Chapter 89
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: What Are You Giving Me? (2)
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Giving me a fief?
In any era, in any country, land is an incredibly precious resource.
Whether in times of war or peace, it was common to award honorary baronies or viscountcies to those who rendered great service, but bestowing an entire fief was rare.
Moreover, looking at the king's face, I had a feeling that what he intended to give me was not just land.
Your Majesty!
No matter how great his achievements, he is still too young to manage a fief.
That is correct. We urge you to reconsider...
Enough. All of you, be silent.
At the king's single command, the nobles fell silent. It was not aura or presence, but the domineering dignity he possessed himself.
I am not taking your fiefs to give to him, so why all the fuss?
W-Well, it's just...
Ahem...
Seemingly at a loss for words, the nobles merely cleared their throats and lowered their heads, avoiding the king's gaze.
I shall bestow upon Yuren Lox a piece of my own land that currently has no master, so do not worry. The land I will grant him is the Viscounty of Gairin.
Ah, if it's Gairin...
Hmm...
Small, subtle smiles bloomed on the faces of the few nobles who had tried to argue with the king earlier. They were by no means smiles of congratulations.
They're sneering at me for receiving Gairin.
The reason the nobles had quieted down was because the Viscounty of Gairin was famous for being a poor fief. Though a viscounty, it was as small as a barony, with little land suitable for farming or pasture. It was useless as a tourist destination, and no mines had been discovered there either.
On top of that, the Viscounty of Gairin was teeming with mercenaries and criminals, leading to an endless chain of incidents. Gairin was a place that made many nobles shake their heads in dismay.
Right. Laugh all you want. We'll see what happens later.
I barely managed to suppress the laugh that threatened to burst out when I heard I was being given Gairin. Those who were sneering now would beat the ground in regret when they later found out what was in Gairin.
Additionally.
The king was not finished. Everyone who had been whispering about Gairin fell silent and focused on him.
Yuren Lox is the eldest son of the Lox Marquisate and is certain to inherit the title of Marquis Lox in the future. Therefore, I shall grant him the title of Viscount, under the name of Lox.
Perhaps because I had received Gairin, the nobles said nothing.
The king was certain that I would inherit the Lox title.
He was even being considerate enough to ensure that when I later inherited the Marquisate of Lox, I would possess both the lands of Lox and Gairin under the Lox name.
Your grace is boundless, Your Majesty!
I trust you will make Gairin a splendid and prosperous fief.
I will not disappoint you.
You will absolutely not be disappointed.
Now, shall we give Arin and Ilia their rewards?
The king descended from his throne and approached the doors of the audience chamber.
Flash.
At the king's command, the doors of the audience chamber transformed into the golden gates of the royal treasury and began to slowly open. A brilliant, multicolored light burst forth from the crack.
Ooh!
So this is the royal treasury!
The nobles gathered at the entrance of the royal treasury, craning their necks to peek inside.
Ilia and Arin, you may each choose one item you desire.
Understood.
Thank you.
The two looked at each other, then entered at the same time. And then, an impudent bird that couldn't tell when to butt in and when not to shot out before I could stop it.
Bbaek.
The king, who had opened the doors and was walking toward me, stopped in his tracks when he saw Bbaekbbaegi flying at him.
Is this creature your spirit beast?
Y-Yes, it is.
Hmm, I thought it would be bigger. It's small and cute.
Like the cunning bird it was, Bbaekbbaegi didn't go straight into the treasury but first acted cute for the king. As expected, it was well-versed in matters of hierarchy.
Ho ho.
The king stroked Bbaekbbaegi and let out a hearty laugh.
Bbaek.
Having decided they were friendly enough, Bbaekbbaegi left the king's hand and flew into the royal treasury.
That little rascal!
It's fine. Let it be.
Just as I was about to rush after it, the king caught my shoulder and stopped me.
More importantly, do you know about Gairin?
It borders our fief, so I know a little.
You'll likely have a hard time. The officials who were assigned there still shudder at the mere mention of Gairin.
Yes. I am aware.
The king, pleased by my calm reaction, took another step closer to me.
In the Gairin fief, there is a place called Mount Ekyl. Investigate it thoroughly.
