The week-long martial arts conference successfully wrapped up.
On the last day of the schedule, a party was held. It was a luxurious gathering attended by distinguished guests from various countries and warriors who had excelled in the tournament.
As Asella’s attending physician, I naturally had a duty to attend.
“Tanya informed me that the kingdom requested your presence as a very important guest.”
Tanya relayed the message.
Still, it wasn’t like I could just roam around personally.
“Why not do as you please?”
When I asked Asella, I got a curt reply. She’s been in this mood ever since the demonstration. I was still angry about that day.
Seeing Asella act like this, Heike took it as a good opportunity and intervened.
“Then I’ll borrow Gothberg. Having him around will make negotiations with the kingdom smoother. After all, he can communicate directly with the First Princess.”
“That’s right.”
“I’ll see you at the assembly hall, Asella.”
Asella didn’t even look at Heike.
—
“Welcome, great hero and those who have shown hope for the continent!”
In the banquet hall made from a huge castle, countless people gathered.
I could see the faces of each hero who played a key role in the martial arts conference.
“Come now, doctor. You should come and eat too.”
Valen came over, carrying a bucket of chicken from the buffet, chewing it as he offered me a piece.
“I had a light meal before coming. Please enjoy it with the guards.”
“With so much food, you mean to say you had a meal before coming? Are you out of your mind?”
Usually, social gatherings focus on mingling, so there’s hardly any time to eat.
“By the way, didn’t you use to only eat raw food?”
Even with my pointed remark, Valen just perked his long ears and continued munching.
“You told me that eating raw food is bad for my health.”
“That’s right.”
A lovely elf guard who had wonderfully adapted to secular life.
“Your skills are much better than I expected. I figured you must be something special since the World Tree recognized you.”
“Haha, that’s quite the compliment.”
“Thanks to you, I had fun. Now that it’s time we talked, I should head back to the forest.”
Valen said, walking towards the piled-up food at the buffet.
I felt a twinge of guilt, like I was fooling the naive Valen.
Unfortunately, the day she returns to her hometown is still a bit away.
—
[No. 005: Demon King’s Army Victory 58% → 22%]
Every time a candidate I selected shone during this martial arts conference, the probability of defeat against the Demon King’s army went down by ten percent.
It meant I was putting forward much better talents than the existing hero party.
‘Tanya in the front line, Valen as the archer, and Acella as the healer.’
That’s my elite member lineup for now.
Lishe’s skills are improving daily as well.
—
[No. 006: Demon Goddess Descends 26% → 17%]
[No. 009: Swamp of the Demon Realm 4% → 3%]
[No. 093: Hellfire 33% → 25%]
[No. 095: Alliance Army Annihilation 52% → 28%]
……
There are 14 remaining bad endings that involve being defeated by the Demon King’s army, including the Four Heavenly Kings. Especially seeing the probability of losing to the Demon King decrease shows the significant benefits gained from this martial arts conference.
‘The Four Heavenly Kings, the dragon, and the Great Demon have already been dealt with.’
The only remaining challenges are the Ritch and one more: the one called the Vampire King.
Although it’s hard to completely eliminate the threads related to this, I plan to at least push it to one spot so it doesn’t rise again.
“Wait, where did all the desserts go?”
As I briefly stared at my status window, Valen complained.
“Mr. Gothberg, please try this Mont Blanc.”
“And there’s Éclair too.”
Before long, Neria was receiving all sorts of attentions from the noble girls across the continent.
However, her title had changed. Thankfully, I appointed her to be the representative of the pharmaceutical factory. If I had managed her directly, my head would have exploded.
“Attending Physician, please have some too.”
Next to Neria was another noble girl vying for attention.
It was Ambrosia.
“Why on earth is a girl being seated at a children’s chair? A girl isn’t supposed to be eating snacks yet!”
While she complained, she was amicably scooping with Neria.
“It’s about time for you to move, teacher.”
Tanya informed me.
“Before that, I heard there’s an important announcement.”
After a little while, the spotlight focused on the upper balcony where the Pope of the Kingdom of Law appeared.
“How reassuring it is to have the continent’s greatest heroes gathered in one place. Surely the Goddess will bless this gathering.”
It was a conventional introduction for the Pope, but the topic he brought up was anything but ordinary.
“You all may have expected this to some degree. This martial arts conference serves not only to demonstrate the strength of the allied forces but also as a means to find great warriors to fight alongside the heroes.”
His words caused the distinguished guests to whisper among themselves. Even the warriors, who were unaware of the content, were murmuring.
“He’s gotten straight to the point.”
Tanya said to me.
“Most of the top ranks in the martial arts conference are overwhelmingly from the Empire. He might be declaring his stance to favor the Empire politically.”
The Pope continued.
“Of course, no warrior should be left out of the battle against the Demon King, but historically, there is a hero who is essential to the hero: the Saint.”
The purpose was clear. Since the power game between the Empire and the Kingdom had nearly reached an end, they meant to solidify the Saint’s seat and secure the position of the Kingdom of Law within the allied forces.
“May I ask, your Holiness?”
The King, apparently anxious about losing the initiative to Kingdom of Law, interjected.
“Isn’t the Saint supposed to be chosen at the appropriate time? We can’t choose one here.”
The Pope nodded with an amiable smile.
“You’re correct, Your Majesty. The crown we prepared will only measure faith and divine power; we cannot know who will be chosen as the Saint.”
“Then what was the point of bringing this up?”
“There has indeed been a revelation.”
The priests brought forth a sealed box.
It was yet another artifact. This time, I had an inkling of what it was.
“What’s inside?”
“Ah, I can’t tell you too much, but I can assure you that it is a means to discern the qualifications for the Saint.”
