At Rusworth's castle, the key figures, including Elza, were holding a meeting.
That said, Elza was merely decorative. She had virtually no say in the proceedings.
The agenda this time concerned Gracia's younger brother — Gracia being the acting sovereign of Galleria — along with a strategy meeting regarding the movements of surrounding nations.
Rusworth's prime minister, Letol Haldoa, had slightly disheveled curly hair. Every important figure present belonged to Letol's faction.
While he considered Elza nothing more than a decoration, there were still quite a few who swore loyalty to her as the nation's greatest mage and strongest warrior. In particular, Elza was enormously popular among lower and mid-ranking officials.
To a small extent, she also received support from high-ranking officials. However, Letol paid that no mind whatsoever. After all, Elza was the royal he had brought in — a decoration for the throne, and on the battlefield, merely his strongest trump card.
Letol, who had brought Elza from her impoverished life to the royal castle, genuinely believed himself to be her benefactor.
And he had used Elza's military strength as backing to expand his faction over the years. Letol was the only one who had managed to bend Rusworth to his will in a single lifetime.
With his extreme centralization policies, Letol's popularity in the capital of Rusworth was also high. He enjoyed immense support from the people as a loyal servant of the queen.
But even Letol was troubled.
"The Witch of Galleria... Her younger brother succeeding in his pioneering efforts isn't the problem. He's only somewhat competent — that won't affect the current situation. The problem is that adventurers with ties to Zayin and Rolfis are supporting him!"
As Letol read through the report, it contained detailed accounts of Galleria's internal affairs.
One of the senior ministers spoke up without much sense of urgency.
"Rolfis, getting cocky just because they defeated Selva, is practically a second-rate nation. They're no threat to us. The fact that Galleria is relying on both countries only proves how cornered they are."
Letol glared at the minister, silencing him.
(I pulled in even the incompetent to expand my faction, but now they're dragging me down... All they need to do is keep their mouths shut and sit there.)
Elza sat in her chair, listening to the discussion but saying nothing. She only opened her mouth when the meeting started and when it ended — that was about the extent of it.
The only other time she spoke was when Letol directly asked for her input.
Letol continued reading through the report.
"There are also reports of Baim providing support. Zayin, Rolfis, and possibly Baim — it's highly likely they've turned against us. Didn't you hear that a holy knight of Zayin's defeated the massive army of Monsters that emerged from the Dungeon's rampage, and that this holy knight has entered service?"
At that remark, a senior official who had been reviewing the reports spoke up.
"Actually, it appears to be the holy knight's companion who has entered service. The knight himself seems to be staying in Rolfis's village near the border. Besides, there's no clear confirmation that Galleria has formally formed an alliance. Could there be something else going on?"
Letol's forehead bulged with veins.
(There's bound to be something! There's no way those detestable adventurers would side with Galleria without any profit in it for them. What are they after? Is it because I rejected the four-nation alliance proposal before? Are they trying to pull Galleria into their camp and crush Rusworth?)
Letol, deep in thought, decided he needed more information. He would instruct the lords he had connections with in Galleria to gather additional intelligence.
(Damn those adventurers, making things worse than they already are!)
Letol had begun moving to counter Laiel.
Baim.
I visited the Trace family estate. Fidel had told me that Vera was away on a ship for work.
Upon seeing me show up at the estate, he spoke with an expression that was genuinely delighted.
"Too bad, kid. Vera's out at sea. There's nobody left here who'd respond to your request for support," he said.
He seemed to hold quite a grudge against me, but I'd done enough to warrant it, so I had no reason to be offended.
I grinned right back.
"What a shame. I was just here to borrow more money."
"You say you have no intention of paying it back, yet here you are asking to borrow more. If you weren't a well-known adventurer, I wouldn't even bother dealing with you. Now then, I'm busy — would you mind leaving?"
We were having this absolutely terrible exchange while both smiling at each other, but even without Vera here, I still needed to deliver my message.
After all, I'd come to negotiate with Fidel this time.
