While Ryoma continued his activities in the town of Gimul at his own pace, Reinhardt, the head of the Jamil Ducal House, his wife Elise, and their daughter Eliaria were present at the Royal Palace—the heart of the nation and the symbol of the King's majesty.
Led by a palace guide, the three proceeded through complex, lavishly decorated corridors befitting the royal residence, passing through numerous sets of doors.
Eventually, an exceptionally large and heavy door appeared ahead of them. Four knights stood guard on either side, clad in armor adorned with graceful, intricate engravings. After the guide announced their business, two of the knights meticulously verified their appointment and conducted thorough body searches. Once they confirmed everything was in order, they granted permission to proceed.
Suddenly, the door—which no one had touched—began to slide open on its own, emitting a mechanical chime to signal caution.
"This door is a magic tool, isn't it?" Eliaria whispered.
"Oh, Elia. You should have seen it before. Don't you remember?" Elise asked.
"I’m sorry, Mother. I have visited the Royal Palace several times, but I don't recall seeing a door like this."
"This is known as the 'Royal Gate,' a prestigious entrance that has stood here for hundreds of years. It was here long before you were born, Elia. Even within the palace, where many important chambers are gathered, this door separates the 'Royal Private Quarters'—a particularly vital section—from the rest of the building. As you can see, security is incredibly tight, and possessions are strictly inspected. To open or close the gate, the knights must use another magic tool to signal a separate room. The person in charge there then activates the opening mechanism; otherwise, the door won't budge."
"I had no idea such a complex magic tool existed. Thank you for explaining."
"Well, it is a security device," Reinhardt added, "so there’s no reason to explain its inner workings to every visitor. Besides, the last time you were here, you were much younger. It’s only natural that you’ve forgotten. More importantly, Elia, we are entering the Royal Private Quarters now. We don't know who we might encounter. You must be more mindful of your etiquette than ever before. Steel yourself."
"Yes, Father," Elia replied.
Her face grew tense, but she straightened her posture and maintained a dignified, elegant air. Reinhardt nodded approvingly as he looked toward the space beyond the fully opened door. The three began to advance once more, following the guide's lead.
Finally, they reached their destination.
"Pardon the intrusion, Your Majesty. The members of the Jamil Ducal House have arrived," the guide announced.
"Let them in," came a short, solemn voice from within.
The guide quickly stepped aside, and Reinhardt stood before the door with Elise at his side. Timing her steps to follow behind them, Eliaria entered as the doors were pulled wide. In accordance with proper etiquette, the three walked forward exactly three steps once Elia was fully inside the room, then knelt and lowered their heads.
Just as Reinhardt was about to offer his formal greetings, a voice rang out.
"Hurry up and stand. Come over here and sit down already, you idiot."
The verbal abuse shattered the solemn atmosphere of the royal private room in an instant. Reinhardt raised his head and shot a glare at the speaker. His expression held more exasperation than genuine anger.
"Elias, you really are..."
"Hmph! I have no use for stiff greetings. They’re long-winded, tedious, and I can't stand them. Besides, it’s a bit late for that between us, isn't it? I play the King properly when the public is watching; at least let me be at ease in my own private rooms."
"Even so, there is a minimum standard of conduct. I have brought my daughter today—"
"That’s right! Elia, it’s good to see you! My, how you’ve grown."
The moment Reinhardt mentioned his daughter, the man addressed as Elias spoke to her with visible delight.
"Y-Yes, as for His Majesty the King—"
"Hey, what’s this? You were calling me 'Uncle' until just the other day!"
"T-That was when I was a small child, and I am already twelve years old now. I can't keep acting exactly the way I used to."
"I don't mind! There are no other eyes here! So 'Uncle' is perfectly fine, all right?"
"But—"
"Whoops, sitting on the sofa comes first. Come, sit down. Don't stay kneeling. If you like, you can even sit on my lap like the old days."
Elias’s momentum as a doting uncle was enough to leave even Elia, his favorite niece, bewildered. Reinhardt, watching his best friend overwhelm his daughter, suddenly turned his gaze away, noticed something, and quickly covered his ears with both hands.
A split second later—
"That is quite enough, Elias!"
