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Chapter 274 part 2

「So you are the fruits of your past. Hmm, in that case, I suppose our influence is responsible for your remarkable composure. It’s both exciting and a little frightening to think about what you will become and what you will do in the future.」

When I voiced my genuine thoughts, Lynette, who had been silently listening until then, looked at Amria with admiration. Oh? Not just Lynette, but Gundeus and Kyrlinne also did the same thing.

「Make Mr. Gwandan say such words, you are truly remarkable, Lady Ana.」

「Well, haha, it’s true that Gwandan is usually unflappable. I’m starting to feel confident that I can accomplish great things.」

As Amria smiled gracefully, Lynette, Gundeus, and Kyrlinne all nodded in agreement. These young ladies’ self-centeredness showed no signs of waning, just like Lenia’s. Even though I was being praised so highly, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

We walked around the port for a while, visited the nearby market, and confirmed that the shops were still well-stocked and that the people passing by had smiles on their faces.

Lynette, undisturbed by the unwelcoming stares due to her human-like appearance at first glance, shared her initial thoughts:

「From food and luxury goods to medicine, clothing, firewood, charcoal, and weapons, everything is in ample supply. The quality is not bad either. It’s remarkable that they’re able to maintain this quality and quantity, even with the military being given priority.」

「Their supply lines are well-organized. Part of the reason for this is that the city was one of those that was prepared for war with foreign countries overseas during the Romal Empire’s rule, but it’s still due to the efforts of the Roaring Sun’s Majesty’s that they’re able to make use of those facilities」

「So the next major move might be when The Roaring Sun’s Majesty secures its position as the leader of the rebel forces and issues the order to launch a full-scale attack against Princess Asteria or Grand Duke of Linosart?」

「From what I gathered in Elkeney, the rebel factions aren’t united, but they’re not at each other’s throats while the Empire’s power remains. As long as they have a common enemy in the Empire, they won’t start a bloody conflict.」

「Not yet, then?」

「Yes, not yet. It wouldn’t be surprising if something shifts the current situation from any direction – east, west, north, or south. The change in this rigid situation might not be far off.」

「So, Uminal’s peace may not last much longer. I wonder what will happen to the isolated Romal people when that happens.」- Torne said

「Hmm, will the Romal people rise up and fight a bloody battle, only to be massacred in the end? Or will they join forces with the Empire and slaughter the Roaring Sun’s Majesty?

It’s unsettling to say, but it seems likely to end in a bloody extreme. I’m not Ana, but I’m worried where Regul sees the endpoint of the battle」

「In that case, might it be most effective to let Ana act as she pleases to influence the situation?」

「Whether it improves or worsens depends on our cooperation with the Kingdom and the North’s movements.」

「The North… Is it time for them to act?」

「It’s about time they sent an envoy to us, both to declare their allegiance and to declare war. We can’t make a decision on our own, so we’ll have to send them to the capital with all due respect. These aren’t the barbaric times when killing the envoy is considered an answer. It will still take some time after the envoy arrives.」

「I’m sure we have nothing to worry about even if war breaks out, but Kyrlinne and Gundeus might regret not being able to be on the battlefield.」

「Those two are more eager to show off their skills to me than you are. Even if they don’t do that, I still always watch over you guys like a father, and if it doesn’t reach, it’s my failing.」

「Please forgive us for being in a phase of showing off.」- Torne said

「Of course. I’ve learned from books on fatherhood that it’s essential to watch over you guys with a heart wider than the earth, deeper than the sea, and higher than the sky.」

「…When did you buy such a book?”」

「Haha, well, it was one of the things I thought I needed to learn. I’m too embarrassed to say when I bought it.」

Despite her pride in their brief but intense relationship, Lynette couldn’t help but widen her eyes in surprise at her master’s unexpected purchase and efforts.

Gwandan smiled sheepishly, feeling even more embarrassed by Lynette’s reaction.

While Lynette and the others received unsettling glances instead of Amria, we toured the city’s main areas. We could only observe the Romals’ isolated residential area from a distance as it was heavily guarded.

The simple iron fence enclosed section appeared to be under strict surveillance. Yet, according to images relayed by a covertly deployed insect-shaped golem, there were no signs of unjustified violence or torture within the enclosure.

Although I had imagined that either of the extremist factions that Gudo had mentioned would be in charge and that violence would be rampant, the actual situation suggested the opposite. It was possible that the moderate faction, led by Elder Leora, might be in charge of the management.

It seemed likely that they had left the task of dealing with the foreign merchant ships arriving in the port and the Romal people to the moderates or those who were more level-headed.

After walking a considerable distance, we decided to take a break. However, we were met with cold stares at the food stalls and the eatery due to the presence of Amria and Lynette, who, though not Romal, were still human. When they tried to approach to order something, they were blatantly given dirty looks. In the end, only Yachiyo and I could buy some snacks from a food stall.

After enduring the ill feelings and hostile attitudes of the city’s residents for almost half a day, even Amria seemed to be quite mentally exhausted. She didn’t feel like dealing with the reactions of the residents even during our break, so we found a secluded, run-down square and rested in a corner.

We had quite a sweet treat consisting of various fruit jams, fresh and dried fruits, and a long loaf of bread with vertical cuts.

Sweets were one of the best remedies for a tired body and mind, weren’t they? For drinks, we all made do with the tea or water in metal flasks.

「It’s sweet, soft, sour, sweet, very sweet, crunchy.」

「It’s delicious! I could have this all day long!」

「Torne and Kyrlinne are feeling like that. What do you think, Mr. Gwandan?」

「…I think they conveyed information in a, straightforward manner.」

Hmm, were these kids really that lacking in education or vocabulary? I had similar impressions myself, but I wonder if they can’t come up with something that sounds more delicious.

As I finished my bread, I turned to Amria and the others.

Amria was sitting on a poorly maintained wooden chair with a handkerchief spread over it, and Yachiyo and Fuuko, who were munching on their sweets, kept trying to talk to her one after the other. I meant no offense to them, but they looked like dogs worried about their tired owner.

「Lady Ana, I think it was a problem for us to walk around the city in this situation. I think it’s best to call it a day and go back to the inn that Mr. Gudo has prepared for us.」

「I agree with Hachi. Look, the sun is about to set over the sea, and after a day of walking in an unfamiliar city, we need to rest. We can’t afford to get sick because our efforts will be meaningless then」- Fuu said.

「Yes. Health is the most important asset. I think we should take a good rest for today. Mr. Gudo’s ship, or rather, Aldam merchant’s association’s ship, won’t be able to leave port for a while.」

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t that they couldn’t leave port but that they chose not to.

In order to give us, who were trying to escape abroad through the Aldam merchant’s association, an excuse to stay in Uminal, a series of unfortunate events were “coincidentally” planned to occur, such as the delayed arrival of the cargo that was supposed to be loaded onto the ship, a shortage of crew members, and the discovery of a damaged spot on the ship.

Our cover for staying in Uminal is a string of ‘unfortunate’ events: delayed cargo, missing crew, discovered ship faults… all conveniently coinciding.

Oh my, coincidences were a scary thing. Hehehaha.

「So, after resting today, there’s a place I’d really like you to join me tomorrow…」

Yachiyo and Fuuka immediately agreed to Amria’s apologetic request, but I had a feeling that what we would do tomorrow would be the most significant thing Amria would do in this city.

Yachiyo and Fuuka would soon learn that there were some things that they should not have agreed to so readily from Amlia.

And so it came to pass that the next day, Amria, as Princess Asteria of the Romal Empire, met with Regul, the leader of The Roaring Sun’s Majesty, in a highly confidential and pivotal encounter.