Since Then

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One month has passed since Casablanca was defeated.

“Onii-sama, your collar is a little crooked.” (Minerva)

“Thank you, Minerva.” (Arc)

Arc was wearing his formal attire for the first time in a while. It was not only Arc. Minerva and the others were also all in formal dress today.

“Arc-sama.” (Yulia)

The door opened and Yulia showed her face. She was not here as Arc’s bodyguard today but as one of the retainers attending the ceremony, wearing a splendid sword at her side.

“The preparations for the ceremony are complete. His Majesty Leone and the high officials are waiting.” (Yulia)

“Understood.” (Arc)

Arc and the others walked down the long corridor, moving from the waiting room to the grand hall.

“Still, somehow the palace has taken shape, hasn’t it?” (Minerva)

Minerva looked around at the walls and floor and said with a relieved tone.

“We worked through the night on the construction. However, the durability is not enough for everyday official use. It will likely only be used for this ceremony.” (Arc)

The restoration of the capital, which had become ruins, would still take several years. For now, the government offices were being relocated to a medium-sized city near the capital, serving as a temporary capital. This palace was also only temporary. Only the minimum necessary facilities were prepared, and a large number of workers were mobilized to complete it overnight.

“Minerva, how is Laika?” (Arc)

“She still has a high fever. She does not seem to have recovered from the mental shock.” (Minerva)

Arc sighed. He had sent a letter inviting Laika to attend the ceremony, but in the end, she was not coming as the ceremony was about to begin.

“Since we lost Randal as well, Laika is one of the few valuable military officers left… but I doubt she will be able to remain a military asset going forward.” (Arc)

“For now, let us prioritize Laika’s mental care.” (Minerva)

Arc had thought Laika was the only person who could replace Randal as the military leader, but considering her mental state, it was better to let her rest for a while, as Minerva said.

“It cannot be helped. I want to leave the military leadership to Rishu for the time being.” (Arc)

Arc turned back and asked Rishu.

“Eh? Me? I’m just a simple adventurer, you know? Give me the adventurer’s position instead. You’re going to create a new post, Adventurer Minister, right?” (Rishu)

Since the labor of adventurers was indispensable for reconstruction, the Adventurer Minister post was newly established to allow the state to oversee all adventurer guilds.

“Ah, the Adventurer Minister is…” (Arc)

“Yes! Rishu-san.” (Mia)

Before Arc could finish, a lively voice rang out. Mia, who had been following behind Rishu, spoke up.

“I have been appointed as the Adventurer Minister. I have also been promoted to 2nd Class adventurer, so I am now among the top adventurers in the kingdom. Therefore, Rishu-san, you can safely leave adventurer affairs to me!” (Mia)

“That’s how it is. Rishu, you are an adventurer, but your military talent is innate. I want you to help me and become a general, okay?” (Arc)

“Fine. I don’t really have the right to refuse anyway. Besides, in the current kingdom, everyone with ability must cooperate.” (Rishu)

Rishu complained in various ways, but knowing her, she must have expected this to some extent. Despite her grumbling, she accepted it quite readily in the end.

“We’ve arrived. His Majesty Leone is waiting.” (Minerva)

They reached the door leading to the grand hall. Beyond this door, Leone and the officials were gathered.

“Arc Warden. Enter the court.” (Yanna)

Yanna’s voice echoed from beyond the door. At the same time, the door creaked open.

“Let’s go.” (Arc)

Arc whispered softly and stepped forward. He walked toward the throne with high officials lined up on both sides. Minerva, Rishu, Mia, and Yulia followed behind.

Looking at it like this, the high officials have decreased quite a lot.

Arc thought this as he looked at the officials bowing their heads to welcome him. Leo, Louis, Casablanca, the religious forces, and neighboring countries–… the kingdom had been tossed about and split into many factions. Up to the present, not only military officers but also many civil officials had been lost.

In front of him was the throne. Sitting there was still the boy Leone. To his right was the Prime Minister Yanna Warden, and to his left was Marie Warden, who was about to assume the positions of royal guardian and head of the church.

All of this young king’s surroundings have been solidified entirely by the Warden Household.

What Leone had was only a noble bloodline. Due to the shortage of talent, Arc decided all the important posts in the kingdom. Leone was merely a figurehead king.

I don’t mind, but does Arc really accept this? (Yanna)

Those were the words said when Yanna asked Arc to continue serving as Prime Minister. In other words, this sister was encouraging Arc to take the throne himself.

This may be the first and last chance in several hundred years. (Yanna)

Certainly, it was the greatest opportunity to usurp the throne. The royal family had died out except for this boy, and the royal authority had fallen. Arc also had legitimacy through his wife Marie, who was formerly of royal blood.

No, the Warden Household will only manipulate things behind the scenes. We must not appear in public. (Arc)

Arc responded so to Yanna.

In reality, the Warden Household was nearing the limit of its strength. They lost many personnel and funds due to policies targeting Casablanca’s merchants and lost many outstanding military officers including Arc’s brother Tyur during the long war. They no longer had the leeway to take high-risk actions like usurping the throne. Thus, the kingdom continued as if the Casablanca rebellion had never happened, with Leone remaining king.

However, no one knew how long the Warden Household’s, or Arc’s, stance would last. It could be when this boy king becomes an adult and can no longer endure being a puppet. Or when the close retainers or old vassals oppose Arc’s methods. Or when Arc and the Warden Household regain their strength. The peace that was starting now would one day end, and the battle for supremacy would begin again. But, at least until then, this kingdom had no choice but to maintain its massive form.

Arc lowered his face and stepped forward before Leone. At that moment, Marie and Yanna, who had been standing on either side of the throne, joined Arc. Then, all together, kneeling at once, Arc looked at the face of the boy on the throne and shouted loudly.

“All of us, your subjects, swear loyalty to His Majesty Leone and pay our respects here!” (Arc)

 

– The End –

 

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