"Hmm, I see. It is true that once high-ranking species are born among the Orcs, they begin to form settlements. And once a settlement is established, there is no doubt that the surrounding villages and towns will suffer significant damage. Considering that, it is indeed best to destroy them while the settlement is still being formed. If one hesitates to act, it is entirely possible for the Orc forces to grow until they are more than the local nobles can handle."
Trajist nodded in agreement as he listened to Rei's account of attacking an Orc settlement.
"But Father, Orcs are only low-rank monsters in the end. Since their physique is close to that of a human, the National Army finds them quite useful as opponents for actual combat training. Of course, I agree that damage to the surrounding area should be avoided as much as possible."
Schuls, who had been listening to the conversation between Rei and Trajist, offered his perspective. It was true that Orcs—who possessed a modicum of intelligence and strength, along with high reproductive rates—were suitable opponents for the army to gain practical experience.
"Big Brother Schuls, that might be true from a military standpoint, but for those living nearby or for travelers, an Orc settlement is nothing but a nightmare. Especially for women."
Orcs were monsters fundamentally composed only of males; to increase their numbers, they were forced to use females of other species. Humans were their most frequent victims due to their sheer numbers. This included demi-humans like Elves, Dwarves, and Beastmen, but ordinary humans were undoubtedly the most plentiful.
"I am aware of that. That is why I make sure to dispatch the army immediately whenever an Orc settlement is discovered. It is not as if we intentionally leave them alone to allow the settlement to expand."
Perhaps feeling that Vihera’s words implied the Imperial Army was intentionally ignoring the Orcs and allowing the damage to spread, Schuls spoke with a hint of offense.
The atmosphere in the room had softened considerably since Rei had received the Metal Card. They were currently lively with talk of Rei's various requests as an adventurer. Most of those present were in service to the Bestia Empire; while they had some intellectual knowledge of an adventurer's life, almost none had ever heard a first-hand account.
The rare exception was Vihera, who had been active as an adventurer in the Kingdom of Mireana after fleeing the Bestia Empire. However, even in her case, she had done little more than challenge the dungeon in the Labyrinth City of Exil in search of strong opponents. That said, Vihera's stories of actually conquering the dungeon were full of presence, and everyone—even the Imperial Guard Knights—listened with great interest.
(Well, it's only natural for them to be intrigued by Exil. This country has its own Labyrinth Cities, so they might be looking for ideas to apply to their own operations.)
While occasionally adding explanations when prompted by Vihera or describing the times he had acted solo, Rei noted their high level of engagement.
The conversation continued to be lively. Even Schuls—who initially had not harbored good feelings toward Rei, which was natural considering Rei was the reason he had lost the civil strife—found himself gradually drawn into Rei's tales of battle. Schuls had always held a strong interest in military affairs. Although his talent was inferior to Vihera's, he was still undeniably competent. It was precisely because of this that he had enjoyed such strong support from the Imperial Army.
"If you're asking about monsters that left a strong impression, it would have to be the Gamelion. They're currently in season in this country, but when I first heard of them, I was told they were rabbit monsters..."
"Hmm, that is true. I also remember being surprised the first time I saw a Gamelion."
Indeed, while their prototype was likely a rabbit, their size was incomparably larger. They grew giant tusks to devour their prey, and their ears functioned as blades. Anyone seeing one would find it impossible to recognize the creature as a rabbit monster.
Rei spent about thirty minutes talking about the monsters he had fought. By this point, not only Schuls but even the Imperial Guard Knights—who had their own reservations about Rei—were fully drawn into the stories.
Eventually, his throat growing dry from the constant speaking, Rei quenched his thirst with black tea that had gone completely cold. Seeing that things had reached a natural pause, Theoreme, who had also been listening with great interest, spoke up.
"Now then, Rei. I would like to discuss the matter of the reward for this occasion..."
"In here?"
Rei widened his eyes slightly, not expecting the matter of the reward to be brought up during an audience with the Emperor, even if it was in his private quarters. However, Theoreme did not react to his surprise and simply gave a nod.
"Yes. His Highness Mercurio insisted that the reward for Rei be a royal heirloom of the Imperial House."
Trajist, who had likely already anticipated this, said nothing and simply watched the conversation progress. Even Schuls and the Imperial Guard Knights did not look particularly displeased. Had Theoreme brought up the matter of the reward immediately upon entering the room, it might have been a different story, but after enjoying Rei's stories, they showed no opposition.
(Wait, was that the point of the stories? Was he aiming for this from the start?)
Considering the timing, Rei vaguely realized that was likely the case. However, he didn't find it unpleasant. The fact that they weren't showing blatant disgust was a relief, even if they hadn't quite reached the level of holding positive feelings for him.
"Regarding the reward... we have prepared the Ring of the New Moon."
At those words, it was Schuls and Frizion who showed expressions of surprise. The Imperial Guard Knights didn't understand why Schuls was so shocked. Since it was a royal heirloom of the Imperial House, it was not strange for a mere knight to be unaware of it, unlike those of high status. Amare and Angela also seemed unfamiliar with the Ring of the New Moon and simply watched the scene.
"Theoreme... are you serious?"
"Yes, Your Highness Schuls."
"But that Magic Item is... no, I see. Come to think of it, Rei's Magic Power is..."
"Indeed. That is precisely why it must be the Ring of the New Moon."
Rei, growing impatient with the way the two of them seemed to have reached a secret understanding, cut into the conversation.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't just have a private understanding over there. Explain the situation to me as well."
Theoreme nodded and began to speak.
"The Ring of the New Moon is a Magic Item excavated from the Ruins of the Ancient Magic Civilization. Its effect is to conceal the Magic Power of the wearer."
