The afternoon of the next day, Taniguchi paid quite a sum for traveling through the night. So close to the capital, that kind of service is granted, given how few monsters are in this area.

Like a breeze, Taniguchi walks through the castle, no guard hindered him, as he's already known here, so why should anyone stop him?

Except for the guard in front of the door of the king's study. “We're sorry, but currently the king is unavailable.”

“Step aside! It's important!” Taniguchi tries to pass through them, but the guards block the door. “It's a matter of life and death.”

The guards look at each other, but since Taniguchi is a hero, he's sure that they will let him pass. They were summoned here to be something special, and special people gain special rights, it's as simple as that.

“Hero-dono, please. You won't like the king if you're going inside now.” One of them is pleading: “We're not here to keep the king save, but everyone who wants to walk in during his break.”

So the reason why Taniguchi can't speak to him is because the king is on a break!? “Let me in.” There is a bit of spite in his words.

Both guards look at each other, then they step aside: “It'll be on your head.”

Taniguchi vehemently opens the door, only to see a sight, which he wasn't expecting. The king embracing a dark-blonde woman, while both of them are french kissing each other. For some reason, the king has a quill in his hand and is directly looking at the teacher. If Taniguchi wouldn't know better, he'd think that the king almost threw it at him.

That's impossible, though.

Slowly, the king loosens his embrace and let the woman take a deep breath. It's his wife, Lorena von Stolzherz. This beautiful woman has still the charm of a young woman, though she's older than Taniguchi and has birthed seven children. Her long dark-blonde hair, her blazing eyes, her well-made dress, everything about her is majesty and gentleness.

The king, on the other hand, Heinrich von Stolzherz, might share the same eyes, but nothing of the gentleness, his hair is short, same as his beard, with a bright blond color, but his face is hard and controlled. “Taniguchi-dono, what's the reason for your visit?” He puts the quill on the desk. Why did he have it in the first place? Maybe he got caught by a dramatic embrace while working?

Taniguchi thought about how inappropriate the king is for having such misconduct during the day. “We need to talk.”

“I guess, it's important, otherwise there would be no reason to disturb my quality time with my wife. My Love, would you like to participate in this audience?”

The queen looks at Taniguchi, she's really gorgeous, the teacher can't help but stare at her, whenever she's around. “No, my Dear.” Her smile is so kind as she looks at her husband. “I will take a look at Innies studies instead.” She presses her lips against the king's for a second and then whispers something, which Taniguchi can barely hear. “Please be lenient.”

“I'll try.” The way the two of them speak with each other gives Taniguchi the feeling that he's in the wrong here.

The queen walks up to Taniguchi: “I'll ask the servants for some drinks and snacks. Is there anything you like to have, Taniguchi-dono?”

“Water please.” He would ask for wine usually, but saying it to a woman like her seems to be inappropriate, so he opts for the more proper drink. There is nothing wrong with water, after all.

“I understand. Dear, anything you like?”

“Some bread with cheese.”

“With the lerra-paste on top?”

“Of cou- no, not today.” He quickly changes his mind, and for some reason, this earns a smile from his wife. Taniguchi doesn't understand why, though.

“Well, maybe I'll also eat a bit of lerra today.”

“...then the paste, please. I love you.”

“Me too.”

The way they exchange their looks and smiles makes Taniguchi feels completely out of place and ignored. He's here for a reason, so why do these... these... lovebirds act like that!?

He also feels bad, because the queen is that beautiful. It's not like he's jealous, but it feels bad. This is normal as a man, seeing a lovely woman flirting with another man just feels bad.

Finally, the queen leaves the room, and the king points to a simple chair in front of his desk, while he sits down on his own chair. “Well, Taniguchi-dono, why do you want to speak with me?”

Taniguchi doesn't sit down, he wants to stand while making his points. “I'll be direct, your highness. I've learned about the letters, you have sent to Saegusa-sensei.”

“Actually, it was Ralf, but as he's my chancellor, his letters are my letters, that's correct. Go on.”

This calmness... the king is unfazed, just sitting at his desk, his hands are folded, he looks directly up to the standing Taniguchi... this is infuriating.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Taniguchi already made his points during the coach ride, or at least during the time, he wasn't sleeping. “Some things need clarification.”

“I see. What kind of matters are these?”

“First, I want to ask why the research-group has to undertake combat training?”

