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Chapter 58. Division Commander Of The Magic Knights

I somehow managed to dodge the issue of the people trying to control the country and sent Princess Elissa back.

Even so... It seems that the previous issue with the people influenced by the old religion hasn't been resolved either. If I don't deal with these matters quickly, my peaceful academic life will drift further away. Living without standing out is no longer relevant. Right now, I just hate getting caught up in troublesome matters.

Fortunately, or perhaps not, we have the heir of a duke's house, a suspicious woman with information, and one of the royals. Not many people have gathered as much information as we have, so I think I'm in a pretty advantageous position information-wise. Well, if the enemy is within the country's core, they might be using the kingdom's intelligence agency... if that's the case, I don't know.

There’s not much I can do now, so I should just focus on organizing the information I have.

First, the enemy is lurking within the country's core and has skillfully analyzed the Magic Knights' power using the foolish little pride of that ridiculous prime minister. Additionally, by sacrificing the incomprehensible small cult, they suppressed public resentment. Despite causing such a large-scale terrorist attack, it's impossible to be satisfied with just exiling the prime minister, the mastermind.

No, both I and Jeremiah thought the enemy aimed to weaken the country... but, come to think of it, it's strange. After all, that prime minister was frankly incompetent. To weaken this country's power... I'd first think about dealing with that muscle-brained military commander. I've heard that he was the one who rampaged through the capital and annihilated most of the enemies. In other words, he's a formidable warrior.

Weakening the country... it's impossible as long as the Magic Knights exist. After all, if the kingdom’s military, like the Royal Knights, loses the king and the crown prince in quick succession, the army wouldn’t function. Like a creature that lost its head, it might flail its limbs, but that's about it. However... the Magic Knights are different. Since their formation during the war, they are somewhat separate from the country. Unlike the army which values the whole, the Magic Knights value the individual. Even if many Magic Knights follow the country's orders, if a few powerful ones find something suspicious, they'll come and cut you down independently - that's the barbaric Magic Knights for you.

They're a terrifying organization, but... there's no better one for maintaining public order. After all, bribes and threats from nobles don't work on them. They have the right to cut down traitors without taking them to court.

Now... will such a country with the Magic Knights really weaken just because the king falls?

There’s something. Something that can immobilize or even threaten the existence of the Magic Knights... or perhaps a trump card that can directly defeat them.

"Thinking, are you?"

"...Lieutenant Riester?"

I thought no one would come to the ancient library... but at some point, Lieutenant Riester had entered.

"You're probably thinking about the recent attack on the royal succession struggle, right?"

"So the story has reached your place, Lieutenant."

"Of course... Although the Magic Knights generally don't interfere with politics, everyone is interested."

Everyone has a curious nature. Besides... the issue of royal succession isn't something citizens can ignore. If the heir is a fool who raises taxes to line his own pockets, it’s terrible. Conversely, if a wise ruler guides the country properly, everyone can be at ease. Even if it's not something they can intervene in like an election, interest naturally gathers.

"To be honest, I'd prefer not to hear such topics so close to the Founding Festival... there's a lot to do as a division commander."

"Ah... but it can't be helped."

"Well, yes."

Since the Founding Festival is held annually at Chronos Magic Knight Academy, the 3rd Division responsible for this academy must have a lot to do. Even though they are called the Magic Knights, their basic duties are like that of the police. On the day of the Founding Festival, they'll have to patrol the venue like guards... and as a division commander, they'll probably be asked to demonstrate their sword skills.

"The salary is good and I get holidays... but there's a lot of work."

"I think the Magic Knights aren't for me."

"Haha... I heard the 5th Division is easy since they just get to rampage around."

Ah... the 5th Division, which is said to be the opposite of the noble 1st Division. Simply put, they're the kingdom’s defense weapon... no, a violent weapon. I've heard it’s full of roughnecks, but to think even within the Magic Knights, they say such things.

"...Speaking seriously, I want you."

"What?"

What? A love confession? I'm flattered... to be confessed to by such a beautiful woman, all my efforts have paid off... but that's not what this is about, right?

"I can't see your depths. It's like staring into an abyss... that's why I want you to join the Magic Knights and succeed me."

"Is that for the 3rd Division?"

"Yes. I think it's best for graduates who have an attachment to the academy to run the 3rd Division stationed near the academy."

Hmm? I don't have any attachment to this academy yet.

"I'm not saying anything strange. In fact, it's common for division commanders to personally recruit members for their division during graduation season. You're still a first-year, though."

Isn't it too early to recruit a first-year?

"What about the third years?"

"Not really... the current student council president is an interesting kid, but I think he ultimately chooses his own benefit."

So do I, though?

"Besides, I trust you."

"Why?"

"Because we've crossed swords. I only trust those who have fought with me."

That's quite a muscle-brained theory... it suits you well as the subordinate of the muscle-brained military commander, Lieutenant Riester.

If the Kuria Kingdom doesn't fall, joining the Magic Knights would secure my future... I'm a bit tempted. As long as I don't become a division commander, it wouldn't be too busy, and it seems nice.