After Alicia's birthday, the Royal Castle returned to normal.
The nobles got on with their lives, and continued on with their work.
I have a question ever since the first time I entered the Royal Castle: Do the nobles actually keep in touch with one another after working with fellow aristocrats? Or rather, do they even maintain good relationships with one another?
Claire and Rain-san have a boss-subordinate relationship between them, but it feels like they only have this relationship in work, in daily life, Rain-san is only scared of Claire and respects the latter for her house and out of fear, they hardly even interact, apart from the latter reprimanding the former or at work.
I suppose it would be a "no" to my questions, as Iris once said: "The nobles might appear gentle if you judge them by their actions, but nine out of ten of them have hearts as black as coal."
But hearing what Iris has to comment on the nobles, it wasn't hard to understand why Iris wants to be an adventurer instead of a princess.
I mean, I would have ran away and abandon the royal status if I was in Iris' position.
In that case, I couldn't help but be impressed by Iris' tolerance.
Because for me, I would have them executed or sent to prison instantly when I have solid evidence for their heinous deeds and after I gave them a fair trial.
Come to think of it, this phenomenon wasn't entirely bad at all, if you ask me.
There is one thing the relationship the nobles taught me: I should value more my party members. Call me a shounen protagonist all you want, but I should have realised earlier that those people were not just merely adventurers, they were also my party members, comrades in arms and friends.
I should cherish the precious bonds formed with them as they were willing to put their lives on the line just to save me. If there is a situation where their lives were in danger, it would be my turn to do the same for them.
Anyway, with all that self-reflection done, it's time for me to get back to the story.
Ah right, let's start with the blacksmith. I believe, you, who is currently reading the story remembered that I received a letter from the blacksmith in the last chapter? The blacksmith agreed to repair the Core System and the damaged outfits. Hence, I wrote one as a response. So in the letter I expressed my gratitude to the blacksmith for helping me as you can not take it for granted - no one has the obligation to fix anything, even you have the money to pay for it. I asked the blacksmith to give me a progress report per three to four days. Since it is exciting news to hear that I can fight properly once again.
Apart from that, I also requested the blacksmith to create a new Core Outfit - one for Crowd Control purposes, that is able to incapacitate people without inflicting any damage to anyone, assuming if conflict occurs between the Axis Cult and the Eris Cult once again. I would not allow anyone to destroy the peace of Iris' home. I sent the blueprint along with the reply letter.
As winter is getting close, so I heard the Kingdom will snow sooner or later. By the way, I have read about two months worth of newspaper and caught the gist of it:
First, the Mobile Fortress Destroyer was destroyed (which was quite ironic in my book) in Axel, the Town of Beginners.
Then, the ones who stopped - or at least got the credit of stopping it, namely Kazuma, was it? Got accused as both a terrorist and a spy of the Demon King's Army.
...And the evidence of that is the coronatite, which was the Core of the Mobile Fortress, got teleported to Alderp's villa, which the coronatite exploded and destroyed his villa..
And the most important thing is not whether Alderp was in the villa or not; was that Alderp is an aristocrat that fits Iris' description perfectly: Corrupt, stingy, a hell of an ugly bastard-
Ah, I forgot she didn't mention that. And not to mention that most nobles have decent looks.
The main point is, Alderp is one of the worst nobles there is.
At any rate, Kazuma-san went on court and have a trial on this matter. The prosecutor probably wanted him dead already for a certain period of time, as she used petty crimes he committed as evidence for the accusation, or so as I heard.
...
...
...What the fk?
Are you kidding me? A spy would not attract attention to himself (or herself, depending on the gender) as the spy need to stay as long as possible to gather information and then report back. So, risking himself to get exposed by committing various crimes would be a big no-no for being a spy.
Now, I am no expert when it comes to military or warfare, that should be common sense: A spy should try his best to blend in and not to get snuffed out as long as he could - That should be the unspoken rule for being a spy.
