When I woke up, the first thing I saw was stone.
The bed was a cold, hard makeshift cot—a far cry from the luxury usually afforded to nobility. It was a clear indicator of how I was being treated. Before I could even fully process that, I sat up and found a set of iron bars staring me in the face.
Yep, I was in a jail cell.
I didn’t even have to ask why. I’d beaten Klaus to a bloody pulp without an ounce of mercy. More accurately, they’d realized I was a dangerous loose cannon capable of that level of violence.
I couldn't exactly blame them for wanting to isolate me.
Beyond the physical bars, the cell was saturated with mana. It was a barrier, likely the handiwork of Professor Karia. They were certainly being thorough. Then again, it was a reasonable precaution to take against someone who had suddenly gone berserk and then passed out cold.
What now?
I tried to think of a plan, but I didn't have the energy. Verdict’s "Frenzy" had wrung every last drop of strength from my body, leaving me utterly hollow.
As I lay there, the rhythmic click-clack of footsteps echoed against the flagstones. Eventually, a familiar figure appeared on the other side of the bars.
It was Princess Eliana.
"I see you're awake," she said.
"...How did you know the moment I opened my eyes?"
"In case you hadn't noticed, Professor Karia has a barrier deployed around this cell. Your every move is being strictly monitored. After all, you’re a person of interest now, aren't you, Albert?"
"I see. So, what if this 'person of interest' got angry and blasted you with magic right now?"
"Then Professor Karia's barrier would act as my shield, of course."
I wondered about that. If I fired off a serious Thunder Emperor's Flash, I doubted her barrier could hold. However, a woman as sharp as Eliana surely realized that too. She knew the barrier was little more than a peace of mind.
Yet, despite that, she stood before me alone. She had that much resolve.
"I’d like to begin our interrogation. Are you feeling up to it?"
"I feel like hell. Not that you care."
"Of course I don't."
"Hah! Then don't bother asking!"
And so, the interrogation began.
"You used physical enhancement magic during your mock battle with Knight Klaus, correct?"
"I did."
"Afterward, you seemed to lose your sense of self. What actually happened?"
Now, how was I supposed to answer that?
There were lines I absolutely could not cross if I wanted to stay alive. Specifically, the fact that I was researching Ancient Magic and the existence of Verdict. Though, in practice, those were one and the same.
The reason for my silence was simple: researching Ancient Magic was a capital offense. That was the one secret I had to take to my grave.
"It was physical enhancement magic, all right, but a version I customized myself. I was looking for something more powerful. I decided to test it out then and there, but I botched the control. You saw the result."
I quickly changed the subject.
"How’s Klaus?"
I’d avoided delivering a killing blow, but considering the beating I gave him, a career-ending injury wasn't out of the question.
"Fortunately, Saint Seraphina was on-site. He’s out of danger thanks to her treatment."
"Good to hear."
Even in the original game, Saint Seraphina’s healing abilities were peerless. If she had handled the treatment, he would likely recover without any lasting complications. Klaus was a vital asset for the Demon King Subjugation; it would be a problem if he were forced to retire this early.
"My, you're actually capable of worrying about others?"
"I have a sensitive side. It surprises people."
"About that unique physical enhancement magic... would you be willing to provide the magic formula?"
There it was.
A magic formula was, essentially, the blueprint of the spell. Usually, a mage’s original formulas were guarded secrets, but considering the disaster I’d caused, it was only natural for them to demand it.
"Can I say no?"
"Do you really think that's an option?"
The princess, backed by the full weight of her royal authority, flashed me a pleasant smile. Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying.
"Just asking. I'll give it to you."
A fake one, obviously. I didn't have to produce it this second, so I'd just cook something plausible up later. Most original formulas were highly individualized anyway; even if someone else studied the blueprints, they rarely got the same results. At most, they’d just be able to verify the underlying logic.
With my talent for Heterochromia, crafting a convincing fake would be a walk in the park.
"Is it safe to assume that as long as you don't use that specific magic, you won't go on another rampage?"
"Yeah. No problem."
In truth, it all depended on whether Verdict decided to intervene. But he couldn't just jump in whenever he felt like it; his influence only manifested because I had activated the Frenzy spell, which opened the door for him. In that sense, "it’s fine as long as I don't use it" wasn't a total lie.
"...I see. In that case, I have one condition regarding your return to the Summer Training Camp."
"I let me guess—don't use that magic?"
Eliana’s lips curled into a faint, mysterious smile.
"No, quite the opposite. I won't place any restrictions on you. However, when I give the order, you must 'always unleash it and fight with everything you have'."
"...Oh?"
That was a curveball.
"I don't particularly mind, but what's the angle?"
"I have no desire to stifle you. I don't believe a man as clever as you would make the same mistake twice. If you use it again, it will be because it's necessary, wouldn't you agree?"
"I suppose."
"Therefore, I won't tell you to seal it away. On the contrary, I want to see your true, unvarnished power. If another incident like this occurs, I promise to use my authority to protect you."
"...I have a bit of a cynical personality, so I can't help but look for the ulterior motive here."
"Oh, there is one, of course."
Eliana flashed a wide, predatory grin.
"Do you remember our conversation about the Demon King being resurrected?"
"...I think I recall something like that." I seemed to remember her mentioning it when I first got the notification for the summer camp.
"And?"
"I told you then that I had high expectations for you. That hasn't changed. In fact, after seeing that power today, I'm more certain than ever. You are the key, Albert."
Good grief. She was heaping some heavy expectations on me. My entire plan was to dump the Demon King Subjugation onto the main cast and enjoy a quiet life. I wanted to tell her to go say that to Leon, but since his identity as the Hero was still a state secret, I couldn't exactly bring it up.
"...You should be saying stuff like that to the Hero."
"It doesn't matter to me either way. As long as the Demon King is defeated, I don't care if the savior is a Hero or a loathed noble."
"You forgot to add 'and a scheming princess' to that list."
"Scheming? Yes, I suppose I am. But as long as you remain our hope for the Demon King Subjugation, I will always be on your side—even if I have to say things like this to keep you there."
Eliana giggled softly.
"You really should be more grateful. Some of the faculty were calling for your head, including immediate expulsion, but I suppressed all of them."
I still hadn't finished my research into Ancient Magic, so I definitely wanted to avoid being kicked out.
"Now then, Albert von Kronstadt. I hereby authorize your release. You should be happy; you get to stay for the Summer Training Camp after all."
"I'll thank you for the lack of expulsion, but I would've been perfectly fine with being fired from the camp."
"No. I won't allow it. Your participation is mandatory."
"And here you were just saying you were on my side."
"The staff will be by to collect you tomorrow morning. Don't forget our little promise, Mr. Hope for the Demon King Subjugation."
With that parting shot, Eliana turned and walked away.
The only thing left in my mind was her condition. Whenever she ordered it, I had to use Frenzy and show my true strength.
I had no idea what that scheming princess was truly plotting.