Chapter 23: Cleaning Up after the Turmoil

Haha, as expected from the heir of the Knights Commander. You overwhelmed that imperial mage with your power.

Thank you. Compared to my father and my master, I still have a long way to go.

I cant remember how many times I had the same exchange over and over again, but there were a lot of people waiting in a queue to congratulate me.

When I easily killed an Imperial Mage of the 3rdrank, who is said to be at the top of all mages of the empire, I worried that they would be too scared to approach me, but it seems that it wasnt the case at all.

To easily defeat an Imperial Mage, youre just like your father.

Yeah, like when the Knights Commander was young.

So its all thanks to my foster father.

Gahahaha, thats my son for you!

With a warlike smile, the full-plate started to beat my shoulders.

Hey, Im being buried..look, the stone pavement is cracking.

Thank you, father.

My very happy foster father cant be stopped.

Youre being modest. But you know, after you showed us such wonderful bravery you should at least boast a little more! I know! Since were at it, lets have a little contest of our own too..

I cannot do that. I am still no match for you, father.

As an adopted son, or more importantly, as his heir it is essential to show the good relationships between the two of us.

Its like a performance for the nobles.

Father, please dont look at me with bloodthirsty filled eyes.

Its all for the show, right? Please tell me its all for the show.

Zest-sama, Im sorry to disturb you while youre busy. I bring a message from his Excellency the Frontier Count.

A soldier interrupted.

If his Excellency gave orders, then thats definitely a priority, and whats more, it was such a good timing too, Im saved.

Oh, what is it that his Excellency wants to tell me?

Yes Sir! Its about the banquet his Excellency intends to hold starting tonight, in order to celebrate your engagement with Beatrice-sama. It is also the matter of discussing the arrangements for your entering the palace. Please, follow me.

I see, lead the way then. Im sorry everyone, but per his Excellencys orders I must take my leave now.

The full-plate was feeling somewhat bitter, but since he couldnt disobey his Excellencys orders, he obedientlywell, not really, but he somehow consented.

Argh! Then, you guys, Im sure your bodies are throbbing for a fight!? Lets have a match, come with me!

Great! Lets do it, Knights Commander! If I can spar with the Knights Commander, I will gladly join you! Hyaa, a contest!

Knights Commander-dono! Please let us, the magic division soldiers, join you as well!

Gahahaha, I dont mind it, everyone is welcome to follow me!

These muscle brains started to run towards the training camp.

Theyll be back by evening, so Ill just ignore themEven the magic division soldiers, what the heck are you doing?

Well, at least Im glad they dont feel enmity towards me.

Even so, I must go greet the nobles tonight.

Its so amazing, you won. Congratulations for your engagement.

And they all lived happily ever after.

Something like this its rather impossible in the nobles society.

All thats left now its the very enjoyable and fun greetings and congratulations.

Damn bothersome..But if I dont do it the enemies will increase while the allies will decrease in numbers. It cant be helped.

I casually looked in front of me and I realized the soldier I was following was fluttering and watching me with imploring eyes.

Is something wrong? Is there something bothering you?

Started, he flinched and turned around to look at me apologetically.

IIm very sorry, Zest-sama. But I.well..I also have someone I want to propose to, so could I at least shake your hands? I want to share your good luck.

The shy and already completely red soldier was in his teens, a youngster that was still rather immature.

Haha, I dont mind it. But I truly hope that person is not Beatrice-sama. Do you want to duel me?

Thth..thats unthinkable!..Thisthis..Shes not such a sublime person, just a childhood friend, the daughter of a knights household.

Hey, if youre scared just say it.

I hope itll turn out well. Good luck!

I said that and let him shake my hands, while he lowered his head countless of times saying Its an honor! Thank you so much!

Is this girl the cute type? The beautiful type? Whats her hair color? Her height?..while I kept on teasing the young knight, we arrived inside the castle, in front of the room that was prepared in advance.

This room, just like the reception room, had a very comfortable looking sofa as well.

They didnt stop at just preparing the tea.

Theyre young girls after all.

Congratulations for your engagement. Such a wonderful proposal, just like in fairy tales. Im so envious of the young lady.

Looking delightful, they started to make a fuss over it.

Even though the very stiff maid chief was here too, she didnt seem to be in the mood to scold them either.

If its Zest-sama, I wonder if hell take some concubines too? Thats right, when he marries the young lady, new servants will have to enter the mansion!

For some reason, the maids started to quarrel among themselves, but I pretended I havent seen anything.

It would be wise not to intervene when women quarrel, nothing good would come out of it.

I was looking at empty space while drinking my tea when the call came.

Shes a woman in her 30s, she certainly has good style and she does her job properly..but it seems shes still single. Theres something fishy about her, and thats scary.

While I was pretending I didnt notice her flirtatious glances, we arrived at the office door and when I entered the room I could hear a tskher clicking her tongue, was that my imagination?

The Frontier Count and my master were waiting inside the office.

Ive come at your request, your Excellency.

When I wanted to lower my head he raised his hand and stopped me.

Very well, grandson-in-law-dono. Youre now officially engaged. I want you to think of us as your family.

His Excellency smiled at meIf you really think so, then why does your smile look so evil?

Yes, I understand, grandfather, father.

Haha, I want to see my grandchilds face soon. If its a child born to the two of you, Im sure this child will be an excellent magic user. Im so looking forward to it!

Im really glad my master is in his happy papa modeHes the refreshment ofthe Frontier Counts Household.

Please treat me favorably.

I lowered my head slightly.

Yea. Well, for now you did very well. We had to make a few revisions, but we got to this point as planned.

I was encouraged to sit next to my master.

Now, the reason I called for you is not just to congratulate you. I thought I should let you know about the cleaning up after this incident with that pig of an Imperial Mage.

He fixed his eyes on me to ascertain the strength of my decision and then continued.

Since he was a priest noble and an Imperial Mage, after we notified the imperial capital about his death, a person in charge to investigate the incident has been dispatched. He will most likely look into why the duel took place, or whether there was any unfairness or foul play during the duel.

Thats only natural.

Im not an idiot to think that it would simply end like that.

Thats why, just in case, I wanted to let you know that an investigator is on his way hereAh, that and I also want you to sign this report explaining the circumstances of this incident.

He said that and handed over a one sheet parchment that explained in details the incident of the pig that couldnt fly.

Though, one passagecaught my attention entirely.

Even in my dreams, Ive never imagined an Imperial Mage would have fallen to such a degree, I was really astonished. Furthermore, such a weak magic user dared to propose to the daughter of the Frontier Counts Household. This is sheer insult. Prepare for battle.

This report wasbrimming with desire to quarrel with the imperial capital..

Can I even survive this? This is..