A Request From The Grand Master

I spent some time enjoying idle small talk with the Princess. As a royal, she is usually confined to the inner court; it’s only natural that she’d want to speak with someone from outside the palace circle once in a while.

“Master Vim, you mustn’t push yourself too hard. If anything were to happen to you…”

Princess Erin said, her eyes beginning to shimmer with worry.

“I’ll be fine. I’m actually quite strong, you know,” Vim said with a reassuring laugh.

“I know that, but still…”

Furthermore, Vim harbored a power akin to a curse: immortality. He knew it was a gift from the spirits who guarded the Labyrinth, but the finer details remained a mystery. For now, it meant that Vim could not die. However, he viewed it as a curse; if a way to break it existed, he intended to find it.

“Well, we’ll take our leave now. You’re welcome to come over to my place to play if you’re ever bored.”

“I would love to! My apologies for keeping you so long,” Erin said with a bright smile.

“No, it was no trouble. Your Majesty, thank you as well.”

“Right. Take care. Oh, by the way, the Vice-Captain of the Knights said he had something to discuss with you. If you run into him, try to make some time.”

“Understood. I’ll do that.”

With that, Vim left the reception parlor. As he walked through the palace corridors, a voice called out from behind.

“Master Vim!”

He turned to see the Vice-Captain of the 3rd Knight Order.

“Ah, Vice-Captain. You’ve returned, then.”

“Yes. We just arrived back a short while ago.”

“I heard you had something to discuss with me?”

The King had mentioned it just moments ago. Meeting him now was perfect timing.

“Actually, our Grand Master expressed a desire to speak with you. I was wondering if you could spare some time?”

“Sure. Is right now alright? I’ll have my companion join us as well,” Vim said, gesturing toward Hana.

“Of course. Right this way.”

Guided by the Vice-Captain, Vim headed toward the knight’s quarters. There, they reached the Grand Master’s office.

“Grand Master, I have brought Master Vim and his companion,” the Vice-Captain said after knocking.

“Enter.”

“Excuse us.”

Vim and Hana stepped into the room.

“Thank you for coming all this way. Please, have a seat.”

The man who spoke had neatly trimmed blond hair and refined clothing; he was quite handsome. This is probably what people call a ‘pretty boy,’ Vim thought. They sat down on the sofa.

“I am Camille, the one in charge of the 3rd Knight Order.”

“I’m Vim Abel. This is Hana, my partner.”

“I am aware. I apologize for the suddenness, but I have a favor and a consultation for you, Master Vim.”

The Grand Master, Camille, sat on the opposite sofa and began to speak.

“A favor?”

“Yes. Are you familiar with the monsters known as slimes?”

“Of course.”

Slimes were the most common monsters in the world. Low-level ones were trivial, but at high levels, they were incredibly troublesome.

“As you know, physical attacks are ineffective against slimes. For us knights, they are exceptionally difficult enemies.”

The Knight Order was primarily composed of individuals who had honed their swordsmanship. Physical strikes from a blade simply wouldn’t work on a slime.

“I can use ice magic, but many within the Order cannot use magic at all. Therefore, I was hoping to borrow your strength. Our next subjugation mission is in an area where slimes have had a massive outbreak.”

“I don’t mind, but wouldn’t the Royal Mages be better for this?”

The Royal Mages were, as the name implied, mages serving the court. Unlike the Knight Order, it was an organization for those specializing in magic. The two organizations were supposed to work in cooperation.

“Naturally, we sent a request for support to the Royal Mages. However, the Head Mage is currently away on another matter. When we drafted the subjugation plan, the conclusion was that our current magical firepower was insufficient. That was when I heard rumors of your exploits, Master Vim. Please, lend us your aid.”

Grand Master Camille bowed his head.

“Please, raise your head. If I’ll do, I’m happy to help.”

“Truly?! That is a lifesaver.”

“Yes. Once the subjugation plan is finalized, could you have it delivered to my mansion?”

“Certainly! I will see to it personally. I look forward to working with you.”

Camille and Vim exchanged a firm handshake.

“I’ll make some preparations on my end in the meantime.”

“Understood.”

To accompany a knight’s subjugation mission, there were a few channels Vim needed to clear. First was the Guild Headquarters. Since Vim wasn’t a court servant but an adventurer, he’d likely need the Guild Master’s permission. And then, the King—though it seemed that was already essentially settled, he should still keep him in the loop.

“Well, we’ll be heading out now.”

“Yes. Thank you for your time.”

With that, Vim and Hana left the knight’s quarters behind.