Mount Ekyl... I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty.
He knows about Mount Ekyl. As I thought, the king found out what was in Gairin before handing it over to me. It seems he intends to support me in various ways.
You. I hear you haven't even become the heir yet.
That is correct.
Ho ho, incredible. Someone like you isn't the heir yet, and Arin is a trainee knight. Heh heh. Is the House of Lox filled with nothing but monsters?
It is because I caused a lot of trouble when I was young and failed to earn their trust.
Everyone causes trouble. To have realized it at your age is a fortunate turn of events in itself. Heir or not, the name of Lox will surely turn to you. I'm counting on you in the future.
With those words, the king turned and headed back toward the treasury.
I bowed my head slightly to the king's retreating back, expressing my gratitude.
Bbaek!
Even before Ilia and Arin, Bbaekbbaegi emerged, clutching a gem in its talons.
Spirit Stone
A stone containing spiritual power untainted by any element.
A non-elemental spirit stone is a stone that enhances a spirit beast's spiritual power, making it, in some ways, even rarer than an elemental one.
Having already devoured the spirit stone's power, Bbaekbbaegi's white feathers had a glossy sheen.
Ho ho.
The king, just like the king of Iokal, was oblivious and merely laughed at the gem and the cute act Bbaekbbaegi presented.
Ugh...
What a terrifying creature.
Yuren Lox.
Ah, Your Highness, the First Prince.
As I was shaking my head at Bbaekbbaegi, a young man with a face similar to the king's approached from behind. It was the First Prince, Gwen Briard.
Are you leaving tomorrow?
It seems so.
Then how about we have lunch together tomorrow?
The First Prince had a somewhat twisted expression, and his manner of speaking was a bit unnatural.
To someone who didn't know, it might look like a sneer and be unpleasant, but knowing everything, I felt nothing at his expression.
Understood.
Good. See you tomorrow.
I had no particular reason to refuse, so I agreed. Upon hearing my answer, the First Prince gave an awkward smile before moving to stand behind the king.
Hello.
This time, the Second Prince, Arthur Briard, spoke to me.
Your Highness, the Second Prince. My apologies for the late greeting.
Not at all. We haven't had a moment to greet each other.
Unlike the First Prince, the Second Prince approached with a gentle-looking smile.
Since you have plans for lunch with my brother tomorrow, how about having tea time with me afterward?
I will, Your Highness.
Thank you, Lord Yuren Lox. I will send someone for you tomorrow.
No, the pleasure is all mine.
Until then.
The Second Prince maintained his gentle smile and stood to the king's left.
The princes...
The reason those two sought me out is obvious. They want to place my name behind theirs to gain an advantageous position in the succession race.
I will take this.
As I was thinking about future events, Ilia finished her selection and was heading out of the treasury. She was holding a sword slightly longer than a longsword.
Potlan's Sword of Self-Interest
A sword forged by the continental artisan Potlan in his middle years. It possesses no special abilities, but the balance of its double edges and its center of gravity are perfect. It is so hard that it cannot be cut even by aura, making it the most suitable sword for a skilled swordsman.
A good choice.
She seems to have chosen a sword that suits her well. With her Sword Queen trait, mediocre options would only get in her way.
Is Arin still deciding...?
Arin was looking around, unsure of what to pick. It was likely because she had never chosen anything for herself before, and the options were too numerous.
Your Majesty.
What is it?
Would it be alright if I helped Arin with her choice?
Ho ho, of course.
After receiving the king's permission, I approached Arin's side.
Can't decide?
I'm sorry for taking so long. There are so many things, and I don't know what's what.
That's understandable. Anyone, not just Arin, would be hesitant when faced with such a choice.
I calmly scanned the items with the Creator's Eye and picked out a doublet for her to wear under her armor. A doublet is the last line of defense, protecting against broken armor shards or an enemy's final sword strike.
Grave Arming Doublet
A lightly made quilted garment, but it is tough and resilient because it was crafted using Grave thread, making it highly resistant to cuts.
Special Options: Strength Enhancement, Agility Enhancement.
Arin usually wears light armor, and this garment, despite being worn underneath, offered decent protection and had special options, so I thought it would suit her well.
Th-Thank you.
