Chapter 300: Cosworth's Emotions
It seemed there was a mechanism on one side of the floor. The section where the floor had been turned into a uniquely shaped staircase, connecting directly to an underground passage.
Cosworth led the way, with Panamera and me following right behind him, and Macan, Dee, and the others following us. The passage was narrow, barely wide enough for two people to pass, so inevitably, the situation resulted in Panamera and me walking side-by-side behind Cosworth.
We must have walked about twenty meters down the passage. We soon reached a dead end where a black metal door revealed itself. Cosworth took what looked like a key from his breast pocket and unlocked it.
“This is the Royal Family’s hidden treasury.”
Saying that, Cosworth opened the door. When the door opened, despite being underground, light flooded into the passage, causing me to squint. It was as bright as if we had stepped outside. Looking up to see what was there, I saw several surprisingly large magic stones installed on the walls. A normal magic stone would be anywhere from the size of a fingertip to a fist, and several would be placed to provide lighting, but the magic stones in this treasury were orders of magnitude larger, so a single one provided ample brightness. Since there were six of them at a glance, it was even brighter than a sunny day.
And above all, there were the piles of treasures placed in the center of the room. Gold, silver, mithril arms and armor, platinum coins, large gold coins, and gems were piled up like mountains. And in the center, a magnificent sword was placed unsheathed.
“…An Orichalcum longsword, is it? That is quite an extravagant use of material. It is a magnificent sword rarely seen. Its performance as a sword is a given, but its value as an art piece is likely quite high as well.”
When Panamera said that, Cosworth walked silently to the back and picked up the Orichalcum longsword.
“…Get back.”
Dee stepped in front of me, letting out a low voice. I poked just my face out from the side of Dee’s large back like a mushroom and looked at Cosworth.
“…Dee is stronger than a dragon, you know?”
Since I felt sorry for him, I offered advice from the bottom of my heart. At that, Cosworth raised the corner of his mouth and walked toward us.
“From the start, I have no intention of fighting. I simply wanted to hand it to the victor with my own hands.”
Muttering that, Cosworth held the sword out to us. Spreading his arms and holding the sword horizontally, Cosworth looked straight at us. Panamera then accepted the sword with one hand.
“Hmm, quite admirable.”
Panamera held the received sword up in front of her face and observed it carefully.
Perhaps several seconds passed. Finishing her observation of the sword, Panamera smiled softly.
“…So, is it safe to say that this is all of the hidden treasure?”
“…What do you mean?”
“Soon, the investigation team from the Kingdom of Scuderia will come for a re-investigation. At that time, if they find that you were hiding other treasures…”
Panamera spoke threatening words while deepening her smile. To that, Cosworth answered without moving a single eyebrow.
“This is everything.”
When Cosworth answered, Panamera stared into his eyes for a while, but eventually sighed.
“…It seems you are not lying.”
Panamera muttered quietly and lowered the sword. Watching that from the side, Cosworth looked at me.
“…There is no need for petty threats. You are an opponent I could not defeat even after crossing swords this much and fighting with all my might. I have no intention of acting any more unsightly against such an opponent. Besides, I do not wish to increase my injuries any further.”
After saying just that to Panamera, Cosworth raised his own arm in front of his face. His hand was wrapped in bandages, leaving no skin exposed. Was it a severe injury that couldn’t be fully healed even with healing magic?
Cosworth gazed at his own hand and spoke.
“Why did our country lose? What was the difference from the assumptions made before actually fighting? We conducted various analyses. The Marquis Fertio territory, the Count Ferdinatto territory, and the siege battles of each base… We were defeated in all the most important battles. The reason is likely the appearance of a new noble named Van Nei Fertio.”
“Eh? Me? No, no, that was a result achieved because everyone combined their strength and united. Hahaha.”
Unable to bear Cosworth’s gaze, I tried to brush it off with a light joke, but he stared back expressionlessly.
“…Our country’s cause of defeat is that after spending over two years investigating, a boy named Van Nei Fertio appeared. If only we had investigated for one more year without fighting…”
“…Ahaha, you’re overestimating me, really.”
I answered with a wry smile, but Cosworth pulled his chin back with a serious expression.
“In the future, there may be times when we fight together. At that time, let me learn your tactics up close.”
He even started saying things like that. Hearing this from the side, Panamera let out an exasperated voice.
“I’ll have you know, I am present here as well?”
When Panamera said that, Cosworth nodded back with a subtle face.
“…I shall also observe Lord Panamera’s fighting style from close by.”
“Oi, I feel a difference in treatment.”
Panamera muttered, looking dissatisfied.
“Your Majesty, we were able to safely discover the Royal Family’s treasure.”
When we returned to the Royal Castle and Panamera reported, Airhart quietly looked at Cosworth, who had acted as our guide. Seeing Cosworth nod silently, Airhart let out a long breath.
“…I see. Then you will return to convey this to the King of Scuderia.”
“Yes. I shall tell him that Your Majesty cooperated actively. If I do so, the worst-case scenario should be avoided.”
When Panamera answered with a smile, Airhart nodded shallowly and said, “I am counting on you.” Since Panamera announced we would be heading back early, we quickly left the Royal Capital and began moving toward Seatoh Village.
On the way, there was something that bothered me, so I asked Panamera.
“Before leaving the Royal Capital, King Airhart and Cosworth-san made eye contact and nodded at each other; was that some kind of signal?”
I asked because I felt somewhat anxious, but Panamera laughed while riding her horse.
“Most likely, he was leaving the decision of whether to kill us or not to Lord Cosworth. As a result, Lord Cosworth made the judgment to walk with us. In short, that is what it meant.”
“Eh? Could it be that we might have been killed back there?”
When I looked up in surprise at Panamera’s words, she looked at me with an exasperated face.
“Of course. If they intended to rebel against the Kingdom of Scuderia eventually, that treasure would be their lifeline. Depending on how Lord Cosworth, who will be the next King of Yelenetta, judged the situation, we might have been killed.”
Being told that by Panamera, I recalled the exchange in the Royal Capital.
“…I shouldn’t have come after all.”
Shuddering down my spine belatedly, I muttered that. Then, Panamera shook her shoulders laughing and slapped my back.
“Rest assured, Boy. You have this Panamera Carrera Cayenne by your side, you know? I will protect you with my life.”
“Really? Absolutely? I’m going to run away, okay?”
“Fuhahaha! Would I lie? You are Panamera’s only ally noble! Stand firm and be at ease!”
