I figured the conversation was over, so I moved to rise from my seat when Claus spoke once more, stopping me in my tracks.
“However, all of that is only true if I do nothing to help you.”
“I’m sorry?” I didn’t follow.
“You said so yourself: You do not wish to trouble me. So I did my due diligence and I thought about ways to solve your issue if I did not do anything to help. Of course, pursuing that train of thought failed to produce an adequate solution. However, if I step in to assist you, that would be another matter entirely—in fact, we could solve your problem immediately.”
“Are you...offering to help?”
“Don’t worry; it won’t take much effort. You came knowing I’d be interested in currying favor from you from the start, didn’t you? If not, knowing you, I’m sure you would have looked for a way to solve this on your own.”
“It was that obvious, huh?” Wow, he really was a fast thinker—he might as well have been a mind reader with how easily he could figure me out. He could even tell how I was feeling before I made the decision to talk to him. It looked like hiding things or trying to pull one over on him wasn’t ever going to be an option.
“You’re a man of honesty and integrity, Hisui, and you wear your heart on your sleeve.” Claus smiled and began writing again. “Since we’re on the same page now, let me formally declare that House Lycoris would like to deepen our relationship with you—I’d like it very much if you were pleased with us, in other words. So please, take advantage of my generosity as you will. I will also be imposing on you.”
“You’re really just laying it all out there, huh?”
“That’s how you prefer things, isn’t it?”
“You already know me so well.” His tenacity in trying to win me over by understanding what made me tick was impressive, and I could feel it growing on me. I could never dislike him. Claus was a man of honesty and integrity as well. I could trust him.
“So... Supposing you decided to help me, what would you do?”
“I would send a missive to the king, suggesting that one Hisui Belcoure Clematis receive special permission to be registered with the adventurer’s guild.”
“Special permission?! Is that even possible?”
“Yes, in all likelihood. The adventurer’s guild is an organization under national administration. The king has authority over the grand master residing in the capital, and its talented members are beloved by His Majesty. Were he to be apprised of your predicament in full knowledge of the incredible power you possess, he’d be like as not to issue an exception to the legal ruling that prevents you from registering at the guild. So, in this situation, there’s no need to change the law itself.”
“You’d ask the king on my behalf?”
Was it really so easy to get special permission, even if it was Claus making the recommendation? I felt like other people wouldn’t be so easily convinced...
But, as though sensing my apprehension, Claus chuckled. “Your thoughts are written plainly on your face. You’re worried someone might take offense to the very suggestion, no?”
“Ah!”
“Bull’s-eye, it seems. Your concern is entirely understandable, but I assure you that you needn’t worry.”
“I don’t?”
“Oh, there are certain to be some naysayers. At least one or two people will speak up, out of self-interest in preserving their own pride.”
“Then this won’t work out—”
“I propose this regardless of the opposition.” Claus flatly interrupted me. “I believe the truly gifted among us should be treated well, few as they are. Their value should not be appraised based on the assumption that they are equivalent to the average citizen—it is the purview of the talented to upend common sense and change the world. Not making use of that singular ability would be tantamount to sacrilege against all mankind... At least, that’s my opinion on the matter.”
Though he was beaming, I could sense an extraordinary passion behind his visage. Had something happened in the past involving people who were blessed with great talent?
“So, that being said, you needn’t worry about anything, Hisui; I’ll take care of things. It may take a few days for a response to come from the king, so until then, feel free to take things easy.”
“Lord Lycoris... Thank you so much.” I bowed my head. I’d never forget how much he’d already done for me.
“You’re very welcome. If you’d like to return the favor... Please, take care of Rose. It looks like she’s taken quite the shine to you.”
“Y-You’d like me to take care of Lady Rose?” What had he meant by this? He wasn’t actually implying I should marry Rose, right? I was just the son of a lowly baron, so he couldn’t possibly be suggesting something so outrageous.
Claus must’ve realized his wording might be open to misconception, as he immediately explained himself to dispel my misunderstanding.
“I’d like you to teach her godcraft. While we have a tutor already, Rose would love it if you could share your knowledge as well. Of course, we are still in your debt, so you needn’t give me an answer now. I simply wished to lay the prospect out”
“Oh, no, I’d be happy to help with that. I’ll teach her what I can of godcraft whenever our schedules happen to align.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! Thank you, Hisui. You really are such a good lad.” Claus cried in jubilation and laughed, overjoyed that I had agreed to tutor his daughter. The serious mood that had previously claimed the room was dispelled in an instant. “I’ll let you know once we receive an answer from the king. If anything else comes up, just come to my study. You needn’t ask for permission from the servants.”
“All right. Thank you for your kind offer of help.” I bowed once more, then took my leave. I’d initially gone to Claus thinking it’d be nice if he could come up with even one good idea, but my problem was cleared up instantly thanks to him. Feeling mentally and emotionally refreshed, I left the manor once more—this time, with a skip in my step. I had free time for days, so there was only one thing to do.