The thunder of Elise’s fury erupted.
Ten minutes later, the three members of the Ducal House sat on the sofa with Eliaria in the center. Facing them sat Elias, looking utterly drained as he lay back against the cushions. His earlier excitement had vanished, replaced by a look of mild dejection.
He was dressed in high-quality loungewear made from the finest materials, his well-built frame relaxed, and a thick beard grew around his jaw. If he carried himself properly, he would have projected a magnificent sense of dignity, but at the moment, not a shred of it was visible.
This man was Reinhardt's close friend, Elise's older brother, and Eliaria's uncle and godfather. He was Elias de Reefaul, the King of the Reefaul Kingdom.
"Why don't you sit up properly?" Elise scolded. "You have guests, you know."
"You’re family, not guests. It’s fine."
"Elia entered the Academy this year," Reinhardt said. "She needs to learn how to behave appropriately for various times and places. I brought her here so she could experience that, but if the King himself is acting like this..."
"I relax when it’s time to relax, and I focus when it’s time to focus! I simply have a clear distinction between the two."
"Honestly, your quibbles haven't changed since we were children."
"Don't say that. The King's duties are grueling, you know. Especially over the last few years—with the activation of monsters in various regions and the necessary responses, the workload has been non-stop. I’m truly exhausted. Really... Reinhardt, won't you take over being King for me?"
"No. And don't say things like that so lightly."
"It really is intense labor... if I had my way, I’d never work another day..."
"Even so, who receives visitors while lounging on a sofa?"
"I do."
"...It seems you really have no intention of mending your attitude today," Elise sighed.
"Umu. That’s exactly right, so let’s get to the main point. Let’s finish the troublesome talk quickly."
Elias’s expression finally turned serious as he prepared to listen—though he remained lying down. Ignoring the fact that the tension in the King's face didn't match his relaxed body at all, Reinhardt turned to the side.
"The item I entrusted to you," Reinhardt said.
He took a small box from the guide waiting by the wall and held it out.
"Let's see... ho?"
Elias propped himself up on one elbow and opened the box. He smiled like a child who had just been given a fascinating new toy.
"A pearl necklace? These are large, and the color and shape are perfectly uniform. It’s magnificent. You’d be hard-pressed to find something like this anywhere in our country—even in the pearls' country of origin, a set this perfect would be rare. Where did you get it? And what do you intend for me to do with this?"
"I promised not to reveal the source, but I can guarantee it isn't smuggled or illegal. I’d like you to accept it as a tribute to the Queen. If necessary, I can provide more."
"I see. Very well. The Queen was just looking for a fine piece to wear with her evening gala dress. I’ll have her wear it to the next event. I will also grant the Royal Seal of Approval to all pearls handled by the Jamil Ducal House on the spot."
Elias’s smile deepened as he granted his consent and outlined the specific details. Watching them, Eliaria was surprised at how quickly her father and uncle had reached an understanding through the contents of a single box.
"Uncle, did you understand everything Father wanted to say just from that?"
"It’s an inference based on the situation in the Duke’s territory, plus our long history together. I have heard that certain nobles are harassing your family with political sabotage. I also know that Reinhardt and Elise have been making appearances in social circles they previously avoided. In such a situation, when I’m shown a necklace like this and told more can be arranged, I can infer they are trying to strengthen their ties with other houses and their influence in high society. They’re using 'pearls' and 'dealings with the Ducal House' as bait. They came to ask me, the King, to provide a political advantage that would benefit the Jamil pearl trade."
Elias turned a mischievous look toward the parents.
"And Reinhardt and Elise fully understand my personality and the limits of my authority. Therefore, whatever request they make will be within my power to grant. Even if the request is difficult, I know they’ve prepared separate benefits for me that make it worth the trouble."
The parents wore nearly identical expressions to the King. Seeing the three of them like that, Eliaria felt a deep sense of respect for their powerful bond of trust.
"So, is there anything else I should provide convenience for?" Elias asked.
"No, this is enough," Reinhardt replied. "It’s meaningless if we rely on your strength too much."
"I suppose so. Then, what's your other business? If you have none, there's something I want to ask as well."
