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Dungeon Rhapsody – Part 01

The document, a fine, thick parchment adorned with gold powder, bearing the title “Ponsonia Royal Decree,” featured a lengthy and uniquely crafted text that bore the mark of a legal expert.

In essence, it read: “The Kingdom’s laws will be amended so that when the head of a noble house unexpectedly passes away, and there is no direct male heir, a female heir instead can inherit the estate. Although the amendment is still in the future, it has already gained approval from the House of Lords (Parliament). This amendment, applicable retroactively for up to five years from now, acknowledges the inheritance of a female in noble families where only a female heir exists at the sudden death of the head.”

The provision of a five-year retroactive clause aimed to emphasize that Queen Kujastria’s ascension to the throne followed a similar process rather than a unique privilege for the royal lineage. The short period of five years served to avoid complications that might arise if extended further into the past.

At the document’s bottom was a line awaiting a signature. Swiftly, a quill pen glided across it, etching the characters Kujastria G. Ponsonia. The blue mana shimmering in the black ink indicated that the pen was a magic item.

“Phew, this should do.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Kujastria slid the paper across her desk, and Lavia, currently dressed as Star Face, verified its contents. She then knelt on one knee, a gesture common among the knights, but the precise motion suggested refined training in etiquette.

Reflecting on Lavia’s identity, Kujastria said, “Is this really acceptable?”

Her elbows were propped on the desk, her chin resting on intertwined fingers. Like this, she seemed like an actual young girl. In fact, she was only seventeen years old.

“What do you mean?” Lavia asked.

“…Rise.”

“Understood.” She stood upright.

Lavia, her features concealed by a mask and hood, was merely 14 years old, but Kujastria was unaware of her age. The queen assumed she was younger than herself, however.

“With this, Ivy F. Taylor has officially become Baroness Taylor. She could work at the Royal Institute of Sorcery without any problems. The institute will rejoice, given the scarcity of adept magic researchers. As the head of a noble family, a troublesome background check becomes unnecessary.”

Sorcery demanded resources. Whether researching a new theory or crafting magic lamps for profit, the endeavor required funds. Consequently, only nobles, the wealthy, and research divisions of major trading companies could afford to study sorcery.

Science had stagnated due to magic, but financial constraints hindered research on magic. Civilization progressed slowly over time.

“I was astonished at the success of the Four Elementals Fusion Theory experiment. Even witnessing it, I find it hard to believe. It has the potential to revolutionize the field of sorcery, elevating magic items in military, daily life, anything that affects humanity.”

The Four Elementals Fusion Theory resolved the foremost obstacle in magic research and item production—the issue of money. Kujastria recognized the discovery’s potential to reshape the world entirely.

“Are you certain about giving credit to Ivy and not Silver Face?”

“Yes, he does not mind.”

“Why? Magic researchers dream of leaving a mark in history.”

“Silver Face is not a researcher.”

“That may be… But…” Kujastria hesitated.

Observing the indifferent demeanor of the masked girl before her, a sense of unease gripped her heart. It seemed as though a discovery of the century was being dismissed as nothing special. Not only Star Face but Silver Face himself conveyed this sentiment.

Why? He could have statues built in his honor, his name written on the first page of sorcery textbooks, his existence revered for centuries to come.

Kujastria couldn’t fathom why she herself felt so unsettled. Though standing at the top of the kingdom, she considered herself a mere figurehead. A placeholder until the next king assumed the throne.

Hence, she delved into the study of sorcery. In the field of sorcery, lineage and renown held no sway. It was a realm of competition based solely on competence, similar to the world of adventurers where abilities and a touch of luck dictated success.

For Kujastria, magic research carried substantial weight. Making a mark in the field would allow her to etch her real self—not the figurehead Kujastria—into history.

“According to Silver Face, the practical application of the Four Elementals Fusion Theory requires precise magical measurement devices. Ivy should be responsible for that research. Once it’s actually practical to use, the release of that technology should be approached with care. It should first be utilized for medical purposes or to better the citizens’ lives, not for military applications.”

