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Chapter 66. A Place Of Worry

Well, with that, our enemy has become Minister of Internal Affairs, Floedil… What should we do?

Dealing with someone who has support from the populace will certainly be quite troublesome… but at least we know who the enemy is now. Until now, it felt like dealing with a formless mist, but now we can clearly see who the enemy is.

"Speaking of which…"

Didn’t someone like Elixira say that Floedil was once a magic knight? If that’s the case, there might be people who know about his abilities… especially regarding the Grimoire. Even if it’s hard to probe the surroundings, there should be a way to learn about his power.

If that’s decided, maybe I should ask Riester. As the 3rd Division Commander, she might know Floedil’s peers from his time as a magic knight. But… she’s quite a busy person too.

"Theodore, if you’ve finished your meeting with Minister Floedil, get to your class quickly."

"...Is it okay to ask why you’re here?"

I’m a bit perplexed by Princess Elissa suddenly opening the door and coming in… Why is she here?

"I understand that you’ll come up with various reasons to avoid attending classes. Do you really think you’re that diligent?"

"Well, I don’t think so at all."

Of course not.

"...So? Why were you meeting with Minister Floedil? And even borrowing a meeting room like this?"

"Actually, I was going to use my dorm room, but Jeremiah and Elixira stopped me. Then when I consulted the professor, even the headmaster rushed out to open a meeting room for us."

"Well… considering normally, it would be seen as an invitation for a talented student."

"Right? Even the headmaster gets flustered when dealing with such a Minister."

He usually presents himself as a big shot, but he’s basically the type to bow to those above him. But maybe the headmaster should be the type who bows to the upper echelons. The head of the Adventurers’ Guild, on the other hand, is a stern, no-nonsense guy who scowls at anyone senior to him.

Now… I’m quite conflicted. Should I tell Princess Elissa everything, given she’s involved in this situation to the extent of having assassins sent after her, or should I ensure her safety by not revealing anything and avoiding further involvement?

Well… naturally, given Princess Elissa’s personality, if I end things without telling her anything, she will definitely be angry… but if I involve her further, there’s no guarantee I can protect her.

Even though my Grimoire has overwhelming offensive power, its uses are limited. So, if asked whether I can protect Princess Elissa when fighting a strong enemy… I have to say it’s tough.

But teaching her is also problematic… she would definitely get involved, and it would be just as hard to protect her.

"Why are you silent? What’s suddenly wrong?"

"...No."

It’s the ultimate choice. Should I teach her and protect her, or keep her in the dark and protect her secretly?

I said that to Minister Floedil, but in reality, I’ve developed quite an emotional attachment. I understand my own nature as someone who prioritizes self-interest, but it seems I’m also quite susceptible to bonds. It’s foolish, but… it’s quite affecting when someone I know suffers. Well… this might come from a selfish mindset.

"So… I understand what you’re thinking right now."

"Really? Try to guess."

"Sure."

Ugh… why do I have to say such foolish couple-like things?

"Specifically, you’re thinking about the upcoming Founding Festival in a month. While it’s generally expected that magic knight students participate, it’s only those who wish to participate who can join. However, those in higher ranks can’t avoid participating, so up to around the 50th rank, participation is mandatory."

"Ah… I see."

"Was I wrong!?"

Totally wrong.

"Founding Festival and individual battles don’t matter right now… I’m currently overwhelmed with various issues."

"What about the exchange match?"

"I don’t even know what the exchange match is… I remember Ash was surprised when I mentioned that before."

"Of course."

Is it obvious? But, considering those who are serious about becoming magic knights at Chronos Magic Knight Academy, it might be obvious. Since I’m not one of them, it doesn’t seem obvious to me.

"Listen, the exchange match is an individual battle involving 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year students without regard to their year."

"What’s the difference from an individual battle?"

"The main difference is that battles between students of the same year are absolutely avoided."

Oh… I didn’t know that.

"But, isn’t the winner usually a 3rd-year student who’s ranked 1st?"

"Last year, it was the 2nd-year 1st ranked, President Arus, who won."

Seriously? Someone who achieved an upset… that’s impressive.

"President Arus is one of the rare people among Grimoire users who is known for the contents of his Grimoire."

"He doesn’t keep his Grimoire secret?"

"He probably doesn’t intend to. After all, knowing it doesn’t change much; it’s simply an absolute power."

I’m definitely interested in a Grimoire that’s described like that.

"The name of the Grimoire is [Zaphkiel], and it’s a Grimoire that summons a circular shield…"

"And?"

"It’s said to reflect magic and be a shield that can’t be destroyed no matter what attack it endures."

That’s amazing. It’s not a story of the strongest spear and the strongest shield, but a shield that can’t be destroyed by any attack is intriguing… I’d want to try cutting it.

"Is it the user who says it can’t be destroyed by any attack?"

"Eh? It’s what others say."

Then it’s not reliable.

"...More importantly, if you weren’t thinking about the Founding Festival, what were you thinking about? Is that what you were discussing with Minister Floedil?"

"Ugh…"

In the end, the conversation circles back. But if I keep it secret, it seems it might be uncovered soon… Should I just tell everything? It might make her more aware of the danger.