Not Ordinary Relationship

Riezel was honestly amazed.

He had to admit that there were so many powerful people in this world, such as now, where a swordsman equivalent to a Level 5 first-class adventurer just casually popped out.

If this were in the world of Danmachi, it would probably cause quite a stir.

However, it made sense.

A marquis who came from the royal capital with an attendant by his side would truly be unworthy of his status if his attendant wasn't at least a Sword Master.

"Hello." Riezel nodded as a sign of courtesy.

"Hello." Glimann returned the gesture, but the fighting intent in his eyes remained undiminished.

Obviously, this man was very interested in Riezel—or rather, he really wanted to spar with Riezel.

At the War Festival, Riezel's displayed strength impressed this swordsman, sparking a desire in him to challenge Riezel.

Unfortunately, the current timing wasn't right.

Glimann resisted the urge to challenge Riezel, opting instead to stand behind Phillip and focus on his duties as an attendant.

"Please, have a seat and let's chat, Riezel." Yuri invited, patting the seat next to her.

Riezel didn't hesitate much, naturally coming to her side and sitting down.

However, this seemingly natural move didn't escape Phillip's eyes, who suspected there was more to it. He glanced at the little distance between Riezel and Yuri, secretly surprised.

'It seems that the relationship between Riezel Brynhart and Marquis Frenzel is even better than I imagined...'

Before this, Phillip, like everyone else, thought that Riezel was a talent recruited by Yuri into the Frenzel family, serving as her capable subordinate. However, judging by their interaction and the distance they displayed right now, he could be absolutely sure that their relationship was not as simple as superior and subordinate.

At least, Phillip had never heard of Yuri letting anyone, let alone someone of the opposite sex, sit so close to her.

'Is it to warn me? Or...' Phillip's thoughts raced.

He somewhat suspected that Yuri did this intentionally to hint to him not to speak out of line and warn him that Riezel had someone backing him up. But Riezel's action of sitting next to her was so natural that it was impossible to doubt if there was any deliberate intention behind it.

Even if there was, it couldn't be denied that the relationship between both of them was not an ordinary superior-subordinate one.

Realizing this, Phillip toned down his casual demeanor a bit.

At the same time, Riezel finally spoke up.

"I wonder why Marquis Charlier wanted to meet me?"

Riezel didn't beat around the bush, diving straight into the topic.

Yuri remained silent, quietly listening on the side.

"Why, huh...?" Phillip suppressed some miscellaneous thoughts and smiled. "The main reason I came all this way to find you this time is because of the royal family's orders."

Upon hearing that, Riezel wasn't surprised. Ever since he learned that his identity as a Tactical-Class Magician had been exposed, he had anticipated something like this would happen sooner or later.

"Is it because I used tactical-class magic in the royal capital without permission that the royal family wants to punish me?" Riezel smiled faintly as he spoke.

In principle, all major countries indeed prohibit magicians from using tactical-class and strategic-class magic in cities because of the potential harm it could cause. Especially strategic-class magic, once unleashed, could potentially wipe out an entire city in an instant.

Therefore, all countries on the continent explicitly forbid magicians from casting tactical-class and strategic-class magic without permission.

Violators will be punished, with fines being the lighter penalty and even capital punishment being a possibility for more serious offenses.

Riezel had used tactical-class magic without permission in the royal capital, so according to the law, he was liable to be pursued and punished by the kingdom.

Of course, Riezel brought up this topic merely to shift the focus of the conversation, with a hint of perfunctoriness in his tone.

In response, Phillip shook his head with an involuntary laugh before beginning to explain.

"It's not about that. Sure, you used tactical-class magic in the royal capital, but firstly, it was to repel an attack from a foreign Tactical-Class Magician targeting the Frenzel family, which is understandable. Secondly, it didn't cause meaningful damage, and only the Frenzel family itself suffered considerable losses, with their mansion being directly destroyed. That's why, the royal family has decided not to pursue your violation this time, so you can rest assured."

That was probably one of the compensatory measures made by the royal family. They also knew that they had definitely angered Yuri this time and thus sought to make amends.

However, Riezel didn't care about such matters at all. Whether the royal family pursued it or not was irrelevant to him. Even if they wanted to punish him, whether Yuri agreed or not was another matter.

No matter what, the reason Riezel used tactical-class magic in the royal capital was to repel a powerful foreign enemy; at least, this was the overall justification. If this were considered a crime, should he just stay silent and watch the Frenzel family being attacked, and Yuri being harmed or even killed?

If this were the case, there would definitely be a lot of controversy.

In such circumstances, Riezel wasn't worried at all about what might happen to him. Even if they did something, he didn't really care.

