Chapter 212 - Conditions for Marriage
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We stayed at the same inn as the previous night and greeted the morning. Having grown somewhat accustomed to the atmosphere of the elven kingdom, everyone gathered together more naturally than the first day and finished their meal.
"...Much as I hate to admit it, it was delicious. Well then, since Rivett said to come for an audience this morning, I'll head over now."
I said my thanks for the meal and stood up. As I tried to return my dishes, Strass, wearing an apron, took them first and spoke.
"An audience? Are you sure you'll be all right?"
He was probably referring to yesterday's magical battle. I thought it would be fine, but since I had no idea what the matter was about, I couldn't say for certain.
"Well, I doubt he'll want to continue where we left off yesterday..."
When I answered, Glenn wiped his mouth and nodded.
"Probably not. No matter what, he wouldn't call you to the castle just to fight. Most likely, he wants to hear more details about what you said regarding changing the elves' attitudes."
At those words, Eliza and Shenley, still eating, looked up.
"Hmm, hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm. Mghmghmgh."
"E-Eliza-sensei, let's finish eating before we talk."
Eliza tried to speak mid-meal, and Shenley timidly tried to stop her. It felt like their roles were reversed, but strangely, the scene didn't feel out of place. Perhaps it was because Eliza looked like she could be Shenley's classmate—but was that really appropriate for an instructor? I felt a slight unease.
As I thought about that, Eliza, covering her mouth with both hands and chewing hurriedly, spoke.
"...Gulp. But that king was scary when he got angry! Please be careful!"
"Right. He doesn't seem very patient, so I'll be cautious."
She must have been in a rush to say that. I smiled wryly and agreed. Eliza was kind, so I could clearly see she was genuinely worried. Likewise, Shenley was also concerned.
"I think Aoi-sensei will be fine, but I'm still worried..."
"It probably won't come to that. But I'll be careful."
After that exchange, I headed for the royal castle.
When I arrived, an elven guard immediately approached me. Since there were no other humans around, they seemed to recognize me at once. They ushered me deeper into the castle.
When I reached the same hall where the council had gathered yesterday, the elves standing on either side of the doors opened them. The atmosphere felt slightly different. As I waited curiously for the doors to open, an even more unusual sight unfolded before me.
Guards lined up on both sides, forming a path straight ahead, and beyond them stood the members of the Elder Council. Further in, Rivett sat on a chair in the center.
"...Normally, the Elder Council decides on the successor, and finally, I evaluate the most promising candidate's qualities. But this time, I will allow Aoi to join the council meeting as a special exception. After yesterday's affair, I have come to trust your character. You are a person of integrity, unswayed by status, power, or money. That will serve as good judgment when deciding on the next king."
Rivett said this right at the morning meeting. Somewhat taken aback, I shook my head and declined.
"No, I have no intention of joining a meeting to decide another nation's king. I appreciate your trust, but as far as I'm concerned, it's enough if you can eliminate discrimination against half-elves and other races."
When I clearly refused, Rivett waved one hand before his face.
"I know. I figured you wouldn't have much interest. That's why I've prepared two rewards. If you participate in the meeting, I will grant them to you."
"Rewards?"
I tilted my head at Rivett's words. He'd just said I had no interest in status or money—so what could he possibly offer to entice me? As I looked at him skeptically, Rivett raised his hand, holding up only his index finger.
"First—permission for you to marry my son, Langus."
"Father!"
At Rivett's words, Langus, who had been waiting at the back, stood up from his chair and cried out, overcome with emotion.
"No, I don't need that."
The honest words slipped out of my mouth. I glanced at Langus, who was still moved to tears over Rivett's acknowledgment of the marriage.
He certainly had a handsome appearance, but that wasn't important at all. Not only had we just met, but we had barely even spoken properly. In the first place, marriage had never crossed my mind.
As I watched the flustered council members turn to Rivett and speak as if it were someone else's affair, I found myself reflecting on my own views on marriage.
"My king! We heard nothing of this!"
"After all, regarding the royal bloodline, elven blood should be preserved..."
