To the east of the "Silviya Continent", at the foot of the steep Eubigne Mountains, there is a country called the "Kingdom of Verrad". This world has a unique supernatural power, "magic", and there are many beasts that can use "magic", "Warcraft", and the country acts as a barrier against the "Great Tree Sea of Bokus" where many "Warcraft" lurk. The people called it "the country of knights".

It was the year 1277 in the Western calendar, winter had passed, and it was the time when spring was endless, and that happened in a thriving spring.

At that time, the divisional and regimental level demonic beast "Emperor Tortoise" attacked and crossed the eastern border defense line of the Verrad Kingdom. This momentous event was later known as the "Emperor Lu Incident".

The monster is pushing forward with the force of destroying the country's transportation points, and the kingdom of Villerd is facing a crisis for the survival of the country. At this moment, the student knights of the "Yantunin Guardian Knights" and the "Dreiser Rider Academy" bravely stood up against the incomparably powerful magical beasts. Despite their own dangers, they fought hard, and despite the large number of victims, they finally defeated the enemy and brought peace to the country

The solemn atmosphere of the Aubigne Mountains stands behind the capital of the Kingdom of Virard, "Kankunin".

Located in the center of the street, the city of Intramuros is bustling with a noisy atmosphere, filled with troubadours and taverns, where people drink wine in broad daylight. Merchants seized the opportunity to open their doors, and the shouts of soliciting business came and went. Everyone laughs and laughs at each other.

The reason for this uproar was the award ceremony being held in the royal city for the knights of the Yantunin Guardian Order and the High Division of the Dreiser Cavalry Academy. Those who heard the content of the battle trembled with fear, praised the knights who drove away the monsters, and at the same time enjoyed the event.

A slightly old man with a small child walked on the noisy and crowded streets of the royal capital. They are Laurie Echeberia, the head of the Dreiser Gymnastics Academy, and his grandson, El Nesti Echeberia.

The road was overcrowded. Petite Al clutches Laurie's clothes in one hand to keep them from falling apart, and in the other he holds a crepe-like snack covered in a thin pie crust with a large amount of fruit.

"Would you like Grandpa to come too?"

"Hmm. I don't need it, El eats it all. 」

Al nodded in response, nimbling down on a snack in the crowd. It was bought from stalls that can be found everywhere on the roadside.

(There are so many people...... it's rare for grandpa to ask me out, but I didn't expect it to be like this.) )

The grandparents and grandchildren will be in the royal capital full of carnival atmosphere, because of the personal invitation of the king himself. Upon questioning, it became clear that Laurie and the King were old classmates. Because of this friendship, Laurie used to serve as an advisor to the king, and this friendship lasted until he became the head of the school. The king knew that he was related to the true identity of the red knight "El Nesti Etcheberia", who played a big role in the "Land Emperor Incident", so he brought the two of them in.

Hearing this, Al was a little apprehensive along the way, after all, the king had opened Chrysostom to find him, and it was impossible to release him just by asking what had happened. He sighed at the fruity sweetness as he made his way through the crowd of people as he headed towards the royal city.

The main entrance of Scherebell City is more crowded than ever, but the area around the castle's atrium is much more deserted. Passing through the crowd, the two men who finally arrived there saw the soldiers who had come to greet them. The soldiers led them. Arriving at a meeting room in the city, he left a sign saying "Please wait here" and left. Now only Laurie and Al Zusun were left alone in the spacious room, and the cheers of the crowd could be heard in the distance.

"Al, are you nervous?"

"Of course. I never thought I'd get a chance to meet Your Majesty. 」

"Gee, I thought Al wouldn't care about such a trivial matter with his guts. 」

"You seem to be saying that a little too much, Grandpa. 」

Wait a moment to meet the king, but the two are still teasing each other casually, it seems that they are quite bold. Soon the soldiers reappeared, announcing that the waiting had arrived.

They turned and stood solemnly. The door opened and several people walked in. At the foreground is none other than the well-known King Ambrose Tahavo Fremevia himself. Despite his prime, he exudes an imposing dignity that makes him feel untouched, followed by two aristocratic men. As soon as Ambrose entered the door, the corners of his mouth raised the moment he met Laurie's eyes.

