Rischel (9): The Queen's Binding Gift
Rischel's welcome banquet was attended by a select few.
The queen, Aser, and the other royals, along with the Knights of the Round Table who protected them.
And the high-ranking officials from the upper echelons of society.
The banquet, led by the queen's chief steward, was being prepared at an astonishing speed.
"Steward, what should we do with the carpets?"
"Lay them everywhere—hallways and banquet hall alike. Make sure there are no gaps; be meticulous."
"How should we arrange the tables?"
"Since it's a seated banquet, space the tables out a bit and arrange them like this."
"Is it okay to install the chandeliers like this?"
"Yes, that looks fine. Just adjust the brightness so it's not too dazzling."
The chief steward darted about, issuing precise instructions to the numerous servants. As the sun set and the banquet's start drew near, she swallowed hard.
"It's almost time. Everyone, take your assigned positions and wait."
""Yes, sir…!""
With that, the steward checked her own attire.
She tightened her loosened tie and brushed off the dust from her clothes.
After confirming her jacket one last time, she nodded and headed toward the entrance.
The banquet was about to begin.
"Wow…"
Tatiana and I, entering the banquet hall together, were instantly captivated by its splendor.
"It's even more lavish than I imagined."
"Indeed."
I nodded at Tatiana's murmur.
"This is no mere small banquet."
"Even with few attendees, their status demands no less."
No matter how modest the gathering, the presence of royalty elevated it beyond ordinary.
It was only natural for such events to be perfected for high nobility to enjoy.
And this wasn't just any royalty—it was the queen of a nation.
"Since all of Rischel's key figures are here, this is actually on the modest side."
Starting with Queen Aser, the other royals, the Knights of the Round Table who upheld Rischel.
And the high officials from influential noble houses.
Though small in scale, no other banquet could match its caliber of guests.
This lineup rivaled a founding anniversary celebration, didn't it?
Of course, the fact that all these people came solely to see me was a bit unsettling…
"You've arrived."
"It's been a while, Mugeuk."
At that moment, the brown-haired sisters approached us.
"Beylin, Beyrun. Long time no see."
"We're so glad to see you."
"You remembered us."
Of course I did.
Beylin and Beyrun were among the most senior of the Round Table Knights.
"How could I forget? I'd have to try to forget you two."
"Eek!"
"Eeeek…!"
Known as the Twin Sword Knight and the Shield Knight, they had cornered me in the past.
True to sisters, their synergy was flawless—their combined assault had chilled me to the bone.
They'd left an indelible, intense memory.
"D-does that mean…!"
"Can we pounce on you now?!"
Somehow misinterpreting my sincere words, their faces lit up as they clung to me, each grabbing a hand and pulling me into their embrace before I could react.
"Wait. That's not what I meant."
"We knew we could trust you."
"No matter what those other girls try, we're the final victors!"
"That's not it. Calm down."
"Hehe, it's fine. We felt your heart."
"Sister, this isn't the time to waste moments like this."
"Right, Beyrun. Let's head back to the lodgings now."
"Stop it!"
I forcibly shook off the sisters, who were chattering among themselves. Only then did they look at me.
"Wh-why…?"
"I said that's not what I meant. Calm down."
"B-but you said you couldn't forget us…!"
"It's a misunderstanding. I was just recalling our past battles."
"N-no way…!"
How did "unforgettable" turn into a confession?!
I distanced myself from the tearfully wailing sisters and let out a deep sigh.
"…You have it rough."
"Sorry for the trouble."
Fortunately, Tatiana, who was with me, brushed it off with a wry smile.
"I know your situation, President. I've heard about what happened between you and Rischel in the past, so I can make some allowances for their reaction."
Though that doesn't mean I approve of their behavior.
Tatiana added, then headed toward a table laden with refreshments.
"Oh? Mugeuk!"
"Hey."
We bumped into Bedivere, her hands full of cookies.
Spotting me, she beamed brightly, then realized her predicament and hastily hid her hands behind her back.
"Th-this isn't what it looks like! I just grabbed a few out of curiosity—I'm not particularly fond of sweets!"
"Sure, I know."
I already knew she had a sweet tooth.
She was flailing cutely to hide her childlike tastes, but unfortunately, everyone in the palace, including me, knew her preferences.
"I don't really like cookies, but the servants insisted, so I made an exception!"
"I know. You're the sophisticated type who starts her day with espresso, right?"
"Y-yes! You remembered!"
"Of course."
In reality, she couldn't handle coffee at all, but since she insisted, I'd play along to save face.
I'd keep her strawberry milk breakfast secret forever.
"I knew you'd understand!"
"Naturally. You're a proper lady, after all."
