Meeting

The following day, I found myself sitting down for a meeting with Second Prince Noris.

I was certain his goal was to determine if I, the Lord of this town, was engaging in any suspicious activities. After all, it had only been a short while since I had—by complete accident and purely through force majeure—sent my older sister, Miranda, flying. She was Noris’s fiancée, and no matter how unintentional it had been, the fact remained that I had laid a hand on her.

If he’s here to lodge a complaint, I doubt he’d be showing me such a friendly smile.

Was he here to confirm something else, then? I hadn't done anything else "wrong," strictly speaking. When I looked at it from that perspective, there was no reason to be so guarded. In fact, since I was acting for the benefit of the country, there was a chance he had come as the King's Messenger to offer me an ennoblement.

This town had certainly developed. Compared to the surrounding territories, it didn't pale in the slightest. Since I had accomplished all of this on my own, it wouldn’t be strange for them to recognize my potential and grant me a title at any moment.

If that happens, I can finally achieve independence as a noble.

If I secured that, the threat of ruin would finally vanish. My ultimate goal was within reach. I felt a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth and quickly suppressed it, reaching out to offer Noris a handshake.

“Thank you very much for traveling to such a remote land to see us,” I said.

“No, no, the pleasure is mine. I must say, I am truly moved by the high level of technology in this country,” Noris replied.

For some reason, the Second Prince was acting incredibly reverent toward me. Furthermore, his tone suggested he viewed this place as an entirely separate nation. Surely I’m just imagining things?

“That is all thanks to the kingdom allowing me to act so freely,” I offered humbly.

“Hahaha, surely you jest. This is all due to Lord Yuri's power.”

This is a good sign. The Second Prince was openly acknowledging my influence.

“Actually, Lord Yuri, I was hoping to count on that power of yours for a certain request...?”

I braced myself. Here it is. The main event. He was likely going to test me to see if I was truly worthy of being a noble. I welcomed it. For the sake of my independence, I would tackle whatever he threw at me with everything I had.

“Of course. What is it you require of me?”

“The truth is... I would like you to shelter me here.”

Hearing that, I felt I had a grasp on the general situation. Second Prince Noris was likely being targeted by assassins. He needed a place to hide until the culprit was identified, and he had chosen this town. It was a remote border region, perfect for lying low. Moreover, I was on good terms with the leaders of neighboring countries—I was even engaged to them. If things went south, he could easily flee across the border.

“And who exactly is your opponent?” I asked.

“Well, there are many. But one in particular is a devil-like person.”

A devil-like person? So he’s being targeted by the Demon Race?

“I suppose I should consult Lucille about this,” I mused aloud. “She’s knowledgeable about the Demon Race, so she might have an idea who we’re dealing with.”

“L-Lucille... you say?!” Noris stammered, his face paling. “Um, would that happen to be... the one from the Demon Race?”

“Yes, that’s her. You’ve heard of her?”

To be honest, there was much I didn't know about her myself. She was a being who could even repel my Appraisal. All I knew for sure was that she was a member of the Demon Race and that she was remarkably powerful despite her appearance.

“W-What on earth do you intend to do with Lady Lucille?”

“Well, discuss your situation with her, of course...”

Since Lucille was the most knowledgeable person in this territory regarding her kind, it was only natural to ask her. However, Noris looked deeply conflicted. I thought I understood his hesitation; as a member of the Royal Family, he probably felt awkward asking for help from someone who looked like a little girl.

“It’s alright,” I reassured him. “I’ll be the one talking to her directly. For a matter like this, there’s no one more suited than her.”

“I-I see... It is a matter of that magnitude, then. Truly, there is much I have yet to perceive...”

“Indeed. It’s a necessary step to ensure your request is fulfilled.”

“But... is it even possible to secure an audience with Lady Lucille on such short notice?”

“Eh? Oh, I suppose you wouldn't know. Lucille lives here, in this territory.”

I hadn't seen much point in reporting the presence of a single child of the Demon Race, even if she was powerful.

“What?!” Noris nearly jumped out of his seat. “She—she lives here?! Is that true?!”

He was so shocked he looked ready to hit the ceiling. Is that a normal reaction to finding out a Demon is living in human lands?

“If you like, I can call her over right now?”

“N-No! No, that won't be necessary!” he shouted, waving his hands frantically. “When the time comes to meet her, I shall go to her directly!”