Reincarnated as a Farmer Gamer: Rising to the Top with the Evolution of the Weakest Job that Only I Know About!? - 51.2

Then the king burst into loud laughter.

“I never thought I’d have a classmate who talks so casually with Alphonse! It’s wonderful. Now, the reason I called you here today is to thank you for protecting my son.”

“N-no! The young lady I serve as a knight was there as well, so it was only natural for me to act.”

“Indeed. But the fact that you protected him doesn’t change. As a father and a king, I must give a reward to someone who has done so. Now, please tell me what you would like.”

Whaaaat!? It’s not just a reward, but I have to say what I want!? I wasn’t prepared for this! I wish you had told me beforehand! Or is there a rule that I must always ask for something like this!?

“Beryl, there’s no predetermined reward, so don’t worry.”

…He read my mind!

“Well, um… I’m sorry. I don’t have anything specific in mind, so… maybe assistance for my village?”

“That wouldn’t count as a personal reward. Instead, let’s do this. If you need anything in the future, just let Alphonse know, and we’ll make arrangements for you.”

“Thank you. If I think of something I want, I’ll ask for it then.”

“Good. I would be happy if you continue to be friendly with Alphonse. It’s hard to find friends with whom I can speak openly in such a position.”

“Ahaha…”

“Well then, I apologize for calling you here today.”

“No. It was a great honor to meet you.”

I never expected to shake hands with the king.

And regarding the reward…

“Ahaha. Just seeing Beryl so flustered made it worth suggesting to His Majesty.”

“Al… You’ll pay for this!”

“Ahaha! By the way, let me thank you again. Thank you for helping.”

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t need a reward for protecting a friend. Honestly, I don’t need any reward at all. I’d be fine with nothing.”

For a moment, Al looked stunned.

“That won’t do. The royal family’s reputation would suffer if we didn’t reward those who excel.”

“Is that so…?”
The next day.

I couldn’t visit Lady Evans yesterday due to various reasons. Additionally, the incident from yesterday led to an unscheduled holiday.

I explained the situation to Rin.

“So something so serious happened…”

“Hey, Rin. Just to be sure, do you think this was aimed at the young lady?”

Rin blinked and shook her head.

“By the way, why do you think so?”

“…The young lady is engaged to the Kuzelia family, and the only enemy of both families would be the Rudelagan family. I don’t think that family would take such a dangerous gamble with their own daughter. Moreover, the spies they employ are more skilled in intelligence gathering than in assassination. And… from what I’ve heard from you… it’s probably the work of a witch.”

“A witch…? Do they really exist?”

“Yes, they do. In fact, they are quite famous in the underground world and are known for taking on assassinations.”

“Seriously…”

I see. It seems that witches are known to those who know about them.

“Hey, I’m not saying anything bad, but please stay away from witches, okay? The one involved this time… is probably Witch Pain, and even for you, dealing with multiple magical beasts going berserk won’t end well.”

“Yeah. Well… even if I don’t want to get involved, if they want to get involved with me, it’s not like I can avoid it, right?”

“That’s true… but you might be prone to getting into such situations.”

“I’m just living peacefully…”

The young lady and Rin looked at me with disapproving eyes.

At that moment, a teacher arrived.

“Beryl-kun, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, please.”

“There is someone who wishes to meet you, and if possible, we’d like you to go right away.”

“Um… what about the young lady?”

“I’m sorry, but we would prefer if you went alone.”

“Beryl, I don’t mind. Rin is here, and I will make sure she stays on the academy grounds, so go ahead.”

With the increased security throughout the academy after yesterday’s incident, it should be safe.

“Understood.”

I followed the teacher and was led to the school building.

Inside the room, a single knight was waiting.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Diglance of the Imperial Knights.”

He was a blonde, handsome man, but there was an aura of strength about him even from outside the room.

Among the people I’ve met so far, he seems the strongest after Lady Evans… The knight commander I met yesterday also seemed strong, but I didn’t expect someone to be stronger than him.

“I’m Beryl.”

“I apologize for calling you so suddenly. I came to discuss the reward for you. Until you return, we Imperial Knights will take responsibility for the young lady’s safety.”

“I understand.”

Is it really necessary to make such a fuss just for a reward?

I rode in a carriage with Diglance, and we headed to the unexpected destination—the royal castle.

“Raise your head.”

“Yes!”

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

I’ve learned some etiquette for audiences, but I didn’t expect to have an audience with the king so suddenly!

The room was filled with expensive furnishings, and the sofa looked like the finest quality. As I waited, the king arrived.

And next to him, grinning, was—Al.

“Nice to meet you. Please make yourself comfortable. I’ve heard your name often from Alphonse.”

“Ahaha…”

Al… What did you tell him!?

“Now, please sit across from me.”

“Y-yes!”

I quickly sat down in the seat opposite the king.

“I’m sorry for summoning you so suddenly.”

“N-no! It’s an honor to be summoned by Your Majesty!”

The king smiled kindly and extended his hand.

“Don’t worry. Just relax. It’s just me, Alphonse, and you here.”

…Please don’t suddenly declare, ‘You’re being rude! Off with your head!’ or something like that later on! Nobles seem like they always act like that!