Chapter 10

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Chapter 10

Thank you for reading every day!

The Kingdom of Heim is located at the southernmost part of the continent.

It is not a continent with high temperatures and humidity, so it is not particularly uncomfortable to live in, and rather, it is a relatively comfortable region.

Heim owns most of the southern half of the continent, making it the largest country on the continent.

Moreover, its military power is also head and shoulders above other countries on the continent.

There are three other countries on the continent besides Heim, but it would not be an exaggeration to call Heim the true king of the continent.

To the north of Heim lies the trading city of Bardland.

This country, located to the north of Heim, is in the center of the continent and is frequently used by merchants and adventurers traveling between countries. Therefore, one can see the most recent and diverse range of goods on the continent.

Originally, it was a neutral area designated during a time when all the countries on the continent were at war, where peace treaties and other agreements were signed.

Bardland is a neutral area on the continent and is not a country.

The most influential people in the trading city are the great merchants.

This is because the maintenance of law and order in Bardland and the protection against monsters are largely dependent on the guild's adventurers, and the costs for supporting the adventurers and maintaining law and order are covered by the taxes paid by the merchants.

In principle, merchants' guilds are involved in matters that require responsibility during emergencies, so the actual rulers are the merchants' guilds.

To the east of Bardland and northeast of Heim lies the Republic of Lockdam.

A country where the head of state is elected based on law, and the candidates are nobles with titles. The country's land area covers about half of the northern half of the continent, making it the second-largest country on the continent after Heim.

In terms of military power, it can withstand a full-scale war with Heim for about a month.

It is neither particularly weak nor particularly strong, so there is nothing particularly noteworthy about it.

It is a region where extensive agriculture is practiced.

And lastly, there is the Duchy of Eulor.

It is located in the upper left region of the continent, northwest of Heim and west of Bardland.

While it is the third-largest land area on the continent, its size is about two-thirds that of the Republic of Lockdam.

It is a country with an excellent cavalry, and its mounted combat skills are unmatched on the continent.

However, its population is not particularly large, so its military is not considered large.

There is a formidable warrior who, unofficially, managed to land a blow on Heim's Grand General Rogas in a duel.

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*

"(…And I reviewed what I had studied for a long time.)"

There shouldn't be a country that owns such a huge ship, after all, in terms of military power, there is no country on this continent that surpasses Heim.

"(I boarded the ship as I was guided, but my doubts haven't disappeared.)"

When I entered, I was surprised; it reminded me of a high-end hotel from my previous life.

The carpet was neatly laid out, and the interior was simple but elegant and expensive-looking.

There was a pleasant smell.

"Oh, what's wrong, Ein?"

"Mother... I don't understand what's going on."

"It's okay, we'll be at my room soon... then I'll explain, okay?"

"If that's the case, I'll wait."

Finally, I'm going to get an explanation.

It started with the ring incident, and I heard words like 'princess'... and then I ended up on a ship at sea.

I've already surpassed the point of not understanding what's happening, and I'm starting to give up on thinking.

"Hey, Chris."

"Hmm?"

Chris... the beautiful female knight who spoke of us being allies and not enemies before we boarded the ship.

Mother speaks to Chris.

"First, what kind of explanation do you need?"

"The whole story, to be honest. I think that when we return, we will be thoroughly questioned anyway."

"Yes, for now, it's fine to explain what happened today, right? Both Ein and I are tired, Ein? Are you hungry?"

"That's rare to see, Mother looking tired."

She never looked like this even in front of Father and the others... She seems more relaxed.

"Then... can we have some light snacks and drinks?"

"Yes, I'll have the same."

"Hmm! You, go tell the servants."

"Understood."

Chris orders another knight, who then leaves the room with a refined bow and movement.

"You'll get some delicious food, Ein."

"I'm looking forward to it."

---

*

After walking a bit inside the ship, Ein and the others arrive at a room that seems to be their destination.

There is a large door, about 5 meters tall, made of beautifully patterned wood with intricate designs.

"I'm sorry for making you move for so long."

"It's fine. We called you suddenly... right?"

Chris apologizes.

Her expression is not at all formal, but genuinely apologetic.

"Let's go in, shall we? I want Ein to sit down too."