After I explained the garment to her, Arin accepted the doublet and came outside.
I will take this.
Very well. I shall close it then.
The king looked at me and Arin with satisfaction before closing the treasury doors.
Yuren Lox, Ilia Marcus, Arin. I hope you will continue to lend your strength to Krassis in the future.
Of course, Your Majesty!
Today's ceremony is now concluded. You are all dismissed.
At the king's words, the nobles departed. Just as Arin, Ilia, and I gave our final bows and turned to leave...
Yuren. I heard you were getting along quite well with the Saintess of the Holy Nation. Surely you're not planning on marrying into their family, are you?
Eh?
The king suddenly uttered something completely unexpected in a playful tone.
W-What are you talking about? Nothing of the sort ever happened!
Ah, is that so? My apologies. That's what the rumors said. Ho ho.
The king gave an apologetic smile and returned to his seat.
But a chilling presence was already emanating from the woman behind me.
Yuren. Let's go outside first.
Ilia's voice was as cold as a midwinter wind, and her face was flushed for a completely different reason than when she was in my quarters earlier.
I was going to ask earlier, but I heard that rumor too. What happened?
Outside the audience chamber, Ilia's face and voice were like ice.
Nothing happened with the Saintess, I swear. Arin, tell her.
That's right. Besides being together the whole time, nothing special happened between the Grand Prince and the Saintess.
Arin! If you put it like that...
We need to talk. Follow me.
Ah...
Ugh...
Yesterday, I had to repeatedly tell Ilia that nothing had happened and promise to spar with her whenever she wanted before I was finally allowed to return to my quarters.
Yuren, are you there?
Hearing the voice outside, I opened the door to find not a servant, but the First Prince himself.
Y-Your Highness, the First Prince!
Why so surprised?
I didn't expect you to come in person...
I just came for a walk. Let's go get something to eat.
His face and tone seemed much more relaxed than yesterday. I followed him to the dining hall of the First Prince's palace.
As soon as we sat at the table, warm food began to be served. The dishes weren't extravagant or numerous, but they had an appetizing aroma and color.
It won't taste good if it gets cold, so let's eat first.
Thank you for the meal.
It may look a bit plain, but it should be delicious.
Just as the First Prince had said, the food was more delicious than it looked. It wasn't until dessert was served that the First Prince finally spoke.
Arthur and I were on a journey until recently. We circled the kingdom.
I see.
It was our first long journey, and it was truly wonderful. The faces of the people were bright, and they were full of laughter. Of course, not everything is as it seems.
It seemed the reason the princes hadn't been in the palace was because they had been traveling around the kingdom.
The Kingdom of Krassis is a peaceful and good country. As if bathed in the light of the gods.
The First Prince stared at the sunlight streaming through the window as if mesmerized.
To be honest, as long as that light is maintained, I don't mind if I'm not the king. Father also said he wouldn't decide the succession based on birth order.
His words still had a grumbling quality, but as I listened, they started to feel somewhat endearing. It was like listening to my grandfather speak.
Many people around us are saying it would be better for Arthur to inherit the throne. He's smarter, stronger, and more considerate than I am. They say he'll be a wise king.
The Second Prince, Arthur, was known to be superior to the First Prince, Gwen, in every aspectacademics, martial arts, character, and connections.
In contrast, the First Prince before me was not particularly good at anything, spoke awkwardly, and was famous for damaging the royal family's honor by showing interest in useless things.
He wasn't a scoundrel like the original Yuren, but you could say he didn't live up to the expectations of being the First Prince.
But I know many things about this world. In the original story, the First Prince dies, and the Second Prince inherits the throne.
Only then does the world realize that the Second Prince was not the person he appeared to be.
I used to think about leaving the palace and giving the throne to Arthur, but I felt something while traveling with him this time. It's just my intuition, so it's hard to explain, but Arthur must not become king. Something bad will definitely happen.
The First Prince looked at me with serious eyes. His gaze held no ulterior motives; it was pure sincerity.
To think the First Prince had noticed something like that. He might be more useful than I thought.
The First Prince dies not long after this. Not from natural causes or an accident, of course, but by assassination. And I have more than enough power to stop it.
Should I save the First Prince?