Chapter 79

The next morning.

We left the commercial city of Renyado shortly after the morning roll call.

Cheri had cried herself to sleep and when we met her this morning, she turned her gaze away with her ears turning bright red, making it impossible to have a conversation. However, it seemed that everything had been smoothed over as she had been chatting with Airi and the others. I'm glad, but I'm a bit scared about the next time we meet. I have no idea what she'll say, and that's terrifying.

As for Sherry, she insisted on seeing the Farest residence and came along despite my objections. I made her promise to go back after seeing it, but I have a feeling she'll find some excuse to stay.

So, our experience-earning and relaxation trip came to an end.

The members of the First Court Magic Corps allocated all the experience points they gained from the Glutam rounds to the appropriate Type I attributes, successfully boosting their INT, albeit slightly. This marks the first step as the "Magic Curtain Corps."

Our goal is to reach the ninth rank in all attributes of Type I. We still have a long way to go.

"Welcome back, Master."

I had informed Yuki that I was bringing Sherry back, and despite it being dusk, the servants were all lined up to greet us.

Sherry, despite being a viscount's daughter, was taken aback by the enormous size of the Farest residence, her mouth hanging open in astonishment.

"Sherry, where would you like to go? I recommend the lakeside for now."

"O-Okay, that's fine!"

From the gate to the inner grounds, it's quite a distance. Sherry seemed overwhelmed by the vastness of my home, which is several times larger than a viscount's residence. She was wide-eyed at the passing scenery. I can understand why; it's even bigger than the royal palace. Feeling good about her reaction, I contacted Yuki to arrange a more lavish dinner. However, the head chef Sobra was on leave due to illness, so only a decent meal could be prepared. That guy, of all times...

When we arrived at the lakeside house, Yuki and a maid were waiting. I think her name was Es, the younger sister with red hair. She was apparently assigned to attend to Sherry during her stay.

"Master, another piece of equipment has been completed."

"Really?!"

Sylvia and Echo returned to their rooms, and while Sherry was being shown to a guest room, Yuki gave me a report on what happened while I was away.

The completed equipment is the "Bear's Rock Armor Gauntlet" — a hand guard that grants the wearer a 150% increase in VIT, imbued with the "Bear" attribute.

"Awesome! Echo will be even tougher."

"I'll hand it over later."

"Thanks."

"Right, and... um..."

Yuki leaned in close to me, looking up with a shy expression.

Even I, who am usually clueless, noticed. To prevent her from finishing, I slowly stroked her head and neck, securing our plans for the night. Her blushing face was as enchanting, beautiful, and cute as ever.

"Sorry to interrupt, but..."

Suddenly, Winfield appeared with a pouting expression. She really gives me a heart attack. Even in my own home, her sudden appearances are probably due to her non-human nature.

"The war situation is about to move, as expected."

She said this casually. That's a pretty big deal, isn't it?

"King Bawel ordered the disclosure of official documents a while ago. Now, they're finally going to disclose them."

"Does that mean the tampering is complete? In such a short time?"

"Yes. Not only the Second Knights, but the Third Knights are also reporting violations, so I think they did a good job."

She clapped her hands as if praising a primary school student who finished their summer homework in July. Her calmness was reassuring.

"Let's get the original official documents, okay?"

Great. It's finally my turn to take action.

"Call Sylvia, then."

...She wasn't back yet.

"Checking arrest records?"

"Yep."

During dinner, while we were all gathered in the living room with Sherry, Winfield gave Sylvia an instruction.

"Your meeting with Second was when you arrested him, right?"

"Yes, that's right. It's nostalgic..."

"Don't think about it. You were in a state of confusion back then."

The result of her wild celebration in front of the store, which led to her being arrested for obstructing business, was nothing but embarrassing. She was even suspected of being under the influence of drugs.

"Check the documents from that time."

"That's fine, but what's the point?"

I suddenly had a hunch. I remember that Winfield had instructed Sylvia to answer the Third Knights' summons by saying, "That man might know something." This check of the arrest record must be related to that.

"Sylvia, you reported on Second to the Third Knights, right?"

"Yes. As instructed, I only reported lies that would benefit us."

"Soon, those lies will be exposed. The Third Knights are wary of you."

"...I see. So, I'm the decoy."

"Exactly. They are suspicious. They must think there's something in the arrest documents from that time."

I see. It's natural for those who tamper with documents to think the other side is doing the same. It's a kind of delusion that "if I'm doing it, the other side must be doing it too."

"Whether we tamper or not, after Sylvia checks, they will definitely check. And the person who checks will be someone who can manipulate the official documents."

