Overlimit Skill Holder (Web Novel JP)

Vol 2: Chapter 48

「So there really was an 8-star skill orb…」

「Yes, although, I didn’t see it either.」

The Earl then told me about everything that happened in the temple.

I see… No wonder the young lady blames herself for Louis’ death.

「It seems that the 8-star skill orb needed to be offered to a pure person, someone who has never received a skill orb, from the Holy Royal Family. I don’t know why it should be offered specifically to that person, but as recorded in the documents so far, it seems that the skill orb appears about once every 100 to 300 years. Every member of the Holy Royal Family who was given the skill orb disappeared without exception. It is thought that they left for the “Other World”.」

「…Did His Majesty give it to Louis to save Prince Kluvshrat from that fate?」

「I can’t say for sure that that wasn’t the case.」

How ridiculous. It’s even more ridiculous that the young lady is grieving because of that.

「However, we cannot blame His Majesty alone.」

「Why!? It’s like giving a poison that has a high possibility of death!」

「If Louis-sama didn’t challenge it, it would have been awarded to Prince Kluvshrat. His Majesty was in hesitation until the day before the award ceremony, but I heard that he finally decided to give it.」

「But…!」

「Louis-sama told His Majesty that “opportunities must be equal.” Hearing such a noble reasoning, His Majesty’s heart was shaken—that is what it means to be a parent.」

「…………」

I grasped both hands tightly.

Was there no other way? Why is this happening?

Would Louis have refused it if he knew he would “die”? — No, if he was only told that he would go to the “Other World”, then Louis might have been willing to accept the skill orb.

「The Holy Royal Family is the core of this country and holds great power, but it also accepts the ruthless obligations that comes with it.」

「…So my achievement is that I saved Prince Kluvshrat’s life which was spared?」

「Reiji-san.」

As the Earl called to me, in a blaming tone, I slammed my right fist on my thigh.

「…I am sorry. It was a shitty excuse. Please forget it.」I said.

I can’t go around acting like a saint when I myself am acting out of my own self interests and not telling the young lady everything about my situation.

「No, I will not forget.」

I was feeling utterly sick of myself, the Earl, however, said so, with a deadly serious face—a faint smile showing.

「I am glad that you finally showed me the human side of you. Whenever I talk to you, I feel like I am talking to a full-fledged adult instead of a 14 year old. But it would seem that you do have a human side to you.」

「…Is that something you should be saying, Earl?」

「The blood flowing through me seems to be as cold as ice, so it might be unreasonable for me to seek that feeling. …Anyway, His Majesty will not be subject to punishment, but he has many difficulties awaiting him.」

「Difficulties?」

「First is that the 8-star skill orb may appear again before long. As I learned for the first time, although commoners try to get their children a skill orb as soon as possible, nobles wait until their children are 12 years old to create a period of “purity” for 12 years. It would be good if the next child was born in that period, but if not, the child with the Holy Blue would have to continue staying “pure” by giving whatever reason to the public.」

「Does that mean the award ceremony was created so the nobles could follow that practice?」

「Maybe it’s more of a camouflage. There are so many secrets regarding these. In any case, even El-san doesn’t seem to know what the 8-star skill orb means, either that or he is hiding the truth. When the 8-star skill orb reappears, it has to be given to Prince Kluvshrat’s younger brother, the 3rd Holy Prince.」

Does that mean that the chain of sorrow will continue?

「The last time the 8-star skill orb appeared was 250 years ago. Since there is no one alive from that time period, and the records being in old writings, it seems to have taken some time to decipher the meaning of its appearance.」

「What meaning does all these hold for the “Other World”…?」

「…His Majesty might even tell you about it if you go to the Holy Royal Palace. Perhaps also about the thing that is called the “Covenant”.」

Covenant.

If I remember correctly, the dragon also used that word.

「And there is another big difficulty that His Majesty has to take care of – the giant snake. Did you know that it destroyed a mansion in the 2nd Holy District?」

「Ah… yes. I was there. I think it was House Riviere’s…」

I remember hearing that from Captain Arthur.

「Yes. The problem is the man who died crushed by the collapsed walls of the mansion.」

「That would mean he’s a victim, right?」

「Yes, he is a victim this time, but a month ago he was the perpetrator.」

One month ago—meaning “Sprouts and New Moon Banquet”?

「That man was the one who poisoned Prince Kluvshrat’s sauce dish.」

.

I was shocked to hear that.

「It is highly possible that one of the 6 Great Dukes, House Riviere, attempted to assassinate Prince Kluvshrat, thus there is now a discussion going on about the demolition of House Riviere. House Riviere has raised a strong objection, and is gathering their knights… It is a highly tense situation. Basically, a civil war could start at any moment.」

Should I go to the Holy Royal Palace or not?

Earl Sillys withdrew to his room saying, “I am going to take a nap” — this is like saying, “If you want to escape, now is your chance”.

The Earl predicted that the Holy King would not let go of me since I now know the state secrets. But on the other hand, he also feels gratitude, so he is giving me the chance to escape if I want to.

Great turmoil will soon occur in the future. Including the demolition of one of the 6 Great Duke Houses, what is the merit of me remaining in this country?

(Should I ask for a huge amount of money in return for signing the contract magic?)

No, I don’t need such a thing. All I need is the money for basic necessities.

(And the information about the “Covenant”.)

I’m interested in it, but it’s not something which is absolutely necessary to me. Even in this world, it’s good enough for only “a small fraction” of dignitaries to know that information – I am fine with being in the “ignorant majority”. It will clearly drag me into trouble, after all.

(In other words, there are no merits.)

On the contrary, there are only demerits. If I am unable to leave the Holy City due to the contract magic, I wouldn’t be able to find Lark or Lulusha-san. Furthermore, there is a high possibility that many troubles related to the Holy King will occur.

「…Considering the advantages and disadvantages, there is only one answer.」

After that, I left the mansion. I said hello to the gatekeeper and told him I’m going out for business. I cut through all the districts in between and arrived at Block 5.

I had to ask the way to the place I was looking for many times – it is only expected in this world where there are no smartphones or navigation systems – and most of the people kindly helped me out.

「Is this the place?」

In front of me was a 4-story stone building. The building had a thin, deep architectural structure that you don’t often see around these parts. An inn called “Silver Citrus” where Silver Balance was lodging.

「Did they choose this place just because it has “silver” in the name?」

When I opened the entrance door – a colored glass carved with wood patterns on the surface – a bell rang.