Chapter 472 Great Wish ①
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Carley – the Ancient Elf¹ known as “Mother” – had dropped by the shop out of the blue. While she had been incredibly doting toward our children, business was business. To establish contact with the Wielope Empire², we hurriedly arranged a meeting in the office of Her Majesty the Queen.
It might sound simple in hindsight, but the process was an ordeal.
First, I had to explain the situation to Leader of the Queen’s Maids Muse, who had rushed to the scene. Under her watchful eye – as she nearly fainted from the sheer incompetence of her subordinates – we had to safely transport Carley and the “Shadows”³ who had pursued her to the royal palace.
I figured it would likely be fine, but I wasn’t taking chances. We moved them under the cover of Obscurity Magic⁴ while they remained bound in Spooky Ivy⁵. I had to keep the magic-sealing circuits active the entire time, and since I was told to attend the meeting, I accompanied them to the palace.
With the exception of their leader, Gustav, the “Shadows” were sent to the dungeon for the second time in several months. However, we released two or three of them to establish a line to the Wielope Empire.
The message was: “Your Elf is safe. We have matters to discuss, so please wait. We will contact you again soon.” If a panicked Emperor might do something reckless, we had no other choice but to keep him informed.
Carley had arrived at the shop just before closing. The sun had long since set, and Her Majesty, who had just finished a full day of work, looked thoroughly exhausted. I’m well aware I was born under a troublesome star, but the Queen is truly a glutton for punishment.
”I see. I believe I understand the circumstances for now, but…” the Queen said.
”Hmm, isn’t this story a bit much? An Elf controlling the Wielope Empire from the shadows?” Loire-Rose asked.
”Do not misunderstand, you tramp. I simply follow the will of the current Emperor. I control nothing noja,” Carley replied.
For some reason, Holy Eminence Loire-Rose of the Church of Demon-Subjugation was also participating in the meeting. Since she had been staying at the palace, it wasn’t entirely strange for her to be involved in a discussion about their arch-enemy, the Wielope Empire… but Carley was being particularly harsh with her. They were enemies, after all.
”Now, calm down, both of you. So… Carley, would that be acceptable?” the Queen asked.
”Indeed umu. Call me whatever you wish, King of the neighboring land. I have no interest in the petty labels of the children of men,” Carley said.
”Then, Carley. In short, you are one who has watched over the future of Wielope since its founding… much like Tania in our own country?” the Queen asked.
”Ah, speaking of Tania, you mean Wakaba’s mother? Well, the roles are similar, I suppose. However, I have stayed much closer to the throne – to the current Imperial House – and I rarely intervene directly. My stance is quite different from ‘Mama Tania’,” Carley said.
”M-Mama Tania…?” the Queen muttered.
Her Majesty wore a complicated expression as Carley doted on my children. She was likely trying to find a familiar comparison to understand Carley’s perspective, but it was difficult to grasp the motivations of an Elf who possessed such a unique sense of values born of longevity.
”I believe it is simply a difference in the nature of the relationship, Your Majesty. To our Tania, the Royal House are the ‘descendants of a friend’, but to Carley, the Imperial House is truly like ‘her own family’,” I said.
”Ho, you have a keen sense of things. You haven’t been playing the part of Wakaba’s father for nothing, Shopkeeper,” Carley said.
I felt more like I was speaking as Tania’s husband, but I accepted the praise. This Ancient Elf truly behaved like a retired grandmother who had outlived her husband.
Her family was precious to her, and she would work hard for them, but she found little value in anything else. She seemed to appreciate our products, but only from a technical standpoint; she wasn’t interested in using them herself, but rather in what the technology could do for her “children.”
In fact, I sensed she didn’t even value her own life much. That was likely why she had wandered off for a “stroll” so carelessly. In that regard, she was the opposite of Tania, who cherished her life as an Elf. Carley felt withered.
The only exceptions were my children. Even then, it felt like the classic sentiment of “all children are cute at my age,” which only reinforced the grandmotherly impression.
There was also her apparent distaste for Rose. Even that felt like a stubborn elder clinging to a grudge from years ago. It fit the image perfectly.
”I see. Family. If that is the case, Carley, I would love nothing more than to return you to them… but as a ruler, I cannot simply overlook an infiltration by a group of assassins. Surely you understand?” the Queen asked.
”Indeed. It was unexpected for those boys to pursue me, but what is done is done. If anything, I am the one who must ask a favor. I have yet to thank you for letting them return unharmed last time, but please… do not lay a hand on my ‘children.’ I ask that you return them safely this time as well,” Carley said.
While she sounded reasonable, Carley was making a very bold request. She knew it would be granted, however. Last time, we were the ones who used Tania’s existence as leverage, threatening them not to invite the grudge of an Elf.
Now, she was returning that logic to us. She was doing so after confirming that the Imperial House and the “Shadows” were her “family.” But because I understood her character, I knew we could still negotiate.
”Very well. I vow to return you and your men without a single scratch. Provided, of course, you provide us with sufficient concessions,” the Queen said.
”Good, good umu. I’m glad you’re quick to understand. A leader must be reasonable,” Carley said.
”Then you already have something in mind?” the Queen asked.
”Of course. Let’s see… what you desire most is the cessation of the Wielope Empire’s expansionist policy, is it not?” Carley asked.
