Kingdom of the Dragon King.[18]
This kingdom can only be described as unorganized.
The heights of the buildings aren’t uniform, and the people are all dressed irregularly.
There was no attempt at city planning; an adventurer’s inn was built right next to what looks like a noble’s mansion.
A Sword God Style dojo was built right across from a North God Style dojo.
But even if there’s no impression of unity, it is a vibrant place.
There’s no history of social castes.
This is a country built on meritocracy and imperialism.[19]
After arriving in such a country, naturally I went straight to the Royal Palace… Not really.
“Since we have no social standing here, we can’t move using authority.”
That’s what I learned in Milis.
When dealing with a government, I need to make myself known so I’m not taken lightly.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
… Although it’s a little different this time, I need to act and make preparations accordingly.
Therefore, we’re heading to the embassy.
What embassy?
Of course, it’s the Kingdom of Asura’s embassy.
Ariel is a major shareholder in our company.
So naturally the Kingdom of Asura is a backer for the Orsted Corporation.
No, wouldn’t it be the opposite?…
Orsted is backing the Kingdom of Asura.
Well, at any rate, borrowing the Kingdom of Asura’s influence will ensure things won’t turn out as poorly as they did in Milis.
I’ll borrow a formal set of clothes and a carriage from the embassy,
Then head to the palace with a letter bearing Ariel’s royal seal.
Of course, I sent Ariel a copy of my directive and received permission.
She responded [In the case of a decisive battle, you can count me among your war potential.]
Over the past several years, she seems to have been reinforcing her war potential and solidifying her position.
If I asked for something like bodyguards, she could probably set me up with some.
Well, I don’t know about their strength, or how useful they’d be…
“….”
After confirming the situation, it seems that the embassy only has one room for us to change in.
“Aisha, if you like any of the outfits, you can bring them back home with us, so choose quickly. Eris is waiting.”
“Hnn… Onii-chan, I can’t decide… After all, I wonder if a green outfit is best? Eris-ane is wearing red, brother is wearing gray…”
Aisha has been prowling around in her underwear, unable to decide on an outfit since earlier.
By all accounts she’s definitely a woman, taking this long to choose an outfit.
Because Aisha requested [I want you to decide, Onii-chan], Maid-san gave me a criticizing look while I stayed to watch Aisha change.
However, despite asking me to decide, it doesn’t seem like she’s really leaving the decision to me.
Even if I suggest something, it’ll just end up as [No, that clashes with Eris-ane] and we’ll end up looking for something else.
Last time, her maid clothes were troublesome.
Therefore, there’s no objection to wearing a more proper outfit… but for it to take this long…
A frilly, light three-piece dress.
Since I’ve been surrounded by people who don’t spend much time on preparations, this is new, but as I expected, it’s tiring.
“I mean, I shouldn’t be the center of attention, so should I maybe choose something plainer?”
“No, even if it’s flashy it’s fine. Yeah, your cuteness would even stun the Death God.”
“Answer seriously!”
I got scolded.
But, seriously.
It wouldn’t be strange for Aisha to meet a man in such a place.
She might catch the eye of a noble boy in the Royal Palace, and it would be something like a Cinderella story!
I’d like to see that.
It would be troublesome if she brought home someone strange…
Aisha has said it herself, the job this time isn’t really job-like, and she’s free to love whoever she wants anyway.
“Well then, wear the dark green one. It’s plain enough, and it will match Eris’s dress?”
“Eh… that skirt is a bit short… it would show too much leg.”
Well, it should be fine.
Although I want to say that, Maid-san jumps in and says [Then that’s no good], and discards the dress.
“Uu…”
With a groan, Aisha returned to picking out a dress.
Well, seeing her in her underwear, she’s growing into a healthy adult.
She’s growing in the appropriate places.
Apparently our family has the [nice body] gene.
The kind that attracts bad insects during the day.
Zenith and Lilia are also like that,
And Paul’s family, the Notos Greyrats, love big breasts.
Therefore, my grandmother must have also had a huge chest back in the day.
It’s hereditary.
“… Hey, Onii-chan.”
“Hmm?”
“Uffun~nano.”
Suddenly, Aisha bent slightly at the waist and struck a pose with her hands behind her head.
I’ve definitely seen that somewhere before.
“Who taught this to you?”
“Pursena. If I do it like this, she said it would be an instant knockout.”
“That’s not right. Using her pose right now can only be considered a misfire… You shouldn’t have so much faith in her advice.”
“Eeh…! But it was really popular in the mercenary group…!”
“Don’t joke around, please choose quickly.”
Although we still have a bit of time, we should hurry.
Today’s appointment is a meeting with Princess Benedict and her knight Randolph.[20]
They aren’t particularly busy either; it’s my understanding that they’re free all day today.
So we can relax until the afternoon.
