"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 65

“……Don’t you want to be listed among the Empire’s magicians?”

“……”

During the audience, an unwelcome silence fell.

Ryu contemplates deeply without averting his gaze from the Empress.

As expected, here it comes. But right now, dealing with the dragon transformation is the top priority. On top of that, I need to proceed with the port town plan and the nobility promotion procedures simultaneously. Honestly, I don’t want to take on any more burdens. So, it’s a clear pass this time. The question is whether to respond with “I’ll pass this time” to leave the door open for future possibilities, or to respond with “I’m not interested in the magician, so I respectfully

Considering the future relationship, the former is the safe bet, but choosing the latter and gaining the wings of freedom now isn’t a bad option either. Ryu recommends the former, while Ryu recommends the latter.

The deciding factor here is… what kind of ambition the Empress harbors deep in her heart. If it’s an admirable ambition, it’s the former; if it’s a trivial one, it’s the latter.

Cold sweat beads on the foreheads of the royal guards, overwhelmed by the heavy atmosphere.

Are you really trying to turn down His Majesty’s invitation…?

This is the highest military position that every citizen of the Empire aspires to at least once, you know?!

If it’s a noble below the rank of marquis, then accepting is the only option‼

Please… answer me quickly…!

The rank of an imperial magician is equivalent to that of the commander of the imperial guard. Moreover, the position of the commander of the imperial guard is said to be roughly equal to that of a duke. In other words, magicians are treated the same as dukes within the empire. Their power is far more formidable. The conditions are such that an ordinary viscount would jump at the chance.

Finally, Ryu spoke up.

“Before that, I have one question to ask.”

“Speak up.”

The knights gulped nervously.

“What kind of ambitions do you have, Your Majesty?”

“……”

The audience chamber froze over like permafrost.

(Ah… it’s over)

It’s not something rude.

It’s not so much bold and fearless as it is just plain stupid.

I sincerely hope that it does not spread to us as well

However, a genius of empress-level would never fail to grasp the true meaning behind Ryu’s words.

“…I can’t say it now. But I assure you, it’s not something selfish.”

“I understand. Then, I’ll refrain this time.”

“I see. It’s very unfortunate, but… I suppose I’ll quietly wait for the next opportunity.”

A sudden warm breeze flowed in, and the royal guards let out a sigh of relief.

“Well then, I guess it’s about time for me to…”

“Well, don’t rush so much.”

“Is there still something else…?”

“As a commemoration of your promotion, I will personally reward you.”

“I guess I’ll go home a little later.”

“Hehehe… what a cash-loving guy.”

Although the Empress called it a promotion ceremony, it was really a reward for moving the Grace Marquisate’s army.

Since the details of the reward have not been decided yet, let’s discuss it once.

“I heard that Arden still doesn’t have a mansion here in the capital… is that true?”

“Yes, it’s true. We’re poor.”

“Then, I shall grant you the mansion.”

“I don’t need it…”

“Why?”

“You’re planning to attach a spy servant as well, aren’t you? Taking advantage of the fact that we can’t refuse.”

“…I don’t dislike people with sharp instincts.”

“Could you stop acting all nonchalant after going around in circles?”

“However, wouldn’t the number of servants in Arden be insufficient? If we were to give them an unusually small mansion, it would tarnish the Emperor’s name, so it is certain that it will have to be a mansion of a certain size or larger. First, we must somehow resolve the servant issue.”

What happened to the freed slaves from the former Serfdom? Especially the children without any relatives?
“Ho… so that’s the trick you had up your sleeve.”

The freed slaves of the former Serfdom are currently being mobilized to construct defensive fortifications on the western front. They plan to grant everyone their freedom in exchange for their work, but this is not the case for child slaves. Due to the absence of a church in the empire for various reasons, orphaned children are concentrated in orphanages. However, it is physically impossible for a single nation to take in all the child slaves into orphanages. Therefore, they intend to take in preferably high.

“Drilling the skills of a servant from scratch is tough, you know?”

“It’s okay. Sebas will take care of it.”

“Even if the fort is completed, it will still take at least six months for them to arrive at the capital. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes. Rather, that amount is just right. I’ve been quite busy lately.”

“Understood. I’ll get started immediately.”

Thank you very much.

Thus, Ryu obtained a mansion and servants for free.

“Well then, I’m heading home.”

“I see… I guess I’ll be returning to the quiet castle.”

“I don’t think it will be quiet with His Majesty present.”

“The only ones who have the resolve to say that are the Chancellor and you.”

“Are you complimenting me with that?”

Ryu gave a wry smile, bowed, and headed towards the door. Since this was already a private space, there was no need to wait for His Majesty to exit.

“……I just want to ask you one last thing.”

“Hmm?”

When Ryu glanced back slightly, he saw a searing flame burning deep within the Empress’s eyes. Even from this distance, he could feel the magma-like heat wave. Is this the reason she is a conqueror? Those who follow her must surely be captivated by this flame.

“The first time was in a restaurant, the second time was on the battlefield. You must have seen the ‘Ocean Mage’ both times. Based on that, I want to hear your honest opinion about him. If you don’t want to say anything, you can leave as you are. This is just my pointless monologue.”

Seeing those earnest eyes, Ryu couldn’t bring himself to lie.

Ryu silently turned on his heel and continued walking.

“……”

And just before leaving the room, I came to a complete stop.

“I still don’t know the full extent of Zekkai’s true power, but…”

“……I could probably take it down with one hand.”

“…I see.”

Saying that, he left the audience chamber.

This is a side note, but the rank of the Absolute Sea is third.