A New Visitor

I had been left in charge of the territory while Yuri was away.

Looking at the mountain of paperwork on my desk, the sheer absurdity of the problems made me want to throw everything aside and quit.

"Why is the workload so lopsided?! And as for Al... research funds for a Meat Field? How could he possibly think such a thing is feasible?"

Al, having grown up as an orphan, lacked any semblance of a formal education. Paradoxically, that lack of constraint had allowed him to produce wild ideas with incredible results, such as bringing the Shepherd Fairies (Ram) into our fold and completely reforming the territory’s food supply. It was no exaggeration to say that his success was due entirely to his unique talent for managing the other orphans.

On the other hand, his lack of common sense led to him planting precious cuts of meat in the earth, mass-producing a suspicious white powder, and picking fights with every passing mercenary he laid eyes on.

"Big Bro—no, how on earth did Brother ever manage to keep this territory from falling apart?"

In truth, he had simply let everyone do as they pleased, maintaining his position at the top as the Lord without micromanaging the chaos.

"First, I need to explain to Al that meat does not, in fact, grow from the soil... but who can I even ask to handle that?"

The lack of qualified educators was a glaring weakness in our territory. For now, I had to rely on the village elders, but their lessons didn't seem to be sticking. Perhaps I should look into hiring someone from the outside?

As I muddled through these thoughts, a door materialized in the center of the room. Ren stepped through. As a former member of the underground Crow Guild, he and his associates were currently handling our intelligence operations.

"Pardon the intrusion."

"It’s a bit late for that once you’re already inside, Ren-san."

"It’s the nature of my ability. Have a little heart."

"I understand. So, what do you have for me?"

We exchanged a few pleasantries before moving to the heart of the matter.

"...The Lousouth Main House shows no signs of movement for the time being," Ren reported.

"I imagine they learned their lesson after the last raid."

Even for my father, Baran, mobilizing another country's forces must have been a reckless gamble that cost a staggering amount of gold. Since he had gained absolutely nothing from the venture, I had assumed he wouldn't strike again so soon. It seemed my intuition was correct.

"However," Ren continued, "there are reports that Baran’s eldest daughter, Miranda, has departed the Royal Capital. We are currently verifying the details."

"Thank you. If my elder sister is on the move, I wonder if she intends to try and seduce Brother herself?"

"If that’s the case, we have nothing to worry about. Yuri-sama is only interested in little girls."

"T-That’s right, isn't it?! After all, Brother has a very deep interest in me..."

I caught myself speaking too quickly and realized Ren was watching me. I felt my face flush and forced a dry cough.

"Ahem. Regardless, keep a close watch on the Lousouth House. Is there anything else?"

"Things are getting restless within the Kingdom as well. Security is tight, so I haven't grasped the specifics yet. I’ll report as soon as I know more."

"Please do."

"Also... it seems there was a recent civil war in the Beast Kingdom."

"What!?"

I dropped my pen. I lunged forward, grabbing the front of his clothes.

"I-Is Brother safe?!"

"C-Calm down. You’re... choking me..."

At his strained voice, I snapped back to reality and released his neck.

"Ahem. My apologies. I was a bit... unsettled."

"I’d appreciate it if you didn't kill me just because you’re 'unsettled.'"

"I-I am sorry. In the future... I will try to be more careful."

"You won't even give me a straight promise, will you?" Ren sighed, looking exasperated before continuing his report. "The conflict apparently ended in the blink of an eye. Rumor has it that a Son-in-law leading the White Cotton Candy Devil played a pivotal role... Hiee!?"

Ren had been reciting the report verbatim, but he suddenly recoiled. Perhaps he saw the shadow of an ogre manifesting behind my smile.

"Is something wrong, Ren-san? Please, continue."

"N-No, that’s essentially everything—"

"There’s more, isn't there? I’m curious as to why Brother is being referred to as a 'Son-in-law.' Does he intend to be adopted into the Beast Kingdom's royalty?"

"Hiee! T-That was merely the Beast King's personal wish! I don't believe Yuri-sama has any such intention—"

"Oh, is that so? Please, don't startle me like that."

I let my smile return to normal, though Ren’s expression remained frozen in a cramped grimace.

"Then there is the Empire. This may be the real problem."

"The Empire... they’re said to possess military strength far exceeding our own. Are they planning to attack us?"

"No. It seems they’ve developed a personal interest in Yuri-sama following the incident in the Beast Kingdom. There’s a high probability they will attempt to make contact soon."

In reality, Brother had already decimated the ranks of the Single Digits (specifically the Ninth), but it seemed that information hadn't reached Ren yet.

"In that case, I must send a letter to Brother immediately. Yes, that is for the best."

I clapped my hands together happily and set to work. I produced a stack of letters far too thick for a simple status report and pressed them into Ren’s hands.

"Deliver these to Brother without fail. If you happen to fail—"

"I will deliver them immediately. With absolute certainty!" Ren saluted sharply, conjured a door, and vanished into his teleportation.

No sooner had he left than Emma came rushing in. I had put her in charge of the territory’s security.

"Sasha-chan, it’s a disaster!!"

"What’s happened?"

"It’s Miss Boobs! Miss Boobs is here!!"

Emma’s report was completely nonsensical. However, I could sense the gravity of the situation. Some incredibly dangerous entity was approaching. Miss Boobs... it was likely the name of a high-ranking Demon seeking to raze this land. The air felt heavy with foreboding.

"I understand. Emma-san, I’m leaving the Command to you. Contact Al and the others. We cannot allow this territory to fall while Brother is away!"

"Got it! Interception mode, engaged!"

Emma wound her arms like windmills, psyching herself up as she sprinted out of the room.

"I suppose I should go as well. I must see what kind of Miss Boobs—what kind of terrifying Demon—has dared to show its face."

I cast a brief, fleeting glance at my own chest, then shook my head. I gripped my favorite staff and followed Emma into the fray.