Chapter 98: To the Royal Capital Again

The exploration team returned safely to Northernford. Consequently, I decided to go to the Royal Capital, Winchester, with Father to report the exploration results to His Majesty the King and consult on future steps. This will be my second time going to the Royal Capital. Last time we traveled by road, but this time, to save time, we decided to use Teleportation Magic. Smith, the steward who usually arranges accommodations for the escort knights, said, “It helps that no preparations are necessary.”

It seems that retainers and knights who know about my Teleportation Magic have been assigned to the Fairchild family mansion in the Royal Capital. Father, who went to the Royal Capital while we were exploring the southern undeveloped lands, seems to have anticipated that we might teleport together next time and made arrangements accordingly.

“Well then, I’m off.” Usually, I say goodbye to Mother and my sister at the entrance of the Margrave’s mansion, but this time, I am departing from Father‘s office. “Take care… though saying that, you’ll arrive in the Royal Capital in an instant, won’t you? It feels somewhat mysterious.” Mother smiled wryly. “It is my first time seeing Brother‘s Teleportation Magic, so I am excited.” My sister Sophie seemed poised so as not to miss the moment of teleportation.

Seen off by the two of them, I held hands with Father and Liam and teleported to the Royal Capital. I felt that guards were unnecessary, but Knight Commander Liam decided to go with us just in case we teleported to a different location than intended or something happened. Even so, holding hands is somewhat embarrassing. Can’t something be done about having to hold hands to teleport together?

When I activated the skill and teleported, in the next moment, we were in the Fairchild family mansion in the Royal Capital. “Oh, we really can jump in an instant.” Liam was impressed. “It truly is convenient magic. I am glad it is Will who uses it. It makes me shudder to think if a villain became able to use it.” “It is exactly as Your Excellency says.”

Certainly, depending on how it is used, theft and assassination can be done easily, so Teleportation Magic is a terrifying magic. I am grateful that my family and those around me do not fear the fact that I can use this magic. Along with gratitude, perhaps I can take a little confidence in the fact that I am trusted by those around me.

As soon as we arrived at the mansion in the Royal Capital, a retainer went to the Royal Castle to contact them. He returned after a while, and surprisingly, His Majesty said he would meet us tomorrow. “I thought we would have to wait a few days.” “Normally, that is the case. But I told you, Will. His Majesty prioritizes matters involving the World Tree and you. Even when I came to the Royal Capital last time, he met me the very next day.” I feel a sense of awe, but the story of the World Tree is an important matter for the Kingdom—or rather, for the world. It may be natural for Edgar II, renowned as a wise ruler, to prioritize it.

The next day, we took a carriage from the Fairchild family mansion and headed to Linkstar Castle. Since it would be inappropriate to go to the Royal Castle via Teleportation Magic, we decided to go by carriage. When we arrived at the Royal Castle, we were guided to the same reception room as last time. It is a luxurious room, but one doesn’t get nervous the second time around. As I was thinking that while drinking the delicious tea brewed by a maid, His Majesty entered.

“I am sorry for making you come so often, Theodore. Though perhaps you had no trouble traveling this time.” “Your Majesty, that topic is…” The Prime Minister cautioned His Majesty. “Ah, right. Everyone, I apologize, but could you leave us?” The maids left the room, and Royal Guards stood at the entrance.

“Now then, we can talk. Theodore, you came to the Royal Capital via William-kun’s Teleportation Magic this time, did you not?” “Yes, we moved from Northernford to the mansion in the Royal Capital in truly an instant.” “I see. I would like to try teleporting too.” “If His Majesty desires.” “Is that true? That makes me happy. However, if Flora finds out that I alone was allowed to teleport, her mood is likely to worsen.” I wondered why Her Highness Flora‘s mood would worsen, but I stopped myself from asking.

“Now, shall we get to the main topic? I know the general details from Theodore‘s letter, but first, could you report the results of exploring the southern undeveloped lands?” “Yes, Your Majesty. In the southern undeveloped lands, just as the Elf Elder predicted, there was a Leyline Crosspoint.” “Umu, it was written in the letter, but you really did well. There must have been hardships.” His Majesty, who infers that there were hardships without being told, is indeed a wise ruler. “Yes. Since the Elves said they felt the leylines near the lake, we explored the wetlands around the lake, but we couldn’t find it easily. Both the knights and Elves struggled in the wetlands where leeches and monsters appeared.”

“I see, so there were hardships after all.” “Both the knights and Elves worked very hard. Finally, we searched the island in the middle of the lake and somehow managed to discover the Crosspoint.” “Oh, so it was on the island inside the lake. By the way, how did you cross to the island?” “We moved using Teleportation Magic.”

His Majesty smiled broadly. “So you were able to find it thanks to William-kun’s magic. And yet, you praise the hard work of the knights and Elves? As always, you are humble beyond your years.”