Zandra, who had been continuously whipping one of her assassins to vent her frustration, threw the whip aside with heavy breaths when she saw the assassin faint.
"How useless! Really! I'm so frustrated! What's going on here!"
Biting her fingernails, Zandra paced back and forth in the room. Watching her, Gunther, the middle-aged assassin who had tried to kidnap Al, spoke up.
"It seems all our moves are being read."
"I know that! Think about why they're being read! There's no Leonardo or Arnold on their side! Is that naive Princess Cang'ao manipulating me?"
"It seems there's a capable person in Leonardo's camp. They're reading our moves well and passing information to Gordon as soon as we act."
"Damn! I'm so frustrated! How dare a new force like that frustrate me! I won't forgive them!"
Despite her words, Zandra had no plan of action. As soon as she launched an offensive against Leonardo's camp, Gordon also attacked her forces. While she was trying to win over Leonardo's supporters, she was losing her own, forcing her to go on the defensive. Even when she occasionally attacked Leonardo's camp, Gordon's forces would appear at the perfect moment and take away her supporters. If this continued, Gordon would be the only winner, and that was something she wanted to avoid.
"Let's stop attacking Leonardo's camp for a while. We can settle the grudge over the loss of the Minister of Works later."
"Damn... I understand. But bring me someone to vent on! This frustration won't go away with just one person!"
"As you wish."
Zandra, who had a tendency to become excessively cruel when her emotions were high, couldn't calm down without expressing her cruelty and aggression. Assassins who made mistakes in their missions were usually the ones who had to deal with her. Thinking about who would be suitable today, Gunther steeled himself, knowing it could be him tomorrow.
■■■
"Excellent. It's impressive how you can read the enemy's intentions with such limited information."
"Reading a monster's attack is the same. In a limited situation, they usually take the best action. So, while being cautious, I also spread information to other camps. I think the second princess, who is now more cautious, won't be able to launch further offensives."
"Amazing! Linfia!"
Fiene's sincere praise made Linfia a bit bewildered. Al had assigned Linfia to be Fiene's bodyguard and told Fiene to listen to Linfia's advice. As a result, Fiene listened to all of Linfia's opinions. While Linfia didn't give all the details, she suggested a strategy, and Fiene adopted all the methods Linfia proposed. While good treatment wasn't bad, it was a bit mysterious to Linfia.
"Is something wrong?"
"No... I was just wondering why you trust me so much."
"Because Al-sama trusts you. Al-sama understands my importance and wouldn't place someone he doesn't trust by my side."
Fiene's smile was innocent. The reason she could smile like that was simple: she had no doubts about her own thoughts. Fiene understood her position well. She was the daughter of a duke and the Princess Cang'ao. That was everything she was. She wasn't here because of her personal abilities. Her presence was what mattered to Al and Leo, and she wasn't expected to do much more. Therefore, she wouldn't place anyone she didn't trust by her side. This was why Fiene fully trusted Linfia.
"Are you... not bothered by a newcomer like me?"
Honestly, Linfia had expected jealousy. Fiene was the daughter of a duke, while Linfia was a commoner. Their social statuses were vastly different. She thought Fiene wouldn't easily listen to someone like her. However, that wasn't the case. Even with Al's trust, Fiene's willingness to listen to others was surprising to Linfia. It was far from the image of nobles she had.
"？ If I can be of service to Al-sama or Leo-sama, I don't mind who does it. Whether I do it or Linfia does it, it's the same, isn't it?"
"…I see. You don't place much importance on yourself."
"Indeed. Fiene-sama is like that. Others come first, and she is second."
Linfia nodded in agreement with Sebastian's words. She realized that such nobles existed, but wondered why someone like this was involved in political struggles. This became a new question.
"Why are you involved in the imperial succession struggle? To be honest, I don't think you're suited for it."
"Umm... You're right... I think so too..."
Fiene, who was told this directly, seemed shocked and hung her head. Her honest reaction made Linfia flustered.
"Eh, a... Are you that upset?"
"I am... I can't always be of service to Al-sama... I want to be of some help..."
Ultimately, it didn't matter who contributed as long as the result was good for Al. This was Fiene's basic thinking, but it didn't mean she thought being incompetent was fine. She wanted to be useful beyond her position and title. She always thought this, but she understood that she lacked the ability, so she didn't make prominent moves.
"Your presence is a great fortune for them. I don't think you need to worry too much."
"I hope so..."
Fiene's bowed head was beautiful, even to Linfia. It wasn't just about her good looks. It was clear that she genuinely wanted to be of service and was troubled by it. When she left, Linfia had been told one thing by Al: "Take care of Fiene." She didn't know how much meaning this had, but she decided to interpret it a bit more deeply. She wanted to give Fiene a chance to shine. That's how she interpreted Al's words.
"Then, let's be of service. Fiene-sama."
"Eh? Is there something I can do?"
"There's something only you can do. You are very popular in the capital. There are people who want that popularity."
"Who are they?"
"Merchants. Establishing strong connections with them before the princes return would be beneficial for this faction."
Linfia looked at Sebastian as she spoke. If he had any objections, he would say something. However, he said nothing. With that, Linfia continued.
"Of course, the merchant guilds currently active in the capital also want to capitalize on your popularity, but they are likely also courting other imperial candidates. Therefore, I think we should target a different guild. One that wants to establish a significant presence in the capital."
"Is there such a guild?"
"Yes. I think you've probably heard of it. The 'Yaren Merchant Guild.'"
"I see. I need to raise my opinion of you again. Leonardo-sama and Arnold-sama have also been interested in the Yaren Merchant Guild. However, they haven't made contact yet. Do you know why?"
"Yes, it's because the guild is led by a female vampire. The people of the empire have a poor impression of vampires due to recent events. I understand why they delayed, but that's why we can establish a solid connection with them. I think it's a good opportunity."
Fiene nodded several times at Linfia's proposal. She wasn't just nodding; she was thinking hard. She considered who would become an enemy, who would become an ally, and what impact it would have in the capital. After much thought, she reached a conclusion.
"Let's meet with the female vampire. I want to judge after seeing her character."
"Understood. I think they will meet if we send someone. Can I leave the arrangements to you?"
"Of course. I think we'll get a response in a few days."
"I see... Al-sama. I'll do my best!"
With that, Fiene called out to Al, who was in the south. Of course, she had no idea what Al was going through at that moment.
I did my best! I'll keep going from here!
I'll also update at midnight, so if you haven't favorited yet, please do!