I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 20: The Royal Castle 2

Episode 20: The Royal Castle 2

–– Three days had passed since Haruka disappeared.  

Predictably, the students were in turmoil. But the one who managed to bring them together was the hero, Kouya. 

Kouya believed the explanation given by the Kingdom of Shriden. He approached each student personally, attempting to calm them down. Those he spoke to also seemed to regain their composure, thinking, “If Kouya says so, then it must be true”. There was a reason why everyone trusted him so much.

“I have it, and so do you. But it seems my skill level is higher.” 

“The Charisma skill, huh… what a convenient ability,” 

The Charisma skill was something that manifested in kings, lords, and those who ruled territories. Kouya, as a Hero, and Arata, as a Sword Saint, both possessed it. This was due to their special classes. The Sage, Madoka, and the Fist King, Yuria, also had this skill. However, with Haruka and Maki both gone, Madoka was distraught. And Yuria was busy supporting her. As a result, the only ones aware of their Charisma skill’s effects were Kouya and Arata.

“As the Hero, my skill level is 5. Arata, as the Sword Saint, yours is level 3.”

“That makes me wonder about Yachiyo and Kondō’s skill levels.”

Although they weren’t sure whether the Sage and Fist King had the Charisma skill, both Kouya and Arata assumed they did.

“But the Hero is always the ultimate figure in every story. There’s no way anyone could surpass me.”

“…I hope so.”

The two of them were in Kouya’s room. They were supposed to be discussing their next steps. But neither had any intention of following the whims of the Shriden Kingdom.

“For now, we have no choice but to comply. If we don’t level up, even with special classes, we’ll end up getting killed.”

“You’re talking about like how it happened to Mihiro?” 

Arata asked, bringing up Maki’s name. It immediately darkened Kouya’s expression.

“…If he hadn’t been there, Yachiyo-san wouldn’t have hesitated. He was just a beginner class, so it’s no surprise he was disposed of.”

“Isn’t it because Mihiro’s gone that she’s unsure?”

“No! Mihiro’s very existence was the problem…. Frankly, I’m grateful. The King of Shriden did us a favor by getting rid of him.”

Kouya had feelings for Madoka. His infatuation had started long before they became student council president and vice president—it had been there since their first year in high school. Kouya, who was praised as perfect—handsome, intelligent, and skilled—could not fathom why someone like him could ever lose to someone as ordinary as Maki.

“…No matter what I did, Yachiyo-san never looked my way. But here, things are different! I’m the Hero, the one destined to save this world! And now, Mihiro is gone. Even if he were still here, there’s no way a beginner-class Appraiser could ever compete with me.”

As Kouya smiled smugly, Arata gazed at him while his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

(…Mihiro, are you really dead? Or are you still alive somewhere?)

Though Arata hadn’t interacted much with Maki at school, deep down, he hoped that Maki was safe.

※※※※

“––…Hic! …Haruka…-sensei!”  

“Calm down, Madoka.”  

“I’m sorry, Yuria… It’s all my fault that this happened.”

Madoka was overwhelmed with guilt over Haruka’s disappearance. Haruka had said she would speak to the Kingdom of Shriden about Maki’s situation. But two weeks later, she had vanished. The Kingdom claimed that she had stormed out of the castle in search of Maki, despite being warned against it. However, it was hard for Madoka to believe Haruka would act so recklessly.

“These people are definitely hiding something.”  

“I agree with you. But right now, we don’t have the power or connections to uncover the truth.”  

“…So we have no choice but to comply for now?”

“Exactly. For now––”  

“…For now?”

When Madoka raised her head, she saw Yuria speaking with a cryptic smile.

“If we level up, we’ll be able to act on our own. When that time comes, let’s go search for Maki and Haruka-sensei!”  

“Yuria… But are you sure? If we do something like that, we might end up becoming enemies of the people here.”

Madoka had been thinking that it didn’t matter what happened to her. But when someone else was involved, the situation changed. Especially if that someone was her best friend, Yuria. However, Yuria had already made up her mind. And from her perspective, the feeling of caring for a friend was mutual.

“I’m worried about you too, Madoka. And I also know that you have feelings for Maki.”

“––! …H-how did you know?”

“Oh, come on… Anyone could figure it out just by watching how you act around him. I think the only one who hasn’t noticed is Maki himself.”

“S-seriously!?”

“Aww, you didn’t realize it yourself, huh?”

Seeing Yuria scratching her cheek and smiling wryly, Madoka blushed bright red and looked down, embarrassed.

“…So listen, Madoka. For now, we’ll pretend to go along with things and focus on leveling up. Then, when the time is right, we’ll make our move.”

“…Yeah, I understand. Thank you, Yuria.”

A moment ago, Madoka had been in tears, but her expression had completely transformed. It was now filled with determination.

(You’re alive, right, Maki-kun, Haruka-sensei? We’ll definitely come to save you.)

From that day forward, Madoka prayed for the safety of Mihiro and Haruka, and she threw herself into leveling up with everything she had.