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 82: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 21

Episode 82: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 21

We spent the night in a town along the way. And by the second day of our journey, we had arrived at the royal capital, Angrissa. 

The towering outer walls were just as impressive as those of the fortress city of Granzawall. But when I thought about it, the fact that a fortress city like Granzawall has walls as tall as those of the royal capital is probably more unusual. It just goes to show how much of a threat the magical beasts from the Forest of Demons are perceived to be.

Still, it seems like they should allocate more resources to such an important facility. But perhaps because things have gone smoothly up until now, they’ve been hesitant to make changes.

“The streets are bright and bustling!” 

“Really! I thought Granzawall was big, but this is the royal capital, after all!” 

“Ufufu, I’m glad you like it. …But the real challenge is yet to come.”

“Ugh! …That’s right, isn’t it?” 

“Brace yourself, Maki.”

…This girl. She’s acting all smug just because she’s in a bodyguard role and not the one under scrutiny.

“Oh, by the way, Yuria, you’ll be joining us for the audience with His Majesty too.”

“…Huh!? Wait, I didn’t hear about this, Alicia!”

“You’ve heard about it now.”

“You should’ve told me sooner!”

Well, it’s not that surprising if you think about it. As someone with a rare, special-class profession, there’s no way they’d miss the chance to see her in person.

“Just accept it, Yuria.”

“…Did you know about this, Maki?”

“I didn’t, but I could’ve guessed.”

“Then tell me next time!”

Well, it was just a guess.

Still, having Yuria along will ease my nerves a little.

“Let’s head straight to the castle.”

“A-All of a sudden?”

“Can’t we have some time to prepare? I only just found out about this!”

“We don’t have time. We need to return quickly and continue the development of the Forest of Demons!” 

Alicia replied, sounding slightly frustrated. Neither Yuria nor I could argue, and we followed her lead. We parted ways with the adventurers of Sturdy Shield at the castle gate, as they weren’t allowed to enter the castle. They would secure us rooms at an inn and come pick us up in the evening.

As we walked through the grand hall toward the audience chamber, Yuria and I were clearly nervous. While Alicia maintained a composed expression.

“…Are you not nervous, Alicia?”

“……”

“Alicia-san?”

“…Th-There’s no way I’m not nervous!!”

“”…Ah, we thought so.””

Well, of course. 

The difference in our positions is clear—Alicia is both a citizen and a noble of the Adelreed Kingdom, while Yuria and I are foreigners from another world. If Alicia were to commit any offense, she could lose her life. So it’s natural for her to be nervous.

“…Let’s be careful not to make any mistakes ourselves.”

“…Sigh. Why was I chosen for this?”

Now’s not the time for that. You were the one talking about sightseeing and feeling sorry for Madoka just a little while ago in the carriage.

“Alicia-sama, Maki-sama, Yuria-sama. Please wait here.”

We were told to wait in front of a large set of doors, which I assumed led to the throne room. Beyond them lay a vast space. And likely, at the far end, His Majesty sat on an elaborate throne.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” 

The important-looking person who had guided us here returned, bowing slightly.

The massive doors creaked open from the inside.

As expected, the throne room spread out before us, with His Majesty seated upon a luxurious chair.

“Let’s go.”

Following Alicia’s lead, Yuria and I stepped forward.

We walked on a bright red carpet, lined on either side with knights holding swords and spears at regular intervals. The solemn atmosphere only increased our tension. And by the time we reached the throne, about two meters from the raised platform, Alicia stopped and knelt. Yuria and I followed her example, bowing our heads.

“Alicia Yamato-sama, Maki Mihiro-sama, Yuria Kondō-sama have arrived.” 

“Very well.” 

The voice came from beside His Majesty, which I couldn’t see with my head bowed. The low response that followed was likely from His Majesty himself.

“Raise your heads.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” 

“”Yes, Your Majesty!”’

Yuria and I quickly echoed Alicia’s reply.

Alicia stood up first. Following her cue, Yuria and I rose and faced His Majesty directly. Just standing before him, I felt a strange pressure. It was the kind only someone with such authority could exude.

“I apologize for having to send your brother on such an urgent mission, Alicia.”

“Not at all, Your Majesty. I deeply regret causing you inconvenience by not reporting everything at once.”

“It’s understandable. After all, the customs and mindset of people from another world differ from ours. There is no need for you to apologize for that.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm. So, you two are the otherworlders, correct?”

After finishing his exchange with Alicia, His Majesty’s gaze turned toward us.