Chapter 43

Ainhoorn was undergoing an inspection.

A group of people claiming to be from the Alzer Republic's air guard had arrived. Military personnel had come to the hangar to inspect the ship.

One of the military men, who seemed to be in charge, wore a highly decorated uniform with several medals hanging around his chest.

He stroked his beard while looking at the items lined up in front of him.

"Hmph, not bad for a kingdom's tribute."

I tilted my head.

"Tribute?"

The Kingdom of Holfaart trades with the Alzer Republic and has various treaties with them.

However, it hasn't become a vassal state.

"You seem dissatisfied. Don't think that a barbaric country like yours, where adventurers can become nobles, is equal to ours."

I stared at the condescending military man, dumbfounded.

Is he serious?

"...If you cause a diplomatic issue, don't say I didn't warn you."

Then, the other military men laughed.

"Diplomatic issue? If you attack, we'll counterattack. It seems you don't know that the Kingdom of Holfaart was defeated twice by the Alzer Republic in the past."

What are you talking about?

That's a very old story.

The war between the two countries happened long before I was born.

"I'll report your name."

But the man didn't seem the least bit flustered.

"Do as you please. After all, you're just a fake noble who used to be an adventurer. You don't even try to defend your own honor."

He's quite arrogant.

As the man left the hangar with his subordinates, another military man who had been inspecting the items approached.

"I apologize. The major comes from a noble family and tends to be quite arrogant. The Alzer Republic welcomes you, so please don't take it personally."

It sounds like he's saying, "Just bear with it."

These people also looked down on us in some way.

Then, the man called the major—

"What's with this tasteless armor?"

—kicked Alorantz.

The military man, who seemed to be amused, tried to smooth things over.

"Please calm down. We'll be leaving soon, and then you can dock safely."

I spat out my resentment.

"I hope so."

◇

We were guided by the republic's airship, and Ainhoorn entered the port.

On the deck, I talked with Lusheon and the republic's military men.

"What's with that arrogant attitude? I have a certain status in a foreign country. This kind of treatment is unacceptable."

This is completely unacceptable.

As I thought this, Lusheon analyzed the situation.

"They seem to be saying, 'If you want to attack, go ahead.' They must be very confident. It's concerning that they are undefeated in defense."

"What's concerning?"

When I asked Lusheon what was concerning,

"Their airship technology is not much different from that of the kingdom or the former duchy."

"From your perspective, right? There are large airships flying around."

Besides the 200-meter class, there are even 300-meter and 400-meter class military airships in the port.

Their movements are not bad. They don't seem to be struggling to stay afloat.

"I think their technology is better than the kingdom's. It's abnormal for a country to be strong in defense. The attacker usually has the advantage."

I understand that defense is difficult, as I learned from the war with the former duchy. Despite the various challenges, the attacker still has the advantage.

"There seems to be some secret. It's strange that they are undefeated in defense. Why don't they expand their territory by sending troops to the surrounding areas?"

Maybe they just find it troublesome?

"They are satisfied with their own continent."

"That's a lie. Human desires have no limits."

"Are the people of the republic really without desire?"

"If that were the case, the attitude of those military men wouldn't make sense. Their attitude is almost as if they want to be attacked."

There seems to be some secret, but for us, it's better if things end peacefully.

"I don't want to get too involved with this country."

I never wanted to study abroad in the first place.

I'm a person who is content with staying in my own country.

Learning a new language is a hassle.

The language of the republic is different from the kingdom's, so it was difficult to learn. Unlike me and Marié, those five could already speak it.

They are unnecessarily high-spec.

"We have arrived. Please prepare to disembark."

Ainhoorn automatically secured itself at the designated location, and the port workers were surprised.

"Well, what's the plan for after this?"

"We will head to the embassy to confirm the schedule."

We were supposed to receive explanations at the embassy.

I picked up the leather travel bag nearby, and Lusheon floated beside my right shoulder.

"By the way, Master, you said it's a world crisis. Wouldn't it be faster to just destroy it? Don't you find those military men's attitudes annoying?"

"You're too extreme. I'm an adult, so I won't do something like that. Besides, we have a different purpose this time. Just behave yourself."

It's ridiculous to destroy a country just because of an annoying attitude.

I can't act rashly without considering the consequences.

All I can do is report the arrogant military men.

I hope he gets demoted.

◇

We arrived at the embassy.

