The girls arrived in Dellwick well before the dew had dried off from the grass. They passed through a familiar dirt road, now flanked on both sides by golden fields - a burgeoning bounty waiting for harvest. Unlike before, the main artery bustled with life. Workers, merchants, carts and horses lined up, creating the first traffic jam Sylphia had experienced anywhere, since her arrival in the new world.

Rika peeped out the window and, in a burst of excitement, said, "Sylphie, Sylphie! This place feels different, doesn't it?"

Sylphia, all the while engrossed in her own thoughts, shook them off for a second and took a glance outside.

A vibrant atmosphere filled the small farming village. Shoppers packed the narrow market street. Criers dotted every corner of the main road. Goods changed hands left and right. It seemed that a renaissance of commerce had ignited the heart and spirit of its people. Seeing this, the little girl helped herself to a tiny smile.

It sure is lively. Even more so than when I visited a week or so ago, for the transition of ownership. Ah, it might be because of the harvest. That means this'll be their first that won't get taxed to oblivion, huh? Maybe that's why.

While she thought this, the figure of her lone secretary, sitting silently in the opposite corner, came into view. Her eyes were closed, which, at first, suggested that she was napping, except that her posture was too rigid. Her head hardly even bobbed when they chanced upon a fairly deep ditch that rocked the carriage, not once but twice, as they passed.

"So, Eris," she said, with a tiny smirk on her face, "what do you think now? It was a good idea to lower taxes after all, right?"

Like a golem coming to life, the young woman opened her eyes. This unusual reaction sent nervous chills down Sylphia's spine, reminding her once more of the niggling thoughts broiling in the back of her head.

And so, Eris answered, "The tax reform should reduce unrest, but, as I warned, it will also reduce the available administrative funds. I find this move to be even more unwise now that the threat of banditry is on the horizon."

"Geh... I guess you have a point."

"What's more, with more wealth going directly to the citizens, more and more wrongdoers will surely be attracted to the village."

She tilted her head to the side. "How so?"

"A reduction of taxes is merely a redistribution of my Lady's wealth to the villagers themselves. Because of that, they will soon become targets for those who desire that wealth for themselves."

"Ah…"

"But unlike my Lady, or other nobles for that matter, lowly peasants and merchants normally do not have the capacity to protect that wealth by themselves, which is why they turn to their Lords for protection. That is you, my Lady."

"R-right…"

"Thus, it is my Lady's duty as Lord to protect her subjects. Now-" She adjusted her glasses, which had been pried loose by the rough carriage ride. "-can you accomplish that duty when, when you had volunteered to scatter your own wealth? Guards, of course, will not do their duties for free. I am sure your knight, Miss Rika, also gets paid."

"Hm?" When she heard her name, Rika turned back around for a moment and said, "I get my allowance from the King, though! Since I'm officially a Royal Knight."

"Oh?" Sylphia placed her hand on her chin. "I didn't know that... I thought you were working for free all this time."

Two hard pats then landed on her back as the sunny redhead let out a chuckle. "Ehehe! Of course I wasn't, silly!"

"Heeeh...?" A mischievous smirk surfaced on her lips. "But would you still come with me even if you weren't getting paid?"

"Hmm..." The girl pondered for a moment, stroking her chin while letting out a low hum. Then, with a burst of energy, she declared, "I will!"

"Yay!"

The two shared a high five, after which, Rika muttered an aside, "I'll need to get a part-time job though..."

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Eris let out a sigh. "One should not to give their services for free, Miss Evrika. It is especially unbecoming for someone skilled enough to hold the title of Royal Knight."

For this, she had no riposte, so she resorted to rubbing the back of her neck.

"Geez, that was just a joke." Sylphia pouted. "I won't take advantage of Rika, you know!?"

"You thought she was working for free all this time...""Geh-!" Feeling battered, she shook her head and shifted the topic of the conversation to previous one. "Anyway! There should be enough money to raise a larger guard. If it comes down to it, I can just use my third of the tax, right!?"

The woman's eyes widened. "Are you sure, my Lady?"

Also taken by surprise, this time by by Eris' reaction, Sylphia stuttered, "Y-yeah? Don't tell me that's not enough?"

