Volume 3 Chapter 42 Overprotection Is Apparently Bad, It's Hard
"I see, so she was a member of the〈Black Swan〉. It's quite possible that there was an elf priestess."
After finishing my conversation with Mr. Wolf, I'm returned to the castle and reported the details to His Majesty.
Your Majesty seemed to be tracing memories of the past, resting a hand on his chin and lost in thought.
"Do you know about the〈Black Swan〉?"
"Yeah, somewhat. They were quite active in preventing the Stampede disaster and the like, so there were times when they were directly rewarded. I've heard about the party members who died, but were they the children of the former Marquis of Beltlam, and was it Dark Mage Adiliana and Ferron?"
His Majesty wore a complicated expression.
Come to think of it, His Majesty stripped the former Marquis Beltlam of his title, so he must be aware of the circumstances around that.
But it seemed like the reasons behind it were still unclear.
"However, Emerada seemed to harbor a grudge against those in power because of that incident. If that's the case, then several things start to make sense."
"Is that what you're saying?"
"After the former Marquis of Beltlam was stripped of his title, his territory became the former Marquis Strauss's domain."
"The former Marquis Strauss's domain... Ah, I see, that's what this is about."
...I see.
So that was the site of the stampede.
According to Mr. Wolf, the common folk also feared the former Marquis Beltlam, saying they never helped Mr. Abel.
Considering that they might hold a grudge against those people, it makes sense that a stampede occurred.
Though I can't quite empathize with that.
By the way, when we searched the former Marquis Strauss' mansion after last year's stampede, we discovered evidence linking him to the Dark Mage.
That's why the late Marquis Strauss was also granted a title, and it seems the current ruler is Marquis Messerschmitt.
"Do you think... the Marquis Messerschmitt will be all right?"
I hesitantly asked this question.
From the perspective of the commoners, both of their lords had been stripped of their titles in succession.
They must be incredibly anxious about that.
"That guy is a former confidant of Oppel, and he's quite sharp. He seems to be keeping a close eye on any potential stampedes, and his movements towards rebuilding are quick. It appears he has the trust of the common folk as well."
At my concern, His Majesty flashed a wry smile and answered with a measure of reassurance.
So, Oppel von Schnorr, the Duke, was Elmer's successor and his confidant?
The Prime Minister Schnorr was quite the polite gentleman; he even came all the way to my place to greet me yesterday.
It was such a contrast to Elmer, who used to pinch his nose whenever I spoke, and I was genuinely moved.
"...Returning to the topic at hand, how should we proceed with Emerada from here on?"
Right now, I'm being sheltered in the royal castle, but in order to return to Sartzstadt, I need to address the inevitable confrontation with Emerada that awaits along the way.
"Even if I were to offer up the head of the former Marquis Beltlam, it wouldn't convince her. Well, to be fair, he's already 6 feet under."
It was with a serious expression that His Majesty spoke.
So, he's really dead.
He must have been executed, but I won't dare ask.
"...To be honest, I can't think of a way to stop Emerada, who is driven by her grudge against power."
I raised my hands in resignation, declaring, "I give up!"
As of now, Lene is the only one I have as a bargaining chip to persuade Emerada, but I can't just drag her into the battlefield like this.
"It can't be helped. Until I come up with a good plan, I'll order the formation of a unit against Emerada. Ryuuji, I need you to prepare the <Magic Stone of Great Absolute> before the decisive battle."
"<Great Magic Stone of Diamond>, you say..."
"What? Why the long face? Is there a problem?"
Once the conversation came to a pause, I couldn't help but show a troubled expression upon receiving Her Majesty's command, which made her eyes widen in surprise.
That requires Lene's power to craft the materials.
I don't want her to do any work in her current condition.
I brought this up, but His Majesty started to chuckle, looking rather amused.
Wait, was there something funny about that?
"Ryuuji, I understand your concern, but even if she's pregnant, not letting her work could actually be harmful to her health."
"I-I see, is that how it is?"
Uhm, uhm...
So, it's not okay to be overprotective, huh? This is tricky.
"It seems you didn't notice the pregnancy at all. That's why you should call the midwife from the town and, for now, you and Lene should study all sorts of things about childbirth."
"...Your deep concern is touching."
I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed and ended up shrinking back.
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