Chapter 144
I spent my time patrolling inside Lindblum until the banquet began while also sightseeing together with Melt-chan.
Ever since the incident in the Underside, the underground districts had finally begun proper maintenance, and the shady individuals who lingered there seemed to have all left the city.
“A lot of places are under construction, huh?” (Melt)
“That they are-ja na. I hear they’re building many new farms in the lower levels, and they’ll even be making new farms outside the north gate-ja.” (Rue)
“Since there’s the issue with the Core, the more farms there are, the more veggies they’ll be able to harvest, right?” (Melt)
“Mm, indeed. They must be increasing farmland with that in mind.” (Rue)
It would also help solve the employment problem for the refugees.
It seems the victims of that incident weren’t limited to only the people I rescued.
Men and children were also found in the warehouse district after the incident.
So in the end, they weren’t just filthy scum who collected women’s bodies at random; they must have had some specific purpose. And now, I was forced to confront the recklessness and lack of restraint that led me to kill them all on the spot.
Even so, during the later investigation, a “human order form” was discovered in their hideout, revealing that the mastermind behind it had already fled outside this continent, or that the crime was connected to someone from another continent.
“Well then, shall we head back soon? It’s finally tomorrow, yes? The banquet.” (Rue)
“That’s right! I’m so excited! I wonder what kind of food they serve at the castle?” (Melt)
“Hmmm, I cannot even imagine. We’ll just have to enjoy it tomorrow-ja.” (Rue)
Yes, the day has finally arrived.
The day we would reveal to the nobles the truth that the Dungeon Core had already been used.
Naturally, that information would spread to those working in the castle, and eventually even to the general populace.
At the same time, the nobles, who had once given up, would now stake everything on reviving their territories, loudly proclaiming it to their subjects and recruiting new settlers.
If that also led to the acceptance of refugees, the nation’s strength would grow.
But in that case, the region with little population and an abundance of unused land… That would be the former Golda territory.
What do they plan to do with that, I wonder… Well, it is not something I need to concern myself with.
And so, we headed home while thinking about what sort of dishes the banquet would serve.
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The next day at four in the afternoon.
From the morning onward, discussions had been taking place at the royal castle: reports on the year’s finances, how the budget was used, matters of foreign trade and imports and exports…talks about the nation’s administration.
It seemed this would continue for about three days starting today, and the queen intended to observe how the nobles’ opinions, movements, and stances would change after learning the truth about the Dungeon Core.
Rather than simply announcing it, she planned to use it as a tool…bait to draw out their true intentions and manipulate their political maneuvering.
That method was exceedingly reliable from the standpoint of a ruler.
The queen’s capabilities had likely been underestimated by the nations of other continents, simply because the country and its lands had been small until now. Surely, this nation would rise.
With the powerful asset known as the Thirteen Knights, and once it acquired land and production capacity, it would undoubtedly grow into a nation strong enough not to lose to others.
“Oji-chan! They’re here, they’re here! The carriage must have come to pick us up!” (Melt)
“Oh? Understood-ja.” (Rue)
Melt-chan was peeking out the sunroom window of the adjacent lounge that’s like a radar, and excitedly reported what she saw.
Contrary to her cute behavior, tonight…she would be reborn as an extraordinary beauty.
Once we arrived at the castle, she would head to the dress room with Kokuri-san, where she would be dressed and have makeup applied.
Fufu… to think that I’d be the one who gets to see her with my own eyes…perhaps I’ve done Shizuma a slight disservice.
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Upon arriving at the castle, people other than ourselves were also gathering one after another to attend the banquet.
Melt-chan joined up with Kokuri-san and will head deeper inside while I will be guided to the massive hall beside the castle.
I am already looking forward to seeing her again after she is dressed up.
“Well then, see you later, Melt-chan.” (Rue)
“Mmhmm, wait for me, Oji-chan.” (Melt)
She’s adorable… Being called Oji-chan by such a cute granddaughter… Ah, living truly was worth it.
…If only all those suffering in the world right now could experience such joy…
If the country prospers…I want to believe fewer people will be caught up in tragic incidents…
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“Rue-dono, we’ve been expecting you. You may enjoy yourself in the hall until the banquet begins, but I believe you don’t have many acquaintances yet. If you’d prefer, I can escort you to a separate room.”
Upon entering the hall, Kres-jou, the captain of the knight order, greeted me.
Hmm…that would be dull. I wanted to sip a little wine in the hall.
After telling her so…
“Understood. After Her Majesty’s greeting, there will be an announcement regarding the Core. Please, do be sure not to get drunk.” (Kres)
“Mm, understood-ja. Commander-dono, if you would, stay with me as my escort? After all…having a beautiful woman at one’s side lifts the spirits.” (Rue)
Though the commander wore armor tonight as well, it was different from her usual…likely ceremonial armor, resembling a dress in some respects.
It was a look that evoked both beauty and dignity; strong yet elegant.
“I… I’m not used to being told such things, but thank you. In that case…I will accompany you.” (Kres)
“Mm, I’ll be in your care for a while, Kres-dono.” (Rue)
I took her hand. Though I was quite old to be escorting a lady, this way no one would make some vulgar remark like “the knight commander brought a man.”
I considered waiting here for Melt-chan, but it felt tasteless to see her beautiful form from outside the venue rather than inside.
Entering the hall, I was first surprised at its size.
I once attended a lunch party at the Alheus Manor as Hash, but this was on an even grander scale.
Hosting nobles and foreign dignitaries, such scale was natural as the ruler of a nation.
“Rue-dono, the wine is on that table… Shall I fetch some for you?” (Kres)
“No no, let us go together.” (Rue)
“Then I shall accompany you. Though I do not drink…” (Kres)
“Aye, understood. Then, shall we nibble on some light snacks? If possible, I’d also appreciate you telling me about the people attending.” (Rue)
“A simple matter.” (Kres)
She must have been instructed to devote some time and effort to hosting me, for Kres-dono responded earnestly to every request.
It also served as a deterrent… An old man who appears to be a close acquaintance of the knight commander of the Holy Principality… He would certainly stand out in others’ memories.
“Rue-dono, will it be red wine or white?” (Kres)
“White, then… Excuse me, waiter, do you have any non-alcoholic drinks?” (Rue)
I asked the attendant to prepare something for Kres-dono.
What he brought seemed to be grape juice…likely stopped before fermentation produced alcohol.
“Here you are, Kres-dono. This should have no alcohol-ja yo.” (Rue)
“Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness.” (Kres)
“Think nothing of it. If I’m escorting a lady, this much is only proper.” (Rue)
I could feel the eyes of people around us.
Partly because of her beauty…but mostly because they did not know what to make of me.
I was wearing ceremonial attire as well, something that didn’t look out of place compared to the others.
So these gazes weren’t due to strange fashion.
“…We have been noticed enough, I think.” (Rue)
“Rue-dono?” (Kres)
“My apologies, I’ve kept you with me despite your own duties. I should wait for Melt-chan soon. You must have people you need to greet, yes? It’s fine…my presence has been sufficiently established.” (Rue)
“I see… So that’s what you intended. Rue-dono, please take care of what follows.” (Kres)
“Aye, leave it to me.” (Rue)
After seeing Kres-dono off, I waited near the hall entrance, holding a plate of canapes and the same grape juice I’d given her.
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