Mushoku Tensei – Jobless Oblige - Chapter 10

Chapter 10

The curriculum at Asura Royal Academy is sophisticated and intense .

Because it is so dense, the enrollment period is rather short .

Only three years .

The school term only lasted three years .

Me, Pax and Sariel .

Our relationship continued without changes, then that relationship came to an end .

Graduation day .

■

The graduation ceremony was held at the silver Royal Palace of Asura Kingdom .

All the graduates gathered in the large auditorium in the Royal Castle first before heading together to the party venue .

To show all graduates are equal for this occasion, there are no chairs set in the venue, only tables piled high with food .

All the graduates were dressed up in formal wear .

They are dresses and tuxedos, not uniforms .

Of course, commoners won’t have money to prepare such luxuries, so theirs were provided for as a graduation gift .

A huge 5-meter wide chandelier hung from the ceiling, luminating brightly the beautifully dressed newly grads .

At the opening ceremony, the Asura Queen stood directly on the stage to congratulate the new graduates .

This was a great honor .

After all, even in the academy, many could not easily see the queen .

In addition, the country's other heavyweights made their appearance as well .

The Prime Minister of the Asura Kingdom, high nobles, and other celebrities .

King's Gatekeeper Doga and King's Great Shield North God Isolte, of the renowned Seven Knights of Asura .

Those two were heroes that fought against North God Kalman, Ogre God, and Fighting God with Father .

Even for me, they’re people of legends . Of course we’re all honored to see them even from a distance .

In addition, Father and Mothers came as well .

My father wore a crisp tuxedo that he would never wear at home, standing proud, chatting happily with his neighbors .

Because he’s even more renown than even the Asuran high nobles, many graduates had gathered around Father .

Venue, food, and guests .

I had heard of such luxury beforehand, but I was still surprised .

This was a world apart .

As I thought when I first entered school, was this the same world? Maybe the Asura Kingdom was another world altogether?

Yes… It was actually another world .

Especially for me and Pax .

After all, even now we were isolated here .

"Sariel is also popular today . "

"Unlike us two . "

We watched Sariel, surrounded by many students at a corner of the venue .

So popular compared to us, left to eat by our lonesome .

Many students flocked to her .

Not just the students, many nobles who were attending as guests also greeted her .

She probably had higher status than most noble adults here .

Without having time to eat, Sariel wore a flowery smile to greet them all .

She probably wasn’t used to this either .

She seemed more lively when talking with us .

"Oh, it’s her Majesty!"

Among Sariel’s wellwishers was her mother .

Ariel Anemoi Asura, Queen of the Asura Kingdom .

She ascended to the throne at a young age and quickly brought peace to the Kingdom . A true queen without equals .

Her appearance was beautiful even from a distance, her voice must be equally bewitching as well .

The Queen spoke to Sariel a bit before heading toward us .

Bringing Doga and Isolte with her, our sights crossed .

Seeing this, I hurriedly laid down my plate and attempted to kneel .

"Oh, as you were, you graduates are the protagonists of the day . "

Troubled, I looked toward Pax . With his hand folded against his chest, he bowed gracefully .

An informal greeting .

"Pax Shirone Jr . I'm honored to meet you, Your Majesty . "

Following his example, I put my hand on my chest and lowered my head .

“Sieghard Saladin Greyrat . I'm honored to see you . Your Majesty . "

Ariel is a friend of Father's, so she probably knew my name already .

In fact, I have met her several times when I was little .

However, it was my first time making self-introduction in such a formal setting .

I raised my head thinking so, when Her Majesty smiled softly .

"Congratulations to both of you for your graduation . I've heard that coming from afar, cultural differences and hair color have caused you some difficulties . Now that you have successfully graduated, did you learn anything in these three years? "

"Indeed, the economy of the kingdom of Asura, territory management, populus management, subordinates management . . . those were all valuable classes . "

"Yes, I think so too . "

I concurred with Pax’s words when Ariel suddenly approached close to me .

Even approaching her 40s, her beauty had yet to diminish .

A pleasant voice seemingly filled with magical powers .

My heart quickened .

But the content of the following words was so terrifying that they chilled the beating heart .

"Looks like you're on good terms with Sariel . If you wish, maybe it’s time to formalize your marriage arrangement . "

Sariel was ordered by Ariel to approach me .

Sariel said so herself .

But I didn’t truly appreciate the weight of those words back then .

