46: Triumph and Reward
Finally, when the aftermath of the war had settled down and there was little left to do but send out scouts and check on the situation of the various armies, instructions finally arrived from Father.
The order to return was issued to me, my brother, my personal guard and direct troops, and the regular army that had been assigned to my brother. It was as expected, but I wondered if it was okay that the nobles who were to replace us had not yet arrived. Even though Grandfather had returned, the number of troops had still decreased. But then I thought about it, and the instructions also stated that the enemy’s offensive had been decreasing overall, so I was convinced.
I had some information myself, but Father’s information was still faster and more extensive.
So, until the replacement forces arrived, the nobles and knights, including Grandfather, remained in their current positions.
“Well then, Duke Zarud. Until we return.”
“hahahaha. I wish you a safe journey home.”
“What? I’ll just run away honestly when the time comes.”
Grandfather and I nodded with a laugh.
“Duke Zarud, you saved me this time.”
“You’re too kind. Please take care, Prince Croitz.”
“Yes. I appreciate it.”
As my brother said that, the carriage we were riding in set off.
There was nothing special about the ride back to the royal castle.
On the way back, we talked and talked in the carriage like we used to, and we slept in the same place when we slept. We ate together, and it was as if we were trying to regain something that had been lost between us as brothers.
And so, after a leisurely journey, we finally returned to the place where we were born.
*
“Now, let us begin the ceremony to reward those who fought in this battle.”
In the throne room, the minister’s voice echoed, and the time to honor the achievements of this battle began.
My brother and I were in the front row, and Romero and Eldred were behind us. Normally, there would be many more participants, but at this time they were still on the battlefield. So, this earlier ceremony was held to reward them.
To begin with, the ceremony to reward those who fought is held after the war is over. At present, only the first battle could be said to be over. In fact, Grandfather is still on the battlefield.
The fact that it is being held now is probably proof that the enemy forces scattered throughout the country have been driven back and that the first battle is over.
But still, this hasty ceremony to reward those who fought after returning to the royal castle. I can see through their intentions.
The one who is praising us is Father on the throne, and next to him is Mother, and below them are the concubines and their children, all lined up looking down at us. I understand the intention of this prepared ceremony and this composition, and I frown, realizing that things are getting complicated.
It doesn’t matter, but Brother Daine, even if you send me such a sharp look, there’s nothing for you here.
“First, Kreuz le Carlo-Zigul Arley.”
“Yes!”
“This time, despite a single defeat, you have brought about a victory that more than makes up for it. Well done. It was a great service.”
“I am honored.”
“Next, Car-Mine Colorless-ji Garland le Carlo-Zigul Arley.”
“Yes!”
“You supported Kreuz and played a major role in the victory. It was truly magnificent. Well done. It was a great service.”
“I am honored.”
“Hmm.”
At this point, I cleared my throat. Normally, in a ceremony to reward meritorious service, the name and the details of the service are stated, followed by the rank of the service and the reward.
The fact that my brother and I had our names and details stated side by side meant that we were of the same rank. This was a rare occurrence, usually done when it was extremely difficult to choose a first rank.
Even though I had reported that all the credit for the command went to my brother.
I couldn’t accept this.
“In recognition of the above services, I hereby award both of you the First Class Order of Merit. The reward is this.”
“Yes.”
With those words, the rewards placed on the platform were brought before us by the ministers. Normally, this would be the end of it, but even though my brother took his, I didn’t move.
“What is it, Car-Mine?”
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“With all due respect, I have something I would like to say to His Majesty the King.”
“Speak.”
“Yes.”
Feeling my brother’s gaze from beside me, I made up my mind and put it into words.
“I am truly honored to receive this reward. However, I am not qualified to receive this reward.”
“Why? I am encouraging you based on the reports I have received.”
No, don’t lie. I don’t know what the other nobles and knights reported, but at least I, who commanded the army, submitted a report saying, “I didn’t do anything.”
So this means that Father is using what others have reported.
I don’t know why Father is trying to give me a medal now, but I have no intention of receiving it, and I cannot receive it.
“All I did was take command of the formation that Kreuz had handed over to me and give the order to charge in the decisive battle. The victory in the battle should be given to those who repelled the enemy’s offensive and those who defeated the enemy in the decisive battle.”
“A reward is a reward. If you commanded the army, then it is necessary.”
“With all due respect. I believe that a reward should be given to those who led the army in battle or to those who distinguished themselves in battle. In this battle, we were victorious in the decisive battle, but that was only because Kreuz had prepared the way for us.
