Cheat Magician Life That Started From Being Judged Useless

Cheat Magician (Hazure Hantei) Chapter 223

New Year's ceremony

***---***

 On the morning of New Year's Day, it was better to have a solemn Japanese style.

 On the morning of New Year's Day, the party room was filled with corpses.

 This was the result of continuing to drink even after the party started last night.

 Around the New Year, sofas and tables were added, and after alcohol and simple snacks were added, the waitstaff disappeared.

 Perhaps, we won't bother you from here on out, so you guys can do what you want, it must have been like that.

 One by one, the participants who continued to drink were passed out and rolled on a sofa.

 Baldini had disappeared before I knew it, and Augusto-san also withdrew to his room on the way.

 Yuika and Manon seemed to be staying in Riche's room, and I tried to go with them, but Klaus-san grabbed me and made me drink.

 I wanted to have a 'mufufu' time with the three of them and see the first dream of the year alongside them, how cruel.

 Tadao-san was also there, but he was in a rather sluggish state, and I got the feeling he 

 Around that time, my memory began to blur, and when I woke up, I had fallen deeply asleep sitting superficially on the sofa.

"Nuaah, my neck ... My head ... My voice ..."

[ Buhahaha, Kent-sama, you drank a lot last night. ]

"Ahh, Reinhardt, don't raise your voice too loudly, it will resound in my head ..."

[ Kent-sama, wouldn't it be easier if you applied self-healing? ]

"Ahh, maybe so ..."

 After taking a deep breath, I applied self-healing magic to my whole body, and the pain in my neck and the discomfort of my hangover went away.

 Yup, self-healing is the best, if I could use this power in perfect condition even in Japan, I feel like I could work as a salaryman.

"Ahh, that's more comfortable."

[ Kent-sama, can you get up? ]

"Yup, what time is it now?"

[ It's still early in the morning, there is still some time before noon. ]

"Then, I'll get dressed first, and then prepare to go to Aldaros."

 Klaus-san, the host of the party, and Donovan-san, who was unusually drunk, seemed to be in a stupor, so I left a note.

 By the way, before leaving the mansion after eating the leftovers, I looked into Beatriche's room and found that the three of them were sleeping together on the same bed.

 Beatriche was sleeping in the center, and Yuika and Manon were sleeping on both sides.

 Everyone stayed up quite late, so let's let them sleep a little longer.

 Or rather, I also wanted to greet the morning here.

 I returned to the boarding house in the shadows, washed up, and changed into my normal clothes.

[ Kent-sama, are you going to Aldaros? ]

"Before that, let's stop by the Devil's Forest training ground."

[ Do you need to do something. ]

"Yup, I've used up all my spear golems, so I'm thinking of replenishing them."

 In the series of battles between the Gigases and the Hydra, most of the large, medium, and small spear golems had been used up.

 I didn't think there would be many opponents who I would need to use the Spear of Condemnation against, but it was meaningless if I couldn't use it in an emergency.

 When I lightly moved my body at the training ground, my head also began to start working.

"Speaking of which, is the temporary wall of the royal castle completed?"

[ Of course. It has already been completed and the magic of hardening was also applied. Unless it's an earth-attribute magician, it should take a considerable amount of time to destroy it. ]

"Everyone, you did your best. Alright, come here!"

 After being mobbed by everyone in the Kobold Corps, I made a variety of spear golems and had the Kobolds and Zeta-tachi apply hardening magic to them.

 I also exchanged New Year's greetings with Zae-tachi who gathered in full force.

"Everyone, a Happy New Year to you all."

"We are always at My King's side. Command us at any time."

"Thank you, I hope you'll accompany me to the royal capital soon. I want to prepare for an attack."

"As you command, My King."

 I asked Basten and Fred, who had been asked to monitor Shiron and Kuujo to return.

"Basten, Fred, a Happy New Year to you."

[ Happy New Year, Kent-sama. ]

[ This year, the year when Kent-sama rules Resenburg ... Happy New Year ... ]

"No, no, I'm not going to be King. So, how are Shiron and Kuujo doing?"

