Chapter 84: The Princess's Report and the King's Conjecture

(This chapter is from the perspective of King Edgar II. It takes place around the time Will‘s parents visited the World Tree, just as Princess Flora arrived back in the Royal Capital.)

My daughter Flora has returned from the Fairchild territory. She went to convey gratitude to the Margrave family on behalf of the Royal Family, but I was happy that the child who tended to deny herself asked to go of her own volition. Since meeting William-kun and learning the merits of the Merchant Skill, Flora has become bright, like a different person.

Elizabeth, who is the daughter of Consort Louise just like Flora, was always worried about her depressed sister, so she was delighted by Flora‘s change. I am sure the late Louise is resting easy in heaven as well. As a King, I value William-kun’s achievements, but as a parent, I am truly grateful to him for making my daughter cheerful.

Flora, having returned from Northernford, came to report together with Vice Commander Auguste of the Royal Guard, who accompanied her as an escort. Despite the fatigue of a long journey, she has a lively look on her face. It seems it was a good trip for my daughter.

“Welcome back, Flora. How was the trip to Northernford?” “Thanks to you, it was a fruitful journey. Everyone in the Fairchild family, as well as the staff at William-san’s workshop, welcomed me warmly.” “That is good to hear. Auguste, thank you for your hard work as well.” “Your words are wasted on me, Sire.”

First, there is the report on her official duties. “At the Northernford Summer Solstice Festival, I conveyed the words Father entrusted to me. The crowd gathered in the town square seemed very happy that the Margrave family was thanked by the Royal Family.” “I believe His Majesty’s feelings of gratitude toward the Margrave family were sufficiently conveyed to the people of the West. Although Her Highness Flora has not had many opportunities to speak as an official envoy of the Royal Family until now, her demeanor was dignified.” Hmm, it seems Flora spoke firmly and well.

I had also asked Flora and Auguste to observe what kind of person William-kun was. They reported their findings. “When walking through the town, there were subjects waving to William-san, and William-san was adored by the workshop staff.” “That is correct. We also heard many voices saying the town became prosperous because the workshop led by Lord William renovated old buildings and maintained the roads. I believe Lord William‘s reputation is extremely positive.”

“I see. He has achieved that much, after all.” “There is that, but observing his interactions with the subjects and the workshop craftsmen, Lord William speaks amicably regardless of the other party’s rank, and he has no air of self-importance. I believe that attitude is the reason he is popular with the people.” “I see. He does not change his attitude based on the other party’s rank or position, nor does he boast about his achievements. He is composed despite being young.” Ordinary young men tend to become overconfident when they achieve success, but William-kun seems to be humble. Come to think of it, when I met him in the Royal Capital, he gave the impression of being mature beyond his years.

“Speaking of William-san’s achievements, during my stay, he created something called a ‘windmill’ that grinds wheat flour using the power of the wind. Even though it is such a huge structure, I was surprised that it was built in the blink of an eye.” “What? He created something new again?” “Yes, I was surprised too. That ‘windmill’ is a revolutionary device that can grind more wheat compared to traditional waterwheels.” It seems William-kun’s craftsmanship knows no bounds. Since his good character has been confirmed, it should be fine to promote him to turn the eyes of the nobles toward internal affairs.

“Did you notice anything else?” “William-san has built good relationships with other races. His Dwarf apprentice was grateful that William-san built houses for the Dwarves who fled from the Sea of Trees, and he was deeply trusted by the Elves as well. I visited the Hidden Village of the Elves, and the Chieftain said they welcomed me because I was introduced by William-san.” “I see. Deep trust from Elves, who avoid humans, in addition to Dwarves…” “Yes. I also felt that Lord William has gained deep trust from both Dwarves and Elves.”

“That is extremely informative.” While building a good relationship with Dwarves is plausible, for Elves who avoid humans to trust a human to that extent is usually impossible. However, it has been passed down in the Royal Family that when the Savior appears, the Elf clan gathers to support him. If William-kun is the Savior, that attitude would be natural.

And the fact that he is mature despite his youth… if he reincarnated with knowledge and memories of the outside world, having the memories of an adult even while being a child in this world would not be surprising. It is said that “The Savior shall drive away the armies of darkness with the power of swords and magic,” but perhaps William-kun is a Savior who opposes darkness with his Production Skill.

If a Savior has been born in our Kingdom, it is joyous. But if the Savior has appeared, it means the power of darkness is also strengthening. Since both Dwarves and Elves fled the Sea of Trees, the threat of monsters in the Sea of Trees must be increasing. We must assume that the threat of monsters will grow within our Kingdom as well.

The Sea of Trees is our Kingdom’s greatest threat, but there are several other regions where monsters appear. Until now, thinking that if William-kun’s Enchantment Magic became known, it might cause other countries to be wary due to our country’s increased military power, I had kept the equipment in storage without distributing it to anyone other than the Fairchild Family Knights who prepare against the monsters of the Sea of Trees. However, so that the Royal Guard can respond to the threat of monsters, it would likely be better to have the Royal Knights equip them as well.