Chapter 133: 133 indisputable excuse
The mighty of this world are indeed numerous, with those equivalent to a Level 5 adventurer popping up effortlessly, which would probably cause a sensation if it occurred in the Earth Mistake World.
But then again, it’s only to be expected. An attendant by the side of a Marquis from the royal capital, who is neither a proper Swordsman nor a little prodigy, would indeed not live up to his status.
"Hello."
Reiger nodded to the other party by way of greeting, a gesture of politeness.
"Hello."
Griman returned the gesture, but the fighting spirit in his eyes did not diminish one bit.
Clearly, this little prodigy found Reiger quite interesting, or rather, was very eager to have a bout with him.
At the Battle Festival, the strength displayed by Reiger had conquered this Swordsman, arousing in him a faint desire to challenge Reiger.
Alas, the occasion was not right, so Griman could only suppress the restless thoughts within him and stand behind Philippe, focusing on his duties as a close attendant.
"Everyone sit down, let’s chat at leisure."
Yuri also called Reiger over and patted the seat next to her.
Without much hesitation, Reiger naturally took his place beside Yuri and sat down.
However, this seemingly natural action was perceived with different intentions by Philippe.
This noble youth from the royal capital glanced at the negligible distance between Reiger and Yuri, and was inwardly astonished.
"It seems that the relationship between Lord Brilliant and Marquis Franzer is better than I expected."
Before this, Philippe, like everyone else, thought Reiger was a talent recruited by Yuri into the Franzer family, Yuri’s capable assistant.
But seeing the distance between the two, Philippe could affirm a thousand times over that their relationship was definitely not as simple as a superior and subordinate.
At least, Philippe had never heard of Yuri allowing any member of the opposite sex to sit so close to her.
Not to mention the opposite sex, Philippe had rarely heard of anyone of the same sex enjoying such a treatment.
"Is this to restrain me? Or..."
Philippe’s mind raced with thoughts.
He suspected that Yuri’s actions were intentional, hinting that he should not speak carelessly and that Reiger had powerful protection.
But Reiger’s act of sitting next to Yuri was so natural that it was hard to believe there was any deliberate intention behind it.
Even if there were, it could not deny the fact that the relationship between Reiger and Yuri was not that of ordinary superiors and subordinates.
Realizing this, Philippe couldn’t help but restrain some of his casualness.
Meanwhile, Reiger began to speak.
"May I know why Viscount Charlero summoned me here?"
Reiger did not engage in further courtesy but went straight to the point.
Yuri, on the other hand, remained silent, listening quietly on the side.
"Me?" Philippe suppressed some of his mixed thoughts, smiled, and said, "I’ve come specifically to find you, primarily on royal command."
Hearing this, Reiger was not surprised.
Ever since he was exposed as a Tactical Level Magician in the royal capital, Reiger had surmised such an event would occur.
"Is it because I used Tactical Level Magic in the royal capital, and the royal family wants to punish me for it?"
Reiger smiled faintly, articulating such speculation.
In principle, it was indeed forbidden by all major nations for anyone to cast Tactical and Strategic Level Magic within cities due to the great potential harm it could cause.
Especially with Strategic Level Magic, which could obliterate a large metropolis in an instant, the continents’ nations strictly prohibited magicians from using Tactical and Strategic Level Magic without permission. Violators would face punishment, ranging from fines to even capital punishment in severe cases.
Having used Tactical Level Magic in the capital, Yalef, Reiger was indeed subject to the kingdom’s prosecution as per the law.
Of course, Reiger mentioned this not to dwell on the issue but to deflect the topic somewhat, which carried an undertone of nonchalance.
In response, Philippe shook his head with a amused smile.
"It’s not about that," Philippe said. "Though you did use Tactical Level Magic in the capital, firstly, it was to repel the assault by a foreign Tactical Level Magician on the Franzer family, which is understandable. Secondly, it did not cause significant damage, in fact, the Franzer family bore the brunt of it, with their villa being destroyed. Therefore, the royal family has decided not to pursue this breach of the ban, and you can rest assured."
Perhaps this was one of the royal compensations? They knew they had undoubtedly angered Yuri, hence they tried to take measures to make amends.
Still, Reiger did not care about such matters.
Whether the royal family pursued the matter or not was inconsequential to him.
Even if they wished to punish Reiger, whether Yuri agreed to it was yet another matter.
No matter what, Reiger had deployed the Tactical Level Magic in order to repel a formidable enemy, or at least that’s the official story.
If this was a crime, then should watching idly as the Franzer residence was overrun, and truly suffering harm, be considered innocent?
