As she rode back on horseback with Bernie, she suddenly pointed to a major road and asked.
“What is this road? Where does it lead?”
"Oh, you mean that road? If you follow this road, you'll reach the Cenospon territory. It's a fairly large castle in this area."
Cenospon Territory. It was a name that made her suspicious of something that was somehow ominous.
“Yes, shall we go there this time?”
"Huh? Hey, you wouldn't believe a criminal who stole land would hide in such a large town, would you, Sister?"
At Candice's words, Bernie burst out laughing, calling it absurd. At first, he was terrified and just watched her, but after a few days of sharing her joys and sorrows, he seemed to have grown quite comfortable.
“...The noble is looking after the Titeri upper class? That noble is the lord of Cenospon, so the people I’m looking for might be staying in that territory, right?”
At her reasonable argument, Bernie sighed at his own short-sightedness. How could he not have considered such a possibility even after she'd mentioned it? Even if you look at it that broadly, it's a success in terms of information.
"That might be... possible, but... that's a bit tricky. Count Senospon has recently significantly strengthened his territory's security. It won't be easy to get in."
"Strengthen security? That makes me even more suspicious."
Candice wrinkled her nose and scrunched her face. The stench of that Count Cenospon seemed to reach her.
"Well, then I'll figure out a way to get in. You, my sister, can rest at the inn in the nearby village."
Bernie said, beating his chest, telling her to trust him.
It was a very unfortunate event for Candice, who had come within a stone's throw of Aila, but at Count Senospon's mansion, Byron and his party were busy preparing to leave.
As Hiram had expected, Byron had decided to return to the Peles Empire, taking advantage of the weakened security caused by the war with the Sekim.
While others were busy packing, Byron was having a drink with the Count.
“It’s a shame you’re going to the empire like this.”
The Count expressed his regret in a voice that was so clammy that it was almost dripping with regret.
How hard he had worked to rebuild Byron's goodwill after his son's words ruined the goodwill he had worked so hard to build.
Now that he's finally been forgiven, they're going back to the empire. It's such a sad thing.
"I can't stay in the Inselkov Kingdom forever, can I? I need to return quickly and accomplish my great work, whether we keep our promise or not."
“Well, of course you should. What I meant was simply...”
“Yes, I know. I think I’ll miss the taste of drinking with the Count, too.”
Byron chuckled and raised his glass to his lips. The Count was a man of many shortcomings, but at least his taste for wine was impeccable.
“By the way, you’re going back by land... I’m worried it won’t be dangerous.”
The Count licked his lips and began to speak with regret.
He wanted to somehow help Byron a little more and earn some credit, but unfortunately, he decided not to take the boat on top of the Titeri when he returned.
“I can’t stand seasickness... and the ship isn’t all that safe. Haven’t you heard the story about the pirate encounter?”
Byron answered with a vain excuse about being a pirate when in reality, he simply didn't like seasickness.
“...That, that’s right. Then I hope you have a safe return home.”
The Count swallowed his tears, wondering why those reckless pirates had chosen to attack while Byron was on board the ship.
Yes, this time he was planning to return by land. Fortunately, he had someone to help him safely enter the country.
After leaving the Earldom, Byron and his party, as usual, disguised themselves as merchants and traveled overland through the Inselkov Kingdom.
The destination was Entress, a small resort on the border of the Peles Empire and the Inselkov Kingdom.
Arriving there, they were taken to a luxurious villa. A building so grand that it made the Count's mansion look shabby welcomed them.
“...Have you arrived, Your Majesty?”
The one who dared to use the title 'Your Majesty', which can only be used for the Emperor and Empress, was none other than Marquis Caenis, the finance minister of the Peles Empire.
He had been assisting Byron in his treason for a long time, but fortunately, he was not accused of the previous treason and was able to survive unharmed until now.
No, he was not only a survivor but also a loyalist who was of the greatest help to Byron, as he was able to embezzle the royal wealth and use it to fund the rebellion thanks to his position as Treasurer.
It was thanks to Byron, who had long ago hidden a spy among the nobles who supported Hiram.
"I don't know how long it's been since I've seen you in person. I can't imagine how much you've suffered."
“Well, I’ve been comfortable thanks to the Marquis’s support, both material and spiritual, so don’t say that.”
“It was something I had to do as a subject.”
Their plan was this: to cross the border of the Peles Empire, disguised as a group of Marquis Caenis, who was visiting Entress's villa for a vacation.
