Chapter 214 - The Story Moves on Its Own
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It was not a lie. Embarrassing as it was, Langus's words carried genuine heat and a strength that did not yield even under Rivett's questioning. Still, being treated like a goddess by a man I had only met a day or two ago was rather awkward.
"...So, Langus. Having relinquished your rights as a candidate, what do you intend to do now?"
When Rivett asked again, Langus opened his mouth with unwavering resolve.
"Yes. I wish to go to Fiddiq Academy to be of assistance to Aoi. Given my age, I believe I would qualify as an instructor, so I will confirm with Lord Glenn afterward as to whether he will employ me as one. That way, I can teach Aoi Elvish magic up to the advanced level."
When Langus said that, the commotion in the hall reached its peak in an instant. The senators and royal guards buzzed with noise. Rivett and the other candidates remained unreadable.
The Senate, which seemed to have many conservatives, would certainly not take this well, but what about the other candidates? In particular, the two besides Owen—who had also been vying for the throne—Lenji and Asor. Owen would surely not want to become king, so that was fine, but how did Lenji and Asor feel about this?
Just as I thought that and looked at their faces, as if on cue, Lenji spoke up.
"In that case, shall we proceed with three candidates?"
It seemed Lenji was not particularly concerned. She accepted Langus's statement readily and turned to the Senate members to ask that question.
Asor, meanwhile, looked unsure, glancing back and forth between Langus and Lenji. Owen, looking indifferent, paused in thought for a while, but eventually raised his head as if an idea had struck him and spoke.
"...Hmm. In that case, unless there is a vast difference in talent, Lenji will be the next king—or rather, queen. After all, Asor is still far too young. Let him take on a position akin to a chancellor in human kingdoms and learn the ways of kingship. That way, should anything happen a hundred years or so from now, the throne could be passed on."
When Owen said that, the senators grunted in contemplation.
"...Indeed, in Asor's case, he would require at least sixty years of support. In that sense, creating positions such as regent or chancellor might be a good idea."
"However, would that not place such a position above the Senate? How would we handle the parliamentary proceedings?"
"Perhaps we could give them a seat in the Senate. Or have them stand beside the king and listen to the Senate's opinions alongside them."
Owen's proposal seemed worth considering. The senators began discussing what the future would look like if a new office were created. Still, I wished they would stop getting so excited about it right now.
"You're straying from the point, all of you. We can have that discussion later. The issue at hand is what to do with the four candidates. I understand Langus's claim, but the question is how to judge it."
When Rivett said that, everyone remembered the main thread of the discussion. However, if the man himself had stated he would relinquish his rights as a candidate, what more was there to say?
In the midst of this, Spire cleared his throat and spoke up.
"...To be honest, if Langus is relinquishing his rights with such strong conviction, there is likely no changing his mind. From our perspective, I believe the one who should become the next king is the one who possesses both the passion and the qualities befitting a monarch. Based on that, and following Owen's suggestion, Langus would become an instructor at Fiddiq Academy. Lenji would be the next queen. Asor would be placed in the role of vice-king... and what do you intend to do, Owen?"
When Spire asked, Owen snorted in amusement.
"Hmph. I never had any intention of becoming king in the first place. The only reason I answered the summons as a candidate was simply to see for myself how powerful the current king's magic was. Well, it didn't exceed my expectations... At any rate, now that I have seen the royal magic, I have no further business in this country. If anything, I'd like to return home today and resume my magical research."
Owen said only that, with an air of annoyance, and fell silent. His arrogant attitude made the elves frown in unison. Rivett, in particular, looked the most irritated.
With sharp eyes, Rivett glared at Owen.
"...Are you implying that my magic is nothing impressive?"
Owen shrugged in response.
"I never said it was unimpressive. I'm simply saying there was no significant difference from the royal magic I had predicted before coming back to this country. The same goes for that Elvish flame—it was identical to the texts passed down from thousands of years ago. In other words, it's clear that elves have been using the same magic without change all this time. There may be some new spells here and there, but the highest-level magic has likely not advanced in millennia. To be honest, as someone who has continued magical research, I find that deeply regrettable."
Owen so plainly declared that Elvish magic had not progressed that even I, listening nearby, felt a chill. If Rivett became truly enraged, would this not escalate into a battle right here? Owen also gave off an air of hostility toward the royal family, so a head-on confrontation was not out of the question.
As I watched nervously, Rivett glared at Owen with displeasure and let out a deep sigh.
"...I cannot deny that. It stings, but it's true. Due to its secrecy, the number of mages who have mastered royal magic can be counted on one hand. Was it you who once said that research advances with more researchers? The royal magic, which has been kept in the exact opposite situation, has seen virtually no research at all."
Rivett muttered that and laughed self-deprecatingly.
"I will take your words as reference for how to handle the royal magic going forward. However, consider yourself fortunate that you are not being punished at this very moment. What you said would normally warrant the death penalty."
"How frightening. In that case, I shall take my leave before I am punished... Farewell."
At Rivett's warning, Owen replied with an utterly indifferent air and turned his toes toward the exit, walking off.
He departed with such an unabashed attitude that no one could say a word, and they simply watched him go.
"...What on earth was that man?"
Hedniz's bewildered murmur echoed unusually loudly in the quiet hall.