At worst, he would just leave Jinas.

However, it was obvious that Jinas wasn't going to let him go.

"The main reason I came this time was for your ennoblement." Phillip revealed his true purpose. "Since you have become a Tactical-Class Magician, according to the kingdom's regulations, you are eligible to visit His Majesty the King, receive a promotion, and be granted the title of viscount."

'Sure enough, this man has come for that matter, huh...' Riezel's expression remained calm, and his mind was equally undisturbed. "Just for that? You came all the way here just to inform me about my ennoblement?"

A marquis, the highest-ranking noble status just below the royal family, had actually come all the way to the Frenzel territory, situated on the northern border, solely for Riezel's ennoblement? Even though he happened to be a rare Tactical-Class Magician, it seemed like a bit too much trouble.

If it were to recruit a Tactical-Class Magician as his own subordinate, that would be understandable. But to do the royal family's bidding, with no benefits whatsoever, a marquis need not go to such lengths.

Facing Riezel's question, Phillip hadn't even begun to explain when Yuri answered first.

"Marquis Charlier's visit isn't just for your ennoblement; it's also to confirm my situation."

She spoke with the same calm expression as Riezel.

It must be said, this scene made the two of them seem quite like a married couple.

Phillip felt somewhat awkward but still answered Riezel with a half-sighed, half-smile.

"Indeed, bringing the instructions from the kingdom regarding your ennoblement is the purpose of my trip, but confirming the status of Marquis Frenzel is also my purpose."

Who let Yuri leave the royal capital with the excuse of 'escaping with severe injuries'?

Now that she had finally appeared in her own territory, naturally, the royal family would send someone to check on her, to see if she was really okay.

"Now that it seems Marquis Frenzel is well, I can rest assured."

Phillip didn't mention the oddities of this topic at all, nor did he inquire whether Yuri had really been seriously injured, as if deliberately avoiding this sensitive topic, he glossed over it.

"Did the royal family send you here to try and persuade me to return to the royal capital once it's confirmed I'm fine?"

As Yuri asked with a half-smile, Phillip's expression became helpless.

"Ahaha... Marquis Frenzel is indeed perceptive..." Phillip said helplessly. "But, judging by your current condition, it seems there are no plans for you to return to the royal capital, right?"

"As you can see, I'm quite busy now." Yuri answered straightforwardly. "A Demon Swordsman has just appeared in my territory. Considering the possibility that he may have accomplices who could threaten my territory, I must find a way to deal with this matter promptly. Moreover, with my family's War Festival revived, I have numerous responsibilities to handle. Unfortunately, my father is currently unavailable to assist, leaving me swamped with work. I can only ask Marquis Charlier for understanding."

"...Understood." Phillip remained silent for a while, then gave up. "I will report your situation to His Majesty, I believe His Majesty will understand."

"Thank you." Yuri nodded.

"What about Sir Brynhart?" Phillip turned to Riezel. "Are you not intending to return to the royal capital with me?"

Facing Phillip's direct question, Riezel answered even more directly than Yuri.

"Sorry, but I don't plan on heading back to the royal capital anytime soon..." Riezel shook his head, his tone indifferent. "Everyone is aware of the multiple attacks I faced there, nearly costing me my life once. It was a truly traumatic and terrifying experience, you know? So, for now, I'd rather stay in Frenzel territory and savor some peaceful days."

His answer made Phillip feel a bit awkward.

No choice.

The hidden meaning behind Riezel's words was clear. He indirectly expressed to Phillip's face that 'the security in the royal capital is so terrible'.

Honestly, it left Phillip, who represented the kingdom, somewhat speechless.

Riezel had been attacked multiple times and narrowly escaped death was a fact well-known among the nobles of the kingdom. Making matters worse, the Frenzel secondary residence in the royal capital also suffered an attack and was destroyed.

Riezel's bringing up the royal capital's security issue made it really hard to argue against.

"The royal family is already investigating the mastermind behind the attacks. I believe before long, those daring criminals will face the kingdom's judgment."

In the end, Phillip could only say that to assure Riezel.

"Well then, let's consider returning to the royal capital after the kingdom's judgment is out then." Riezel nodded and finally let out a smile.

Yuri also smiled, looking particularly happy.

Seeing their smiles, Phillip realized that Riezel seemed to have been waiting for that kind of response from him.

Realizing this, Phillip sighed inwardly.

What else could he do?

He could only accept this outcome and convey Riezel and Yuri's words about not returning to the royal capital yet. As for how the higher-ups would handle this matter, it was no longer his concern.

He had done his best.