Chapter 38

It was night. Diania was working at her desk once again.

The restoration of the city, which had fallen into chaos due to the attack of the dragon army and the Dragon King.

Explanations to the citizens.

Organizing the information gathered at the previous party.

Updating the trade records with the werewolves.

There was a mountain of tasks to be done.

However, she no longer had to pull all-nighters as often as before.

This was probably thanks to him being there.

"Lord Daichi..."

He was the only person she could face as a single witch, apart from her work.

While keeping in mind when they would meet again, Diania tidied up the documents on her desk. Then, there was a knock on the door.

"Princess, it's time for the nightly report."

"Oh, it's you, Octo. Come in."

"Excuse me."

As usual, she listened to the regular report from Octo, the head of the knights.

Information about the city's situation and the movements around the city from the observation team came in.

"Hmm, it seems the city is settling down."

"Yes, thanks to Lord Daichi. However, was it really alright to give that land to Lord Daichi?"

"Hmm? Do you think it was a bad decision?"

"No, that's not it."

The head of the knights flipped through the documents in his hand.

"That land was the private property of the royal family, and many shops were trying to buy it. There are also special magic stones buried underground, so there were other ways to use it."

Indeed. The land she had given him was a prime location next to the castle.

It had good foot traffic, and if a shop were to open there, it would never lack for customers. Moreover, it was a place where special magic stones were buried underground.

So, there were other ways to use it, but—

"It's fine. A land with such power is fitting for him. If it were given to a merchant guild, they would either be overwhelmed or misuse it. To him, the power sleeping there is like a piece of wood. It won't affect him at all."

"Well... that's true. If Lord Daichi were to use that land, there seems to be no need to worry."

The land with sleeping power sounded impressive, but in reality, there were few who could handle it.

That's why it could only be given to someone as strong as him.

"However, such a decision might cause dissatisfaction from the rough merchant guilds of the Armed City."

"I will take that dissatisfaction upon myself. That place was under my management, and I won't allow interference."

No one would actually take action. If they did, they would be dealt with. She couldn't involve him in any trouble.

"Besides, it seems they are having their own troubles. They probably don't have the time to meddle here."

"Among the neighboring cities, they have the most problems with raiders..."

The capital Procia had also been troubled by dragons, werewolves, and combat rabbits, but compared to the Armed City, it was still better off.

The Armed City, as its name suggests, had a high proportion of combat-capable individuals, but that was because they had many raiders.

"However, it seems a capable person has recently taken a high position and things have become more stable. —By the way, what about the forces we summoned from the Armed City? Have they all returned?"

There should have been a hundred or more combatants summoned for the Dragon King's attack.

"I received a report that, due to the emergency, there were also non-regular soldiers like adventurers mixed in."

"Yes. Therefore, a few of them refused to leave, saying they wanted to go treasure hunting. The rest are all scheduled to return."

That city had many rough individuals.

She had expected this to some extent, but it still happened.

"By the way, did you strictly order them not to go into the forest?"

"Of course! But there might be some who insist on going at their own risk."

Ah, she had expected that too. That's why she didn't want to summon people from that city. But since there was no other choice, she allowed it this time.

"That's not good. No, Lord Daichi may seem strict, but he is the type to show leniency..."

"Yes, I felt that when I shook his hand. He is being careful not to harm us."

"Yes, so no one will die on their first encounter. —But if it becomes a nuisance to him, it might be different."

It was uncertain, but the probability of causing him trouble would increase. She would need to prepare an apology gift later.

...Hmm. If she thought about it as another reason to visit that place, it might be good...

"By the way, there's one more thing I need to report. A delegation from the Armed City is coming."

"What? What kind of delegation?"

"It seems they want to hear about Procia's success in repelling the Dragon King, but their true intentions are unclear. They probably have someone who can sense powerful magical waves."

"Are they targeting Lord Daichi? That ley line?"

"There is a possibility."

"If that's the case... I will stop them, even if I have to force them."

In addition to the rough individuals from the Armed City, there was the unpredictable delegation.

Problems were piling up. It seemed the world was starting to move.

"We also need to step up our efforts. I will continue to rely on you, Octo."

"Yes!"

The one in the ley line is probably already having dinner and will soon be fast asleep.