"That girl seems to like you too, so I’m sure she would be pleased if you would agree . Even your father had consent to let you do as you please . "

" . . . Oh, ah, I will seriously consider it then . "

"I don't mind . Anytime is fine . I look forward to the next few years . "

For the time being, Ariel nodded with a smile .

Then she turned to Pax .

"Pax Shirone Jr . I've heard a lot about you . "

" . . . Huh?"

"If you don't wish to return to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, I will welcome you into Asura . You're very impressive . "

" . . . "

"Of course, it's not only your own excellence . Your uncle, Zanoba Shirone, was a friend and classmate . . . I have no reason not to lend his family a hand . "

"No, I'm sorry, I still have a duty to my royal bloodline . "

"Is that so?"

Ariel smiled with a slight bitterness, having been refused twice .

She turned and returned to the center of the venue .

"Then, please enjoy your graduation ceremony . "

Just a few minutes .

Or maybe less than a minute .

But I was exhausted, as if we had been talking for hours .

Is that the power of a queen?

I wanted to talk to Doga and Isolte, but we didn’t have a chance .

"Her Majesty is incredible . "

"Yeah, very . "

Pax and I agreed .

Feelin so intimated from mere conversation with her .

"Ah . "

As if switching with Ariel, a figure came towards us .

Father .

The students who surrounded him scattered when he approached us .

"Hey, Sieg . Congratulations on graduating!"

"Thank you, Father . "

"Don’t be so modest . . . "

Placing my hand on my chest and bowed, and my father smiled wryly and reciprocated .

"Why are you hanging out all the way out here?"

"This is the most comfortable place . "

"That . . . well, not that I don’t get it . "

I said in half-jist, but father seemed to understood

Father probably came to the conclusion that I’m the “hate crowd” type and nodded .

"Anyhow, congratulations on ranking first in martial arts on your graduation exams . I’m very proud . ”

"No, that's to be expected . I can't afford to taint the good name of Father or Sensei . Rather, I'm ashamed that I didn't take first place overall . "

"I think you have nothing to be ashamed of . . . "

Father was smiling wryly again .

He probably thought it’s only natural that I can't take first place overall .

After all, compared to our great father, us children had no results worth mentioning .

So he had no expectations for us .

While I entertained such thoughts, Father said instead .

"Good . After your graduation you’ll be standing on your own two legs now . I expect much from you . "

Expect much from you .

That phrase rang like a bell through my heart .

Ding, dong .

Even more intense and unstoppable than when I was spoken to by Her Majesty .

Expectation .

Father said, but… what do you expect from me?

My marriage… was that it?

" . . . "

When I was silent, my father turned to Pax .

"Congratulations on your graduation as well!"

"Pax Shirone . Jr . I'm honored to see you, Rudeus-sama . "

"Please, no -sama . Even though some started calling me 'Mage King' these days, I’m really no big deal . "

Father shrugged and said .

A man of great humility .

Even though he spoke so casually with Her Majesty of the Asura Kingdom just now .

"Pax . I heard about that matter . "

He suddenly said that .

That matter?

What the hell is that?

I had no idea .

"I wish I could do something . . . "

"No, I already heard the permission to study abroad at Royal Academy for me was due to your recommendations . What comes next is something I alone should overcome . "

"I see . . . I won’t pursue further if you say so . Do your best!"

I didn't understand the meaning of the exchange between Pax with my father .

My father simply bowed to us and returned to the venue .

I didn’t look at Father’s face then .

From the moment I was told, “I expect much from you”, I stopped looking at Father's face .

And my heartbeat never settled until the graduation ceremony was over .

■

After the graduation ceremony, I was on my way home with Pax .

We didn’t talk much .

After the graduation ceremony, you will return to your hometown .

You have to prepare for your trip and leave the dormitory before next season .

Otherwise, there won’t be room for freshmen .

With Pax, the time for parting approaches .

" . . . Pax, you knew Father?"

On the way, I spit out the question .

"Yeah, your father was involved in my father’s death . That always bothered him, so he gave me a lot of support over the years . "

That was a story I only heard once before from Father .

Shirone Kingdom .

A small western region country .

It was a time of internal turmoil at Shirone Kingdom .

The Seventh Prince, who had been casted away by the king, returned with the backing of the Kingdom of the Dragon King for the throne .

My father and his friend, Zanoba Shirone, took part in the conflict .

