Completely taken by surprise, Elson’s eyes widened. My servants likewise stared at me with dumbfounded expressions. However, Rogan in particular was the most concerning, he looked like he just witnessed something terrifying, or perhaps heartbreaking.

“I asked you what you think of becoming a subordinate of mine.” I replied to Elson.

As if he had composed his thoughts, he answered. “I just didn’t expect such an offer.”

“Opportunities come at unexpected times, I suppose.”

“I take it you want to take me as your second personal knight?”

“A personal knight I believe is only for one. Different responsibilities. That is already Rogan’s place.”

“Then what do you want from me?”

“As a direct subordinate of mine, you’ll be second to Rogan. You’ll answer directly to me, not to anyone else, not even to my father, the King.”

“I see…” he looked away, thinking.

“Elson, I need someone like you in my team. With your skills and abilities, you will be a reliable member.”

Elson scratched his head. “I don’t know, princess. Will I have to answer immediately?”

I shook my head. “No, I’ll give you time to think.”

“Why me though?”

“As I mentioned, you are reliable. You impressed me during our fight together.”

And I would have a dagger loving kin. That’s a rare thing! You have no idea how lonely things can be if it was only you that loved a certain thing. Back in my days, I wasn’t that lonely, I have a few assassins that love daggers too. Not as much as me, but it was something.

“I am flattered. When will you need my answer?”

“I don’t really have a deadline in mind. Perhaps whenever you already have an answer. I’ll maybe just ask you sometime.”

“Understood, princess.”

“Okay… We are dismissed for today. See you tomorrow afternoon.”

“Afternoon?”

“I have an appointment in the morning.”

With that, we’re done for the day. My skin was sticky and my body was sweaty, and thus while heading for the palace, I kept rubbing my face. My legs were so sore I almost wanted someone to carry me to the bath. But what can I do? I’m shy.

I headed straight for the bath, or to be precise, the pool. In my isolation, after removing my clothes, I dipped quickly into the cool and pleasant water. Relief filled all over my body and soul. When I sat down, the water just above my shoulders, I heaved a long relaxed sigh.

Finally, refreshing.

I held out my hand. A curious idea came to mind. I used my Physical Enhancement. Immediately, I felt my body strengthened, and I felt a bit better. Considering that my body has been weakening, the constant use of enhancement could be the remedy to improve my performance. Still, I fear that constantly using it this way, down the line I might end up having to rely on it just to move my leg.

What to do… This has been bothering me for some time now, and it’s agonizing. My body is my temple. Frustrated, I decided to forget this stuff for now, and I dove my entire body into the water.

***

I squirmed on the couch, my body sore from yesterday’s training. I tried using healing magic, but I didn’t get them all. Looks like I would need to be more thorough. But then again, healing cannot completely rid of soreness, happened before.

At least it wasn’t too bad. Thank goodness for magic! Love this world!

I took a deep breath and straightened my posture, facing my visitor.

“Uncle, how’s Mizia?”

“You won’t try asking about me first?”

“Why should I? You’re surely doing completely fine. I am more concerned about Mizia.”

He wryly smiled. “I may not though.”

“I hope you’re not neglecting her.”

“... I’m trying not to. But I can’t give all of my attention with all the work piled up.”

“Time management, uncle.”

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“As if mere time management is the solution. Sometimes there is just too much work to do.”

“Uh-huh.” I smiled, just a plain one, not a sign of sympathy. He sensed it, of course, as I wanted. “So, is she doing fine?”

He sighed. “Yes, she is. In fact, she’s already planning what outfits she would have you try. I, on the other hand, suggested a few. I hope you will find them to your liking.”

With narrowed eyes, I slowly nodded. “... We’ll… see.”

“Hm. That aside, I heard you asked her to join your group performance for your debut. She’s been practicing since. You?”

“I’m just starting. It will take a while before we assemble.”

“I see. She was overjoyed by your invite. She’ll shine brightly in the party, I’m sure.”

Yes she will, certainly. But I will shine the brightest, uncle. And there’s nothing you can do about it. I am the most beautiful of all.

“Now then uncle, let’s get straight down to business. About the adventurers I sent a message to you about.”

“The priestess’s former party, yes, I have warned them personally after their friend’s burial. Emphasizing what would happen if they told anyone about it. Still, that won’t guarantee much.”

“A noble’s power holds weight.”

“Why won’t you personally go meet them? Surely they will fear you more.”

I scoffed. “Why would anyone fear me?” I gave him a soft look.

He frowned. “You still baffle me.”

I tilted my head. “Anyhow, how did they react? Your report didn’t describe the entire picture.”

He basically just said ‘done’. Put some details!

“You didn’t request all the details. I didn’t bother. They’re just a bunch of adventures, and are still citizens of Wisteria. I assumed as long as the job was done and that’s it.”