“This is according to our information about heroes. While I have to agree, that our knowledge is rather limited, we asked our dari-allies, and they explained to us some of the needs. To be able to enhance your research capabilities, something called [Level] has to be raised first, and the easiest way is to fight monsters. Now that the combat-group is self-reliant, we can start providing you this kind of support as well.”

So this kind of reason... “They're just children. They're already working at their hardest, please let them accumulate to this kind of life, first.”

“I see.” The way how the king just listens to Taniguchi shows the teacher that the king is really considering his point of view. This is a sign of a wise ruler, the world he's living in might be dangerous, but he's still nothing like a savage. Their culture may be primitive, but the people themselves aren't.

“Also, I'm very sorry about the lack of results.” This is another point of the letter, a gentle threat to cutting off their budget if there is no progress within half a year: “We'll work it out. I'm close, so close, it's just hard to be stranded in this world, without any of the tools we used to have.” Without the internet, PCs, industrial machines, and similar technology, it's nearly impossible to bring the standard or Taniguchi's world into this world, they lack the means, they lack the necessary knowledge. The culture Taniguchi is familiar with is 'standing on the shoulders of giants.'

“I'm sure, that you'll work this out.” Good thing, that the king is so understanding.

“Yes. I like to say something that displeases me...” Cautiously, Taniguchi tries to sneak a peek how the king will react.

He just cocks his head a little: “Speak freely.”

“It's about the lists...”

“Tetsukawa-dono's demise is tragic, though I recommend him for saving the rest of his party and the scout. Such a brave man, he'll get an appropriate funeral, even lacking a body to cremate.”

“Thank you.” Taniguchi didn't read about the circumstances of Tetsukawa-kun's dead, he has to concentrate on his living students for now, so he doesn't know what the king is talking about. “But I want to know, why the other students, the ones at Funkenpflug, need to know about these lists.”

“They have a right to know. They're comrades in a sense.”

“Please, they're still children. They're still too young for this, they're still adapting to this world, hearing about Tetsukawa-kun is too much. It'll scar them, it'll make them suffer through so much pain. Same goes for the missing...”

“So you want to keep it in the dark?”

“For now. I'll personally tell them later.”

“I see.” The king is really listening, this is easier than Taniguchi initially thought.

The next point will be the hardest, though: “Finally, about the thing with your daughter...”

The ember-like eyes of the king turn fierce for a moment, but within a moment they're smooth again. “Continue.”

“Let me tell you, I'm incredibly sorry for the kidnapping,” Taniguchi bows while speaking these words: “Katsuragi was always someone, who doesn't mix well with others, showing contempt to them. Actually, ther-”

The king interrupts: “So you want to take responsibility?”

“I want to say, that we won't try to protect him, he has crossed a line, that is inexcusable. Deem with him however you want.” Taniguchi has to make sure that nobody would think of Katsuragi as being part of the other heroes.

Taniguchi is sure that this is the main reason, why this letter came is because of that case. It's only natural, the king is still a father, so naturally, he will let his emotions lead him, making him much harsher than he wants to be.

Maybe he's listening to Taniguchi this patiently and understandingly because he already knows that his sadness has driven him.

“Is everything about the letter now clear? Were you able to explain everything you wanted?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Then let me ask you a question. Are you for real?”

Not sure, what the king means, Taniguchi just furrows his brows: “What are you-”

“Let me rephrase it, Taniguchi-dono. You're a sore to my eyes, and looking at you makes me feel like hurling. Every word you say makes me want to cave that head of yours in.”

These words are like a fist into Taniguchi's face, he blinks several times, unable to process if what he just heard is real, especially, as the king is still calmly sitting on his chair, his voice serene and controlled.

“I remember the first time I've talked with you clearly, back when the priests summoned you. I've never seen such a despicable display before. As a king, I'm used to people trying to get on my better side, but while you say that you want to 'protect' your students, you put most of them in front of you, acting as a shield and sword, doing the work you feel too good for.”

This... how dare he! Taniguchi opens his mouth, yelling into the king's face: “You can't talk to me like that!”

The eyes of the king set ablaze, at least that's the impression Taniguchi got: “Of course I can, and I can do more.” Faster than thought, Taniguchi's feet lose contact to the ground as he's lifted up by the king by the neck. “I can also, break a bone or two.”

He slightly slaps Taniguchi's torso, a sharp, unreal pain smashes through his body, the teacher feels like his ribcage was just shattered. Or at least some ribs broken! Unable to say something, only a loud groan runs through his throat.

Strangely enough, after that initial pain, Taniguchi can spit words again, maybe because he's a hero? “You can't do it, I have my rights.”

