Inheriting the Novel

Chapter 103 : Memorial Service (2)

Memorial Service (2)

When I headed to the parlor, I saw Monet, her face tense as she set down a teacup, and two middle-aged men.

King Leogart and Duke Gale.

The two who could practically be called the real power of the Talua Kingdom were seated in the chairs.

'King Leogart.'

Originally, he was someone who should have died due to the Calamity of Madness, but fate had changed.

The one who should have died, king Leogart, lived, and the one who should have lived, Count Ribina, died.

I took a deep breath and slowly bowed.

"The sword of the kingdom—"

"There's no need for grand greetings, Count Vanhart."

As I tried to show the highest degree of formality, king Leogart extended his hand to stop me.

I was the only one left awkwardly holding my posture.

"Where is Princess Asktalin?"

"She has stepped out briefly to receive imperial support."

"I see..."

Even though the empire was giving both material and moral support, king Leogart's expression was not a comfortable one.

Perhaps he felt burdened by an unexpected debt to the empire.

'But, since the damage is so great, there's no helping it.'

Although casualties were low, a fifth of the kingdom capital had literally been wiped out.

Countless buildings collapsed, and because the land was torn up, the Talua Kingdom could not easily begin recovery efforts.

Without the Asktalin Empire's assistance, it might have been an extremely difficult situation.

"For now, you must not know why we've come here."

"That's correct."

Honestly, I had my guesses, but there was no need to bring it up first.

King Leogart watched me for a moment, then signaled to Duke Gale sitting beside him.

"Ahem, Count Vanhart. As you know, Count Ribina was the spiritual pillar of this kingdom."

Talua, known as the nation of knights.

They did possess distinguished knights, but their level was not overwhelmingly superior to neighboring kingdoms.

The reason it was known as the nation of knights was because of Count Ribina's existence.

"I am aware."

"But Count Ribina, sadly, lost his life in the calamity."

Duke Gale looked genuinely heartbroken.

But only for a moment—he continued.

"And now, a seat among the Seven Heroes of the Continent has become vacant."

"......"

"You've probably heard before—if the Seven Heroes seat becomes vacant not by being defeated in a challenge, then someone worthy is selected to fill the place."

Just as I suspected.

There are two main ways to become one of the Seven Heroes.

The usual way is to formally challenge one of the current Seven Heroes with an audience and the presence of at least three of the Seven Heroes, and defeat them.

However, sometimes there are unexpected cases.

If a Hero retires without warning or dies in an accident,

At that time, the second method is used.

"All the Seven Heroes gather to test potential candidates for the title; a 'Seven Heroes Convocation' will be held."

"Are you planning to send me to that gathering?"

"I know it's presumptuous, but I truly hope you will."

At Duke Gale's words, as he even bowed his head, I quietly closed my mouth.

The Seven Heroes Convocation.

It was on a different level from the Imperial Tournament that was held in the empire.

The Imperial Tournament was for rising new talents, but the Seven Heroes Convocation gathered only those monsters who had already reached the pinnacle.

Since it was a special occasion, and it didn't happen easily, all the truly strong would be gathering there.

'The last person to become a Seven Hero through the Heroes Convocation was Soila Fran.'

Tower Master Soila Fran.

She, along with Gideon Asktalin, was counted as the continent's greatest mage, and she had reached the seat of the Seven Heroes via the Heroes Convocation.

So, it meant that someone of that level might appear again this time.

To decide to stand among them was not an easy decision.

As I hesitated to answer, king Leogart, who had been silent, finally spoke up.

"Count Vanhart, the things you've achieved are not ones an ordinary person could accomplish. The only one qualified to represent Talua at this moment is you."

"......"

Desperation was in his voice.

It was a kind of humility not to be expected from a king.

'But....'

I couldn't give an answer easily.

It wasn't because I lacked confidence.

I just had other, more practical concerns at the moment.

As I hesitated, king Leogart seemed to understand and quickly continued.

"Of course, I'm not asking for an immediate answer. You must have things you need to do as well. Just, please, give us your answer within a week."

"I understand. Please... give me a little time to think."

King Leogart showed a faint smile at my response.

"I believe that, in your hands, I can entrust what Aldred left behind."

On his face, I could sense complex emotions.

Indeed, if I recalled, king Leogart and Count Ribina had been very close.

Count Ribina's death probably wasn't just the loss of an outstanding vassal for him.

As I felt my mind get increasingly tangled, I bowed my head toward the two as they took their leave.

* * *

I sat quietly in the darkness, gazing at the gently flickering candle flame.