"Ehehe! Of course! I'm Bedivere, the Roaring Knight of the Round Table!"
I patted the girl's head as she asserted her maturity with her whole body, humoring her appropriately.
How long did that go on?
As I watched her grin ear-to-ear—practically dancing—I heard a booming voice echo through the hall.
"The Queen of Rischel! Knight of Knights! Her Majesty Aser enters!"
The lively banquet fell silent at the young man's proclamation.
In the hush, the massive doors creaked open.
Those around lowered their raised gazes and bowed their heads.
Showing proper respect for the queen's procession, I too dipped my head slightly, awaiting her arrival.
Clack—
"Hmmm…"
A potent aura flooded the hall.
The starlight-like energy filled the space in an instant, drawing an admiring groan from Tatiana, who took it full force.
"As expected of the Divine Sword. Even her natural presence is extraordinary."
As Tatiana said, despite the unrestrained aura, many in the hall wore tense expressions.
Not knights, then. The administrative officials.
No one collapsed in terror from an aura that would buckle ordinary legs.
The knights bowed calmly, and even the untrained servants tensed without panicking or kneeling.
Probably the fairies' innate magic resisting Aser's aura.
The fairy clan's stigma likely helped too.
Even unmanifested, it wouldn't be unaffected.
As I pondered, Aser reached the throne, sat lightly, and surveyed the hall.
"Raise your heads."
At her command, everyone lifted their gazes.
Aser leisurely scanned the room, her eyes meeting mine before she continued slowly.
"As you all know, this banquet honors the benefactor who traveled far for Rischel, out of gratitude."
"With Rischel under threat from filthy demons, Mugeuk's aid is an unparalleled boon."
"Though brief, I express my deepest thanks for his dedication."
With that, Aser smiled faintly at me.
Suddenly, a brilliant light burst from her hand.
As it faded, a uniquely shaped ring rested there.
She gazed at it fondly for a moment, then extended her hand, floating it into the air.
The ring drifted gracefully to my hand, slipped onto my finger, and resized with a flash.
"This is…?"
"We've caused you much trouble until now."
Both the past incidents and this one.
From Rischel's perspective, they felt like debts.
"But you've already been compensated. No need to repay again…"
"No. What you endured threatened Rischel's very survival. A few trinkets wouldn't balance the scales. Besides, I said I'd give you this for now."
"Hmmm…"
Indeed, when she showered me with gifts before, despite my protests, she retreated with a regretful promise of more later.
But time had passed; I figured the sentiment had faded, and she'd forgotten.
No such luck.
I examined the aquamarine-gemmed ring and sighed softly.
"It's called the Fairy’s Tear."
"…!"
Wait—that's the hidden piece I couldn't get before!
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"The Fairy’s Tear…?"
"Rischel's national treasure!"
"Giving that to an outsider, not even a Rischel knight?"
"It'd make sense if he were to live here."
"…Or give more so he can't leave?"
""……!!""
Ignoring the chilling exchange, I looked at the still-smiling Aser.
"The Fairy’s Tear holds purifying power, imbued with exorcism that repels all evil."
Exactly.
In a world where exorcism-focused weapons and armor abounded but accessories were rare, the Fairy’s Tear was a top-tier piece.
Bonus demon damage and efficient mana recovery!
Those sweet options made it a must-have for countless players.
Its acquisition wasn't too hard either—essential for any Rischel visit.
I'd given up after that fairy rampage incident!
With Rischel off-limits post-chaos, I'd shelved it too.
Who'd have thought I'd get it like this…
With this, I can supercharge Noah!
Its low-level-friendly options were perfect for her.
But joy was short-lived.
Aser's next words left me wide-eyed and staring blankly.
"You'll like it. It's Rischel's treasure, after all. The downside is it binds upon equipping, but the performance is unmatched."
"What."
Bind?!
No such thing in the game.
As Aser spoke with a sly smile, I tried removing the ring—it wouldn't budge.
"Ha."
Real binding.
Aser, watching, continued with her unwavering smile.
"It's fine. I understand a constant ring would be inconvenient. Focus your mind and will it away—it'll vanish."
"……."
Indeed—closing my eyes and concentrating, it disappeared as if never there.
No weight, no feel; it seemed truly gone.
Focusing again, the Fairy’s Tear reappeared seamlessly.
"Satisfied? Consider it an advance for this time. I hope it pleases you."
I couldn't respond.
The performance was broken.
Convenience was high.
But one major issue…
"So why'd you put it on my left ring finger?"
"……."
Aser's mouth snapped shut like a ghost.
Her smile only irked me more.
I didn't know then.
Hidden in the beaming Aser's sleeve was a matching ring.