I am called by name. I raise my head.
Queen Rafa’s figure comes into view.
Her white dress and braided red hair look strikingly elegant.
Our gazes meet.
I had heard she was close to the princess, and indeed, they seem to be kindred spirits.
“Are you surprised?”
“Yes. I am but a humble adventurer. I am not worthy of being addressed as ‘Lord.'”
“Is that so? I believe your standing with the Church alone is sufficient reason.”
A knight of the Church, huh.
It’s a title that was rather forced upon me, but, indeed, I do have such a title.
In reality, I am not affiliated with the Church. I just leverage my personal connection with Cardinal Keller.
For them, it’s beneficial to be associated with a wielder of the Heavenly Sword.
“Only as a substitute, Your Majesty.”
“Understood. But as the hero who saved the country, you’ve come all this way to assist in our recovery efforts. I believe a flexible position would be beneficial.”
I have a bad feeling about this.
“I don’t need such consideration. Just order me to restore the nation, and that will be enough.”
“Of course, I will. However, at present, there are few individuals capable of overseeing the nation on a grand scale. That is also why I have summoned you.”
“I see…”
“I will bestow upon you the title of Chevalier. You will accept, won’t you?”
I suppose her closeness with the princess explains this.
A knighthood without prior consultation.
If I were to refuse this title in this formal audience, it would shame the Queen.
I wouldn’t mind, but it would undoubtedly have consequences.
Naturally, accepting it will also have an impact.
It will work out either way, but I’ve been cornered.
The title of Chevalier exists in the Empire as well.
It’s an honorary title granted for acts of bravery in war or monster hunting, recognized as a noble in name alone.
There is no land or authority, but there is a stipend, and it does grant a nominal noble status.
For an adventurer, being a noble without any entanglements would indeed make things easier, but right out of the gate…
The princess tried to push this onto me several times, and I managed to dodge it every time…
I’ll have to accept.
At least with Chevalier, it’s an honorary rank.
Surely, if it were a formal position, they would approach me through proper channels.
Otherwise, there would be opposition… Or is there no one left to oppose in this kingdom?
When Mastema was summoned, the palace was strewn with corpses.
Many nobles, including the king and ministers, died at that time.
Perhaps the kingdom’s very foundation is more shaken than I imagined.
Could it be that they simply desire some form of support?
“I accept, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Lord Ahvain.”
Queen Rafa smiles as she says this.
Her act is impeccable.
“Good, then let us rise. There is nothing further today. Shall we dine?”
With a clap of her hands, we stand and follow the maids to another room. The Queen will join us shortly.
“Is this alright?”
“I wouldn’t decline just to embarrass royalty. But next time, I hope they’ll spare me.”
“Hmm. Humans sure have it tough.”
Mastema understands that I was coerced into this.
If it were a demon, they’d solve it with brute force.
Yet, she seems to grasp the nuance of my conversation with the Queen.
She likely doesn’t care as long as it’s not imposed on her.
Typical demon – pure self-interest.
The maids prepare everything with precision.
We take our seats and wait for the Queen.
Sepia appears fidgety, and Noel whispers something to her.
Arnella seems slightly tense, but it’s manageable.
Mastema swings her legs while waiting for the food.
Eventually, the Queen arrives, and we stand as the maids bow.
Mastema doesn’t rise, so I give her a nudge with my elbow.
She only obeys Demon King Demogorgon.
Still, we must maintain appearances.
There are no knights here, and no attendants accompany the Queen.
Perhaps a gesture of trust.
Dinner proceeds peacefully.
The cutlery is silver.
“Do demons dislike silver?”
“…? Why would demons dislike silver? I prefer gold, though.”
When I ask Mastema, she looks puzzled.
Apparently, silver is merely another metal to demons, though it pairs well with blessings.
Noel and Arnella keep an eye on Sepia and Mastema, who are thankfully behaving.
Mastema understood the basic table manners I explained in one go.
It seems to be her understanding of how to dine in this manner.
“This is tedious. Portions are small.”
“Hey.”
“Heh, it’s fine. Bring that out.”
At Queen Rafa’s signal, a large plate of meat is brought out, along with a mountain of bread.
“I heard adventurers have hearty appetites, so I prepared accordingly.”
Indeed, enough food to feed a few adventurers…
Arnella looks at me for help.
No need to worry – we have Mastema here.
“Nibbling a bit has actually made me feel full.”
This from someone who usually eats a shocking amount…
“Oh, but this is delicious.”
“Glad to hear it. I’ll inform the chef.”
With that, Mastema begins helping herself from the platter.
Good grief.
“Now, let’s discuss the main matter as we dine.”
Finally, to the point.
“As I mentioned, the recovery has progressed since the noble youths returned from the Academy of Magic, yet many residents still can’t return home, and we must expedite the recovery. Monster hunts are also on hold. I’d like you to cover a broad range of tasks.”
Quite a tall order.
Fortunately, our current party is highly adaptable compared to before.
We should be able to manage.