"Ah... no. I believe it should..."

All of a sudden, the feisty young woman with the nasty glare acted meek and sympathetic. That also unnerved her.

"U-um..." said the little girl, "is something wrong?"

"No, my Lady. But... are you really okay with using your own money to pay for the village's expenses?"

"Huh? Of course?"

"I see... and what about the estate you were planning to build?"

"Urk... well, whatever. It's not that important, anyway. Fixing the problems comes first."

"Understood."

Sylphia wondered for a moment why Eris would even ask such a question, and quickly came to a realization.

Come to think of it, I might be imposing too much of my own values onto her. To begin with, I don't really think of the tax money as 'mine'. Neither did I ever intend to keep any of it. But judging from her reaction, it looks like a very strange way for a Lord to act... and would I need that money for myself? What for?

At the moment, she found herself in an awkward situation where, despite owning profitable land, she still lived off the patronage of the King, living, at no expense, in his castle - eating his food, sleeping in his bed, wearing his clothes. She hadn't really internalized, until that moment, that other people actually needed to maintain their own homes, buy their own food, pay for their own servants.

Holy crap, I'm totally leeching off the King aren't I?

He hasn't said anything about it though...

Actually, he really is a nice old man... isn't he?

So I'm pretty sorry to say this, but…I'm going to be a leech for just a bit longer.

Just a little bit more.

Soon, the carriage took a sharp turn, before finally coming to a halt.

They had arrived at their destination.

As Sylphia descended from the carriage, she met eyes with her secretary. They were devoid of any glimmer, quite the opposite of Rika's. And, starting into that deep grey abyss she, once more, lost herself in thought.

Different plans'... huh? I still don't know what she meant when she said those things yesterday. From how she acts, I can sense some distance between us, but she doesn't seem to want to harm me in any way...

Then what the heck is it!?

I could ask her...

As they separated once more, Sylphia's eyes narrowed.

...But if there's someone else behind her, I want to know.

For now, I'll see how she acts.

And if she betrays me...

She fingers rolled slowly into a fist.

A few moments a man in light leather armor approached them and said with a salute, "Lady Sylphia, Miss Eris, good morning! I wasn't expecting your arrival." His eyes then turned to Rika. "And this lady is...?"

"Ah, good morning, Captain, uh... err..." The little girl extended a handshake as she tried to recall his name.

"Grey, ma'am." Her intent was lost to him however, as he then took her hand and kissed the back of her fingers. "At your service."

Gngh-!

Sylphia cringed the very moment his lips made contact with her skin. Its warm, rough sensation sent shivers down her spine. In spite of this, she managed to keep her body from jerking violently, and calmly withdrew her hand.

Geez, being treated like a bigwig now is jarring as heck! The way people 'shake' in this world is too weird! Note to self: Wash my hands, pronto.

Despite her internal screams, she maintained a cheerful facade, thanks to sheer willpower and copious gnashing of teeth. "A-ahh, right. Captain Grey. Of the guard. Mm. Yes." As soon as she calmed down, she got right back to the matter at hand. "Well, Grey, this is Rika. Evrika Carlisle. She's my knight. I brought her to help out with the security situation around here."

The girl smiled and waved at the Guard Captain, saying, "Nice to meet you."

"Oh!" His eyes twinkled with excitement. "Our Lady's knight! The pleasure is all mine, Miss Carlisle."

He was about to kiss the back of Rika's hand too, but the girl masterfully parried his advances and forced a handshake on him instead. "Ehehe, no need to be so formal with me. I was a guard like you just a few months ago!"

Oooh! Teach me that move too!

Meanwhile, the man gleamed in excitement. "From a humble guard to a lord's bodyguard! It would certainly inspire the men to be taught by someone who climbed her way to the top."

"Ahaha, no, no, it's not that amazing... seriously. Anyway, you can just call me Rika."

Amidst their widening conversation Eris cleared her throat and said, "Well then, shall we get on to business, my Lady?"

"Huh? Ah, Mm-hm." Sylphia then turned to Grey and asked, "Is there somewhere we can sit down and talk? I'd like to discuss the plans with you."

"Ah, of course! Please, follow me."

