Happy New Year. It's already the 10th, though (^_^;)
While reading other works for study, I got completely absorbed.
I will resume writing this week, so please look forward to it.
In the Gracia territory of the Kingdom of Effort, there is the fortress of Ramesta, and on the opposite side of the fortress lies the Baisus Empire.
With a population exceeding ten million and vast territories, it is said to be the largest nation on the Grunyut continent. The royal castle is lavishly constructed, and the throne room is adorned with gold leaf and luxurious decorations.
Seated in the opulent chair in the office is the 38th emperor, Fernandez Van Baisus. Living a life of luxury, he wears resplendent clothing and has a heavy belly, with his brown hair curled in rolls.
"How is it going?"
Holding a glass of wine in one hand, Fernandez speaks to the wall in a room where no one else should be.
"In a few years, the time will be ripe. We have already infiltrated dozens of troops into the city, living as ordinary citizens."
A man dressed entirely in black appears from somewhere and kneels to answer.
"In a few years, then. At that time, I will accomplish what no previous emperor has. And I will be remembered as a great emperor in history."
"Understood."
The man in black answers while kneeling.
"Continue to monitor the situation. Be ready to move as soon as the time comes."
"Understood."
Leaving those words, the man in black disappears.
Fernandez finishes the wine in his glass and places it on the desk. Then he steps out onto the terrace and gazes down at the city below.
The Baisus Empire is a militaristic nation, often initiating wars against other countries and expanding its territory by adding vassal states.
Gathering tributes and resources from vassal states, it strengthens its military and repeatedly invades other countries.
Before Cain was born, over a decade ago, when Fernandez had just ascended to the throne, he launched a war against the Kingdom of Effort in the center of the continent but had to retreat after failing to capture the fortress at the border. At that time, the Effort Kingdom's army was led by Cain's father, Galm.
Thinking that ruling the territory of the country founded by a hero three hundred years ago would make it the greatest nation in the continent in both name and reality, Fernandez has not forgotten this. However, there are only three routes from the Baisus Empire to the Effort Kingdom: through the fortress city of Ramesta, through the Monster Forest, or through the vast mountains. To pass through the Monster Forest, one must consider the damage from ferocious monsters, and the forest's vastness makes it difficult for the army to advance, making it an uncommon choice.
The route through the mountains is lined with cliffs, and while infantry might be able to pass, transporting supplies would be challenging. Therefore, the only viable option is through Ramesta.
"Effort scum, remember this. I won't forget the humiliation of that time."
Fernandez clenches his fists on the terrace.
◇◇◇
Called to the royal castle, Cain is thoroughly interrogated by the king and the prime minister, and he sighs as he sits on the sofa.
"Lord Cain, you seem quite exhausted. Is there another problem...?"
Coran stands at the entrance of the office and speaks to him.
"I gave Teles and Silk necklaces I made myself, and it seems they are quite rare, so I was called."
"...What exactly did you give them?"
Coran asks hesitantly, and Cain casually replies.
"Necklaces that can inform me of their location in an emergency. They only have that function."
Coran sighs at Cain's casual words.
"Lord Cain, with just that function, the nobles will all want one. They can inform you of their location if they are kidnapped or captured during war. While they may not be national treasures, they are certainly valuable."
"Is that so? Well, this time I only gave them to Teles, Silk, and Tifanna's fiancé, so I only got a mild scolding."
Initially, he made them for Teles and Silk's journey, but he thought it would be a problem not to give one to his fiancée, Tifanna, so he gave them after the mock battle. He remembers how cute Tifanna looked, blushing and flustered.
"Also, about Rula and Laura, I'm taking them to Drinthur this weekend, so please prepare them."
"Such short notice... But I understand. I'll prepare them."
On the weekend, in the office, Coran, Sylvia, and Rula and Laura, who have packed their belongings, gather.
"From now on, Rula and Laura will come with me to Drinthur. You will be living there, so please take care."
Cain's casual words make Rula and Laura nod, but they are puzzled as to why they are gathered in the office instead of heading to the carriage.
"Lord Cain, Laura is still an apprentice, so please take care of her."
Sylvia bows. Cain nods, not intending to give such a young Laura, who is only ten, such a heavy responsibility.
"Let's go, then. We'll be back after the weekend."
Coran and Sylvia nod at Cain's words.
Coran instructs Rula and Laura to carry their luggage, and Cain places his hands on their shoulders.
'Teleport'
In an instant, the three disappear from the office in the capital.
"Will they be alright in Drinthur...?"
"Lord Cain must have his reasons. We will guard this mansion in the capital."
Coran answers Sylvia's question, and they leave the office together.
"Wh-What!?"
Rula and Laura are surprised by the sudden change in their surroundings.
"Welcome to Drinthur."
Cain greets them with a smile.
"Is this... teleportation magic?"
Cain nods at Rula's question.
"You will both be living in this Drinthur mansion. Rula, I want you to assist my brother as an administrator. Laura, you will continue as an apprentice maid. The butler, Darumecia, will be here soon, so please follow his instructions."
Immediately after Cain's words, there is a knock on the office door.
"There he is. Please come in."
After Cain's response, the door opens, and Darumecia enters. He looks like a seasoned older man but is an excellent butler in many ways.
Rula and Laura are tense, and Rula's face is red.
"Lord Cain, we have guests."
Darumecia's words make Cain nod.
"They are the white fox sisters, Rula and Laura. I want Rula to assist my brother. Laura is an apprentice maid, so please teach her."
Darumecia straightens and bows.
"I am Darumecia, the butler of Drinthur. Please take care of me."
The elegant and perfect greeting makes Rula's face turn red, and Laura bows her head.
"I-I'm Rula. Please take care of me, Mr. Darumecia."
"I'm Laura. Please take care of me."
"I will prepare your rooms. Please enjoy some tea while you wait."
Darumecia invites them to sit on the sofa and prepares tea in the corner of the room.
The scent of tea fills the room, and the two swallow.
"Here you are."
He places the cups of tea in perfect order. Cain, who is used to it, sips immediately.
Rula and Laura, though nervous, also take a sip.
"Delicious."
"I'm glad you like it. I will take my leave for a moment."
Darumecia bows elegantly and exits.
Cain watches Rula, who continues to stare at Darumecia as he leaves.
"Hey, Rula, do you like older men?"
Cain can't help but ask.
Rula's face turns bright red, and she covers her face with her hands.
"I-I'm weak for mature men like Mr. Darumecia..."
Even Cain can't help but chuckle at Rula's confession.
The next chapter will be posted on January 14th at 18:00. Thank you for your support.