Disappointing Teleportation Magic ~ Even Though The Movement Distance Is Only 1 Millimeter, I Will Rise Through Ingenuity ~ - Chapter 4.3

“I see… It’s great that they managed to achieve results with zero casualties.”

After some more training at the castle, my classmates would go on another expedition to a different forest.

“A different forest…?”

“Probably the Neifa Forest. I’ve heard that orcs occasionally appear there, but they only breed deep within the forest.”

“So, there are no orc packs near human settlements?”

“Probably not…”

I had never seen an orc in person, but hunting a large monster would undoubtedly be more dangerous. However, my classmates might be more capable than my anxiety suggested.

I considered visiting their quarters but remembered how harshly I was kicked out before and changed my mind. If they were doing well, there was no need to go there and risk unpleasantness.

By the time my classmates returned from their second expedition, I hoped to have finished cleaning the portrait. With each task, I became more familiar with the procedures, and my accuracy in using magic improved, allowing me to complete each section in about half the time it initially took.

Still, since any mistake could be irreparable, I prioritized quality over speed. Finally, on the forty-fifth day of starting the task, I finished cleaning the portrait.

From both afar and up close, the dirt was invisible, and there were no inconsistencies. I asked Ekkels-san to check the finished work.

“How does it look, Ekkels-sama?”

“Magnificent, truly magnificent. There’s no trace of the dirt that clouded the painting, and yet the delicate touches are intact. Yuto, it was the right decision to entrust you with this.”

“Thank you. I’m relieved I could meet your expectations.”

“Yuto, for accomplishing such a task, you deserve a reward. Is there anything you wish for?”

I had secretly hoped to hear those words from Ekkels-san.

“If possible, could I receive assurance that I won’t have to go to the battlefield…?”

“Ah, Yuto, you were summoned by Lady Aurelia to become a combat asset, correct?”

“Yes. Those summoned with me have already experienced combat, but I don’t think my magic is suited for fighting…”

“Indeed, Yuto, your teleportation magic isn’t meant for battle. However, you have accomplished excellent work here. Such skill is rare, even throughout the nation. I will give you this.”

Ekkels-san handed me a five-centimeter square, five-millimeter-thick metal plate with a leather strap. It had the royal family crest on the front and engraved writing on the back.

“A Special Skill Certification… What is this?”

“This country has a system to protect those with exceptional skills. Losing such talent would be a great loss to the nation. Holders of this certification are given priority protection during wartime. In other words, Yuto, the nation recognizes that you don’t need to go to the battlefield anymore.”

They must have planned to give this to me from the start, but it’s still a significant endorsement from the nation.

“Thank you!”

“I only did what was necessary. I hope you can use your cleaning abilities throughout the castle. Though you will still belong to the general duties division, Uday will instruct you on where to clean, so please follow those directions.”

“Understood.”

“Your classmates achieved favorable results in their last expedition. I don’t think you’ll be summoned back, but just in case, this ensures your safety. Work with peace of mind.”

“Yes, thank you!”

My affiliation might be somewhat unconventional, but this secured my safety. However, it meant I was now indebted to the first queen’s faction.