"Oh? What is it?" Elise asked.
"It's about Ryoma Takebayashi."
The moment Elias spoke Ryoma's name, Elia was the first to react. She didn't say a word, but her face clearly showed her surprise. Reinhardt and Elise’s expressions shifted to ones of understanding shortly after.
"I knew it had already reached your ears," Elise said.
"Rumors that the Duke’s territory is in disarray reached even the capital. If it were any other territory, I might have ignored it, but this involves my friend, my sister, and my niece. I was concerned, so I sent an agent to the town of Gimul to report on city affairs regularly."
"And you heard about Ryoma-kun from them?"
"He's reportedly been quite active. Based on the reports, no matter what rumors you follow in the city, they eventually lead back to the boy Ryoma. Moreover, by sheer coincidence, the agent I sent happened to choose the laundry shop managed by that boy for his stay and to earn traveling expenses. The most recent contact said he’s even ended up serving as Ryoma’s personal bodyguard."
"He’s that close to him?"
Knowing that a spy was beside Ryoma, Reinhardt thought of Hughes and the others he had sent to protect the boy. However, he was stunned by the information that followed.
"The interesting thing is," Elias said, looking amused, "the boy apparently realized the man was someone I sent and chose to keep him by his side anyway."
"What did you just say?"
Seeing Reinhardt question his own ears, Elias briefly recounted the story of how Yudum became Ryoma's bodyguard.
"In other words, Ryoma-kun pushed through the opposition of those around him?"
"Exactly. You’ll probably receive the full report from your own people soon. But as for that boy Ryoma—even knowing the man meant him no harm, it’s remarkably bold to keep a stranger’s agent by his side. Furthermore, he’s been discussing the situation in Gimul and revealing specific information right in front of the bodyguard, effectively using the man to send messages directly to me."
"Ryoma-san, what in the world are you doing..." Elia muttered. Her parents silently agreed.
"However, it's not a bad move," Elias continued. "I am the King; my position is higher than any noble meddling with the Ducal House, and I am naturally inclined to support you. He must have sent that information knowing I would see it. He’s trying to use the King of a nation to his advantage. If I were a man consumed by elitism, I might be offended... but on the surface, he is being incredibly cooperative with someone carrying out a royal order. He’s avoiding unnecessary friction while making sure I’m informed. Did he act with all that in mind? At any rate, I like that boldness. It’s not what you’d expect from a child! Why didn't you tell me about such an interesting person?"
"Because I knew exactly how you’d react," Elise sighed.
"He is a good boy, but he does have a habit of doing the unexpected..." Reinhardt added.
Both parents tried to imagine what would happen if they introduced Ryoma to the free-spirited King before them. They couldn't quite picture it, but they were certain it would lead to chaos.
"Is it really just that things might get messy?" Elias asked.
"What else could it be? For years, I’ve been dragged into your whims, and it’s always exhausting," Reinhardt complained.
"...Well, fine. I want to meet him, but I can't spare the time right now. However, let me say this one thing: keep a firm grip on his reins."
Suddenly, every trace of playfulness vanished from Elias.
"I am not the only one who has learned the name and existence of Ryoma Takebayashi through this incident. Anyone with sharp ears, noble or commoner, will have grasped a part of his capabilities by now. If you intend to protect him, keep him firmly within your circle. Besides, he seems quite a handful. His mobility and execution are unthinkable for a child. Given his talent, the influence he exerts on those around him is immense. Suppose the boy acts on his own judgment and something happens. If the result only harms him, then he brought it on himself. I personally do not wish for any harm to come to you, but if it is limited to you, I can still tolerate it. However, should the boy ever become a threat to the nation, I cannot overlook it. As King, I would be forced to order that boy to be cut down."
Elias spoke with the unshakable resolve and majesty of a sovereign. The sudden shift in atmosphere made even Reinhardt and Elise tense up.
Then, a gentle voice broke the silence.
"I think he'll be all right."
The adults, startled by the intervention, turned their gazes toward Elia.
"Ah... I’m sorry for interrupting while you were talking, Uncle."
"I don't mind that. More importantly, Elia, won't you tell me why you feel that way?"
