Chapter 85 Aftermath Of The Hunting Ground I
In the reception room of Baron Walt's mansion, Marquis Grandchester, Robert, Jeffrey, and Baron Walt were dealing with the various issues that arose from the recent riot.
"The riot has been suppressed. It seems that some hunters were manipulated by adventurers from other countries who were disguised as hunters. They seem to be reflecting on their actions, but we need to take strict measures here."
Baron Walt's report was met with Marquis's thoughtful expression, his hand on his chin.
"If we acknowledge the fact of the invasion, we won't be able to investigate it under our own leadership. And if that happens, it'll be difficult to hide the fact that there was embezzlement in Grandchester."
"But, Father, if the truth comes out later, it'll seem like we ignored the invasion from other countries."
Jeffrey added his thoughts.
"If we're going to cover up this whole incident, we'll have to execute not only the mercenaries who appeared all over Grandchester but also the hunters who were manipulated and turned violent."
"Hmm. Even if we do that, it'll be difficult to silence everyone involved in the incident. After all, the thieves who embezzled haven't been caught yet. If they're caught and confess, everything will come to light."
The door to the office was knocked on, and Sophia and Rebecca's arrival was announced. Marquis granted them permission to enter, and the two beautiful women, dressed in simple yet elegant dresses, entered the room with poise.
"Ah, both of you have arrived."
"Your Excellency the Marquis, it's an honor to meet you."
Sara, in Sophia's guise, bowed politely.
"Sophia, it seems you did a great job last night. Are you fully recovered now?"
"I've recovered completely, thank you. I'm grateful to Baron Walt for preparing such a wonderful room and dress for me."
"No, we should be the ones thanking you, Sophia. Not only did you help with the firefighting efforts, but we also owe it to you for capturing the mercenaries who were hiding in the hunting ground."
Baron Walt shot Sara a probing gaze, but she smiled brightly and avoided further pursuit.
'I'm really getting found out, aren't I? Well, I didn't think I could hide it anyway.'
Marquis, sensing the atmosphere, changed the subject away from Sara.
"If we're talking about achievements, we should thank Lady Rebecca too. Thanks to her friends, we were able to quickly capture the invaders scattered throughout the territory."
"Your words are too kind, Your Excellency."
"I heard that fairies don't get involved in human politics, but it seems Lady Rebecca's fairies are different."
"No, my friends don't cooperate with human politics either. Normally, they wouldn't even listen to requests."
"Hmm."
Basically, fairies don't get involved in human politics. Rather, they don't show interest. Even when Rebecca was forced by the prince of Roisen, Fey protected Rebecca's body from direct contact, but didn't do anything about the political pressure.
"This time, the forest fire triggered their anger."
"I see."
That's what happened. This time's invasion led to the forest fire, which destroyed the fairies' habitat, and that's why they got angry and cooperated with Rebecca.
However, if there weren't humans like Rebecca and Sara who had formed friendships with fairies, the fairies would have just gotten angry and moved to a different habitat. That's how little interest fairies have in human affairs.
Although it's extremely rare, when humans in positions of power form friendships with fairies, fairies who actively intervene in the human world may appear. However, in eras when such fairies appear, the world map often gets rewritten in a time of great turmoil.
"Still, it's undeniable that Lady Rebecca's friends helped Grandchester. If they need something, I'd like to be told so I can prepare it."
Rebecca gazed into the void for a moment, pretending to converse with the fairies. However, to Sara's eyes, Fey just seemed to be laughing quietly. It seemed like Rebecca was planning something.
"Can we use their power to restore the burned forest? It's a precious home for the fairies, after all."
"That's something we'd love to have happen, but..."
Just then, Fey flew in and whispered in Sara's ear.
"We'll take care of it, Sara. Rebecca says you can restore the forest."
'Ah, I see.'
Sara nodded slightly, making sure no one around her noticed.
"During the time the fairies are restoring the forest, please make sure no one gets close to the forest except for those who have formed a bond with them. There are many fairies who don't like being seen by humans."
