I Want to Live a Normal Life

Episode 13: Short Story: King Kurt Sol Hartelia



Episode 13: Short Story: King Kurt Sol Hartelia

“That fellow, quite interesting.”

“…”

Calling out to Kyle, who stands nearby. He doesn’t talk much but is a faithful knight. He’s been with me since I ascended the throne, always loyal. Kyle and Norris. These two can be said to be the most trustworthy people to me.

Still, it was tough to promote Kyle. He refused my requests many times, citing betrayal of my father, the former king, and my brother, who was the crown prince. Eventually, he yielded, but I appreciate his integrity.

“Telling such blatant lies.”

“…”

“Do you know that person?”

“I’m aware.”

Kyle’s reaction was quicker than Norris’. He moved almost simultaneously with the filling of Gergust. One could assume he either knew what was going to happen or sensed it.

“What kind of person is he?”

“…”

“I didn’t intend to accuse him of anything. Depending on his background, I was considering promoting him to nobility right away.”

He neutralized Gergust without causing any harm. He’s not just an ordinary mage. I’d prefer to keep him close if possible…

“…His name is Mine. I’ve heard he’s close to Count Obraine.”

“Oh, Lux, huh? Where did Kyle meet him?”

“He’s a benefactor of our house. That’s all I can say.”

A benefactor of the Belgard Marquisate. It’s an intriguing story, but stubborn Kyle probably won’t divulge more.

But the Belgard Marquisate and the Obraine Border Count… Both played significant roles in the recent turmoil and are familiar with this young man. It’s tempting, but I don’t want to antagonize these two houses. They are both loyal to the people and have earned their trust. My father, who tried to eliminate them, was not sane.

Poking around and arousing suspicion among them would be unwise. In that case, it’s best to ask directly.

“Ah, Arlight, huh?”

I never expected to hear that name here. The “Twin Gems of Alteria” who, along with Hertia, continued to thwart our country’s invasion. Never thought that boy would be of their bloodline.

I thought he might be a spy for Alteria, but both Lux Obraine and Lloyd Belgard shook their heads. Apparently, he’s not trying too hard to hide it. He’s not even using a fake name. But then why Hartelia?

“…Sounds like a typical story of the ‘Sword Saint’ Arlight.”

The answer came unexpectedly. It was from someone who was entrusted to the academy, Liza Drastin, Gergust’s successor. She apparently knew him when she was at the Alteria Royal Academy.

(Note: Oh yeah,since we’ve come this far. I sometimes got mixed up when writing “Alteria”. I wrote it as “Artelia” a couple of times but thankfully I noticed it. Hope you guys tell me if you notice any. Hmm, does this count as having dyslexia? Meh…who knows)

…She spent three years in Alteria? The marquis’ wife? I haven’t received any reports? Between Hale Obraine’s self-imposed exile and this, are the nobles of this country too free?

No, that’s not the point now… Exiled because he can’t use a sword? That arrogance is typical of Arlight. The obsession of that family with ‘swords’ is widely known in this country. The story of their ancestor seeking a strong swordsman and ravaging battlefields is famous.

A bastard born into such a family unable to wield a sword… It’s not hard to imagine how that family treated that boy. He probably harbored deep hatred toward that family…

“Doesn’t seem particularly interested?”

What’s that supposed to mean? Isn’t this the opportunity to use Hartelia for revenge against Arlight? Well, the reality is, I don’t want to antagonize Alteria at this point. But if that’s the case, promoting him to nobility shouldn’t be a problem. Yes, as the Alterian of Hartelia, how about calling him Heralite? I think it’s not a bad idea.

“…What? Running away?”

It was unexpected for all three of them to oppose promoting him to nobility. Wait, running away? Isn’t it every commoner’s dream to be ennobled?

“Has he already been offered a title and declined?”

…I haven’t heard of it? You guys, aren’t you too free? …Is it– Heyl? Again?

According to them, “It’s better to let him be free.” Personally, I’d like to keep him on a leash somehow, but it would be troublesome if I insisted here and he ran away.

“Understood. Make him an honorary baron.”

“What…? Magic affecting the mind?”

To think such magic exists… It’s getting dangerous.

But considering Gergust’s transformation, it’s not entirely unreasonable. He was a capable man. However, what he did… is unforgivable. But we must assist the survivors generously.

“But don’t show mercy to the entourage.”

If they claim immunity to [Calm], that’s a sign of their own intentions. Then there’s no need to hold back. Investigate their background thoroughly, and if they’re deeply involved, crush them along with their family. Otherwise, just keep them under surveillance.

“Oh, that reminds me. About that person.”

That person is a loyalist who saved me. If I approach them directly, perhaps they’ll accept the talk of ennoblement?

“What’s wrong?”

Lux, what’s with that subtle expression? And why are you all avoiding eye contact? Speak up. I won’t blame you.

“Huh? Just an afterthought ?”

He just wanted to crush Gergust who made his sister cry, and I was just…? What do you mean “just an afterthought”? Even though I’m the king…?

“Enough already.”

I don’t care. Do as you please.

“Oh? Gladiol is dead?”

This is good news. He was a troublesome person who used such annoying magic. Keeping him alive would only cause trouble. But this will surely stir up the Commercial Guild. There must be quite a few in the Guild who have been influenced by magic. Two years ago, those idiots got the better of us. This time, there will be no mercy.

“Vingul died as collateral?”

He happened to be meeting with Gladiol? Hmph, not even collateral, huh. It’s a fitting end for him. I don’t mind if his son inherits the house. Oh, just to be sure, I’ll keep him under surveillance for a while.

“His mansion will blow up soon?”

Someone will come there using a teleportation magic circle, and the mansion will blow up as soon as they arrive…? You’re quite wicked to think of such a thing. But blowing up underground, huh. It sounds like a story I’ve heard somewhere. No, it couldn’t be. Hey Lux, don’t look away. Lloyd, you too. …Alright, let’s stop thinking about it.

“Hey, do you think it would have been better to make him a viscount? Or should we create a new honorary earl?”

I was vehemently opposed. I don’t understand.

“Oh, Vingul’s mansion blew up?”

It seems it blew up quite spectacularly. …I kind of wanted to see it too. Oh well, I’ll have to quickly find out who died. It would be interesting if even the cardinal got blown away… well, convenient, that is.

“…I think it was ‘ta-ma-ya’.”

I’ll try saying it next time.


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