The king looks at him, much like a teacher to a foolish student: “Rights? Don't make me laugh. I can't do something like that to a farmer, I can't do something like that to a noble. I'm the king, but that doesn't matter, because all of Feuerberg's citizens are protected by the crown and our laws. Who is protecting you? Your Japan? How will it retaliate? Can it send the so-called missiles to us? Can it send in an army to protect your rights? The first thing you missed, dirtbag, is the opportunity to claim basic civil rights for you and your students. The only reason why I won't smash you through this wall there is because the repairs would be paid with taxpayer's money, and I owe my citizens to use the taxes they pay for their and the kingdom's benefit.”

A strange feeling runs through Taniguchi's head. Realization. Yes, all of his civil rights are protected by the State of Japan. In this fantasy world, it can't do anything to protect or enforce it, same goes for human rights.

He's entirely at the mercy of whoever wants to do him harm. The kingdom of Feuerberg might have let them live here, but they never gave them citizenship or such.

This reality is cruel!

“...but you need us.” To fight the demons, to fight the demon king!

“To be honest, I was against the summoning at first, as I'm positive that we have the resources to win the war without any heroes, which we even need to cultivate.”

So the heroes aren't needed? They're just a bonus? No, he must be lying! Taniguchi tries to lift his hand, trying to escape the hold of the king, but his arm is like steel.

“Now you're summoned, it's too late to reconsider. That's why we're doing it right, and we do our best to keep as many of you alive as possible. It has been almost three months, and we only have one casualty, this is outstanding.”

The king expected more of the students to die within this time-frame? He was prepared to sacrifice children for... for the kingdom and its citizens? Yes, because these children aren't part of his country...

“...you monster!” He looks down on everything what humans are!

“I can imagine that a pathetic man like you can't understand. I'll suffer for it, I'm already suffering, my daughter is gone because we made this summoning. This is a price, I had to pay, there might be more, I'll endure it. Still, while the father in me yearns for her, the king in me is delighted to see that one of your students has actually the guts and abilities to kidnap my daughter! You talk about him like he's trash, but for me, he's a promising man, who may be capable of attaining heights only heroes can reach. When I saw Katsuragi Kenta, I felt his contempt, I was sure that he blames me for summoning him, so if that's how he repays me, so be it! As long as he fights against the demons in the end.”

This man is crazy!

“There is Inoue-dono as well! Another promising man. Children? You think of them as children, when they're already fighting monsters on their own, taste shattering defeats, go through pain and suffering, while still marching forward!? Don't look down on them!” The king releases his grip over Taniguchi, who falls flat to the ground.

This bastard! Hatred wells up within the teacher, hatred he hasn't ever felt before. “...pay...I'll make you pay.”

“Do it! Start fighting, become stronger, challenge me. I don't care! If you're strong enough to defeat me, I'll grant you citizenship and everything you want, I'd even lick your boots, if that's what you desire. Just make sure, to not let the kingdom suffer, and to defeat the demon king! The reason, why I permitted the summoning, after all, is because the clergy assured me, that there are six among of you, who have the capabilities to claim the highest power a hero can achieve. Six! If you're one of them, Taniguchi, then you hating me and a bit of humiliation is a small price to pay to get you motivated!”

This person is a madman! Taniguchi can't even start to understand how someone's brain must be wired to think this way! The kingdom of Feuerberg is ruled by a lunatic!

“If you're too afraid to fight, also fine. Earn your rights by providing to the kingdom. Make yourself a person, that the kingdom needs and admires. I'll still hate your guts, but I'll reward you.” Taniguchi is being lifted with a foot, which sends him back sitting into the chair. “Though I'll be clear here, Taniguchi-dono: I expect the lists to be known among your students, I won't expect anything less from the research-group than what I expect from the combat-group, and as long as you play along, you can live here and be protected to an appropriated degree. Do you need more clarification on that?” Shamefully, Taniguchi feels his head shaking, before he realized his own doing. “Good. Also, if you want a real beating, you can make an appointment. However, now I like to eat, so get out here!”

Taniguchi's legs move while his head zoned out, he's fleeing like a rabbit from a fox. Still, he thinks he heard someone saying: “Called it.”

―○●○―

After this despicable display, the king of Feuerberg, Heinrich von Stolzherz, sits down on a chair at the corner of his study. There is a low table, he likes to use for his snacks, now that Lorena has asked the staff to prepare him something, he has an obligation to eat.

