Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi
chapter-455-1-30041322

“So, ‘That’ Adventurer wishes to offer me a tribute?”

There was only one dungeon city in Our [1] country, which is the City of Brixt. The Guild Master from the Royal City had arrived, bearing items sent over by the Brixt Guild Master. The items were now laid out on the table before Us.

They were gifts from that ‘That’ Adventurer.

Seated beside Us, the empress had already been enraptured by the sight of the glittering jewels.

It is not difficult for Us to understand her feelings. Even as king, it is rare to clap eyes on items as rare as these.

“Indeed, they are gifts acknowledging the courtesy for which the country had shown him thus far. They are gifts of good faith. The only wish they would care to ask in return is for that same consideration to continue in the future.”

“Such excellent sentiments, although We have done little to merit it. Indeed, there is nothing a king of a country to do to the one who has tamed a Fenrir as their familiar.”

The value of the loyalty of a Legendary Beast Fenrir is immeasurable.

At first, We had thought of somehow binding its loyalty to this country but a letter from Leonhart’s King soon woke Us out of Our illusions.

‘Should you anger the Fenrir, the entire country would be endangered’

Had We treated this matter carelessly, We would have been the last king of this country.

“Is ‘That’ Adventurer in question called Mukouda? Apart from the Fenrir, We heard that they have also acquired another outrageously powerful companion. Is this true?”

The people who brought this news to Our ears are not prone to lies. Even so, the tale is too outrageous to be acknowledged.

“Indeed, Mukouda-san had contracted the Ancient Dragon as a familiar. I have not seen it with my own eyes, but there is no doubt the news is true.”

The Guild Master’s reply made Us sigh.

“Haahhh… The last news We received was of Mukouda dungeon diving at Brixt. How did he end up with an Ancient Dragon familiar? In the first place, We never heard anything about an Ancient Dragon in the dungeons…”

“No, that is correct. The Brixt Guild Master had confirmed this with Mukouda-san. It would appear that the Ancient Dragon had invaded the land 200 years ago and settled at the lowest floor of Brixt dungeon then…”

“200 years ago? The City of Brixt have already been established then and the dungeon was strictly guarded. Moreover, given the dragon’s size… how could its presence go undetected all this time?”

“It would appear that the Ancient Dragon could change its size at will. According to Brixt Guild Master’s report, its current size is no bigger than the Fenrir.”

“Well, well, to think it has such an ability too… Hmm, what do you think of this Mukouda?”

To not only subdue the Fenrir, but the Ancient Dragon as well. This Mukouda has acquired tremendous military power. ‘Are you planning to conquer the entire continent…?’

“The Vice Guild Master of Brixt has asked after Mukouda’s intentions as well. ‘That’ Adventurer had denied such ambitions and the Vice Guild Master appeared to believe him. According to the report, in the Vice Guild Master’s opinion: Considering Mukouda-san’s personality, I detected no lie in his words.”

“Oh?”

“Indeed, there is also another promise from the Ancient Dragon ‘So long as you do not threaten my master, I shall not retaliate’, to that effect.”

“Fumu, I see…”

Even so, the opponents this time were a Fenrir and an Ancient Dragon. If they truly desire to destroy this country, there was very little we could do about it.

“Dear, you can’t help but worry, yes? Well, aside from ourselves, is there any country that could even defend against a Fenrir and an Ancient Dragon?” the queen, who had been mesmerized by the sparkling jewellery just now, finally pulled back enough to remark.

“Well, that is true, but…”

“But nothing. What use is there to spend your time thinking about things that cannot be helped? If ‘That’ Adventurer called Mukouda had made ridiculous demands of us, it is our obligation as leaders of the country to find ways to deal with him. However, he appeared to be a peace-loving sort, is that not so?”

The final question was aimed towards the Guild Master.

“Yes, from all reports gathered. Mukouda-san appeared to be a free spirit with no interest in either status or power. He truly did seem to wish for a free life as a normal Adventurer.”

“Well now, what do you think? My dear king?”

“U-umu, certainly, nothing would come out of overthinking the matter.”

“Indeed, dear. Now, rather than trying to force Mukouda into any position, we can allow ‘That’ Adventurer to be as free and comfortable in our kingdom as he likes. Who knows, he might like it so much that he will return again with more gifts.”

“Indeed, indeed, you’re right, my dear. That said, I think we should send out another memo to all the aristocrats and major institutions in our country about Mukouda. Although it is unlikely that anyone would be stupid enough to offend ‘That’ Adventurer…”

“Aside from those idiot Rubanovs…”

“What? Truly?”

“Indeed, it happened after Mukouda-san decided to participate in acts of charity and…”

After hearing the explanation from the Guild Master, We found Ourselves both horrified and amused.

“Those idiots!”

“Indeed.”

“What if Mukouda took offence and destroy our country thanks to some fool’s stupidity!?”

When the Church of Rubanov applied to spread its teachings in our country, Our first instinct was to refuse them. However, due to our country’s policy of maintaining a liberal view when it comes to race, religion and species, it was difficult to deny them. In the end, We had allowed them into the country to preach their ridiculous beliefs.

We had never felt comfortable having them here, even so, We had not expected them to be so stupid.

Who in their right mind would demand money from a Master of a Fenrir and an Ancient Dragon? Idiots! That’s who!!

Did no one stop them in their folly?!

What if their idiocy caused Mukouda to flatten our country out of anger?!

“Unfortunately, the Rubanov Sect is filled with money-grubbing idiots,” said the Guild Master.

“Dear, don’t you think this is an excellent opportunity to drive the Rubanov Sect out of our country?”

“Your Majesty, excuse my rudeness, but the Queen is right. The Rubanov Sect had been ignoring the country’s policy of free religion and often preached small-minded discrimination and their greed for money is infamous. Their actions resulted in nothing but trouble. Mukouda-san is a mild-mannered person, and even he did not like them. In fact, the altercation came about because Mukouda did not donate money to them. These fools actually came to Mukouda’s door to threaten him for money…”

“… those fools threatened a house guarded by Fenrir and Ancient Dragon?”

“Indeed.”

“We must drive them out before their foolishness brings calamity to our country.”

“Dear, I am not versed in money business, but it looks to me that having someone like Mukouda-san who contributes to social welfare is better than a sect that does its best to suck the life out of our people.”

“Indeed,” the King stared at the table full of sparkling things. The set of sapphire jewellery, complete with a ring, earrings and a necklace with a large sapphire pendant was not only precious in raw material, but its workmanship was quite exquisite as well.

“Dear, I have decided. I shall wear this sapphire set for our next party. I shall be the centre of attention with these~~”

“Fuhahaha, at least my dear Queen is happy~”

As for myself, this golden Zlatorog horn will have a place in the royal chamber.

[Gumihou: U-ugh… Royal language and euphemisms galore… so difficult… uuuhhh…]

[1] Royal ‘We’