The embassy of the Kingdom of Holfaart is a truly kingdom-like building.

The republic is indeed a foreign country.

The buildings may look similar, but there is something different about them.

Therefore, seeing a kingdom-style building is reassuring.

The official at the embassy responded to us with a tense expression.

"Welcome, Prince Julius. It's good to see you."

"I'll be in your care. By the way, I was told to receive explanations at the embassy?"

"Yes, that's why we gathered everyone here. Unlike the Kingdom of Holfaart, the academy in the Alzer Republic is a commuting school. There are no dormitories."

No dormitories, huh.

"I see."

"There are many differences from the academy. In the Alzer Republic, commoners also attend the academy. Therefore, the scale is larger, and the curriculum is different."

The Alzer Republic might be more advanced than the kingdom because commoners can attend.

I received various instructions, but then—

"Also, in the republic, the status of the kingdom is viewed as low."

Julius's eyebrow twitched.

"What do you mean?"

The official explained the situation.

"The Alzer Republic's invincible myth, if you will. Their military power is unmatched by the kingdom. Since I arrived, there have been multiple wars, and the Alzer Republic has won all of them."

Most of the wars were provoked by the Alzer Republic, and they have repelled all attacks.

The Alzer Republic is quite prosperous due to the compensation.

It's despicable to provoke and attack.

Julius seemed to understand.

"Arrogance backed by military power. I've heard the rumors, but it's worse than I thought."

"The kingdom's policy is to maintain good trade relations as long as they don't provoke us. I hope you understand this..."

The official has been looking at me worriedly since the beginning.

What's wrong?

Brad, who was listening, noticed.

"That's what I mean. Don't worry. No matter how foolish Baltofalt is, he won't start a fight with the republic."

What? Is it my fault?

Are you worried about me?

"Obviously, the problem is with them."

I pointed at the five, and Greg looked at me with exasperation.

"What are you saying, you?"

Chris adjusted her glasses with her finger.

"The only person who can mercilessly beat up Prince Julius, who is a crown prince, is Baltofalt... you. You are the least trustworthy among us."

Are you saying I'm less trustworthy than these guys?

The official averted his gaze when I looked at him.

He tried to change the subject.

"Then, I will show you to your accommodations."

"Wait, look at me!"

◇

We were led to a large mansion.

"Here, everyone except for the Count of Baltofalt will be staying."

Marié's eyes sparkled at the sight of the grand mansion.

"I've always wanted to live in such a grand mansion."

I asked the official.

"Hey, what about me? Why am I separate? There should be empty rooms. It's a huge mansion, and I'm a count too."

"Considering the relationship between Prince Julius and Marié, and the fact that Carla and Kyle have to take care of Marié, placing the count here would cause various problems, mainly suspicions of infidelity from the duke's family."

"I'll stay separately then!"

I don't want to be suspected of infidelity by Anje and Livia.

If Anje suspects me of cheating, it would be dangerous for me and even my parents.

My family has become part of the duke's faction because of my engagement to Anje.

I can't cause trouble for my family.

Carla and Kyle were discussing something.

"It's a grand mansion. But it might be fun."

But Kyle looked different.

He didn't seem excited and his expression turned pale as he looked around.

"Where are the servants who maintain this mansion?"

The official cleared his throat.

"Previously, the management was entrusted to this country, and we hurriedly gathered servants, but there aren't enough. After all, the study abroad was decided suddenly."

There are only two servants for the large mansion.

However, because Julius is here, we can't have incompetent servants. They are preparing as quickly as possible, but there will be a shortage of staff for a while.

Kyle was holding his head.

"Who do they think will maintain this mansion? Cleaning alone will be a huge task."

Then, Zirk smiled.

"Don't worry, Kyle. We've improved our cleaning skills thanks to 'someone.' We can help with the housework."

Hey, is that 'someone' me? You have some nerve, green guy.

But Kyle didn't seem to find it funny.

"This is a matter of survival! Housework isn't just about cleaning!"

Leaving the noisy Marié and the others, I headed to my accommodation with the official.

"What kind of place will I be staying in?"

"Is it okay to leave the prince and the others?"

"It's fine. I was told to be a bit strict. A little hardship will help them see reality."

I left the noisy Marié and the others behind and headed to the next place with the official.

◇

The place prepared for me was a slightly larger house.

In a residential area with similar buildings.

A tram ran nearby, and the three-story house seemed to require a decent rent.

