When the government officials who had been summoned gathered and headed to the audience waiting room, they found that many others had already gathered there.
Among them were several knights, including Lambert, the commander of the First Knight Order, as well as about five historians, led by Laforet. Additionally, the Second Prince, Sofian , was elegantly seated on a sofa.
“Sofian -sama, Laforet-sama, Lambert-sama, I see you were all summoned as well.”
Martina greeted the three people she knew, feeling truly relieved that she had learned Sofian ’s identity the previous day. She was glad she found out before the audience with the king—if she had discovered it just before, she would have been too shaken to handle the meeting.
—If I had learned the truth just before the audience with His Majesty, I would have been too distressed to focus. It may have been too late yesterday, but I still think it was not too late… I hope.
“A letter arrived this morning. I was certain you would come, Martina, but there are many officials,” Sofian said with a smile.
Martina, feeling relieved inside, nodded politely.
“Yes, there were many letters,” she responded.
“It wasn’t detailed, but it seems a large-scale plan is about to begin. If that’s the case, many officials are needed.”
Laforet spoke next, and Lambert nodded in agreement.
“The knights summoned here are few, but the letter mentioned asking for cooperation from many more knights.”
“I see. I wonder what His Majesty will speak of… judging by the timing and the people gathered, it must be about the toxic miasma pool,” Sofian mused.
“That’s highly likely. And it’s almost certain that it’s related to the magic circle for summoning the Saint,” Laforet added.
Everyone gathered in the waiting room nodded seriously in agreement with Laforet’s words. Those present had been deeply involved with the toxic miasma pools before, and they were all aware of the magic circle for summoning the Saint.
“Do you think so too? By the way, the First Knight Commander had an audience with His Majesty the day before yesterday. I wonder if something was decided then?” Sofian continued.
“Yes. I reported on the expedition to the Cadour Count’s territory and discussed future plans,” Lambert responded.
“So you know the details of today’s matter?”
“I’m familiar with the outline, but His Majesty will speak shortly, so I will refrain from revealing anything here,” Lambert said, bowing his head.
Just then, a deputy to the Prime Minister, a close aide to the king, arrived and guided them all into the audience room.
As per the formal procedure, everyone bowed and entered the room. Once inside and the doors were closed, the audience began.
“Everyone, I apologize for calling you here on such short notice.”
The king, Vernon Raksaria, Sofian ’s father, spoke as he sat on the throne, starting the audience.
“I did not provide details in the letter, but today, there is an important matter regarding the toxic miasma pool, which is a threat to the nation’s safety. First, the toxic miasma pool discovered recently in the Cadour Count’s territory is more than twice the size of previous ones, and it has not yet been destroyed. It is estimated that to eliminate it, we would need more than 20 magic users with light attributes. However, gathering such a number is not practical, and even if we manage to deal with this one, the appearance of a larger miasma pool elsewhere is highly probable.”
The king paused after explaining this in a clear, resonant voice and slowly scanned the faces of those gathered.
Then, with a determined look in his eyes, he declared with strength:
“Therefore, our country has decided to initiate a plan to revive the magic circle for summoning the Saint!”
The king’s declaration shook the atmosphere of the audience room, igniting a spark in the hearts of everyone present.
“You were all called here because you are those who will play a central role in advancing this plan. You must have heard of the Saint’s summoning before, but even if countless miasma pools are born, it could offer a hope to save the country. However, we currently do not know whether such a thing is possible or if the summoning can be revived. This will be like feeling our way through the dark. But for the future of this country, I ask for your strength and cooperation. Please, I beg of you.”
Everyone, having heard the king’s words to the end, bowed deeply. Sofian , the highest-ranking person present, opened his mouth on behalf of the group.
“Understood. I will do my best.”
“I have high expectations. Now, as we begin the plan, let me tell you all the roles I want you to take on. The details will be explained by the Prime Minister. I leave it to you.”
“Understood.”
The man who stepped forward when the king called on him was a middle-aged man who had been waiting slightly behind the king. He was Samuel Rothrek, the Prime Minister of this country.
Rothrek, a Marquis, had been appointed Prime Minister due to his exceptional abilities. He was a very earnest and loyal servant.
“First, for the leader of this plan, I will entrust it to Martina. Martina, I have heard of your excellence. Please demonstrate your abilities fully for the country’s sake.”
“… M-me?”
Martina, surprised by this unexpected announcement, was unable to process it at first, but somehow managed to point at herself and say just that.
“Yes. Do you have any objections?”
“N-no, I don’t have objections, but I’m worried if I’m capable of fulfilling such a role…”
“Based on everything we’ve discussed so far, there’s no one else more suited than you, Martina. It was you who brought the concept of the Saint’s summoning to this country.”
“… I’m grateful for your high evaluation. However, I am a commoner, so I wonder if that will be an issue.”
Rothrek, without hesitation, nodded in response to her concern.
“There is no need to worry about your social status. If you are capable and can serve the country, then status is a trivial matter.”
Rothrek, a noble who has been known for valuing talent over status even in the Raksaria Kingdom, especially in recent years, had a very high evaluation of Martina.
“… Thank you very much. I will do my utmost.”
Martina, feeling the weight of Rothrek’s high expectations, felt nervous about whether she could live up to them, but with a determined light in her eyes, she bowed deeply.
The slight upward curve of her mouth showed her fighting spirit.
After observing Martina, Rothrek moved on to the next announcement.
“Next, for the deputy leader, I will leave it to Sofian-sama. Within the country, you will assist Martina, and if there is ever a need to interact with other countries, you will act as the external representative. Please lend your expertise from your experience working in the Foreign Affairs Department and your knowledge as a librarian to this plan.”
“Understood. Martina, I’m counting on you.”
“Y-yes, I will do my best…!”
Martina, surprised by the information that Sofian worked in the Foreign Affairs Department, felt relieved to have such a powerful support figure by her side.
“Now, as for the historians, led by Laforet, I want everyone to search for documents related to the Saint’s summoning. Work with Sofian-sama and also search the royal palace library’s archives.”
“Understood.”
“As for the government officials, they will be in charge of various coordination tasks. The people gathered here will mainly be the ones to carry out the work. As for the selection criteria for personnel, we have chosen those who will communicate well with Martina, the leader of this plan.”
“Understood. We will do our best.”
The government officials, who had been wondering why the newcomers Nadia and Sylvan were chosen, now seemed to understand, nodding their heads in agreement.
“Finally, for the knights, their role will be to monitor the miasma pools and provide regular reports, as well as protect those who go on inspections outside the city. There will likely be many situations where the knights’ strength will be needed. I ask the entire order for cooperation.”
“Understood, I will inform everyone.”
“Thank you. Now, I will conclude the explanation here.”
Rothrek nodded at Lambert’s response, looked around at everyone, and then took a step back. At that moment, the king, who had been leaning against the backrest of his throne, sat up and spoke.
“As Rothrek has explained, the budget for this plan has already been secured in full. I ask that it be used effectively and without waste. I look forward to hearing good reports from all of you.”
With the king’s words, the audience concluded, and everyone moved to the meeting room near the audience chamber.