It was only because of the decisions made in response to the numerous enemy soldiers and the changing battle situation, and the orders given to the subordinates. It was because of the groundwork that was laid that we were victorious.
I believe that the right to receive the reward for commanding the army belongs solely to Kreuz.”
With that, I paused for a moment.
“I repeat. All I did was go to the perfectly prepared formation and give the order to charge in the decisive battle.”
“So you are saying that you went to the battle and just watched?”
“That is correct.”
Silence. An unbearable silence reigned over the throne room. I could barely breathe, and I just kept my head bowed.
I didn’t care if Father scolded me for “lying” here. This is the throne room. The Queen and the rest of the royal family are here. There are ministers, court nobles, and even Father’s guards.
If I were to be found guilty of lying in such a place, I would be deemed unfit to be here and cast out. And then the end of Crown Prince Car-Mine, which had been decided since before the war began, would come. My fate, which had been driven to madness by the victory in the war, would simply return to normal.
If that happened, the First Class Order of Merit would belong to my brother alone. There would be no problem.
After a while, Father finally opened his mouth.
“Very well. Then, for this occasion, the first-class honor will go to Kreutz alone.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
I let out a small sigh of relief for having somehow overcome the hardships. I avoided the intense gaze coming from beside me.
The ceremony continued in the meantime.
“Next, Romero Plum.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Eldred Marleed.”
“Yes, sir!”
“You two are hereby commended for having slain numerous enemy soldiers and contributing greatly to the victory in this battle. In recognition of your achievements, you are both awarded the second-class honor. Here are your rewards.”
Two more people received the second-class honor after us. It wasn’t much, but it wasn’t nothing either. For example, this is what happens when two armies go into battle at the same time and the second-in-commands of both armies achieve similar feats.
The two of them received splendid swords and medals, and with that, the awarding of honors for this occasion came to an end.
“With this, the awarding of honors for this occasion is concluded. Other matters will be dealt with at a later date.”
My father stood up at the minister’s words.
“Everyone, it was a just cause.”
With those words, my father and mother left through a special door. The royal family followed them, and then the ministers. Once I confirmed that everyone had left, I stood up. No one could move until I, who held the highest rank among those present, stood up and left the throne room.
I was then escorted back to my room by a soldier, and as I was drinking the tea that a maid had brewed for me, feeling as relaxed as could be, I heard Romero’s voice from beyond the door after a knock.
“Romero Plum, Captain of the Crown Prince’s Guard, and Eldred Marleed, Captain of the Crown Prince’s Direct Army, reporting for duty.”
“Enter.”
I straightened my posture and welcomed them in, and the two of them quickly knelt down.
“We are deeply grateful for having received the second-class honor, all thanks to Your Highness the Crown Prince’s great influence.”
“We are grateful.”
I waved my hand with a wry smile.
“Did you not hear the exchange just now? I did nothing. Sit down.”
“Yes, sir!”
The two of them stood up and sat down on chairs. I ordered a maid to bring tea and then opened my mouth.
“Well, with the number of enemies you two slew, it’s only natural that you would receive the second-class honor.”
“That is too kind of you.”
“Indeed.”
The two of them replied, but their voices lacked their usual brightness, and their expressions seemed stiff. Noticing this, I addressed them in my usual tone of voice.
“Now you can go back to your mansions and relax. You two should also take a break from training and let your bodies recover.”
“Indeed. It feels good to move around after a while, but it also makes me tired.”
“Speaking of which, Eldred, how old are you?”
“Twenty-nine.”
“And Romero?”
“Twenty-seven, Your Highness.”
“You’re both still young. In fact, you’re both brimming with energy. Why don’t you go hunt some magical beasts for me? We can drink some delicious wine together with that as a side dish.”
“Speaking of which, we did promise to drink together, the three of us.”
Only then did smiles appear on their faces. That’s right, that’s the way to be.
I smiled as well and drank my tea, feeling relaxed. However, Romero’s and Eldred’s expressions quickly stiffened again.
“Your Highness… was that alright?”
“What is it?”
“The victory in this battle, who–“
“That’s enough. The victory in this battle was only possible because of Kreutz’s leadership. My contribution was not even worth a single strand of hair. Do you understand? Tell everyone that.”
“…As you wish.”
“Understood.”
They both replied, but they didn’t seem convinced. It was unusual for them to not readily obey my words.
I don’t know what they’re thinking, and I don’t want to know. Maybe it’s just their frustration because they think of me as their true master, but I’ll pretend not to notice.
