Published: September 9, 2025
Corrections made on 2014/12/24.
◆Notice!◆
On 2014/12/23, an interlude titled “Interlude: The Lord’s Secret” was posted between chapters 6 and 7.
This is Satou speaking. It’s a common storytelling device for a protagonist, cornered in a desperate situation, to unlock a hidden power to escape that crisis. But in reality, things don’t go that smoothly.
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On the first day of the kingdom council, we gathered in the royal castle’s great audience hall to participate in the New Year’s "Grand Audience Ceremony."
Today was the day for noble rank promotions and awards, as well as announcements of ministerial appointments.
Despite being called a kingdom council, there was apparently no actual council meeting on the first day.
Not only Satou but also Nanashi was participating in today’s "Grand Audience Ceremony."
Nanashi only appeared for about ten minutes, but during that time, Satou also had to be present in the great audience hall.
It was a bit troublesome, but it should be manageable.
Unlike the rectangular audience halls I had seen before, the great audience hall in the royal castle where we were gathered was shaped like a fan.
It felt somewhat like a concert hall or a ceremonial venue.
In the dimly lit great audience hall, over a thousand nobles were lined up.
Despite the large number, the hall was spacious enough not to feel cramped.
The king’s throne was placed on a raised platform, and behind it, an object made of thin glass tubes resembling neon lights stretched up to the high ceiling.
Soft music began playing at a low volume, and the object started glowing faintly.
“His Majesty the King, entrance.”
An official acting as the master of ceremonies announced the king’s entrance. As the king took his seat on the throne, the object illuminated brightly, and a hidden orchestra behind it began playing majestic music.
It was probably an effect to enhance the king’s authority.
—Well, with everyone’s eyes now on the throne, it’s time to switch with Nanashi.
The next moment, I found myself in the royal castle’s waiting room.
This was thanks to my “special abilities (abilities)” called “Unit Placement,” which I hadn’t been able to use until now.
For some reason, I gained access to it after the recent commotion.
The only reasons I could think of were either defeating Kami or wrapping myself in the power of the Divine Sword.
Unfortunately, I still couldn’t use “Unit Creation.”
As for “Unit Placement,” it allows me to freely move my own units within my own territory.
And it doesn’t consume magic power.
It’s truly a cheat (unfair) ability.
So far, places recognized as my territory include various residences, Dragon Valley, Muno City, Village of Boruenan, Labyrinth City, Duke’s Capital, and Royal Capital.
Just then, a chamberlain approached from behind the door.
It was time to put aside thoughts about “Unit Placement” for now.
By the way, at the place I was originally supposed to be, I had already placed a Satou doll as I moved here. Of course, I swapped positions using “Unit Placement.”
This Satou doll was a disguise suit I made before at Ivy Manor in Labyrinth City. Inside it was an articulated golem.
It couldn’t speak or fight, but its gestures were perfectly mimicked, so it was fine as a short-term substitute.
It was specialized for disguise so well that unless someone had “Character Appraisal” skills on par with Arisa, they couldn’t tell the doll from the real me.
I had tested this with a Kuro doll through an appraisal expert contracted with Echigoya Trading Company and confirmed it.
Now wearing the golden armor in the heroic Nanashi style thanks to my “quick change” skill, I was guided by the chamberlain back to the great audience hall.
“Let us introduce here the hero who saved our kingdom from crisis—the hero Nanashi.”
I walked up to the king’s side, illuminated by a spotlight created by light magic.
Since I had returned the Holy Sword Clausolas to Mito, the sword I carried was a replica remade from Orichalcum alloy.