And so, the girls trailed behind their guide. As they traversed the streets leading away from the main artery, however, Sylphia noticed a sharp gaze pointed at her from the corner of her eye. With a tiny glance, she noticed a man, beneath a hooded cloak, turn around before disappearing into an alleyway.

That doesn't seem to be one of my fans.

"What is it, Sylphie?" Rika leaned over and followed her gaze.

So it wasn't my imagination after all. Something fishy is going on here, and it looks like I've just stuck myself right in the middle... Just who did I piss off to be treated like this? One of the nobles? Come to think of it, a couple of geezers objected when I was given Dellwick. They must be pissed off that it wasn't given to them instead.

She tightened her grip on her fan.

Tsk. I don't have any bloody idea who they were, either. I'd rather not attract this sort of attention to myself, but now that I've got plans for this place, I'm not letting it go so easy!

If they want to mess me, then too bad for them. I'm not the helpless little girl I was a few weeks ago.

Her lips turned into a slit grin.

Not anymore.

"It's nothing," she then said, "let's go."

They travelled deeper into the village, towards a cluster of houses set away from the bustling market street. And as they turned a corner, they heard a distant voice calling Sylphia's name. Cautious, the little girl stepped closer beside Rika before looking around.

Behind them, a stodgy man in baggy robes waved his hand as he waddled towards them. "Miss Sylphia!" he said with a high, nasally voice, "Oho, it is you, after all!"

"Oh, it's..." With a sigh, the paranoid young girl lowered her guard and muttered to herself, "...the guy from the merchant guild."

Ah, since he's here anyway...

She turned back around, pointed her thumb over her shoulder and said to her companions, "Hey, I'm just going to have a quick chat with this guy, I'll catch up with you in a bit."

"Eh?" Rika doubled back. "Are you sure, Sylphie? I can wait with you if you want."

"No, no, don't worry. It'll just be real quick, 'kay?"

"But..."

"Reeeal quick! Now, hurry up." She pushed her bodyguard on towards her secretary. "Eris, take her and go on ahead!"

"O-okay..." Her shoulders slumped forward as she went along with Sylphia's wishes.

Meanwhile, Eris made her way back and asked, "My Lady, did you have some business with Mr. Dante?"

"Yep!"

"I was not informed of this, however..."

"A-ah, that was before the whole fief thing, you see."

"I see... Ah. Did, perchance, my Lady visit Dellwick a few weeks ago?"

"Mm! So you remembered!"

She sighed. "I had thought my Lady looked somewhat familiar..."

"Heehee!"

At once, all levity left the secretary's expression. She gazed straight into Sylphia's eyes and said in a low mutter, "Please be careful when dealing with Mr. Dante, my Lady. He may look harmless behind that pathetic facade, but he is one of the most ruthless traders operating with the Merchant's Guild."

"Relax. I know."

The woman's eyes flickered. "If... you say so."

"Alright? Go on, then."

Thus, with a gentle prod, she sent her secretary away, leaving her alone in the street with the merchant, Dante. He arrived slightly out of breath, having made a light jog to catch up to her.

"Ahh, Miss Sylphia!" He said, "What a coincidence! I didn't expect a visit today."

"Hee hee. Some things cropped up that I need to take care of. I thought I might as well deal with it personally."

"Ah! Getting stuck in to your Lordly duties, I see! Splendid! As expected from Miss- Ah, or should it be Lady Sylphia now?"

"I don't really care. Anyway, since you're here, I'll take care of your case first." With a shake of her head, she shifted to a more serious, formal tone. " Now, I trust you've been fair with the exchange rate I negotiated with you?"

Dante placed his hand on his chest and said, with a little nod, "In the name of my honor and of the guild."

"And the profits?"

He intertwined his fingers. "Exceeding our wildest expectations. We first introduced it in Brandonbury," he continued, "and it quickly caught the eye of the Duchess herself!"

"Oh!? Is that so!?"

"Indeed! Indeed! Its popularity quickly grew and now I'm in a bit of a bind..."

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

"Eh- huh?"

"Heh heh heh! Even now we are getting orders all the way from the Duchy of Castell! Ah!" He dramatically slapped his forehead. "Do they even realize how long that route takes? Ah ha ha ha. But in all seriousness, my Lady. It is a good problem to have."