I was silently drinking tea and thinking about asking for a refill when I heard a voice from outside again. I gave permission to enter, and a royal guard appeared.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince, His Majesty the King summons you.”
“I understand. I will go immediately.”
I said and stood up at the same time. The two men who were with me also stood up.
I looked into their eyes alternately and said quietly.
“This battle was a great success. And thank you. These are the words of the Crown Prince, and my gratitude as Kar-Mine.”
This might be the last thing I say. That’s why I spoke my honest feelings.
As I stepped out of the open door, I saw another royal guard. I looked back at the man who was looking at me expressionlessly and nodded slightly.
“Lead the way.”
“This way.”
I was led to the reception room for distinguished guests. As I passed through the door opened by the royal guard, I saw my father and mother smiling cheerfully. I wonder why. Their smiles hurt my heart so much.
“Sit down.”
“Yes, sir.”
I sat down on the lower seat with my father’s permission. There was a brief silence. As I sat there, a maid came into the reception room with tea and cakes, as I had ordered beforehand. As I looked at the teacup filled with fragrant tea, my father spoke.
“You’ve had a hard time with this.”
“No.”
I couldn’t tell what he was going to say next, but I knew what the main topic was.
I couldn’t meet my father’s eyes. That’s why I decided to speak up instead.
“I apologize for not following your wishes this time, Father.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“I won the battle.”
“Why are you bowing your head after winning the battle?”
My father’s voice was full of genuine doubt.
I kept my gaze down and continued speaking.
“Didn’t you assume that I would lose this battle?”
“What?”
“You said it yourself. A royal defeat cannot be tolerated twice. You said you couldn’t go to battle yourself. That means you sent me to the battlefield to lose, and then you would use my defeat to excuse Kreutz’s defeat and give yourself a reason to go to war.”
“–Wait.”
I looked up at my father’s anxious voice. I thought I had said something strange and kept my gaze averted, but his face was not turned towards me in the first place.
“My lady.”
At the end of his gaze was my mother, her expression blank.
“Is what he said true?”
“No. It’s not true. I would never do such a thing.”
“So what about Cain’s words just now? They’re completely different from what I heard from Your Majesty.”
“So calm down.”
There was my father, having shed his attire as king. It was a sight I had seen a few times as a child, but had long since stopped seeing.
And a sense of discomfort. The way he was treating me. Mother must have heard about it from Father, and she must have agreed to it. I had thought that I had been abandoned by Mother as well, and that’s why I had given up , but this was completely different. It was as if he were back to the old days when he used to be furious with me about my behavior.
“I am calm.”
“Oh, you’re calm, so listen to me.”
“Yes, please tell me.”
“Hmm. Just wait. Before that, let me talk to Cain for a bit.”
After confirming that Mother nodded slightly, Father looked at me. And he let out a big sigh.
“Cain, why did you think that?”
“First of all, there is no reason for me, who is useless, to be sent to war. I hesitate to say this in front of Father and Mother, but I am incompetent, as the people around me say behind my back, to the point of losing even to a child. And yet, even though Kreutz lost the battle, I thought it was not enough of a reason to go.”
“Hmm. And then?”
“That’s where the words I received from Father come in. I am still being given the title of Crown Prince out of your kindness, but in reality, it is empty. If I am going to live on without any meaning, I thought that I might as well die for Kreutz and the country. That way, the incompetent Crown Prince would be gone, and Father would be able to go to war and win. That’s what I thought.”
Hearing that, Father put his hand on his forehead and looked down. Mother covered her face with both hands and started to cry.
This… it seems that I jumped to conclusions. I could understand if it were just Father, but Mother is not the kind of person who can put on such an act.
Father let out a sigh that seemed to come from the depths of his stomach.
“I see. I understand what you’re trying to say. But that’s not it. There’s no way I would use my son for something like that. If I did, Sarah would kill me.”
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When I looked at Sarah (Mother), she was still covering her face with both hands, but she nodded.
As always, Father seems to be no match for Mother.
“I did say that to you, but that was just to explain the current situation, it had no deeper meaning.”
“Then”
“Oh. You must have noticed. Roy was in no condition to command properly. The Kingdom Army Captain (Zeigil) who was attached to him was also unable to give any advice. I had been watching this as a rite of passage, but that great defeat showed me that it was the worst possible situation. And there was nothing Roy could do about it on his own.”
At that point, Father took a sip of tea.
