Published: September 10, 2025
※ Corrected typos on 2017/8/7.
※ Partial corrections made on 2017/8/6.
This is Satou. I quite enjoy special programs about searching for treasures like the Tokugawa hidden gold. It’s obvious the search fails since it’s not big news beforehand, but I still end up watching it anyway.
â—‡
“Your Highness, may I have a moment?”
On the way to watch the completion ceremony of the new airship, I approached the first prince to discuss the matter of the bet.
Regarding the consultation, I had already coordinated with Arisa and Hikaru via the spatial magic “telephone” during our journey here.
By the way, the nobles who had lost the bet were so distraught that they clung to me and apparently drew the prince’s ire, so he ordered them to cool off and they aren’t here now.
Right now, it seems each small faction has split off to hold strategy meetings.
Therefore, only his guards and we are beside the first prince, making it convenient for a secret talk.
“About the bet?”
The first prince, walking half a step ahead, stopped and turned around.
“Yes—”
“If you intend to withdraw the bet and declare it invalid, I refuse.”
He said that, interrupting me.
“No, that’s not it.”
I shook my head, and he looked surprised.
Apparently, he had thought I might say I wanted to nullify the bet.
“After receiving the bet stakes, I wish to offer them to Your Highness as a tribute.”
“Hmph, you are probably the only one who shamelessly tries to dump menial tasks on me.”
The first prince realized my true intent and twisted his mouth into a sneer to make a sarcastic remark.
I had planned to follow that with a request: “Then, I hope Your Highness will bestow them as rewards to the original owners.”
Since any misunderstanding would be problematic, I said this explicitly and, though reluctantly, the first prince agreed.
“If you intend to bestow rewards, you require that each recipient undergo appropriate hardships, yes?”
He asked, and I nodded.
It’s a bit troublesome, but the first prince can effectively order his subordinates at no cost by dangling the rewards, so it’s a benefit for him.
“Really, Count Pendragon, you should learn some normal noble values and desires.”
“...Desires, you say?”
“That’s right. Don’t line up treasures within reach in front of the common folk to tempt them to leap at them.”
He wasn’t only referring to the diamond key this time but was probably implying magic and abilities as well.
“Yes, I will strive to improve.”
“—Good.”
The first prince said and resumed walking.
I caught his whispered words “I don’t want to worry about receding hairlines while I’m young” with my eavesdropping skill, but, with the help of my expressionless teacher (skill), I ignored it.
I suppose I should send him seaweed dishes and shampoo & conditioner that promote hair regrowth.
â—‡
“The above are the functions of the ground support airship Gerduvel.”
At the podium of the new airship’s completion ceremony, the director of the Royal Airship Factory was passionately giving a speech.
The new airship, equipped with many features to counter monster stampedes, looked quite impressive, but the crowd appeared distracted, half-listening to the director’s explanation.
It’s definitely due to the rumors about the Holy Relic Animated Armor.
Because of the poor audience reaction, the director was gritting his teeth, looking like he wanted to say “Grrr.”
Perhaps the fact that the test firing of the onboard weapons would be held later, since we were near the Royal Capital, also affected the mood.
I was also a little disappointed since I was interested in the ancient weapons called “magic cannons” excavated from ruins in the king’s direct territory.
“It’s coming into view!”
Miss Karina, who was with me, pointed at the southwestern sky and shouted.
The crowd directed their gaze there.
“That is the Holy Relic Animated Armor—”
Using my telescopic skill, I looked at two large airships floating far away and the giant armor suspended beneath them.