Book 7: Chapter 27
“You mean that group of merchants is very weird?”
Lorana nodded. She looked at me and, in a serious tone, explained, “Your Majesty, I investigated that group of merchants, in a low-key way, because they must have rested in this small town before they could continue. Therefore, that group definitely rested up here. There are also only two hotels here, so they rested here for sure.”
“Do you know what they bought? They purchased metal that can be used to manufacture guns. The metal is Rosvenor Empire’s. In other words, the goods that Castell is in charge of trading. Purchasing it privately is prohibited.”
I folded my arms, and while looking at her, said, “So they’re Castell’s men, then. Their logo and flag were the royal family’s. Nobody would dare to use that sort of stuff other than Castell. They’d all lose their heads when they enter the Rosvenor Empire. Further, Castell’s merchant group’s logo and the royal flag is made by the royal family itself. Nobody else could make that pattern.”
“Yes, that’s why there’s a problem with that group.”
I placed my hand on my forehead. I looked at Lorana, who was serious and knocking on the table.
‘She came here and woke me in the middle of the night, so here I was thinking something came up. But it was about the group of merchants who passed us during the day. I got called awake while still in my pyjamas. I’m still a little dizzy, right now. I really don’t want to do any more thinking.’
Lorana looked at me and sternly said, “It’s dangerous no matter how you think about it. Your Majesty, think about it carefully. If the group weren’t Castell’s men, they could get changed into their regular clothes, once they get back. They could then transport the metal, that can be used to make guns and cannons, to a secret location to manufacture weapons. What would they be doing that for?! They’re preparing to revolt! I don’t know what weapons they’re making privately, or what they’re thinking. If they’re Castell’s men, then their business can be considered legal. But they didn’t even greet you when they saw you!! In front of them was the Prince of the Rosvenor Empire, and they just continued to pass like that?”
“It’s not impossible to comprehend why, though, right? Not everyone recognises me, after all… Some people don’t recognise me. I didn’t display the royal family’s coat of arms or flag either, so it’s normal for them not to greet me, isn’t it?”