What is it that I want? -Chapter 46-

You know, this whole thing really brings up a good point. I can't really think what I want... or even really need. So far, I've had no motivation for really doing things other than just for the fun of it.

What is it I want out of this life? Seriously, what is my motivation...

Uh oh, I'm starting to act like an actor trying to get in character. That's like, the one thing I swore I would never become! Well, not actually, but you get my point.

Hmm, I don't really need money or anything.... well, it would be convenient to just have a bunch of money, but wouldn't that make me a huge target or something? I wouldn't want to be robbed because I have a whole bunch of money... hey, wait! How would anybody even know that? I can keep money in Gluttony, too... yeah, but, I feel like it wouldn't be super rewarding just having a bunch of money, and there are some things money can't buy...

Oh, I could ask for mana cores! I'm pretty much completely drained of mana. I can't even cast a single spell! But, I know that's a good choice and everything, but if I just asked for a ton of money, I could buy mana cores with that...

I've got a pretty good understanding of magic as of now, so I don't really need any books about the stuff... and I don't really care about any ranks in the hierarchy...

"Do you all know what it is that you want? If so, let's begin with you, the black-haired one." The king pointed to Theca, "What is it that you desire? And, perhaps I could learn your name?"

Wait, hold up! I haven't decided yet! At least he started with Theca... if he goes in line, then I'll be the fourth to be asked... That's a decent amount of time, right? I'll be able to come up with something, definitely! Maybe I'll even get an idea

"Oh, my name is Theca Webb," Theca made eye contact with the king, "What I want... could I ask a question?"

"Webb, you say? I believe I've heard that last name before... ah, yes, ask away." King Mugra scratched his beard, replying.

"A king like yourself would have access to all sorts of information due to spies of the sort. So, could I ask what it is like in Halega? I haven't been there in quite a while." Halega...? Ohh, that must be like, where Theca is from.

"Oh? That is all that you wish to know? Hm... well, that's convenient you would ask. I'll answer that later. Are you sure there is nothing else that you want?"

"Ah... I see. No, I am fine with that, thank you, your majesty." Theca seemed content with that, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again for some reason.

So, Theca just wanted to know how his home kingdom place was doing? Not super big or anything, but considering information flows slower in this world, that would be nice to know... but I can't ask anything like that! I don't even have a question to ask...

"Really? Quite commendable, quite commendable indeed..." Mugra smiled, he probably liked Theca's answer... "Yes, the mage with the notable talent in water magic, what is it that you want? I would appreciate it too if I could learn your name."

He was referring to Quenilla, now looking at her.

"Me...? I wouldn't say I'm talented... I'm Quenilla Fenra... Oh, I've been having trouble learning how to use a long-range electricity spell, but since electricity is a rare attribute, there are no books on the subject." Quenilla implied her request.

"Ah, one of your attributes is electricity, is it? Quite the rarity indeed. I'm sure we have some books on that subject, you'll have the correct books by today, I guarantee it."

"Thank you."

Okay, I get it, so Quenilla just wanted books on magic? Damn it, but I don't need any of those! Come on Quenilla, couldn't you have given me a better idea than that? And after Ai, I'll be the next one he'll ask! I'm running out of time, I need to come up with an idea... What do I want more than anything else...

"Now, the young beastman. I was quite impressed by your ability, and at such a young age at that. What is it that you want as a reward for victory? And, if you don't mind, your name?" Third, Mugra asked Ai what she wanted.

"Ai. Nothing." Ai replied in a matter-of-fact tone... wait, what? She doesn't want literally anything? Dang, even the king looks surprised!

"Uh... really? Nothing at all? I'm quite interested, now, could I ask why you don't desire anything from me?" The king questioned her, obviously curious.

"If I can't become stronger by myself, then I don't deserve to be." She sounded aggravated... definitely not the tone you should have in front of a king, right?

Oh... huh, I hadn't realized it before, but Ai is pretty prideful, isn't she? Well, there were some hints... like, her never accepting help, for example.

"Oh? You're quite the proud beastman, aren't you? Hm... but, you should be careful, such pride might one day get you hurt." Good advice from the king, huh? Pride, huh... that guy, he had a skill called that too, right? I wonder what that was about.

"Next, then. The... fluffy blue-haired one. I'm sure you know what I would ask."

Huh? Hey! Where does he get off calling my hair fluffy? Oh, wait, it kinda is... and with Body Manipulation I could just change that... I probably won't, though. Experimenting on hair texture would a lot of work...

Oh, shoot! I still haven't come up with anything! Okay, I just... um, need to come up with something on the spot! Oh god, now everybody's eyes are on me...

What do I say... what is it that I want...

Well, that's simple. I want to live, live a good, easy, long life. You know, I really don't wanna die again.

Ugh, that won't help me here! I'm just standing here silently, this is so awkward! I can't just say that I want nothing like Ai did, that would be like me copying her!

Something important... long-term...

Yeah, no. I've got no idea. I'll just settle for something that'll help me a bit, I guess.

"Shiro... mana cores." An exceedingly simple answer, but that's all I could come up with. I really need mana, too...

"Ah, mana cores is it? I see..." The king didn't pry any further, closing his eyes in thought. "Oh my, this has gone by rather quickly, quite ahead of schedule. Well, no matter. Finally, leader of Team Dest, tell me, what is it you desire?"

Oh, well, at least it worked out well. That wasn't too bad... I didn't take too long and he didn't question me either! Great!

Oh... wait, Ashin looks sorta seriously all of a sudden...

"I'm Ashin Dest," Ashin wasn't smiling anymore, he only looked directly at the king, "and all I want is to know who killed my grandfather."

[Chapter 46, end.]