Over tea, I said:
"I've been doing a little work in Galleria recently. I've gotten rather close with the Crown Prince's younger brother, you see."
Fidel also put on a serious expression.
"I've heard. Another scheme, is it? You seem to lack any awareness that you're dragging misfortune onto everyone around you."
It stung because I couldn't exactly deny it. But this time, it was a deal that benefited House Trace too. It wasn't as though we were just mooching off them. ...At least, that's what I wanted to believe.
"Well, right now I'm working with Leold Galleria — the Acting Sovereign Prince's own younger brother. It involves domestic affairs. All thanks to House Trace's support."
Fidel looked visibly irritated. It seemed he still couldn't stomach the fact that I'd gotten Vera to provide funding.
"There's no need to be so angry. It's not like I'm cooperating with Galleria purely for my own benefit. In truth, Lord Leold's reputation has been rising steadily within Galleria as well. I can't call it perfect, but we've been developing land that everyone declared impossible to cultivate. In two to three years' time, it'll be land that yields substantial tax revenue."
Fidel scoffed through his nose.
"How many years do you think it'll take to recoup the investment? No — how many *decades*? You can do basic arithmetic, can't you?"
I nodded.
And on top of that, I pressed further for more support.
"Well, admittedly, we've only managed to develop a fraction of the Galleria Sovereign Prince's territory. It's hardly what you'd call a major accomplishment. That said, I was hoping to ask for some additional support."
"Get out!"
He told me to get out with quite the terrifying expression, but honestly, if our positions were reversed, I'd want to tell myself to get out too. And yet, I remained seated on the sofa with a smile.
"...There's excellent land in Galleria. It's the ideal location for constructing a port. Large vessels would have more than enough room to come and go."
Fidel's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly. He took a sip of tea and said "Go on," allowing the negotiation to continue.
"If a port were built, there would naturally be taxes for its use. However, what about merchants who have contributed to Galleria? It can't be zero, of course, but wouldn't you agree they should be able to use it at a steep discount?"
Fidel's expression didn't change.
"How much do you think it costs to build a port? And that area is practically a haven for the lord's piratic activities. Do you honestly think we don't know what makes a suitable port location? Besides, it's a country that wages war with Rusworth multiple times a year. Free port access? Even an exclusive contract wouldn't be enough."
Until now, they'd been using overland routes, which placed severe limits on how much cargo could be transported.
And on top of that, Galleria's transit taxes were outrageously high.
A port would eliminate those expenses, and it would allow us to sell massive quantities of goods.
I pulled the documents from the envelope I'd brought and showed them to Fidel.
"As it happens, I've placed an associate in Galleria's service. I had them conduct a thorough investigation. It seems there are quite a few lords on friendly terms with Rusworth."
There, listed on the paper, were the names of the lords Miranda and Monica had identified as likely having connections to Rusworth.
Many were lords distant from the border, and the names of those whose territories held land suitable for a port were also noted. A large number of them were the type to plunder through war while keeping their own lands safe from harm.
Fidel looked at the documents and stroked his neatly trimmed beard with a finger.
"...If two to three tenths are on good terms with the enemy, Galleria is more fragile than I'd heard. It actually dampens my enthusiasm for supporting them. Do you plan to stir up a civil war in Galleria next?"
I shook my head.
"Of course not. We don't intend to take on all of them. However, we would like certain ones to disappear. Don't you think the port should be under the management of the Gallerian royal house? Besides, if we establish a sea route, the Trace House could have the exclusive contract, if you prefer."
Having a port built meant more business partners for us as merchants too. More customers. That meant greater profit.
"That alone won't be enough, lad. You have to listen to what's being said properly."
I smiled, feeling weary inside.
"Please, hear me out. This isn't just about Galleria. Wouldn't Rusworth also like a port?"
Fidel assumed a serious expression and fell silent, indicating I should continue.
"Rusworth prioritizes its central provinces. Development of ports is non-existent. They're probably wary of the provinces gaining power, though. Both Galleria and Rusworth are sizable nations. I think there's enough profit to be made simply by trading with local merchants there, without needing to cross blades."
