Chapter 160 The Man Who Learns of the Kingdom
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The following day, I visited a town in the Republic, accompanied by Aris and Iris.
After filling the warehouse of the Kelna Merchant Guild¹ to capacity, I requested the guild staff to ascertain if Alest-san had a moment to spare.
Despite the impromptu nature of my visit, Alest-san granted me an audience immediately.
”Welcome, King of the Magic Labyrinth². I appreciate you delivering such a variety of goods once again. Are Aris and Iris doing well?,” Alest asked.
”Yes, Father,” Aris replied.
”Well enough,” Iris added.
”I see. However…” Alest muttered.
Alest-san shifted his gaze toward us. At that moment, the twin sisters were seated on either side of me, both of them entwining their arms with mine and leaning their weight against me.
I felt as if I were flaunting a passionate relationship with his two daughters right in front of their father… For the time being, I decided to initiate a change in topic.
”How are the agricultural products I’ve supplied? Is business proceeding favorably?” I asked.
”Exceedingly so. Our merchant guild has even developed several new products, and they’ve been consistent hits,” Alest said.
Since the Kelna Merchant Guild also operates eateries, they have been crafting various new menus daily. Not only are the vegetable-based dishes and sauces popular, but the fruit desserts are reportedly in high demand as well.
Furthermore, they have produced a significant quantity of fruit wine using a specialized method, even creating various blends. Due to their excellent shelf life, these wines are being sold to foreign dignitaries.
”Apples and oranges are popular because of their accessible pricing. Among the nobility and wealthy merchants of other nations, peaches and melons are the favorites,” Alest explained.
Peaches and melons apparently earned the somewhat ambiguous praise of having a “noble flavor.” Additionally, because the supply is strictly limited, prices are said to be soaring.
Alest-san’s business seems to be thriving beyond measure. Well, considering I was entrusted with his two precious daughters, I intend to maintain a win-win relationship for the foreseeable future.
”Are you selling these to the Kingdom and the Empire as well?” Aris asked Alest-san. He nodded in response.
”Indeed. Furthermore, my father… Lambdaine Council Member³ has been serving them to envoys from the Holy City⁴ in the capital. These products are garnering immense interest everywhere as goods from the Demon Forest⁵,” Alest said.
Wow… I had expected as much, but the Demon Forest brand has certainly achieved widespread recognition. This is surely the result of the Kelna Merchant Guild’s distribution network and influence.
Presently, peaches, melons, and their processed derivatives have reached a status in other countries where only high-ranking aristocrats can acquire them. It seems the brand is destined for further premiumization.
Hearing Alest-san’s words, Iris nodded thoughtfully.
”So the Kingdom was indeed prying…” Iris murmured.
”They came to verify if someone titled the King of the Magic Labyrinth truly existed, didn’t they?” Aris added.
”……? Did something happen?,” Alest asked.
I proceeded to explain the circumstances to Alest-san—though I merely mentioned that a young elite knight from the Kingdom had come to scout us on a magic bird the previous day.
”I understand…. It appears the Kelna Merchant Guild has inadvertently caused you some inconvenience,” Alest said.
”Ah, no…. I realized my name would spread sooner or later.”
”Nevertheless, if that’s the case… the Empire might also begin investigating. There is one individual in the Empire capable of mounting the magic bird Skygoon⁶,” Alest added.
Now that he mentioned it, I recalled hearing that before. I am somewhat concerned that Eunos-san might shoot down an Imperial visitor without hesitation.
”By the way, if you happen to know, could you inform me of the current state of the war between the Kingdom and the Empire?” I asked. Cleonora and the others were concerned about it as well. Alest-san seemed likely to possess some insight.
”They are reportedly in a stalemate at present,” Alest said.
”Oh… is that so?”
”Yes. Initially, with the deployment of the Beastman Knights, it was believed to be only a matter of time before the Kingdom capitulated. For more detailed information on this matter, I suspect my father, Council Member Lambdaine in the capital, would be better informed,” Alest explained.