"Youlao two, keep you waiting. Long time no see, Laurie. 」

"Long time no see, Your Majesty. I just want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. 」

"Don't mind, this meeting was arranged out of curiosity after all. So, is he the Red Knight......?"

Ambrose and the nobles who followed behind them turned their gaze to Laurie's side. The only information recorded in the report was that "a twelve-year-old child was driving a phantom knight and fighting the Emperor Tortoise", so they originally thought that it would be a burly man who was not suitable for his age.

But in fact, in front of him was a teenager who was more petite than the average twelve-year-old, almost mistaking him for a girl. His appearance was soft, a pair of bright, determined eyes blinked on his round face, and the silver-purple hair cut to the chin surrounded his face, causing several of them to freeze their faces after being through the wind and waves on state political occasions. However, the king is not to be underestimated after all. He raised an eyebrow in surprise at first, but quickly changed to an interested expression.

"Oh, I read the report. I thought it was a boy, but I didn't expect it to be a girl. 」

"No, Your Majesty. Despite my appearance, I am a boy. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. When we first met, I was Laurie Etcherberry's grandson, El Nesty. It is a great pleasure to be summoned by His Majesty today. 」

"Oh, I heard it's a twelve-year-old child, but he's quite a general. It's not easy to talk if it's too restrained, so take it easy. 」

"Yes, then I'll be respectful rather than obey. 」

Seeing Al answer so bluntly, the expressions of the two people behind Ambrose changed from surprise to stunned. It's hard for them to tell if Al is a man of measure, or if he simply doesn't know how to be restrained.

"I'll get straight to the point. I specially invited you to come here today for nothing else, but to clean up the aftermath of the Lu Huang incident. I've heard about your performance, but I can't praise it publicly. 」

Ambrose said, looking at Al unceremoniously.

"I've heard you've agreed, too. However, I must not treat capable knights who are capable of fighting the Tortoise casually, so I want to give you a fair reward in private. That being said, I have a headache for what kind of reward to give to a child who is not yet an adult. 」

Ambrose explained, a kind smile on his face – but it was a "bad one" smile at any turn. Trying to take something out of the way that was once "vetoed" is like a temptation. Al showed his usual attitude, but the tightness in his heart slowly rose.

"Whether it's to promote you to knighthood or give you status, your age is a problem. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, I understand that such a disposition is too much for a twelve-year-old who is not yet an adult. 」

"Well, it looks like your brain is moving pretty fast. Hey, so ...... what do you want? I think it's more straightforward to ask me about this kind of thing. If you want something worthy of this achievement, let it be a reward. 」

Ambrose's overly explicit explanation made Al stunned. He accepted the offer, and his head began to spin at top speed.

(I don't think it'...... just a matter of kindness.) Your Majesty wants to see if I'm a guy who will take the bait because of the reward? Now he says that he wants to give me a reward, and it is very suspicious. )

This is "a gift from the sky" or "a gift for nothing". However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. This is a constant social consensus both before and in the future.

(That being said, it is impossible to live up to His Majesty's kindness...... you have to say something.) )

However, it is difficult to come up with a so-called reward suitable for the "contribution to the crusade against the Emperor Tortoise". How much is it for money? How much do you want for goods? Is there nothing you want other than status? It's not that Al can't open his mouth, it's that he really doesn't understand the value of those merits. Why don't you just use what you are a child as a shield and make unreasonable demands?—thinking of this, he dispelled his thoughts.

(Slowly, I don't think that's a child's expression.) )

In Al's memory, he had an impression of Ambrose's expression. Turning over the memories of his past life that has long been gradually weathered, at first glance the amiable expression is waiting for the opportunity to find the big and small flaws in the words - it is the "expression of the salesman". There must be ghosts in there.

(Why don't you want a Phantom Knight to look at?, maybe it's just right as a reference standard.) It seems to work in terms of actual merit. Woohehehehe. )

Just as El was about to answer, he lost to desire without caring about it, a strong thought crossed his mind.

(...... No, no, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I don't know if there will be such an opportunity to petition His Majesty directly in the future. Should I ask for something that I have to ask His Majesty to get?......yes, that's what I need most at the moment, and it's the hardest thing to get my hands on!!)