Fidel seemed to be warming to the idea. Once he smiled, the demands started.
"You really can guarantee exclusive use of the port? And the taxes can't be too steep. If the terms are favorable to us, we can consider support."
I nodded with a smile. Cheers erupted from inside the Jewel.
"Non-fishermen and merchants not approved by you won't be allowed to use it, of course. The royal house will also need to handle the pirates. Oh, and merchants recognized by the Trace House are permitted as well."
In other words, as merchants, the Trace House held the monopoly, but other merchants could be granted access with the Trace House's permission.
Fidel's expression settled into a genuinely wonderful smile.
"Galleria, Rusworth—do you think you can get the approval of their representatives? If you can deliver the documents we've prepared and obtain their signatures, we'll offer our support. We'd support Galleria on its own as well, of course."
Inside the Jewel, the Third Generation was overjoyed.
"This is a great deal for young Fidel! He gets the monopoly on the port, and he can issue the usage permits himself! He can run a business charging Baim merchants port fees, and he'll be in a dominant position. I knew he'd jump on this!"
She was surely grinning with that scheming look of hers. The more the Third Generation seemed to enjoy herself, the more sorry Fidel started to seem.
The Fourth Generation was equally delighted.
"We ought to give him at least exclusive use of the port. No—if we didn't give him that much, our conscience would sting. After all, there's the future to think about."
The Fifth Generation murmured under her breath.
"Rejoice now. That's all the happiness you'll get."
The Seventh Generation was in high spirits as well.
"Certainly a significant profit. Monopoly… a fine ring to it. But what will those around him think? They'll assume they can handle it however they like, I'm sure. Until now, they could have. But things are different now, young Fidel!"
Mireia offered a soft "Oh my," looking resigned, as if to say "that can't be helped."
"Young Fidel, whether you like it or not, from everyone else's perspective you're a full-fledged Rael supporter. You're being a bit too naive about what the other merchant houses will think. Really, at this point… you've already passed the point of no return."
Eva had been scattering money among her fellow elves, and the groundwork was already well advanced. The rumors were small and seemingly insignificant, but they were steadily spreading beyond Baim.
Behind that smile, Fidel was almost certainly thinking something along the lines of "I'll squeeze every last drop out of Galleria and Rusworth."
That realization left me feeling genuinely apologetic toward him.
(I'm sorry. I really am sorry.)
Fidel turned his smile toward me.
"I don't care for you personally, but I trust you as a business partner. Show your full prowess with Galleria and Rusworth. I'll support you as much as I possibly can."
From "you bastard" and "brat" to "you" now.
Watching Fidel beam with delight, I returned the smile. But inside, I was filled with guilt.
— The Grand Ducal House of Galleria.
There, Gracia had invited her younger brother Leold into her office.
The two of them were alone, and as Gracia read through Leold's report, she was in high spirits.
Not the usual warrior aura she carried—toward her dear younger brother, Gracia was simply a kind older sister.
"Well, aren't you something, Leold! Successfully clearing that land while fending off Monsters? Your sister here was worried sick!"
Leold gave a wry smile at his elder sister Gracia.
"No, Lord Lyle provided support in all sorts of ways. As for the Monsters, he made sure the surrounding area was fully secured before we could fight them. And as for the clearing, we only achieved about seventy percent of the target..."
Learning that she was praising him more for protecting his companions from Monsters than for the clearing itself, Leold smiled ruefully.
Gracia seemed to notice how her brother felt.
"True, you didn't make as much progress as planned. But everyone around was praising how well you cleared such difficult land. The fact that the people around you have revised their opinion of you is real. Hold your head up higher!"
As his broad-chested sister declared that, she thumped her own chest with her right hand—its bounce visible even through her clothes.
Leold couldn't help wondering if they had grown even bigger again, and he felt pathetic that he couldn't get such a sister to dress more femininely.
