For Whose Sake Is This Power?

The next day, I woke up around noon. I planned to head to the Royal Palace in the early afternoon. After finishing my meal, I left the mansion with Hana.

“We’re heading out.”

“Have a safe journey,” James said, seeing us off as we walked toward the palace.

The fact that it’s only a few minutes’ walk away is incredibly convenient.

“It’s rare for His Majesty to specifically request your presence, Hana.”

“Yes… I’m actually quite nervous.”

Usually, the invitations simply state that he wants me to come to the palace. Because of that, sometimes I bring Hana, and sometimes I go alone.

“Well, knowing the King, I doubt it’s bad news.”

“I hope so.”

While we chatted, we arrived at the Royal Palace.

“Good work today, sir!”

The knights serving as gatekeepers have completely memorized my face. Thanks to that, I can enter the palace on a “face pass” basis now. Once inside, an attendant led us to the reception parlor.

The room was as vast as ever, filled with luxurious furnishings, with a sofa and table set in the center. Even to an amateur’s eye, they looked expensive, though I couldn’t tell you their actual value.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. My apologies for always being so sudden,” the King said as the doors opened and he stepped inside.

“No, please don’t worry about it. I actually had something I wanted to discuss with you as well, Your Majesty.”

“Ho, and what would that be? Feel free to speak your mind.”

“Thank you. But first, I’d like to hear what you have to say.”

“Very well.” The King sat back on the sofa. “Bring the item,” he said to the attendant standing by.

“As you command.”

Inside a high-quality wooden box sat a silver card.

“Hana Sharon. I hereby appoint you as a B-rank adventurer. This is my declaration as the King of the Kingdom of Leoria.”

With that, His Majesty handed the silver adventurer card to Hana.

“My apologies for the delay. I look forward to your future achievements.”

“Th-thank you so much…”

Hana received the card, her eyes welling with tears. Engraved upon it were the B-rank title, her affiliated nation, and her name.

“Allow me to thank you as well. Thank you very much,” Vim said, bowing to the King.

Surely, His Majesty must have gone through a great deal of trouble to push this through.

“Think nothing of it. I simply deemed it to be for the good of this country. There were nobles who opposed it, but I’ve silenced them, so there should be no issues.”

In the Kingdom of Leoria, those of slave status cannot typically obtain adventurer qualifications. However, Leoria is a meritocracy—a country where everyone is supposed to have an equal chance. This was undoubtedly a massive step forward. Hana tucked the card into her pocket as if it were a precious treasure.

“So, Vim, what was it you wanted to discuss?”

“Yes. It’s regarding the orphans of this country.” Vim’s expression turned serious. “Ever since I arrived here, something has been bothering me. The number of orphans seems a bit too high. Leoria’s orphanages are state-run, aren’t they?”

“That is correct. There are private orphanages as well, but we provide them with proper subsidies.”

In that case, it was definitely strange. The presence of orphans in this country was far too conspicuous.

“I made a promise to a lonely young girl. I swore on this crest that I would protect her.” Vim pulled out the card bearing the royal crest. “I believe it would be wise to re-examine the flow of money.”

“I see. You there, summon the Prime Minister,” the King said to an attendant.

After a while, the door opened and the Prime Minister entered.

“You summoned me, Sire? If Master Vim and his companion are busy, shall I return later?”

“No, stay. Have a seat.” The King motioned for him to sit.

“By your leave.” The Prime Minister sat at the edge of the sofa.

“Regarding the subsidies for the orphanages—who is the person in charge?”

“If I recall, it is Baron Marc.”

“Vim suggests that the man may be embezzling. Will you look into it?” the King asked in a low voice.

“Understood. I shall re-examine the ledgers alongside the Finance Officer.”

“How long will it take?”

“A week… no, three days should suffice.”

“I’m counting on you.”

The Finance Officer was the person who managed the nation’s treasury and was exceptionally skilled with numbers.

“Vim, I apologize for the trouble.”

“No, I simply want the facts investigated, and if they are true, I want the situation dealt with accordingly.”

Leoria is a meritocracy, but that is a double-edged sword. While it’s better than the Empire, corruption still exists here. Vim was the type of person who couldn’t rest unless he called out a wrong for what it was.

“As I thought, Vim is a man who can stand up for the sake of others. I knew I was right to place my trust in you.”

“Please, don’t tease me.”

“I am not teasing. On behalf of my country, thank you.”

After their discussion, Vim and Hana left the palace.

“Vim Abel is an interesting man, is he not?”

“You think so too?”

The Prime Minister and the King spoke in the room after the pair had left.

“Yes. He seems to understand how to use power better than anyone.”

“Exactly. He always fights for someone else. I know of no other man who can become so passionate while completely disregarding his own profit.” The King held a high opinion of Vim.

“Hana looked quite proud. I think I understand that feeling.”

“As do I.”

“Perhaps he is the one who will truly change this country.” The King had come to believe this with all his heart.