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 80: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 19

Episode 80: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 19

Three days have passed since we began developing the Forest of Demons. The monster eradication has been going smoothly, and everyone’s level has been steadily increasing. Ryan-san and Vil-san already had high levels and are finding it harder to level up. But it’s still much easier to gain experience by hunting the magical beasts in the Forest of Demons compared to elsewhere, which is something to be envious of.

Today, we had planned to assign tasks to other soldiers and adventurers to proceed with logging and expanding the temporary base. However, an unexpected visitor came to the mansion. No, it’s more accurate to say they ‘returned’.

“Glenn!? You’re back already?!”

I thought it would take about a week for him to return. But to my surprise, he came back only four days after departing.

“Did something happen?”

“Uh, well… actually…”

Looking at Glenn, who seems hesitant to speak, I can only sense trouble brewing. I mean, he’s not even looking at Alicia, but at *me*.

“…His Majesty wishes to meet with Maki.”

“…Huh?”

“And so, I’ll be heading back to the royal capital right now. Of course, you’ll be coming with me, Maki.”

“…Whaaaaat?!”

Wait, wait, how did it come to this?! I mean, sure, the method for acquiring skills is a critical piece of information. If this isn’t a false claim, it makes sense that the king would want to keep me close.

“But we’ve already reported everything, so they shouldn’t be suspecting us of rebellion anymore, right?”

“Hard to say. If you refuse to go, it might confirm any lingering doubts His Majesty has.”

“Yeah… I figured. Ugh… it’s a hassle, but I guess I have no choice.”

“Is it really going to be okay, Maki-san?” 

Alicia asked with concern. I reassured her that I should be fine. Though, to be honest, “fine” in this case simply means I don’t think I’ll be imprisoned or anything like that.

“His Majesty also wants the Forest of Demons to be developed. That’s clear from the fact that he sent Leyreina-san to help. So I doubt they’ll keep me in the capital when I’m essential to this project… at least, I hope not.”

I’m being pretty optimistic here, but what else can I do? The one thing I’m certain of is that not going would cause big problems.

“Is it just me and Glenn who are going?”

“Honestly, it would probably be better if my sister went, but… how’s the forest development going?”

“The monster extermination is complete. We were just about to enlist the soldiers and adventurers to start logging and expanding the base.”

“Is that something that can’t be done without you? And Maki too.”

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem. As long as no particularly strong monsters show up… Maki-san, could you use your Appraisal skill to check?”

“Sure.”

Yeah, I can see why they’d want to be certain.

I’m really grateful that Alicia and Glenn trust my Appraisal skill so much. It feels like a testament to the faith they have in me.

“…By the way, how long do you think we’ll be staying?”

“A week… no, to be safe, let’s say two weeks.”

“Sounds about right. We should also pack some bananas in the magic bag.”

“Bananas? …Oh, I see what you mean.”

Alicia’s thinking about the possibility that I might be asked to demonstrate the method for acquiring skills in the capital.

“If it’s just about showing the power of your Appraisal skill, we won’t need them. But if His Majesty wants to know about skill acquisition, the bananas are essential.”

“True, though we haven’t confirmed if that’s even possible yet. I’m still unsure about the mana consumption.”

“His Majesty understands that too. We’ve already informed him, as you mentioned, that the mana cost is still uncertain.”

While we’re preparing just in case, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s strange how urgently the king is asking for a meeting. If they already know I can do it, I get why they’d hurry, but… maybe the king just wants some kind of confirmation.

“…Well, no point overthinking it. For now, I’ll do the Appraisal. Appraisal: Development and Maintenance of the Forest of Demons.”

I kept the wording brief. But since I had a clear image of the logging and base expansion in my head, the Appraisal worked without any issues.

“…Yeah, it seems like there’s no problem.”

“Good. In that case, I want someone who knows about your abilities to be your escort. It’ll likely be the Captain or the Vice-Captain.” 

“Ah… sorry, Glenn. That might not be possible.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“Well, both Ryan-san and Vil-san are crucial for the development and maintenance of the Forest of Demons. If even one of them leaves, it could lead to casualties among the soldiers or adventurers.”

The two of them are currently one of the most powerful forces in Granzawall, so their presence is essential for the project.

With that in mind, I used the Appraisal results to name someone else who could serve as an escort.

“Yuria, it seems.”

“Isn’t Haruka-san or Madoka-san available?” 

“Both of them are needed for the Forest of Demons too. To be specific, they’re required for wide-area magic attacks.”

“That makes sense. Even though Yuria-san is a special class, as a Fist King, she wouldn’t be needed for that kind of magic combat.”

While I didn’t think Yuria would want to leave Madoka’s side, I figured I should ask her, given that it was a royal decree. So, I asked Alicia to head over to Yuria’s room to inquire.

Soon after, Alicia returned with Yuria.

“It’s fine. Shall we go, Maki?” 

Yuria replied casually, much to my surprise.