She fanned Sebastian out and covered the avaricious grin that had sprouted on her lips. "Good! Good! I knew I could count on you, Dante."

"Ah, your praise is wasted on me. I recognize whose genius it was that allowed a mere trader such as myself to partake in this fortune."

"Hihihi." With a loud clack, she retracted her fan once more and sneered, "go ahead and keep praising me. I'm still not budging on the price."

"Agh!" He recoiled, almost cartoonishly, as he scratched his head. "You're killing me, Miss Sylphia!"

"Well, just keep up the good work."

Thus, the two parted ways, allowing Sylphia to catch up to her companions. And as she ran, a triumphant feeling roiled from underneath, inspiring a spring in her every step. Indeed, in that moment, she looked much like a fairy, skipping whimsically across town in her sparkling light dress.

Hee hee! One down.

Grey led the girls to the guard post not too far from the market street.

It was a small, one-storey building built in exactly the same style as the many houses surrounding it. It was complete with a thatched roof and few windows, of which one had a flower pot hanging from its windowsill. In fact, had Grey not pointed out the fact, Sylphia could have mistaken it for an ordinary house.

Well... I guess there's nothing wrong with it, if it works for the purpose.

However, not only did the outside greatly resemble a house, but so did the inside. They came in to what appeared to be a living room than anything else. Front and center were a few chairs, arranged around a low table, while an unlit brick fireplace dominated the background. The guard captain sat the girls down and joined them shortly after.

"Uhh... so this is the guard post?" Sylphia asked.

And though she made no effort masking the unease in her tone, Grey answered enthusiastically, regardless, "Yes ma'am!"

"Looks, umm... cozy."

"Hehe, we try to keep the place clean! Just 'cause it's only us boys around doesn't mean we'd just make a mess of it!"

"Uh-huh..."

Despite its appearance, the house was host to a total of twelve guardsmen. Though most were, apparently, out on duty, a couple shuffled around the rooms on whatever errand they had.

Meanwhile, Grey acquainted the girls to their humble abode. "...and we keep the equipment in the back," he said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.

"I see." Sylphia nodded as though she understood perfectly, and then tilted her head towards Eris, asking in a low whisper, "Hey, why are they holed up in here?"

"This house was abandoned by its owner several years back," she answered in similar fashion, "It then was handed over to the guard, who at the time needed an outpost. To save money."

"I-I see..."

Geez, money's really tight in this place, isn't it? I guess it is a small village after all.

"Well then-" She had just opened her mouth in an attempt to get down to business, when the door behind her blasted open.

"Grey!" roared the voice of a very angry child.

Sylphia jolted in her seat. When she turned her head, there was the girl in question, brows furled and all. She was perhaps in her early or mid-teens, as evidenced by her short stature and still-rather-childish clothes.

"A-Ann!? Wait a sec-" He stood up and tried to assuage her, but to no avail.

Ignoring him and his guests, she stormed in and gave him an earful, "Where is the compiled report for this week!? I asked for that days ago!"

"L-look, this isn't really the best time..."

"Huh!?"

Only then did she bother to look around her. Setting her eyes firstly on the tallest among them, she immediately frowned.

"Uwah... Miss Secretary? What are you doing here?" Despite her hostile tone, Eris merely kept her straight face, though she somehow seemed less amused that usual. "Tax day isn't till-"

But soon enough she had laid her eyes to the two others beside her. And in that instant, her cheeks turned bright red. Alas, she recoiled in embarrassment and shrieked, "Eek! S-s-sorry! I didn't notice you from behind those chairs! Auuuuu...!"

"A-ahahaha..." Sylphia tried to calm her down by waving her hands. "It's alright."

Wow, I didn't know there were actually people who could talk to Eris like that... and so young, too. Actually, isn't this girl...

"Eh-!?" Ann flinched. "A-a-aren't you... Lady Sylphia!?"

She nodded with an awkward smile. "Ah. Mm."

Yeah, this girl was the Elder's granddaughter... I met her during the transition of ownership.

"I-I'm really sorry! Really, really sorry!"

"I said it's fine..."