“…”

One could say he’s a saint, Kujastria thought.

Hikaru himself didn’t harbor lofty desires. He believed that compared to Ivy’s efforts, his contribution was trivial—everything was thanks to Mana Detection. His only concern was the discovery leading to the creation of mass-killing weapons.

Should I have pressed him more seriously back then?

She had spoken with Silver Face in this room many times, but she particularly recalled the early days.

“Silver Face, you bear some responsibility for how things have unfolded, don’t you agree? How would you like to become the future king’s father?”

At that time, Silver Face was unusually flustered, revealing a bit of his actual self.

“Your Majesty?” Lavia called out to Kujastria, who unintentionally let a smile flicker on her lips.

“It’s nothing. Anyway, the practical application of the Four Elementals Fusion Theory will still take some time. When that happens, I promise to fulfill Silver Face’s wishes.”

“Thank you. If civilian life improves without directly enhancing military strength, national power will naturally increase, and Ponsonia will become the largest nation on the continent.”

Kujastria shuddered. She easily accepted Hikaru’s wish exactly because of what Lavia had just said.

There were countless ways to outpace neighboring countries without investing resources in military strength.

“Did Silver Face say that?”

“No. Just my own thoughts. I apologize.”

“Hmm… You seem competent yourself.” She stood up and sidled up close to her. “How about working for the kingdom together with me?”

“N-No, thank you. If you’ll excuse me.”

Star Face hastily left the room.

“Huh.” Her panic was more evident than Hikaru’s, leaving Kujastria dumbfounded. “So she has a childish side to her, too.”

Kujastria giggled.

---

“This is the room assigned to you,” said the man in a blue uniform.

As the door swung open, a spacious room with modest furnishings greeted Ivy Taylor. Beyond, there were two additional rooms, bringing the total to three.

Though the storage shelves were bare, Ivy’s eyes lit up at the sight of a wall-mounted bookshelf. It meant she could organize her papers and files to her heart’s content. A smile played on her lips.

“You seem to like it.”

“Y-Yeah, very much.”

“At the Royal Institute of Sorcery, research is everything. Social status does not matter. Do not inquire about the origin of the nobility you’re working with. If someone asks you, you don’t have to answer. Similarly, gender is irrelevant, so the uniforms are generally the same. Unfortunately, there are a lot more men than women.”

“I haven’t heard much about female magic researchers.”

“I doubt you would have. Be that as it may, let us work together to advance the field of sorcery without worrying about whether you’re a man or a woman.” The man offered his hand.

“Okay! Thank you very much!” Ivy shook the man’s hand, and he left with a satisfied look on his face.

Alone, Ivy entered the room with a bag hanging from both hands.

“I’ll be living here starting today.”

Since the Royal Institute of Sorcery dealt with confidential information, the research facility and dormitory were located within the grounds of the royal castle. Ivy, who had decided to work at the institute, moved in that day.

“This, huh.”

She slipped into the uniform laid out for her. Combined with her naturally short hair, Ivy remained as androgynous as ever.

“Hmm… regardless of gender… I guess it’s fine now?”

A bell chimed in the room. Each room had a magic bell installed, a small feature that made her heart leap. She went to check the visitor.

“Silver!”

“This is quite a nice room.”

Hikaru, wearing a silver mask, stood there.

“Nice of you to come. Or rather, nice of you to get in. I heard security within the royal castle is quite strict.”

“Hmm? Well, I have something like a free pass.”

“A free pass? Who are you exactly?”

“Let’s not sweat the small stuff.”

“All right… Come on in.”

“This place is huge, and it’s nice to have a bookshelf,” Hikaru said, surveying the room. “By the way, what about the Taylor family’s mansion? Did you leave it to the old lady?”

“No. Granny is already old, so I had her retire. She only stuck around because of me. I sold the mansion and gave her a hefty retirement bonus.”

“I see. Don’t you feel sad about selling the mansion?”

“…Well, a bit.”

There was a sense of loneliness, leaving the mansion filled with memories of her father and brother. However, staying there wouldn’t have changed anything.