Chapter 68

★ The Holy Kingdom of Kurvaan, Siris Manor ★

The Earl of Siris, who possesses the "Judgmental Magic Eye," returned home late at night, just as the date was about to change.

Even so, the servants who worked in the manor gathered to welcome the earl. They believed that, since their master, the earl, worked harder than anyone else, they could not rest before him—this was the spirit with which they worked.

"Father, welcome back."

Leading the welcoming party was Eva, the earl’s only daughter, who inherited the same golden hair and crimson eyes as her father.

This year, she took her first step as a full-fledged noble by attending the "New Bud and New Moon Banquet," and she has since made her debut in society as a distinguished young lady of the earl’s family.

Her beauty and grace had already won her many male admirers, but Charlotte of the Phrase Dukedom did not easily allow other men to approach her.

"Eva."

The earl’s lips curved slightly at the sight of his beloved daughter, but then he quickly regained his composure.

"…I have something to discuss. Come to my room—no tea is necessary, so everyone can rest."

The servants bowed in unison.

"How is the situation in the Lef Magic Empire?"

Upon entering the earl’s study, the butler stood at the entrance, and Maxim, the head of the military, stood guard in the hallway.

Eva, who had become more composed in her demeanor as a noble lady, immediately asked. The earl nodded and they both sat on the reception sofa.

It had been ten days since a giant monster appeared in the sky over the Lef Magic Empire.

"Currently, the empire is using all available resources to combat the monsters falling from the sky. However, the battle is not going well, and Lef has had to abandon its cities... so I have heard."

"Does this mean the country is losing its territory?"

The territory of the Lef Magic Empire is a small piece of land sandwiched between the Kingdom of Light Knights, the Holy Kingdom of Kurvaan, and the unexplored land of "Canyon." There are cities only here.

"They are fighting with the massive border fort between our country and the Kingdom of Light Knights as the final defense line, but already 80% of the citizens have crossed the border and become refugees. His Majesty the Holy King has decided to accept all Lef citizens and provide humanitarian aid to the best of his ability."

Eva sighed in relief.

Even if they abandoned Lef here, the problem would soon spread to their own territory, and the magic technology of Lef is truly remarkable—there are economic considerations, but now it is right to make the decision to do what is right as human beings.

Just the other day, the previous Holy King abdicated his throne to his eldest daughter, the First Holy Princess, and now goes by the title of Duke Glenjed.

The First Holy Princess is a bright and cheerful person, much like Duke Glenjed, and has a "big sister" personality, unable to ignore those in trouble.

"The Keithsgran Federation has offered 100,000 soldiers to the Lef Magic Empire."

"100,000! That’s an incredible number."

"Yes. Even if all the guards in the Holy Capital were mobilized, it wouldn’t be enough. Eva, what do you think of this?"

The Earl of Siris began to share all the information being exchanged at the core of the Holy Kingdom with Eva without reservation. This means he recognizes her as an equal and is trying to develop her talents.

"……"

Eva, placing her bent index finger on her chin, thought deeply.

"Trying to gain territory in this way is too shallow, isn’t it?"

"Yes, I agree. Then what is the Federation’s goal?"

"Is it to sell a favor?"

"That could be one of them."

"Then, do they desire the magic technology of the Lef Empire?"

The earl smiled faintly, like a teacher watching the growth of a student—towards Eva, he has become more expressive of his emotions.

"Good answer. If you can take one more step here, you will become a capable noble, Eva. —What is there between the Keithsgran Federation and Lef?"

"The Kingdom of Light Knights."

"How much do you know about the relationship between the Federation and the Kingdom of Light Knights?"

"That... I hardly know anything."

Eva, who realized she knew nothing about the relationships between foreign countries, even though she knew about individual countries, dropped her shoulders in disappointment. But it was understandable, as a 12-year-old, her studies were primarily focused on domestic affairs and knowledge about various nobles.

"There’s no need to be discouraged. If you don’t know, you can learn it now."

"…Yes."

"The Federation is a large country, while the Kingdom of Light Knights is a medium to small-scale country. The relationship between the two is not good, but it’s not bad either. However, since the Federation desires Lef’s technology and is sending 100,000 soldiers, it is essential to go through the Kingdom of Light Knights."

"Diplomacy with the Kingdom of Light Knights will occur."

"Exactly. This is an opportunity for the Federation to establish friendly relations with the Kingdom of Light Knights—situations where they face a powerful enemy together are something the Kingdom of Light Knights, which values chivalry, would likely enjoy."

"Father, does the Federation see benefits in improving its relationship with the Kingdom of Light Knights?"

"Yes. King Gephart of the Keithsgran Federation is elderly and has only a few years left. He probably intends to take measures to prevent problems with the Kingdom of Light Knights after his death."

"Just a few years."

"Yes, just a few years. Although, a few years ago, the same was said."

"Indeed..."

Eva listened intently to every word her father spoke, and the earl’s smile deepened.

He felt reassured.

With this, Eva will be fine, and she will be able to manage as a noble even if he is gone one day.

(I must be grateful to Raze...)

The earl recalled the young man he had hired, who had opposed him but ultimately stepped aside for him and his daughter. That’s why he had to tell his daughter this.

"Eva, there is one more important piece of information."

"What is it?"

Eva straightened her back.

"…It’s information that came in today. Princess Anastasia, a royal of the High Elves, is staying in the Lef Magic Empire."

"High Elves, you say?"

"Yes. There are two places in the Keithsgran Federation that produce the Celestial Pearl: one is the 'Six Heavens Mine,' and the other is the 'Three Heavens Forest,' where High Elves and Elves live. Princess Anastasia was sent as a return for providing airships to the High Elves."

Eva’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at the word "return."

"Princess Anastasia was sucked into a crack in the sky that appeared over the Lef Magic Empire... so it is said."

"Is that—what does that mean? Sucked into where the monsters appeared...?"

"The details are unclear, but since not only the princess but also debris and airships were sucked in, it is certain that a powerful suction occurred."

"It’s a mysterious phenomenon... I hope the princess is safe."

"…Eva."

The earl stared intently at his daughter.

"Actually, there is information that a certain adventurer was beside the princess at that time."

"……"

Eva stopped moving and looked back at her father.

He deliberately used the word "adventurer" in this context.

That—Eva felt a premonition run through her body.

"Raze was sucked into the sky with Princess Anastasia."