According to Alest-san, since there is a significant distance between this town and the capital, any information reaching them is inevitably outdated.
However, the Republic maintains diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, and there is frequent travel between the Royal Capital and the Republic’s capital. Consequently, the latest intelligence regarding the Kingdom and the Empire is concentrated in the capital.
(Well, that makes sense…)
I wondered what to do… I truly wanted to grasp the current situation of the Kingdom and the Empire in more detail. As I was pondering this, Ami-chan spoke up.
”Is it far from here to the capital no~?” Ami-chan asked.
”It would take two days if one switched between fast horses… or roughly a week if traveling normally. Should you decide to go, the Kelna Merchant Guild’s wagons make daily round trips, so you would be welcome to ride along,” Alest replied.
He noted, however, that due to the heavy volume of cargo lately, it might take up to ten days depending on the state of the roads.
”Do Aris and Iris know the way to the capital no~?” Ami-chan asked.
”Generally speaking,” Aris replied.
”The road (aka the highway) to the capital is well-maintained, so we wouldn’t get lost,” Iris added.
”I see, I see no~. In that case, let’s have the two of them take us there!” Ami-chan suggested.
”What?”
* * *
After concluding the meeting with Alest-san, we exited the mansion. I left the funds in his custody as I usually do.
And now, I am being held by the two Magical Girls as we traverse the sky at high speed.
”Whoa, whoa, whoa…”
”Hey! Stop squirming! It’s hard to hold onto you like that!” Aris shouted.
Following Alest-san’s explanation, Ami-chan had proposed, “Then let’s have these two carry you!”
Indeed, for two individuals capable of flight, reaching the capital would only take a few hours.
After all, there are no obstacles in the sky, and their movement speed is immense. Furthermore, thanks to Ami-chan’s power, we are invisible to those below.
Even so, Heliodor and Lace Agate… they truly possess identical faces, distinguished only by their symmetrical hairstyles. Though, Lace Agate does have elven ears.
Despite the existence of the highway, both of them had a sense of the geography. Consequently, we reached the capital in an instant via the most direct route.
Descending before Council Member Lambdaine’s house in the central district, they both deactivated their transformations. Ami-chan’s power was also withdrawn, making us visible to our surroundings once more.
”Incredible… we’re already here…” I muttered.
”I was aware that the power of a Magical Girl was formidable… but even I’m surprised,” Iris added.
Under normal circumstances, this is a town one would strive to reach while traveling and preparing against bandits, all while managing food and water supplies… In Japanese terms, it felt as though we had surged down a direct expressway.
Based on Alest-san’s description, I had assumed the capital was much further away. It seems that crossing the mountain in the middle is what typically consumes time.
Mountain roads are winding and arduous, requiring significant stamina to navigate the inclines and descents. The ability to soar over them regardless of the terrain is a distinct advantage for us.
Once Ami-chan finished setting the
When the two stated, “Inform them that the King of the Magic Labyrinth has arrived,” the mansion was thrown into a frantic bustle. We were escorted to an exceptionally grand room, and after a short wait, Lambdaine-san appeared.
”Oh, King of the Magic Labyrinth! And Aris and Iris, too! Look at you, you’re all looking healthy!” Lambdaine shouted.
”It has been a long time, Grandfather,” Iris said.
In contrast to our meeting in the town, Lambdaine-san was dressed in formal, expensive-looking attire. He projected the aura of an aristocrat rather than a merchant.
As it was precisely lunchtime, we were served a meal.
”This is…!” I exclaimed.
”Did you notice? It’s a sauce and soup prepared with vegetables from the Demon Forest,” Lambdaine said.
It was delicious! The sauce was prepared in a meat-sauce style and poured over a hamburger steak. The vegetables had a chunky, palpable texture, making the dish incredibly satisfying.
The soup also highlighted the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It was comparable to the quality of cuisine one would find in Japan.