Supporting the Seventh Prince, they fought off an invading northern nation taking advantage of the turmoil .

Although my father won the battle, the consequences of the conflict were dire .

The Seventh Prince died, and someone else gained the throne .

As a result, the Shirone Kingdom broke away from the Kingdom of the Dragon King and declared independence .

However, the new regime did not last and was destroyed by a pincer of the Kingdom of the Dragon King and the northern kingdoms .

After the civil war, the Seventh Prince left behind a wife and son .

Although they returned to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, they lived in dire straits .

After all, the Kingdom of the Dragon King lost a tributary state as result of the Seventh Prince .

Feeling responsible for what happened,Father supported them until the child of the Seventh Prince could become independent .

And the name of the Seventh Prince .

I remembered it now .

Pax .

Pax Shirone . . .

Pax Shirone Jr . is the son of Pax, the Seventh Prince who died in battle .

"Well, that was the first time we spoke face-to-face . I heard that I was receiving support, but we never met . "

"Is that so…"

"Honestly speaking, back when we first met, I thought you were told to help me out, so I wouldn't be alone . ”

" . . . "

I didn’t know…

Well, I didn’t remember .

In any case, the story of the Shirone Kingdom War ultimately ended in defeat .

My father didn’t like to talk about it, nor did I like to hear it either, so I didn't ask about it again .

It's a story I've only heard once or twice .

"Don’t let it bother you . I didn't tell you until now, but I didn't intend to deceive you . I just thought you always knew . "

Pax said and apologized .

I shook my head . I don’t mind .

" . . . No, it's fine . I’m actually grateful that you approached me . Even if you were told to, I would still be grateful . "

"I would have helped you regardless . ”

Unlike Sariel .

I wasn’t so calculating .

Maybe I should have noticed when he introduced himself as Pax .

Maybe my lack of reaction was disappointing to Pax?

"So, what was that about?"

"You mean from earlier?"

"What Father and Her Majesty said, about helping you out . "

"Well . . . "

Pax turned gloomy, smiling wryly .

"I will be given a territory when I return to the Kingdom of the Dragon King . "

" . . . You’ll become a lord?"

"Ostensibly . But nothing so impressive . The territory grant is on the southern border of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, near the northern forest of the Red Dragon's Lower Jaw . A barren land I need to develop from scratch . "

The Red Dragon Mountains, a large mountain range that separates the Aura Kingdom from other countries .

Humans cannot pass through the mountains where countless Red Dragons reside .

With the exception of several valleys, which are called Red Dragon's Jaws .

No Red Dragons inhabiting those areas .

Therefore, they have served as strategic positions since ancient times .

Although their value has diminished since the Asura Kingdom recently began to popularize Teleportation Circles, their importance as a chokepoint remains .

It is not surprising that the Kingdom of the Dragon King would try to claim a nearby territory .

Rather, with Asura Kingdom so preoccupied with the Teleportation Circles, they are less likely to interfere . Now is the perfect time .

"The forest hosts many monsters, so neighboring kingdoms will not stay quiet when the Kingdom of the Dragon King makes its claim . Even without the Kingdom of the Dragon King’s backing, with my education I should be able to manage if the land develops quickly enough . But the notoriety of my name would rile up the neighbors . They would probably try to sabotage me . ”

" . . . So it's an impossible task?"

Even in my classes, I learned about the trials and tribulation of developing a wilderness .

The forests of the Asura Kingdom are relatively peaceful, but it still took thousands of people and decades to tame .

And doing so without any support .

"Yeah, I'm sure I'll die there, so Her Majesty and your father both offered their help . "

Pax seemed unfazed, speaking of death .

"But why?"

"As I said before, I'm a nuisance . "

I heard that before .

His father caused great damage to the Kingdom of the Dragon King .

In addition, his mother is a descendant of the Demon Race .

However, since the royal family is a royal family, he has a claim to succession .

The possibility exist, however low .

" . . . You understand, right?"

"Then why did you refuse Her Majesty's offer? If you claim asylum in the Asura Kingdom . . . "

"Noblesse Oblige . While the Kingdom of the Dragon King considered me a nuisance, it also allowed me to study in the kingdom of Asura and its top-notch education . My county granted me freedom, and in turn I owe it responsibility . If I flee at the first sight of trouble, even I won’t forgive myself . Moreover, if I flee, mother would certainly be held liable too . ”

No escape .

He certainly thought so .