“That’s why I sent you and Geed. The report said that Roy was both physically and mentally exhausted. So I decided to send you, even though it was forced. I thought that if you went, Roy would be relieved. He’s always been unusually fond of you, even now. I emphasized it to you because I simply wanted you to help him. I didn’t say enough.”
“…Is that so”
“Yes. I also sent Geed as a fighting force, but also to be Roy’s shield. If he were there, he would be able to prevent the nobles from speaking out, and above all, Roy would have more allies.”
“Is that what it was?”
“Hmm. I won’t say there’s nothing else, but that’s about it. But it seems that it was a bit late. Roy collapsed, and the command was transferred to you. And the worst thing is that Geed went to another place to reinforce the troops. I was really worried about that.”
“You were worried.”
“Huh?”
“Weren’t you lying in bed, holding your head and worrying endlessly while looking at the canopy?”
“…Well, yes, and then I received your situation report and request for instructions.”
Father said, as if to regain his composition at Mother’s remark.
“Yes. To be honest, I thought that what was written in that reply was also based on the assumption that I would be defeated.”
“Did I write something like that?”
“‘Fulfill your duty.'”
“I see… I’ll be careful how I use it in the future.”
Haah, Father has been sighing a lot since earlier.
“That duty was because I had received news of the situation before your letter. I learned about your handling of the nobles there, and I judged that you would be able to withstand the reinforcements from the other battlefields. That’s what I meant when I said to do as you wished.”
“I see.”
That “leave everything to you” was, in other words, a permission to act freely. My preconceptions had led me to misinterpret its contents. I must honestly reflect on this.
“Well, to be honest, it was a gamble. I was also making preparations in secret, but it was clear that I wouldn’t make it in time, considering the preparations for departure and the distance and speed of the march. After that , I had no choice but to entrust it to you.”
“Yes.”
“And you won. Moreover, you brought about a great victory that even overshadowed Roy’s great defeat.”
“…”
I remained silent in response. Unlike in the throne room, there was no need for pretense here. That said, I had no intention of boasting about my accomplishments either.
“Thanks to you, Roy was able to avoid disgrace. After all, an accomplishment is an accomplishment. It may spread from those who know, but as long as you, who commanded on the spot, say that Roy has all the credit, no one can say anything. I acknowledged it on the throne as well, so much the more.”
“Yes. I am grateful for that.”
“But are you really satisfied with that? With that victory, most of the talk of incompetence will probably disappear.”
I shook my head.
“In this country, I believe there are two elements to those who stand above: martial prowess and leadership. Without either of these, one cannot stand above others. My incompetence remains unchanged. Even with leadership, as long as I have no martial prowess , everyone will continue to whisper something or other behind my back.”
“I heard that you cut off a knight’s head with a single stroke of your armor. I also heard that you rode your horse with such skill that you could shake off the guards, jumped over arrows, and galloped through the enemy lines.”
My father’s gaze sharpened.
I had expected to be asked. However, there was no need to be flustered.
“In order to inspire the troops, I had to go to the front. So I just desperately ran forward, desperately seeking life. Cutting off the knight’s head was just a miracle I gained in the midst of that. As for horsemanship, it was the finest horse in the country, a gift from my father. It fulfilled my wishes without me even having to say anything.”
“…Well, if you say so.”
My father nodded, though he looked doubtful. I think he still had some doubts. I heard that the knight was quite a famous name. It would be strange for an incompetent to be able to defeat such a person by chance. If I were in my father’s position, I would naturally be suspicious.
“However, I will show you a test.”
Saying so, my father rang a bell and had a soldier bring in an object.
“This is…”
“Ah, it’s a Visual Record Copy Plate.”
Placed on a low table was a plate-shaped magical tool that all royalty and nobles would use at least once, a tool that displays the individual information of others. I wonder if it’s been five years since I’ve seen this.
I have used this twice in the past. It was during the ability tests I took when I was five and ten years old. The results of the second test were the reason I was sent to that mansion to recuperate. It is a magical tool that I will never forget, in many ways.
By the way, despite being called a “Copy Plate,” it is much larger than an Adventurer Copy Card.
When I saw it, I opened my eyes slightly and smiled inwardly.
As with the previous remark, I had expected this to be brought in. And I had hoped for it. It was exactly the flow I had expected. Otherwise, I would have brought it up myself.
“Now, Cain, put your hand on it.”
“Yes.”
I slowly extended my hand and whispered softly in my mind.
[Mana Veil].
“…As it is.”
My father nodded, though he looked unconvinced.