The inside was clean, but due to the lack of staff, a housekeeper would only come a few times a week.

I was told that I could eat out nearby if needed.

I entered my room on the second floor and opened the window.

"The third floor is mostly storage."

Lusheon, who seemed to have scanned the house, came over to me.

"There were no suspicious points."

Looking outside, I could hear the sound of the tram.

"Well, what should I do now?"

"It's before the new semester. Shouldn't you gather information first? We also need to confirm who the protagonist is, as Master and Marié mentioned."

That's true.

I told Lusheon the characteristics of the protagonist.

"Then, search and gather information about the surroundings. The hair color is a mix of blonde and pink. Blonde with pink tips."

"Is it a gradient? Anything else?"

"Twintails."

"...Anything else?"

"Well, a rather active and straightforward girl? Marié said her body type is average, but in dating games, the protagonist is usually very cute, so she probably has a good figure."

"Better than nothing. Should I also gather information about the male characters you need to interact with?"

"I think Marié mentioned something. I asked about their appearance, but—"

"It would be faster to confirm with Marié herself. Isn't this preparation insufficient?"

"It couldn't be helped since the study abroad was decided suddenly."

Ainhoorn is fast, and the voyage was shorter than usual.

I didn't have time to talk with Marié on the ship, and they... well, I don't know what they do at night, and I won't interfere.

That's the most peaceful answer.

"Anyway, check it out first. I'll confirm with Marié tomorrow."

"Understood."

A drone controlled by Lusheon came out of my bag and flew out the window.

"Maybe I should contact the two of them."

"Please use email."

"Email is amazing, isn't it?"

◇

The Kingdom of Holfaart.

Livia, who was preparing for the new semester at the student dormitory, was suddenly joined by Anje.

"Liv!"

"Kyaa!"

Livia, who was changing, was surprised and tried to hide herself with a shirt. Anje said, "Sorry," and showed her a piece of paper.

It was a printout of a message from Leon, sent by Claire.

"It's a letter from Leon."

"R-really—ah!"

Livia, in a hurry to get closer to Anje, tripped and fell forward, exposing her bottom.

"What are you doing?"

"Sorry."

Anje helped her up, and they both read the email together.

"Anje, Liv, I'm doing well.

The voyage on Ainhoorn was comfortable except for the nights.

The nights made me more aware of being alone, thanks to those idiots.

How are you two doing?

I'm worried about Claire causing trouble."

At this point, Claire, who was floating beside Anje, said with a cheerful voice,

"Well, you don't have much trust in me."

They continued reading the email.

"The guys don't listen and still don't understand their situation.

Please tell Lady Mirene that they haven't repented.

The republic is a terrible country.

...I want to go home.

From Leon"

Livia, still in her underwear, started to panic.

"Leon is feeling lonely!"

But Claire said,

"It's okay. According to Lusheon, he still has some leeway."

Anje sighed.

"I hope so. I don't want him to feel lonely in a foreign country."

"He's quite resilient, you know."

Livia read the email multiple times.

"Leon has started his new life. We need to work hard too!"

"Right. But first, you should get dressed. You don't want to catch a cold at the start of the new semester."

Livia looked at her outfit and hurriedly put on a shirt.

Anje chuckled.

"You received a medal and a status equivalent to a knight, but you haven't changed."

"Is it okay for me to receive a medal?"

A small medal hung from the chest of her uniform.

Livia, who is not a knight, has been given a status equivalent to a knight.

"Take what you can get. You've earned it. Besides, the academy is now accepting students from merchant families and those with appropriate academic abilities."

Due to the shortage of students and various issues, the academy has decided to accept students from merchant families and those with the necessary academic abilities.

"A new class will be created, separate from the noble class."

"Liv, you'll be like a representative for them. Try your best."

Livia, who was listening to Anje, looked anxious.

"I'm worried if I can do it as a senior. Leon would probably manage it."

Anje, smiling, stroked Livia's hair.

"True, but relying too much on Leon will make him lose interest. Don't you want to be more reliable?"

Livia nodded, and Anje said, "That's the spirit," and asked Claire to reply to the email.

"What should we write?"

Anje and Livia, both puzzled, thought about it.

"Maybe we should report our current situation?"

"That's the only option."

But Claire's blue eye glowed suspiciously.

In a voice that only she could hear,

"Should I send this scene as a picture to Master?"

She said.