Not knowing what to say, I bit my tongue .

But his words did not stop .

"That’s just the face of it . . . the truth is different . "

"Is that so?"

"Indeed, I’ll tell only you this . "

When he said that, he stopped on the spot .

He looked back at me and said with determination .

"I have an ambition . "

I stopped as well, watching him .

He seemed unusually nervous .

He was always so easygoing, but today he’s choosing his words carefully .

"Ambition? What ambition?"

"My ambition for my own nation . "

Those words left me agasp .

Pax's ambition, founding of a nation .

“I will fulfill the dream that my father left behind . ”

I thought it would be something trivial, but his want was far greater than I imagined .

Founding an entire nation, going far beyond even his father .

Indeed, he looked dazzling .

"That’s why, this will become my opportunity . Developing a new land, untainted by anyone . Even though an enclave of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, at some point it should be able to become independent . "

Pax declared .

Buty it’s a sucker’s bet .

There is little hope .

Becoming independent means betraying the Kingdom of the Dragon King .

After that war with the Kingdom of the Dragon King would be inevitable .

"That… seems unlikely . ”

"It will be tough . But even without independence, if I developed it, it'll be my territory, both in name and in fact . I can welcome mother over then . I’m confident that with my three years of education here, I can identify talent and develop the territory into a comfortable place . Then it’s distance can take care of the rest . ”

It's easier said than done .

However, reclaiming barren land is no easy task . There’ll be little reason for talented people to gather, and thin, barren lands can support only so much population as well .

Maybe I should try to stop him .

It is impossible . Look at reality .

You should choose exile in the Asura Kingdom, and Father will do something about your mother .

But I know .

Pax has always been working toward that dream .

For that purpose, he has been studying in the distant Asura Kingdom .

If he had remained in the Kingdom of the Dragon King, he would have surely lost his life already .

He left but did not give up, daring to walk the difficult path in sole pursuit of his goals .

So I can't stop him .

Because even I started to envy his pursuit in life .

"That’s why, even though it’s difficult to ask, there is one thing I want to ask you . "

" . . . What is it?"

Pax exhaled .

He took a deep breath and clenched his fist .

He said with determination .

"Would you come with me?"

He did not wait for my reply, he continued .

"I know your circumstances .

You will be married to Sariel .

Your father and Her Majesty Ariel both desire it .

I know what I’m asking cannot compare . ”

His words had me thinking of Father .

"But I've thought of the last three years I have been with you .

You are strong and thoughtful .

Talking to you has given me courage and conviction many times .

With you with me, I feel like I can overcome any difficulty . ”

"That is…"

"So fight with me . "

Oh, that request . . .

I was troubled .

I was troubled .

Father's words returned to me . .

My father's words, "I expect much of you . "

Surely, my father "expects" me and Sarriel to get married .

Complete the task that my older brother had failed .

Moreover, my father has a particularly friendly relationship with Asura Kingdom .

While he has interaction with the Kingdom of the Dragon King as well, only with the Asuran royal family is he interested in an marriage alliance .

By doing so, my family would forge a reliable link .

Father's expectation .

Surely isn’t to help Pax .

Not strengthen relations with the Kingdom of the Dragon King .

Marry Sariel and strengthen our relationship with the Asura Kingdom .

Following Pax deviates from Father's expectations .

But that doesn't mean that we can strengthen our connection with the Kingdom of the Dragon King instead .

Within the Kingdom of the Dragon King, Pax is isolated .

No benefit to my father .

On the contrary, it might cause troubles .

Indeed, the disadvantage would be greater .

If Pax aims for independence, we’ll become hostile to the Kingdom of the Dragon King .

Following Pax will surely betray Father's expectations .

The father that protected us all the time .

My respected father .

" . . . "

I thought for a long time without a response .

I needed time to think .

But Pax did not wait for a reply .

" . . . I'm sorry, pretend that I never asked . "

A few seconds after asking a question, Pax said, ending the conversation .

And that was my last conversation with Pax in the Asura Kingdom .

■

Pax returned to his homeland, and I felt something vacant in my chest .

I became empty and lethargic .

I didn't know what to do .

Pax's invitation I rejected, probably in line with Father's wishes .

But getting married to Sariel seemed like a betrayal of Pax .

I could not do it either .

Troubling over this, I returned home .

I refused Pax's invitation and betrayed Father's expectations as well .

Abandoning everything, presently unemployed .