【The Old Man of the Expelled Inn Unwittingly Dominates Today Too】Although I Want to Lead a Slow Life, for Some Reason the Strongest Beauties Who Hold Important Positions in the Country, and Were Once My Disciples, Gather Around Me Asking to Be Hired – Even Though I Only Taught Them a Little～ - Chapter 52: King Natol's POV - The King Investigates the True Identity of the Old Man

“Sei! Sei! Sei!”

I, in my perfect disguise, was intently observing Baldo from the shadows.

Let’s be clear; my presence here isn’t to indulge in the shouts of an older man at dawn, nor do I harbor any peculiar fondness for elderly gentlemen.

Nor do I have a hobby for older men.

Why a king would hide in the bushes to watch an older man…

…is to investigate Baldo.

I’ve asked my subordinates to gather information, but we’ve collected nothing substantial about Baldo.

Even when I subtly questioned him, he only said, “I’ve always been at the inn my whole life.”

He seems unaware of his extraordinary nature, making it difficult to get useful information.

Thus, I had no choice but to conduct the investigation myself.

…It’s not because I’m idle.

As a kingdom, we can’t afford to harbor a mysterious monster.

Frankly, I’m personally very curious.

But I repeat… it’s not because I’m idle.

Hmm, it seems Baldo and his disciples are doing their morning training.

Is that Liena doing the laundry?  Ah, my cherished daughter washing a white tee… a privilege I’ve yet to enjoy!

…But, I mustn’t make too much noise, or they’ll notice me.

Now… let’s put on the glasses I bought from the castle.

Through the lenses, I observe.

It’s not to gaze upon the Holy Maiden’s dynamically bouncing curves or the Sword Saint’s sleek, firm peach.

The idea of a king spying is absurd.

This magical tool allows me to measure individuals’ magic and power levels through the lens.

…Let’s see.

The Holy Maiden harbors an extraordinary magical prowess, especially concentrated in her… uh, two curvaceous areas—bouncing, no less.

Hmm-hmm… Indeed, the Sword Saint is blessed with a commendable ‘peach.’ A view from behind that’s… quite captivating in its firmness.

…That’s not right!

I’ve descended into outright voyeurism!

I refocus and continue my observation.

Hmm? The Holy Maiden and the Sword Saint have different readings. Could this be 【Fighting Spirit】?

Following the flow of 【Fighting Spirit】 in the two through the lens, it’s clear they are refining it at critical points for use.

It likely can’t be maintained at a high density for long periods.

But… when I shift my gaze to Baldo, who is resting…

…【Fighting Spirit】 is leaking out!

Or rather, is it pouring out?

Unlike his two disciples, he doesn’t seem to be intentionally refining 【Fighting Spirit】…

Having been called the “Beast with the Killing Eyes” in my youth, I know he rests now.

What’s going on?

Could 【Fighting Spirit】 naturally seep forth in such a manner?

It’s all so baffling.

Ah, Baldo has resumed his training… Let’s have a look.

I tried to observe Baldo’s 【Fighting Spirit】 flow with a flick of my magical glasses, but…

…Crack!

Huh?

Just when Baldo was beginning to refine his 【Fighting Spirit】… could it malfunction at such a pivotal moment?

…Crack, crack!

Ah, my magical glasses have shattered into pieces!?

What is this… it can’t measure…?

Could Baldo’s 【Fighting Spirit】 be off the charts?

I’ve come up with a hypothesis.

Perhaps he always harbors 【Fighting Spirit】, and he can further enhance it when necessary.

If his 【Fighting Spirit】 in daily life as a natural state is equivalent to, or even surpasses, the 【Fighting Spirit】 that the Holy Maiden and the Sword Saint intentionally refine…

Then, throughout his life, he has been constantly training in 【Fighting Spirit】…

Every day since birth. During meals, in the bath, even while sleeping.

…A master of 【Fighting Spirit】…

Who exactly is he?

I must return to the castle once more to review the collected materials… there’s something that doesn’t quite add up.

“Hey, what’s that been about since earlier?”

“Ah, I was wondering about that too.”

“Milene, Alesia… sorry, don’t mind it…”

…!?

What! They’ve seen through my perfect disguise? How formidable… Baldo’s disciples.

“Hey, Liena~ Your dad’s here~. What’s he doing with a branch in the corner?”

“Baldo-sama, shh. He thinks he’s hiding…”

“Hiding? I don’t quite understand. Is he bored?”

“Well, never mind. Don’t worry about it. Sera has made us a delicious breakfast. Let’s go.”

Grr… Baldo, you’ll remember this.

But now, I must return to the castle to determine Baldo’s true identity…

…Chomp!

Hmm? What’s this? A dog? No, a magical puppet?

Off! Get off!

Yap yap!

What’s this yap about?! Despite its adorable voice, this dog has a fearsome bite!

“Shiro~~ come here~~ it’s time for food~~ you shouldn’t bite that. It’s dirty.”

Yap yap!

……

Grrr, curse it~ I’ll reveal his true identity by any means necessary!

I couldn’t understand by reading the collected materials, but seeing Baldo this morning reminded me.

He is likely…

Related to the Hero’s village.