"Father! Why didn't you ever tell me about that feature of the basement room!?! Isn't this dangerous when anyone can leygate there!?" Aria exclaims.

I feel as though King Legato should adjust his glasses right now, but he doesn't have any. I'm starting to miss the ability to do so myself. Nevertheless he remains impassive despite his daughter shouting.

Meanwhile, the ninja maid suddenly appears and starts pouring tea. I don't think I'll ever be used to that... even though I've gained a real ninja now...

"Aria... did you think we had a room specifically for summoning rituals?" He says.

"I-I! O-Of course not..."

She totally did.

"... I see. Then, as you ~know~, the strategic value of the centre of a crux would be immense to those interested in constructing a place to run a nation, right? It is centre point of the nation’s prana lines, and hence, where the power is strongest." Legato patiently explains.

"Um... but also buried in a chamber with one exit to partially help with security?" Kiku adds.

"Correct." The king nods. "True, it is double edged sword, but with fewer every decade able to transport others, it has gradually become redundant at this function."

He takes a sip of his tea. I wonder if his tea is harder than it appears given how much he liked his booze the last time I saw him, though perhaps that was my fault for being unexpectedly mediocre.

"In any case, you are due to brief me on your progress so far?"

We are in a reception room at the moment. We had interrupted a session of a ruling council as we arrived, with several bigwigs and peoples representatives. From what I understood, Jeraldine ran a constitutional monarchy, similar in part to my home, though with only 20 representatives from across the country, and no prime minister, as ultimate power still lay with the King. But it was refreshing that nobles were deliberately limited to one third of the attendees, and the council was mostly not hereditary.

Even so, much like the time I was introduced to them, I don't think the council was especially enamoured with me. Ikemen shoes to fill, and taking away the last princess is probably not helping my case either. Still, Legato seems more appreciative, and has an expression of mirth as I explain the last few days.

"It seems as though you are finding your feet. Defeating a Crawler alone would be a worthy deed for one such as yourself, but aiding in the defeat of a demon general is better still." He seems impressed. Perhaps he had rather low standards though...

He rubs his chin and continues... "The sage has the right of it, Sandy Shore temple was once a training ground for knights and mercenaries alike. It is a good choice for encouraging your continued growth."

He nods to the Ninja maid, and she leaves his side to leave briefly.

"And you say you will be present for a couple of days?" He asks Seria.

"Mmm, the energy consumption was slightly below my predictions. I anticipate 24 to 36 hours will be enough before we proceed in this case." Seria clarifies.

Interestingly, it is actually just past midday now, so the leygating in this case actually took us around two hours. So basically converting two days of travel to two hours. Not bad economy wise, though it is pretty strange that, from my perspective, it was barely seemed a minute. Time dilation is a funny thing.

"Very good." Legato turns to Aria. "Aria, you shall accompany the Sage to see Douglas for her errand. Do not think I am not aware you did not inform the school you were leaving. Rectify this."

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Aria looks like she has swallowed a hot coal. "But daaad... the headmaster and that girl are a paaain..." she whines.

It's the first time I've seen her act this spoiled. Well... ok, she can be bratty quite alot, but because she is crazy beautiful, she can almost pass it off as cute rather than whiny, right? Errr yeah... I have a weakness, don't I? She still gets a chop to the head from her unimpressed father, though.

She sulks. Were we supposed to visit there before we left? Seems like it. I wonder what she was trying to avoid by playing hooky like that?

"In the meantime, you undoubtedly have a variety of things you can do in the city in that time to improve your next venture." He nods.

He's right of course. Although I borrowed a spare tunic from Seria, it's not as adequately fitted as the slashed one. We have those Crawler plates to sell, Kiku's sword to repair. I should certainly find a place to make bombs. It's the usual town phase downtime present in any good game.

At this point, the Ninja maid reappears through the door holding a small bag. She has acquired a pair of spectacles on her nose. Although she has little presence, like the self-proclaimed 'furniture' from a certain famous huge kinetic novel, she has a certain mature beauty and refinement this way, with her blue hair in a side-tail, and her traditional long skirted maid dress, which she pulls off well.

She gives the bag to her liege reverently and he nods.

"Thank you, Leanne." He says, smiling at her. She nods back.

Aha, this girl finally has a name. Yes, it suits her.

King Legato looks back to me, and hands me the bag, which crisply jingles and is heavier than it looks.

"Three myriads and twelve bounds. This is all I can get away with, but it should be of use."

Aria almost jumps up.

"Father! You were forbidden from passing money and things to the Etranger! The council..."

Ho... I did wonder why I didn't get an allowance when we left, even getting a junker newb sword is traditional in the games.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Aria. I just withdrew a part of my personal allowance for investment in the country."

Her mouth works like a fish as if processing that statement.

"Leanne! You know he will..." She tries a different route of attack.

"His majesty withdrew funds for the country. They will be utilised in development of the town militia. This was already discussed in session today." She responds, finally demonstrating her level-toned and harmonic voice for the first time. It’s a shame she doesn't talk much.

Aria sighs hugely with an exaggerated gesture. Yep, this pair are in conspiracy, Aria. It was pretty clear when it was Leanne that was fetching the money, right?

Still, it’s kind of heart-warming that they're apparently braving a risk to their authority for me.

"But!" Aria starts.

"These funds are sure to help contribute to the nation’s defence." I interrupt her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Leanne, the maid, nods at this. "It is good you understand quickly, Ser Elijah. Very good." She says, smiling.

"Unlike a certain stupid daughter of mine..." Legato sighs, tapping his head.

Aria puffs out her cheeks. It's cute as usual. It's funny that I'm totally not the only one to bully her. Poor Aria.