National Power Level (True)

Wriggle wriggle.

I was lounging on the bed in the guest room, enjoying myself.

It’s so fluffy and soft!

It feels like lying on a cloud!

The bed is so big that no matter how much I roll around, I can’t reach the end!

The room had elegant red curtains on the windows, letting in moonlight, and the paintings on the walls were truly magnificent.

But the best part was the dinner I had earlier…

“Mmm! It was so delicious!”

I savored the taste, looking up at the ceiling.

Roast pork, tender steak, sweet wine…

What should I do tomorrow?

Lying on the bed, I thought about my plans for the next day.

First thing in the morning, I need to go to the Adventurer’s Guild to check if my rank has risen.

It should have by now.

If it hasn’t, I’ll demand they raise it immediately, considering all the Evil God cultists I dealt with!

And once my rank rises, I’ll head to the royal castle for revenge.

How dare they try to capture me and kill Belez!

They must pay the price!

How should I take my revenge?

Since they tried to capture me, maybe I should kidnap the prince or princess?

But that wouldn’t be very useful.

Maybe I should steal their money or treasures?

But Master already has plenty of those…

Or sacrifice them to Michel?

But that would harm innocent people…

After all, I killed all but two of the knights.

“Hmm… That’s a bit problematic.”

It’s really a dilemma.

What’s the best way?

Ah! A great idea popped into my head!

“Right! I’ll make the king build a magnificent lair for Master!”

I jumped up, clapping my hands together.

This is the best idea ever!

Using the kingdom’s best land to create a splendid lair where Master can relax whenever he visits!

Naturally, I’ll go too!

Hehe…

Cecile and Miel noticed my good mood and fluttered around my head, chirping happily.

Rote also spun faster in response to my emotions.

“Hehe! Don’t you think it’s a great idea?”

Cecile, Miel, and Rote nodded their little heads.

Even Glacia, who was lying at the end of the bed, nodded.

Glacia, you approve too!

“Great! It’ll be my gift to Master!”

Lying back down, I spread my imagination.

A palace adorned with huge ice pillars, an ice garden around it, and a grand bedroom for Master…

Just thinking about it makes me excited!

Lost in such pleasant thoughts, I fell asleep.

…

“Lycoris-nim, are you awake?”

A voice and a knock woke me from my sleep.

Through my still blurry vision, I saw the early morning light entering the room.

“Mmm… Come in~”

The door opened, and Leby and Lyanandel entered.

Leby had a brighter expression than usual, while Lyanandel looked as neat as ever.

“Good morning, Lycoris-nim.”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, I slept well! The bed was really comfortable!”

I stretched and sat up.

Cecile, who had fallen asleep next to my pillow, flew to the window to bask in the morning sun, while Miel circled around Leby.

Glacia seemed to still be sleeping.

“I sent a letter to Count Silverbrooke about the Evil God cultists. He should be relieved now.”

“Oh! Well done!”

I was impressed by Lyanandel’s words.

I had completely forgotten about it!

“Are we going back to Deathmere now?”

Leby asked brightly.

“No. First, I need to go to the Adventurer’s Guild to raise my rank and then go to the royal castle to take care of the knights!”

I stated my plan, which I had thought about all last night, with determination.

I noticed a flicker of anxiety in Leby and Lyanandel’s eyes.

The word “revenge” seemed to scare them.

But my plan was more about demanding compensation than revenge.

“… How do you plan to take your revenge? Do you have a specific plan?”

Lyanandel cautiously asked, eyeing me.

“Yes! I thought about it yesterday! I’ll make the king build a lair for Master on the kingdom’s best land!”

I proudly shared my great idea.

“Ah… I see. That sounds like a good idea.”

Lyanandel’s face relaxed with relief.

He let out a deep sigh, clearly evident.

“Well, I thought you’d go on a killing spree…”

Leby blurted out something surprisingly honest.

“What do you take me for!”

Actually, I had thought about it briefly, but I do know the value of life!

But!

Reacting to Leby’s impudent words, I lightly tapped her forehead with a punch.

“Ow!”

Leby cried out in pain.

But something unexpected happened.

Her eyes welled up with tears, and a huge bump the size of a baseball appeared on her forehead.

What the…?

I clearly didn’t hit her that hard!

Looking at Lyanandel in shock, his eyes were wide with surprise too.

“Ugh… I was just joking…”

Leby whimpered, tears streaming down her face.

“Mi, I’m sorry… I thought I was being gentle…”

I stuttered in dismay.

“Lycoris-nim, please heal Leby…”

Lyanandel said, looking at Leby with concern.

Right! Healing!

I was so flustered that I completely forgot about my healing ability!