After their visitor had calmed down, Grey gave her a quick introduction.

"Well, I suppose most of you know Ann." He said, presenting his hand in front of the girl, still sullen from shock. "Well, it might be a bit late to say it, but she helps us around from time to time, reading and writing reports, as well as keeping them nice and organized..."

"Oh." Sylphia smiled. "So you're able to read at that age!"

Well, it'd be pretty normal in the old world, but you know? It might be a good idea to heap praises for it here...

"Mm." Ann nodded bashfully. "I learned- um, still learning… reading and writing at the Academy of Brandonbury."

"Ho?" Her eyes flickered. "Academy, you say? Congratulations."

"A-ah, thank you, but..." She meekly averted her gaze. "...I was only really accepted because of my mother and father's contributions to the military..."

I'd heard there were schools in this world, though they were mostly reserved for the rich, and those with magical talent. I suppose there are some which operate on a grant-basis too? Interesting.

"Well, getting back to business, then."

Sylphia thus relaxed herself in her seat and crossed her legs. And with that simple gesture, plus a short, static silence, the atmosphere in the room transformed.

"As I said, Rika here is going to help out with the security around here. She has some experience with being a guard after all."

"Mm!" She nodded.

"So, give us the situation, Guard Captain."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Thus, the true extent of Dellwick's problems were laid bare. Looters, toll gougers and assorted lowlives had been spreading from the vast temperate forest that stretched all the way from Northmarch to parts of neighboring Brandonbury. They often struck at merchant caravans going back and forth on the road that connected Dellwick and Eddingset, the one that the girls took, coming in. Given the intensity of these incidents, it was likely that bandits had set up a camp nearby.

"Gray..." Ann gave him distraught look. "This is the first time I've heard of this."

"Don't let it get to you, Ann," Gray said, "the bandits won't dare show their face here as long us we're around."

Sylphia scowled.

But for how long? If this goes on, the bad reputation will spread and merchants will soon avoid the village; especially those who can't afford guards. One thing will lead to the next and soon enough, we're going to face a disaster!

"Uuuu..." Rika whimpered, "we're in a pinch, aren't we?"

The guard captain could only ball his fists and look on with a half-regretful expression on his face, saying, "I... I'm sorry."

Alas, his weak response finally blew Sylphia's temper.

"Sorry won't cut it!" She banged her hand on the table. With her tiny voice, she then mercilessly scolded the grown man, "I need results! And why was I not told any of these details before I came!? I asked for a situation report from my letters, didn't I?"

The man recoiled in terror as the girl just whaled at him. It only ended when Rika finally stepped in with a shoulder rub, to calm the girl down.

Sylphia clicked her tongue.

That sort of incompetence is criminal! I ought to fire you right now!

With a pout, she then crossed her arms and focused her glare on the Guard Captain.

Otherwise...

He's deliberately sabotaging the village? Which means, he's being paid by someone... but who?

She took a deep breath and relaxed back into her seat.

No, no. No reason to go straight to conspiracy theories. Let's think calmly first... there's no evidence yet that he's a fink. He could just be really, really stupid. Which is probably average, in this world. On the other hand, if he is a plant, I don't want him to disappear, just yet.

"Alright..." she said, heaving a deep sigh, "what's done is done. Just know that I expect better this time." She then slipped him a sharp glance. "If you don't want to be unemployed, that is."

He stiffened up. "I-I understand, my Lady!"

At least, he doesn't look like a fink...

"Mm!" Rika nodded. "I'll help out too, so let's do our best from now on!"

"Yes, Miss Rika!"

"Alright, that's the spirit! So, let's start with..."

While her knight spoke with the guard captain, Sylphia, meanwhile, lost herself in thought.

Rika is the only one I can really trust around here... Tsk. I don't really want to leave her alone in this situation, but I have no choice. At the very least, I need someone who could look after her...

Hmm... someone, huh...?

Or maybe some... thing?

All this time, Eris just watched on in silence. Her eyes batted back and forth, between Rika and Grey as they discussed better methods of policing around the village while Ann took notes. For the most part, she remained a passive observer to the whole meeting. That is, right until the very end.

