"What is this?" (Kaoru)
We had returned to our nostalgic home, the "Convenient Store Belle" in the capital of Count Maslius' territory.
Marial and the others had already been sent to the Villa of Count Maslius, Viscount Reifel's family. This was much safer than the rural residence of Marial, Viscount Reifel's capital residence, and being near Count Maslius was more convenient. Therefore, Marial's parents must have always lived here.
If Marial's mansion was attacked by about 20 to 30 thieves, it would likely be destroyed.
...Marial herself said so before. So I think it's better to stay here for the time being.
Well, I don't think there is anyone who would mess with the "Goddess's beloved child", but if it's an overtly hostile act, then they're barging in day and night and saying "Please!" "s prostrate attack might be a little tough on Marial.
...And that's good. That's fine though.
What is this suspicious paper pasted on the door of the store?
"Contact me immediately. ￡∮§Iron Saint" (On paper)
I was able to read it except for a few parts, but for a normal person, the whole thing would make no sense...
However, there were some languages that I couldn't read...
As I was thinking seriously, Roland called out to me from behind.
"Oh, this is for me." (Roland)
Huh?
"It's a cipher text used by the royal family. What it says is, 'Contact me immediately.'" (Roland)
Yes, I can read that.
"What about the next part?" (Kaoru)
"That is the symbol mark of the sender and addressee, from ￡ to §, in other words, from the messenger of the Royal Guards to me." (Roland)
Ah, if it's just a symbol, even I, a language master, won't be able to decipher it unless I know who it represents... So, what does the term "Iron Saint" mean? I wonder if this too can't be deciphered without the corresponding conversion table...
As I was thinking, Hmm...
"Well, 'Iron Saint' is just the name of an inn. The messenger is probably staying there. In the first place, that part is not written in code, but in ordinary language, right?" (Roland)
...Am I thinking too much, damn it!!
Anyway, it seemed that Roland, the king's brother, had something urgent to do, and even though he only needed to check the store several times a day, he seemed to be wasting his time by posting such a conspicuous sign, so he entered the store. I decided to stop and headed straight to the inn called "Iron Saint."
Once I entered the store and sit down, I wouldn't want to move for several hours. All my belongings were in my item box, so I decided it would be better to continue as is.
I thought for a moment about leaving Belle with Rayette-chan, but since it seemed like things were going to get complicated, I didn't think Belle would silently accept the role of house-sitter.
Indeed, Belle and Emile were loyal to me.
But that didn't mean everything would be at my command. If they thought it was for my benefit, they might even go against my instructions. As expected, it was not unreasonable, and it was not like they were going against a strong "order" from me, but...
In other words, they would never listen to orders such as "Abandon me and run away" or "Put your own lives before mine," but if it was a minor order, they would obey it unconditionally. Even if it meant risking their lives.
That was why I was telling them to stop doing that.
The other day, it was discovered that Francette seemed to be having a negative influence on them, so they were currently being re-educated...
In any case, ordering them to serve as a house-sitter now fell under the category of an "unreasonable order" for Belle. If I was risking my life to protect someone and I was about to get into trouble, it was only natural for them as bodyguards to think that they needed to know all the information about it.
Well, it doesn't seem like I'm in any danger right now, and Emile will tell me later, so if I forcefully order him to, he'll retreat, but he won't go that far.
...That's why we all headed towards the inn "Iron Saint" one by one.
"Roland-sama, it’s been a long time!" (Messenger)
Even though it had only been a few months since he left the country, the messenger, the Imperial Guard, was kneeling down and bowing his head, looking exaggeratedly moved.
Well, Roland is still King's brother. Besides, if he hadn't been seriously injured in the accident, he would definitely be the king now, and now that his injuries have healed, he is essentially considered to be the one who should be the king. I wonder...
Well, his younger brother, who was the current King, was also a good person, and Roland himself had declared that "the throne will remain as it is, and it will go to my younger brother," so there was no family turmoil over the throne or secret maneuvers by secret servants. It was a peaceful country, though.
...Considering Roland's social status and position, is my treatment pretty harsh?
Well, okay. To me, he's just an annoying bug that forced himself onto my trip. Moreover, he is a spy from the enemy's side and a worm inside a lion's body, who is plotting to interfere with my important mission of "hunting for marriage"! This kind of treatment is enough for such a person!
"Hmm, that's a big deal. Are you the only messenger?" (Roland)
"Hah, we have dispatched two people to the royal capital of this country, and one person to the east just to be safe!" (Messenger)
It was probably Roland's letter that said he was "reporting on his family's status." That was probably what they were reporting on our movements.
So, when he came to this town, we found out that we were not there, and that there was no sign that the shop had been vacated, and that if he asked around a little and looked into it, he would soon find out about the story of "The Bird Nobleman's Miracle and Going to the Royal Capital." Considering the timing of the store's closure and other factors, it would be easy to guess that they would have accompanied us to the royal capital.
...Unless they're an idiot.
And there was no way that someone who would be entrusted with such an important role as an elite royal guard would be an idiot.
"What about those four people?" (Kaoru)
I just voiced my doubts.
Yes, this time, four messengers were from Royal Guards. And when I think of Royal Guards, the four people that come to mind are those four.
When I intercepted the western invasion force of the Alligot Empire, I gave the four "divine swords, Exfrotti" to those guards. Wasn't it normal for them to come? Roland made him his personal knight.
However, this messenger was not alone at that time. That meant that the other three who were acting separately were probably different Royal Guard from those four.
The messenger correctly understood the meaning of my slightly unexplained question and answered it.
"Hah, the ‘Four Walls’ are out guarding the eastern border!" (Messenger)
"Four Walls," of course, referred to those four people. It probably meant the four walls that protect the kingdom.
Naturally, the messenger, who knew me, answered my questions in honorific language, just as he answered Roland.
...However, the content of that answer was a little confusing.
"Border security? On the east side? But the east side is Brancott Kingdom, the closest ally of Balmore Kingdom, right? Why are all four of you being sent to that border?" (Kaoru)
"...I'm going to explain that to you now..." (Messenger)
The messenger seemed to have wrinkled his eyebrows as he answered.
Ah, "I was thinking of doing it just now!" Something like that...
Sorry.
Please, please explain fully...
"A political turmoil has occurred in the neighboring Kingdom of Brancott. Currently, the second prince's faction has taken control of the royal capital, and it appears that the first prince has escaped from the capital, but there is no confirmation.
And the second prince, who became the temporary ruler..." (Messenger)
Yeah, I know. It's classic!
"Along with the search for the First Prince, are you saying that they are trying to start a war on another country in order to gain control of the military and the people?" (Kaoru)
"Ha. As expected of angel..." (Messenger)
As expected...
It's a classic among classics!
It's already become a staple of TV dramas, like 8:45 p.m. It's pretty standard, like Inro or Shirasu.
"Then, this is a message from His Majesty to Roland-sama. In order to maintain confidentiality, we have been instructed to communicate it verbally rather than in writing…. Well, let me tell you. 'Brother, please come back soon!!' That's all" (Messenger)
What is that?!
...Ah, Roland slumped down on the table...
Even if you don't look so pitiful...