"I think Mother should take a break soon."

"Well... hehe, then let's both sit and relax."

"…'That' from such a young and fine gentleman... I'm sure the king will be pleased."

"Chris? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing. Please come in."

I heard some ominous words, but they are brushed aside as I am guided inside.

The space inside is made of a white marble-like material, with a thick, soft, and beautifully patterned green carpet laid out on top.

Several paintings are hung on the walls, and a large chandelier hangs from the high ceiling.

The furniture, made of wood similar to the door, is very beautiful and gives a luxurious yet comforting impression.

"Ein, come this way."

Olivia invites Ein to a large, luxurious white sofa near the center of the room and has him sit next to her.

"Excuse me, I have brought your drinks."

After sitting down and taking a few breaths, a maid knocks on the door and enters.

"(What perfect timing for the servant to come in.)"

Even in the Grand Duke's residence, where he stayed until the evening, such perfect service was never experienced, so Ein is a bit surprised.

"What did you bring?"

"Of course, this is it."

She pours a yellowish-orange drink.

The familiar smell of apples makes my mouth water.

"...Apple juice, it's been a long time. Thank you, I really feel relaxed. Ein, you can drink it too? Here, please."

"Thank you!"

"(Apple, it's probably like an apple. ...Yeah. The taste is exactly like an apple, but it's sweet and rich, and it definitely feels high-quality.)"

"Is it delicious?"

"Yes, I like it."

"I'm glad. You can drink a lot from now on, okay?"

"From now on...? By the way, Mother."

My throat is moistened, and I take a breath.

Ein thinks, "Mother, can I get an explanation now?"

---

*

"Father, I'm sorry to keep you waiting!"

Breathless, the Grand Duke August... Graf August, enters the room with his only son, Harley.

August, the Grand Duke, is unusual in that he only married one wife, despite his position.

He and his wife, who has since passed away, were childless for a long time, and their only son, Harley, was finally born.

Today was the debut of Harley's second child and long-awaited first son, Riel.

As both the host and the occasion required, there were many things to do, so it took several hours after being called by Graf before he could finally show up.

"You're late, Father."

...Crown, who usually goes to bed on time, couldn't sleep because of her first love and the woman she admires, and has been waiting by August's side since she received the news of the divorce.

"Ah, sorry, Crown... but you should go to bed soon."

Breathless, Harley approaches, and Alfred offers him tea, which Harley accepts.

"Sorry, Harley. It's fine to let Crown hear this today."

"If you say so, Father. Can I hear the general flow of events?"

He takes a sip of tea to moisten his throat.

For Harley, his father's words are strong, as he raised him well after his mother passed away.

If his father says it's fine, he can accept it honestly.

"We should talk in a bit more detail."

"Please do."

August, the Grand Duke, agrees with Harley.

"I didn't hear it from the person herself, so I can't give all the details, but after the party at our house... the host of the evening was Viscount Lance."

"I am aware of that. We received prior notice and had discussions including the arrangements."

"And Count Roundheart was in attendance."

"I was aware of that possibility."

The Grand Duke thinks.

Harley was informed of the situation from the beginning.

Then, as a count, it should have been easy to pass this information on to his wife.

"Hmm... but Lady Olivia asked the servant, 'Where is my husband?'"

"I hadn't heard that."

"Of course not. You only started investigating after hearing about the divorce."

"I see, that must have been a lot of trouble."

"It's fine. It was an important party for Riel."

I apologize, and Harley bows his head slightly.

"Making inferences is easy. Count Roundheart, or the second wife, Lady Alma, intentionally withheld information about the evening... and not just that, but also the information that only one child was invited to the party I ordered. Both pieces of information were intentionally withheld."

"That's... indeed, I heard that the second son was designated as the next heir of the Roundheart family, but this is too unfair."

"I've heard similar stories of such tactics, and while I can't blame them for this alone... but..."

"In the end, that led to the divorce, didn't it?"

Hearing the Grand Duke's reasoning, Harley agrees.

Crown, who had been silent, was already aware of the information and was sipping tea while looking at the Star Crystal she received from Ein.

"Indeed, the divorce of the count's family will be a significant event in society. But, Father, is there something that makes you rush me to this extent?"

