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 72: The Royal Castle 5

Episode 72: The Royal Castle 5

Haruka, an advanced class, was banished.

Then, both Madoka and Yuria, who held special classes, were also banished.

Yet, even with these losses, the Kingdom of Shriden still had two people with special classes, ten with advanced classes, and the remaining fifteen with intermediate classes.

Particularly noteworthy were the two special-class individuals: Kouya, the Hero, and Arata, the Sword Saint. Their professions were combat specialists. Because of this, the royal family had no regrets about banishing the first three.

However, impatience was starting to creep in.

One reason for this was that the divine powers tied to the gods had not yet manifested in the two remaining special-class individuals.

“Dammit! We’ve already declared war on the southern Kingdom of Rodgrul!”  

“Calm yourself, dear. Even with our current forces, we can still defeat a kingdom as small as Rodgrul.”

It was Queen Amanda who was trying to soothe the agitated King Gozef. Meanwhile, Princess Maria looked on, her expression cold.

“Father, Mother, please calm down. Rodgrul is still in the process of gathering its forces. This means we have some time to spare for now.”  

“But! Once they have gathered their forces, we’ll face damage ourselves!”  

“This is war, isn’t it? Isn’t it strange to expect no damage?”  

“Ugh! …That’s true, but…”  

“Maria, how can you speak that way to your father, the king? He is concerned for the lives of our people!”  

“…You are right. My words were too harsh.”

Maria lowered her head apologetically in response to Amanda’s reprimand. Though internally, she harbored deep resentment toward both of them.

(If this continues, while our main forces are engaged in Rodgrul, the eastern or northern kingdoms might invade. If that happens, I’m as good as dead… Maybe it’s time for me to escape?)

Maria could indeed escape if she wished. She possessed a skill, the Magic Eyes, which allowed her to control many of the summoned individuals. Moreover, it was Maria who commanded the power of teleportation magic.

“…If we do go to war, would you allow me to take command?”

“Maria!”  

“What are you saying!?”

Gozef and Amanda were both shocked by Maria’s sudden proposal. But Maria continued speaking seriously.

“If we are to destroy another kingdom, shouldn’t the royal family lead the army?”  

“But Maria, you are our only child. The thought of losing you is…”  

“That’s right, Maria. While it’s true that having royalty lead the army is important, this time, it’s not necessary!”  

“Then what will you do? I wish to fulfill my duty as a member of the royal family.”

Were they truly concerned about Maria, or was it something else? 

Maria, aware of the real reason for their hesitation, wanted to sigh but restrained herself. She fixed her gaze firmly and continued her argument.

“Those under the control of my Magic Eyes will follow orders for a month without me. The special-class individuals should be part of the main force, but I can leave behind the advanced-class members to guard the capital—”  

“Wait! …Are you planning to take the Hero and the Sword Saint with you?”  

“…Of course. They are special-class individuals, and we must showcase their strength.”  

“But that would weaken the defense of the capital…”  

“As I said, I will leave behind the advanced-class members to defend the capital.”

The real reason Gozef and Amanda were concerned wasn’t for Maria’s safety, but their own. Without Maria, they would lose access to emergency teleportation magic. Moreover, with the two special-class individuals absent, the capital’s defense against a possible foreign invasion would become uncertain, leaving their lives at risk.

“Rest assured, with Kouya-sama and Arata-sama’s power, the war shouldn’t take long. Also, Shriden’s capital lies at the heart of the kingdom. Even if invaded, it wouldn’t be easy for enemies to reach here.”

Maria smiled as she tried to persuade them. But Gozef and Amanda remained hesitant to give an answer.

“You don’t need to decide immediately. However, the sooner we move, the better. As Father mentioned earlier, the longer we wait, the more time Rodgrul will have to amass their forces.”

Having said that, Maria bowed and left the room.

(At this point, all they care about is their own safety. Pathetic. Perhaps Shriden’s end is near.)

However, Maria didn’t particularly care if that were the case.

(Even if Shriden falls, as long as Kouya-sama and Arata-sama—those two special-class individuals—are with me, I can start anew. I will create my own kingdom!)

With her eyes set on a future different from that of Gozef and Amanda, Maria began making moves for her own ambitions.