Chapter 31: The Conference Dances On, Endlessly

About two weeks had passed since the “King’s Match” with Shion Ace. On that particular day, I found myself attending a meeting with the ministers who steered the nation—me, the Sword King, sitting among them.

I hadn’t received any formal education, and even the so-called advantage of memories from my previous life had mostly faded into uselessness. Still, I believed there was meaning in simply being present, so I listened. But as expected, the discussion was filled with difficult topics, and I couldn’t find a single opening to speak.

Well… perhaps that was fine. The role of someone at the top was to take responsibility. Leave the details to experts, and ask honestly about anything you don’t understand. I was a former commoner—there was nothing to lose by asking questions.

"Now then, the mining site acquired during the last ‘King’s Match’ has officially become part of our territory without issue. The previous administrator has agreed to cooperate under the condition that they do not belong to any nation."

"Not belonging to any nation… then how do they even make a living?"

Belonging to a country meant protection, aid, backing—countless advantages.

Even here in Swordria, nobles governed various regions, forming the structure of the country. A newly acquired territory wouldn’t immediately gain a lord, sure—but choosing not to belong anywhere at all? What did that even mean?

Perhaps my confusion showed on my face. One of the civil officers requested permission to speak, and seeing no reason to refuse, I gestured for him to continue.

"The mining site and its surrounding lands have repeatedly been used as stakes in past ‘King’s Matches.’ As a result, the inhabitants developed a strong aversion to national affiliation. The lord at the time declared independence, and that state has continued to this day."

"And the Kingdom of Yaranli wagered land like that in a ‘King’s Match’? Isn’t that basically a scam?!"

"In exchange, we’ve secured priority purchasing rights for magic stones at lower prices than other nations. Effectively, you can think of it as obtaining preferential trade rights."

…That made sense. It was a decision shaped by a system where everything was decided through “King’s Matches” instead of wars or invasions.

Still, didn’t that make them uneasy? Relying on rules that might not last forever?

Then again… most people were too busy surviving the present to worry about an uncertain future.

"Well, at least we don’t have to deal with the hassle of succession or recruiting workers. What about the magic stone trade?"

"Twenty percent of domestic transactions are purchased by the royal palace. The expense is considerable, however…"

"That’s because I use a lot of them!! Making new inventions and improving old ones used to be a pain, but this will make things much easier!!"

"That is correct. Trade with merchants is handled by the deputy director, Elius. Of course, he is not alone—one of us always assists him. Still, he shows great promise."

"Fuhaha!! Of course he does!! He’s my childhood friend!! There’s not much he can’t do!!"

Watching Clarisse beam with pride as she praised Elius… something warm welled up inside me. A smile, maybe tears… something close to reverence.

"Your Majesty, some fresh tea."

Just as I nearly clasped my hands in devotion, a cup was offered from beside me. Standing there was Hikari, dressed as a maid, always by my side.

Unlike in private, she was in full work mode now, using the formal speech she’d learned from Alicia. But while her words and posture were polite, her eyes clearly said: Don’t do anything unnecessary.

As expected of my childhood friend. She read my thoughts instantly and stepped in to stop me.

…Was I really that easy to read?

"Speaking of the laboratory, the elf His Majesty brought back is proving quite capable. Not quite a genius like me, of course, but she has the perspective of someone who’s lived a long life."

The elf, Carol, whom I had brought from the Forest of Magic Mist, had been appointed assistant director of the Magic Research Lab. I’d assumed she’d start at the bottom, but Clarisse had strongly recommended her.

I worried that such a sudden promotion might cause resentment—but it didn’t.

Because the lab was full of people who cared only about magical tools and research. In other words… a collection of dangerous eccentrics.

Better to have them under watch than scattered unpredictably. That might sound harsh, but… just think of what happened with Tricopisra the other day. That scale was rare, sure—but similar incidents weren’t.

"So no problems!! Now I’m just wondering what to make with the leftover budget!!"

"I don’t mind since you make things better and cheaper than requested—but tell Elius beforehand, okay? If something goes wrong, I’ll cut your budget."

"U-Understood… The budget is important, after all."

Even so, they’d probably keep doing whatever they wanted. Still, better to warn them than not.

Even in the faint remnants of my past-life memories, people like them never stopped. And while they caused chaos, they were often useful too. Trying to suppress them completely would only backfire.

