*****

Two days after the discovery of the magic circle and the headache that followed, the carriage finally pulled into the Royal Capital. Despite the travel fatigue weighing heavy on our bones, we whipped ourselves into gear and headed straight to report to the King.

Normally, he isn't the kind of person you can see the moment you request an audience. However, since this mission was his direct royal decree, the permission was granted without a hitch.

(I really wanted to rest for at least a little while...) I thought as we made our way toward the Audience Chamber, but—

「It’s not in there today. This way.」

「Eh?」

For some reason, Master Clein walked right past the Audience Chamber and pointed in a different direction. I felt a pang of foreboding and whispered to Leon.

「Normally, you report in the Audience Chamber, right?」

「I-i-i-i-imagine so.」

「Wait, are you nervous?」

「I-it’s not exactly common to have a face-to-face with the King, you know!」

「Well, that’s fair.」

Even though I’m a noble, the first time I actually spoke with the King was at that recent party. All I remember is standing next to Master Clein and nodding along to hide my confusion. When we were given the investigation request, Leon and I just stood there like statues.

However, this time, as the ones who discovered the magic circle, we would likely have to speak. I need to get it together so I don't offend His Majesty.

「Hurry up. I’m leaving you behind.」

「Ah! Wait for me!」

「W-w-w-w-wait for me!」

Leon and I, unable to hide our agitation, scrambled after Master Clein. I really wanted him to stop leaving us in the dust in a place like this. I can't let it show because commoner Leon is here, but I'm just as nervous as he is!

While my head was filled with panic, we walked for a while until we reached a room guarded by knights. As Master Clein knocked without a moment’s hesitation, my heart began to pound so hard I thought it might explode.

(Wha—! This is the King’s private study! Visiting his private quarters for the very first report is seriously bad for my heart!)

While I was screaming internally in a way that was very unbefitting of a viscount’s daughter, Master Clein entered the room with a dignified stride. Still rattled by the sudden turn of events, Leon and I followed with stiff, awkward movements.

In the center of the room stood an expensive-looking desk and chair, where the King was already sitting, looking quite relaxed. At that sight, my panic naturally broke past its limits.

(U-u-um... what was the etiquette for this again? I think I bow once, then sit in the lower-ranking seat... wait! Hold on! If I'm a Court Alchemist's assistant, should I stay standing? But if he doesn't say anything, should I just sit? Aaaaah! What do I do?! I should have checked with Master Clein beforehand!)

I realized Leon was even more frantic than I was, so I had to pull myself together—but it seems my inner turmoil was written all over my face. The King let out a small chuckle.

「You may make yourselves comfortable. We are in my private quarters; there is no need to fuss over etiquette or the eyes of others.」

「T-thank you for your kind consideration...」

To think I managed to embarrass myself within five seconds of meeting the King. I really might need to brush up on my studies.

Hiding my shame with a strained "Ahaha..." I took a seat along with Leon. However, that seemed to be a mistake in itself, as the King’s expression stiffened.

「Still, you should carry yourself with more confidence. Your father will scold you if you stay like that.」

「Ugh... P-please refrain from poking where it hurts, Your Majesty.」

「Nonsense. Depending on your future achievements, such conduct may be required of you in the near future.」

(Please don't set weird flags like that...) I was thinking, when knock, knock—there was a sound at the door.

At the King’s word, the Court Alchemist Segrus entered the room.

「I was told I was summoned?」

「I want you to hear this as well, Segrus. Join us.」

「...Understood.」

As Segrus took a seat—choosing one specifically far away from Master Clein—the King’s expression shifted into work mode. In an instant, the atmosphere became so sharp it was hard to believe we were in a private study.

「So, how was the investigation?」

Master Clein likely hesitated on whether to report honestly, glancing briefly at Segrus. However, since the King had invited him to the table, he couldn't exactly ask him to leave. Swallowing his hesitation, he faced the King.

「While I cannot yet offer a detailed explanation, it appears a magic circle emitting miasma was generating monsters. Viscount Hopewell referred to it as a 'Relic of the Past.'」

「So it was so... My worst premonitions always seem to hit the mark.」

As if everything had gone exactly as he feared, the King let out a deep sigh.

「A Relic of the Past... Ancient Alchemy, then?」

Hearing a term I hadn't expected at all, I exchanged a look with Master Clein. Not Sacred Alchemy, but Ancient Alchemy? What on earth does that mean...?

*****

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