Chapter 302 Hey, Isn't There Anyone To Stop The Rampage?
"I've started to think that maybe I can join Milady Sara in her rampage."
"Hey, Mister Thomas, aren't you going to stand on the side to stop Sara's rampage?"
"I won't. In fact, I might even take the lead. Milady Sara's rampage is close to my area of expertise. It's a waste not to experience something this interesting up close. Is the opponent the Silt Merchant Guild? Or the Coastal Union?"
Ignoring Scott's attempts to stop him, Thomas asked Sara.
"Mister Thomas, what happened to your usual calm demeanor?"
"I threw it away after hearing milady's earlier statement."
"I think it would be better if you picked it back up. Are you aware that you look scary enough to frighten the young ladies of high society?"
"I might have a face like I'm heading to an inspection right now. But it's great that the noisy young ladies aren't coming near."
"On the other hand, it seems like you would attract women who want to experience a dangerous atmosphere."
"That sounds troublesome."
'Mister Thomas... could this be his true nature!?'
"Anyway, suddenly attacking the enemy's main base isn't a smart move. We should first help our allies who are being starved out."
"I think that would be like attacking the main camp in the end, though?"
"Who knows. I don't consider myself an optimist to think that would shake the whole situation."
"Hmm..."
"Mister Thomas, I'm a dual-wielding swordsman. In this battle, I'll be holding a stalk of wheat in my right hand, but what should I hold in my left hand?"
"Isn't it about the magic stone?"
"That's a bit premature. If we're not careful, our own country's forces could become enemies."
"Like the Academy?"
"Exactly. We need to observe the situation more before taking action. For me, it's one thing, but Alicia and Rihito's descendants might not be safe."
Scott and Blaze watched the exchange with blank expressions.
"Chloe, I don't understand at all what Mister Thomas and Sara are talking about."
"Don't worry. I don't really get it either. Chris, do you understand?"
"To some extent. Basically, they want to help Roisen and attack the Coastal Union merchants who were trying to sell wheat to Roisen at high prices. The Silt Merchant Guild is the main group involved, so I think Mister Thomas was asking if they are targeting the Silt Merchant Guild. I don't really get the magic stone part, but it sounds dangerous."
Thomas smiled at Christopher and replied, "That's mostly correct."
"The Silt Merchant Guild... They're the ones who made my father go into debt, right? I've heard they're behind the Grandchester territory embezzlement incident too. They're the Grandchester family's arch-enemy. Hey, Sara, is there something I can do?"
"Well, if your family can navigate the social scene well, I might be able to get a strong weapon."
"Also, we need to convince Crown Prince Gerhart. It's a bit of a hassle, though."
As Sara and Mister Thomas sighed, Scott looked at her with a serious expression.
"Listening to stories like this makes it clear that knights need to study too. When I first met Sara, I was really shocked. I felt so embarrassed."
"Well, it's not that big of a deal, really. It's just that when this battle gets complicated, I can't deny the chance that the enemy might use force."
"Is there really such a chance?"
"I can't say there isn't. But still, I plan to just hit them with a bag of gold."
"Because wars cost money, right?"
"Exactly. I'm glad you remember that."
"That's what you told me on the first day we studied together with Sara."
"I remember too. Winning without fighting is more valuable, right?"
"Yes, that's right, Scott and Blaze. I'll try to avoid armed conflict as much as possible. But if it's unavoidable... how about I breathe fire and drive the enemy away?"
""""That's not a joke!""""
The kids all reacted to Sara at once.
"Come on, it was a joke."
"When you say it, it doesn't sound like a joke. Please don't turn the Coastal Union into a wasteland."
"I won't. It's a rich area with many people thriving from trade, right? If I turn it into a wasteland, I'll lose potential customers."
"Yeah, hearing that makes me feel better. It seems like the Coastal Union will be safe."
Chloe felt relieved to hear that Sara had no intention of destroying her money-making partners.
"I hope they can keep the Coastal Union's system as it is. I think the members need to be replaced, though."
"You mean expelling the Silt Merchant Guild?"
"Well, that's what I'd like to do, but I don't think it will be that easy."
"What do you mean?"