"It was just a thought that came to me," Elia said, choosing her words carefully. "Ryoma-san is certainly unusual. He starts strange projects out of nowhere, and even though he’s incredibly knowledgeable, he sometimes lacks common sense. But Ryoma-san is a kind person. Sometimes his way of showing concern is a bit odd or excessive, but while I was with him, he was always looking out for us and the people around him in his own way. He has so much knowledge I’ve never heard of, he’s a brilliant mage, and even without magic, he’s incredibly strong. Yet he never boasted about those things, nor did he use his power to manipulate people. If anything, he only wanted to use his knowledge and strength to help others."
"The reports I’ve received do mention a tendency for such behavior," the King admitted, nodding.
"Uncle," Elia continued, "compared to you or my parents, I haven't met many people or had many experiences. But since I started attending the Academy this year, I’ve seen quite a variety of people. I’ve learned first-hand that there are people who use nonsensical logic to get their way, people who try to rule others through power or status alone, and people who look down on everyone else just because they excel in one specific skill. I’ve realized there are people in this world with whom you simply cannot hold a proper conversation. But Ryoma-san is not like that. He lacked common sense because he lived alone for a long time, but whenever I spoke to him, he would listen. He was always willing to correct himself, and if he realized he was wrong, he would apologize. Ryoma-san is someone you can reach through honest conversation. Even now, he consults Father or the adults around him before he takes action. Isn't that right, Father? Mother?"
"Yes, that's true," Reinhardt agreed.
"He did seek permission this time too," Elise added. "Though it was a bit after-the-fact, as if he might have done it anyway."
"See! Besides, Ryoma-san always writes in his letters about how many people help him and how much fun he’s having every day. He cherishes those connections. I cannot imagine a person like that intentionally causing trouble for others or the country. So, um..."
Elia trailed off, struggling to find the right words. Seeing his niece becoming so desperate to defend the boy, Elias laughed.
"Hahahaha! I see, I see..."
"Uncle?"
"It’s all right, Elia. I understand what you’re trying to say."
"Really?"
"If my favorite niece is willing to go that far for him, then very well. Reinhardt, Elise, do you share her opinion?"
The two looked at each other and nodded.
"Yes. We’ll keep an eye on him. It will be fine," Reinhardt promised.
"Elia took the words right out of my mouth," Elise smiled.
"Good. Then I shall believe you and leave him in your care. He’s going to draw a lot of attention from now on, for better or worse. Don't be so careless that some petty noble manages to snatch him away from you."
Elias sat up and gave his orders to the Ducal couple, then reached out to stroke Elia's head.
"Still, I didn't expect you to defend him so passionately, Elia. Do you really trust this Ryoma boy that much?"
"Eh? Well, of course I trust him. Is there something wrong with that?"
"...Hmph. I’ve decided. I definitely have to meet Ryoma Takebayashi once. And when I do, I’m going to punch him."
"Uncle?! Why would you say that?!"
"It's nothing. More importantly, let’s play! I have cards and board games of all kinds ready."
"Please don't change the subject!"
"Nonsense! Work talk is over! It’s time to play!"
After that, Elia and her parents were swept up in the King's frantic pace. They spent some time playing various board games before finally returning to their mansion in the capital.
As for the doting uncle who had spent the afternoon dodging Elia's questions and teasing her...
"...Reinhardt's situation is as good as settled," Elias mused once he was alone, looking over a thick stack of documents. "But the opposition won't just sit idly by. Especially since that man is likely the one pulling the strings... Given his roundabout methods, it’s unlikely he’ll target Eliaria directly. What about Lord Reinbach? No, that would be suicide. Most likely, they’ll go after someone close to Reinhardt—someone like the boy Ryoma, who is drawing so much attention. If that happens, I wonder how he’ll handle it... If my guess is correct, he’s likely to survive, but..."
He leaned back, a serious expression on his face.
"Assuming he really is that capable, I’ll have to catch him off guard to land a blow. If I wait for the moment he’s kneeling with his head bowed and launch a dropkick from the throne... yeah, that might just work."
Alone in his private room, the King of Reefaul was quite seriously planning the best way to dropkick Ryoma.