Chapter 183: Meeting with the King (2)
Translated by AmaLynne
“By the way, it seems that your relationship with Stella is good.”
“Yes, it’s just that I feel sorry we can only exchange letters.”
While the other fiancées enjoyed living together, Sam felt sorry that he could only communicate with Stella through letters. He wished he could meet her in person, but he hesitated to casually visit the royal palace.
Sam would like to talk to Stella face to face anyway, but he also feels that it would be unwise to visit the royal palace so casually.
“That shouldn’t be a problem. She was delighted with the handkerchief you sent her the other day.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“I didn’t expect you and Stella to exchange letters so frequently. But it’s a good thing. She’s also happy. Now, about that…”
“Yes?”
“I’m thinking it’s about time for you and Stella to live together.”
“I’ll talk to the Master about it.”
“Wait, Sam, wait a moment.”
If Stella was coming to the mansion, preparations were necessary.
Sam regretfully understood that he needed Jonathan’s assistance with various arrangements.
Clyde interrupted Sam’s thoughts.
“Do you plan to continue staying at the Count Walker estate?”
“Um, is that not okay?”
Considering Lise’s situation, he thought it might be best to continue living at the earldom.
Jonathan and the others would likely want to be close to their first grandchild, and it would be a comfortable place for Lise, who was pregnant.
“It’s not a problem, but you already have the title of Count. How about having your estate?”
“Oh, is that how it is?”
“That’s how it is. Don’t make such a troublesome face. It may be a bit of a hassle to find an estate, but… I’ve been thinking about this. I want to give you an estate.”
“Huh?”
“It’s not very large, but it belonged to my late brother.”
“But, um…”
Sam was taken aback by the unexpected offer, and he wondered if it was appropriate for him to decide without discussing it with his fiancées.
“Between us, I feel like I’ve burdened you too much. From Albert to the incident with Kurando. However, I haven’t done anything to repay you, and that troubles me.”
“No, I don’t mind at all.”
“I do. You’re a kind and good-hearted young man, but I’m troubled that you’re being taken advantage of because of your kindness. Also, when Stella starts living with you, you might feel uncomfortable at the Count Walker and be unable to visit freely.”
“I see.”
“Eventually, you and Stella may have children together. When I think about that, I want a place where you can visit without any burdens. Will you accept it?”
With the king putting it this way, Sam felt it would be impolite to decline.
However, he knew he needed to discuss it with his fiancées and the people at the Count Walker.
“I gratefully accept.”
“Good.”
The king nodded in satisfaction at Sam’s response.
“I’ll provide you with more details later. Finally, there’s one more thing I want to tell you. Do you remember when I talked about the court wizard other than Gunther? The ones who held positions but lacked ability due to the nobles’ interference?”
“Of course.”
These are those who, due to the intervention of the aristocratic faction, are in the position of court wizards despite their lack of ability.
Those people were notified that they could remain court wizards on the condition that they duel with Sam.
What happened after that, Sam never heard.
“In the end, no one wanted to duel you to keep their position. They all feared ending up like Albert, so they refused to duel and relinquished their positions and titles.”
“What?!”
“Everyone thought it was too much trouble. I might not have told you, but those people were only seeking to take advantage of their positions. However, there’s a bit of trouble now.”
“That’s absurd.”
Sam did not expect them to give up their position as court wizards so easily.
Sam was surprised because he thought he would be dueling with some if not all of them.
“I never expected them to give up their positions as court mages so easily. I thought at least some of them would be willing to duel, so it’s surprising.”
“Sam might not understand, but those people were merely trying to take advantage of their positions. That’s all they were worth.”
“I see. I can’t really grasp it.”
“That’s fine for you. However, there’s a bit of trouble happening.”
“I have a bad feeling about this.”
Usually, when adults phrase things like that, it means getting involved in something troublesome.
“Besides you, Gunther, Kotomi another person is fulfilling their duties as a court wizard and serving the country. His name is Dominic Johnston.”
“Dominic Johnston?”
“Yes, Dominic is an excellent wizard. The reason he wasn’t present during your duel with Albert is because he was engaged in a skirmish with a certain tribe on the front line.”
“What happened to him?”
“He expressed a strong desire to see your abilities.”
Sam looked up at the sky with an apologetic expression.
“Oh, it’s going to be troublesome after all.”
Sam’s feeling of unease turned into certainty.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m