If the royal family can’t protect an important strategic magician, are we not allowed to defend ourselves?
There will surely be disputes over this.
In such a situation, Reiger wasn’t the least bit worried about what would happen to him; even if he were, he didn’t care - leaving the Ginas Kingdom would be no great hardship.
However, it was clear that the Ginas Kingdom wouldn’t let him go so easily.
"I’m here mainly for the matter of your title conferment," Philippe revealed his true purpose, saying, "Now that you have become a tactical-level magician, according to kingdom regulations, you are entitled to an audience with His Majesty the King, to receive a higher rank and the title of Viscount."
Indeed, this was the reason for his visit.
Reiger’s face remained calm, his heart undisturbed.
"Is that the only reason?" Reiger even asked in return, "Just to confer a Viscount, you actually had the Marquis of Charlero come all the way here?"
Wasn’t it so?
A Marquis, a noble of the highest rank beneath the royal kin, made the trip to the Franzer territory, practically on the northern frontier, just to confer a Viscount title - even if that Viscount was a Tactical Level Magician, it seemed needlessly extravagant.
If it were to recruit a Tactical Level Magician as a subordinate, that might be understandable.
But to serve the royal family without any other benefit, a distinguished Marquis need not go to such lengths.
Facing Reiger’s frank words, Philippe hadn’t yet offered an explanation when Yuri, who was beside him, spoke first.
"The Marquis of Charlero came not only for your title," she said with the same calm expression that perfectly matched Reiger’s.
One couldn’t deny, this scene made the two appear quite the married couple.
Philippe felt a subtle atmosphere but still managed a half-sigh, half-laugh, "That’s right, delivering royal directives is one purpose of my visit, and checking on the current state of the Franzer Viscount is another."
Who could blame Yuri for leaving the capital under the pretense of a "grave injury escape"?
Now that she had finally appeared within her own territory, it was only natural for the royal family to send someone to check on her and see if she was truly alright.
"Seeing as the Franzer Viscount is safe and well, I’m relieved."
Philippe didn’t even mention the oddities surrounding this matter, nor did he inquire whether Yuri was truly injured. It seemed as though he purposely avoided this sensitive topic, quickly glossing over it.
"Did the royal family send the Marquis of Charlero to verify my well-being, so they might find a way to bring me back to the capital once it’s confirmed I’m unharmed?" Yuri said with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, making Philippe’s expression turn helpless.
"The eyes of the Franzer Viscount are indeed sharp," Philippe replied with resignation, "However, looking at you now, you don’t seem to have any plans to return to the capital."
"As you see, I’m rather busy right now," Yuri said bluntly. "A demon swordsman has just appeared within the territory, and considering the possibility of accomplices threatening Franzer, I must find a way to handle this. With the revival of the longstanding Franzer Battle Festival, there are many aftermath matters to attend to. Especially since my father has encountered problems and can’t assist, the public duties are overwhelming. Please excuse me, Marquis of Charlero."
"...I understand," Philippe fell silent for a moment before giving up, saying, "I will report the concerns of the Franzer Viscount to His Majesty, who I believe will understand."
"Thank you for your troubles," Yuri nodded.
"And what of you, Lord Brilliant?" Philippe turned to Reiger, asking, "Do you also not plan to return to the capital with me?"
Reiger’s response was even more direct than Yuri’s.
"Sorry, I also have no immediate plans to return to the capital," Reiger said coolly. "I’ve already been attacked several times in the capital, and I nearly died in one of those attempts. It was truly frightening, so for now, please let me stay in Franzer territory and enjoy some peace."
This left Philippe somewhat embarrassed.
There was no helping it; Reiger openly stated his stance, essentially stopping just short of pointing at Philippe’s nose and saying "the capital’s security is inadequate." It was a statement from the representative of the royal family that Philippe found difficult to contest.
The attacks on Reiger were factual, as was the close brush with death, and the destruction of the Franzer family’s mansion in one such attack was known by all the kingdom’s nobility.
"The royal family is already looking into the masterminds behind the attacks, and I believe it won’t be long before those audacious criminals face the kingdom’s justice," Griffin managed to say.
"Then let’s wait for the results of the kingdom’s trial before we consider returning to the capital," Reiger said, as if waiting for this very response, finally showing a smile.
Yuri also pursed her lips in a smile, visibly pleased.
What else could Philippe do?
He could only accept this outcome and take the words of Reiger and Yuri back to the capital.
As for how the matter would be dealt with by those above, that no longer involved Philippe.
He had done his best.