There must be another reason. Laniere thought he had to find that reason.

Meanwhile…

Before Laniere arrived at the underground facility in the royal palace where the assassins stayed, there was a shadow slipping out like a ghost.

Under the black hood that concealed a pale face, the figure gazed at Laniere from the darkness.

The last king of Einsterne, who would become a foolish tyrant.

{Siren! Where are you going again?}

“Yes, I’ll be there soon. Princess…”

Although she was getting tired of this role-play, anyway, the end of this world was imminent.

It was already mid-January.
A lot has happened during this time, but anyway, there haven’t been any major incidents since the attack by the assassins, and overall, peaceful daily life has continued.

The defensive magic of Solisbury Castle has become even more robust, and the facilities and security of the castle have been significantly strengthened.

The escorts attached to me and April still consist of five members each. Oh, including Rodley, April’s escorts total six.

By the way, Jade seemed to want to become one of April’s escorts, but it seemed that the permission of Gracian and the Knight Commander was not granted, causing dissatisfaction.

But there was nothing to be done. It wasn’t possible to entrust important duties to someone whose background was unclear (most likely a noble from Einsterne).

So Jade’s position seemed somewhat precarious. A boy who would eventually leave for his own family. Everyone seemed to view Jade that way.

“But, if the Duchess vouches for me, it should be fine, right? Like in the case of Lord Rodley.”

Jade, who visited me as always today, gently pleaded with an unanswered request.

I was in the process of transferring the children who were victims of the Intercity Enforcement Committee to the orphanage. The children didn’t want to part with me, clinging to me, and Jade kept interjecting, making it difficult for me to concentrate!

“Teacher, you must take care!”

“Ugh, Teacher… I’ll miss you…”

“I can only give you uncertain words of growing up well in the future. I’m sorry.”

“I’ll miss the rabbit too…!”

“Meow.”

Someone non-childlike passed by in the middle, but I was too distracted to say, ‘Behave like a child!’ at the right timing.

April, who had been playing with the children, was also saying farewell with a regretful expression… Due to sticking to the appearance of a rabbit until now, many children believed that April was a real rabbit.

“Lady, Duchess, thank you!”

Of course, there were those who knew better.

After sending half of the children to the orphanage, the remaining children were taken by their parents or relatives.

However, a few children stubbornly insisted on wanting to stay at Solisbury Castle, so they had no choice but to be allowed to work as apprentice servants.

Even if the work the children did in the castle was just simple errands, they had to stay in line with the environment.

“Heh, it’s finally quiet now…”

After finishing everything related to the children, I looked around the expansive garden, holding my waist with my hands.

For some reason, it felt a bit lonely…

“It’s a good orphanage, so everyone should be able to live well.”

Since it was an orphanage supported by the Solisbury Duchy, I could periodically hear news about it, and it wasn’t far away, so I could visit in my free time.

“I should go play with April occasionally.”

Looking up at the sky, I smiled warmly. Today, the sky seemed particularly blue.

“Mewow~.”

“Right? April, would you want me as an escort too?”

“Woongkyat.”
Meanwhile, Jade and April were in the midst of a conversation. My translation earring breaks down at the slightest touch, but Jade’s seems to be working just fine… Somehow, it feels frustrating!

“Duchess, please listen. April wants me to be her escort too.”

“Woongkyat~.”

Jade approached April and spoke. Alternating between the two, I raised my eyebrows and opened my mouth.

“No, I have no idea. I can’t understand a word she’s saying.”

“The translation earring? You haven’t worn it?”

“That old thing breaks down all the time, so I’ve left it in a drawer for a long time.”

“Still, you should carry it in your pocket. There might be a day when it’s working fine, like once every seven days.”

“Oh, okay.”

I replied indifferently and took April away from Jade. Jade stretched out both arms with a lost expression.

‘Anyway…’

With a sigh, I carried April and headed to the main building. Whether Jade sulks or says anything, the rabbit would yawn or do something else.

My business was a big success. Well, it’s not very surprising, as expected. Hehehe. Hohoho. Hohohoho…!

“You might catch flies with your open mouth, Duchess.”

Arwin, who has become nothing short of a business partner, gave me a slight reprimand as he flipped through the ledger.

I can now overlook such a blunt attitude. Arwin… because he’s the goose that lays the golden eggs…!

“…What’s with that burdensome gaze?”

“It’s nothing… Hohoho, ho…!”

The camera (as expected) gained great popularity in the Kingdom of Einsterne. The export was carried out through intermediaries, but in any case, it was a big hit, and I sat on a money cushion.

With this money, I can operate my future plans and still have some left…!

“It seems like the money we skimmed off the commission that Einsterne’s importer agreed to take is not there. Still, just in case, we should continue to monitor it.”

“Yes, Arwin. It’s all thanks to you! Thank you so much!”

“Your excitement is too much.”

By the way, the issue of the magic stones needed for the railroad project was also resolved as we recently discovered a mine in Kanabun.

As the railroad is rapidly being laid, it’s only a matter of time before the trains start running. I’m already excited at the thought of making a lot of money. Uh-huh-huh-huh!

“Then, I’ll be going now. If you have urgent business, please call me through the communication magic device.”

“Oh, yes, see you later!”

Arwin simply nodded and disappeared with a swoosh of the wind. …I still can’t get used to that departure method, no matter how many times I see it.

In the afternoon, I went out to the outskirts with Gracian and April.

We were building a protective facility for former slaves who were beastkin.

“Lord, Duchess, and Lady! Hello!

The construction supervisor who spotted us came running over and greeted us before explaining the progress in detail.
I felt quite proud that the protective facility was being built according to the plan.

“We’re approaching the final stages, and it should be completed in about 30 days. After that, we need to work on the interior facilities, but we expect it to be finished within two months at the latest.”

Within two months… That’s roughly the right timing. Of course, there are other things to do before that.

Returning to Solusberry Castle, I received the information I had requested from the messenger guild a week ago.

With the resources prepared, it’s time to gather allies.