I don’t think he’ll turn into an enemy in the span of an hour.
It’s not my motto to wait until the last minute to do things.
Having a bit of flexibility is always valuable.
We should be mindful of the time. We have enough leeway.
“Slow!”
However, people that are always in a rush also exist.
One such fellow just threw the door open with a *bang* and jumped into the room.
It’s Eris.
In a glittering red coat, wearing black pants.
She also has her hair done in a ponytail in the style of the Kingdom of Dragon King’s nobility.
She looks like an awe-inspiring female swordsman.
But, well, this is actually a style reserved for men.
According to Maid-san, it’s considered inappropriate to carry a sword in a dress, so she immediately decided on this outfit.
“You’re taking forever to choose!”
“Ah, Eris-ane. Sorry. I can’t decide.”
“Fuu…”
She quickly walked over to Aisha, her bright red hair trailing behind her.
Then grabbed one of the dresses arranged for us.
A bright, wine red dress.
“Take this!”
“Huh, but, Eris-ane is the one wearing red.”
“What, you don’t want to match with me!?”
“No, that’s not it; I shouldn’t attract that much attention because I’m an assistant. Shouldn’t Eris-ane stand out more?”
“You’re not an assistant! As my younger sister, wear something good!”
Aisha blushed at Eris’s speech.
Then laughed with a [hehe] and received the dress.
“If Eris-ane insists, I’ll wear this.”
She seemed a little happy about it.
I wonder if she was happy that Eris referred to her as her younger sister.
I don’t really understand a girl’s mind well.
Thus, Aisha determined her dress, and we proceeded to Kingdom of Dragon King’s Royal Palace.
The Kingdom of Dragon King’s Royal Palace.
It’s not as large as Asura Kingdom’s Royal Palace, or as refined as Milis.
To describe it in a few words, it was a bloated jumble of buildings with bizarre landscaping.
It seems they’ve been constantly adding on to the main building out of necessity, but it just oozes vulgarity.
Nevertheless, this is the result.
It had the nature of something overwhelmingly unknown.
If I had to invade this palace, I don’t think I could help but hesitate.
Although there’s no need to feel overwhelmed this time.
I’m well prepared.
I’m in a carriage drawn by a white horse, in beautiful clothes, with an appointment.
Furthermore, Orsted has a good grasp on the present and future situation of this country.
It might not be perfect, but it makes a big difference.
I have confidence that things won’t get carried away.
“Then, Eris, Aisha, are you ready?”
“Yeah.”
“Yup.”
By the way, this time it’s only us three.
Eris, Aisha, and myself.
“If the Death God turns out to be an enemy, Eris and I will stall him, and, Aisha, you spread the [Complete Set] summoning scroll. Then I’ll settle things in the MK-I.”
“Leave it to me!”
I actually wanted to bring Zanoba and Roxy, but they have their hands full with the MK-III’s production.
For the present, it’s just us.
Eris and I are the combat force.
Well, that’s only in the case that the Death God turns into an enemy.
I’ll entrust Eris to the vanguard.
That’s why it’s necessary to bring two people, in order to deal with such an unpredictable guy.
Although, putting that line of thought aside, it’s also important for Aisha to join us in preparation for installing a mercenary branch in this country.
It’s not a bad thing to get a feeling for the country in person.
“….”
While we were having that dangerous conversation, we arrived at the palace’s gates.
There’s nothing for me to say here.
The person that came with us from Asura Kingdom’s embassy does all the talking.
From arranging the appointment to addressing the gatekeeper, and all the arrangements afterwards.
Everything has gone smoothly so far, and now we’ve entered the palace.
“We have arrived.”
We disembark the horse-drawn carriage and are guided into the palace.
After all this, I’m starting to feel conspicuous.
A person wearing what looks to be noble attire chatting with a knight was staring.
“Act dignified.”
This time, in addition to coming here in the position of Benedict’s friend, I’ve also made it clear that I’ve come here with Ariel’s authority.
To make an enemy of me is for the Kingdom of Dragon King to make an enemy of the Kingdom of Asura,
There might also be rumors floating around of my involvement with the war in Shirone.
It shouldn’t be possible for anyone to know that Orsted was the criminal who killed the king.
After this, I’ll be in Ariel’s debt again.
We were guided through the palace to a simple room.
It was a small room, with a minimum number of maids in attendance.
“Greetings, it’s been awhile. Rudeus-dono.”
And it seems the guards are at the maximum.
The Death God Randolph Marian.
He stood there like a demon, with Benedict as his master, protecting the infant in her arms.
“….”
Benedict looked at me, with her mouth tightly shut, and held her crying child.
I decided to greet her before Randolph.
That seems like the appropriate thing to do.
“Benedict-sama, I see you are in good health.”
“….”
No reply.
But, there may be no helping it.
