Chapter 67

### Office during the day.

Dianeia had been scrutinizing documents since last night.

She was carefully checking each document that detailed the damage to the city caused by the activation of monsters, the progress of repairs, and the expansion status.

...I may not have a talent for politics, but I need to confirm the current situation.

When problems arise, I need to at least think of countermeasures. I might even lose the ability to fight as a Great Mage. With that in mind, she was reviewing the city's development status.

"Hmm?"

When Dianeia spoke, the Knight Captain, who was organizing documents at the opposite desk, tilted her head.

"Is something wrong, Princess?"

"The western part of the city is doing well. The economy is better there compared to other areas."

Compared to other areas, the repairs and expansions were progressing 20% faster. Perhaps something had boosted the economy there.

"Yes, according to the report, a significant amount of money flowed from a few stores, which revitalized the local economy."

"Where did the money come from?"

"Well, according to the report, it was influenced by Anne Tidora's store and the Combat Rabbit's store."

"..."

Dianeia thought that Anne's store wasn't that popular. She had visited it when it opened, and there weren't many customers.

...The items they sell are good, but they are quite expensive.

It can't be helped since they are items from the Dragon King. Perhaps she met some high-end customers who could afford them.

"And it seems that they said, 'This money is from that person, so we need to circulate it here,' and spent a lot of money in the surrounding stores. They must have used a considerable amount to move to this city, but it's good that the economy is doing well."

"Oh, I see."

Dianeia understood from the Knight Captain's words.

"Princess? Did you realize something?"

"More like, I figured out the cause."

She had a hunch. Probably, but,

"...It must be Daichi."

"Indeed. That person could do it."

The Knight Captain nodded.

In fact, it was almost certain.

There are hardly any in this city who can move such a large amount of money so easily.

"This is something I need to thank him for. Knight Captain, please prepare some gifts."

"Yes... But there are still some that haven't been delivered yet?"

"We'll deliver them gradually."

He has saved her life and protected the city countless times. She wanted to show her gratitude as much as possible, but time constraints made it difficult to do so.

"I have a city inspection today, so I'll visit him tomorrow. Please prepare everything by then."

"Understood."

"Well... Then, I'll continue today's work. I'm going to inspect the city. It's necessary to see the impact of Daichi's actions."

And with that, Dianeia lightly prepared her equipment and headed to the city.

●

Anne's store had a few customers, but it wasn't booming.

When she asked, it seemed that the staff had some free time to serve tea.

...Well, it just opened.

Things will change over time. Thinking this, Dianeia went to see the other new store.

"This one has a line every day."

The Rabbit's store had a line every day.

It seems to be popular not only with adventurers from the capital but also with citizens.

"If this store does well, the tax revenue will increase, which is very helpful."

While it might reduce the night-time combat ability of male citizens, the store has improved the security a bit and serves as a good outlet.

"Most importantly, it's a healthy store, so problems are less likely to occur."

The city's environment has improved, and citizens can enjoy it.

The economy is revitalized, and the city is expanding.

More than half of this is due to him, who lives in the magic spot in the forest. It's a grateful situation.

Every time she thinks of him, her heart warms up, and she feels motivated. She needs to thank him properly later.

While thinking about this, Dianeia suddenly remembered something.

"...Right, speaking of the forest, I need to confirm why the rabbits fled."

If there was a landslide, it needs to be investigated.

Dianeia decided to move to the rabbit village.

●

Dianeia teleported to the rabbit village.

She received a subtle welcome from the rabbits and was guided to the landslide site.

"This is the rabbit's store and the landslide. ...It's huge."

The scene was worse than she imagined.

A large, gray object had crushed a larger store.

However, the object didn't look like a rock.

The surface was unusually smooth, and there were patterns that resembled a grid. When she tapped it, it made a light, hollow sound.

"It's not metal... What material is this?"

It was unknown to Dianeia. But it was definitely a threat.

"Given its size and the fact that it's not a rock... It's dangerous."

And touching the object gave her a slight, unpleasant feeling.

It was an instinctive, baseless feeling, but her body, which had been exposed to life-threatening situations many times, was telling her. Therefore,

"Just to be safe, I'll take a sample and have the research team investigate it."

The research team was excellent and would provide results quickly.

...I hope nothing troublesome happens.

I hope my bad feeling is just a false alarm. With that thought, Dianeia returned to the castle.