The True Enemy?

It had been ages since I’d set foot in my own territory. When Sasha approached me, insisting she had various matters to report, I told her I’d hear the details tomorrow. I needed to rest my body—which, for me, meant locking myself in the Research Room adjacent to my bedroom in the manor.

"I couldn't really test much during the trip. The surveillance was just too tight."

"Heh... and exactly what kind of surveillance was that?"

"I couldn't do anything dangerous near Elu or Luna. And above all, Fee was..."

"Fee was what?"

No, wait a second.

I should have entered the Research Room alone. If that's the case, who on earth am I talking to right now?

I froze mid-work and slowly looked behind me. There stood Fee, a smile directed right at me.

"Yuri-sama, weren't you supposed to be resting properly?"

"A-Ahaha... T-That was the plan, but I just couldn't get to sleep."

"That's a lie. We entered the manor together, but Yuri-sama didn't head for the bed. You came straight to this room first."

"You... don't tell me."

Perhaps it was because she had been guarding me all this time, but as she grew, Fee had acquired a multitude of Assassination-type Skills.

If I had been on high alert, it might have been one thing, but it was nearly impossible to sense her presence when I had let my guard down, giddy with the prospect of finally resuming my research in my own home.

"If you're going to be like this, Fee can never let her guard down."

"B-But everyone needs a breather once in a while, right?"

"In Yuri-sama's case, you immerse yourself in research for days on end. That's not a 'breather.'"

"Ugh..."

She had me. As expected of Fee—she’d spent so much time by my side that she could read my moves before I even made them.

However, I had grown too.

I wasn't about to collapse from Magic Power Depletion at this late stage. When it came to magic itself, I truly believed I was no match for Sage Melty. Though, if I ever said that to Melty herself, she’d likely retort, "I do not possess such common-sense-defying Magic Power or logic!"

"It's okay. You can work for just a little bit. As a breather."

It seemed Fee hadn't come here to stop me after all. She sat down next to me, still wearing that smile. Was she in a good mood? It was rare for her to give me the green light.

"Is it really okay?"

"I know that Yuri-sama won't cause Magic Power Depletion anymore."

"Alright then. In that case, I'll go all night—"

"But even if your Magic Power is incredible, your physical strength is lower than Fee's. I'll be watching closely to make sure you don't push yourself too hard."

My aptitude should have been higher, but since I rarely trained my body, Fee’s numerical growth in physical stats had apparently surpassed mine. Usually, I could use magic to buff myself, so the gap didn't feel significant. But if I didn't stay mindful of it, I could easily become a liability in an environment where magic was sealed.

Since I have the aptitude for it, maybe I should do a bit of physical training.

First, as a precursor to the special training, I'll start with an all-nighter—

"Yuri-sama is thinking of something bad again!"

I hadn't said a word, yet Fee somehow saw right through me.

"N-No, it’s nothing like that..."

"I know you. You were probably planning to spend several days straight on Magic Tool Crafting."

"No, no, it's not that bad!"

"Ha! So you were thinking of something similar!"

She had skillfully led me into a trap and read my thoughts. Fee, who I thought was angry, suddenly burst out laughing. Drawn in by her mirth, I found myself laughing along with her.

"This place has finally developed enough to be called a town."

There were less than four years left until the deadline. Judging by the current pace of development, I felt like I had room to breathe.

"We'll make it bigger and bigger. We'll turn it into a great country that won't lose to the Kingdom."

Fee spread her arms wide to emphasize the scale.

"That's right... At this rate, it certainly will become a substantial territory... Wait. What did you just say?"

"Make it bigger and bigger."

"No, after that."

"Make it a great country!"

Fee said it as if it were the most natural conclusion in the world.

Where did I go wrong? How did I let her succumb to such a massive misunderstanding?

"I have no intention of founding a country, you know."

"...Is that so?" Fee looked genuinely shocked.

"Of course! No matter how you look at it, I'm just performing the duties of an ordinary Lord..."

I paused to think about it calmly.

True, depending on the perspective, my actions thus far could be seen as laying the groundwork for a new nation. I doubt the Beast King or the Emperor would misunderstand, but it wouldn't be strange for someone who doesn't know me to see it that way.

If that happened, there was a very real possibility I would be reported for plotting to rebel against the Kingdom of Inraku.

This is bad. This is very bad... Even though the town has developed enough that Independence is within reach, being branded as a Rebel would change everything.

Fortunately, this was the frontier, far removed from the Royal Capital. It would still be a while before rumors reached the ears of the high nobility. Even then, they wouldn't be able to mobilize immediately; they would likely send someone they trusted to this territory first to scout the situation.

And if they sensed an intent to revolt during that investigation, that’s when the army would move.

"...I should strengthen the defenses, just in case."

The situation wasn't going to change overnight, anyway.

"Oh, that reminds me," Fee said. "Someone came by saying they wanted to meet Yuri-sama. They were introduced by Emilina-san, and they're currently teaching Al and the others their lessons here in the territory."

It seemed that even if the Kingdom Faction hadn't arrived yet, the Protagonist Faction was already on its way.