NOVEL WEB Chapter 91.1
Stage 3-25. Unwelcome/Welcome Surprise
A few days have passed since that hectic incident.
A wealth of evidence was discovered linking Juke Andraus to Frone of Thunder, leading to his secret execution by the kingdom.
Apparently, it was a decision made after my father spoke to His Majesty, a performance meant to lower public unrest.
In reality, the man is held in the kingdom’s underground prison. There’s no reason to kill someone who serves as a source of information.
That said, it seems he’s mentally broken and no longer capable of coherent responses—serves him right.
Judging by how he kept things that should’ve been discarded, Andraus was likely a fanatic to the core.
Still, his attempt to shift blame onto Frone in the end shows his own survival mattered most.
The series of events brought about many changes. Among the nobility, Juke Andraus’ absence has caused significant ripples, sparking hidden conflicts among corrupt lords vying to take over his slave trade.
However, none of them wield the same influence as the Andraus family. The kingdom seems to be taking advantage of this to expose and eliminate these fools.
That’s the change for society at large.
As for what has changed around me…
“…Ouga-sama. Please open your mouth—say ‘ah.’”
“Ah.”
Alice, now back in her role as a maid, has been attending to me more diligently than ever.
The reason lies in my right arm, wrapped tightly in bandages.
It seems the aftereffects of [Limit Break – Steel], which I used in my battle against the brainwashed Alice, still linger, leaving a constant dull ache.
[Recovery] only works on cuts caused by a blade, so I’ve been enduring these days with my arm immobilized.
Even my body, blessed by the heavens, can’t withstand consecutive activations of [Limit Break – Steel].
Getting this battered from just one exchange means I’ll have to seal that ability away for a while.
When I realized my arm was useless, it took a lot to stop Alice from trying to sever her own arm to make up for it…
After much convincing, she now acts as my “right arm” (literally), taking care of me as a proper maid.
Perhaps because of this, Alice has unusually refused to let Mashiro or anyone else take over this role.
“Thank you for the meal.”
“You’re most welcome. Ouga-sama, are you alright for the restroom?”
“I’m fine. I can manage that much on my own—you don’t need to follow me.”
“Is that so…?”
Also, I feel as if the emotional distance between us has shrunk.
She used to be careful about suppressing her feelings, but that restraint is gone.
Maybe she’s let go of something inside her.
I’d appreciate it if she didn’t sulk about not being able to follow me to the restroom, though.
“…Looks like it’s about time.”
A glance at the clock shows it’s the hour Father had called me.
As I stand and head to the office, Alice opens the door for me.
For some reason, a wheelchair is waiting in the hallway.
“…Alice. What’s this?”
“I prepared it in case you fall and worsen your injury, Ouga-sama.”
I was secretly surprised there was a valid reason instead of her usual recklessness.
If that’s the case, I’ll let her handle it.
I settle into the wheelchair, and Alice carefully pushes it.
“If I’m this pampered, I might end up useless.”
“You have a tendency to bear everything alone, Ouga-sama. I believe this level of care is just right.”
“Do you think so? …Well, you’re probably right. Once my arm heals, I’ll need you to join me for plenty of training.”
“Understood. I’ll prepare a rehabilitation menu.”
“I’m already dreading the rebound from slacking off too long.”
“Let’s take it slow and regain your sense of balance.”
…Yes, having slow moments like this isn’t bad.
In fact, I wouldn’t mind if they lasted forever.
These recent days have been exactly what I aimed for—being cared for by a beautiful girl and living leisurely.
“Oh, stairs. Guess I’ll get up now.”
“No need. Please remain seated—I’ll carry you.”
Alice effortlessly lifts the wheelchair, descending the stairs without so much as a wobble.
At the far end of the corridor lies the office we’re headed to.
“Thank you, Alice. On the way back—”
“I’ll wait here for you, so rest assured.”
“—Alright. I’ll leave it to you.”
There’s nothing wrong with letting her do as she pleases.
“And one more thing, Ouga-sama. Please take this now.”
What she handed me was a cute, pink letter.
Our correspondence continues steadily.
Thanks to it, I’ve learned new things about Alice.
Like her fondness for sour fruits or slight fear of dogs—little details, but they’re enough.
It’s better than only having conversations about combat or magic as before.
…Now that I think about it, earlier, we did end up talking about muscles again.
I’ll make sure to expand on the insights from her letters next time. Yes.
Resolving to do so, I pocket the letter, noticing Alice’s gaze fixed on me, her movements slightly fidgety.
“…What’s wrong?”
“…I apologize. I’m not used to this. Ouga-sama, when you’ve read the letter, I would greatly appreciate a prompt reply.”
“Oh, that’s all? I’ll take care of it—right after my talk with Father, I’ll read it.”
“…! Y-Yes…!”
Satisfied, she nods. Seeing her request things like this is a welcome change.
I can’t keep Father waiting too long. Knocking on the door, I announce myself.
“Come in, Ouga.”
“Excuse me, Father—”
For a moment, my mind goes blank.
Across from Father’s seat sits someone I recognize.
…Wait, isn’t that His Majesty the King? Why is the King here at our estate…?
No, that’s not the point!
I hurriedly kneel, bowing my head in greeting.
“My deepest apologies, Your Majesty King Anbald!”
“Hahaha! This is our first meeting, Ouga Vellet. It seems my foolish son owes you much. …Talented young man, show me your brave face.”
“Your words are far too kind! If I may, excuse my impudence.”
With permission, I raise my head and sit beside Father, who pats the seat beside him.
He seems to be enjoying my reaction…
“Father. If His Majesty was visiting, you should have informed me beforehand.”
“Gahaha! It’s a surprise, a surprise! You were startled, weren’t you?”
“I thought my heart would leap out…”
“Hahaha, forgive me, Ouga. I asked Gordon to keep it quiet. Don’t be too harsh on him.”
If the King himself says so, I can’t argue further.
Feigning obedience to the highest authority is my policy for avoiding trouble.
“Now that Ouga is here, let’s get straight to the point.”
“…My apologies. I wasn’t informed of the matter at all…”
“No need to apologize. This is the first time it’s being revealed. And Ouga, this concerns you greatly.”
“Me…?”
The King nods with a wide grin.
“This recent incident with Andraus—you played a significant role, didn’t you?”
“…No. It was only possible with Father and Reyna’s support. And ultimately, it was driven by personal motives.”
“Still, the result was the elimination of one of Frone’s roots. As King, I cannot let that go unrecognized. Therefore, the kingdom has decided to bestow something upon you.”
Wait a second. I’m getting a bad feeling about this.
If the surprise was meant to hide it from me…
…There’s one thing that comes to mind.
No, it can’t be. There’s no way…
But my fears are confirmed in an instant.
“Ouga Vellet, in light of your accomplishments, it has been decided you will receive the title of ‘Saint!’”
N-Nooooooooo!!
Wearing a strained smile, I let out a silent scream in my heart.
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