For being a terrorist? I would say not really, as being a terrorist requires to match at least one requirement from two things:
First, it would be the action. Namely causing serious damage or risk to people's safety and health or dealing great damage to property.
Second, the motivation behind the action. Either the intention of compelling the government - the Belzerg Royal Family in this case, intimidate the public or for religious, political purposes would do.
Look, it might be true that Kazuma-san matched the former; yet there was no telling whether or not did he match the latter.
But considering how vague the laws were suggests that there were no such things of "justice" and "impartiality" here.
It is still hard to believe that the guy who was branded with various indecent names defeated the Mobile Fortress and that he messed up at the interrogation. Could he think before he speak? It would not have happened if he did as the sayings go: "Think before you speak" and "A loose tongue may cause a lot of trouble".
As for the prosecutor, the thing is that she could ask further for who Kazuma-san was associated with. Then the pointless trial would have ended quickly.
This would be the least of my problem anyway, since I heard Lalatina (*snickers*) interfered and put the trial on halt.
For those who have watched the LN or the anime, I suppose you should know the current timeline by now.
Currently right now, I was engaged in a duel with Claire at the moment, as Iris managed to best Claire in combat by using some of my skills. So I stopped Claire before she could reprimand Iris. Then, we got into a heated debate about whether or not unorthodox techniques should be allowed in combat, and after that Claire decided to continue the argument with her actions by lunged and attempted to land a preemptive strike on me.
Of course, I wouldn't get hit as I have good reflexes... would be a badass line to say, but she actually got me good. She grazed me while I was off guard.
It wouldn't be true if I said I wasn't irritated by the fact Claire used surprise attacks when she said she wouldn't. But I ain't gonna whine about that, as I am not a man that has double standards.
Without a doubt, I sat up then returned the favour.
What comes next is that Claire attempted to bring her sword to my head, then I blocked before she could kill me off for real.
And here we are, our swords clashing as we tried our best to defeat each other in combat. Iris on the other hand, sat on the bench as she took a little break.
"It has been a while since we last fought, Magic Swordmaster. I wonder to what extent have you grown?" Claire spoke as sparks flew as our blades clashed once again.
"Don't be stupid, white suit. That is something I should ask you." I responded as I sent her flying with Sacred Thunderbolt.
"You cheeky little...!"
"My apologies, but no one would ever talk 'fair and square' on the battlefield. It would be the best if you can get used to that, or in some cases... You will die." I replied in a calm tone as I did a stance and waited for Claire to get back on her feet.
We lunged at each other wordlessly and continued fighting.
But still, I haven't received any report yet... Is there anything wrong with them?
Wait, I shouldn't say anything that has a chance to raise a flag.
"Onii-chan, there is an owl with a large envelope! And the envelope wrote it is for you!" Iris shouted as I pushed Claire away with my sword.
Ah, finally. The progress report I have longed for-
Wait, the fk is wrong with the blacksmith? Why was he delivering a report with an owl? This ain't H**** P*****! Also, does that count as animal abuse, considering the fact that owls sleep during the day!?
Forget it, I am going to check the laws of the Kingdom later.
At any rate, let's open it and check the contents, I am sure that the repairs of the Core System should be done by now...
*sigh*
Ah shit, here we go again.
After reading the contents of the letter, I geared up instantly and headed towards the forge as soon as possible.
Why do I give out flag-triggering comments? This probably would not have happened if I watch my mouth.
Now I have to clean up the mess I made once again. Perfect.
Alicia was currently conducting investigation regarding the murder took place in the Royal Castle.
Loby and Amai received physical training to ensure their injuries were fully recovered, I would also summon them as well, but there is no telling how strong our opponents are, so I could not put their lives at risk once again like that.
Karu went off roaming around the capital. So maybe I will go and ask Karu to meet up at the blacksmith.
"Onii-chan." Iris called me as she stopped me by grabbing my sleeve.
"What's wrong?"
"You have to take me with you, remember?" Iris reminded me as she tilted her head in confusion.
"What?"
Iris sighed and brought out a scroll wordlessly and opened it by grabbing onto one side.