"Understood. Jeffrey, during the time the fairies are using their power, make sure no one gets close to the hunting ground by sealing off the entrance with the knight squad."
"Yes, Sir."
Sara looked at Jeffrey again.
'He's really cool, Sir Jeffrey.'
The red-haired knight Jeffrey, with his magnificent physique, had a face so handsome it could rival a Hollywood star. Sara's gaze didn't go unnoticed, and Jeffrey turned to face her.
"Miss Sophia, it's more than enough that the forest is restored."
"I'm grateful to you, Sir Jeffrey, for bringing me here after I fainted. I don't have the words to thank you."
"No need for thanks. Protecting a beautiful maiden is a knight's honor."
Jeffrey smiled charmingly, and Sara felt her heart rate jump.
"Hey, Jeff, Sophia is still a kid, you know."
"Jealousy is unbecoming, Rob."
Both of them knew that Sophia was actually 8-year-old Sara, so Sara herself knew this was just a playful exchange. However, to Baron Walt and the servants, it might seem like these two were flirting. Sara felt a bit embarrassed.
"Well, now that the greetings are over, we shouldn't bother the lord any further. Let's take our leave."
Rebecca conveyed her intention to leave, and Marquis gave Robert a signal with his eyes. Robert correctly understood Marquis' intention and detained the two of them.
"Ah, can Revi and Sophia wait for a bit? I want to talk to Sir Walt about something, so could you please clear the room?"
"I understand. I'll have all the servants leave, including myself. I'll make arrangements for dinner, so let's meet later."
"Yeah, thanks."
In short, Baron was saying that he would inform them of the decided matter during dinner. Well, it's natural for someone in charge of managing this region.
After Baron and the servants left, Sara applied her wind attribute magic, creating an air wall to prevent the sounds inside the room from leaking out. This was Sara's original magic, the soundproof wall.
"I've cast a magic to prevent the sounds inside the room from leaking out. You can talk freely, don't worry."
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
Then, Marquis leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh.
"Sara... I was really worried. Who would've thought ypu'd be attacked by mercenaries?"
"I didn't expect an ambush, so this failure is due to my own carelessness."
"I should've had a knight escort you, and now I deeply regret it. I have no excuses."
Jeffrey bowed his head deeply.
"In the end, we caught the enemy, Grandfather. Let's stop here. By the way, what do you plan to do with them?"
"That's a troublesome question."
Marquis and Robert exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
"The man who led the mercenary group that Sara caught was indeed a knight of Roisen. However, due to Prince Adolf's purge, his family was also involved, and he had no choice but to quit being a knight."
"I see."
"This invasion wasn't under the orders of the King of Roisen, but rather a reckless act by some nobles who wanted to shake the King's political foundation due to the deteriorating relationship with Avalon. What's annoying is that the Grandchester territory's embezzlement incident was also part of their plot. The former governors have apparently fled to Roisen."
'Yeah, it was all planned out from the embezzlement incident.'
"Will we make this issue clear or not? That's the problem, but what do you think, Sara?"
When Robert asked, Sara couldn't answer right away.
"Hmm... It's true that it's troublesome, just like Uncle said. If we make this incident clear, Avalon will hold Roisen responsible, and it's likely to be connected to Avalon's national interests."
"That's right."
"But Grandchester can't hide the fact of embezzlement, and even if it was planned, they might still be held responsible."
"Yeah."
"Let me confirm. Does Grandchester swear loyalty to Avalon and the King of Avalon?"
"""Of course."""
The 3 men answered in unison.
"Then, there's no need to worry. Hiding the incident would only harm national interests."
"I know that."
Robert hesitated.
"Are you worried that you didn't report the embezzlement incident?"
"That's right. We may be blamed for what we have hidden, and we may make the king's testimony worse."
The men nodded in agreement.
"Then, what's the relationship between the royal family and the Grandchester house? Or how does the King think about the Grandchester house?"
The men froze, stunned.
"Sara, what do you mean by that?"
"It's exactly what I said. In other words, if Grandfather reports the embezzlement incident and apologizes, will the King forgive Grandchester? Or will the King think it's better to leave this region to another house?"
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)