The Queen blinked in surprise at her bluntness. Yes, if we could secure that, it would be the greatest possible outcome. Our country wished to remain at peace until Prince Roland ascended the throne – and ideally, long after.
If that happened, the trade routes would eventually open in all directions, and the “D**do-Buddy Trade Zone”⁶ would expand to handle more than just… well, those items. We would become the center of a global crossroads. Above all, that had been Her Majesty’s goal since her coronation.
”…What? Are you saying you will stop calling yourselves an ‘Empire’ once and for all? And while you’re at it, it would be helpful if you stopped the scheming against the ‘Holy Figure’ and the Church,” the Queen said.
”Heh, you are greedy. You know as well as I that I cannot promise that much. Let’s see… the most I can guarantee is a non-aggression pact for the next twenty… no, let’s say ten years. Though I would prefer we build a friendly relationship…” Carley said.
”Lady Carley! That is far too much…!” Gustav shouted.
As the Queen moved to close the deal, Carley offered terms that were more than fair – they were better than we had hoped for. But Gustav couldn’t stay silent. Even if it was “Mother” speaking, he couldn’t help himself.
”Quiet, Gustav. I know ‘Little Dee’ will be furious. He is obsessed with the title of ‘Emperor’… or rather, with the idea of a powerful Empire and his own legacy. But I believe this deal is worth the price,” Carley said.
”Do not worry about us! We were the ones who acted on our own to follow you!” Gustav cried.
”Calm down, Gustav. I am concerned for your safety, yes, but it is not a bad thing to have this country owe us a favor. No, I believe we must do this… for the sake of our ‘Great Wish’⁷,” Carley said.
”For the sake of… the ‘Great Wish’…” Gustav muttered.
With that, Carley silenced Gustav. The “Great Wish.” Those were the words Gustav had told me he “couldn’t say” before. It seemed Carley was finally going to reveal the secret. She looked around the room, her eyes drifting toward some distant memory, and quietly began to speak.
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Summary:
Following Carley’s visit, the protagonist and Queen arrange high-stakes negotiations with the captured ‘Shadows.’ Carley proposes a shocking ten-year non-aggression pact to the Queen in exchange for her children’s safety. The chapter ends with Carley preparing to reveal the ‘Great Wish’ that drives the Wielope Empire’s actions.
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Trivia:
- The ‘Shadows’ have been caught and imprisoned twice in a very short time.
- The protagonist used Tania’s existence as a deterrent against the Empire in the past.
- Carley refers to the Emperor as ‘Dee-bou’ (Little Dee), indicating a parental relationship.
- The ‘Dildo-Buddy Trade Zone’ is the Queen’s primary economic ambition for her country’s future
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Character Insight:
Carley displays a ‘withered’ lack of self-preservation, valuing the future of her ‘family’ (the Empire) above all else. The Queen’s willingness to negotiate shows her pragmatic side, prioritizing national stability over immediate retribution for the assassination attempt.
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Behind the Scenes:
The author uses Carley to subvert the ‘Ancient Overlord’ trope by giving her the personality of a retired, doting grandmother, making the political stakes feel strangely personal.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Carley – Ancient Elf ‘Mother’ leading Wielope Empire assassins—young human looks with ancient aura, long green hair, carefree villain vibe calling Emperor ‘Dee-bou.’ Never birthed but matriarch figure, grants Forest Blessing, stays chill even tentacle/slime-trapped.
• Muse – Cecile’s trusted attendant and chief maid, Muse handles sensitive, discreet tasks like espionage and product acquisition. Have sharp, black eyes, wearing maid uniform, and have expressionless face.
• Gustav – Leader of the Wielope Empire’s elite ‘Shadow’ assassin crew—captured in royal dungeon & victory parade hit, now snagged by shop defenses. Die-hard Emperor loyalist, shakes at the thought of Carley getting hurt from political fallout.
• Loire-Rose – Current Saintess and top of the Great Cathedral food chain. White hair, pale skin, blue eyes—the full divine aesthetic. Can literally manifest light and blessings, but don’t let the holy glow fool you. She’s pragmatic, money‑minded, and way too playful for church politics. Runs a workshop (yeah, even sells adult goods on the side) and keeps her “holy” mask on… most of the time. Originally born to a Salvation Faction family, later adopted by the previous Holy Figure. Total mix of divinity and chaos, and somehow it works.
• Tania – An Elf adventurer who, despite her race’s reputation for low sex drive, is secretly quite passionate. She initially seemed ‘wasted’ (emotionally dry) to her friend Raika, but was easily introduced to the pleasure-items sold at ‘Harvest.’ She is easily embarrassed and attempts to maintain a dignified facade, despite her recent, frequent purchases. She wears practical but light armor over a simple cloth tunic and short pants, highlighting her grace and agility. Her primary relationship is one of friendly senior-junior with Raika.
• Wakaba – Newborn son of Kento and Tania. A half-elf magic user with large Mana Circuits. Has squishy cheeks, tiny fingers, and soft floppy ears. Emits magical discharges when throwing tantrums. The newborn son of Kento and Tania. Has green hair and elf ears.
• Roland – he younger brother of Queen Cecile and the heir apparent to the Canaria throne. Clean, golden-blonde hair, same color as the Queen, innocent, beautiful face that could be mistaken for a girl but dressed in a boy’s formal wear.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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