Chapter 101 - Return to the Marquis's Estate
While waiting for word from House Gerdodus, I spent a few days helping Zenobia, sweating and toiling. During that time, the much-anticipated bath was finally completed, and the living conditions at our base saw significant improvements.
However, the thought of something going wrong at our base grew stronger. It became clear that enhancing our defenses was necessary. Merely having people around wasn't enough. Even if we could defeat the enemy, damage to our base would be unacceptable.
Unanimously, we decided to fortify the base. I took charge of the overall command and had Priene and the others carry out most of the renovations. My goal was to create a fortress that would discourage any attacker from even considering an assault.
I entrusted the design and exterior construction to Priene, who was skilled in architecture. Once that was done, it was my turn to step in. I used the full power of mineral magic to reinforce the structure thoroughly, ensuring it could withstand even large-scale magical attacks.
I also focused on the surrounding defenses, aiming to prevent anyone from getting close to the base in the first place. For instance, dealing with strange characters at the neighboring warehouses was a hassle. So, I decided to occupy the surrounding warehouses without permission.
After all, the warehouse we were using was also claimed by House Gerdodus without any formal right. We wouldn't let anyone complain if we did the same. In the current Royal Capital, anyone asserting ownership is likely a bold opportunist, not the original owner. There was no need to worry.
I decided to enclose the entire warehouse complex with an outer wall, transforming it into a formidable base. Fortunately, the warehouses were empty, so we didn't have to deal with the hassle of evicting anyone. I left it to Priene to decide whether to demolish or utilize the warehouses. If additional help was needed, I'd lend a hand.
The outer walls, reinforced by my magic, gave us all a great sense of satisfaction.
While we were busy with this, the messenger I sent to Exembra returned, bringing additional personnel. According to my knowledge, there were only two novice healers, but now there were four. To my surprise, Colette-san was also with them.
"Hey, I'm here."
"…You're here. Well, it's fine, I guess. Actually, having Colette-san here will ease my burden. But is it really okay?"
"I thought it would be good experience for the newbies. Rosabel wanted to come too, but having all the healers here isn't practical, right?"
Colette-san had apparently come to guide the new healers. I had hesitated about asking her to come, but now that she was here, it was a relief. The messenger had explained the situation, so they knew what to do. Colette-san could even create some potions, which was a huge help. I would have the new healers assist under her guidance, given their limited abilities.
When I inquired about the situation in Exembra, it seemed to be running smoothly, which was a relief.
With the new additions, we were beginning to settle into our lives in the Royal Capital when, at last, a messenger from Gerdodus arrived. They said that the Countess had agreed to a meeting and wanted me to come to the Marquis's estate for preparations. I was to go alone.
The Countess had vanished for a reason, and she only met a select few, not wanting to share information. It made sense.
"Is this a trap? Yukari, are you really going alone?"
"Onee-sama, I want to go with you."
At our base, Valeria, Gradena, and I sat at a table with the messenger, a butler-like man. His demand that I come alone seemed suspicious. Too suspicious.
"The peace of the Royal Capital is tied to the stability of Exembra. I must meet the Countess, who holds the key to this. I understand her position and must comply to some extent. If they're trying to set me up, I'll fight. However, I have conditions."
"Conditions? I'm afraid I cannot accept that."
The butler seemed bewildered. He was just a messenger and couldn't make such decisions.
"I'll go to the Marquis's estate, but Valeria and Gradena must come with me. I can meet the Countess alone, but since I won't be alone in the Marquis's estate, I need someone who knows the situation. If I'm delayed, who knows what my people might do."
"...Very well, you may accompany us to the estate, but the final decision rests with the master."
"Fair enough. I have preparations to make, so I'll come later. Tell them to prepare tea and snacks for three."
I dismissed the messenger and entrusted the base's operations to Gradena. Things were likely to get complicated.
The Countess's disappearance suggested she might not even be in the Royal Capital. If I went to meet her, I might not return for a while. The delay in communication from Gerdodus was also concerning. Was it due to distance, procedural delays, or just a delay to annoy me?
I needed to prepare for the possibility of being away for some time. The Kikyo Society had capable members, and the base had strong leaders who could handle any situation. I briefed Gradena on my plans, making her the Acting Vice-Commander in my absence. If I returned quickly, that would be fine too.
