Volume 4 Chapter 27 The Abyss Of Politics Begins To Move
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Kahoru-chan is staying in the Seron Duchy. Shiori-chan was asked to send her close friend Kahoru-chan to take care of Haruka-chan, who was mentally down. However, I did not know about the medicine Shiori-chan was developing…
And, on this day too, I was busy. A letter came from the Quvarian Empire saying something like, “We will set up a place to discuss the cession of territory,” it declared formally.
Naturally irritated, I wrote back a refusal, ignoring all diplomatic etiquette.
”Oh oh, quite bold, aren’t you?” Weed-san said with a grin. “Though weakened, you’re going head-to-head with the Quvarian Empire, the superior nation.”
Weed-san looked pleased. The Quvarian Empire is a great power… I hadn’t even known that.
”Is the Quvarian Empire one of the top tiers?” I asked.
”Oh, of course. It’s the leader of the 5-nation alliance. Well, they’re cowards who abandoned Seron Duchy and McGaref, but their national strength is about upper-lower tier. McGaref alone is lower-middle, but if you remove that, the Quvarian Empire alone is upper-middle. Right, Kanare?” Weed-san glanced at Kanare-san for confirmation.
Kanare-san gave a wry smile and nodded. Following this abandonment incident, there seems to be a rise in independence sentiment in McGaref. Originally, the empire had little concern for the northern region where McGaref is located, being embroiled in wars in the south. It seems frustration about that had been accumulating as well.
”By the way, how about this country?” I asked.
”Oh, it’s certainly lower-upper,” Weed-san answered promptly with a smile. I caught an unpleasant evaluation in his tone.
”To add, the Lesta Kingdom is lower-lower. Adding lower-lower to lower-upper doesn’t improve anything. Rather, it becomes a drag, and together the two countries are about lower-middle,” Weed-san continued.
”That’s true. In terms of national strength, there are quite a few harsh points. After all, the combined population of both countries is only about the same as McGaref,” Ranka-san agreed.
I heard an even worse evaluation. Judging from Ranka-san’s agreement, the analysis seemed accurate.
”There’s a lot to do. Above all, there is a shortage of governors,” Ranka-san added seriously.
”Indeed. Rusty has managed to pick up those with Combat Skills, but competent people for internal affairs are rare… and the skills for those positions are extremely few,” Weed-san said with a sigh.
The current situation was a complete lack of everything. In a few days, we had to return to McGaref to clear the depths of the labyrinth. We needed money. Above all, we needed money. When I lived as a Japanese person, I never understood the blessing of a nation having money. Thank you very much, Bank of Japan.
For now, the Clarice matter was settled, so next was Haruka-chan’s mental care. When I told Weed-san about this, he agreed.
”Oh, that’s crucial,” Weed-san said thoughtfully. “Takumi seems like he’ll become a good ruler. Though a bit too soft, and in battle, worse than an insect.”
The last words were unnecessary, though. But being praised by an adult with abundant life experience like Weed-san did not feel bad at all.
* * *
”Yahhoo, Takumi-chi! Your convenient local wife Kahoru-chan here!” Kahoru-chan’s usual high energy was unmistakable.
But, at times like this, she was dependable. Haruka-chan also seemed to have been cheered up, and compared to before departing for Lesta Kingdom, her complexion was clearly better. Even her silver twin tails somehow looked bouncy.
”Sorry, Takumi-kun. I caused you trouble, didn’t I?” Kahoru-chan asked.
”No, that’s not the case. I’m the one who caused Haruka-chan a burden, so sorry. And, well, it’s hard to say, but…” I trailed off.
”It’s the labyrinth, right? That side’s fine. Rather, since it’s not against humans, I think she can be more spirited,” Kahoru-chan said confidently.
”If Haruka does her best, the children won’t starve to death. Do your best, Haruka,” I encouraged.
”Yeah. Because I have those feelings, I can do my best,” Haruka-chan said with a faint smile.
That was good. When she had a positive goal, it was reassuring on this end as well. It was Haruka-chan who slew the black dragon in the mid-levels of the labyrinth. This time, Scaya-san was also there, but indeed, the witch’s firepower was indispensable for hunting big game… or so it seemed. At times like these, I, whose combat power was on par with an A cup, felt a bit out of place.
”Hm? Did Takumi-chi just think something rude about Kahoru-chan and us?” Kahoru-chan teased.
”No, I didn’t think anything like that,” I denied quickly.
”Hmm. Oh, by the way, just now there was breaking news for Kahoru-chan from McGaref. It used the Merchant Guild Kinvale’s communication network, top secret stuff. It’s a bit bad news, you know. Read it,” Kahoru-chan said, handing me a private message.
I looked over the message, written in Mr. Ralph’s own handwriting. It stated that Ms. Natalie had been arrested on espionage charges against Lesta Kingdom—that is, spy suspicion—and that the Merchant Guild Kinvale was refusing to hand her over to the Quvarian Empire, using the private punishment rights against criminal slaves as a shield.
Apparently, they had learned about the arrest and had just downgraded her to criminal slave just before it. Mr. Ralph had done quite a reckless thing.
