Chapter 200: Summons from His Majesty

Ring ring.

The communication device rang. I wonder who it is. Letty? Flora?

No, this number is… His Majesty the King.

“Hello, this is William.”

“Ah, William-kun. Sorry for contacting you so suddenly.”

His Majesty’s business was that he had something to discuss regarding future preparations against monsters, and he asked if I could come to the Royal Castle.

He said it wasn’t an urgent matter, but I cannot outright refuse a request from His Majesty.

After inquiring about His Majesty’s availability, it was decided that I would visit the Royal Castle using Teleportation Magic in the afternoon three days later.

“Well then, I’ll be waiting. My, communication devices are convenient.”

I slightly regretted making the communication devices.

When I teleported to the courtyard of the Royal Castle on the promised day as usual, His Majesty’s secretary was waiting along with Flora‘s lady-in-waiting, Cecilia-san.

“We have been waiting for you, William-sama. His Majesty is waiting.”

Guided by the secretary, I went to His Majesty’s office.

Upon entering the office and greeting His Majesty, I was addressed by an unexpected person.

“It has been a while, William-san.”

“It has been a long time, Erica-sensei.”

I feel like I’ve been writing letters to her diligently, but it’s been a long time since we met in person.

Since I have Teleportation Magic, I should show my face more often.

In His Majesty’s office, there was the Prime Minister as usual, and another tall woman.

This person, relaxing despite wearing what looked like cramped armor, must be the Commander of the Royal Knights, Earl Grandmesnil.

I’ve never spoken to her properly, but I’ve seen her figure before.

The Commander is renowned as a heroine excelling in the Swordsmanship Skill.

According to what I heard from Flora, it seems her older sister, the Third Princess, admires her and treats her as a goal.

“It seems everyone is gathered. Let us begin the discussion.”

The Prime Minister began to explain.

Following the recent invasion of the massive monster horde, they felt the need to strengthen the Kingdom’s defense system, and it seems His Majesty and the Prime Minister had been examining specific measures.

“This time, Lord William held back the massive monster horde with his companions, and the Fairchild Family Knight Order and the Northern Ducal Knight Order rushed to the scene.”

“However, there are few who possess powerful skills like the people of the Fairchild family, and it is not guaranteed they can always rush over. As expected, weapons that anyone can use are important. Regarding that point, Master Erica, please give your report.”

“Yes. As you all know, Magic Stones are powerful, but they explode with the slightest vibration, making them troublesome to handle. However, I have succeeded in creating stable Magic Stones that are difficult to explode.”

I had recently received a letter from Erica-sensei saying the experiment was a success.

When I read the letter, I thought ‘as expected of Sensei’, while simultaneously feeling relieved that the dangerous experiment succeeded safely.

“That is wonderful. As expected of Master Erica.”

“Thank you, Commander Grandmesnil. However, although officially I am the one who made them, the true originator is William-san.”

“Oh my, I have heard various things about Lord William‘s exploits, but is this also his achievement?”

“No, I merely provided the idea; it is the achievement of Erica-sensei, who repeated dangerous experiments to put it into practical use.”

“Haha, humble as always. It is true that Master Erica‘s achievement is significant, and William-kun dislikes standing out too much.”

“Is that so? Lord William is quite composed for his age.”

“I ask Master Erica to instruct the Kingdom’s Production Mages and have them increase the production of stable Magic Stones.”

“Understood.”

“Next is the matter of equipment. The Mithril weapons and armor imbued with four properties by Lord William are extremely powerful, but we have been concealing them out of concern for provoking the Northern Empire.”

“However, an alliance has been formed with the Empire. Furthermore, the Fairchild and Cardiff families are stably producing Mithril from the veins in the Sea of Trees. Therefore, I would like to increase the number of Mithril weapons and armor.”

“For imbuing the Mithril, we have no choice but to rely on William-kun. I imagine you are busy with the development of the undeveloped lands, but can I ask this of you?”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

I bowed my head.

Even though I am a vassal and he could just order me, His Majesty makes a request.

I want to be of help to such a Majesty.

“Until now, only the Royal Knights and the Fairchild and Cardiff families have possessed Mithril equipment, but we will also deploy them to noble families adjacent to monster territories.”

“Will the Royal Knights be receiving additions as well?”

“Of course, Commander Grandmesnil.”

“That is something to be grateful for. If we also obtain armor that defends against magic, the Royal Knights will hold our ground on the front lines even against monsters that use magic.”

Ah, it must be frustrating for her as Commander that the Royal Knights had no choice but to hole up in the city.

“During the Woodpole defensive battle this time, we placed a burden on Lord William because of our own inadequacy. I apologize.”

“Please raise your head, Commander Grandmesnil. We were only able to respond because we happened to be wearing equipment with magic resistance.”

“Fufu, you truly are humble. Even though you are the one who imbued that equipment.”

The Commander showed a gentle smile.

“This time, thanks to the hard work of Lord William and the others, the Fairchild Margrave family, and the Sheffield Ducal family, we managed to avoid major damage. Next time, the Royal Knights intend to stand firm as well. Let us all cooperate to protect the people.”

Not feeling jealous or having a strange sense of rivalry towards my house or the Northern Ducal house, which played active roles, must be Earl Grandmesnil‘s personal virtue.

“Yes, let’s definitely cooperate.”

“Umu. I expect everyone to join forces.”

According to the Elder, it seems humans often engaged in infighting when faced with offensives from the Darkness.

I am grateful that the atmosphere in the Albion Kingdom is good.