Manowa Chapter 67

◎ Royal Capital Shubain, Criers Hotel

「Uhyaa, a hotel for royalty is so extravagant.」

After saying that Kazane leapt onto the bed.

「Don't suddenly horse around. Really.」

Zinray is amazed by the childish behavior, while Louise wore a wry smile.

「Well, it's nice we can lodge here for free. It's a place an ordinary adventurer wouldn't be allowed to stay even if they had the money.」

「It is a hotel for n.o.bility's exclusive use. I stayed here a long time ago.」

『That's right. I was still in good health back in those days.』

After Louise's remark, Tiara and Mefirus reminisced about the past.

「Well, since we're staying here in Yuuko-nee's name, try not to do embarra.s.sing things, Kazane.」

After being cautioned by Yumika, Kazane said「Okay~」and fully laid down.

While Kazane and Yumika had a delightful reunion with the now Queen Yuuko-nee at Castle Delgura, that didn't mean they could stay as long as they liked. As a queen, Yuuko-nee's time was limited, so they had to leave and would need to decide the schedule and the like for the hot spring another day. With Queen Yuuko-nee's authority, Kazane and the others were allowed to stay at this top cla.s.s hotel.

「Even so, I had no idea you two were acquainted with the Queen. I was honestly surprised.」

Zinray expressed after he judged things had calmed down.

「We were also surprised. Really surprised.」

「Truly!」

After Kazane and Yumika said that Zinray looked at them questioningly.

「That's right. Zinray-san, we were unaware that Yuuko-nee was this country's Queen. Can you tell us about it?」

「If it's fine to tell you what little I know.」

Zinray replied to Kazane's words conditionally.

After hearing that Yumika and Kazane sat side by side and stared at Zinray.

「Please.」

「Well, it seems fine.」

While he was worried if it was really fine to give such simple information in response to his disciple's serious gaze, Zinray knew that he couldn't tell them anything beyond his own knowledge anyway, so he decided to proceed.

「Her Majesty Yuuko Waiti Shubaina's name started becoming known in this kingdom about 20 years ago.」

Zinray's words were consistent with Yuuko-nee saying she came 20 years ago.

「You two may know more details than me about this, but she is a high-ranking magician, to the extent that she was known as the Witch of Annihilation as an adventurer. Well, it's similar to how you rookies' activities have also led to a new name.」

It wasn't any different from what Kazane knew. Yuuko-nee's player character Yuukei in Zexiahart was also a user of Annihilation Magic, and was similarly called『Witch of Annihilation.』

Among other things, the strong point of the magic was the grimoire's Final Chapter『Corona Gate,』which was a mixture of light and fire that in Zexiahart would incinerate everything within range and boasted of being the highest damaging spell for the vast area it covered. Yuukei's style was to use enchanted items and strengthening magic to amplify the power even further.

Yuuko-nee told them she had been collecting equivalent equipment and skills as the game and was capable of casting『Corona Gate』herself. Apparently, Yuuko-nee had a unique skill like Yumika's『Innate Talent:Spear』called『Sun Bearer』that nearly doubled the power and range of Flame and Light magic, which meant that even though she was only Level 96, she could cast it at around the same power as her max level character Yuukei.

「Fifteen years ago His Majesty the King Yuein pa.s.sed away and she became Queen. She was only an adventurer but she became his wife, and her ability to use the White Sword was used to prove that she was a relative with royal blood. 」

White Divider chose its owner. Yuuko-nee, who used the sword as Yuukei, would be qualified.

『Actually, no one with the ability to use the White Sword had been born in the royal family for several generations. The rightful successor to the throne was in doubt.』

Mefirus supplemented.

「So what you're saying is Yuuko-nee had the right qualifications?」

Zinray nodded in response to Kazane.

「Well, that's the way it turned out. After His Majesty pa.s.sed away, Her Majesty the Queen named herself the legitimate heir to throne and is currently the Queen.」

Ostensibly, that claim was accepted.

「While there was another heir to the throne, the Queen was the only one who could use the White Sword, and she seems to be skilled at politics.」

(I wonder if the power of『Circlet of Reality Vision』was used)

Kazane thought so. Kazane hadn't told even Yumika about Yuuko-nee's artifact. It was like  Kazane's Infinite Key; it was best that other people didn't know.

「And under Her Majesty Yuuko's rule it is currently an age of peace.」

Kazane asked a question after Zinray said that.

「But there is a possibility of war, isn't there?」

「Well, yes, there are fears of war with Soldard to the north, and I hear talk of revolt by other potential heirs to the throne.」

After that, Zinray thought that he had already spoken unnecessary things and hesitated to say anything else, but

「Well, are there worries about a.s.sa.s.sination or something like that?」

Kazane asked straightforwardly what she wanted to hear. Yumika looked surprised at the question, but Kazane's『Insight』told her it was probably important.

「I don't think it has been plainly said so far ... but there are rumors. There are voices wondering if the Queen really has royal blood.」

Kazane naturally knew. Of course, Yuuko-nee's blood line was not connected to the royal family.

