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 83: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 22

Episode 83: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 22

Just making eye contact with him made me stand up straighter. That was the kind of presence His Majesty commanded.

“Uh… I-I am Mihiro Maki, also known in this world as Maki Mihiro.”

“I-I’m Kondō Yuria! In this world, I go by Yuria Kondō as well!”

…What was with that “ma-shu” at the end?

(Note: One is kanji and the other one is in katakana. Yuria kinda messed up here and it’s shown by her saying “Kondō” in kanji and “Yuria” in katakana. She also said “mashu” at the end of the sentence instead of “masu”)

“That’s fine, it’s only natural to be nervous. Still… hmm, you two are quite young.”

“That’s because… in our original world, we were students.”

“Students, huh? So you’re at the age of attending school. In that case, it’s understandable. According to the reports, there were two other people from your world, correct?”

“Yes. One is a woman the same age as us, and the other is an older woman who was our teacher.”

I couldn’t let the nervous Yuria handle this, so I answered as politely as I could. Whether it was because of that or not, fortunately or unfortunately, His Majesty’s questions were directed at me instead of Yuria or Alicia.

“You know the reason why this audience was arranged, don’t you?”

“Yes. While it’s hypothetical, we may have figured out how to acquire new skills. That’s why we’ve come to ask Your Majesty.”

“And why ask me?”

“…In Granzawall, we are currently working on developing the Forest of Demons.”

“I’ve heard as much. I’m told your abilities have been quite helpful, Maki Mihiro.”

“Thank you. And Granzawall is becoming stronger.”

“Indeed, it seems that way.”

What is His Majesty aiming for? Is he trying to catch me off guard, or is he simply assessing my value? Either way, I feel like I can’t afford to give the wrong answer.

“…We concluded that if Granzawall gains more power without Your Majesty’s knowledge, unnecessary suspicions could arise.”

“Unnecessary suspicions? Such as rebellion, perhaps?”

“Yes.”

His Majesty stared at me for a moment after I answered immediately. But then his mouth curved into a grin, and he let out a laugh.

“Hahaha! Quite the clever child, aren’t you?”

“Uh, Your Majesty?”

“No need to worry. Alicia’s brother told me about you. But seeing you in person far exceeds my expectations.”

Hmm… I wonder if this “exceeds expectations” is meant in a good way. Well, since he’s laughing, it can’t be bad, right?

“Mihiro is right.”

“Huh?”

“If Granzawall had grown more powerful without any reports, I would indeed have viewed it with suspicion.”

I’m glad I reported everything after all.

“However, even with increased power, there would have been no cause for conflict.”

“That may be true. But I wanted to prevent any possible dangers from befalling Alicia, who saved me… after all, she helped someone like me, who didn’t understand the rules of this world.”

“Maki-san…”

Alicia murmured softly beside me. I wasn’t saying this just because His Majesty was listening. This was how I truly felt. 

Had I not been allowed into Granzawall, I would have had no choice but to return to the Forest of Demons. Even with my Appraisal skill, I might have survived for a while, but I would have eventually died. Perhaps even before that, I might have given up, allowing myself to succumb to death.

“We should perhaps be grateful that Alicia is the one governing Granzawall.”

“That’s not true, Your Majesty.”

“Alicia?”

Startled by her sudden voice, I instinctively called out to her. But Alicia, with determined eyes, stared straight at His Majesty and spoke.

“Even if it were my father, the previous lord, or my mother, they would have helped the people from another world. It’s not because it’s me. The Yamato family has always vowed to aid those summoned from other worlds.”

…Ah, I see. Alicia wanted to say that even her parents, grandparents, and ancestors would have done the same.

“…Indeed, Alicia speaks the truth.”

Understanding her sentiments, His Majesty gave a deep nod in agreement.

“Ah, that reminds me, Alicia and Mihiro, there is something I should tell you.”

His Majesty abruptly changed the subject. But what he said next was something I had long wanted to know since I was summoned to this world.

“It may or may not be related to the Appraiser (Divine Eye), but we have come across some information.”

“What?!”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice, but His Majesty continued speaking without paying it any mind.

“However, there is one condition for sharing this information with you.”

“A condition?”

Alisha muttered anxiously, but I already had an idea of what it would be. It was something inevitable, considering we had been summoned here.

“If you figure out how to acquire new skills, you must share that knowledge with us.”

Well, that’s only to be expected. Whether I can actually figure it out is another story, though!