Chapter 92: Townsperson A Prepares for the Decisive Battle

"I see. So Duke Schlestein accepted the terms?"

"Yes. There were no raised voices or blades drawn; we were able to negotiate quite peacefully."

"Is that so? It sounds like you handled it well."

"It was only possible thanks to your advice. Also, on my way back, I took a look at the state of the Royal Capital."

"Oh? And how did the battle look?"

"The city isn't under siege yet. For now, it seems the two sides are locked in a standoff."

"If that’s the case, the Empire might be unable to maintain its expeditionary force and eventually withdraw. What about the influence of that Witch?"

"It’s significant. From what I saw, about ten to twenty percent of the residents already appeared to be under her spell. She was deliberately performing healing magic in public squares and even holding rallies. I suspect she’s brought someone capable of managing her public image under her control."

"That is... problematic."

Gerhardt-san's expression, which had been detached until now, shifted into something much more grim.

To be blunt, the situation was worse than problematic.

Originally, Amy had been the game’s Heroine, so it went without saying that she was beautiful. We weren't talking about "cutest girl in class" territory; she was a one-in-ten-thousand-year beauty. On top of that, the Divine Protection of the Witch of Enchantment had amplified her feminine charms to a supernatural degree.

Until now, the simple-minded Amy had been thinking and acting for herself. But what would happen if someone who actually understood public relations stepped in? If a strategist wrote a Scenario and moved the exquisite pawn known as Amy according to a plan, the results would be catastrophic.

The number of people falling under Amy’s sway would grow exponentially. As proof, I’d noticed a significant number of women attending the rallies I’d scouted.

Regardless of what their initial intentions might have been, the person "producing" her was likely already fully under her influence. By now, they were surely racking their brains to better serve their beloved "Saint of Benevolence."

"So, Allen, what’s your read?"

"It’s just a guess, but I believe Centlaren will eventually repel the Imperial Army. After that, Duke Schlestein and his Second Prince Faction will likely launch a campaign against the Witch, using her defeat as their grand justification."

"I agree."

"Therefore, I’m going to spend the intervening time making preparations with Ana."

"Preparations?"

"Yes. We’re heading to the Wind Mountain Labyrinth to increase Ana's level. It’s the best spot for rapid growth."

"I see. Just be careful."

Lately, perhaps because I’d finally earned his trust, he’d stopped opposing my plans. Now that Ana’s stamina had recovered to a functional level, I wanted to get her to at least level 30 while I had the chance.

Between her two Divine Protections, [Sky Knight] and [Ice Saint], a properly leveled Ana should be unstoppable. I wanted to ensure our preparations were flawless for the coming decisive battle. This time, there would be no room for negligence.

"However," Gerhardt added, "no matter how much it’s for Ana’s sake, don't go throwing your life away."

"I won't. I'm done with that kind of thing. Well then, please excuse me."

With that, I left Gerhardt-san’s office and made a beeline for a specific spot in the town of Wiechen.

"Out-of-season snow fell on the southern island. Since I’m coming the day before yesterday, it will rain tomorrow."

Click.

As soon as I uttered those nonsensical words, the door swung open.

I stepped inside. Just like the shop back in Luluden, the tiny, six-tatami-mat space was crammed with all sorts of suspicious items. Sitting behind the back counter was the familiar old woman.

"Oh, welcome. What are you looking for today?"

"Ten large Ice Spirit Stones."

Ice Spirit Stones were special items created by processing the Magic Stones of ice-type monsters; they served to amplify ice magic.

In the game, the player used a Sky Dragon's Magic Stone to create a super-sized Wind Spirit Stone, which was then used to rain down area-of-effect Wind Magic on the Villainess—the final boss—and the Imperial Army.

The Lulu Store was the only place that could perform that kind of processing. It required precious Magic Stones and cost a fortune. Naturally, it was an item meant for "pay-to-win" players.

"Ten large ones? I’m afraid I only have one large Ice Spirit Stone in stock. Magic Stones from Blizzard Phoenix-class monsters don't exactly grow on trees, you know."

I pulled nine Blizzard Phoenix Magic Stones from my Magic Bag and lined them up on the counter.

"Can you prepare them with these? I need them as soon as possible."

For the first time, I saw a flicker of genuine shock cross the old woman’s normally stoic face.

"I... Yes, I can do that. Impressive as always, Allen von Ramslett-sama. To think that little boy would grow into such a man... I'll have them ready in two weeks. Will 3.6 million Ram be acceptable?"

"Yeah. I appreciate it."

The Ram was the currency of the Kingdom of Ramslett. The name was, obviously, derived from Ramslett. For the moment, the exchange rate was 1 Cent to 1 Ram, but there was no telling how long that would last.

There was certainly no guarantee that the currency of the Sentlaren Kingdom—which was guaranteed to lose territory and influence—would maintain its value.

For the record, I’d already converted almost all of my Cent-based assets into Ram. My adventurer registration had been moved to Wiechen as well, so I wouldn't be hurting even if Cent assets became worthless.

With my business concluded, I left the Lulu Store behind.