City Sightseeing

After Yuri and his companions departed, Margrave Noblebark stood paralyzed, staring at the gold coins left on the table.

“How did he realize it? No one has ever seen through it before.”

He had maintained a facade of weakness, backed by the gold coins he offered. Even if a visitor grew suspicious, their suspicion usually ended at the gold itself. Once people realize the coins are genuine, they generally react in one of two ways: they either take the money or they return it.

That was precisely why Margrave Noblebark had rigged the bag itself with a specific trick.

Specific Detection and Eavesdropping Magic.

He had concealed the magic circles for these spells within the bag's lining, using a matching thread color to ensure they remained inconspicuous. He had known the moment he laid eyes on them that Yuri’s group was dangerous. Thus, he had to ensure their movements were tracked as long as they remained within the Empire.

That was one of the Margrave’s primary duties.

Most people wouldn't think twice about a simple bag. It was his ultimate opening move, allowing him to naturally harvest information from his opposition. It was thanks to this ruse that Margrave Noblebark had maintained the upper hand against every foreign envoy he had encountered.

Until now.

“Yuri Lousouth is a fearsome man. I must report this to the First Rank—to First-sama—immediately.”

The tedious discussion finally over, we returned to the inn. After binding Ram as punishment for her various misdeeds, I decided it was time to head out and see the sights... or at least, that was the plan.

“Yuri-sama, would it be alright if I took a little time for myself?”

It was rare for Fee to ask for a break. She was a chronic overworker, so her wanting to rest was a welcome change. I agreed instantly.

“Of course. You should use this as an opportunity to take more frequent rest—"

“Thank you,” Fee interrupted with a smile. “But I will only consider resting more once you start doing it yourself, Yuri-sama.”

I frowned. I felt like I was resting quite a lot lately. On days I designated as holidays, I spent the entire time devoted to Magic Tool Crafting, or I let someone drag me along to look at the scenery.

...Actually, that wasn't any different from my daily routine. Does that mean every day is a holiday?

“I am resting properly, you know?”

“It’s because you say things like that that I can’t even dream of resting,” Fee said with a heavy sigh. “But I’m glad you’re at least taking the time for some leisurely sightseeing since we’re in a foreign country. You should invite Fritz-san along.”

“True. It’s been a while since it was just the two of us. It might be good to walk around together.”

From Fee’s tone, I gathered the women already had plans to get together. Much like me, Fritz was the type to spend his free time swinging a sword, so dragging him out was probably for the best. I figured I could use the time to properly teach him how to relax.

“Haa... the only person who doesn't understand is the man himself,” Fee muttered.

She seemed anxious about something, but she hurried off toward her meeting place, noting that she was on a schedule.

“Nothing for it, then. I suppose I’ll go find Fritz.”

Fee arrived at a light jog, sliding into the meeting spot just in time. She felt a pang of guilt for making Emilina, Elu, and Luna wait—all of whom held significantly higher social status than her—and she bowed deeply in apology.

“I’m so sorry for being late!”

“Don’t let it trouble you. It’s not even the scheduled time yet.”

“We simply arrived early,” the others added, their voices kind. None of them seemed the least bit bothered by her tardiness.

“More importantly,” Emilina asked, “were you able to successfully slip away from Yuri-sama?”

“Yes. He said he was going sightseeing in the city with Fritz.”

“I... would actually like to see that,” Elu murmured, her face flushing as she rested a hand against her cheek.

“We can check on them later. For now, let us settle our most pressing business.” Emilina clapped her hands together to command the group’s attention.

“...Is a birthday celebration really necessary?” Luna asked.

“It is a matter of the utmost importance, Luna-san,” Elu replied, her expression twisting with regret. “If we were in the Beast Kingdom, I would have rented out the entire castle for a grand gala.”

They had only recently discovered that Yuri had turned eleven. It had come up almost by accident when Fee mentioned it during a conversation in the Girls' Room at the inn.

“As his fiancée, I cannot possibly give him something mediocre!” Elu declared.

“And I shall provide my full cooperation,” Emilina said with a serene smile. “After all, strengthening the bond between you two so that you may produce an heir as soon as possible is in everyone's best interest.”

In Emilina’s eyes, the birth and stabilization of a nation where all races could coexist was her ultimate goal. Despite her tireless work behind the scenes, Yuri was far too dense to notice her machinations. But her efforts were finally bearing fruit; she had managed to steer things toward an official engagement with Elu.

As a Multi-race State, the union between Yuri, a Human, and Elu of the Beastman Race, carried immense political weight. The only remaining wild card was how Marina would react once she returned from the Holy Principality of Ames.

Furthermore, Luna’s presence in the Empire was a massive asset. Not only was she a powerhouse known as the Empire's Third, but Emilina suspected she was an Imperial noble—likely a high-ranking one—despite her attempts to hide it. It was also becoming increasingly clear that Luna was developing feelings for Yuri.

If that was the case, it would be wise to bring her fully into the fold. A nation tied to the Beast Kingdom, the Empire, and the Holy Principality of Ames would be untouchable by outside powers.

Now, if only Yuri would actually cooperate with the mood...

“He really is my greatest enemy,” Emilina whispered to herself, clutching her head as a fresh headache began to bloom.