...
Ah right.
"Remind me why were they coming along with us?" I asked Iris as we ran past the castle gate.
"What did you say? How dare you, a commoner, address us aristocrats as 'they'? Call me Lady Symphonia, peasant!"
"I would appreciate it if you would stay quiet."
"Kilo, you can hear me right? Could you tell me your current location please?" I called Karu over the communication device.
"Me? I am somewhere near the Adventurers' Guild. What's wrong?"
"Head over to the forge. We will meet you there."
So, in the end, all party members except Karu are not available, so Iris and I were supposed to head out.
However, before we left the palace, Claire and Rain-san followed us, with the former saying that I was not trustworthy and that Iris should not be entrusted to me.
The latter on the other hand claimed that she wanted to help us out of the situation.
Well, I am going to take their words for it. Don't ask me why, probably because they don't really lie, I guess?
Anyway, I- Or should I say, we are going.
"Oh hey." My fellow party member greeted me as he met us halfway to the forge.
"Oh hey, how have you been?"
"I'm fine, thank you."
There was a cloaked figure, who drew a weapon when the person saw us.
"Leave that guy to me. You guys go into the forge and do whatever you need to do." Karu pointed at the guard before he accelerates and engage in battle.
"I will be counting on you." I spoke as Karu lunged at the mysterious figure with his swords drawn.
"Let's go." I turned my attention onto my temporary teammates.
I ran into the forge with Iris, Claire and Rain-san behind me.
I turned around as I heard screams behind me.
There are two cloaked figures hid behind the door and kicked Rain-san and Claire out of the forge.
I noticed there was one more hiding on the rim of the door.
Iris would got hit if I don't do something...!
"Oh no you don't! Crystal Prison!" I cast a bolt of ice and froze the last cloaked figure's legs.
"Stay still for a while for me, would you?"
Alright, Iris is safe and sound at that moment...
"Hello, we have meet once again, Magic Swordmaster." The masculine voice spoke up.
I pulled my sword out instinctively and prepared to cast magic on the other.
"Oh no no, one wrong move and he's dead. Forever." The masculine voice spoke up as he pointed his sword at... the blacksmith's throat.
"I really want to say 'How despicable you are, using a hostage to your advantage'... But considering the fact I am the one who said no one would talk about fair and square in a fight, I wouldn't say you are dishonourable. Or rather, I would say, you got me really good. Well done." I spoke as I applauded.
"What do you mean?" The mysterious figure asked dangerously as he continued to point his sword at the blacksmith's throat.
"Guardian... Don't mind me, run!" The blacksmith shouted as he struggled to break free.
"Aw, shut up for a sec, will you?" The cloaked figure spoke as he touched the blacksmith's cheek with the edge of the blade.
"We would have escaped if we had the chance, there were cloaked people out there and here. It would be impossible for us to run." I replied as I shook my head.
'If we need to save the blacksmith, then we would have to disarm the opponent... But the blacksmith would most likely got injured if I just made him drop his sword...'
'I think I know what I have to do, but I don't know if it will work or not...'
Oh well, guess we would have to give it a go...
"It's quite stuffy in here, don't you think?" I spoke as I opened the iron sand pouches and let the iron sand fell behind my legs.
"It is. Who would have thought a forge would be that hot?" The voice responded as I put my hands behind my back and attempted to scatter the iron sand grains by using Wind Breath.
"Man, blacksmiths should be respected for their dedication to their work and their endurance of the high temperature." I continued as I managed to spread the iron sand apart without anyone noticing.
Not to mention the fact some of the sand were just below the blade.
Now, all I have to do is to blow the iron sand and stick them onto the edge.
Considering the fact there should be space for a little grain of iron sand, no one should be able to notice what I was planning.
I concentrated and manipulated the magnetic forces while the iron sand began to stick onto the sword's edges.
Then, I made the iron sand vibrate and tried to made the edges blunt, and to minimise the risk of the blacksmith being harmed.
Right now at this moment, saving the blacksmith comes first.