”I am truly indebted to you, King of the Magic Labyrinth! Thanks to you, the meals here are excellent every day. So… what brings you here so suddenly? Surely you didn’t travel all this way just to let an old man whose time is running short see his granddaughters?” Lambdaine asked.
As a prominent figure in this nation, Lambdaine-san must be quite occupied.
Feeling somewhat guilty for taking up his time, I decided to get straight to the point.
”Actually… I wished to hear more details regarding the situation between the Kingdom and the Empire…” I said.
”Eh? You came all the way to the capital specifically for that?” Lambdaine asked.
”Well…”
”Grandfather. The truth is, a Skygoon and its rider were sent from the Kingdom to scout the King of the Magic Labyrinth’s residence,” Iris explained.
Having likely grasped our situation from Iris’s words, Lambdaine-san shared what he knew.
According to him, the Kingdom utilized a top-tier military asset known as a
Furthermore, having defeated the Beastman Knights—reputed to be the strongest on the continent—every nation is now focusing its attention on this
(That extroverted normie Hero… he’s definitely performing the ‘Otherworld Invincible’ trope…)
The Empire, caught off guard by these events, is reportedly mobilizing to gather intelligence on the
Additionally, due to the recapture of the fortress, the conflict has been in a stalemate for some time.
”Princess Viorga is using this lull to purge the faction of the former First Queen and stabilize domestic affairs. It will likely succeed. Soon, the Kingdom will establish a regime with Princess Viorga at the helm,” Lambdaine said.
Oh dear… I could have anticipated this. The support base for Cleonora and Liliarette is on the verge of vanishing.
”If that happens, there’s a high probability the Kingdom will launch an offensive against the Empire,” Lambdaine added.
”Eh…? Is that so?” I asked. Even with some territory still lost, they’ve managed to maintain a stalemate against a major power. I assumed they would move toward a ceasefire or peace negotiations, but…
”Naturally. The eradication of the former First Queen’s faction means the pro-Empire nobles will be gone as well,” Lambdaine explained.
”……!? Wait… the First Queen’s faction was pro-Empire!?” I asked. I had never heard such a thing from Cleonora and the others…!
”Indeed. Though it wasn’t always the case. Originally, the First Queen was a princess who wed into the family from a neighboring country. However, that nation is currently under Imperial occupation,” Lambdaine said.
Much like the continental history on Earth, the blood ties among the nobility in this world are exceedingly complex.
According to Lambdaine-san, Princess Viorga’s mother, the Second Queen, was born into an aristocratic family within the Emmeld Kingdom⁷.
Furthermore, Count Egrest⁸, the lord of a region bordering the Empire, reportedly maintained deep connections with Imperial nobles—likely for geopolitical reasons.
”This hasn’t been officially confirmed, but… it’s said that Egrest obtained information about the deployment of the Beastman Knights faster than any other noble in the Kingdom. In exchange for being welcomed as an Imperial aristocrat, he supposedly worked behind the scenes to facilitate the Empire’s occupation of the Kingdom’s fortress,” Lambdaine said.
”What…”
If that story is true, he’s a traitor… Come to think of it, I believe it was mentioned that the Kingdom was plagued by corrupt nobility.
”Princess Viorga is a staunch nationalist, and she likely viewed the pro-Empire High Nobles⁹ as a nuisance. She probably intends to use this
I see… the reason why Princess Viorga marginalized Cleonora and the others is becoming clear.
If either of them had gained power, the Kingdom would have been absorbed by the Empire. She felt a profound sense of crisis because their supporting faction was pro-Empire.
However, based on what I’ve heard from Cleonora and the others, neither of them seemed to have a positive impression of the Empire.
They were likely used as mere figureheads by their faction without being informed of the underlying schemes. The fact that they weren’t pro-Empire themselves probably played a role in how they were treated.
(Still… this isn’t a simple matter of right and wrong, is it…)
The pro-Empire faction might have believed that being absorbed by the Empire was the best way to save lives.