"...Is that all?"
Contrary to the grand name "Ring of the New Moon," it seemed like a relatively common function. However, Theoreme shook his head.
"Is that all...? While I won't say Magic Items of this kind are nonexistent, they are quite rare. They require extremely high technical skills and scarce materials to create. Furthermore..."
Theoreme spoke as if Rei's reaction was quite different from what he had expected. He had surely thought Rei would be much more pleased. Vihera was the one who took over the explanation.
"Rei, do you realize that your Magic Power is incomparably larger than that of any ordinary mage?"
"That's obvious."
With the Flame Emperor's Crimson Armor, his consumption of Magic Power had decreased somewhat, but it was still a masterpiece that consumed so much power that an ordinary mage wouldn't be able to maintain it for more than a few seconds. As for the Overlord's Armor he had used before, he had essentially used it through sheer brute force by relying on his massive Magic Power Quantity.
In terms of pure Magic Power Quantity alone, he was likely among the highest-ranking existences in all of Elgin. In fact, if one considered humans as a category, there was likely no one with more Magic Power than Rei. Of course, one could never declare that with absolute certainty, as mutations were born from time to time.
"Do you know that among mages... well, it's not necessarily limited to mages, but there are people who possess the ability to sense magic power? Their numbers aren't large. Perhaps there is one for every fifty mages... or perhaps a hundred."
"I know. I've seen it several times. Besides, I know an adventurer with a Magic Eye that can directly see Magic Power."
The image of an adventurer who, like himself, worked solo crossed Rei's mind.
"Then you understand, don't you? For example, even if Rei tries to perform some kind of stealth mission, it would be impossible as long as there is someone with the ability to sense Magic Power. Your own enormous Magic Power would give you away."
"...I see. Then, that Ring of the New Moon is..."
Vihera nodded as Rei realized the significance of the item.
"Yes. As Theoreme said, while you are wearing the Ring of the New Moon, you can conceal the Magic Power you release. Of course, it doesn't actually reduce your power; it only makes it appear that way. Furthermore, this is the only such item excavated from the Ruins of the Ancient Magic Civilization—at least as far as we know within the Bestia Empire."
"If that's true, then it's a tremendously helpful Magic Item for me."
"I thought so. Although modern alchemists can make similar Magic Items, I believe only the Ring of the New Moon is capable of fully masking Rei's Magic Power."
If Rei attempted stealth, there was normally nothing he could do about having his moves read through his Magic Power signature. If this ring could prevent that, it was undoubtedly extremely precious. Rei thought for a few seconds before finally nodding to Theoreme.
"Understood. I'll accept the Ring of the New Moon as my reward. Since I received this as well."
Rei spoke as he glanced at the Metal Card placed on the table. In fact, that Metal Card alone was an incredibly precious item that would normally be unthinkable to possess. Since he had Trajist's personal guarantee that holding it did not require him to hold back on any actions toward the Bestia Empire, it was a reliable asset for any emergency.
"Then, I would ask you to wait for a moment. Your Highness Mercurio, if you would."
"Right, excuse me for a moment. Father, you don't mind, do you?"
"Umu. This is an existence you pulled in yourself. If you are giving it as a reward for that power, I have no complaints."
With Trajist's approval, no one else could object. It was officially decided that the reward for Rei would be the Ring of the New Moon.
"Well then."
Theoreme spoke and left the room along with Mercurio. It was obvious what they had gone to fetch. Rei silently saw them off and waited for their return.
"Rei."
Trajist spoke to Rei once more.
"What is it?"
"When will you be leaving the Imperial Capital?"
"I'm thinking... probably within the next few days. Since there are quite a few people from the civil strife who want to come with me, I'll be returning to Gilm with them."
"...Oh? Does that mean you're scouting them?"
At Trajist's words, whose gaze sharpened for a moment, Rei shook his head.
"I have no such intention. To begin with, it's not something I suggested. I believe they likely grew attached to me while we were acting together."
To be precise, their feelings were complex: they felt a sense of worship toward the power of Rei and Seto, they were moved by Rei's generosity toward allies, they were smitten by Seto's loveliness... and so on. But the most significant factor was the realization that if they ever opposed the Kingdom of Mireana, they would have to fight Rei. Having seen that power up close, they were people who wanted to avoid fighting Rei at all costs.
"It's no wonder, since almost everyone in the Mobile Unit was devoted to Rei. In fact, if he had actually tried to scout them, I suspect the entire unit would have responded. ...Ah, no. Paelnix would have been the exception, though."
As they were conversing, Theoreme and Mercurio eventually returned to the room. In their hands was a jewel box that was small but boasted lavish decorations.
"...Please accept this. It is your reward."
Theoreme offered the jewel box to Rei while opening its lid. Inside was a ring that appeared to be made of some kind of Magic Metal. It was not set with any gemstones; in fact, it looked like something one might find sold at a common street stall. However, as befitting the name "New Moon," its sleek black color—as if night itself had been condensed—caught the eye of anyone looking at it.
The jewel box contained nothing but the ring—the Ring of the New Moon. Of course, the jewel box itself was clearly worth a small fortune. Prompted by Theoreme, Rei quietly picked up the ring. Bathed in the attention of everyone present, he slipped the ring onto the index finger of his left hand.
The moment it was on his finger, the ring, which had been slightly large, shrunk until it was a perfect fit.
"Rei's Magic Power... it has decreased to the level of someone only slightly above an ordinary mage..."
The voice of Theoreme, who possessed the ability to sense magic power, echoed through the room in a stunned murmur.