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Chapter 324

Several years had passed since the aftershocks of the battle with the End Dragon had settled, and the voices of the gods could once again be heard in the world. I, Dran, now over twenty years old, was fully committed to the development of Bern Barony. During this time, I had established many new relationships, including marriages, and experienced numerous events, most of which were overwhelmingly positive.

Leading a life that was surprisingly fulfilling, I received an unusual consultation request one day. Despite the hectic days of building new cities and villages within the territory, constructing transportation networks across the kingdom, and raising children, I could not refuse a consultation from one of my children, my eldest daughter, Lenia.

Lenia had already graduated from the Galois Magic Academy and returned home, working energetically as a civil and military official under her parents, the lords. Naturally, Irina was also with her. Despite having the soul of a divine beast created by the highest god, she had learned to adjust her power to live as a human and was highly regarded as an extremely competent bureaucrat within the territory. The fact that no violent incidents had occurred, showcasing her inherent cruelty, also contributed to her not being excessively feared. And the consultation from Lenia was rather unique.

In the guest room of the lord’s mansion in Bern Village—no, it should now be called the city of Bern—I sat facing Lenia. Only the two of us were in the room. Those who knew Lenia’s circumstances, like Serina and Chris, were busy with their own tasks, and it was deemed sufficient that I was the only consultation partner.

Just as I had entered my twenties, Lenia had also surpassed twenty years as a human, but her appearance had not changed much since her days at the magic academy. She remained small and charming like a fairy from a story. Her black hair shone brilliantly in the sunlight streaming through the window, and each of her perfectly placed facial features showed no signs of aging. Her white attire, accented with blue and red, reminiscent of the magic academy’s uniform, along with her slender legs encased in black tights, gave an impression of delicate glasswork.

Despite maintaining a respectful attitude toward me, Lenia sat straight with her fists loosely clenched on her knees, looking extremely serious. I had been informed by letter that she had a consultation, but the content was to be discussed directly.

Lenia’s relationship with Irina had progressed positively since their days at the magic academy, and her relationship with her parents had improved rather than deteriorated.

「Thank you for taking the time to meet with me despite your busy schedule. I am deeply grateful and overjoyed.」

Lenia’s overly humble mannerisms toward me had not changed. Despite years passing, correcting this had not been successful. Fortunately, it had not been seen as a problem by those around us.

「For you, I can always make time. So, what is it you wanted to consult me about directly?」

It likely wasn’t a simple issue that could be resolved through sheer force. In this three-dimensional world, I was probably the only one who could match her, so it was presumably a human-related problem.

Could it be a romantic consultation? Well, I’m not sure I can give appropriate advice in that area… Even being called an ancient dragon, this is the extent of my capabilities. This will probably happen more often with Lenia and others… It’s daunting. While my thoughts raced, Lenia began to speak earnestly.

「I must admit, it’s quite embarrassing, but since I started working under my current parents, quite some time has passed. Objectively speaking, my parents themselves, as well as the vassals, are all highly competent individuals. Although some may have slightly less ability, their attitude towards work and their character more than make up for it, fitting well within my tolerance. Overall, I am satisfied with their performance.」

Indeed, she still looked down on others, but compared to when we first met, she had softened considerably. For those working with Lenia, who is both the daughter of the lord and highly capable, she must be an incredibly challenging superior.

However, her mention of her work environment made me curious about what she wanted to consult about. It didn’t seem to be dissatisfaction with her current environment, making it even more puzzling.

「From what I hear, it doesn’t seem like something serious enough to warrant such humility. For instance, has Irina gotten into trouble? Or are there issues between you and the other vassals? Even though you all belong to the same country, it’s not something to casually discuss. But I assume you understand that well.」

Hmm, what could Lenia be concerned about?

「Of course, there are no problems. It’s not that I am dissatisfied with the lack of problems. This consultation is entirely due to my selfish desires.」

「Oh, your selfish desires? That’s rare. I understand why you would be so humble then. So, what is this selfish desire of yours? It might be hard to say, but I need to know to help.」

Lenia hesitated briefly before moving her pale pink lips to speak her selfish wish.

