A Reincarnator?

The conversation finally settled down. I sank deep into my chair and turned my attention toward Acre.

"To reintroduce myself—though I suppose it’s unnecessary at this point—I am Yuri Lousouth, the Lord of this territory. I’m grateful you went to the trouble of coming all the way from the Royal Capital for our sake."

"Oh, think nothing of it. It was a request from none other than Emilina-san, after all," she replied. "I am Alexia Northraid, a Priest of the Church. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Acre—now introduced as Alexia—bowed her head.

The moment I heard that name, I reflexively glanced back at Fee. She looked mortified, realizing she had remembered the name incorrectly. She ducked her head in an apologetic gesture meant only for me.

"A Priest... I see. You aren't a Saint?"

"I’m afraid I cannot use Holy Magic," Alexia said with a smile, though she offered no further explanation.

"My apologies. I shouldn't have asked something so insensitive."

"Not at all. Thanks to that lack of talent, I was able to stay with Emilina, and eventually come to this territory to meet you, Yuri-sama. I must thank God for that."

She pressed her palms together in a brief, graceful prayer.

"So," I said, steering the topic back, "what do you think of the state of the territory? It’s a bit of a disaster, isn't it?"

The population was growing, but the vast majority of the residents were either children or mercenaries. Trying to educate a horde of children while simultaneously managing the territory without everything grinding to a halt was a monumental task.

In truth, we had practically thrown our hands up in despair.

Yet Alexia seemed to be handling it with an air of effortless composure. She was clearly experienced, but I still found it impossible to imagine the hot-headed Al following her orders obediently.

"Just what kind of magic did you use on them?"

"I didn't use any magic at all."

As she spoke, Alexia crossed her arms, a movement that served to emphasize her bust. Every one of her gestures seemed calculated to draw the eye. The fact that she did it so casually made it all the more dangerous. Perhaps that was why Al and the others were suddenly so well-behaved.

"...I see. Would you mind if I stopped by later to watch you teach?"

"Of course not. I'm sure the children would be delighted."

I also wanted to check on the state of the fields. Al had been spouting some utter nonsense a while back about creating a 'Meat Field.' I assumed that now that he was receiving a proper education, he’d transitioned to managing the crops like a normal human being. Food security was vital for our independence, so any progress there was welcome.

"I’ll head over later, then. But for now... tell me, Alexia. Is there something you want me to do for you?"

Between the sales of the magic tool refrigerators, our finances were relatively stable. However, to someone from the central Church in the Royal Capital, our coffers were likely a pittance. I found it hard to believe they would send a specialist to the frontier out of pure altruism without expecting something in return.

The most logical conclusion was that Alexia had been dispatched because there was something the Church—or Alexia herself—wanted from me.

Alexia’s smile widened. "I heard from Emilina that you are aiming for Independence, Yuri-sama."

"That’s right. I intend to make this land an independent sovereign state."

I had already told my inner circle, so there was no point in hiding it now. If she was Emilina’s acquaintance, she had almost certainly heard the details through her.

"I would like to help you achieve that. Though, to be clear, this is less the Church’s agenda and more my own personal desire."

"And why is that? What merit is there for you in my independence?"

"If I had to put it into words... my goal is the same as yours, Yuri-sama."

The same as mine?

My goal was to escape the "collective responsibility" that would inevitably destroy the Lousouth House—the Mastermind Family. I couldn't imagine Alexia had any connection to my family, but...

The only reason I knew about the impending doom and was working to prevent it was because of my knowledge of the game's plot.

...Is Alexia a Reincarnator too?

If she was, she just became a incredibly dangerous variable. I couldn't be certain yet, and there was always the chance she was simply misunderstanding my motivations. However, she wasn't showing any signs of hostility. For now, the best move was to use her.

"I see. That’s encouraging. I’ll gladly take all the help I can get to reach that goal."

"Yes, of course. For that sake, I wouldn't even mind sharing your bed."

"Please, do mind it!" Elu shouted, clinging to my arm. Beside her, Fee and Luna nodded in fierce agreement.

"My, Yuri-sama. You really are well-loved," Alexia giggled. "That’s exactly why you’re so much fun to tea—no, it's nothing."

"You’re doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

"Your reactions are just so innocent, I couldn't help myself. Well then, shall we head out?"

I realized then that it was already past noon. It was time for the children's study session to begin.