Chapter 58

"…Miss, are you alright?"

Sebastian and Sei are each handling the动摇的领地 and the guild's response. I have Tanya investigating the capital's movements and the church, and Ryle and Dida are reinforcing the security within the territory. Moneda is fully engaged with the bank and the commercial guild, and Reame is helping Sebastian. Therefore, among the servants I usually interact with, only Merida is here now.

The moment she entered the room, her furrowed brows lifted.

"…Do I look alright?"

I must have overdone my expression, as it turned into a sarcastic smile.

"Sorry, I misspoke. I thought it might help you relax a bit. Here, chocolate and tea."

"Thank you."

I took a piece of chocolate. Yes, it's delicious. It soothes my tired mind.

"Hey, Merida. Haven't you been invited to work in various places?"

"Well, yeah. I'm practically in charge of all the cafes."

Merida laughed heartily. Her cheerfulness is comforting right now.

"Didn't some places offer you exceptional conditions?"

At my question, Merida's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but then she laughed again.

"…What good would it do for me to be wanted now? I've come this far thanks to you, Miss. So, I have no interest in other places."

"Right…"

"Besides, I don't think Miss will just keep getting pushed around."

She grinned.

"…I'll do my best to meet your expectations."

Everything is almost ready. But one more piece is missing. This time, I won't let it end half-heartedly. I won't let it end. I'll thoroughly corner them, leaving no place to run. Otherwise, they'll find a way to attack again. This is the piece I need.

"…Excuse me, Miss."

While I was lost in thought, Merida had already left, and another person had entered.

"…Dean!!"

I couldn't help but shout at the unexpected person.

"W-Why are you here…?"

"To help you."

"To help me…? You know what situation I'm in, and you still came?"

If you were leaving a place where someone was declared a criminal, I could understand, but coming here is unbelievable. It's like saying you're helping a criminal in Japanese terms. That's why many people have left the guild, and I've received protest letters from the lord's officials, even though I haven't been excommunicated, for not stepping down from my position as acting lord.

"Yes, of course. That's why I thought I could help."

"Help a criminal? You might be targeted by the Daryl Church. Taking such a risk… it's impossible!"

Maybe I'm tired… My tone became quite harsh, just like with Merida earlier. I knew it, but I couldn't stop myself.

"It's possible. Didn't I say I already belong to you? If I can't be of help now, when will I be?"

At Dean's matter-of-fact words, I was momentarily speechless.

"That's…"

"Besides, I'm here to be of help, and I have what you need."

As he swiftly handed me something and continued speaking, I lost my voice. I never thought I could get the last piece, and he brought it. I'm beyond surprised, even moved.

"…So, what's your plan?"

He grinned. Asking me this when he already knows what I'm doing is so mean.

"It's as you imagined. …And thanks to you gathering these, the pieces are all in place."

"That's good. …So, when will the 'release ceremony' be?"

"Your ears are quite big… You already know."

"The topic has been quite popular in the capital. I heard it on my way here."