He already knew that heroes will spell trouble and considering his family's heritage, summoning them is borderline. Their ancestor and founder of the kingdom, Hagen von Stolzherz, was also a hero. His story is one of pain, one of loss, one of slavery. Whenever the king thinks of this, he feels ashamed. However, it's his duty to put his citizens first.

Each ruler of Feuerberg had their share of trouble, for Heinrich, it's the arrival of the so-called demon king, a being who conquers the demon realm, named Daemonicus. While it's more of a region than a proper country, the demon king forges it to one.

Demons are dangerous, as long as they kept fighting each other, everything was fine. Sometimes there were skirmishes at the border regions of Feuerberg, but it wasn't too different from monster attacks or bandits. Nowadays, things have grown in magnitude and threat.

Heinrich’s food arrives, bread with cheese and a thick layer on lerra-paste on top. It's a simple snack, but he loved it since childhood. Heinrich sure hopes that Kati is eating well. However, the king trusts Gottfried that he will get her back. After all, this is the man who repelled the barbarian Grekk, he's also the man who has cut ravines into mountains, the man who slew three adamantine golems at once, who has faced an army on his own, the man who has reached the highest peaks a non-hero can climb, a height that only a fraction of heroes will ever see.

Which of these heroes they summoned will surpass him? Six of them have the talent. One possible candidate is already dead, five are missing, two have gone rogue. Eight of thirty-two are outside Feuerberg's reach.

To be honest, Heinrich doesn't expect any of the non-combatants to be one of the six, including the teachers. They lack the guts to take their destinies into their own hands. Though he respects Yamaguchi-dono for showing them new ways to grow and process food. If the researchers are capable of bettering Feuerberg, they will do fine, though Heinrich has never heard of anything groundbreaking coming from heroes. Yes, the printing idea in Arrivinia is nice, but as long as there is [Fast Writer], it's only suitable for printing large amounts of paper.

For now, Heinrich decides to put some hope into Inoue-dono and his friends. Maybe he should give the other combat-heroes more important roles from now on. There is still a possible lizardmen threat in the mountains... licking his fingers, Heinrich decides to return to work. He's currently making notes in preparation for the upcoming war council, he will also note to send at least two parties of the combat-heroes there. An important task, but at this phase not as delicate as the demons, mistakes here and there aren't as bad.

Heinrich von Stolzherz isn't that smart, but he's decisive and has good instincts, which is often more useful than pure knowledge and craftiness. Those are essential traits for ruling a country as well, but this is something his uncle and his chancellor excel in. Listening to counsel, balancing pros and cons, and making decisions are his tasks.

This unwanted audience with Taniguchi-dono has reasserted Heinrich, that these young people are more adult than their teacher. Each of them is capable of defending themselves against most threats and given a chance, they will soon be as strong as Feuerberg's ordinary veterans.

More and more issues and details are entering Heinrich von Stolzherz' mind, until he has all forgotten about Taniguchi-dono, and is back to work-mode.

―○●○―

'Stay calm, stay calm!' Taniguchi's thoughts are hammering against the inside of his head, but his breathing is ragged, his mind clouded, just these uncomfortable emotions are running through his body, the cold inside his guts, the heat on is skin.

He's wandering through the streets of Esse and gives everyone that looks at him a glare, it doesn't matter whether they're children or adult, concerned or disapproving. He walks into someone, but he doesn't even apologize. It's not like Taniguchi wants to be like this, it's just that he can't do otherwise right now.

'Are you real?' Since the king asked this question, the whole conversation was just a one-sided onslaught of verbal and physical abuse. Yes, Taniguchi's in the right, the moment someone resorts to physical violence, they're automatically at fault.

Yes, that's right. Taniguchi did nothing wrong. It's the king, the king is the one who's responsible for everything! If he hadn't summoned them, then everything would be still okay, Taniguchi would still be teaching without any real worries, he would still have his stable life and income. Tetsukawa-kun would also still be alive.

He will prove the king wrong, he will show him who's pathetic! Right now! Taniguchi just needs a sword, then he will level up and beat the king, easy. Where are the weapon stores? He can't see any, why isn't a weapon store around the corner, this makes no sense!

Wait, why does he even look for a weapon? Unlike the king, he's no brute, Taniguchi is a civilized person with a sense of morality. Yes, he almost fell into the trap of the king, who tries to coerce him to become stronger.

Taniguchi is a man of the mind, he won't step down to this level. Thinking straight is hard just now, he needs a way to clear his mind. Like that bar. Yes, let's hit it.