“So, the Rainana Church commissioned you to release monsters?”
“Yes, to be exact, I was entrusted with procurement and transport. The client was unknown, but after investigating the request’s background, it turned out to be the Rainana Church. Apparently, I was to negotiate and acquire monsters from other countries, use 【Transfer】 to transport them, and then the Church would strengthen them and release them through some means after a certain amount of time.”
This information came from the Negotiator, a villain from the original story whom Absolute had captured as an accomplice after subduing Gireusu. It was an unmissable piece of information: the Rainana Church, where Saint Elizabeth resided, was the mastermind behind the upcoming monster rampage event.
In the original story, the Negotiator was the main culprit, but the Church was the real mastermind? They’ll probably use the Saint’s skill to strengthen them or manipulate the monsters by some other means. The target is probably me, Absolute, or maybe someone in the Ark House faction. But Christina was also supposed to die… I can’t be sure yet. For now, I’ll assume the Ark faction will be annihilated and act accordingly.
The monsters were already in the Church’s hands, and the field training exercise was approaching quickly. Even if he tried to stop them, the Ark House had little influence, and the only evidence was the Negotiator’s testimony, making persuasion impossible.
Absolute began to formulate a plan to counter the Saint and the Church.
“Negotiator, how far along is this plan at this stage?”
“My job was just to procure the monsters and transport them to the designated location via 【Transfer】, so I don’t know anything beyond that. They’ve probably already moved the monsters to another location and are strengthening them. When they release them, the Church will likely use a method similar to 【Transfer】.”
A large number of strengthened monsters will attack me and the members of the Ark House faction, and other houses might also be affected. Originally, if the Negotiator hadn’t been caught, I was planning to wipe out the monsters alone and, at worst, protect my own faction. I can’t use the Ark House’s power yet, and I didn’t even know if it would actually happen. Besides, the evidence is weak with only his testimony. The Church has ridiculously high security, so investigating now wouldn’t leave enough time. I’ll just have to do something on the day.
The Ark House was at the top of the Rainana Kingdom’s dark organizations, but Absolute, not yet the family head, could not wield this power. He had to get through this with his own strength.
Even if he were to consult about this matter, Absolute trusted his father and subordinates but didn’t have faith in them. His father was too close to the King, and some of his subordinates had betrayed Absolute in the original story, so he couldn’t trust them yet. The King was in a position to cut off the Ark House at any time and was lenient towards his enemy Michael, making him the most untrustworthy of all.
If he turned in the Negotiator, he might be able to persuade his father, Villain, but in that case, the Negotiator would die. Absolute’s goal was to win and survive, even if it meant fighting the country or the Hero. And to protect the pride of the original Absolute and his current self. The Negotiator’s 【Transfer】 skill was rare and would definitely be useful to Absolute in the future.
He wanted to obtain it no matter what.
“In the first place, you’re the one who sowed these seeds. You’ll accompany me to the end, Negotiator.”
If I have the Negotiator, I can protect the Ark faction and harass the Church. I need to repay the debt from when I was the Hero… Saint Elizabeth.
To fight the Church’s malice, Absolute began to move.
◆
Several days passed since the subjugation of Gireusu, and Absolute was attending class at the Royal Academy as usual.
During homeroom in the morning, the homeroom teacher, Teach Tote, gave details about the upcoming field training exercise.
“Next week, the first-year students will conduct a field training exercise. You will form groups within your class and hunt monsters in the forest located in the southern part of the Rainana Kingdom, which is inhabited by monsters. The deadline is three days. Your grades will be determined by the rank and number of 【Magic Stones】 dropped by the monsters you hunt. Hunting few monsters or infighting among students will, of course, result in deductions, but that doesn’t mean you should push yourselves too hard. Everyone should prepare thoroughly. I don’t think anyone would be so unprepared as to arrive on the day empty-handed, but just in case.”
The field training exercise was conducted as part of the Rainana Royal Academy’s curriculum. Groups were formed within the class to hunt monsters in a forest inhabited by monsters for three days.