On the other hand, Princess Viorga and her followers likely held the conviction that their pride as citizens of the Kingdom must not be surrendered to the Empire.
Regardless, as an outsider, I can’t easily intervene in their affairs…
I expressed my gratitude to Lambdaine-san for his valuable insights. Promising to bring sugar on my next visit, we returned to the Dominion¹⁰.
—
Summary:
The protagonist visits Alest to deliver goods and learns that the Republic’s capital holds the most current information on the Kingdom and Empire. To save time, Aris and Iris transform into Magical Girls and fly the group to the capital in hours. They meet with Council Member Lambdaine, who reveals the Kingdom’s internal political turmoil and the rise of a nationalist princess. The chapter concludes with the protagonist understanding the deeper geopolitical reasons behind Cleonora’s exile before returning home.
—
Character Insight:
The protagonist demonstrates his pragmatism and caution, choosing to seek out high-level intelligence rather than remain ignorant of the world beyond the forest. Lambdaine’s character is expanded, showing a shift from a simple merchant to a powerful statesman, yet maintaining a blunt, honest rapport with the protagonist. The twins, Aris and Iris, show increased physical intimacy with the protagonist, highlighting their growing relationship and loyalty as his primary ‘transportation’ and guards.
—
Behind the Scene:
The introduction of the ‘Magical Girl’ flight capability as a ‘highway’ alternative shows the author’s intent to bridge travel time in the narrative. The political depth involving ‘First Queen’ vs ‘Second Queen’ factions mirrors classic European succession conflicts.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Alest – Lambdaine’s son and father to Aris and Iris. He is portrayed as soft-hearted toward his daughters, much to his father’s chagrin.
• Lambdaine – A powerful Councilor of the Shital Republic and a successful merchant who built his fortune from nothing. He is the grandfather of Iris and Aris.
• Eunos – Height 164cm, Bust Size C. A Unique Individual Maid summoned by Shou. She has long silver hair of a darker, steel-like shade and a pair of white wings on her back. She wears a modest long-skirted outfit resembling a nun’s habit. Her class is Magic Flash Gunner (El-Gunner).
• Cleonora – The second princess. Have a yellow blonde hair. Usually styled as hairbun. D-cup.
• Ami – A palm-sized fairy-like being from a world separate from both Earth and the isekai realm. She has light blue hair tied in a ponytail, mischievous blue eyes, and tiny wings that flutter behind her. Her outfit consists of a provocative high-cut leotard and a short jacket that looks like a miniskirt from the back, leaving her legs bare. Despite her playful appearance, she is actively searching for a contractor who can protect her from dangerous pursuers in exchange for the powers she offers.
• Lace Agate – Magical girl Aris with elf-like long ears, 144 cm tall, A-cup, and a white-and-blue theme. She wears a leotard-style outfit with an open-front skirt cloth. Her pale blue hair has long bangs covering her left eye, shoulder-length back, blue highlights, and a ribboned braid on the right side.
• Heliodor – The Iris version of magical girl with a yellow-green theme. Height 144cm, Bust size B. Wears a rock-style mini-skirt with belts on thighs and arms. Right eye covered by hair, back hair shoulder-length with green mesh and a ribbon-braid on the left. Transforms into the Magical Girl Heliodor, the Luminous Archer.
• Viorga – The First Princess of the Emmeld Kingdom. She is a beautiful, young woman with long golden hair and sharp blue eyes, always dressed in an elaborate crimson and gold royal gown. She is utterly ruthless, viewing all people—including the summoned Heroes and her own family—as disposable assets in her political games. Looks like Aileen Lauren from certain series.
• Liliarette – The other Princess, who sacrificed her ability to walk and her sorcery talent to save her sister, Cleonora. She is imprisoned in the East Tower and is being used as a political and monetary pawn by Viorga. C-cup, true golden hair, waist-length hair, the fringe was a slightly blunt, hair on her left side was braided to the chest.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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