"Hmm..." Rika scratched her forehead. "This is a pinch... we don't have enough guys to give good coverage of all the village. And who knows how long it well be, before we can train up the new recruits?"

Grey grumbled in agreement, "Hrm, you're right... We can't just leave parts of it unpatrolled, either."

It was then that Eris spoke up. "Excuse me, but if I may suggest..."

"Hm?" Both of them, plus Ann and Sylphia, all looked towards her.

"Hardly anyone goes to these parts of the village. And most of these houses here are unoccupied. During the day, we could perhaps limit the number of guards on shift, and raise them during the night, where it is more important. Then, using patrol routes like this, spread out at these intervals..."

She then proceeded to lay out an entire plan, seemingly on the fly.

"...is how I believe we can maximize our limited manpower in the meantime. I estimate it will take 5 to 10 days to find our Lady's quota of 8 men."

"Ooh!" Grey's expression froze upon seeing Eris' plan. "This looks perfect... but will it really work, Miss Rika?"

"Hmm... I think it's worth a shot! It makes sense!" Rika then heaped further praise onto the secretary, who didn't seem to care.

Throughout all this, Sylphia had been observing Eris.

She's taking her job seriously, though... would she really be scheming against me? Against the very village she works at? I mean, what reason would she have? We just met like three weeks ago and I've never done anything to her! But then, it's better safe than sorry... Grrrr...! What does this have to be so difficult! Gah! I wish I just didn't get out of bed that night!

In any case, Rika and Grey were impressed by her suggestion, and so, Sylphia taked Eris to help manage the 'brainy stuff' for them, while they were busy training the guards to the new standards.

Thus, with her capable assistants tasked on the security issue, the meeting was decided and the girls set off to their next destination.

Alright. That's two taken care of. Next is...

As she attempted to recall her to-do list, she noticed the sun waxing in the horizon.

Ah. Geez, that took a lot longer than I expected.

Eris soon approached her, asking, "My Lady, I'm afraid it is well past lunch. Are you still feeling alright?"

"Ah... now that you've mentioned it, I'm feeling famished, just now."

I've still got some errands to run, though...

Sylphia agonized of a way to finish everything in one day, but all estimates proved it impossible. "Hmm... looks like we'll have to stay in for a while..."

"Ah..." Rika's shoulders fell. "I didn't bring my practice tools with me! I promised Sir Dorlan I'd stick with this morning regimen too..."

"Sorry... I didn't think we'd take this long, either. But from the looks of things, we're probably in for the long haul, so-" She turned to her secretary. "-can you get us some rooms in the inn?"

"I understand, my Lady."

"Well, it's okay! I can just use my actual equipment! Really carefully!"

Though she would not have reacted at all otherwise, how Rika then stuck her tongue out, and winked, somehow gave Sylphia a bad feeling. Nevertheless, she shrugged it off and said, "Well, then, while Eris is finding us a place to stay, so Rika, why don't you go and find us a place to eat?"

"Okay!"

"Alright, let's go, go, go!" Sylphia said, pumped her fist in the air before heading off in a different direction. "We'll all meet up at the inn, 'kay?"

Now, whilst Eris went ahead towards the inn, Rika stayed still, seemingly in a daze. She then tugged on Sylphia's shoulder, asking, "Eh? Wait, where are you going? You're not coming with me?"

"Ah, I've got some more errands to run, so-"

"Whaaa? Then I'm coming with you."

"What? No need! I'm starving, so hurry up and find us somewhere to eat."

"Eeeh?" Rika groaned. "I'm your bodyguard! I'm supposed to protect you at all times..."

"Geez, we're inside the village, Rika. There isn't any danger here."

"But..."

Finally, Sylphia let out a sigh, then leaned in, and whispered, "My only next stop is the Mythril Cave, so it's completely safe."

"Gnnnnnnn!" Rika furled her brows and puffed her cheeks out.

"Okay?"

"Geez, it's not fair…yo u always get your way!"

"Sorry, Rika. Next time, I promise I'll listen to your request."

"Really?"

"I promise."

Riks sighed. "Okay... Please be careful."

"Hihi, that's a good girl." She then, with some difficulty, reached up and patted Rika on the head. "Oh, and take care of Eris for me."

"Alright, I will!"