Published: January 4, 2026
The completely destroyed study was being tidied up by servants and maids for the time being.
Since there was no point in staying there, I went out into the garden.
Under the starry sky, I checked my abilities.
――――――――――――
Name: Noah Alarate
Prince Minister of Legal Affairs
Gender: Male
Level: 15/∞
HP: C + E Fire: E + A
MP: E + E Water: C + S
Strength: C + A Wind: E + F
Stamina: D + E Earth: E + D
Intelligence: E + D Light: E + C
Spirit: E + D Darkness: E + C
Speed: E + E
Dexterity: E + D
Luck: E + D
―――――――――――
My abilities have completely returned to normal.
They have neither increased nor decreased.
The thing I took from the meteorite seems to have been temporary; once I defeated those tentacles, everything reverted.
To be safe, I checked the abilities of all five bodies one by one.
Starting from the lowest rank from the recent mock battle, I ended with summoning Bahamut’s purifying flames.
I held out my palm upward, and about ten centimeters above it floated a ball of flame.
The radiant fireball illuminated the entire surrounding area as brightly as daylight.
“Whoa!!”
A voice of admiration came from behind.
I turned around to see Don had returned.
“As expected of your highness, even in that fierce battle you held back—restrained your power.”
Don was clearly amazed by the “incredible” fireball.
“More importantly, did you catch him?”
“Yes, he brought himself to Nishil, and the servants delivered him to your highness’s residence. However...”
“However?”
“When I arrived, he looked pleased as if saying ‘I’ve been waiting for this.’ Like a reward had come. Even after some intimidation during interrogation, he only said, ‘I picked up the meteorite and carved letters on it.’”
“So he was just trying to flatter us?”
“That’s the impression. Of course, it could be an act, so we are continuing the interrogation.”
“Understood. Then I’ll leave this matter to you.”
“Yes, sir.”
With nothing more to report, Don bowed and withdrew.
It’s good that my abilities have returned, but one mystery remains.
☆
Princes who manage fiefs must return to the capital once a year to report to Your Majesty on the current state of their governance.
Since that time had come, I left Nishil—and Almeria—to return to the capital where I was born and raised.
I did not return to Prince Thirteen's Residence but went straight to the palace.
I requested an audience with Your Majesty through a familiar eunuch and was immediately taken to the study.
Entering the study, I knelt on one knee before Your Majesty as usual.
“Oh, Noah, isn’t it?”
“I, your servant Noah, have come to present the annual report.”
“I see, I heard something else too. I hear you defeated quite a monster with just a sword.”
Your Majesty’s ears are as sharp as ever.
Even though it happened right before I left, the news has already reached him.
“As expected of Noah, as expected of a prince from our ‘Warrior Nation.’”
Your Majesty was in an extremely good mood.
The official name of the empire is the “Mirese Empire,” which in ancient language means “Warrior Nation.”
One of the princes from this Warrior Nation has displayed his power in battle.
Your Majesty was very pleased about that.
“Being entrusted with not only Almeria but also Ararat by Your Majesty, I have not neglected my daily training.”
“Good. Continue to work hard.”
“Yes. Now then—”
“Ah, the report. That can wait for now.”
Your Majesty stopped me from reporting further.
I tilted my head slightly, looking at him curiously.
“There is a diplomatic envoy here. I must meet them first. You, Noah, come along.”
“Understood.”
Diplomacy naturally takes priority.
After saying this, Your Majesty stood and left the study.
I followed behind.
We proceeded through the palace and were brought to the great hall.
It’s basically similar to the audience chamber, but Your Majesty’s throne is set on a high platform about two stories tall.
This hall is used not for official duties but for diplomatic envoys and occasions where authority needs to be emphasized.