"I will explain that now."

He straightens up to listen.

"It concerns Lady Olivia's background."

"Her background? I heard that she was a daughter of a fallen noble from another country."

"That's not correct. It's not that simple... It was decided not to reveal the truth until the time came when Lady Olivia's child could be named as the next heir of the Roundheart family without any issues."

Hearing this new information, Crown listens intently.

"...Is it something that needs to be hidden on a national level, Grandfather?"

"I also think so, Father."

The father and son express their doubts.

And for good reason.

There is no need to hide the truth and announce that she is from a fallen family.

"But... that makes me even more worried! If she becomes Ein's wife, there will be a lot of fuss about her noble status."

Seeing the unusually tense August, Crown speaks out.

August's face, which usually smiles, is particularly troubled.

"Crown, what are you talking about? I haven't heard anything... what is it..."

Harley, who is completely unaware of Crown's feelings for Ein, asks her what she is talking about.

"I'll explain later, Harley. And... Crown."

Finally, August's expression softens, and Crown feels relieved, but only for a moment.

"...Indeed, her status might be insufficient."

"Grandfather...?"

Seeing the Grand Duke's hard expression, Crown's expression also hardens.

"Harley, Crown. Do you understand the general situation of our continent?"

"I'm not sure to what extent. If you're talking about the ceasefire 50 years ago..."

The Grand Duke is referring to the fact that, despite the apparent peace among the four countries after the war that once engulfed the entire continent, the future is completely uncertain.

"That's fine. The culture... and technology have advanced and grown significantly wherever you go."

"...Yes, I agree."

Although he hasn't seen it with his own eyes, Harley, who has studied history thoroughly, understands how much the current environment has evolved compared to the past.

"The port town of Roundheart, and the continent about two days' journey from there... you should know, right?"

The continent the Grand Duke is talking about is not the one where the Kingdom of Heim and others are located, but the continent across the sea.

This continent has a name, Ishhtar, and is called the Continent of Ishhtar.

"Ishhtar... I could never forget it. Even 50 years after the war, we have grown in strength, but we are still far inferior to their culture, strength, and technology."

The reason Harley can't forget is that he studied abroad in the Continent of Ishhtar when he was in his teens.

He saw the culture, the strength of the people, the refinement of weapons... and the scale of several knight orders.

"Ishhtar... is it the only country on the continent?"

Crown, who has never been there, asks her father and the Grand Duke.

"The continent itself can be called a country. Most people call it by the country's name. The country's name is Ishtrica... the unified nation of Ishtrica."

The size of Ishhtar is about 2 to 3 times larger than this continent.

There is only one country on it, the unified nation of Ishtrica.

It was founded about 500 years ago by a hero who conquered the continent.

At that time, there were hundreds of small countries, and he unified them all into one.

"Unlike here, there are many non-human races. Knowledgeable monsters... and demons are recognized as citizens and live among the people."

Crown is talking about Ishtrica.

In Ishtrica, there are many races like elves, dwarves, and dryads.

"Crown, you've studied well."

"Thank you, Grandfather."

"Then, why is Ishtrica mentioned?"

The Grand Duke is sweating.

Harley, who has never seen his father so tense, and Crown, who has never seen her grandfather so human, are both quietly surprised.

"The current king of Ishtrica, Silvado von Ishtrica... his third child and second daughter."

Crown is still a bit confused about what the Grand Duke is saying, but Harley understands.

He starts to understand.

At the same time, Harley also starts to sweat, and his breathing gradually becomes heavier.

"The 'former' third in line to the throne... Olivia von Ishtrica. That is the true name of Lady Olivia... Lady Olivia."

"Indeed, her status might be insufficient."

Grandfather August said this earlier, and Crown now understands that she had completely misinterpreted it.

Good evening, this is the first one for today.

Although I said it would probably be the only one today, I apologize if it turns into two.

I was so surprised to see so many bookmarks and ratings this morning that I overslept and missed my train.

Thank you so much!

I never thought I would be evaluated so highly, and I am still in shock.

Thank you very much, and I hope you continue to enjoy it!

If you like it, please bookmark it and read it when you have time. I would be very happy.