In my world, 12th birthday is celebrated in a big way. But I am a slave. I have nothing to do with such celebrations.
However, my maid sisters congratulated me and went out of their way to prepare a delicious feast for me. I was moved by this, as I should have been. Between you and me, it is a secret that after I thanked them with tears in my eyes, I was completely hooked on the food, and they were so angry with me that they had to give me an iron fist in my face.
One night, when Lady Elsa had finished her meal, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suddenly arrived. His appearance was always unexpected. Perhaps because he is too busy to leave the palace, when he has free time, he visits the Barsamu family as if he had a sudden idea. However, she does not appear when Lady Elsa is not at home, so it seems that she checks if Lady Elsa is at home.
Since he became the regent, his visits have been quite infrequent. She must be very busy with her political affairs. Come to think of it, the Marquis de Berthaume has not been seen recently either.
His inauguration ceremony was a grand affair. The royal capital was heavily guarded by 100,000 heavily-dressed royal troops, so the atmosphere was a bit tense and somewhat stuffy.
"Well, it's been a long time. I heard that you have reached adulthood, so I came to congratulate you.
Thank you, Your Highness. To receive such words from this slave..."
No, I am in your debt. This much is only natural."
At the regent's inaugural banquet, he showed 30 live golden birds. The sight of these fantastic birds chirping and flying about astonished all who attended. Of course, this was only possible because I had set up a huge ward and created an atmosphere inside it that the golden birds liked.
"Linos, I have a gift for you too."
Lady Elsa hands me a card.
It is a passport to the gateway to the West Gate. From now on, you may enter and leave the city freely.
The royal capital is a huge city with a population of about one million. The west area centering on the west gate is inhabited by common people, and there are commercial and residential areas. It was in the west gate that I was first brought to Wangdu, and the slaver who purchased me was also in the west area. The area to the east is lined with residences of the nobility, and the area near the north and south gates is lined with residences of the Royal Army.
The north and south gates leading to the nobles' residences are guarded and no one is allowed to enter the east area without a permit. Naturally, the east gate of the royal city is the most solidly built, and is generally not opened unless there is an auspicious occasion. Recently, it was opened on the occasion of the inauguration ceremony of His Highness the Regent. This was the first time in about 20 years.
"Linos! I'll take you to town sometime!"
The master is in a good mood. When he says he's going out to play, he means.... Are you already climbing the ladder of adulthood at the age of 12?
"But there will be a curfew. You must be back at the villa by nightfall. You must ask my permission to go out after that. Falco and Eril, you understand?
They both have indescribable looks on their faces. I still want to be a little girl.
"I've never been outside the main gates of the palace. I envy Linos' freedom of movement, since even this mansion is not likely to let me out of its gates.
Indeed, His Highness is basically grounded. Coming across the lake to the house of the Barthams is also very risky. However, the royal palace is large enough to accommodate 100,000 soldiers, so he would normally not have to go out of the palace.
"And I would like to entrust Rinos with one more task. He is in charge of the family's treasury.
The historic Berthaume family has many treasures. In particular, the weapons and armor worn by the first Lord Batharm are national treasures and are said to have tremendous power.
"I will tell you how to open the treasury later. It's quite complicated, but I'm sure you'll be able to do it.
"The keeper of the Bartham family treasury. He's the only one who can keep it safe from theft. He's the right man for the job. But then my celebration would have been in vain.
"No, it's not true. Your Highness' mercy cannot be in vain.
Yes, it is a relief to hear you say so. I guess it's more of a request to the Barsam family than a congratulatory gift."
I wonder if you are going to ask me to do the impossible again. He will not have the right to veto it anyway, so he will have to do it after all. No, you said the Barthams, right? Does that mean I have nothing to do with it?
"I don't think I'm asking you to do this to my family... Please, do not hesitate to ask.
"I want you to free the slaves of Rinos."
Oh! I can't believe you're letting me go! Your Highness, you're good!
"And I want you to adopt Rinos into the House of Bertham, and afterwards send him to me as a court warder."
What? Adopted by the Bartham family? Court wizards? What the hell is going on?
"Linos is a top-notch wizard. His magical power is unparalleled. I'm thinking of having Linos become the of this country.
"Thank you, Your Highness. But it is not a decision I can make on my own. I will discuss the matter with my husband and give him my answer.
"Well, I'm in no hurry, so take your time. We can't just welcome Rinos into the royal court. It will be two years at the earliest. In the meantime, I'd like you to talk it over with the Marquis and the doctor.
"Awe, sir."
I have already chosen the name of the new court magician. "Bertham Darke Linos" is a good name, isn't it?
His Royal Highness the Dauphin Regent is very pleased. This story does not reflect my will at all. I wish I could live a peaceful life....
Rinos (slave warder, 12 years old)
H!? :168
M!? : 859
Warding magic lvl 4 (I can create wards the way I want!) (Warding can also be granted to others)
Fire Magic LV3 (The size and speed of the flame can now be manipulated!)
Water Magic LV2
Earth magic LV2 (digging and filling holes much faster!)
Healing magic LV4 (can heal missing parts!)
Life magic LV1
Chanting LV3
Appraisal magic LV3
Swordsmanship LV2
M!? Recovery LV3 (after about 3 hours of rest, M!? is fully recovered)
Presence Detection LV3
Magic Detection LV3
Magic absorption LV3
Physical Reinforcement LV2
Evasion LV3 (Even without warding, Eryl's attacks can be avoided!)