Ruella pretended to sip her tea while contemplating. The guild that had defeated the third named monster had expanded to eight teams. Although they hadn’t found other hidden named monsters, they were able to deduce the word ‘North’ based on clues obtained by defeating the fourth monster they had missed before in Vincenti’s hideout. Since there was no further information, they had to search the northern monster region just like with the previous one.

As the number of low-level monsters decreased, the supervisors would appear. Therefore, they planned to start searching by region from this afternoon.

However, there were rumors circulating about carriages disappearing. For now, those who had seen them were keeping quiet about the owner of the carriage. But as the story spread, eventually, it would become known that it belonged to the Peroz Guild.

If that happened, Viscount Gart would realize it too, that day in Duke Kuran’s garden when he saw her was not a mistaken sighting.

There wasn’t much time left before her identity would be revealed. Ruella wondered if it would be better to accelerate and face whatever consequences awaited them. Meanwhile, everyone’s levels had increased, with Ruella at level 69, Kite at 86, and other colleagues ranging between levels 82 and 85.

Particularly for Ruella, who was at 69,81%, learning a new skill was imminent. Once she mastered the designated teleportation skill learned at level 70, she wouldn’t have to appear in the middle of the village, eliminating the need to fear people’s scrutiny.
While Ruella was busy contemplating, Lady Line, the wife of Viscount, brought up another piece of gossip.

“Do you know what? Maria Kaimun has officially debuted in high society.”

“Debuted? Maria is already married, isn’t she?”

Seeing Ruella’s puzzled expression, Lady Line explained with a surprised look.

“Miss Romine seems to keep forgetting that Maria Kuran has amnesia. Maria Kuran has never officially debuted in high society.”

“Why not? She’s the daughter of Duke Kuran, so her status would have been prominent.”

“That’s why everyone found it strange. Growing up in Kaimun, she didn’t need connections in the central high society, so people thought it was odd. She occasionally mingled with nobles there, but after marriage, she completely withdrew. Social activities were mainly carried out by Kaimun, and you, Miss Romine.”

“But she’s debuting in high society now?”

“Yes. She’s officially going to be active in the central high society. Considering the deteriorating condition of the king and the situation where he doesn’t reveal himself to the outside at all.”

Ruella heard about this from Kite a few days ago. It was said that instead of the king, the queen and officials appeared at a recent meeting for trade negotiations.

“But what does the king’s condition have to do with Maria Kuran debuting in high society?”

Lady Line widened her eyes in surprise.
“Oh, you’re not aware of that story. Duke Kuran is trying to make his daughter the queen instead of his nephew, Master Valder.”

“Maria Kuran as the next queen?”

“Yes. So everyone is on edge. They wonder how Master Valder will react to the situation. Of course, he claims not to be interested in the throne, but it’s a different story when he actually can’t inherit it. Moreover, there have been unsettling rumors about Master Valder’s recent movements.”

“Unsettling rumors?”

“There are rumors that Master Valder is gathering soldiers. People are worried that it might lead to a rebellion.”

Rebellion…

In their current situation, a rebellion might be preferable, as it could complicate the situation in the Kuran Kingdom. If Duke Kuran’s attention is diverted to a rebellion, it would make it easier to gather the keys without being noticed.

“By the way, the chef’s skills are excellent. The cookies are delicious.”

With the ingredients brought by the assistants for the recent meal preparation, Emma couldn’t make anything other than the usual meals. In such a situation, Lady Line, the Viscountess, was coming, so she hastily made the most convenient buff food—mana-recovering cookies.

Even though there wouldn’t be any buff effects for ordinary people, they seemed to enjoy the cookies so much. It seemed like there might be some other influence at play.

“I’m glad you like them.”
“I’ve never tasted such delicious cookies before. Can I take some with me later?”

In response to Lady Line’s request, Ruelra nodded as if it were obvious.

“Of course. I’ll prepare some for you to take when you leave.”

Fortunately, the cookies offered were only level 1, and they could be easily made with just grain powder, so there was no ingredient burden. Moreover, since she had already made a considerable amount, it seemed there would be no problem giving some away.

“Oh, right, about the ring I mentioned before.”

“Have you met someone wearing a peculiar ring?”

“I haven’t met them in person, but when I told my husband about this, he mentioned something about the royal family’s rings.”

“The royal family’s rings?”