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 116: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 52

Episode 116: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 52

――…It looks like the transfer worked.

“…Is this the castle of Shriden?”

“…Most likely. I’ve never seen such excessively lavish decorations anywhere else in the Kingdom of Adelreed.”

King Gozef had a reputation for enjoying extravagant displays to flaunt his power. His Majesty had mentioned it before. Knowing this, the Vice Commander seemed confident as he answered the Knight Commander’s question.

“But there’s no one here.”

“Well, isn’t that convenient?” 

It seemed like the transfer had brought us into one of the rooms within the castle. There was no artificial light, only sunlight filtering through the curtains. Despite the emptiness, the furnishings were spotless. It was as if the room had been carefully maintained. Yuria remained cautious, but Sensei appeared unbothered, considering the situation to be in our favor.

“Mihiro-dono, would you mind using your Appraisal?” 

“Understood.”

While the four chosen knights scouted and maintained vigilance, I activated my Appraisal skill in response to the Vice Commander’s request.

“Appraisal: Locate Gozef Shriden.”

…Wait, seriously?

“…..He’s actually pretty close.”

“Oh! Is that true!?”

“Vigul-sama, please be quiet.”

“…Sorry.”

The Vice Commander telling off the Knight Commander—this guy might actually be the one in charge. Not that it matters right now.

“He’s in a room five doors down, after turning right when we exit this one.”

“That’s quite close. Could it be that this is a room used by the royal family?”

“Ah… yeah, that seems likely. Take a look at this.”

I displayed the information on my status screen to the Knight Commander and the others, showing the name of the room’s owner.

“…Maria Shriden. She’s a princess of the Shrieden Kingdom.”

“Hmm. So the princess was managing the teleportation magic circle?”

“That’s not important right now. What matters is that she isn’t here. Could it be that she’s joined the military campaign?”

As the Vice Commander voiced his thoughts, I was about to use Appraisal again, while munching on a banana—but then—

“No, Mihiro-kun.”

“Sensei?”

“I’ve heard your level has increased and your Magic stat has grown as well. But if you run out of mana while using Appraisal, you could collapse from mana exhaustion.”

“That’s true, but…”

“As Narssen-sama said, the fact that the princess isn’t here is what’s important.”

…She might be right. In that case, I’ll just adjust my Appraisal method.

“Appraisal—”

“Mihiro-kun!”

“—Is Maria Shriden Anywhere Inside this Castle?”

If Maria had joined the campaign, trying to pinpoint her location over a long distance could lead to mana exhaustion. But if I limit the search to the castle, I should be able to confirm whether she’s here or not.

“…As expected, she isn’t even inside the castle.”

“…Honestly! Stop doing reckless Appraisals!”

“Sorry, Sensei. But I think this confirms the Vice Commander’s theory.”

The royal managing the teleportation magic circle—Maria Shriden. And she’s joined the military campaign. That explains the unusually fast troop movements. With a member of the royal family leading, it’s no surprise the soldiers’ morale is sky-high.

“…Hey, Maki. Does this mean Gozef won’t be able to escape via teleportation?”

“””——!!!”””

Yuria’s casual comment caused Dietrich-sama, the Knight Commander, and the Vice Commander to widen their eyes and exchange glances.

“…Do we sense any enemies nearby?”

“There seem to be some stationed around the room where Gozef is, but their numbers don’t appear to be high.”

“Hold on a moment… Their number is 20, and their levels… Ah, as expected, they’re elites. Most are in their 30s, and five are in their 40s.”

I had already gathered this information through Appraisal. When I mentioned it, the knight who had been questioned by the Vice Commander froze, mouth agape.

“…Five in their 40s, huh. Even if Vigul-sama and I take them on, we’ll be shorthanded.”

“I will fight as well.”

“I’m here too, Vice Commander!”

“If it’s not the students, I can give it my all too.”

As the Vice Commander considered the situation, Dietrich-sama, Yuria, and Sensei all voiced their willingness to help. With five of them against the five elites, that still left the remaining enemies in their 30s for the four knights to handle. It didn’t seem ideal.

While I was thinking about this—

“Knight Commander!”

“Oh! The second wave is here!”

Ten more knights from the second wave arrived through the transfer at just the right moment.

“We’re about to rush out of this room and into battle. I know you’ve just arrived, but can I count on you?”

“”””””””””Yes, sir!””””””””””  

The knights responded in unison, their gazes turning toward me.

“I’ll give the signal to charge out. Head to the right when I do. You’ll be in combat immediately, so… be careful.”

I should have been clearer with my last words. But standing on the brink of a battle where my comrades could die, my words faltered. 

It feels like my Appraisal skill has been gradually evolving. Earlier, it was supposed to only locate Gozef. But somehow, it had anticipated what we needed to do and even gave us the odds of success. Despite the various conditions it laid out, most scenarios involved casualties. 

And this time, because we were up against humans, there was no fortunate outcome where my directions could lead us to the best strategy. All it showed me were possible outcomes, nothing more.

“…I’m sorry. After talking so big, all I could really do was tell you where Gozef is.”

Maybe I’d gotten cocky, thinking being an Appraiser (Divine Eye)—a so-called divine-class profession—meant something. But in reality, there’s still so much I don’t understand about this profession.

“…Don’t worry about it, kid.”

“…Knight Commander.”

“We’ve already made our peace with death! But knowing that there’s even a chance of survival—that’s a blessing! We’ll fight without giving up until the very end!”

The Knight Commander, standing before me as I hung my head, spoke these powerful words. Slowly, I lifted my face to see not only him but all the knights present, wearing smiles.

“…Thank you. Then, I’ll give the signal!”

…….Not yet… just a little more… 3… 2… 1…

“Now!”

“Chargeeeeeeee!!”

At my signal, the Knight Commander roared. And with him leading the way, they burst out of the room.