Third person's perspective
"I doubt he'll come again when she's with this group, but from the looks of it, he'll definitely come again when it's just those below the rank of Count, or when Mileisha-sama is alone..." (A girl)
"Yes, it seemed that he was quite anxious. Well, that is understandable. If things continue like this, rumors will spread and things will get complicated. No, even in the current situation, there is probably no female hero who would want to become engaged to him, and it is at a level that would affect his family and his siblings' marriage proposals. It would be natural to think of a way to make a comeback at this point, but... But I wonder what he's up to now." (Tifana, talked to her group)
"...So, Mileisha-sama, do you recognize those people from earlier? We knew his face from the incredibly detailed portraits that those people showed us..." (Tifana, then looked at Mileisha)
"No, no, not at all…… It's possible that we've met somewhere, but at the very least, we've never been formally introduced to each other or had a conversation." (Mileisha)
"So, I guess that's what those people think — that he was a deluded man, or a villain plotting something bad..." (Tifana)
Even Mileisha knew who "those people" referred to. These were super famous people who were known by everyone in this country, except for infants and young children. Even if people didn't know the big wigs' name, everyone knew the name of the organization. A gathering of saints favored by the Goddess, Society... And it was the name of the organization that currently protected Mileisha in the shadows.
The three young ladies who were with her now were not members of Society. However, she was well aware of who had helped her get to where she was now.
(...Thank you, Viscount Yamano. I'm truly grateful...) (Mileisha)
"Mileisha-sama, if they resort to force, it will be no problem if you have your guards cut them down or if you fight back yourself. We can attest that we have never met them before and that they have already been rude enough to try to harass us once. Given that this is the source of rumors aimed at slandering you, Mileisha-sama, it will no doubt be seen as the other side attempting to harm you first and your actions will be ruled as self-defense. This is a vicious crime against our precious international students, so we will all be on your side and protect you, Mileisha-sama. Please rest assured." (Tifana)
"Y-Yes..." (Mileisha)
Of course, it would be a bit much to kill the son of a noble family from another country. Mileisha was not prepared to go that far. She could order her guards to cut him down, or she could do it herself...
Mileisha was also the daughter of a count family. In order to avoid being humiliated by thugs, they had some knowledge of martial arts and carried hidden weapons and concealed weapons to fight back, and as a last resort, to kill before they were humiliated. ...She never thought she'd actually use it in her life...
(...No. No no no no no!!) (Mileisha)
Mileisha thought that's definitely not the case. No matter what, it seemed a bit excessive to physically put an end to someone just because some bad word was spread about them.
"...You seem to be hesitating, don't you, Mileisha-sama?" (Tifana)
Perhaps sensing what was in Mileisha's mind, Tifana, the daughter of a marquis, said this to her.
"Even if it's just insults and not violence, for a woman to have ignorant rumors spread about her is the same as losing everything socially, right? This time, it just so happened that many people were on your side, Mileisha-sama, but that was just a combination of lucky and fortunate events. Under normal circumstances, it would not have been surprising if you had returned to your home country with your honor tarnished, been disowned by your family for bringing tarnish to the family name, and been sent to a monastery. Your life has been ruined and destroyed, and your family's name has been tarnished as well. On top of that, they're the ones who are trying to lay hands on you directly, Mileisha-sama. If we allow this situation to continue, many more women will certainly become victims. So, in order to protect the many women who are likely become victims in the future, ...isn't it necessary to do something about it now?" (Tifana)
"…………you're right!!" (Mileisha)
It was an eye-opener. There was a similar expression in this country.
Indeed, for a woman to be sent to a convent, tarnish her honor and tarnish her family name, was equivalent to a man being disinherited, disowned, and removed from the nobility and reduced to commoner. ...Well, it was not impossible for a man to become a commoner and still live a relatively free and happy life, but for a woman who goes to a convent, that's where it all ends. In that case, wasn't it reasonable that the villain who had tried to ruin the life of an innocent woman with lies, even if not taking their life, should not be allowed to lead a normal life? That's what Mileisha realized.
It was an eye-opener. It was certainly not like a huge new light had just fallen on her eye. ……probably.
Mitsuha's perspective
"The enemy and two of their entourage attempted to contact the person they were guarding, but were blocked by the Marquis' daughters. They quickly retreated, but I believe there is a high possibility that they will attack again."
"Thank you for your efforts. Please continue to be vigilant." (Sabine)
"Got it!"
She received reports from the lookouts and gave appropriate instructions. ...Sabine-chan is... No, that’s not my role…
"……change?"
"No, please keep it that way..." (Sabine)
That way the operation proceeded more smoothly... This is no good. If things continue like this, Society will be taken over by Sabine-chan... ...Wait, what?
"Wasn't there four people in his entourage?" (Mitsuha)
"Ah, it looks like the two of them escaped from the sinking ship. They appear to have temporarily left the royal capital and returned to their respective territories."
"Oh, they're having high antenna, and they've detected our situation, huh." (Mitsuha)
It was a good moment to escape.
"High an-te-na?"
"Oh, no, it's an expression in my country that means something like being sensitive to information." (Mitsuha)
"I see... So that's what they say, 'military power is silver, information is gold,' right?"
Is there such a word in this country? The importance of information is well recognized. To what extent is the importance of supplies recognized? No, that doesn't matter now!
Well, I suppose I'll let those two off the hook since they have a bright future ahead of them...
Author's Note
I will be taking a break next week as it is my birthday and I have a lot of paperwork to do, including filing my tax return.
Sorry, but thank you in advance! (^^)/