She probably heard various things back then,
About Zanoba and I, from Pax.
I don’t expect Pax spoke very well of us.
“Your son also appears to be in good health. Zanoba will be glad.”
“……”
“Hmm? Or is it a daughter?”
Benedict slowly shook her head.
I seem to have been correct, it’s a boy.
“Could I ask for his name…?”
“…… Pax.”
“He received the name of his father, Pax II.”
Randolph supplemented.
So he has the same name as his father.
Pax Junior, I’ll call you Little Pax.
I see. That’s good.
“….”
“Err… Ah, that’s right. Today let me introduce my wife and younger sister.”
“I am… Eris Greyrat.”
“I am Aisha Greyrat. Happy to meet you.”
Awkward Eris and charming Aisha.
Perhaps because they’re both wearing red, they look like sisters.
That’s not it, they are sisters.
Sister-in-law Aisha.
“……”
Benedict doesn’t respond.
She only looks up at Randolph anxiously.
“But Rudeus-dono, I had heard that your wife was from the demon race?”
Thus, Randolph responded.
Since his master refuses to speak, he responded; that seems a little rude.
“I have three wives. That would be Roxy.”
“My goodness… That must not have a good affinity with the Milis religion.”
“My priest friend preaches to me about it whenever possible.”
I turned to Randolph.
“Long time no see. Randolph-san.”
His appearance hasn’t changed at all.
That sullen skeleton-like face.
At first glance he seems to be full of openings, but that’s false.
Looking at Eris’s pouting face, I understood that.
“You seem to be doing well.”
“Yup, very. I’m full of spirit. Rudeus-dono doesn’t seem to be doing so well though.”
“A short time ago, an acquaintance turned into an enemy.”
“I understand. When I was younger, I had to cut down a friend; it troubled me deeply.”
Randolph responded, while sneaking a glance at Eris.
While nodding, he slightly moved to position himself between Benedict and Eris.
“Eris, could you take a few steps back?”
“Why.”
“Randolph-san seems to have difficulty talking like this.”
Eris had moved to put Randolph inside her range.
While Randolph had been moving little by little to block with me.
The two warriors were each trying to out-maneuver the other, which took the shape of them each slowly moving opposite each other in a slow arc.[21]
If I left things like this, when they each reached their optimal position, a fight would probably break out.
“But, this guy might also be an enemy.”
“If he was an enemy, he wouldn’t have let Eris in this room with her sword.”
Even more so, he definitely wouldn’t have brought Benedict here.
He wouldn’t bring what he most wanted to protect to a fight with a magician and a Sword King.
He would probably ambush us alone, or maybe with a group.
Since Benedict was in this room, Randolph was not my enemy.
But if this Benedict is a body double, then in that case…
I’d like to think he would have come up with a better trap.
If I try to anticipate everything, the possibilities of being deceived are endless.
For now, let’s assume this isn’t a trap, and regard this as a tentative trust.
“… Understood.”
Eris reluctantly stepped back towards the entrance.
But now she was gripping her sword.
“Thank you very much, Rudeus-dono.”[22]
“No, I must apologize, please forgive me. However, this room is a little crowded…”
“What about your friend’s story? Should I ask?”
“Of course. That’s why I’ve come.”
I spoke about what had happened in the Holy Kingdom of Milis.
And how the demon race man named Gisu turned into my enemy.
Although Gisu has no combat capabilities, he’s very resourceful.
And that Hitogami plans to use him as a mouthpiece to recruit war potential.
In order to thwart Gisu, I’ve had him put on the wanted list in each country, and have started moving to create a counter-force.
“Really, to come out directly and declare war.”
“He didn’t have a particularly good hand to play.”[23]
“No, no, rather I meant that as a compliment. If you break through their tricks head on, one by one, then even the smart ones will run out of bright ideas.”
Randolph let out some kind of rattling laugh at that.
I guess he’s speaking from his own experience.
Those from the immortal demon race seem to be skilled in that regard.
“Well, that’s why. So by all means, I want to borrow your power.”
“Although I’d like to help by all means, I have no reason to do so. Furthermore, I don’t want to get involved with Hitogami.”
“… Even if Hitogami was his Majesty Pax’s enemy?”
“Hou, what’s this now? Please tell me in more detail.”
I explained how Shirone was dragged into Hitogami’s scheme.
And who was an apostle.[24]
After Randolph listened to the last, he just laughed.
An eerie [kukuku] laugh that stretched the skin over his skeleton-like cheekbones.
“If that’s the case, then don’t mind what I’d said, I very much want to avenge his Majesty and destroy his enemy…”
Randolph said that while still laughing.
The first thing I think of seeing that ghastly face is [Treachery], but it’s not good to judge people by their face.
All in all, everything’s gone smoothly.