"I'm sorry, Sister. I think I've finally started to understand why I couldn't earn the recognition of those around me, even though I thought I'd had things figured out. With Lord Lyle's help, I only achieved about seventy percent of the target... It's embarrassing."
Gracia placed her hand on Leold's shoulder.
"Getting that far on your first attempt is excellent. Besides, everyone around thought you'd fail. Seventy percent is more than enough. In two years, that land will start generating tax revenue too. And thanks to the support from Baim, the Grand Ducal House's finances are barely affected. If things keep going like this, the day I can install you as Grand Duke isn't far off."
Looking at his jubilant sister, Leold could only smile ruefully once more.
*There's nothing in this world scarier than something that's free.*
Riding on May in her Kirin form, we raced through the skies above Rusworth under the light of the moon.
From within the Jewel, the Third Generation's cryptic words echoed in my mind, but now was the time for important work.
Our destination was the royal palace of Rusworth, and among my belongings was a letter from Gracia.
The letter concerned Galleria's planned invasion of Rusworth, set to occur in one month — its main content was a review of the rulebook.
"What's wrong? You went quiet all of a sudden."
May knew I was conversing with the Successive Heads inside the Jewel, so she didn't bat an eye even when I murmured to myself.
That was how we could hold conversations like this. The Third Generation seemed a little pleased.
"No particular reason — I just suddenly felt like saying it. Thinking about what the Acting Prince of Galleria thinks of us... those words came to mind."
The Third Generation may seem carefree and whimsical, but among the Successive Heads, he was the most cunning of them all. He had led House Walt during its days as a baronet family, governing a territory smaller in scale than those of the other heads. However, precisely because his domain was neither too small nor too large, he held perspectives that differed from the other Heads in various ways.
The Third Generation addressed me.
"Anyway, next up is Rusworth's war maiden — or was it 'witch' here? You'll need to get close to Elza, so do try not to get killed."
"...I understand. You don't have to scare me like that. I've already confirmed the signals from that adventurer and from Gracia, so I have some idea of what to expect."
When I said that, the Fourth Generation was snickering.
"What is it?"
"Oh, nothing — I just thought you've become quite a bit more reliable than you were at the start. Because the beginning was so terrible, even just acting normally looks like growth by comparison."
Harsh words, but when I thought back to when I first met the Successive Heads, perhaps it couldn't be helped. Back then, I was useless no matter what I did.
Still, the Fourth Generation looked slightly disappointed.
"Well, I was hoping you'd show at least enough backbone to make Elza swoon. And honestly, in Galleria it wasn't even Gracia you got close to — you just became buddies with Reorld. You should go after them more proactively."
I would have appreciated being spared that. Ideally, I wanted to keep things at the "companion" level, with no romantic feelings involved.
Because even now, there were already far too many women in the picture.
"Can't I just... stop picking up more at this point—"
And then, the Fourth Generation spoke up with an excited air.
"Naive! You're naive, Lyle! Now's the time to complete the collection! Plenty of countries have women at the top, and considering the postwar situation, having them all charmed is actually a golden opportunity!"
"Aren't you supposed to be the one who only ever had one wife?!"
"Well, concubines weren't exactly forbidden, but at my age it just wasn't practical anymore. Besides, my wife was the absolute best, but I'm not about to push the whole 'only one wife' thing onto everyone else. It's a case-by-case basis, you know?"
At first he'd been telling me to stay faithful to Novem, but now he was telling me to expand my harem.
The Fourth Generation... could it be that he was actually enjoying this?
"You were the one who shot down the whole harem idea in the first place, remember?"
"I know, I know. But if you're going to be Emperor, wouldn't more consorts be better? Especially women who've shared your hardships through thick and thin! ...Well, as long as you make everyone happy, what's the problem? Lyle is the type to get lonely after all."
That was something I couldn't just let slide. I opened my mouth to retort, but May spoke up before I could.
"Hey, we're almost at the castle now."
I decided I'd have a proper talk with the Fourth Generation later. For now, I focused on the task at hand—delivering the letter safely.