Usually, I would have been asleep by now, but tonight, sleep would not come.

[It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance. What's there to hesitate for?]

'Grancesia, you know as well as I do...'

[It's because of Fabian, right? Chasing after him is what matters most to you.]

That was true.

Honestly, the opportunity to participate in the Heroes Convocation was rare, and I genuinely wanted to try it at least once.

There was no telling when I would have another chance like this.

But what kept bothering me was that this event didn't exist in the original story.

'Right. Chasing after the calamity and the Seven Swords Under Heaven comes first.'

[But that's only if you're thinking as someone who knows the 'original story.' What about you? How do you feel? If you didn't know the original?]

Grancesia quietly whispered in my ear.

[Not as 'writer' Clay Vanhart, but as 'human' Clay Vanhart—what would you do...?]

'Hold on.'

Knock knock.

Then, someone knocked on my door.

At this late hour, there was only one person who would come find me.

"Clay, it's me."

"It's open."

Riya cautiously pushed open the door and entered.

Her outfit was a cute, pink pajama that didn't seem suitable for Princess Riya Asktalin, the noble dragon princess, but surprisingly, it suited her well.

"Why are you still up?"

"I was just out for a walk. But I saw a faint light from your window."

All it took was a small candle. Amazing eyesight.

"You seem terribly troubled by the Heroes Convocation."

Riya spoke as if she'd been present for the conversation between me and King Leogart from earlier.

"I am, after all, a princess of the empire. And my father is one of the Seven Heroes."

"That's true."

Gideon Asktalin was also one of the Seven Heroes.

Riya wasn't exactly unconnected to this matter.

"Is that why you came?"

"I am curious what decision you'll make, but... that's not why."

"Then?"

"I thought we might talk about the novel."

By now, I had handed Riya the manuscript of a novel I wrote during spare moments.

A volume's worth, approximately.

It was about Fabian, an orphaned boy, who entered a noble family as a servant and became aware of his abilities.

"Are you sure that was really your first time writing?"

"Yes. I've never tried writing a novel before."

"That may be, but I found it surprisingly entertaining. I haven't read anything with such an unusual setup recently."

It seemed Riya really did come to talk about the novel.

She excitedly discussed the exploits of Fabian in the story.

"Hearing the voice of the sword... That's connected to the Seven Swords Under Heaven, right?"

"That's right."

"Then will I appear as well? To fight the calamity?"

"Much later."

I continued conversing with Riya for a long time.

As we talked, my worries about the Heroes Convocation gradually faded.

"Clay."

"Hm?"

"You want to do it, don't you?"

"... What?"

"The Heroes Convocation. You've been agonizing for a while."

"You said you didn't come to talk about that."

"Oh my, did I say that?"

When she suddenly hit the mark, I was taken aback for a moment. As I fumbled, Riya covered her mouth and smiled gently.

"I understand Clay better than you think. I'm always watching you. You're probably worried that while you're away at the Heroes Convocation, the calamity or the Seven Swords Under Heaven might appear."

But if that were all, you would have refused immediately today? Riya's eyes seemed to say.

"And for the sake of the hero who laid down his life for the kingdom, you want to take back the seat of the Seven Heroes. I know such feelings linger in you."

With those words, Riya gently leaned closer and touched her forehead to mine.

"Your novel pays a lot of attention to 'plausibility'. Things must happen for a reason; if the reason isn't good enough, then they shouldn't happen. Of course, plausibility is important. But... you know, reality is often a lot less plausible than fiction?"

Her eyes shimmered, reflecting my face, gently curving with warmth.

"If you want to, then do it."

Her voice held no force, but somehow, it struck home like Dragon Tongue.

"Sometimes, you find unexpected answers in utterly coincidental events with no plausibility at all."

With that, Riya moved her forehead away and stepped back.

"Well, I'll look forward to book two. Don't worry about distributing volume one—leave it to me."

Like a gust of wind, Riya spun around, opened the door, and vanished.

Perhaps it was the candlelight, but her cheeks looked a little pink as she walked away.

I gazed at the place where Riya had disappeared for a moment, then softly opened my mouth.

"Grancesia."

[... What.]

Her tone sounded slightly sulky, though I wasn't sure why.

"What was it you were about to say earlier?"

[Never mind, hmph. I won't tell you.]

What's her issue now?

She seemed to be muttering, but I couldn't make it out.

Still, I felt unburdened and sleep overtook me.

Because of that, I didn't catch Grancesia's muttered words.

[I wanted to be the one to tell you first.]