Published: August 15, 2025
Today, four chapters were posted simultaneously.
This story is the third chapter.
The next morning.
Just before breakfast, when everyone except Miss Remily had gathered, I decided to reveal to the other three that I am a child of god... It seems they had suspected it, but they didn’t expect me to suddenly tell them now. All three of them opened their eyes wide and stared intently at me.
“I’m sorry for keeping it a secret.”
“No need to apologize. It would be more problematic if you spoke lightly about being a child of god. Besides, everyone has secrets to some extent or for some reason. We too hid the fact that we suspected Ryoma-kun was a child of god…”
“To trust someone and fully open up to them is a wonderful thing, but naturally, there are steps to reach that point. Lord Ryoma, you need not worry. And thank you for telling us.”
“Hearing that makes me feel much better.”
Lord Reinbach and Mr. Sebas seemed to continue their relationship with me unchanged. On the other hand, I was concerned about Mr. Seaver. I thought he was trustworthy, but he fell silent with a serious expression.
“Seaver, why don’t you say something?”
“Ah, sorry... I hesitate to pry too deeply, but there’s one thing I want to confirm. Ryoma, as a child of god, do you have any intention of harming this country or the royal family?”
His tone was quiet, but the pressure was stronger than during the previous match.
I could tell he wouldn’t tolerate lies or evasion, but there was no problem.
“At least for now, not in the slightest. I want to maintain my current lifestyle as much as possible, so I have no reason to pick a fight with the country or royalty. I’m also not interested in titles or power; honestly, it’s irrelevant and I don’t care.”
When I answered that, the pressure from Mr. Seaver disappeared.
“Sorry, I thought so, but I couldn’t help worrying.”
“Considering your background as a knight commander, that’s understandable.”
After that, Mr. Seaver promised he wouldn’t disclose this information to others or report it to the royal family. Since he had already resigned as a knight, he had no reporting obligations.
“However, if His Majesty the King has already heard about Ryoma, it doesn’t matter if we keep quiet. Sooner or later, the king will summon you.”
I thought so... Even if I’m cautious now, it might be too late. If they can identify a child of god, what method do they use? Not knowing makes me uncomfortable — it’s on my mind.
“A method to identify a child of god... At least I’ve never heard of one.”
“Neither have I. If such a method existed, I would have confirmed it myself.”
“But when the investigation was declared over, there was some doubt whether His Majesty was convinced that the young lady is not a child of god. The declaration was sudden, so there might have been some trigger.”
“Before the investigation ended, was there anything unusual? If they distinguished by some method, maybe they asked different questions or brought strange tools.”
I asked spontaneously, but everyone shook their heads.
“If they acted so obviously different, we would have noticed. Back then, one of us was always with Area-chan as a guard and watcher, especially when His Majesty was present.”
“Well, if it was a small tool hidden in a pocket or sleeve, there might be a chance. But no one would search the king’s belongings without cause.”
“That’s true, but if we say that, it could happen anytime. At the start of the investigation, His Majesty earnestly searched documents and was very thoughtful. It was hard to believe he was acting. So maybe he found something afterward...”
“All I can remember is that the young lady was made to cry.”
Made Area cry back then?
“Was it because of a blood draw or something?”
“No, it wasn’t that. His Majesty has always adored the young lady, and she was fond of him, so they often played when they met. That day, when he teased by poking the cheek of the little young lady, he misjudged the strength. She cried, but wasn’t hurt — just surprised at the sudden poke.”