「I am unfulfilled.」

「Unfulfilled?」

「Yes. There is a lack of flair, a lack of unique individuals. It’s all too bland, too universally acceptable. There are no standouts, no personalities that make a significant impact.」

「Hmm? So, you’re saying you have no issues with the abilities or characters of those working in your house, but you feel the need for uniquely talented individuals with strong personalities?」

「Yes. There is no deficiency. But I keenly feel the need for something more. However, this is purely my personal desire and nothing more than a selfish wish.」

Well, as far as I’ve heard, Lenia’s family, which straddles the northern, northeastern, and eastern parts of Arccrest Kingdom and serves as a vital transportation hub, is managed healthily and smoothly. There shouldn’t be a shortage of personnel, and Lenia acknowledges that while she expresses her desire for unique talents.

「Are your parents aware of your actions? They are technically your lords. Being parent and child doesn’t excuse neglecting to report, communicate, or consult.」

「Rest assured, I have already reported my intention to secure personnel at my own expense in writing. I also have permission to consult with you, Dran.」

「Good, then. In your house, suspicion of rebellion for gathering private personnel wouldn’t arise, but it’s best to avoid sowing discord.」

Now that Lenia had done her groundwork, how should I respond in a way that benefits her and her household the most? I shouldn’t interfere too much to ensure her growth, so I should limit my involvement to advice.

「To think you would seek personnel. I thought you were the type to handle everything yourself.」

「That’s true, but I envied my father and his surroundings.」

「Oh, us?」

「Yes. Bern has many unique and highly capable individuals around you, including Serina, Christina, Diadra, Dramina, Linette, Gandeus, and Kirilline. Although I don’t expect to find individuals of their caliber, I want to gather a similarly unique team.」

「Indeed, aiming to gather people like Dramina would be quite a challenge. If it’s solely for administrative work, it would be easier, but you want personnel with high combat abilities and racial traits, right?」

「Yes. Although it may seem like a second attempt at your achievements, and the chances of a large public war are slim, once I felt envious, the feeling grew stronger…」

In essence, she wants to emulate her father. Seeing a child wanting to imitate a parent is heartwarming and makes me feel both proud and embarrassed. Moreover, she is considering her household, so I need to support her with enthusiasm while maintaining discretion.

「Haha, I don’t deny your feelings. How can I assist you? Should I introduce you to the diverse talents gathered in Bern? Or perhaps guide you to places outside Bern where you can find unique individuals?」

「Yes. I want to select and gather personnel with my own eyes. However, gathering personnel within the country too overtly might cause unnecessary friction with other houses. Relying on guilds, such as the Adventurers’ Guild, could also invite unwanted interference. If external interference persists, I might lose my patience.」

Lenia understands her own temperament. In the Arccrest Kingdom, the Adventurers’ Guild doesn’t hold much power. If external organizations covet involvement with Lenia’s flourishing house, they might make poor decisions, frustrating her. I agree with her concerns.

「Then why not gather personnel from a faraway place? You might find unusual talents. Your face, name, and background are likely known in neighboring countries due to your success at the Kyomaisai, but if you travel further west than the Romal Empire or to the southern continent where Dramina is from, your identity should remain hidden. The recruits might hesitate about moving to a distant country, but that depends on the conditions you can offer.」

「The extreme east, like Yachiyo or Fuka’s homeland, and the Western Republics are still in a state of ceasefire. If I move around there, it will likely be known, especially in the Western Republics. Well, changing my name and appearance could solve that, but looking westward would save those steps. I also considered using the tower established by Caravice-sama, but with various religious figures and foreign agents mingling there, causing trouble could bring unforeseen problems.」

Caravice Tower, yes. The first floor alone remains largely unexplored. Its interior, a patchwork of divine world remnants created by Caravice, is far more diverse than this world. With Lily and the other Dragsuccubi overseeing it and protective barriers created by Keios and Mairaal around its perimeter, it’s a secure facility used as a revenue source.

「Caravice Tower’s vicinity has developed into the second-largest city in Bern, but it has strong religious significance. More spies operate there than in this capital. You could disguise yourself, but it would be a nuisance, and you’d likely become frustrated.」

Additionally, Lenia is the child of Caravice, known as the Great Evil God. If her connection to Caravice became known, it would be a significant issue involving her parents. Yet, both Keios and Mairaal, Caravice’s enemies, have acknowledged her existence, making it complicated. Not that their acknowledgment is unwelcome.

