Chapter 55

<Granos' Perspective>

On the day we returned from the Mushroom Forest Dungeon, the three of us went to Master's house to report. It was late, so we couldn't talk for long, but when we handed over the contents and the items we collected, he was surprised and praised us for doing well.

After that, I told him that Naga and I were going on a journey. Master nodded and said, "That's good, go ahead." He also said he would make Crane a full-fledged adventurer, so I left it to him. There shouldn't be any problems.

He asked us to show up when we depart, and I told him, "Of course, that's the plan," and he patted my head. I was very surprised by this, as it had been a long time since someone did that. In the meantime, he secretly handed me a letter, which Crane and Naga didn't notice.

When I got home, I checked the contents. It turned out that all three of us had been adopted by Master, and the procedures were already completed.

The letter also contained information about potential troubles that might come our way. Additionally, to protect his disciple Crane, Master had arranged to transfer his noble title to me. It seems Master is also involved in some complicated political matters. From now on, we will bear the surname "Medici."

"Well, well... It's a hassle, but it's a request from Master."

After reading it, I took notes of the necessary information and burned the letter as instructed. Then, I scolded my sister, who was about to start experimenting in the basement, made her take a bath, and put her to bed. If I leave her alone, she'll keep working endlessly, so I need to report this to Master.

The next day, I went to the lord's mansion as Razz had said, "I'll be waiting at the lord's mansion." When I told them I had an appointment with Razz, I was led to the reception room and made to wait for a while. It was a mistake that Fol wasn't there at that time. Since there was no one to vouch for me, I was thoroughly examined and had to wait for a considerable amount of time.

"Sure, I did say to give me some time... but couldn't it have waited until tomorrow? I'm busy, you know?"

"Doing things quickly is better. I already talked to Master yesterday. We're leaving town in three days, so I need time to prepare. Besides, you were playing for a week, even though you're the acting lord."

"......I have my reasons too."

"Isn't it bad to leave the Alchemist Guild unattended? And there are other problems too, right?"

"That's a problem... But in this town, where Pamela is, there's no alchemist who wants to be the Guild Master. I'm arranging for a new person, though."

Hmm?

Well, even though you're the Guild Master, if there's someone who commands more respect and can't be controlled, it must be difficult, right? But being in the same town should also have its advantages.

"From the alchemists' perspective, it's unpopular. Medicines are valuable, after all. Making them cheap and accessible to the common people is appreciated by the rulers, but as an alchemist... it seems to devalue the medicine."

"Ah... I see."

Come to think of it, Master can create cheaper alternatives with the same effects. It must be a problem if the prices are disrupted. Indeed... making healing potions from common weeds (Hundred Grass) with zero cost... that might be problematic from others' perspectives. Even without high prices, profits can still be made. I need to warn Crane about this... she was collecting a lot of Hundred Grass yesterday. She said she made sure no one saw her, but...

"The current Guild Master is already under surveillance, and we'll capture him when a successor is decided."

"Is it okay for the lord to be in the dungeon when an envoy from the capital arrives?"

"......If I'm here, the envoy will want to talk to me and investigate various things. I don't want to be seen by the king's supporters. If I'm not here, I can refuse without permission and they'll leave quickly."

"I see. ......So, what should I call you from now on? Your Highness, the son of the Duke? The acting lord? Or should I call you Master?"

"......Sigh. I was quiet... who told you?"

I just smiled and didn't answer who told me. I need to hint that I know a bit to ensure Crane's safety. The parts Master can't protect depend on this man. This is the negotiation for that.

I quickly checked the newspapers and biographies prepared to learn about this world. The political situation in this country is unstable. Because I made quick decisions with foreigners, Crane thinks the absolute monarchy has strong power, but in reality, it's in a state of confusion. This time, the king simply accepted the words of the Duke and the nobles, but the conflict between the king's supporters and the Duke's supporters is deep-rooted.

The Duke has three sons. The eldest son works as an assistant to the Duke and has a good reputation. The second son is sickly and his life is sustained by doctors sent by the king. The third son is unknown. He ran away at the age of 13 and is rumored to have returned, but he never appears in society. His name is "Lazulite."

This town is part of the land owned by the Duke and has been governed by an acting lord for several years. Connecting the pieces of information like a puzzle, the answer was easy to find.

"Phew... Sigh... Just call me as usual. I might ask you for something, but I don't want you to serve me."

"Don't worry. I haven't told my siblings yet. I still feel it's too early."

"......It will eventually come out, but I'm relieved you didn't tell them immediately. And... about the household registration, the application was approved, and the three of you are now adopted by Lady Pamela. You are the eldest son and will inherit the title. When Lady Pamela passes away, you will automatically become a viscount."

"Surprised it was approved."

"Thanks to you beating up the adventurers without hesitation. That removed the interference, and the paperwork went smoothly. The aftermath is scary, though."

That's it...

I thought I would be blamed for going too far, but Naga and Crane were worried about me. I thought Crane's memory confusion might be the reason, but it seems they prioritized my well-being.

In this world, you can't live by idealistic notions.

"Does this make me one of the Duke's supporters?"

"Well, yeah. You don't have to do anything for now, but eventually, you'll be in a position to govern a noble house... but for now, you don't have any land to govern. As long as you deliver a few medicines to the royal family once a year, you'll receive a noble pension annually."

