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Death’s Daughter Chapter 262 **Bonus Chapter**

Author: FoodLovingPanda

CHAPTER 262: DUCHY

I looked at the familiar walls of Kapitalia and sighed. This city would be that much more beautiful if I wasn’t reminded of my impending doom every time I looked at it. We flew over walls and buildings and landed directly into Royal Gardens. It is great that people here have accepted the change brought by my wyvern squad and nobody panicked upon seeing us over the capital.

As soon as we landed, a group of people arrived to greet us and take care of the wyverns. We were then led to the throne room where the King was currently meeting with his retainers. I frowned when I saw this. I’m pretty sure that we will be asked about everything that happened on our trip to Vilikis, but I don’t think it is wise to let everyone know about what we experienced in Tiremia.

I sneaked a glance at Vitou, wanting to see what he thought about this, but there was no sign of either unwillingness or displeasure. It seems that this is considered normal to him. I must be overthinking things, especially since the Archduke hinted that the thief that wanted to steal the Sword of Fire has something to do with the King of Elicia. Now I couldn’t help but doubt his every action.

“Vitou, welcome back. How is everyone, was the journey tiring?”

“Father, we are home at last. There was a lot that happened and it will take some time to tell you everything. You should probably be prepared to stay here for a while.”

I stood to the side and didn’t speak at all. I really don’t think it is necessary to tell everyone here about what we experienced. It will only make everyone have a terrible impression of Vilikis. Now that I know that King has some hidden aspirations I can’t help but be on guard against him.

“Naoko-chan, you really suffered this time around. It pains me to know that you have been wronged like that.”

Vitou just told him about the poisoning incident and the malicious gift I received as compensation. Luckily, he didn’t mention anything about Thanatos-sama or the parting gift we gave to the House of Vilikis.

“Your Majesty, although I was wronged, I don’t hold any grudges. If I were to dwell upon each and every injustice I had, I could never be happy. It is better to put things behind me and live on.”

I already settled the score with them when I looted their treasury. However, I don’t want to become an excuse that causes war between two kingdoms. I don’t want to be remembered on the same level as Helen of Troy, as a woman that started war, just the less beautiful version of it.

“It is still an injustice, not to mention that they disrespected my family.”

“Your Majesty, it is unwise to get worked up over such a small matter. I have already profited from my visit to Vilikis. Not only was I able to acquire some delicacies, but I was able to rid myself of the scar that I had for so many years. Now there will be no need to heed the gossip about my appearance.”

I lifted my hair and showed a smooth face without any blemishes. Although my eyes were hidden by a pair of glasses, they didn’t hide the fact my scar was healed.

“Then, it is a good thing for both you and my Vitou.”

The King no longer dwelled on the topic and listened to Vitou speak about what happened at the border pass. Here, the retainers present couldn’t help but praise our actions for ridding the world of a high ranking Black Hand member. When they learned I was able to remove the curse successfully once again they all cheered. I merely said a few ‘thank you’ and remained silent.

“Naoko-chan, you really contributed a lot this time. I have decided to reward you and also let it be compensation for the lost monster materials. Before you left for Vilikis you were able to prevent a catastrophe in Kapitalia and asked for some land as a reward. How about I grant you an area and turn it into a duchy that you will rule?”

If this was before, I would have refused it on the spot. However, now I really need an area that I can truly call my own. Only by doing that can I succeed. At first I wanted the area that the Blood Knights called their own, but now that there may be a war in the future, I don’t want to deal with such an area.

“I shall comply with your words, Your Majesty.”

“Someone come and bring me a map. Naoko-chan, there are several areas that need a noble to govern. I will let you choose one yourself.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”

This is better than I expected. He was really generous with his reward this time around. When the map was brought he pointed out several areas that can be claimed, but when I saw the area, I couldn’t help but frown. None of these areas were good and there were several problems with each of them. There was either lack of fertile land, or lack of water sources, or there were almost no establishments in the territory.

I studied the map carefully. Each place was marked and it showed who it belonged to. My eyes drifted and landed on an island cluster on the southwest of the kingdom. It was closer to the land of Vilikis, but they were under the rule of Elicia.

If I remember correctly these were all volcano islands and they were considered inactive. The climate was milder than the rest of the kingdom and there are several unique products grown there. There are no towns there, but several fishing villages have been established. Alongside that, there are some native tribes that do not get involved with the rest of the people living there. Overall, this should be a good place to move my forces to and develop unhindered.

“Your Majesty, these islands aren’t under anyone’s jurisdiction, are they? Would it be okay if I were granted the area there?”

I wanted to probe him and see what he thought of this place. There was a flash of surprise when I mentioned that place, but there didn’t seem anything else shown aside from being unimpressed. It seems that he does not place importance on that place.

“That area is not very prosperous and it is so far away that nobody wants to govern it. The islands don’t even have a name. Someone would be sent every year to collect the taxes, but there isn’t much they can offer. Are you sure you want that area?”

“It’s perfect. I don’t have a need for great fortunes. If they can be left alone it is even better. I will be in the capital for the most part and it is better that everyone can be left alone. That way it is easier for me.”

I laughed as I said that. As long as he doesn’t think about why I chose that location I don’t mind undermining myself and acting incompetent at handling things like that.

“It is decided then, someone will bring the needed documents to you soon. Congratulations on gaining a duchy, Naoko-chan. Everyone, that is it for today, you are dismissed.”