Time passed for a moment, and Al came back to his senses from his contemplation. If not, forget it, just think of one more—he proposed, with such optimism, in a nonchalant tone, "Then, I beg your majesty, what I want most now is knowledge...... knowledge of how to make the Magic Conversion Furnace. 」

Now the air is as still as if it were frozen. Hearing this too whimsical wish, even Ambrose showed a surprised expression. It's no wonder, given the wishes of a twelve-year-old. Not only him, but Laurie, who had a leisurely attitude, also straightened his face, and the other two were stunned as if they couldn't understand the situation.

They treat Al as a child, and if it was an "unexpected" request, they wouldn't be so out of shape. However, Al's request is something that an individual "can't" ask for. The answer was so surprising that, despite Ambrose's wit, it was inevitable that he would not be able to react to it, resulting in a strange silence. One of the first to make a move was a nobleman behind him, Duke Canute Discode.

"You ...... you guy know what to say......

"Quiet"

Canute, who was almost discouraged in his panic, was interrupted by Ambrose, who had come back to his senses. The atmosphere that had been somewhat relaxed before suddenly changed. Facing the king, who exuded the majesty of a nation, everyone present immediately stood solemnly.

"...... El Nesty, do you say how to make the Mana Conversion Furnace? Of course I want to make sure - you know what you want to do like this?"

The King's eyes narrowed, wordlessly increasing the pressure on El. A cold sweat ran down Al's back, but he still looked back steadfastly.

"First, right...... wrong, tell me your reasons. Why do you want that kind of thing?"

"Yes, I ...... even though I was studying as a knight at Dreiser, I wanted to be my own Phantom Knight. 」

"Oh, my very own Phantom Knight. What an amazing wish. If so, it's not incomprehensible, wouldn't it be nice to ask for it now? 」

Hearing Ambrose say this, Al shook his head slowly.

"I used to be good if I just wanted to get Phantom Knight, but now it's different. I ...... I want to be the best Phantom Knight "with my own hands". 」

Another unimaginable answer popped up, leaving the king speechless. At this moment, a sentence from the report came to his mind.

("Is it the magic method that changes the magic director's computer alone??" Is this person serious? Not a joke, but really hoping that he has that ability ?......?)

Facing Ambrose in silence, Al went on to explain:

"That's why I'm pursuing all aspects of knowledge at the Dreiser Academy. Gain magical knowledge and learn how to construct and operate Phantom Knights. I've already thoroughly investigated the technology that makes up the airframe, however, I'm missing a critical part. That's right, the Magic Converter. As His Majesty knows, its laws are not open to the general public. So when it comes to rewards, I hope you can teach me how to make them. As long as you know how to make it, the rest is production. 」

Laurie also looked apprehensively at his grandson, who explained to the king. He knew that Al was passionate about Phantom Knights, but he didn't expect that he would be so desperate to make a request on such an occasion. At this point, it's hard to talk about it. He glanced at the king, and saw Ambrose with a straight face, and spoke heavily:

"......Anyway, what's your reason?"

"Because I'm interested. 」

Everyone present seemed to have seen something extremely abnormal, and their expressions were indescribable. In the silence where no one spoke, the sound of laughter was suddenly faintly heard, and everyone looked over there in surprise. I saw Ambrose shaking his shoulders silently at first, and then couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"How ......! How ridiculous! Just to talk about interest! Hahaha! This is so interesting! You are really a twelve-year-old child? Hahaha! This is really a masterpiece. It's been a long time since I've met someone as interesting as you!"

The two nobles behind him watched in amazement as the king burst into laughter. Laurie, who had been friends with the king for a long time, was relieved to see that he really found it interesting.

"Okay, I'll grant your wish!!"

"Your Majesty, don't teach ...... such a child of unknown origin!"

"I know where he came from, he's my friend's grandson. That being said, your concerns are natural...... aren't they? 」

Al finished his explanation and quietly observed the situation. Hearing Ambrose say this, his face suddenly tensed.

"I did grant your request. But ah, that's a secret that wouldn't be open to the public. It's just that the "degree" of the crusade against the Land Emperor Turtle is unfair. 」

Al's expression turned skeptical. first promised him, and then said that his strength and merit were insufficient, which could not help but make people doubt his intentions. Ambrose smiled happily as she saw the confusion on Al's face.

