There will be no 12:00 AM update on March 7th. Instead, I've uploaded character introductions at the beginning of Chapter 8.
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I and Leo were given a mission, but we weren't leaving the capital immediately.
We had preparations to make, and in my case, it depended on my sister.
During this time, we each did what we could.
Leo had meetings with influential people and tried to win them over.
I dealt with the representative of the demi-human guild.
"What kind of person is he?"
"He's a good person."
"Good people in Fiene's world can't be relied on, you know."
"Really!?"
Fiene exclaimed as if she were shocked.
But it was true. If Fiene or Leo were to select humans, most of them would likely be good people.
These two see the good in people more than the bad.
It's the opposite for me. When I see Trau, these two look for the good first. I think, 'He's fat.' That's the difference in human perception.
Unfortunately, the world is set up so that those who have the latter impression are more likely to survive.
That's why I want to support them.
"I have been waiting for you, Your Highness, Lady Fiene. The representative is waiting."
"I had heard that an elf was the secretary. What led you to the demi-human guild?"
The elf secretary greeted us in front of the room.
I had heard about it from Fiene and the others, but it was still rare.
Elves live in villages in hidden villages across various regions.
They are closed off, often setting up barriers around their villages and rarely going out. While many have heard of elves, few have actually seen one.
They are long-lived and beautiful. Some of the elders are said to have lived for a thousand years.
It's surprising enough that an elf is interacting with many people outside, but working as a secretary for a vampire in a guild is hard to believe.
"We elves are closed off. It's a characteristic of our race. However, I wanted to see the outside world. I was considered a heretic among elves. So I left the village and went out into the world. But the outside world was much harsher than I thought. That's when the representative took me in. This guild is a place for demi-humans like me."
"That's a good story, Lord Al."
"Only if it's not a fabrication."
I deliberately said it that way.
Fiene glared at me with her eyes, wondering why I would say such a thing, but I ignored it.
Hearing my words, the elf secretary narrowed her eyes slightly. She seemed a bit annoyed and stepped back, saying that it was up to us whether to believe her or not.
It seems to be a true story.
"Excuse me."
I entered the representative's room.
But something different from what I had heard happened.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Alnoth. I am Yuria, the representative of the demi-human guild."
Her silver hair was loosely wavy and cut to shoulder length.
Her ruby-red eyes looked at me with interest.
She had a beautiful appearance, typical of a vampire. Her white skin reminded me of the vampires I met in the east. Thinking of them, I couldn't help but remember Fiene falling.
I must have looked a bit uncomfortable. Yuria smiled wryly and bowed her head.
"It's not related, but I deeply apologize for what my kind has done. I am truly sorry."
"ā¦I apologize. I am the seventh prince, Alnoth Reux Ardler."
I didn't want to ruin the relationship Fiene had worked hard to build, so I immediately apologized and sat down with her.
"So, Your Highness. What brings you here today?"
"Let me be straightforward. What do you plan to do with Fiene?"
I want to use Fiene's name.
That was the condition she set.
If my thinking is correct, she plans to launch a product in the capital for the first time.
"Using someone like that doesn't sound good."
"Drop the formalities. Be natural. Your way of speaking feels off."
"Oh, really? I was trying to be in customer service mode for the prince."
"I'm not a customer. I'm a business partner. Stop talking in a way that hides your true intentions."
"Alright, if that's what you want. I find this way easier anyway."
Yuria smiled in a way that made people like her.
Most merchants have the ability to charm people.
They get close to others, and before you know it, they're in your pocket.
Yuria is no exception.
"About how to use Fieneā¦ what do you think?"
"Don't answer a question with a question."
"Fine. I'm curious about what the washed-up prince can do."
"If you know that nickname, you know it's because I'm incompetent."
After this exchange, Yuria's gaze shifted to Fiene.
It was too late when I realized it was a bad move.
Yuria smiled slyly.
"Even though you're calling yourself incompetent, Fiene doesn't seem flustered. In fact, she seems to trust you."
"Eh? Ah, umā¦"
"I plan to use Fiene as an advertisement. I'll promote the products she uses and, if possible, display her picture in the store."
Since her reaction had already given it away, there was no point in trying to hide it.
To move the conversation forward, I explained my plan.
Yuria looked a bit surprised when she heard it.
"I'm surprisedā¦ I thought you were just pretending to be incompetent, but you're sharper than I expected. They say a capable hawk hides its claws, and that's exactly what you're doing."
"I'm not pretending or hiding. If I didn't show any initiative, people just called me that."
"Is it different now?"
"I've decided to make my brother the emperor. He's like Fiene. He's too honest to survive in this world. That's why he needs to be protected. I'll handle the deception and negotiations. I'll crush anyone who tries to deceive Leo or Fiene."
"ā¦I'll keep that in mind."
She glared at me, trying to intimidate Yuria with her gaze.
Yuria must have sensed a mysterious and terrifying presence, as she answered with a slightly tense expression.
Seeing this, I relaxed my guard and asked again.
"So, how do you plan to use Fiene?"
"ā¦Pretty much the same as you. I plan to start with cosmetics. If the Blue Heron Princess is using them, they'll sell like hotcakes."
"Of course. And it will also erase the negative image of the demi-human guild, allowing us to enter the capital boldly."
"Don't make it sound like we're the only ones benefiting. We'll do our part."
"Sure, but that's a bit later. First, crush the guilds that are helping the opposition. Cut off their funding, and they won't be able to make a big move."
I said it as if it were easy, but Yuria sighed.
That reaction was correct.
After all, the guilds helping the opposition are all major guilds with deep roots in the capital. Crushing them is almost impossible.
"You mean to give them a blow that will prevent them from helping the oppositionā¦ something like a half-dead state?"
"No, more like three-quarters dead. I'll leave it to you."
"Almost deadā¦ well, I'll try my best. As for financial support, how much do you need?"
"I don't need it now. Prepare it when I need it."
"Do you think money just appears? The more you need, the harder it is to get it quickly."
"I understand. I'm still asking you to do it."
Yuria shook her head in exasperation at my harsh request.
But she had no choice but to nod.
If she couldn't meet such a harsh request, she couldn't lend Fiene to us.
"Greatā¦ I'm helping a formidable force."
"If you're going to blame someone, blame Fiene."
"No way. I don't blame cute kids. If I have to blame someone, I'll blame you."
"Do what you want. Let's go, Fiene."
"A, ah, yes!"
Fiene, who had been enjoying the tea and snacks, hastily finished them and started to prepare to leave.
Seeing this, Yuria pouted.
"You can stay a bit longer, you know."
"Unfortunately, I have a lot to do. You should start preparing the products. I'll contact you when the time is right."
"Hmm. Hey, Alnoth. If you really need it, I can give you my full support. If I say the word, almost all demi-humans will help."
"I might ask for it when the time comes. For now, it's not the right time, and I don't know what the cost will be, so I'll pass."
I declined Yuria's seductive offer.
There's something bewitching about this woman.
I don't have a bad impression of her, but I don't have a good one either.
What is it? She's like a curious cat.
She seems like the type who will stick her nose into places where it's not wanted.
If there was nothing to hide, it wouldn't be a problem, but unfortunately, there's only trouble to be found.
She's undoubtedly a capable merchant, but for now, I'll keep my distance.