「I believe I have become more self-controlled, but compared to others, my self-restraint and patience are lacking. So, going to a distant country where only my name is known seems best.」

「Hmm, I’ve heard of a great country ruled by an emperor in the northwest of Romal, beyond the Dark Wasteland, who can contend with Yaharm. Given the infiltration of demonic forces there, it’s best you avoid it.」

At the mention of Demon King Yaharm’s name, Lenia’s face turned sour, as if she had drunk a glass of vinegar or filled her mouth with bitter insects. She isn’t fond of the persistent marriage proposals from the Demon King.

「I would prefer never to engage with him again. So, perhaps traveling to the far west, to the end of this continent, would be ideal. A desert country in the far west is unusual here, so I may find one or two suitable recruits.」

「Haha, your discerning eye is strict. One per country would be fortunate. So, how do you plan to go? Will you go yourself or send one of your avatars?」

「I intend to remain at home, focusing on my usual duties. I’ll use both sea and land routes to reach the west, checking the situation en route.」

「Though Romal’s situation has stabilized, little is known about the areas west of it. That means fewer preconceptions. Your keen intellect and observational skills will serve you well.」

「Your praise is the highest honor for me.」

Lenia said, smiling broadly.

Lenia set sail from one of the southern port cities of Arccrest Kingdom, boarding a paddle steamer to leave the country. As discussed with Dran, her main body remained at home, and her precise avatar undertook the journey. To avoid trouble from being seen leaving the country, she disguised herself during departure. Upon disembarking in a country west of the Romal Empire, she finally released her disguise and resumed her true form.

Lenia arrived in a scorching country dominated by sand and rock. The country, marked by a history of intertribal conflict centered around scattered oases, was more a collection of small nations than a unified state. Following the collapse of the Tianren civilization, several attempts at unification had been made, but no dynasty lasted a century without fracturing.

United against external invasions by unspoken rule, the nation avoided conquest despite constant internal strife over the oases. Most inhabitants were adapted to the desert environment: lizardfolk, spiderfolk, catfolk, and camelfolk. Pure humans were a minority, dressed in nearly full-coverage clothing to protect from the harsh sun and desert glare.

The port, filled with ships of varying sizes from different nations, buzzed with traders’ lively chatter and city sounds. The aroma of coffee beans, sweet dates, rich distilled spirits, and intricate scents of incense and spices mixed in the hot breeze, teasing Lenia’s nose.

Having disembarked, Lenia, in her familiar, charming form, donned a long gown and a matching black scarf to protect her head from the sun and sand. She carried only a sturdy leather bag slung over her shoulder, a minimal and almost worryingly sparse amount of luggage.

Heading from the port to the main street, Lenia entered a city of sun-dried brick buildings. In the alleyways, laundry hung from lines, children played, and people gathered for chores and conversations. The city’s multicultural populace included both locals and foreign visitors, reflecting its status as an international port city.

「Hmm, this is Chandra. The kingdom had only rough information about it, making it convenient.」

Lenia’s soul, created by the Great Evil God, was highly attuned to acts of wickedness and malevolent emotions. She sensed the dense presence of death and slaughter in the desert winds. Having gathered minimal information to avoid preconceptions, she arrived in Chandra, where it seemed bloodshed was a constant.

「Hehe, perfect. In such a situation, skilled fighters who usually stay hidden will surface. Hehehe. Strong ones worthy of my attention, be prepared!!」

As she had told Dran, Lenia wasn’t expecting talents on the level of Serina, who had disguised herself as a lamia, or the strongest vampire, Dramina. She acknowledged that aside from the Three Dragon Emperors and Three Dragon Queens, there were no other comparable individuals on this planet. However, she was excited about starting her own army—the ultimate army of her design.

Though her current high spirits could turn into a terrifying explosion of emotions if she became unhappy, Lenia was unaware of this. The desert country of Chandra unknowingly harbored a significant bomb within its borders.