack
2. Second Form　      　 Extended range attack
3. Third Form　      　    Strong single target attack
4. Fourth Form　      　  Strong extended range attack
5. Fifth Form　      　      Extremely powerful extended range attack

• Their cast time becomes longer in this order First→Third→Second→Fourth→Fifth.

Ranking of the skills

From lower to higher, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade.

1. 16th class
2. 15th class
3. 14th class
4. 13th class
5. 12h class
6. 11th class
7. 10th class
8. 9th class
9. 8th class
10. 7th class
11. 6th class
12. 5th class
13. 4th class
14. 3rd class
15. 2nd class
16. 1st class
17. Grade 1
18. Grade 2
19. Grade 3
20. Grade 4
21. Grade 5
22. Grade 6
23. Grade 7
24. Grade 8
25. Grade 9
26. Title

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 ToC    

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