"By tracing that person, we can find the tamperers and eventually the original documents."

"Exactly."

So, we're striking now while they are in a vulnerable position.

The prime ministers are still in a "grilled" state. They can't move. By forcing them to act, we can lure them into a big mistake. Winfield's methods are ruthless. I definitely don't want her as an enemy...

"Hey, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"What's wrong? Is the food not to your liking?"

"No, the food is delicious. It's not that."

"What? If you need the bathroom, it's down the hall to the right."

"It's not that!"

"If it's not the bathroom, then what is it?"

"Isn't it a bit harsh to treat me like this after one mistake!?"

Sherry seemed to be relaxing and regaining her sharpness.

After a cough to clear her throat, she gathered her courage and spoke.

"Is it okay to talk about such things in front of me? The content is... well, it's just too dangerous."

"Don't worry, you're fine."

"R-Really? You trust me?"

Yes, I trust you. Specifically, I don't think the person who wet herself in front of me will ever defy me. I won't let you forget that major inconvenience in the middle of the night.

"Still, what's with this house? It's not just big; it's bigger than the royal palace. How did you even build it? Are you involved in political struggles? Are you planning to become king?"

"Being king is not my goal."

"Really? Then what are you planning to be?"

"The best in the world."

"Your ambition is vague, but you're surprisingly convincing..."

We laughed and chatted, and the day came to an end. It was a very relaxed evening, despite the ongoing political struggles.

...No, I had forgotten.

"Aaah..."

The next morning, I sat on the living room sofa, a dried-up husk, spewing ectoplasm-like white mist from my mouth while staring blankly at the morning lakeside.

Yuki, preparing breakfast in the kitchen, looked shiny and energetic. Are all dark elves like that? If so, maybe they should change their name to succubi.

I won the match, but I feel like I lost the game.

Moreover, the terrifying fact that Yuki continues to grow at an unprecedented speed, like a common extraterrestrial, has become apparent. At this rate, I'll be completely invaded by the next "III." The box office revenue is increasing, and the budget is surely higher than the previous two films. They'll probably make you think, "It's just another meaningless car chase and gun battle, followed by a happy ending with a kiss from a single mother," but then the story will turn into a bleak one where "humans are driven to the northern hemisphere and continue to be invaded despite their resistance, but we will fight to the end." And the fourth film will be a flashback, "Actually, this is what happened." I'll just be more and more disappointed. That's not what I want. I want a simple and straightforward action movie where a super-strong dad kills a bunch of enemies to save his kidnapped daughter, not a dark and serious war game with flashy CG.

"Master, Master!"

"Ah, what's wrong?"

"Well, you didn't respond when I called."

"Sorry, I was spacing out."

"Breakfast is ready."

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute."

And so, another day began as if nothing had happened. I need to prepare some secret weapon against extraterrestrials. With a firm resolve, I joined the others at the dining table.

* * *

"Finally, the contents of the official documents will be revealed. Your Highness, is it really okay to proceed as is?"

Minister Hailai visited Prince Mein and held a meeting to discuss the next steps.

"Yes. The tampering is certain. Our job now is to wait without changing our stance."

"However, if we don't obtain evidence and time passes, our camp may find itself in a difficult position."

The revelation that the official documents did not record the agreement between R6 and the Second and Third Knights is a tough blow for Prince Mein's camp. They could be criticized for causing political turmoil based on false accusations.

"We will obtain the evidence. It could be in a few days."

"Your Highness seems to have a great deal of trust in those people."

"He is my only friend. It's natural... He is an unconventional person in many ways. There's no way to prepare for him. His norms don't apply to us, just as ours don't apply to him."

"I almost feel sorry for Prime Minister Bar."

Before things improve, they often get worse—this is a famous quote by former British Prime Minister Churchill. These two seemed to understand this, smiling confidently.

"Your Highness has changed. You are composed in the face of conflict."

"No, I must be composed for his sake. I am a coward who can only be brave in front of a set meal."

"Perhaps you have been waiting for this moment. Bringing him to our side and cornering the prime minister is all due to your strategy. Even if you don't think so, it's enough that we, your subjects, do."

"I hope so..."

Mein whispered, "If I say that, I might get hit on the head," but he seemed oddly pleased.

If the next king is like this... Hailai chuckled, bowed slightly, and spoke.

"Then, I will take my leave. We will focus on them from now on."

"Yes, thank you, Hailai."

"By the way, Your Highness. When the succession is certain, how will you introduce him to the king?"

"..."

Hailai's last words made Mein's smile falter, and he looked troubled.

How to introduce that rude and frank friend—just thinking about it made Mein's stomach hurt.

Thank you for reading.