"Don't worry, you're not joking. I promise you that when you accumulate the corresponding merits, I will impart knowledge to you. 」

Ambrose and Al's eyes flickered together.

(Of course, this can be interpreted as a reward as a bait and then asking me to do a day job...... but it can be said to be an unexpected gain.) Regardless of the conditions, after all, this is an opportunity to learn the most important secret. )

Such a reward for Al is worth tens of thousands of dollars. The smile on her cute face lit up with longing and enthusiasm. Ambrose saw his expression and was even more convinced that he had done the right thing.

"Hehe, it must seem a bit empty to say that. I will specify the method. You said you wanted to be a Phantasm Knight, so let me see what you're capable of—prove that you can use the magic transformation furnace method. 」

"Proof ...... what should I do?"

"Needless to say, it's good to actually make a Phantom Knight. Aside from the furnace, make the shell of the best Phantom Knight you think for me to see. If I am satisfied, I will fulfill my promise. 」

Hearing this, Al's expression became like that of a carnivore that had found its prey. The king offered the last part he needed in exchange, and it was a future that would come to him sooner or later. Of course, he didn't say a word and accepted it without hesitation.

"Commanded. I will definitely be ready for Your Majesty to see the Phantom Knight satisfied. 」

Shortly after the meeting with El Nesty, Ambrose went to the King's chambers, which were neither an audience room nor a conference room. There was another person in the room—it was Laurie.

"Hehe, it's been a long time since I've had such a fulfilling day. Laurie, you grandson is so funny. 」

As soon as he remembered what had just happened, Ambrose smiled as he had a drink.

"Well, I left it to my daughter. The kid had always loved Phantom Knight, but he didn't expect him to do this. I didn't grasp the situation at all, so I pinched a cold sweat. 」

"I heard that a twelve-year-old kid had a fight with a tortoise and called him to see him, but this can't be, he can't be said to be a child anymore. 」

"Well, my grandson is still in school. 」

"Although children should have great ambitions, who would say such a strange wish? I have heard so many people's wishes in my life, but today is the 'best'!"

The two clinked glasses to each other and continued to talk happily.

"Because it was so funny, I accidentally made a pleasant promise. 」

"Because it's my grandson. In the future, I will also train him to grow up and thrive and live up to His Majesty's expectations. 」

"Oh. By the way, I used to worry about his future because he was too capable. When I actually met, I felt that it was too much to worry about. 」

Perhaps recalling that time, Ambrose chuckled from the depths of his throat.

"Oh, to make Your Majesty so optimistic, my grandson is still full of ambition. 」

"Hehehe, I'm not interested because it's your grandson, but I'm curious to see what amazing things he can do. Making a better Phantom Knight—it was a fantasy, but he didn't hesitate to nod his head in agreement. 」

As he spoke, Ambrose had a premonition of similar conviction.

"It won't be long before he brings the results to me. 」

"...... made that kind of promise so easily. I have to advise Your Majesty to restrain your pastime a little. 」

One of the nobles, Duke Canute Discode, complained to another man, the Marquis of Joakim Serrati.

"Duke, don't talk nonsense. 」

"Your Majesty's measure is not so small as to accept counsel. Or do you think it doesn't matter if you tell a state secret to a child like that who is unknown?"

"I don't think so...... that's why Your Majesty has added a string attaché. Even the grandson of the head of Dreiser's school, it will not be easy to make a new Phantom Knight. 」

"I'm not asking how easy things are, I'm saying that there's something wrong with that kind of agreement itself!"

Cnut was furious and walked through the corridor with heavy steps. Joakim followed her with the image of his children in his mind. Complementing the report of Philip Herhagen, the head of the Guardian Knights of Yantunin, was his daughter, Stefania. The report also includes his illegitimate children with Al. After all, Al was someone he knew.

Now it may be necessary to gather some information, or give certain instructions to his illegitimate son. Beside Joakim, who was lost in thought, Knut's expression grew grim.

"Even if it's a child...... it can be dangerous to ignore it. 」

The whisper didn't reach anyone's ears, silently blending into the air around them.