[ No movement at all. Just as Kent-sama predicted, the attack on the royal capital is the winning pick. ]

[ They also have the strength of the knights ... We should concentrate on the royal capital ... ]

"Is that so. Then, you two should come to the capital as well."

 I put the spear golems in the shadow storage and moved to the royal castle of Aldaros.

 The city of the royal capital was also decorated to celebrate the New Year just like Volzard, but perhaps because it was still early, there weren't many people passing by.

 Before heading to Camilla's room, let's check if the security system we discussed is in place.

 The royal castle originally had four gates and drawbridges, but only two bridges had been lowered today.

 The bridge on one side was for entering the royal castle, and the other was for exiting, in other words, they are trying to make the flow of people one-way.

 There was a checkpoint about 500 meters before the bridge on the entrance side, and youths that were young boys and older, excluding female children, had their identities verified using guild cards.

 Not only that, there would be a further checkpoint just before the bridge, and they planned to pick up suspicious individuals and conduct detailed background checks.

 After crossing the bridge and passing through the gate, the route to the place where Camilla would give the greetings was decided, and walls had been built to prevent anyone from entering a place other than those that were designated.

 It seemed that patrols by knights had already been carried out, and they were keeping an eye on surveillance here and there.

 In a situation where the whereabouts of Havre Calvine could not be determined, and the dark-attribute magician who repeatedly attacked using the Undead had not been arrested, if it was said that there was a high possibility of an attack, it was only natural that the knights who had been outwitted so far would wait impatiently for their opportunity.

 As for Camilla, she was not in her own room in the inner palace, but in the room where the King did their work.

 A red coat and white riding breeches, polished black boots, a breastplate of shiny gold armor in the background, along with a pure white cloak was prepared.

 With a firm expression, Camilla seemed to be holding a final meeting with the leaders of the Knight Order, including Knight Commander Berdets.

 At the long table, five people were on each side of Camilla's view, and each of the ten knights had a stern look on their face.

 Of course, they shouldn't be drinking and relaxing, and they seemed to be having a detailed meeting.

 I put out a shield of darkness at a position facing Camilla across the table, and went out with Reinhardt and the others.

 The moment she saw me, Camilla sprang to her feet, and the knights all stood up at the same time.

 As Camilla circled the table, she walked quickly to me and then knelt and bowed her head.

 The knights also knelt and bowed their heads.

"A Happy New Year to you, Maou-sama."

"Happy New Year, Camilla. Is security in order?"

"Ha!, thanks to you, we were able to secure the number of knights, and the temporary construction of the walls inside the royal castle were completed. Right now, we're just doing the final confirmation."

"It's fine, keep checking."

"Ha!, as you wish."

 I sat across the table from Camilla and asked

 After all the confirmation work, Camilla asked for my opinion.

"Maou-sama, is there anything missing?"

"Nope, I think it's well planned."

"Thank you very much. Then, could you say something to the knights?"

"Ehh, from me?"

"Yes, if you please."

 Guu, I didn't expect this, but I couldn't escape in this situation, could I.

"Then, a few words. The security situation I was told was something that I felt was well thought out down to the smallest details, even though I don't know much about the structure of the royal castle. If it were a normal opponent, I think this would be enough, but the opponent is that Havre Calvine. There is a high possibility of an attack that exceeds our expectations. I promise Camilla's safety, so I want everyone to do their best to ensure the safety of the citizens. And today, I want you to face things with the intention of settling things with Havre. That's it."

 The knights followed Camilla and rose to their feet, gave me a salute that made a loud sound, and then dispersed to their posts.

 I returned the Resenburg salute, but I don't think it was conventional like Reinhardt and the others.

 The Knight Commander also left, leaving only us and Camilla in the room where the meeting was held.

"I was able to see the security system inside and outside the castle, but it seems that preparations are complete."

"Yes, but it's the first security system, so it's inevitable that unforeseen circumstances will occur."

"That's right. If you think that everything will go well, everything will go wrong."

"Since Maou-sama has instructed us that unexpected situations might occur, the knights will also try to respond flexibly."

"No, no, my words are like the nonsense of an outsider's child ..."

