Chapter 98

"Please sit down!"

Lihult gestured toward the reception set in front of his desk. When Lora and I sat down side by side, Lihult took the seat opposite us.

"Thank you so much for coming all this way! We're having a welcome party today, so please enjoy yourselves!"

Then we exchanged news.

"Man... being a lord is so confusing! Every day is a learning experience! It's giving me a headache! I'm more of a physical guy, you know!"

Lihult spoke in a friendly manner.

"But! It's fulfilling! I'm determined to make the people living in this territory happy! I'm fired up to improve their lives even a little bit!"

Lihult's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. He was a good person, not at all driven by personal gain, and genuinely cared about his people. He was sure to become a great lord.

"It's a tough life."

"Yeah, well, that part is fulfilling and worth the effort, but the other part..."

"The other part?"

"Well, you know, I sent you a letter about it. The neighboring lord is a hassle—"

As soon as he said that, the face of the usually optimistic Lihult lost its luster.

That's right. We were called here because of that. The neighboring count wanted me, a higher noble, to be present for a dispute.

"Really, that old man is such a pain...!"

Lihult clenched his teeth so hard it almost made a sound.

"...What's the story?"

Since the letter didn't provide many details, I asked.

"Um, do you know about Heavy Mithril?"

"Yeah."

Heavy Mithril is a mineral with high resistance to magic. However, it's too heavy for people to carry, so it's used in construction. ...The academy has a few facilities with rooms protected by Heavy Mithril.

"In my territory, there's a mine that produces Heavy Mithril. But since it's an important mineral, we're required to deliver all of it to the kingdom first."

"Does the kingdom buy it?"

"Yes, at a lower price than the market rate, but since it's the kingdom... Still, it's a good source of income. This territory isn't very industrially developed."

Then Lihult continued.

"Anyway... this area used to be a direct territory of the kingdom, but the neighboring count's family has always managed the mine, including the deliveries to the kingdom."

...I see...

It's no wonder there's a dispute. From the neighboring count's perspective, it's like his job has been taken away.

However, it seems the reason is different.

"So, when I became the lord here, I was supposed to take over the management of the mine, but—when I investigated, the numbers didn't add up."

"...The numbers don't add up?"

"Yes. The actual production and the recorded production. There's a significant discrepancy."

Where did the difference go?

More importantly, if it's supposed to be delivered to the kingdom—

Lihult lowered his voice.

"It's not just embezzlement; it's treason against the kingdom!"

...This is a huge issue...

If true, it's not something that can be resolved with an apology. It would definitely lead to the family's destruction.

"Have you confirmed it with the other party?"

"I have! Many times! They keep saying they don't know anything, that it's our misunderstanding!"

Lihult's voice grew harsh, perhaps out of frustration. Even if they admitted it, the fact of betraying the royal family couldn't be avoided. It's natural for them to try to cover it up.

"...Are you sure it's not just a misunderstanding, Lihult?"

"Yes, absolutely! It's because I'm new! Because I lack experience, I've double-checked everything!"

He seems quite confident.

Given that level of confidence, he could bring evidence to the kingdom, but that's also scary.

It's a serious accusation that could ruin the other party.

If it's rejected, it would be a significant stain on Lihult's record as a new lord.

The other party has managed the mine for years and might have hidden loopholes.

That's why Lihult wants to get a confession from the count himself.

"This time, I want to question him seriously with Albert's presence. I've already informed them of the date!"

That's why he called me.

...I don't think I'll be much help, but talking to the same people in the same way won't change the outcome. He probably wants to change the atmosphere.

I'll try my best...

"Quite a challenge right after taking office, Lihult."

"No, no, no! This is nothing! I'm destined to be a duke! This is a piece of cake!"

Ha ha ha ha ha! Lihult laughed.

"Oh!"

Lihult suddenly spoke and looked at Lora.

"Sorry, Lora! I've been talking with Albert and me!"

Lora, suddenly addressed, waved her hands frantically.

"No, no, no! Not at all! Please, don't worry about me!"

"No, no, that won't do. Since Lora came all the way here, I can't let her be bored. Is there anything you're interested in?"

It was a rather rough and casual way to include her.

But in a world where many nobles act as if commoners don't exist, this friendliness is a good trait. I was pleased that he treated Lora properly.

"Um, well..."

Lora looked up at the ceiling in surprise and then said,

"Well, I'm interested in Heavy Mithril."

"Ah, Heavy Mithril! As expected of an academy student. How about I show you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come here, come here. We actually have a display for guests. Heavy Mithril is a precious product of our territory."

Lihult stood up and opened the door to the next room. Inside, there was a glass case, and Lihult stood in front of it.

"You probably haven't seen it before. This is the raw Heavy Mithril."

Peering into the glass case, I saw several black minerals covered in rough rock.

"Wow, it looks like this!"

"This is what it looks like before refining."

He pointed to a jet-black plate at the edge of the glass case.

"It's completely black."

"Yes. When used as material, we color it because the color is too strong."

Lihult opened the glass case with a key he took out.

"Since you're here, why don't you hold it, Albert?"

I reached for the Heavy Mithril plate as instructed. I knew it was heavy, but it was only the size of a palm. No matter what—

"...It's heavy..."

I tried to lift it, but it didn't budge at all.

"Ha ha ha! That's right, it's incredibly heavy. Even I, who am well-trained, can barely move it!"

...It's not practical to use it for human equipment, this is.

Lihult pointed to the wall.

Embedded in the wall were large, jet-black plates the size of a person.

"When used as material, it looks like this. It's so heavy that it takes a lot of equipment and strong men to handle it."

"Wow."

Lora approached and looked closely.

"Can I touch it?"

"Of course!"

With Lihult's permission, Lora poked the embedded Heavy Mithril and exclaimed, "Oh!"

Lihult said,

"Hey, Lora, want to try shooting a Magic Arrow at it?"

"Really, is that okay!?"

"Sure, sure. It won't get damaged at all!"

Lihult answered confidently.

Lora stepped back a bit and drew a small staff from her waist.

"Magic Arrow!"

The white arrow she released hit the wall and vanished like a firework.

"Wow, that's amazing!?"

"Ha ha ha ha! It's a pretty thick Heavy Mithril plate! It has higher defense than regular materials!"

Then Lihult looked at me.

"How about you, Albert? Want to try?"

"Huh?"

"Magic Arrow. You're good at it, right?"

"...Is it okay?"

My Magic Arrow is a bit more powerful than others.

Lihult responded casually.

"It's fine!"

...If he insists, I might as well try. Lihult knows about my Magic Arrow from the lizardman battle, and he's saying it's okay.

I stood next to Lora.

"Can I go all out?"

"Of course! 100% of 100%!"

"Got it."

I extended my right hand and spoke the trigger word.

"Magic Arrow"

The white arrow I released collided with the jet-black stone—

There was a cracking sound.