Reunion with the Duke

The outer walls of the city of Ateil came into view.

After defeating the Etoroki, no monsters had come near, allowing them to travel in peace and arrive well ahead of schedule.

It was just past noon.

The Empire was warmer than the Kingdom. No wonder Alexia was sensitive to the cold.

They directed the caravan they'd led to a staging area near the gate and had them rest while waiting.

They could use the time to check the cargo as well.

He left the inspection to Finn and Elza.

However, with this many people and goods, they wouldn't be allowed into Ateil without proper procedures.

Since they'd sent advance notice, the procedures themselves should go smoothly.

There was no point in too many people going for the paperwork.

He had Orleans, who carried the Duke's papers, come along with Azu and Alexia as escorts.

After waiting their turn briefly, they spoke with the gate guards.

Since the Duke was the local lord and they had his papers, simply showing them was enough to be allowed inside.

No head tax or passage fee required to enter the city.

This was a quiet relief, as those costs usually added up.

He was usually on the receiving end of such burdens, but moments like this made him appreciate the benefits of power.

He wished their Kingdom's princess would offer similar perks.

Orleans guided them through the city.

The streets were lively and full of energy as always.

It was hard to believe there were signs of war.

Alexia seemed somewhat relaxed.

She was chatting cheerfully with Azu while looking around.

Following Orleans, they arrived at the Duke's castle.

Here, they literally walked in on recognition alone.

He felt it deeply. He had truly risen in status.

"Um, sir. What is it? I feel like you're staring at me."

"It's nothing much. Looks like you're doing well."

"Everyone in His Grace's military has been very kind to me."

Everyone, hmm.

They continued deeper inside. After a knock at the door to the Duke's chambers, only Orleans entered.

After a brief wait, Orleans opened the door and invited them inside.

Inside were only the Duke and Orleans.

It was somewhat surprising that there were no guards or maids.

With the Duke's permission, they sat on the sofa.

It was high-quality and comfortable.

He had Azu and Alexia sit as well this time. For some reason, Orleans sat beside him.

With the Duke having no guards, leaving them standing could give the impression of some nefarious scheme.

That was the tricky part. Reading the other party and judging according to the situation.

It would be easier if it could all be lumped under manners.

Fortunately, his present company didn't seem to mind such things.

"It's been a while. Since the Fire Dragon incident, if I recall."

"Yes. You seem to be in good health as well, Duke Grabahl."

"Ha, do I really look that healthy?"

"Indeed, you're the picture of vitality for your age."

His words were sincere.

After all, the man sitting across from him was a member of the Imperial Senate and one of the Empire's top nobles.

Even in his advanced years, his vigor was evident.

However, as he himself had joked, he looked somewhat tired.

Even during the Fire Dragon incident, his spirit had never wavered.

"Now then, I've read your letter. You've arranged for wheat, I hear. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but you've done well."

"It was for Your Grace and Orleans, after all."

He glanced beside him.

Orleans gave a small nod.

"It seems sending Orleans was the right choice. Let's have the cargo transferred immediately."

With that, the Duke rang a bell to summon someone.

A soldier promptly entered the room, listened to the Duke's words, and left to carry out the orders.

He moved with brisk efficiency, clearly well-trained.

"Alexia, go with them. Their payment is in the wagon's strongbox."

"Yes, understood."

Even after delivering the wheat, the hired merchants couldn't leave without payment.

He didn't want them held up unnecessarily and risk damaging his reputation, so he sent Alexia to ensure they could leave as soon as the job was done.

"I've only heard the outline, but it seems things are difficult."

"… Everyone is being reminded that the Empire's peace exists only through His Majesty the Emperor's authority. When that authority wanes, the nation falls into such disorder."

"Officially, I've heard he's bedridden with illness."

"He doesn't have long. Since his youth, His Majesty has pushed himself relentlessly for the sake of the nation. Now it's taking its toll."

The Senate was the Emperor's advisory body.

At times it supported the Emperor, at other times it served as a check on his power.

The power balance between the Emperor and the Senate was, in a sense, the very essence of the Empire.

Now one side of that scale was losing its force and threatening to collapse.

This would continue until a new Emperor emerged.

But only if the nation could endure the process.

Even the greatest power on the continent could lose its strength through a single misstep, and eventually the nation would disappear.

History had proven this time and again.

The Empire was no exception.

Right now, this nation was caught in a great upheaval that would determine its future.

Even as someone from another country, he could sense it.

"I don't have much time. First, I'll buy the wheat you've brought at the Empire's market rate."

"Thank you."

He'd been tracking the Empire's wheat prices on his way here.

They'd risen more than ten percent above what he'd previously known, indicating the urgency of the situation.

He accepted the check. With this, his mission was complete.

He'd maintained Orleans's standing and likely made a good impression on the Duke and the Crown Prince behind him.

What a relief.

"Now, I'd like to ask you, the merchant I trust most, to take on one more job."

"… What would that be?"

For someone of the Duke's stature to make such a formal request.

He had a bad feeling about this.

"As you know, we have a manor estate. Unlike before, we're treating them properly now. That's actually worked out well. Even if food prices rise somewhat in the Empire, it's not much of a problem for us."

"Yes. I assumed this arrangement was simply buying peace of mind with money."

That was precisely why Princess Tianis had given her permission, and why he'd come to deliver it personally.

"True. But there are places where that's not an option. Look at this."

The Duke spread out a map. Detailed maps were classified information.

No foreign merchant would normally be allowed to see one.

"Don't worry. Nothing truly sensitive is shown here."

"I see…"

He worried he might be silenced later.

With Azu here, they'd probably manage somehow.

The Duke first pointed to the city of Ateil, then to the sea beside it.

The Azure Sea, which spread around the Empire.

Then he traced his finger across and stopped at another city.

"The city of Iselia. I want you to transport goods there. I have a ship ready."

It was a new assignment.