Chapter 118 The Changing Map
I heard that the war is making things really bad in the Empire, and I couldn't help but feel sorry.
Of course, this war was started by the Empire, so it's their own fault.
It's a good chance for us, and we should use it to end the war quickly.
Even I, who knows nothing about war, can understand that... but for some reason, we are going around the Empire's villages and towns helping people.
I don't really get it.
"Um, I know I suggested this, but is it really okay for us to be doing this?"
"It's fine, Yumie! You got a letter from Sigurt saying it was okay, right?"
"Yes, but..."
I sent a letter to the capital explaining the situation and the plan, and a week later, I got a reply from Sigurt that said,
"Yumie, don't hold back, use your power to bring down the Empire."
Hearing this from Monica made me sigh.
"What does Sigurt think I am?"
"Of course, he thinks you are a rare beauty who brought down Ortria and Euphemia in just 6 months!"
"I didn't bring them down, though?"
I know I'm being treated well, but that's just because everyone is nice, and I haven't done anything special.
They probably just want to spoil me because I'm cute.
I spoil Thea a lot too, so I understand that feeling.
But that's why I don't get why I'm being praised so much.
"Also, this isn't a completely impossible plan. If we keep taking over by force, their strength will run out soon. It's easier to help people and get them on our side, and it will make the final peace talks smoother."
"This suddenly sounds very practical."
It's true that the people from the villages we helped, even though they are from the enemy country, are thanking us and sharing their beds and food with us.
We will weaken the Empire's power not by force, but by helping people and negotiating with them, and bring them over to our side.
We can reduce the number of war victims and help the people in the troubled empire, so it's all good.
"Well, normally it's a plan that you want to do but can't. The plan works because the empire was never really united and Ms. Yumie's charm skill is just too strong."
"But I don't have such a skill, you know?"
Monica seems to want to make it all about my achievement.
I still couldn't agree, and when I whispered that, for some reason, Monica looked at me with a surprised face.
"It's been '2 weeks' since that plan started... In that time, how many towns did Ms. Yumie conquer by herself?"
"...I didn't conquer them by myself, but 3."
"Even if someone who was praised as a saint by everyone in a town after just about 4 days says that, it doesn't really make sense?"
"......"
Yes, we decided our next steps and sent a letter to Sigurt 2 weeks ago.
While waiting for the reply, we kept moving... Now, we are in our 4th territory of the empire along with the first village.
And in all those towns, for some reason, I was being worshipped as a saint.
I really don't understand why.
All I've done is get friendly with a soldier from that town and talked a little with the town chief and the people.
"But I guess that's inevitable. It's Ms. Yumie after all. Every living thing in the world becomes a pitiful lamb in front of Ms. Yumie's charm."
"That's too much..."
Surely?
I think I'm cute objectively.
But, at this point, it goes beyond the level of "cute" and I'm actually scared.
I'm not really a succubus, am I?
"Anyway, Ms. Yumie, you should just continue to do what you think you should do, as you have done up until now. That will surely bring us better results than anything else. I'm sure of it."
"Ms. Monica...Yes, I understand"
I nod quietly at Monica's strong trust.
I want to meet her expectations, but they are as heavy as world peace, so I can't help but feel anxious.
As if she felt my anxiety, Monica hugged me tightly.
"You don't need to worry so much, Ms. Yumie is always with me. If things get tough, you can always count on me, okay?"
"...Thank you. Then, just a little bit..."
"Huh?"
Resting against Monica's chest, I rubbed my face like Thea always does to me.
Looking up at Monica's stiff face, I whispered sweetly.
"...I want Ms. Monica to hug me a lot..."
Even though I was tired on my way to Euphemia, as long as Monica was comforting me like this, I could forget my worries.
So, just like that time──while I was asking, Monica slowly moved her lips.
"Ms. Yumie... of course, I don't mind, but can I ask one thing?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"...I'm reaching my limit, can I eat?"
"? ? ?"
What does she mean by eat?
Even though I just had lunch, is she already hungry?
Just as I was thinking that, a sword came out from behind Monica and slammed down on her head.
"Ouch!? Lady Rifine, what are you doing!?"
"What are you doing to my Yumie? I won't tolerate you getting ahead of me!"
"It's because Ms. Yumie is too cute! It's not my fault!"
"I understand how you feel, but I won't forgive you!!"
Monica and Rifine started to get excited and scream.
Being able to talk to her in such a relaxed manner, I realized that the anxiety I had felt in my heart had eased and I found myself chuckling.
"So, what did you come here for, Rifine? Did you have something to do?"
"Ah... it's not me, but to be precise, it's this guy's business. Yumie is the key to the plan, so he said he wanted to make sure we were on the same page."
When Rifine pointed behind her, there stood Gray, who looked very shy.
...I didn't notice he was more than a head taller than Rifine.
Gray, you don't have to hide so much, you know?
"Um... I wanted to talk about our marching plans. We shouldn't put too much burden on Lady Yumie, so I just wanted to check in."
"Thank you. Gray, you're doing a great job!"
Hearing what we would discuss, I honestly feel that way.
Yes, actually, since Gray joined this war... he's not just Thea's special engineer, but he also helps manage supplies.
In just 2 weeks since we entered the Empire's territory, we could visit 4 towns, thanks to the maps Gray made when he was in the Empire along with our supplies planning from Ortria and Euphemia.
Just a moment ago, he was fixing Thea's mechanical arm while also joining a meeting with my father, showing how energetic he is.
If Gray was a bad person who helped the Neithardt family and the Empire do bad things, Ortria and Euphemia might have already fallen to the Empire, as my father said.
No, how could the Neithardt family waste such a great talent?
It's really surprising.
In response to my praise, Gray shyly scratched his cheek.
"I... I'm honored to be praised. If I can make up for my past mistakes, that's a small price to pay."
I don't think it's Gray's fault, but he seems to be prepared to take responsibility for the crimes that Neithardt committed.
But if he doesn't do that, he won't be able to forgive himself.
There's no point in trying to comfort him.
So I gently stroked his head instead.
"It's a great help. I'm glad you're on my side. I look forward to working with you again in the future, Gray"
"...Thank you very much..."
Gray's face is red and he looks away, but he murmurs happily.
I could tell at a glance that he wasn't used to being praised, and just as I was thinking how cute he was... I felt a chill run down my spine.
"Ms. Yumie, I guess you like the type that is a bit shy and sweet instead of being pushy... hmm...!?"
"Gray... I still have to be careful of him..."
Seeing Gray jump like a little animal because of that look, I couldn't help but smile a little.
For now... let's all be friends, okay?
Right?
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