Grades were determined by the number and rank of 【Magic Stones】 obtained from the monsters, but in the original story, this field training exercise was an event with many casualties. This was due to the abnormal number of monsters and their unexpected strength. Many students lost their lives because few could cope with the sudden emergency in an exercise intended to gain combat experience. It was a very dangerous event.
After Teach’s explanation, the group announcements began. Groups were generally formed within the same faction.
Groups were created within the same faction, with differences in numbers, as a consideration for students who didn’t want to reveal their skills to other factions as much as possible.
“Before we announce the groups, there is one confirmed matter. Prince Michael will team up with Tristan Kako, and Princess Leone will team up with Absolute Ark.”
Princess Leone raised her hand to question.
“Um… Teach, could you tell me the reason for that?”
“Princess Leone, if anything were to happen to you, it would be a problem for the Rainana Kingdom. However, the decision to not allow only the royal family to take this class was not raised during the meeting. Therefore, we discussed having the two most capable students in this class to accompany the royal family. This is also to protect Princess Leone. Are you satisfied?”
“…I understand. I apologize for being selfish without considering my position.”
Princess Leone was provisionally satisfied and withdrew from the discussion.
After that, the group announcements proceeded smoothly by faction.
① Royal faction group including Michael and Tristan.
② Church group led by the Saint.
③ Girls' group centered around Alicia.
④ Noble faction group led by Christina.
⑤ Ark faction feat. Princess Leone group.
Since the groups were made up of members from the same faction, these five groups were decided.
After the announcements, a discussion time was set aside for each group to separate and discuss.
Absolute took Lady Cruel, Oriana, and Mist from the Ark faction in Class A, and discussed group formation with Princess Leone.
“Well then, it’s our first time talking, Princess Leone. I am Absolute Ark. And these guys are Lady, Oriana, and Mist, members of my faction. You don’t need to worry about the combat aspect.”
“I’m Lady Cruel. I’m honored to be in the same group as you, Princess Leone. I’ll do my best, however little I can.”
Lady gave a friendly greeting.
Even if it was a forced smile, her smile, boasted one of the best facial values in the grade, was heartfelt.
Among the Ark faction, she had high communication skills, so he could watch with peace of mind. He wouldn’t have a problem entrusting the princess to her during this field training exercise.
“…I’m Oriana Festa. Same as Lady.”
Oriana gave a greeting with no intention of greeting.
But he knew she didn’t have any ill will.
She had been a social recluse since she was born, so she must have shrunk back in front of the princess she had never spoken to before.
The princess didn’t seem to mind, so it wouldn’t be a problem.
“Hello, I'm Mist Browser. I feel exactly the same as those two. Nice to meet you.”
Mist tried to finish with a brief greeting.
He didn’t understand this guy very well.
He was probably wondering if he could do it too because the previous Oriana was able to get away with it.
“…Hey, you two should think a little more seriously about your greetings.”
Lady retorted at the unmotivated self-introductions.
“Haha, you all get along well.”
Princess Leone laughed and watched such exchanges.
He felt that she had a good personality.
“Nice to meet you all. I am Leone Suiloku. I am not good at magic, but I am confident in swordsmanship. Let’s do our best together.”
As expected of royalty. Even her greetings make you feel her refinement. I want our royal family to learn from her.
“Well then, now that the greetings are over, Princess Leone.”
“Eh?! W-What is it?”
The princess was slightly frightened when Absolute called out to her.
I’m being feared to the point where the princess’s mask is peeling off. I'm used to being feared, but it still stabs my heart every time.
He knew that there were occasional depictions of the princess seeming weak in the original story. That must have begun to appear remarkably in front of Absolute.
Absolute tried not to mind and continued talking.
“I’m sorry, but I have some promises I need you to make in order to take care of you.
First, you must follow my instructions.
Second, you must never be alone.