The tasks I needed them to handle were already clear to everyone. They would continue their usual activities, such as battling bandits and monsters. The pace of bandit hunting had slowed due to the bandits' unpredictable movements, but the guild, now regaining strength, was still understaffed, and the Kikyo Society was helping. They mainly worked with Zenobia.
The monster culling was ongoing. The Royal Capital, situated between two rivers, had a vast forest on the other side. Our focus was on the southern forest, where the monster population seemed endless. The northern forest was also being tackled by the guild, but the situation was still dire. Continued effort was necessary.
Another task I wanted them to handle was the elimination of opposing forces. We had been gathering information on the nobles and merchants who had allied with Gerdodus. Josephine and the others were analyzing the information, and I wanted them to start acting on it when ready. They would handle it without my direct instruction.
With most members out, the base's leadership rested with Gradena and Valeria. I briefed Gradena on the situation, even if my absence was brief.
"Well, no point in delaying. Let's get going."
I decided not to use Delta for a short trip and opted for a mid-sized jeep. Gradena drove, and we arrived at the Marquis's estate after a brief detour. The butler opened the gate, and we were led to the same reception room as before. We waited for a while, enjoying high-quality snacks, when a knock announced our visitor.
It was the head of House Gerdodus himself. He sat down and had tea served, then dismissed the staff, leaving us alone.
"Good day, Marquis. It's been a while. You don't look very well."
"As you can see, my health is not the best. I didn't want to cause you any trouble."
"That could be my line. Never mind. Since you're here alone, you must want to discuss the Countess. It's okay for these two to stay, right?"
I glanced at the reliable and defiant-looking Gradena and Valeria. Gerdodus seemed annoyed but quickly decided to ignore it.
"It will take time to meet the Countess. I can't have the estate attacked while I'm gone. However, this must remain confidential. Don't let it leak, even to your inner circle."
"Of course, I'll only share it with my senior members. If they don't know the situation, they might storm the place. But I promise it won't go further."
The Marquis hesitated but eventually relented due to my firm stance.
"Fine. Meeting the Countess requires complex procedures. You won't be able to return for some time. Whether you can meet her at all depends on you. The requirement for you to go alone is also from the other side. Breaking it could mean you won't meet her at all."
How secure is this place? I have no choice but to go alone.
The entrance itself suggests it won't be easy. It will take time and effort.
"I don't mind going alone. But what's the deal with the Countess? It's not normal."
"The Countess has many enemies. Not just me, but Keithling is also after her life. She must be cautious."
Keithling, the next head of the Gerdodus family. Things are that bad, huh?
The Countess, a well-known figure from the former Kingdom of Brenark and the wife of Count Oversta, had many enemies, including assassins from Retnark. Her situation was dire, and her resources were limited compared to House Gerdodus.
"So, where is she? I hope it's not too far."
"Don't worry, the location is within the Royal Capital. However, it's a secret, and I can't reveal it in advance."
"What? You won't even tell me where I'm going?"
"Correct. If you refuse, the deal is off. That's the other side's condition."
I don't know where I'm going or when I'll return. The Countess is quite demanding.
But I'm intrigued.
"Fine, I'll go. However, I have conditions. You need to inform the Kikyo Society of my safety. There's a limit to how long I can be gone. If you can't even confirm my safety, my members won't be satisfied. At least send a letter every few days. I'll accept some level of inspection."
"Very well, I'll arrange it."
The Marquis reluctantly agreed. I turned to the dependable Gradena.
"Gradena, if you don't hear from me in five days, handle things as you see fit."
"Leave it to me. Even if I don't say anything, the others won't sit still."
I patted Gradena's shoulder and lightly stroked Valeria's head, who gave off an unsettling aura.
The plan was set. I wanted to get the formalities over with quickly. I sent Gradena and Valeria back first, without allowing them to follow me.
I wondered where I was being taken.
After a maid's service, the butler informed me that everything was ready.
"The Countess's carriage is here. If you're ready, please follow me."
I stepped outside to find a sturdy, iron-barred carriage waiting.
...I have a bad feeling about this.
Next, "The Tragedy of the Pig Cage" will continue!