The Visual Record Copy Plate on the table displayed my abilities before I became an adult. The fact that the skill [Mana Veil] worked on the Visual Record Copy Plate had been proven twice in the past, even when I had used it without knowing it , so I was confident that it would succeed.
[Mana Veil] does not hide individual information (Visual Record), but rather covers it. What is displayed in the covered area is now displayed on the Visual Record Copy Plate.
Individual information is said to be a skill that the God of Gold bestowed upon people, a skill that one reflectsself. What is displayed on this is the word of the God of Gold, and it is also the true form of that person. That is why there is no doubt about the ability values displayed for me.
In this world, there is no way to see someone else’s individual information other than using a magical tool like the Visual Record Copy Plate. The reason I can do it with [Mana Lysis] is probably because my gold attribute value is at the heroic level of 6-7.
The gold attribute is rarely used by anyone. That is why the very idea of using magic to see someone else’s individual information and to conceal one’s own individual information does not exist.
As for where the Visual Record Copy Plate can be obtained, I will talk about that later.
Anyway, that’s why, no matter what I do or who I do it in front of, my individual information is the answer and the proof. As long as my ability level is at the lowest level and I have no skills whatsoever, everything I did in that battle will have to be dismissed as “coincidence,” “luck,” or “a result due to something other than my own power.” Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense.
Even my father, who must have been informed in detail about my movements during the battle, is trying to convince himself, though with a strange look on his face. Anyone who was present at that battle would surely have the same expression on their face if they saw this individual information.
And since His Majesty the King has approved this individual information, no one will object to it.
Because they know it well. The results of training are displayed as numerical values, and the techniques trained are displayed as skills. It is impossible to handle things that are not displayed. There is no room for doubt. Doubting this is tantamount to doubting the existence of oneself and the God of Gold.
Fundamentally, the premise that individual information is correct is followed by other reasons.
Therefore, as long as I continue to display (hold) this individual information, no one can prove my awakened power.
Of course, if I were to defeat thousands of soldiers alone, the story would be different, but I have no intention of doing such a thing in the first place.
I don’t know if my brother is in trouble, but let’s pray that he won’t be.
However, as my father said earlier, there will be some who will frown on the results of the merit-based rewards. But I have declined it myself, and the King has approved it. If they press too hard, it will be tantamount to saying that they have objections to my brother’s achievements. In the first place, there will be no one who can speak out.
At the same time, I will never return to being the Crown Prince in the true sense of the word. Even if there were a noble who questioned my father about it, my father would not call me back to the royal palace. Because I am the incompetent Crown Prince with the lowest ability value.
“There seems to be no mistake. That’s how fierce your determination was.”
“Thank you.”
I didn’t think I would be mentioned in depth, but I was relieved to hear him say this. If my father could just say a word about this individual information to the nobles, it would spread quickly.
My father still looked unconvinced as he took the individual information certificate and looked at me.
“So, is there anything you want?”
“What do you mean?”
“It has nothing to do with your achievements or rewards. What you have done will not disappear, and this is just a way to apologize for the misunderstanding.”
My father glanced at my mother, but she didn’t seem to notice as she smiled at me. I’m glad she stopped crying.
“In that case, please give Roy what he wants.”
“He has the first-class merit award. What do you want?”
“If it’s for Roy’s sake, that’s what I want.”
“…If your brother is your brother, then you are your brother.”
He didn’t say anything to my words, but instead replied with different words.
“Besides… I’ve burdened Roy with my incompetence. I want to make amends for that.”
“Hmm…”
My father tapped the table with his finger. He pondered for a while and then looked up.
“No, you should receive what you want.”
“What do you mean?”
“He will surely blame himself for the results of this merit award. He has forced his responsibility and duty on his brother, but all the credit will be his. That alone is enough, but if there is more, he will blame himself even more .”
“…I see.”
I think I understand. If I were him, could I bear it?
So what should I do? I thought about it and immediately the faces of three men came to mind.
“In that case. I would like to have some good wine.”
“Oh?”
“Actually, I promised to have a drink with Romero Plum and Eldred Marreed. I think you have some good wine, Father.”
“Then I will give you as much as you want. You can take it with you when you leave.”
“Thank you.”
That’s perfect. Now I can reward them for their hard work. Furthermore, I will give some to Jarnar as a reward.
I wonder how much my father will give me? I’d like to have two or three large barrels.
In any case, this is the end of my battle.
…Oh no, I still have one more thing to do, I thought as I remembered my brother’s face.