I couldn't move or fight as I please, since all the cloaked figure has to do is a pull of his sword and the blacksmith would be a dead man, and that would be the last thing we would like to see.
Wait... I think I got a new idea.
The Shadow Bind was weakened as I don't have the Shadow Core on me. But I can still buy myself some time with the cloaked figure immobilised. I should be able to save the blacksmith if I act fast enough.
"Oya, why are you moving sideways, Magic Swordmaster? Aren't you afraid that the blacksmith will die?" The cloaked figure threatened as he pointed his sword at the blacksmith.
"I'm sorry, it is because my legs got a bit tired for standing like this for too long. I was sparring with a rather skilled swordswoman one or two hours prior." I leaned against the workbench as I pointed at Claire, who was currently trying to make her way into the forge.
If I cast Shadow Bind from the side, I should have a higher chance in tying his sword arm and his body together.
'Alright, here goes nothing...!'
"With all that done... Shadow Bind!" I extended my left hand towards the cloaked figure as black ropes were summoned and shot out from my hand.
"Onore! You planned this, didn't you!" The cloaked figure shouted as he dropped his sword.
"Iris! Use this chance to get the blacksmith over here!" I shouted as I rushed forward and kicked the sword away from the cloaked figure.
"Onii-chan, I have brought the blacksmith back!" Iris tapped my shoulder as she informed me the good news.
"Good work!" I turned my attention onto Iris temporarily and complimented her before I stood in front of them and prepared myself for any surprise attacks.
"Onii-chan, the blacksmith wanted you to take this..."
"Oh thank you." I took the new Core Crystal from Iris and began to concentrate.
The jacket began to extend into a trenchcoat.
The new Core Outfit was... almost the same as the one I wore before. Only the shape of the core was different.
Well, considering he mentioned he would repair instead of upgrading the system, that is reasonable.
The current core shape was a dark blue cross with a white X in the middle.
"Onii-chan with the Core is like an ogre with an iron club!" Iris exclaimed in admiration while I drew my sword.
"Well, the Core boosted his stats, you could say it is like adding wings to a tiger." The blacksmith spoke after he took a deep breath.
"Let's go." I muttered to myself as I channeled my mana into the sword and swung.
The cloaked figure backed up in fear and tripped over.
"It seems like we have won the fight." I said with a somewhat calm tone as I pointed my sword at the cloaked figure.
"How dare you fool me, Magic Swordmaster...!" The cloaked figure got angry as he threw his sword at me and two blacksmith hammers at Iris and the blacksmith.
I channeled some of my mana into the outfit, so I was safe from the sword.
Then I blocked one of the forge hammers with my sword; however, the other one was still flying towards Iris.
I couldn't swing my sword in a fast speed as I wasn't get used to the grip, but casting magic will definitely destroy the forge hammer, and that doesn't feel right for me.
So, I ran in front of Iris and blocked the forge hammer with my right arm.
It hurts, but I could still move my arm.
Suddenly, the cloaked figures froze in place for a few seconds before they left the forge and ran away.
"Are you hurt in any way?" I asked the blacksmith as I tried to help him up.
However, I couldn't lift a strong man up with one hand, so Iris helped as she also grabbed the blacksmith's arm as well.
"Thanks," The blacksmith responded with a nod. "but after this incident, I found out that the Core couldn't protect you from blunt weapons. Could you give me some more time to upgrade the Core Outfits?"
"No problem. And thank you for risking your life repairing them. How long would it take for the upgrades' completion?" I asked as I took off the core and handed it back to the blacksmith.
"I would say one more week should do the trick." The blacksmith scratched his head as he received the Core.
"I will see you until then." I waved the blacksmith goodbye before Iris and I met up with Claire and Rain-san, and teleported back to the Royal Castle.
A/N: For those who have read the Post Comments in Guardian's info should know that the Core Outfits are unable to protect the user from blunt force trauma, like hammer strikes or collisions against objects.
Anyway, let's hope I can make the next chapter on time.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and stay tuned for the next one.