"Far from it. The turmoil at the Chamber of Proceedings the other day, and the repatriation technique that sent the knights to the royal castle. Currently, among the knights, Maou-sama is thought of as the guardian deity of the kingdom."

 That being said, it was probably only the knights who saw my actions directly, and there should still be resistance among the knights who hadn't actually seen it.

"Maa, I don't care about my reputation, but do you have any idea where the all important Havre is?"

"Yes, we receive a lot of information every day, but none of it is reliable, and it feels like the information itself is to confuse us."

"If that's the case, it might end in vain today as well, but don't let your guard down."

"Yes, umm ... Will Maou-sama give your protection today?"

"Yup, I promised the knights too. I will be watching from the shadows until the citizens finish their visit."

"Thank you very much. I am able to attend the ceremony with confidence, thanks to your unparalleled support."

 I approached Camilla, who bowed her head slightly, and hugged her.

"Maou-sama ..."

"I'm with you. You intend to unify the country of Resenburg, take countermeasures against desertification, and hand over the throne to Diethelm after you finish paying compensation to Japan, right?"

"Yes, you are right."

"Until then, I don't think we'll ever be able to marry each other, but as long as Camilla continues to be a King who cares about her people, I'll support her, so don't worry."

"Maou-sama, thank you very much."

 I hugged Camilla, whose eyes were moist, even tighter.

 While the Citizens' Visiting Ceremony was being held, I was going to be on standby near Camilla, but I didn't feel comfortable doing it alone, so I asked Fred for assistance.

 Reinhardt would wait in a position overlooking the venue of the ceremony, and Basten was in a position overlooking the entrance gate.

 Also, I had Zae-tachi patrol the water moat surrounding the royal castle, which could not be covered by the knights.

 My genus were powerful, but from the point of view of the citizens of Aldaros, they probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference from ordinary monsters, so their appearance could cause panic.

 I planned to thoroughly follow up from inconspicuous and invisible places.

[ Kent-sama, citizens are starting to gather soon. ]

"Has there been any confusion?"

[ It seems to be fine for now, but it seems that there will be a little confusion during the time when the number of people increases. ]

 According to Camilla and the others, the security method had been changed, and it seemed that the citizens were notified that a guild card was required for adult males to enter, but since they were only just notified of this yesterday, there may be a conflict with those who visit without knowing it.

 Even those who arrived early and were able to enter the castle without any confusion seemed to be confused by the security, which had changed dramatically from previous years.

 As the time for the ceremony approached, the maids prepared Camilla's clothes and hair.

 I intended to watch from the shadow space, but at Camilla's request, I went outside until just before the ceremony and waited in a place where I could be seen.

 The maid who didn't know the situation gave me a suspicious look, but when the maid who seemed to be familiar with the situation whispered into her ear, she gave me a meaningful look and nodded.

 Huh, I wonder what she said.

[ As Princess Camilla's lover ... The Maou who rules over Resenburg from the shadows ... ]

[ No, no, lover you say ... Is it useless to say that? But, I have no intention of ruling Resenburg. ]

[ But, even if Diethelm becomes King ... He can't go against Kent-sama ... ]

[ That may be true, but I have no intention of imposing unreasonable demands on him. ]

[ A true King is ... A being who doesn't make you feel like you're being ruled ... That's Kent-sama ... ]

[ I don't mean to do so, but I want the citizens of Resenburg to live in peace. ]

[ That is enough ... I ask of you for Resenburg ... ]

 Even if the country had changed greatly from the time when they were alive, Fred still had feelings for his homeland.

 Furthermore, today was the first day of the New Year, and it was also the day Camilla declared her succession to the throne.

 I think it's only natural to wish for things to become even a bit better for your home country.

"Camilla-sama, it's about time."

"Alright, I'll be right there."

 After giving a short reply to the Knight Commander who came to inform us of the time limit for the ceremony, Camilla stood up from her chair, asked the maid to put on her cloak, and walked over to me.

 Her eyes seemed determined, but the corners of her lips seemed to tremble.

"Then, Maou-sama, let's go."