Whispers spread through the assembly hall at the Pope’s remark.
Having the Saint in hand would undoubtedly elevate the country’s voice as strongly as the Empire.
“To discern the Saint, is that even possible?”
Ambrosia showed curiosity.
I replied.
“It should be an item from the previous Saint. Probably a veil or something. And it’s likely usable only by the Saint.”
“Oh, that makes sense! Mr. Gothberg, how did you know?”
Maybe because Neria had been wearing a similar item on her head?
“This is indeed a rare occasion where talents from all over the continent have gathered. I am certain that the Goddess will manifest the Saint in this place to show peace for the continent.”
Thus, the Pope concluded his speech.
They meant to say that since they had a candidate for the Saint, any country wanting to challenge would be welcome to bring their candidate, effectively disqualifying others without the need to cover the nominee immediately.
Well thought out.
—
The Kingdom of Law’s announcement raised a new issue, but I had a designated seat to attend.
I was to meet the King and the Royal Princess to establish the basic direction for future trade.
After finishing up my schedule, I reunited with Heike and headed to the prepared private room under Tanya’s escort.
Simultaneously, the King and Persiya entered from the opposite door, as if it had been prearranged.
“It is an honor to meet with you, Your Majesty the King. I am Heike von Württemberg, the First Royal Princess.”
“I am the King of Williams.”
Although the other party was a king, Heike confidently shook hands and took her seat, as he was essentially representing the Emperor in this matter.
Even though I had seen his face numerous times in the arena, a political setting was in a league of its own. Heike conveyed an aura of pressure as if addressing a first-time envoy.
“I commend the efforts of the kingdom that held this martial arts conference for the unity of the continental allied forces.”
While paying compliments, Heike made it clear she wasn’t expressing thanks.
Her words contained criticism regarding the King’s impetuous actions during my demonstration.
“I am glad that we can fight against the Demon Realm with the Empire’s strong advanced technology.”
It was a complete declaration of defeat. It seemed he had no intention of upholding his pride before the King.
Heike eased the pressure.
“To defeat the Demon Race, quality weapons are essential. The dwarven kingdom’s forging skills are unmatched anywhere on the continent.”
“I am well aware of that. If we could arm our troops, it would be a great help. Moreover…”
The King glanced subtly at me.
“…medical supplies as well.”
Heike sipped her tea, letting the tension linger.
Moving forward, the allied forces would find it tough to take the lead, and the Kingdom, being weaker than the Empire, had to gain some economic advantages.
In extreme terms, if the Empire fought the Demon Race and left the Kingdom out to be a cannon fodder, that would be the end of it.
We held the leash.
He was outright asking to have tariffs reduced.
“I fully understand your country’s position.”
Heike replied leisurely.
“However, my home country also has its stance. Although there was a misunderstanding during the preliminary discussions, the best attending physician in the Empire was nearly affected.”
“I will apologize for that. It was my fault for not persuading the royal family beforehand.”
Persiya stepped up. I nodded.
“I’m just delighted to be able to treat Prince Gordon.”
“…Hmm.”
The King seemed troubled; he rubbed his forehead as if feeling a pang of conscience in response to my answer.
It felt similar to the reaction of that general from the envoy. Is the Kingdom full of people who regret and get flustered?
“Your Majesty, may I ask you one thing?”
“Speak.”
“Having spent some time here, I didn’t notice much of a conflict between the citizens of the Kingdom and the Empire. However, you and the distinguished guests seem quite resentful of the Empire. Surely the past wars are one reason, but can you enlighten me on the discrepancy?”
After a moment of thought, the King replied.
“I tend to listen to the opinions of my subjects. The royal family is advised by representatives selected from each autonomous district, who form meetings to advise me.”
“I see.”
In this regard, it seems the Kingdom was quite modernized compared to the Empire.
“Most of the meetings are anti-Empire. My judgment may have been influenced by that.”
“Meaning your assessments are not just solely your own? Understood.”
“By chance, one of the representatives from the meeting wishes to express his apologies to you, and he’s waiting outside. If you do not refuse, I can let him in.”
He must be the head of the anti-Empire faction.
I was curious about what he would say.
“Please bring him in.”
Heike also answered without hesitation, likely thinking the same as I.
Upon the King’s signal, the door opened, and a sharply dressed man walked in.
‘Hmm?’
—
[No. 073: Vampire’s Night 63% → 68%]
At that moment, the probability of a bad ending increased.
“Excuse me for the intrusion; I greet the esteemed Empire ruler.”
The man who entered greeted us respectfully. His eloquent phrasing contrasted with a strangely stuttering tone.
“I am Count Logan Dunserini.”
The count raised his head.
It was a face I knew well.
‘A member of the Demon Race.’
But not just any ordinary member.
He belonged to the vampire species.
Having someone like him embedded in the upper echelons of the Kingdom made it clear the Kingdom must have perished in the future.
In an instant, many things fell into place.
“Dunserini Count.”
“Yes, Doctor Gothberg.”
“I have matters to discuss with His Majesty the King, so could you please excuse yourself for a moment?”
At my request, the vampire narrowed his eyes.
“I humbly ask for your forgiveness for my rudeness. I would greatly appreciate a chance to clarify.”
“At least hear him out.”
The King advised me.
So he’s coming to this.
I picked up the teapot that was on the table and poured tea into a cup.
“Alright, let’s have a chat.”
I discreetly added the drug through my sleeve.
—
―――――――――――
· High-Potency Laxative (Very Enhanced)
· Don’t worry if you haven’t worked in months!
―――――――――――
If anything, I need him to clear out of my way for a bit.
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