Quickly, I used my authority, and a golden arrow of light shot out from my fingertips toward Leby’s forehead.

At the same time, I sprinkled some healing pollen.

Leby’s forehead glowed golden, and the huge bump quickly subsided.

Her tears stopped, but she still looked upset, pouting.

“Leby, I’m really sorry… I didn’t realize my strength was this great…”

Oh no, I didn’t consider my level and attack power!

Now I won’t even be able to tease her…

Leby’s face remained gloomy.

She avoided eye contact, pouting with her lips.

How much pain did she endure?

Well, considering the size of the bump, it’s impressive she didn’t faint…

Hmm…

How can I make it up to her?

What does Leby like?

Ah!

“Next time we go to the Heshet Empire, I’ll arrange a date for you with the crown prince!”

Leby’s expression changed in an instant.

Her eyes sparkled, and she lifted her head.

“How…?”

She asked incredulously.

“I’m Michel’s apostle, so it’s like a divine revelation! Or I’ll make it happen by force if needed!”

I replied confidently.

“Hehe… Is that true?”

Leby’s face lit up with a bright smile.

“Yes! I promise!”

I sealed the promise by linking our pinky fingers.

“But an apostle shouldn’t tell such lies…”

Lyanandel sighed.

What’s the big deal!

If you’re so uptight, you should have been chosen as the apostle!

And in the novels I’ve read, most high-ranking clergy were corrupt anyway!

This is just cute!

Michel would probably agree!

“Well, let’s go have breakfast!”

I said brightly to lighten the mood.

On the way to the dining hall, I noticed the interior decorations of the mansion for the first time.

The walls were adorned with portraits that seemed to depict the history of the Hind family, and the ceiling had elaborate chandeliers lighting the way.

The floor was covered with red carpets, muffling our footsteps.

Leby pointed at one of the portraits and whispered.

“The person in that painting is the first head of the Hind family. He’s a famous war hero, even known in the Heshet Empire where I grew up.”

Oh.

A war hero…

“Is he stronger than me?”

“Uh… No, probably not.”

Hmph.

Obviously, it’s me!

Lyanandel gave me a look of disbelief, but I ignored him lightly.

Upon arriving at the dining hall, the count and Edgar were nowhere to be seen.

Instead, the butler greeted us politely.

“Where are the count and Edgar?”

“The count and young master received a summons from the royal castle early this morning and left.”

The butler replied respectfully.

“Actually, you were originally supposed to be summoned as well, but the count didn’t want to disturb your rest and decided to handle all the troublesome matters himself.”

Oh… The count…

He’s so sweet!

But I’m also going to the royal castle today, so maybe I’ll see him later.

In the end, the three of us had breakfast together.

The table was filled with freshly baked bread, various sweets, and my favorite meat dishes.

The bread was actually made by my friend Milo, but its appearance had changed so much that I didn’t feel any particular aversion to it.

I should eat bread in the future too!

Especially the bacon was really delicious.

Crispy and full of juices, I finished an entire plate in no time.

“Delicious!”

And since the count and Edgar weren’t there, the noble trait didn’t activate, which was great.

“Now that breakfast is over, let’s go to the Adventurer’s Guild!”

Leaving the manor, a carriage prepared by the count was waiting outside.

It was a luxurious black carriage adorned with the Hind family crest, pulled by four sturdy horses.

The interior was furnished with soft leather seats and small windows.

Through the windows, I could enjoy the view of the city.

Leaving the noble district and heading toward the center, various scenes of Neje unfolded before my eyes.

Passing through the noble residential area, we entered the commercial district, where the streets were much busier.

There were various shops, markets, and people of all professions hurrying about.

“The building over there is the Adventurer’s Guild.”

Leby pointed through the window.

A large wooden building, about five stories tall, came into view.

Indeed, the Adventurer’s Guild of the kingdom’s capital!

The building looked old but sturdy, with the guild’s symbol-a sword and shield-on its sign.

As the carriage approached the guild, I noticed a large crowd of people.

They were staring at our carriage, murmuring among themselves.

“Why is a noble’s carriage here? Is it for a commissioned quest?”

“It’s the Hind family’s carriage…”

“What’s that on top of the carriage? Wait… An ice wasp…?”

Passing adventurers stopped in their tracks, staring at us.

Some opened their mouths in shock, others retreated hastily, and others pointed and whispered.

Many were surprised by Glacia’s size.

“Who’s that person?”

“Someone controlling such a monster…”

“Doesn’t seem to be from the Hind family…”

What a commotion over just a noble carriage and Glacia!

Imagine the uproar when I become a National Power Level adventurer!

Hehe!