At this rate…
“And, there’s something I want to say as well… but it’s a little crowded here.”
Whoops, it doesn’t look like this is going as smoothly as I thought.
“What is it?”
“Nufufu, weren’t we on opposing sides just a little while ago?”
Saying that so confidently, I’m starting to feel cornered.
But this might just be a friendly conversation for Randolph…
“You have the upper hand, please speak your mind.”
“There is a condition. Do you still want to borrow my power?”
He certainly has the upper hand. In this situation, I can only listen to his demands.
Well, what kind of unreasonable demand will I be stuck with?
Or, this might be a ploy by Gisu.
“No, it’s not a big deal.”
Randolph took a step back.
From his position defending Benedict, as if to reveal her.
Benedict holding her baby.
She looks frightened for some reason.
“Although I suspect all of you are already aware, this country is in a state of chaos.”
Kingdom of Dragon King is indeed in a state of chaos.
After Hitogami’s plot in Shrione Kingdom was revealed, Orsted killed the king of the Dragon King’s Kingdom.
Be that as it may, the late king had his affairs in order beforehand, and had properly chosen a successor.
The next generation king took control immediately, and the Kingdom of Dragon King has begun to regain stability.
But, that’s merely the official story.
They still don’t know who killed the late king.
Whether or not it was another country that assassinated him.
Or even if it was a member of the imperial court.
The perpetrator aside, they don’t even know the purpose.
This has torn apart any semblance of unity in the imperial court,
Those gripped by paranoia can’t properly function as a government.
“The chaos itself, is not directly related to us… The Queen’s child is now considered a hindrance.”[25]
After all, Randolph’s primary concern is Pax’s son.
Benedict is the daughter of the previous king.
Although she was not treated as such,
And was eventually given to Prince Pax of Shirone to get rid of her.
Well, whatever.
The useless princess was finally put to use. That’s all.
But, since the prince died in the civil war, now that Benedict has had his child, it’s a different story.
The troops that took control of the Kingdom of Shirone have been steadily rebuilding the country.
Although they can’t do anything right now…
However, they still hold a grudge against Pax.
After all, Pax massacred the royal family.
“Personally, before Shirone is rebuilt, I expect that it will be swallowed by the North, but there seem to be a lot of people feeling uneasy about it…”
Because of the royal family’s lineage, things have become troublesome.
In a country like Shirone, one with the royal bloodline has the right to become king.
So, for those who currently control Shirone, the fact that Pax’s son has survived is something undesirable.
If the Kingdom of Shirone stabilizes in a few more years, they will definitely demand Benedict’s child.
In the future, the Kingdom of Dragon King and Shirone Kingdom will likely want to remain on friendly terms.
Little Pax is still the late king’s grandson.
Shirone is a vassal state, so such a request would insult the country’s honor.
Still, relations with Shirone would only deteriorate if they wouldn’t submit.
That’s why there seems to be some movement to ‘remove’ the concern beforehand.
In other words, to kill Little Pax before the request is made.
That way both the Kingdom of Dragon King and Shirone Kingdom keep face.
However, Randolph’s presence wouldn’t allow that.
“Wouldn’t the Death God Randolph stand in the way of that?”
“Many people seem to think that fighting me is a better alternative to going to war with another country.”
Well, I guess it would be like that.
Currently, while the Kingdom of Dragon King is in a state of internal chaos, its vassal states have been attacked by other countries.
In such a state, if Shirone, their northern breakwater, becomes an enemy…
It would only be natural for people to feel anxious.
Although from my perspective, Randolph is a much worse enemy.
“As long as I’m here, assassins and the like are meaningless. The way things are going, regarding the child’s future… what do you say?”
Even if he survives the assassination attempts, all that’s waiting are custody requests from Shirone.
No matter how things play out, a peaceful life does not await Little Pax.
“… If that’s the case, even assuming I found a resolution, then it would still be impossible to bring Randolph-san to the final battle with Gisu.”
“Yup, it’s impossible… However, isn’t an ally in the Kingdom of Dragon King necessary?”
“…”
“Having me as an ally will be very reassuring. Everyone says I am reliable.”
“I suppose.”
Randolph won’t participate in the next fight.
But, on the other hand, that means he won’t be an enemy allying with Gisu.
He won’t be an ally or enemy.
However that doesn’t mean he’s worthless as a piece.
As he said, even if I can’t take him to fight Gisu, it will be reassuring to have collaborators in Kingdom of Dragon King.
Even if it’s ten or twenty years later, he might become a linchpin.
It’s a future investment.
Orsted Corporation is a company that looks towards the future.
“I understand. Then, I will manage somehow.”
Anyhow, our company’s president was the cause of this mess in the first place.
That’s a match pump.[26]
“Yep, best regards.”
And with that, it looks like I’ve come to an understanding with the Death God…
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