“I don’t think I need to describe the risk my sister is taking. She believes in the best of people. I had thought after losing you, she’d be a bit world-wearier, but then you returned, and I fear she’s only grown more determined to see the world as inherently good.”

“Sorry to inspire you sister with false hope,” I responded, only with a little sarcasm.

He snorted. “I suppose it was only inevitable with her. I have a bad feeling regarding this summit. Something feels wrong.”

“What do you mean?”

“The attacks on the coast, I don’t believe it is piracy. The attacks are too perfect. There is never a survivor. Furthermore, some entire coastal towns have gone silent. It’s like Chalm and Alerith all over again.”

“Do I need to send forces?” I asked.

He shook his head. “The Tibults and the others with a trade interest are enough to protect the east. As for the Ost Republic, if we even tried to send aid, it’d be seen as an attack. That’s why I want to send you down there. Your relationship with Eliana is well-known, and no one would be able to argue about your presence. Furthermore, your diverse… ahem… party is nearly as powerful as an army.”

“My girls… right…” I coughed. “I don’t think I’ll be bringing them with me on his trip. They’ve all been through a lot these last few months and I want to give them time to heal a bit more.”

Every girl had experienced some degree of trauma in their way. Besides, they were all busy with their work. I’m sure none of them wanted to see me dote my attention on Eliana anyway. She was pregnant with my child, and the last time I had seen her, we were this close to getting married. Naturally, there was a lot for us to catch up on.

It also seemed to be a lot of forces pushing me toward Tearfall Isles. Carmine was sent there, and now the peace summit was going to be there. I had to admit that dungeons always made me curious. Every one of them had a story to tell. I’m sure Tearfall had something more complicated than a hero looking for the strongest. After all, it was called Tearfall. Didn’t that just scream a traumatic and sad story? If things went south, I could summon all of the girls in an instant.

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With that in mind, I agreed to head down to the Ost Republic to protect Eliana and make sure the peace talks went peacefully. It wasn’t a difficult task. My map which could detect hostility would make ferreting out enemies too easy. Of course, I wouldn’t say I was down there to protect her. Eliana would immediately reject my assistance if she knew. We both agreed on that. However, why wouldn’t a loving father want to check on the developing pregnancy of his woman? She’d be showing clearly by now.

“Ah… just one more thing before I go.”

“What’s that?” He asked.

I dropped a bag of coins in Prince Edward’s hand. “You know the local orphanages. I want to buy them. All of them.”

He poked an eye into the bag and then nodded. “I’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse, but I must tell you the orphanages cost a fair much.”

“I don’t mind.”

He smirked. “You’re not a bad match for my sister, I think.”

I shrugged and then glanced over at Cici. “What was the name of your Orphanage?”

The maid jumped at suddenly being addressed. “W-west Capital.”

“And the lord that tried to buy you?”

“L-lord Dredomos.”

“Is he a particularly influential or important lord?” I asked the prince.

“Not really. He’s just a baron.”

I nodded. “Put the west capital orphanage under new management. Someone trustworthy. As for Baron Dredomos. Strip him of his position, his power, and his wealth. I want him living on the street by the end of the week.”

Prince Edward’s eyes widened. “It’s not like I won’t do what you asked, but what happened?”

I shook my head. “I’m just clearing out the trash. You can thank me later. I’m sure once you raid his place you’ll find more than enough questionable content to justify it. If you don’t mind, I’ll be heading out.”

“M-master… will you be leaving us?” Cici asked, and Chance suddenly looked ready to jump on me if I left without them.

I reached out and patted Cici’s head, causing her to close her eyes and push her head against my hand. “I guess I’ll need the pair of you to travel with me a while longer.”