…I knew that well. I was one of them.

"Speaking of budgets—any other issues?"

"The Knight Order is dissatisfied with the budget cuts. I’d like the Finance Minister to explain."

The Knight Commander, Richard, spoke in a heavy, imposing tone.

Of course… everyone wanted more money.

More funds meant more possibilities.

The Finance Minister, Clifford, a thin, bespectacled man, responded calmly.

"The previous budget was allocated to compensate for His Majesty’s absence during ‘King’s Matches.’ Now that His Majesty is present, it is more efficient to redistribute those funds elsewhere."

"I understand the reasoning. However, a 40% reduction would force us to scale down training. At least limit it to 20%."

"With the newly acquired mine, supplies can be obtained more cheaply. The impact should be minimal."

"Supplies are not the only expense. Movement costs for military exercises also come from this budget. At this rate, we won’t even be able to move properly."

"…Then perhaps reduce the frequency of exercises?"

"That may suffice for solo battles like the recent ‘King’s Match.’ But for group battles, overall coordination is essential. Reducing training would leave us unprepared."

…Complicated.

Both sides had valid points. Neither could back down.

They could argue forever and get nowhere.

So this… was where I stepped in.

"Alright, that’s enough for now. The issue is budget allocation, right? Cutting the Knight Order’s budget—is that non-negotiable?"

"The Knight Order has historically received a large share. Redistributing it would allow us to implement policies previously impossible without Your Majesty—such as supporting slum districts through the Sword King Church."

"…And disease control too, huh."

Fighting alone had been easier.

This—negotiations, compromises—was exhausting.

But even as a figurehead, I was still king.

I couldn’t just watch people suffer.

"…Okay. Then let’s reduce the Knight Order’s cut from 40% to 30%. In exchange, increase the Magic Research Lab’s budget slightly. I want something made."

"Hmm? Unexpected. What do you want us to make?"

"A magic tool that recreates the dream-reality link of the Forest of Magic Mist."

"…That might be possible, especially with the elf’s experience. But it could take half a year."

"That’s fine. Take your time—make it right. Then we’ll have the Knight Order use it."

The power of that forest… it was incredible.

But impractical for training.

So we’d recreate it artificially.

And maybe… just maybe…

Others could share that experience.

That suffering.

"I’ll also have negotiations pushed so that future ‘King’s Matches’ are handled solo—for now. Is that alright, Minister Depron?"

"Leave it to me, Your Majesty."

"…I’m not entirely satisfied, but I accept."

That settled it.

Not perfect—but good enough.

The tension eased.

…Finally, the meeting was over.

My shoulders ached.

I wanted a massage.

"Now then, the final agenda item: His Majesty’s marriage."

"—PFFFT!?!!?"

"No objections."

"…Marriage?"

…Wait.

What?

"No, hold on!! I never heard about this! If I get married, won’t that create a royal family?!"

"Yes. That is the goal."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN!? Everyone agrees with this!? Raise your hands if you agree!!"

Everyone—except Clarisse—raised their hands without hesitation.

They’d planned this.

Those bastards.

"Your Majesty, please calm yourself. This is of great importance."

"Importance?"

"As seen today, having an absolute leader is vital. We wish to establish a royal bloodline… and have Your Majesty reign as king."

…I understood their logic.

But still—

"The first Sword King said whoever draws the holy sword becomes the next king, right?"

"And the next king was you, Your Majesty. After that, could we not choose a different method?"

…You know what that’s called?

A loophole.

"Many nobles are already discussing this after the last ‘King’s Match.’ For Swordria’s future, this is the correct path."

Too many leaders caused chaos.

But no absolute leader… caused problems too.

"…We will consider how to choose the next king. But creating a royal family—this must be decided now. Without a king, negotiations and controlling the nobles become incredibly difficult…!"

The civil officer spoke with visible exhaustion.

Dark circles still lingered under his eyes.

"…Also, we’ve received many inquiries from the public. About when Your Majesty will marry Lady Alicia… and whether Lady Hikari will be cast aside."

"I feel like I’m being cornered without even knowing it!!"

…This wasn’t stopping.

With a distant look, I turned—

—and saw Hikari and Alicia behind me.

Both… bright red.

Too embarrassed to hide their faces during the meeting.

And for once, I got to see it clearly.

…That alone made me strangely satisfied.