Third, I will also have our maid placed next to the maid you keep by your side. She can be a shield in case of emergency, and she is quite skilled.
I’m sorry, but if you don’t follow these, you’ll have to leave my group. We don’t want to take any strange responsibility because of you.”
Dealing with the monsters and taking care of the princess… This has become troublesome. In the original story, Princess Leone was in the Hero’s group, but since there probably isn’t a Hero, I was chosen by the process of elimination.
Princess Leone had a face that seemed to want to say something, but she didn’t make eye contact and answered because she was afraid of Absolute.
“S-Since I’m going to be allowed to join Ark-san’s group, I will, of course, accept those three conditions. …However, please keep in mind that national policy states that I must always have a maid with me.”
“I don’t mind.”
For the time being, I succeeded in getting Maria into this group. If it’s for taking care of royalty, it wouldn’t be suspicious to have two maids. I have to keep an eye on Chris and the others in Class B, and the more combat power, the better.
“So, Absolute-sama. What is your policy for this field training exercise? Are we going to aim for the top without holding back? This Lady will risk her life to hunt big prey for Absolute-sama! Of course, Oriana too!”
Oriana showed a startled face behind Lady.
She seemed unable to understand that she was being included.
“…If Absolute-sama says that it’s absolutely necessary… I’ll hunt them. Thank you for everything.”
Lady was full of enthusiasm to put her body on the line, and Oriana was full of enthusiasm to die.
She probably couldn’t say no in front of Absolute.
“Is that so? But I don’t intend to work that hard this time. The reason is that the field training exercise is three days long. So, first, we will conserve our stamina. Princess Leone and Lady haven’t had long-term outdoor training, right? Let’s take the time to get used to the environment first. Monsters are secondary.”
Anyway, during the field training exercise, we’ll have to fight the monsters released by the Church as much as we hate it. Let's have Lady and the others rest while going, just in case.
“…Absolute-sama, to think that you would think of me… I am very grateful for Absolute-sama’s kindness. I will do my best to get used to the environment quickly.”
“Ark-san. I’m sorry, it seems like I’m already holding you back… I’ll do my best to do what I can too.”
Lady and Princess Leone misunderstood that Absolute was thinking of the two of them and renewed their enthusiasm.
“Excuse me for a moment?”
Suddenly, he heard a voice he didn’t want to hear from behind.
He unintentionally grimaced.
“Good day, Absolute-kun. I’m sorry to interrupt, but would you like to team up with our group?”
It was Christina who called out to him. She looked at him with her usual competitive demeanor.
“What do you think? If I and Absolute-kun team up, I think we’ll definitely get the top spot in this field training exercise, don’t you think?”
“Not you again… I don’t intend to team up with anyone in my group. Besides, aren’t you Michael’s fiancée? Team up with Michael or something.”
Look at Michael. He’s looking this way with an awful face.
“That’s wrong! I’m a candidate, a candidate. Please don’t misunderstand. Well, I don’t think you’d team up with me because you probably have your own circumstances. In that case, why don’t we have a competition? How about we compete on the number of monsters we hunt?”
Christina was trying to compete with Absolute about everything. Absolute was fed up with being invited over and over again.
“…If I feel like it.”
“Absolute-kun always says that and never pays attention to me. You always try to get away with it by using Browser as a shield. I’m so sad. Boo-hoo.”
Christina put on an intentionally fake cry. Absolute looked at her with a somewhat lonely gaze.
…This might be the last time I talk to Christina. To be honest, her magic skills are quite strong, and I think there would be no danger if we moved as a group, but why did she die in the original story? Can I save her if I team up with her? No, in that case, monsters will also attack Christina's group.
…Let’s stop thinking about it. I’m sorry for Christina, but the most important thing is to subjugate the monsters released by the Church. It’s the worst thing to leave this alone. There is a high probability that they will attack me and my subordinates. Don’t make a mistake in the order of priority.
I’m evil, not a hero of justice. I can’t save everyone.
Absolute didn’t like Christina, but he didn’t want her to die.