Since all the eyes around them were on the Marquis of Caenis, they were talking without even noticing each other, but when the carriage carrying Aila arrived, they fell silent.
“You have to watch what you say in front of that kid.”
“I wonder if there is any possibility.”
Marquis Caenis, who already knew who Aila was and what purpose she was being brought in for, nodded quickly.
And Aila, who had gotten out of the carriage, stared blankly at the unfamiliar man standing beside Byron. She couldn't tell who he was, but judging by his luxurious attire, he seemed to be a man of considerable noble birth.
"Who is it? Is it someone who aids Byron in his treason?"
She searched her memory, searching through the list of Byron's aides she had gathered so far. But she couldn't recall anyone with his wealth and status.
“Hmm, hmm. Then, should I dress you up as my attendant until you can safely enter the empire?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, but that would be fine.”
So Byron and Cloud moved disguised as the Marquis's servants, and Aila and Laura as the lady's maids.
Having to take magic potions that changed her hair and eye color was a constant struggle, but there was something even more agonizing: the unbearable desire to know the Marquis's true identity.
It was truly absurd that a maid didn't know the identity of the person she served as her master. But Byron and the man were extremely careful not to reveal anything in front of Aila, so she had no way of knowing.
But she couldn't ask him outright who he was. Byron generally didn't like it when she asked him questions, and she rarely showed any curiosity about his work.
If Aila had shown any curiosity about men here, it would have aroused unnecessary suspicion.
‘...I really need to find out who the man is.’
He seemed to be very close to Byron and appeared to be a high-ranking nobleman. He might have played a very important role in this conspiracy.
And Aila's curiosity grew as she crossed the border so casually. Just how high must someone be to pass through security so easily?
It was because no one would suspect the Marquis's party, who was currently serving as the Minister of Finance, but it was frustrating for Aila, who was unaware of this fact.
Moreover, there was little time left to find out the identity.
“...We’ll be breaking up tomorrow.”
“Yeah, Mom. I’ll miss you.”
They thought Aila was asleep, but she heard Laura and her mom talking.
"Breaking up? Why Laura and Capella?"
She had been dozing off for a moment, but the conversation woke her up, and she clutched the blanket tightly, concentrating on the conversation.
"If you take this road to Venator, you'll infiltrate the enemy's house right away. Be prepared."
"Yes, I know. I'll do it. I'll risk my life for the sake of my family's reputation."
As Capella spoke with concern in her voice, Laura swore with a firm voice.
From what she's heard, it seemed Laura had first infiltrated the Duke of Weishaffen as a maid. It was a similar story to her previous life.
But Aila's heart sank as she heard the story that followed. Laura was going to Venator with that mysterious nobleman.
Byron, Ayla, and the rest will return to their wandering lives as before.
Therefore, the time to discover his identity was before sunrise.
She concentrated on whether there might be a clue in Laura and Capella's conversation, but they only shared their regrets about parting and quickly went to bed.
As her surroundings grew quiet, Aila cautiously sat up. She cautiously examined Laura and Capella, but they seemed to be fast asleep.
'... It's a little dangerous, but I can't just let it go like this. I have to find out his name.'
He wasn't a slacker, and he looked like a big shot. If he left something to chance, it could lead to a major disaster down the road.
Aila cautiously left the room. Then, using her memory, she moved to the inn where the nobleman was staying.
It was a shabby inn for a nobleman to stay in, but it was still the largest and best room among them.
Fortunately, there was no one in the hallway. She quietly put her ear to the door. It was quite late, so she was likely asleep, but she wanted to check in case he was awake.
“...Is it possible?”
But the voice heard from inside the room wasn't that man's. It was Byron's.
“What is this road? Where does it lead?”
"Oh, you mean that road? If you follow this road, you'll reach the Cenospon territory. It's a fairly large castle in this area."
Cenospon Territory. It was a name that made her suspicious of something that was somehow ominous.
“Yes, shall we go there this time?”
"Huh? Hey, you wouldn't believe a criminal who stole land would hide in such a large town, would you, Sister?"
At Candice's words, Bernie burst out laughing, calling it absurd. At first, he was terrified and just watched her, but after a few days of sharing her joys and sorrows, he seemed to have grown quite comfortable.
“...The noble is looking after the Titeri upper class? That noble is the lord of Cenospon, so the people I’m looking for might be staying in that territory, right?”
At her reasonable argument, Bernie sighed at his own short-sightedness. How could he not have considered such a possibility even after she'd mentioned it? Even if you look at it that broadly, it's a success in terms of information.