「But there's n.o.body but Yuuko-nee that can use the White Sword, right?」

「There is. Queen Yuuko is not the only user of that sword.」

「What?」

「There is also Prince Sieg, the Queen's son.」

「Sieg?」

「Prince?」

Kazane's question was followed by Yumika's question.

「Kazane, it is the same name as your summoned ancient hero. I don't know if he got his name from that hero, but as His Majesty Yuein's son, Prince Sieg definitely has royal blood and can use the White Sword like Queen Yuuko.」

(Do you have a child? That's right. It has been twenty years.)

While Kazane and Yumika seemed a little panicked, there was an important implication to Zinray's words he couldn't let pa.s.s and immediately continued.

「Even if the Queen were to die there is a legitimate successor, Prince Sieg. He is still young at 11, and if the Queen were to disappear, it would be possible for someone to take power as a regent instead. That being the case.…. there are such rumors. 」

「So it would convenient for certain people if Yuuko-nee disappeared.」

「It's only a rumor.」

To Kazane's conclusion Zinray emphasized that they were rumors. Zinray did not know anything beyond the rumors.

「Well, that's all I know. Is there anything else, Mefirus-sama?」

『I guess so. She is a good woman.』

「Is that so.」

Zinray shortly returned to Mefirus' reply.

The topic of Yuuko-nee ended there. Afterwards, Kazane and the other had free time, so since there was some time until night, they took a walk around the Royal Capital. At that time, Kazane purchased and used the Third Chapter of the fire grimoire at the Magic Inst.i.tute. When she returned to the hotel she did magic creation in Creator Mode until midnight.

◎ Royal Capital Shubain, Criers Hotel - The Next Morning

「Yaho~」

「...... Muu」

Kazane rubbed the sleep out of her eyes while opening them and saw Yuuko-nee's figure.

「What are you doing?」

Kazane rose while yawning with a fuaa.

「You should know what, adventure preparations?」

(That's right, she abruptly told us she wanted to go on a trip when we met with her)

While thinking such a thing, Kazane rose and changed from her sleepwear.

Zinray and the others watched dumbfounded as she got up so quickly after being surprised.

「Kazane, don't be so agitated.」

At Tiara's thoughts Yumika laughed「Ahahaha」dryly. Yuuko-nee was usually a person with an excellent disposition, but was also a person that rashly followed through on quick decisions. Once she decided something she would immediately cause trouble for everyone.

「So why are you here so early in the morning? I thought for certain we were only planning to decide the date today?」

Kazane put on the Indestructible Cloak and asked Yuuko-nee.

「I couldn't wait.」

Yuuko-nee responded playfully.

「Is Sieg-kun not coming with us?」

「Oh dear, you heard about it. I took Sieg's name.」

「It's fine, I took Yuuko-nee's name.」

Kazane answered while gently stroking the glittering Childstone.

「Un? You'll have to meet my son another time, since for the time being I cannot bring him on this trip to deepen connections among old friends.」

「Isn't there official business for you to do?」

「A person called Irichan is an excellent body double, so it's fine.」

Mefirus, Zinray, and Louise reacted slightly to that remark. However, it was only Yuuko-nee who said the name that noticed.

(... is she also here?)

Zinray muttered in his heart. Iria Noktar, a young girl who was once a former member of Zinray's old party and was a female ninja scout from the East Country.

(I heard rumors that she was now serving in Mins.h.i.+ana)

At that time Zinray was 18 and Iria was supposed to be 15, but the young form belied the fearsome master she was.

(In those days I thought she was just a brat, but we should both be old now. No way, was she a half-elf? That girl.)

If that was the case she might only look 20 or 30 by appearance. Maybe saying her name wasn't only to tell Kazane and Yumika, but was Iria's plan to let Zinray and the rest know about her. At least it was clear that the Queen said her name knowing they would obviously recognize it.

Name: Yuihama Kazane

Occupation: Magic Swordswoman

t.i.tle: Ogre Killer

Equipment: Staff 『White Blaze』, Two Handed Sword『Black Fang』, Silver Breastplate, Silver Gauntlets, Silver Sheep Clothes, Carapace Bull Trousers, Berserk Ogre Greaves, Indestructible Cloak, Mysterious Pouch, Crimson Saint Coffin, Spirit Summoning Ring

Level : 22

Health: 77

Magic Power: 132+300

Strength: 33

Agility: 27

Endurance: 17

Wisdom : 34

Dexterity : 20

Spell : 『Fly』 『Torch』 『Fire』 『Heal』

Skill : 『Goblin Language』 『Night Vision』 『Crus.h.i.+ng Blow』 『Dog's Sense of Smell』 『Golem Maker: Lv2』 『Rush』 『Fire Principle: Third Chapter』 『Healing Principle: Second Chapter』 『Air Jump』 『Killing Leg』 『Fear Voice』 『Invisible』 『Tiger Eye』 『Wall Walking』 『Insight』 『Cheat Death』 『Nimble』

Kazane:「Ranged magic can now be used.」

Yuuko-nee:「Hooray! clapclap」

Yumika:「Next I will go to Coral Temple and power up.」

Kazane:「I hope you obtain it.『Bangle of the Wolf G.o.d』」