Once we were done with our pleasant breakfast, I went ahead to handle some stuff, the little aftermath, you could say, of our operation. Father and Mother would be preparing for the arrival of Count Welford — yeah no way I’m getting in that.

Eleden would be leading all the paperwork for now that had something to do with the damages in the city, and some other stuff. I didn’t exactly know what they all would entail, but that’s not my job. ‘Oh but Estelia, you’re the reason a large part of the city is a wreck.’ pffft, it was not my fault, it was the non-humans! Yes, blame it all on the dead, they can’t argue back.

As for Estevan, I don't know what exactly he’ll be busy in the whole day, but he should be collecting all the things we borrowed from the Church. Speaking of the church, I have an appointment with the high bishop, to return the things really, but I will be personally thanking him. One thing I had to handle.

It was almost time for his arrival, and so I made my way to the palace entrance and waited for a couple of minutes. I was notified that the gates opened and a pair of carriages entered, one was meant for passengers, looking quite fancy, while the other was plain, to be used I believe for the items.

The carriages stopped in front of me, and one opened, where the high bishop stepped out.

“Good morning, High Bishop.”

“Your highness, it is a pleasure to see you again.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

At the same time, Astine got out of the carriage, and I greeted her promptly. “Astine, how are you?”

She froze a bit, taken aback it would seem. “Uh, I’m doing alright, princess. Thank you for asking...”

Was it so weird to greet a person so gloomy looking with a bright smile and an air so radiantly friendly?

I smiled. “Come, I will lead you to the items, where you can check the inventory. I regret that some were damaged and destroyed during the confrontation.”

We began walking, heading to the yard where the supplies were placed.

“Such instances are to be expected. They can be repaired and replaced, there is no need for concern.”

I stopped and I faced the two. “Thank you very much for the help. It means a lot to me.”

The high bishop smiled widely. “I’m glad to be of help to you. If you need assistance in the future, feel free to summon me.”

“... Very well. I am relieved to have you on my side.”

I held out my hand for a handshake, and he, with a delighted face, took and shook it. We continued walking after letting go.

“Although I felt a bit useless in your operation. No enemy got through.”

“Indeed, everyone did their best.”

“Or your leadership brought out the best of everyone. Truly, I am amazed by how you planned all of it.”

I giggled.

He then continued. “To think that they’ll get exposed from their own ranks. Amazing how it all essentially went according to what you wanted it to end.”

“Although there were some unexpected situations.”

“Even so, your plans, your leadership made it successful, without you the foundation, all things could have crumbled. What you did was so godly.”

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???

I looked at him, how peculiar… But he merely grinned. “Oh stop… Please, it is embarrassing. Everyone was instrumental, and I didn’t even do the heavy work. I do not deserve the praise.”

He chuckled. “If you say so, your highness.”

We arrived at our destination, where wooden crates were placed and arranged.

“Astine,” called the high bishop. “Go and check, and bring them to the carriage.”

Astine went on and beckoned the men that came with them that rode on the other carriage to assist.

I turned to Mera. “The cylinder, please.”

Mera pulled out from her pocket the magic item that Allie once used.

“Here, high bishop. Thank you very much for this. It was a great help.”

He received it and placed it in his pocket. “I heard the enemies were executed, even the girl.”

“Yes.”

“I see. They were strange creatures, curious how and why they all ended up here.” he approached closer and whispered. “I know they’re after you, but I don’t know why.”

“You do not know?”

“I wasn’t told anything.”

Oh right, there were only very few that knew the answer, where Vernon interrogated each one. All that was involved swore to confidentiality.

“I see.”

“Did you learn why?”

“... I’m not at liberty to say. Please ask my father for that, I’m certain he’ll tell you.”

“Ah, it would be hard. His majesty is not one to divulge secrets. But I suppose I have been involved deeply in this, he may intend to tell me, eventually.”

I could tell him now, but I have to respect the chain of command sometimes, you know.

Astine and the others began carrying and packing the crates.

“The damage to the city was quite extensive,” said the high bishop. “To the capital city, no less. Our allies would definitely come to inquire.”

“... Of course they would… not now, but surely in the upcoming days or weeks.”

“Non-humans are involved, they’ll know from the common people, few that are witnesses, the Holy Kingdom might poke their nose into our matter. Deeply than we would ever want.”

“But I thought they only take care of demons.”

“Demons yes… but these so-called beastmens and elves are not humans. They will be interested.”

“Will that spell trouble for us?”

“Not really. Just headaches. Although I’m not sure whether to tell them the truth, or just say some troublemakers caused some trouble and deny the claims of the non-humans’ existence.”

“They wouldn’t believe it that easily with all the damages. And besides, there is no way they would believe our denial of them to begin with.”

“Indeed. But the crown wants to keep this matter a secret. With the Holy Kingdom interested, they will definitely want to learn why those non-humans came here. Creatures not widely known. And it eventually leads up to you.”

Fucking politics, I don’t want that in my plate.

“What do you think should be done with this, princess?”

Wait, you’re asking me?!

“... I imagine they would contact my father first about this.”

“They will probably contact the king and me simultaneously.”

“But Father is the head of the nation.”

“And I am the head of the religious order. I am the representative of Wisteria when handling matters with the Holy Kingdom on things religious. They are free to contact me first if they want.”

“Now that is just rude.”

“Yes… so if they do not contact the king first, the most that they could do is contact us at the same time. Or perhaps they’re brave enough to do otherwise.”

“Then don’t reply, coordinate with my father when they do make contact.”

“I suppose, if they only send a mere messenger.”

“But if they send a diplomat to your office, that would be troublesome...”

“Yes.”

“Then don’t say anything, refuse to answer. But it would be best to consult with my father about this.”

“Understood.”

Politics is way above my paygrade. I don’t do politics really, it sucks and so much of a headache to talk to politicians… You know what I do to politicians? I kill them! Well, politicians were more likely targets for any missions as they have a lot of enemies, but you get what I’m saying. It was nothing personal, just business.

Heh, reminds me of that time I cleaned out an entire government body… and that country fell into chaos soon after.

Oh well. At least the pay was goooood. Billions! I mean, I too was shocked to read the contract! I mean, who the fuck just orders to kill an entire government? So bizarre.

Then, they have finished moving all the crates.

“Let’s leave it at that princess. I will be speaking with your father.”

“He should be in his office, but he is currently meeting with someone. I’m afraid you will have to wait.”

“That will be fine.”

“Want me to guide you there?”

“Ah, there’s no need to trouble you, princess. I know my way around the palace.”

“I understand. Then, until next time, high bishop.”

“Certainly, princess.”

With that, he left.

I looked around the place, so serene. Now then, there was still some work to do, but I was not the one to work on them. The operation just finished, still cannot work on other things. And, we still didn’t have the intel that we needed, and those intel were not easy to get, given the amount that we need, or rather, I ordered to get.

Right… I need to visit someone. That may be out of commission for the rest of his life because of what happened during my operation. This would do well for my PR.

I turned to Rogan.

“I would like to visit Alzen.”

“Alzen? I see… he should be in the barracks.”

“Please lead me to him.”

“Yes, princess.”