"After spending several years setting up a dirty fight, it's hard to believe I can take them down so easily."
"Is it really that strong of an enemy?"
"Without a doubt, I think it's a dangerous one."
Sara remembered when she met Meyer from the Silt Merchant Guild while disguised as Sophia.
'I'm scared of that man. Even though I should be overwhelmingly stronger in a physical fight, there's something about him that terrifies me. But because of that, I also think he's a worthy opponent...'
"Anyway, I understand that Sara is going to make a big move. Plus, Mister Thomas is totally on board to fight our family's enemy."
"Well, that's pretty much it, Chloe."
"I'll fully cooperate too!"
"Thanks. So, first, let's aim to become the prince's fiancée."
"It's not that easy to become one!"
"Even if it's not easy, I need you to do it. Also, help with Crown Prince Gerhart's bride selection, and make sure to get along with that woman. If there's a lady among your friends who wants to be Roisen's Crown Princess, the Sophia Merchant Guild will fully support her."
"I'm really scared because I don't understand what Sara is thinking."
"Oh, isn't it obvious that I'm trying to get close to power?"
"But Sara doesn't need that, right?"
"I might think so, but it's necessary for Grandchester. It's not a bad thing for the Sophia Merchant Guild either. Of course, I don't intend to force Chloe into a marriage she doesn't want for the sake of the family. But, doesn't Chloe want to marry Prince Andrew? Then our interests align, right?"
Sara was looking at Chloe with a very serious expression, so Chloe couldn't say anything more.
However, it was Jane, who was beside Chloe, that broke the silence.
"Lady Chloe. If you truly aim to become a princess, I am not capable enough. Your Excellency Marquis Grandchester, as well as His Excellency the Young Marquis and Young Marquis' wife, probably do not see you as a candidate for the princess. If they did, they wouldn't have hired me as your governess."
"Miss Jane is not lacking at all!"
Chloe hurriedly called out to Jane.
"No, Chloe. Miss Jane is indeed a wonderful teacher, but educating a candidate for princess is difficult."
"Even you, Sara, are saying that!"
"Listen, Chloe, I'm not saying Miss Jane is lacking. It's just that it's not her area of expertise. For example, Mister Thomas is good at math, but he wouldn't be able to teach ladies' education, right?"
"That's true."
"Also, we need to decide on a chaperone before your official debut in society. The best educator for that is Miss Rebecca, but... whether she'll take it is 50-50."
"Does Miss Rebecca hate me? I know I was a bully, but..."
Suddenly, Chloe's face darkened, and she looked down. Since she had a feeling about it, she easily got depressed when triggered. However, this was mostly due to Chloe's guilt, so it meant she was reflecting on her actions.
"That's not it. Miss Rebecca is super busy with her marriage and setting up the school, so I was wondering if she could spare some time."
"I see... I'm glad it's not that I'm hated."
Seeing Chloe's state, Sara quickly tried to reassure her.
"If that's the case, I can cover the parts I can handle, so how about we only ask Miss Rebecca for the parts that Lady Chloe need?"
"I don't know much about women's education, but if there's anything I can help with, I will."
When Jane suggested this, Thomas agreed too.
"Then let's consult Miss Rebecca later."
"Thank you, Sara!"
"There's no need to thank me, Chloe. In a way, I'm trying to use you as a tool for a political marriage."
"Well, being a noble lady means that's normal. But marrying a bald, fat, smelly old man is different from marrying someone you love!"
"Oh, right. I don't know... Chloe really breaks the image of a graceful noble lady."
"I don't want to hear that from you, Sara."
"That's why I keep saying I can't be a noble lady."
"That's true. The adults really don't understand. Even if you wear a giant cat from Grandchester, you can't hide a dragon's tail."
Sara and Chloe exchanged glances and started giggling.
"You know, I think I've started to like Chloe."
"That's an amazing coincidence. I also like Sara. Sara is completely different from the other noble girls."
However, while the cousins were beautifully confirming their friendship, Thomas was thinking seriously.
'What could be the strategic resource besides wheat? Since milady clearly saying it's not a magic stone, she must be thinking of something else...'
But, Thomas needed a little more time to reach the correct answer.
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