"Yup, I'll be watching from the shadows."

"Yes."

 I hugged her softly so as not to ruin her hair, and then hid in the shadows.

 The front yard where the ceremony was to be held was packed with so many citizens that there was almost no room to breathe.

 At first glance, it looked like there were more than 10,000 people.

 Between the balcony where Camilla would appear and the citizens, full-plate knights were lined up with drawn swords.

 While intimidating the citizens, they showed that they had no intention of wielding their swords.

 When the citizens entered the castle, it seemed that there was a dispute when it was crowded, but when the armed knights showed a resolute attitude, the citizens withdrew.

 In the usual security, the knights were lightly dressed, and a fully equipped knight like today seemed to have an intimidating effect just by their appearance.

 After passing through two checkpoints, the flow of people seemed to flow smoothly, although some were surprised by the changed look of the castle.

 Surprisingly, the King himself would not show up at the annual ceremony, and a body double would climb onto the balcony and wave to the citizens.

 If he didn't say a word to the citizens and just waved his hand, it may be that there was no problem even if he wasn't the person himself.

 The body double would disguise himself as fat, but he wasn't so fat that it was difficult for him to walk like the King himself, so his complexion was perfectly healthy.

 For that reason, the gathered citizens let out a roar of surprise when Camilla appeared instead of the King.

"Hey, isn't that Camilla-sama."

"That's right, it's Camilla-sama, but what happened to the King?"

"The Princes aren't in sight either, were the rumors true?"

"But, what's wrong with the King and the Princes?"

"Calm down! Calm down! In a moment, Camilla-sama will give you a word, listen carefully!"

 When the knight who stood on the balcony raised his voice, the citizens who had gathered rather than being quiet, they roared loudly.

 Normally, even if the royal family appeared at New Year's ceremonies, they wouldn't say anything.

 With neither the King nor the Princes present, it would be impossible not to be surprised at the unprecedented situation in which only Camilla showed up, and, on top of that, spoke to the citizens.

"Heey, calm down! Everyone, calm down!"

 Even though the knight's face turned bright red and he yelled, the citizens' roar did not seem to stop.

"It's fine, back down ..."

 Camilla, who stopped the knight from continuing to yell, continued walking to the front of the balcony, and moved her right hand from top to bottom, seeing this, the crowd closed their mouths and pricked up their ears.

"I have something to say to everyone."

 Without shouting, without yelling, even so, Camilla's words seemed to permeate every corner of the populace.

"My father, King Alexis Resenburg, has passed away."

 With Camilla's words, there was a breathtaking roar, but that also was suppressed by simply the movement of Camilla's right hand.

"Not only my Father, but also the First Prince, Alphonse, the Second Prince, Bernst, and the Third Prince, Christoph, died due to Havre Calvine's machinations."

 Hearing that not only the King, but also three Princes died at the hands of the aristocrats, an incomparable roar spread.

"What's going on, not just the King, but also the Princes."

"I also heard that there was a power struggle within the royal family."

"What about the Fourth Prince, if I'm not mistaken, he's Camilla-sama's younger brother, right?"

"Did she even kill her own brother to take the throne?"

"Calm down! Camilla-sama is in the middle of speaking, calm down!"

"It's fine, I told you to back down ..."

 Camilla waited until the people had finished talking, then gestured several times to tell them to calm down.

"At this time, without Father or my brothers, for Diethelm to carry the country on his back, he is still too young. Therefore, I will succeed the throne and rule Resenburg. Everyone's anxiety is quite natural, but there is no need to worry about it. As long as this me is here, I will show you unprecedented prosperity and glory. Follow me!"

 When Camilla spread her hands as if she were flapping her pure white cloak, the crowd erupted in cheers that shook the ground.

"Long live Queen Camilla! Long live the Kingdom of Resenburg!"

"Glory to Queen Camilla! Glory to the Kingdom of Resenburg!"

 There probably were shills mixed in among the people and were inciting them, and at a time when most of the citizens were screaming feverishly.

 Zuuuuuun!

 Vibrations and explosions shook the air as they pushed up through the ground.