If Christina were to be in danger right in front of his eyes, he would probably save her. But he didn’t have the time to worry about Christina, who he didn’t know the reason why she died.
“Christina Zen.”
Absolute called her name.
Christina, called by name, looked at Absolute. It was a somewhat expectant look.
Absolute’s guilt increased as he looked at Christina’s innocent eyes.
“…I’m sorry.”
Words of apology leaked from Absolute’s mouth. These words came because he couldn’t save her, who might die in the future, but she didn’t understand that.
“…? What’s wrong? You’re not acting like yourself.”
“I’m sorry, I’m a busy person. If you want someone to play with, I’ll lend you Mist.”
He changed the subject to gloss over his earlier apology.
I said something uncharacteristic. Maybe if I can wipe out the monsters, I can save Christina too. It’s not decided yet that she’ll die.
Let’s stop being pessimistic by myself.
Mist had a face that seemed to say, “Not again…”
“Absolute-sama… Please, really, please forgive me.
Christina burned two of my clothes the other day, you know?”
Mist earnestly pleaded.
He should have stopped when the first one burned… He probably intentionally burned the second one.
“I’m sorry, Browser. I want to compete with Absolute-kun. Come back stronger after you’ve gotten stronger.”
“Please stop saying that like I was dumped!”
After that, there was no particular progress in the conversation, and the meeting ended. All that remained was to welcome the real thing.
◆
When he returned to the mansion, the Negotiator was being made to work hard by Maria and Uru. In exchange for not taking his life, he was contracted to serve as Absolute’s legs in the future. Of course, his actions and words were bound by contract magic to prevent him from acting against the Ark House or escaping using 【Transfer】, and he was forced to return to Absolute.
By the way, the Negotiator was now cleaning the grass in the mansion’s garden with Uru. Because the Negotiator’s activities were mainly in other countries, his face was not known to the Ark House. Taking advantage of this, he decided to place him in the mansion as a new slave and servant.
“Newbie, don’t clean so sloppily!! Listen up, cleaning is the only thing that guarantees results in life! That’s why you have to do a good job of cleaning.”
As someone who knew about Uru, these were very meaningful words.
Uru’s job at the mansion was just cleaning. In the past, everyone patiently taught her other jobs, but there are some things that people are not suited for. She was clumsy with cooking, laundry, and other things she couldn’t do. But cleaning was different. It can be done by anyone, and the more you do it, the more the results are visible.
The words she said just now were also the lessons she learned after coming to the Ark House. Therefore, she was only strict about cleaning.
“I understand, but please don’t say such sad things, Uru-san. You’re still young, you know.”
While listening to Uru’s sermon, Uru noticed Absolute and approached Absolute.
“Welcome home, Master. This man is quite useful. He can transfer between the mansion and the school, and he learns quickly.”
Uru was happy that she had a junior, so she was actively teaching the Negotiator his job.
“Uru. I’ll borrow this man for a while?”
Absolute and the Negotiator entered a soundproofed room. It was a room created because Uru’s hearing had been underestimated and information had been extracted. The room itself was enchanted to prevent sound from leaking out.
“Ark-san, can’t you do something about my treatment? My real job isn’t as a servant, it’s as a Negotiator. Please don’t make me clean all day. My back is killing me.”
The Negotiator earnestly pleaded.
Unlike before, he wasn’t wearing a mask. His bare face was surprisingly cute, with a boyish look. He looked to be in his late twenties, but no one would be surprised if he said he was the same age.
He dismissed the earnest plea from such a man.
“It can’t be done. You’ve been doing anything for money, right? Then obey without complaining. Don’t think that evil can choose its work. I’m going to procurement now, so transfer quickly.”
“Are you serious… You’re a demon.”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m evil, so I crush my enemies without mercy. Let’s go.”
Absolute left the mansion by 【Transfer】 with the Negotiator to prepare for the field training exercise.
The turbulent field training exercise will begin next week.
