I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 22: Audience

“Whoa, you guys look stunning in formal attire! I can’t help but think you both look like nobility.”

“Captain! Bring back lots of rewards!”

“Vice Captain Orel is way too nervous~! What’s the point of being so nervous even before going to the castle?”

“Cassius, make sure to convey not just my accomplishments but ours as well.”

They’re saying whatever they want to me and Orel, of course, my squad members.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to get everything we’re entitled to. Since they’ll probably already be doubting my reports and might even have summoned a high-ranking priest, I intend to add extra to any doubts they might have.”

“Wow, Captain! You’re amazing! You’re such a cool guy!!”

“I’m not praising you, you know.”

I gave Simon, who was whistling and cheering, a stern look, and he quietly looked away.

“Captain, it’s about time to go.”

“Right. Let’s go.”

Whether it’s meant as encouragement or just teasing, it might be fine just to have them see us off. Most of them heard we were off duty and went into town. Orel and I headed to the royal castle on our beloved horses, listening to the lively voices along the way.

Although I’d already informed them yesterday, we were kept waiting in an anteroom after being admitted to the castle. I handed over three letters received from Baron Taleraan upon arrival to His Majesty’s attendants, so we would likely be called in after they reviewed the contents.

One letter was addressed to His Majesty, another to his daughter and her fiancé, the Crown Prince. I don’t know what they contain, but I want to believe they don’t contain anything bad for me. Watching Orel, who nervously kept refilling his tea, out of the corner of my eye, I simulated in my mind what I might be told.

After about twenty minutes of waiting, we were led to the audience chamber, where the attendant who had guided us to the anteroom earlier arrived. His Majesty probably knows everything already, but for the sake of formality, I guess the prime minister and other ministers have gathered as well.

“The Commander of the Third Knight Order, Sir Justin de Vandière, and Vice Commander Orel de Luminar have arrived for an audience.”

As the attendant announced in front of the large doors of the audience chamber, the doors on both sides opened. His Majesty and the Queen were seated on the throne, with the protagonist of the novel and the Crown Prince’s fiancée, Miss Diane, standing beside them.

A carpet was laid straight from the doors, with servants lined up on either side, glaring at me and Orel. We’ve caused quite a few problems even in the royal castle. It seems difficult to gain trust from here, but we’ll have to work diligently. We approached the throne and knelt down about ten meters in front, bowing our heads.

“The Commander of the Third Knight Order, Justan de Vandière, and Vice Commander Orel de Luminar, bring a report. We headed to Baron Taleraan’s domain on a mission and successfully prevented the Stampede this time.”

“Nonsense! How did you prevent the Stampede beforehand?”

“I can’t believe it! Do you have any evidence?”

The ministers began to voice their objections, as expected. When His Majesty raised his hand, the ministers’ objections instantly ceased.

“Continue.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We have brought the fragment of the evil god, the root cause of the Stampede, as evidence. Under the supervision of Baron Taleraan, it has been confirmed by a high-ranking priest to be indeed a fragment of the evil god. Please accept it.”

I extended the offer with the fragment of the evil god, which I had taken out of my magical bag, and the ministers took a step back. Being nobles, they were expected to be knowledgeable about the evil god’s fragment.

“Your Majesty, I suggest double-checking if this is indeed a fragment of the evil god. The High Priest is here, so let’s have him verify it,” suggested Prince Ernest, glaring at me with resentment. He had been persistently wooing my fiancée until now, so I understand his animosity towards me, but I hope he can separate that from the current situation.

“Very well.”

“High Priest, if you please.”

Upon His Majesty’s approval, Ernest called over the High Priest, who was among the ministers. Since the High Priest also holds animosity towards me, he probably believes he’ll degrade me naturally.

However, as soon as the High Priest saw the evil god’s fragment, just like the priests in Baron Taleraan’s domain, his expression changed, and he covered his mouth with his sleeve. Seeing this, Ernest panicked.

“What’s wrong!? Do you mean to say this is truly a fragment of the evil god!?”

“Y-Yes… Even without using sacred power, the ominous aura I can sense… There’s no mistake, this is undoubtedly a fragment of the evil god. If the priests in Baron Taleraan’s domain confirmed it…”

The High Priest placed the fragment of the evil god in a sturdy box and closed the lid, finally exhaling with relief.

“Impossible…! So, did you really prevent the Stampede beforehand, Vandière?”

“Ernest-sama…”

Diane, looking anxious, touched Ernest’s arm. Ah, is she worried that I might suggest marrying Diane as a reward for this? Well, I guess that can’t be helped.

“Allow me to correct one thing. The credit for this achievement belongs not to me but to my subordinate, a man named Cassius. If you could increase the budget for spices to improve our meals, he would be pleased as a reward.”

“For meal budget…!?”

Ernest glared at me as if to say, “Do you really expect us to believe that?” In contrast to Ernest’s reaction, His Majesty burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Such a childish reward! Despite saving many lives!”

“Oh no, it’s just that salt and pepper are mainly needed to improve the taste of meals, and for ordinary knights, that’s quite a fortune.”

“Hmph, it was reported that you’ve changed, and it seems that’s true.”

His Majesty, who is said to be a wise monarch among his predecessors, seems to see through me as if he’s peering into my soul. He probably won’t think that I’ve remembered memories from my past life, but he seems convinced that I’m different from before.

“In the Baron Taleraan’s domain, various things happened… I feel like my life has truly changed,” I said. Actually, I’m striving to change my life for the better. By saying this, I hope they’ll understand and accept my actions, even if they differ from before.

“Very well, then. This time, the reward will be an increase in the budget for the Third Knight Order and further rewards to come later. For now, you should join us for dinner tonight.”

“It would be an honor.”

Orel and I bowed humbly. I couldn’t exactly say that I want to try the new flavored dinner at the barracks, after all.