New Trouble

Despite the various complications I’d faced, I had finally managed to secure a modicum of peace.

Second Prince Noris had promised me my independence. However, if I were asked if everything was truly under control, I’d have to admit that a seed of doubt remained. After all, the man standing behind the King was my own father, Balan Lousouth.

Would he really recognize my independence so easily?

It wasn't hard to imagine him wanting to drive a "nuisance" like me out as quickly as possible. Yet, I suspected there would be strings attached. Given that my house came from a lineage of Masterminds… he might demand I assist in some act of treason against the Royal Family.

This Frontier Region was the perfect place to conduct a clandestine Assassination.

The roads had become busier lately, and the general bustle of the area was on the rise, but the number of actual citizens from the Kingdom of Inraku remained small. The highways were still treacherous. When I first arrived, I’d been set upon by a massive pack of Wolf monsters. Only those with heavy specialized guard details or High-rank Adventurers could reach this place in one piece.

I had been sending Ram out to clear the surrounding area of threats, but I couldn't be sure exactly how much of a dent she was making. More importantly, I didn't know if the news of her patrols had reached the ears of those within the Kingdom of Inraku. This place was a magnet for eccentrics, and those who traveled here without a specific reason usually had a few screws loose.

For example…

If I were in Balan’s position, I wouldn't just send any old messenger to oversee the establishment of a new Noble House, I thought.

Normally, one would travel to the Royal Capital to be directly granted their Ennoblement by the King. However, since I was stationed in a Frontier Region guarding the border, summoning me would be difficult. In that case, the King would likely send a member of the Royal Family to act as his proxy.

Logically, Noris would be the best fit since we had met before, but he was already the fiancé of the eldest daughter, Miranda. There was no reason for my father to discard a piece he had already moved into his own camp.

If that’s the case, they’ll send a different royal. Someone who can implicitly deliver the order: ‘Carry out a secret assassination.’

Of course, following an order like that would lead me straight to Ruin. But since Balan was the one pulling the strings, he likely had a plan in place. Even if I didn't kill the royal myself, someone else would do the deed and make it look like I was the culprit.

And yet, if I didn't graciously welcome the arriving royal, my hopes for Independence would vanish.

The path forward is clear, I realized. I have to protect this royal guest and secure my independence at any cost!

“Yuri-sama? Are you thinking about something strange again?”

Fee’s voice broke through my reverie. She was looking at me with a worried expression as I sat hunched over my desk.

“I’m not thinking about anything strange,” I replied.

“When you say that, it’s usually a sign you’re about to do something bizarre. You aren't allowed to do any Mountain Blasting!”

“When did I ever say I was going to do that?”

“You look like you’ll do it eventually!”

“…Now that you mention it, I did say that if we hit hard Bedrock while digging for Ore, I’d just use a Bomb to shatter it… Alright, then—”

“No!” she shouted.

“I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“I can guess what you’re thinking. You are not allowed to blow up the mountain!”

“It’s fine. I’ll just use my Earth Magic to put it back the way it was afterward…”

“That’s not what ‘back to normal’ means!”

Fee showed no signs of backing down. I sighed. I’d just have to handle the mining situation in secret later.

“And don’t think you can do it in secret, either!”

Is she reading my mind? Am I really that transparent?

Regardless, I needed that Ore if I was going to continue crafting Magic Tools. It would become a necessity sooner or later. I’d just have to find a way to do it without making her angry.

“Let’s just set that aside for now.”

“...Don't you dare ‘set it aside’!”

“Anyway, could you go find Fritz for me?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Fritz-san?”

“Yeah. I have a favor to ask him.”

“Fine. I’ll go get him right away, but don’t you dare blow up a mountain while I’m gone!”

After a few more stern warnings, Fee finally left the room.

Now then, while I waited, I decided to do a little prospecting. I focused my awareness on my Magic Power and began to probe the earth beneath me.

As I suspected, the area was a literal treasure trove; I quickly located several spots where rich veins of Ore were likely buried. However, as I searched, I felt something else—the presence of several individuals heading toward my territory.

There were a few who possessed significant power, and then…

“Just as I expected.”

How I handled this would determine whether my future ended in Ruin. And it wasn't just about me anymore. The faces of everyone living in my territory flashed through my mind.

That’s right. I’m not alone.

I had to protect the people of this land. I wouldn't let my father or anyone else use us as pawns in their games. With renewed resolve, I expanded my search, looking for any other presences that might be lurking in the shadows of the approaching group.