“I would at least want to know if there’s any violent reactions.”

“Well that woman mage didn’t take it too kindly. She’s an energetic one. She even asked to return the priestess, although I don’t know if I should even take that as asking.”

“That woman, huh? Anita?”

“Yes.”

Was that woman always prone to emotional outburst? With her lover dead, she may be more unstable now that Tina left them, forbidden to return. Should I kill her? A person driven purely by unstable emotion tends to make uncontrollable and stupid mistakes.

“How about the others?”

“They were submissive and reasonable. Almost felt like we could rely on them.”

“Can we spare men to watch over them?”

“We could. But I believe it’s better to use that manpower elsewhere.”

“I suppose. Can we have the church do that instead?”

“Perhaps you can. Demand it as making up for their blunder.”

“Which reminds me, how come you the head of intelligence never discovered that Tina joined the adventurers?”

“The church is essentially a different area, and we don’t typically look and spy at ourselves, especially the church. Besides, the case with Tina was supposedly minor. That matter only grew because of the current predicament, and well, also because of you.”

Huh, thinking about it, yes, he made sense. Damn. Situation just changed for Tina, sheesh. How unlucky. Imagine if all went as normal, things would have ended differently for her. Home wrecker Estelia…

“How sad. But, we have to do what we have to. Situations suddenly change, and thus is life.”

“Quite harsh words, niece.”

“If people are hurt by the truth, then obliterate them.”

He smirked briefly. “Nice quote.”

Thanks, I heard it from somewhere. Not the exact phrase, but it gives the idea.

“Alright, that matter aside. Any news from the agents?”

“Oh plenty. You might find them interesting.”

“I’m listening.”

“We learned a few, but nothing definite yet. A few agents asked servants, guards, civilians all around the nobles. We flagged a few suspicious.”

“How did you find them suspicious?”

“There are those that complained that the local lords are not doing anything against the bandits raiding their farms. While there are other cases of food in the reserves left to rot in their warehouses. The common townsfolk could have used them, but they were put to waste.”

There’s quite a pattern emerging here.

“How many lords?”

“These cases happened in four territories.”

“Those are the obvious ones, I suppose. There may be others that are keeping it inconspicuous.”

“Likely.”

“Is there anyone we have a strong grasp on? Something a little solid.”

“There is one.” He pulled out a scroll from his coat pocket. “We’re still investigating, but this is his information.”

I received and opened the paper, reading the contents. “A Count, seriously? I expected much more for someone of this rank.” I sighed.

“He’s among the territories I mentioned. Not only that, the agent discovered him secretly sneaking a message out of his mansion.”

“What’s the message?”

“Something about meeting up. It was a brief message. Likely because they already have a plan for something like this beforehand. Like a usual time and meeting place.”

“How’s the message carrier?”

“The agent tied him up and brought him to our local base. Turns out, he knew nothing useful. He was just indeed a mere messenger.”

“I see. When did this happen?”

“A couple of days ago.”

“Hm, the Count must be growing anxious if his messenger isn’t back yet. And his territory is awfully close to our city. What about the intended recipient?”

“The letter was supposed to be dropped off in the middle of a village.”

“Then perhaps they should have waited and followed the man before capturing him.”

“The drop point is in a busy street. It will be hard to figure out who takes the message in a crowded area. Besides, the agent didn’t have a lot of flexible options, there’s the risk of losing the messenger or the letter.”

“Whatever…” I sighed. “The recipient certainly is an agent from the Empire.”

“About that, we had a lead about them. One connected with the late Marquis Vekenas… and it’s not in his favor.”

“What?”

“There are witnesses of two men who frequently come through the road not far from the Marquis’s place of death. They walk at night, cover themselves, and are overall suspicious.”

“Oh! So you have a lead!”

“Had… We found the house they were using, sold to them by the former owner. But, it’s empty.”

“They’re gone?”

“Yes.”

“They escaped before you could get to them…”

Dammit.

“They must have felt threatened about what we did.”

“That is supposed to be one of its purposes.”

“Should we call it a success, then?”

“Yes. But there is the matter of the traitorous nobles. Especially that Count.”

“What are we going to do?”

“An example, and a warning to everyone.”

Something that resonates across the lands, that shakes the hearts of the aristocrats.

I looked through the window. “It’s getting cold outside.”

“The snow is starting to fall.”

“Time to wear thick clothes.” A stylish one for a changing season. “Speak with this Count and bring him here. Formally.”

“You wish to speak with him? I advise not. If he is a traitor, he’ll be dangerous. As a warrior, he can fight his way and go for you.”

“Is he more powerful than the beasts and elf I fought?”

“... No.”

“Then it’s alright. With Sir Rogan and Vernon by my side, I’ll be fine.”

“Why do you want to see him?”

“For him to know and carry out his own punishment.”