”Shiori’s papa is actually the real owner of the ‘Night Butterfly.’ Since he manages many brōtḥels, Kahoru-chan sometimes gets errands from him,” Kahoru-chan explained. “Takumi-chi, you asked Ms. Marina of my (own) merchant guild to protect Ms. Natalie, right? Shiori’s papa seems to be working hard, understanding that intention.”
”Yeah, this is a relief,” I said.
However, it was also written that it wouldn’t last long, so they wanted me to return home quickly and deal with the situation together. I had promised Naje to help my half-sister Eileen and Ms. Natalie. To answer her noble soul, there was absolutely no way I could break that promise.
”Understood. I will prepare tomorrow and depart the day after. Kahoru-chan, I’ll write a reply, so please take care of it,” I instructed.
When I returned to the office to report to Ranka-san, I also received a notification from Ms. Marina at the same time. I had them send a letter with the same content, sealed, addressed to Ms. Marina and Mr. Ralph. The ones who brought the communication from Ms. Marina were Mikoshiba Isshin-kun and Kandagawa Rinko-chan.
”Thank you, Mikoshiba-kun, Kandagawa-san,” I said politely.
”Ah, it seems like things are really tough over here too. I’m going back first, but I’m counting on you,” Kandagawa-san said warmly.
”We might not be much help, but… we’ll do our best with Isshin-kun,” Mikoshiba-kun added.
Huh, were they calling each other by their names? They seemed to be giving off a good vibe, but could it be that they’d started dating? It would be later that I would learn that Rinko-chan is a bit more of a pervert than Chinatsu-chan, or rather, on par with her…
And we organized the remaining group from the Seron Duchy and the returning group to McGaref. Since those with high combat ability were all returning for the deep exploration of the labyrinth, the main members left behind would be just Ranka-san.
Conversely, I received word from Ms. Marina that Endo Saki-chan would be coming. It seemed that Rusty’s investigation had revealed she possessed the ‘Administrative Talent’ Skill, which was an undiscovered Skill. T/N
That’s a relief. It was clearly in line with her character, but having an internal affairs character awaken here was incredibly helpful. It seemed that Shikatani Souta-kun, who had also been revealed to have the ‘Jack of All Trades’ Skill, would be coming as well. Yeah, well, I kind of already knew that.
After finishing the meeting regarding our return to the country, I returned once again to Haruka-chan’s room. Today, I had promised to have a 3P with Kahoru-chan. And I would come to know the threat of the medicine that Shiori-chan was developing…
Notes:
• Haruka-chan – 3rd Division leader. Aspires to be Takumi’s GF.
• Haruka – 3rd Division leader. Aspires to be Takumi’s GF.
• Kaho – 3rd Army leader. Worried, ceremonial magic.
• Quvarian Empire – Ruling kingdom. Harsh world, restricted freedom.
• Weed – He is a retired knight and martial arts master, appeared as a sword seller, known for his bloodthirsty grin and elite ‘Sword Master’ skill.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Kanare – The stern battalion commander, who once led Chinatsu, shares a solemn mission, his eyes reflecting battlefield memories.
• Lesta Kingdom – A kingdom neighboring the Quvarian Empire; currently at war with the Seron Dukedom and potentially the Empire.
• Ranka – She’s a guild shop assistant with a friendly demeanor and a practical mindset. Ranka’s recommendations are based on logical, merchant-minded suggestions, catering to the buyer’s needs.
• Rusty – She is an enigmatic elf and the oldest sister at ‘Night Butterfly,’ a high-class brothel. Her charming, forward approach surprises the narrator, offering him a unique connection.
• Clarice – The ‘Witch of Abundance’ from Lesta Kingdom.
• Scaya – The ‘Flame Witch,’ employed by the Dark Elves; captured after the battle where the Celon Dukedom army was defeated.
• Merchant Guild Kinvale – Largest drugstore in McGaref, managed by Nasselle. Regular shopping destination for Takumi with 5% discount.
• Natalie – A famous courtesan and former noblewoman; platinum blonde, busty, and elegant; known as Natalie Barklem, daughter of the Duke of Lesta Kingdom.
• Ralph – Shiori-chan’s foster father; eccentric; treated the mc to the brothel.
• Night Butterfly – It is a prestigious brothel located on Dream Street, known for its elegant and sexy atmosphere, frequented by those seeking ultimate pleasure.
• Marina – Ranka’s older sister. The formal owner of Merchant Guild Katarina.
• Eileen – The second princess of Lesta Kingdom, encountered as part of reparations.
• Naje – First princess of the Lesta Kingdom and deputy commander. The tragic princess of the Lesta Kingdom who was executed for her country.
• Mikoshiba Isshin-kun – Survives by staying in the background as he is surrounded by girls.
• Mikoshiba Isshin – Survives by staying in the background as he is surrounded by girls.
• Rinko – She’s mentioned as the one who attempted to rescue Shion, but Ginga-kun protected her instead, leaving a scar on Shion’s abdomen.
• Chinatsu-chan – Hikari’s party. Frustrated, jokes about prostitution.
• Chinatsu – Hikari’s party. Frustrated, jokes about prostitution.
• Saki-chan – 3rd Division, virgin, grateful to Takumi.
• Saki – Endo Saki. C Cup. Virgin. Actually…
• Endo – Endo Saki. C Cup. Virgin. Actually…
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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