"We understand that it is difficult for elves to bear children among themselves, but at the very least, let Langus take two elven consorts, and make Lady Aoi the third—"
I grew somewhat irritated at the elves who were making such assumptions without consulting me.
"...Please wait a moment. As I said earlier, I have no intention of marrying in the first place. I have no plans to do so, and I still have many things I want to accomplish at the academy."
When I answered, everyone's eyes turned to me.
"...Are you perhaps looking down on the elven royal family?"
"Indeed, to refuse a marriage proposal from the royalty in such a manner..."
"No, wait. If it ends in a broken engagement, that's convenient. I have my thoughts, but let's endure it here..."
It seemed the council members were getting angry in their own self-serving ways. Still, given their deep devotion to their own royal family, perhaps it couldn't be helped.
As I managed to hold back my complaints, Langus wiped his tears and spoke.
"The first consort will be Lady Aoi! I will not yield on that! However, I understand everyone's feelings! When I become king, I promise to take at least two elven wives!"
When Langus made that declaration, some voices raised in admiration—"Ooh!"
I wondered if it would be all right to punch him.
Dangerous thoughts crossed my mind. No, perhaps it wouldn't be a problem, but striking a prince of this nation in front of the royal family and their retainers was probably not a good idea.
As I wrestled with that internal conflict, Rivett folded his arms and let out a low voice.
"How noisy."
At those words, silence fell instantly. His voice and demeanor carried undeniable authority. It was the kind of presence only Rivett could exude after spending so many years as king.
Admiring that, I waited for Rivett to speak. After slowly confirming that everyone had fallen silent, Rivett opened his mouth.
"...Now, let me speak of the second reward. I'll leave the matter of marriage to the two of you, but the next reward will likely interest Aoi as well."
Saying that, Rivett smiled.
"...I will grant you limited permission to learn some of the royal family's magic."
When Rivett announced that, not only the council but even the elven guards raised voices of surprise.
"Th-That is surely going too far..."
Edra tried to object, but a single glare from the king silenced him. Rivett surveyed the chaotic scene and then spoke calmly.
"This is already decided. It will not be overturned. Of course, there are conditions. If Aoi learns the elven royal family's secret magic, she must promise to keep it to herself alone. That is how special the royal magic is."
Hearing that, I immediately nodded and replied.
"Understood."
This reward genuinely pleased me. I would likely never have another opportunity to learn elven magic. A feeling of exhilaration swept through me, as if a weight had been lifted from my heart.
"I promise to keep it to myself."
When I clearly said that, Rivett laughed out loud.
"Ha ha ha! You were so reluctant to marry my son, yet when given the chance to learn magic, you accepted with such honesty."
It seemed he had predicted this would happen. He didn't seem particularly displeased. With the two of us having reached an agreement, no more objections came from the council members.
As I sighed in relief, Owen emerged from the back with his shoulders squared.
"Wait! If you're learning royal magic, then let me sit in as well! As a candidate, surely that's reasonable!"
Owen tried to get magic taught to him with what was clearly an unreasonable demand. Even as a candidate, it would be impossible unless he was officially designated as the next king. Moreover, Owen was the most outsider of all the candidates, and given his personality, he might even leave the country if he became king. If I were an elf choosing a king, he would be the farthest from the throne.
Apparently the council shared the same opinion, as objections arose from all sides.
"Don't be ridiculous!"
"Lord Owen, royal magic can only be granted to those the king approves."
At those voices, Owen furrowed his brow and spoke.
"This kingdom has always been like this. Do you really think magic can advance under such conditions? Unless you research all magic to its limits, apply it, and refine it through improvement, new magic will never be born. It's the same with medicine, isn't it? If one person sits alone with a single herb and keeps thinking, nothing great will come of it. But if multiple apothecaries gather with dozens of different herbs and discuss them, it's self-evident that something unprecedented will be created."
Owen walked toward me while saying things that sounded reasonable.
"You agree, don't you, Aoi?"
For some reason, he sought my agreement. I could only shake my head at that, and with a slightly apologetic feeling, I denied him.
"That's a separate matter. At least, it would make sense if it were shared among people who have stayed in this country for a long time—like the council members."
When I said that, Owen's eyes widened in shock.