The World After Leaving the Hero’s Party

Chapter 10: Omen – 2

“Understood. I’ll be there in a few days.”

I couldn’t go right away, anyway. There were things to take care of at the palace, and I had some preparations to make for Lucille as well.

“Thank you. And…”

When I looked at her, the knight let out a heavy sigh before cautiously speaking.

“Four months ago, I served as Lady Leventia’s squire on the battlefield.”

“And?”

“…It’s just… Lady Leventia has been searching for you every day, Sage. She’s in such pain… she seems truly tormented…”

She went on, as if painting a picture right in front of me, detailing how Leventia had changed to the point where she was barely recognizable.

It seemed this knight pitied her and was pleading with me to see her again.

People are always so quick to offer advice when it concerns someone else.

It was almost laughable.

Only a handful of people knew the truth about my relationship with the Hero’s Party.

The reason was simple.

Neither I nor the select few in the kingdom who knew about it wanted the truth to be revealed.

For the kingdom, letting it be known that there had been issues within the Hero’s Party would tarnish the nation’s hope and lower the morale of those fighting on the front lines. I, too, didn’t want it to come out—if it stirred up more monster activity and intensified the chaos, it would make earning achievements far more difficult.

Since it benefited no one, the truth had been kept under wraps.

Of course, those who didn’t know the real story continued to approach me like this, defending the Hero’s Party members whenever they saw them suffering or heard of them looking for me.

“If you’d only meet with her… just once.”

The knight was certainly brave.

I admired her courage as I watched her tense face, but it didn’t change my response.

“What’s your name?”

“Roxy Blaymanhart.”

I gave her a faint smile and replied leisurely.

“Instead of worrying about others, wouldn’t it be better to focus on doing your own job well?”

“S-Sorry.”

At my sharp tone, Roxy flinched, gave a hurried bow, and practically fled.

Still, she had some sense.

If she hadn’t responded to my first approach, my backup plan was to resolve the matter with a show of force.

Watching the direction she disappeared to, I slipped the staff I’d secretly drawn back into its place at my waist and headed to my quarters.

“So Leventia’s changed that much, huh…”

Without meaning to, I remembered when I’d met Claire not long ago.

She’d been babbling incoherently, confessing her wrongdoings in front of me.

Hmm…

When I head to the battlefield soon, I might encounter not only her but also Evangeline…

It seemed I’d need to make some preparations myself.

The next day, when it was time for the regular lesson, I sought out Lucille.

As usual, the lesson was more of a casual conversation, and I directed her to use magic as I often did.

After assessing her basic-level magic skills, I tapped the table lightly and spoke.

“I’ve had a chance to evaluate your talents and abilities over the past few days, Princess. You’ve grasped the basics.”

“…Yes. I did a bit of magic training back in the day.”

“That’s good. I also asked Lord Lukal last time to have you try intermediate-level magic. Have you learned it?”

“I tried to learn it, but… um…”

Her shoulders drooped. To use intermediate magic, one needed a certain level of experience, but given her reclusive nature, it was hard to imagine how she’d increase her level.

There were three main ways to gain experience in the game.

The first was hunting.

The second event.

The third, quests.

None of these methods had much relevance for Lucille, who had been quite the shut-in.

“I’m… sorry…”

While I pondered with my arms crossed, Lucille hung her head and began to look dejected again. The maids, watching her, seemed at a loss, but that wasn’t the issue.

Although she’d improved somewhat, Lucille’s self-deprecation was still deeply rooted.

That was something I needed to shatter.

And, of course, I was fully prepared for it.

“Princess, would you mind if I borrowed a bit of your time?”

“Eh? Wh-what for?”

“Let’s go out together for a while.”

As soon as the day’s training ended, I went directly to the queen. She was attending to matters in her office, and upon hearing my request, she granted me entry. The moment I entered her chamber, I got straight to the point.

“I’d like to take the princess out on an excursion.”

“…It sounds like you’re openly declaring a royal kidnapping.”

“What would I do with a royal kidnapping on my hands?”

“One never knows. Perhaps you’re planning an elopement, considering the difference in social status.”

What a dull joke. Seeing my expression, the queen chuckled slightly and shook her head.

“Unless you provide a clear purpose for going out, I can’t grant permission.”

“It seems to me that the princess lacks practical experience and social skills. I aim to address that.”

“…Hmm. A life lesson, you might say?”

“Yes.”

The queen appeared to consider it deeply. She tapped her fingers on the desk, sipped her tea, and, after some deliberation, nodded.

“It’s for the princess, so I can’t refuse. So?”

“Sorry?”

“You could at least tell me what sort of training you have planned.”

“A group project.”

The queen looked at me, stunned.

The central area of the royal palace was a particularly special place, even within the palace grounds.

For generations, it had housed the royal family and was traditionally off-limits except to those with explicit permission.

The Lily Order patrolled this place every hour, and it was protected by the magic of Lukal, the kingdom’s court wizard.

With dozens of traps laid throughout the corridors, this area was regarded as one of the most secure facilities in the kingdom.

The sharp, threatening aura of these traps and defenses prickled my skin as I walked down the hallway.

Many people dreamed of visiting it just once, yet few had ever actually seen the royal residence.

Walking down the corridor of what was commonly called White Rock Castle, I reached the princess’s chambers.

“May I ask what brings you here?”