"Hmm... So, I'm getting Crane's achievements?"

"That's how it's treated. Of course, other nobles will try to marry Crane to gain power. I don't think you'll sell her, but if such a proposal comes, please report it to me. Basically, your main activity is to gather materials for your sister as adventurers."

"Understood."

I will have a title but continue to act as an adventurer. It seems some adventurers receive titles for their achievements, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Being completely surrounded by the Duke's supporters is unavoidable for now, but it's within acceptable limits. I also need to consider Master's position.

For me, it's easier to live by making some compromises rather than doing whatever I want without a backing.

"By the way, I recommended you and Naga to become D-rank adventurers."

"Wasn't Crane E-rank?"

"That's right. Your skills are higher, so even without achievements, D-rank is achievable with a noble recommendation. I think Crane will eventually become D-rank too. ...I don't want you as an enemy, you know."

"Haha... Quite a timid statement."

"It's because of your and Naga's skills, not an overestimation."

Not an overestimation...

Well, it's probably due to the benefits of unique skills. There might be some stat boosts, but the biggest factor is the passive effects that are always active.

In my case, it's limited to when I have a sword. But with a sword, my attack power is outstanding among the same level. Naga's stats are also high, so they seem to want to recruit us...

I believe Crane has the most dangerous ability.

She's smart and lucky, but she also makes impossible moves. Probably, when making split-second decisions, she unconsciously chooses the best option. In a safe situation, her actions create good outcomes.

In the boss battle, Leonis was puzzled by how easily we won.

Only he and Fol should have been able to avoid a tough fight due to their high stats. They calculated that with a capable tank and magic attacker, a bit of a struggle wouldn't be a problem... but Crane's movements made it unexpectedly easy. No one was in danger.

Even more, in the battle with the giant spider.

When she healed the big leopard, she said, "I didn't think it would attack us." Monsters not attacking... that's an impossible risk. She didn't think about it... she was confident it wouldn't happen.

Making unconscious judgments... her <Intuition> seems to have a broad range, which is a bit worrying... but it's a powerful weapon, even if she's not aware of it.

"Well, I'm not getting off the winning horse. I'll pay back the favor."

"Winning horse? If you're talking about working with me, I can't meet your expectations."

"You? No, it's Crane who created this situation. Thanks to her, we're here now. As long as you work with Crane, Naga and I won't be your enemies."

"......I see. ......I'm envious."

"So, are we done?"

"No... I have a request for you."

Razz signaled to a woman in the room, who nodded and brought a map. Maps are valuable in this world. Surveying technology is underdeveloped, and paper is rare, but nobles have them.

"Hmm...?"

"This is a map of the country and its surroundings... these mountains and rivers are the border with the Empire. This continent is the Beast Kingdom, and beyond that is the Republic."

"......The kingdom and the empire are separated by these mountains and rivers. It's a difficult terrain to attack."

"Right... So, this is the capital, and the town we're in is around here... If you don't have a destination, I want you to go to this village."

He pointed to a village in the northwest, which would take about 10 days to reach.

"What's there?"

"One of the villages where foreigners appeared. Two foreigners appeared there, but when the royal family decided to send knights, they were already gone."

"Hmm... So? What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to check the situation. If they're living in the village, that's fine. If they're really gone, that's also fine. But if they're taken as hostages or in an abnormal state, I want you to report it... it's unnatural for the land governed by the king's supporters to not follow the royal family's management."

"Why can't you use your own people?"

"The strength of the foreigners. We don't know how strong they've become in a month. There are few people who can fight and can be trusted with this task. If you don't have a destination, I want to ask you."

I see.

Well, it's not a lie. It's not worth refusing, so I'll accept it.

I didn't plan to get close to the capital anyway. If I have a reason to go in the opposite direction, that's fine.

"I'll accept if you can tell me about valuable materials that can be obtained in this region."

"......I can't answer immediately, but I'll check. Pamela and Leonis might know more."

"I'll keep my destination a secret from them. I don't want them to probe me unnecessarily. The protection of foreigners isn't the goal, right?"

"Yes. If you see no problem, that's fine. I don't want to cause unnecessary conflicts with the king's supporters."

From my perspective...

I don't have a good feeling about foreigners... but if it's just a report, it's fine.

It's good to have a statement that protection isn't the goal.

"I want the reward in kind."

"What do you want?"

"Let's see... a mithril short sword or short sword, or a weapon made from a material with good magic conductivity."

"For Crane's equipment? Got it... I'll find something suitable... Being a brother is tough, huh? Being a younger brother is better."

"Then, I'll be going. I'll report casually... through Leonis, I guess?"

"Sure, leave it to me."

I said goodbye to Razz and left the room. Fol bowed and said, "I'll see you off."

"So? Do you have something to ask?"

"No. I have a request... this way."

"......Does Razz know?"

"I'm sorry. It's an order from above..."

"Understood... I owe you one. Just me, though."

Razz, who works for Razz, giving me an invitation Razz doesn't know about... quite a hassle.

I confirmed his nod and put the letter in my pocket.

"Be careful."

"Sure. See you."

I raised my hand and left the gate.

Well, things will happen as they will.

I don't want to put Naga in danger... but if it's just me, it's fine.

I'll accept the invitation... my first destination is the capital city of Cuaranoides, where the Duke lives.