"That might be... possible, but... that's a bit tricky. Count Senospon has recently significantly strengthened his territory's security. It won't be easy to get in."
"Strengthen security? That makes me even more suspicious."
Candice wrinkled her nose and scrunched her face. The stench of that Count Cenospon seemed to reach her.
"Well, then I'll figure out a way to get in. You, my sister, can rest at the inn in the nearby village."
Bernie said, beating his chest, telling her to trust him.
***
It was a very unfortunate event for Candice, who had come within a stone's throw of Aila, but at Count Senospon's mansion, Byron and his party were busy preparing to leave.
As Hiram had expected, Byron had decided to return to the Peles Empire, taking advantage of the weakened security caused by the war with the Sekim.
While others were busy packing, Byron was having a drink with the Count.
“It’s a shame you’re going to the empire like this.”
The Count expressed his regret in a voice that was so clammy that it was almost dripping with regret.
How hard he had worked to rebuild Byron's goodwill after his son's words ruined the goodwill he had worked so hard to build.
Now that he's finally been forgiven, they're going back to the empire. It's such a sad thing.
"I can't stay in the Inselkov Kingdom forever, can I? I need to return quickly and accomplish my great work, whether we keep our promise or not."
“Well, of course you should. What I meant was simply...”
“Yes, I know. I think I’ll miss the taste of drinking with the Count, too.”
Byron chuckled and raised his glass to his lips. The Count was a man of many shortcomings, but at least his taste for wine was impeccable.
“By the way, you’re going back by land... I’m worried it won’t be dangerous.”
The Count licked his lips and began to speak with regret.
He wanted to somehow help Byron a little more and earn some credit, but unfortunately, he decided not to take the boat on top of the Titeri when he returned.
“I can’t stand seasickness... and the ship isn’t all that safe. Haven’t you heard the story about the pirate encounter?”
Byron answered with a vain excuse about being a pirate when in reality, he simply didn't like seasickness.
“...That, that’s right. Then I hope you have a safe return home.”
The Count swallowed his tears, wondering why those reckless pirates had chosen to attack while Byron was on board the ship.
Yes, this time he was planning to return by land. Fortunately, he had someone to help him safely enter the country.
After leaving the Earldom, Byron and his party, as usual, disguised themselves as merchants and traveled overland through the Inselkov Kingdom.
The destination was Entress, a small resort on the border of the Peles Empire and the Inselkov Kingdom.
Arriving there, they were taken to a luxurious villa. A building so grand that it made the Count's mansion look shabby welcomed them.
“...Have you arrived, Your Majesty?”
The one who dared to use the title 'Your Majesty', which can only be used for the Emperor and Empress, was none other than Marquis Caenis, the finance minister of the Peles Empire.
He had been assisting Byron in his treason for a long time, but fortunately, he was not accused of the previous treason and was able to survive unharmed until now.
No, he was not only a survivor but also a loyalist who was of the greatest help to Byron, as he was able to embezzle the royal wealth and use it to fund the rebellion thanks to his position as Treasurer.
It was thanks to Byron, who had long ago hidden a spy among the nobles who supported Hiram.
"I don't know how long it's been since I've seen you in person. I can't imagine how much you've suffered."
“Well, I’ve been comfortable thanks to the Marquis’s support, both material and spiritual, so don’t say that.”
“It was something I had to do as a subject.”
Their plan was this: to cross the border of the Peles Empire, disguised as a group of Marquis Caenis, who was visiting Entress's villa for a vacation.
Since all the eyes around them were on the Marquis of Caenis, they were talking without even noticing each other, but when the carriage carrying Aila arrived, they fell silent.
“You have to watch what you say in front of that kid.”
“I wonder if there is any possibility.”
Marquis Caenis, who already knew who Aila was and what purpose she was being brought in for, nodded quickly.
And Aila, who had gotten out of the carriage, stared blankly at the unfamiliar man standing beside Byron. She couldn't tell who he was, but judging by his luxurious attire, he seemed to be a man of considerable noble birth.
"Who is it? Is it someone who aids Byron in his treason?"
She searched her memory, searching through the list of Byron's aides she had gathered so far. But she couldn't recall anyone with his wealth and status.
“Hmm, hmm. Then, should I dress you up as my attendant until you can safely enter the empire?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, but that would be fine.”
So Byron and Cloud moved disguised as the Marquis's servants, and Aila and Laura as the lady's maids.
Having to take magic potions that changed her hair and eye color was a constant struggle, but there was something even more agonizing: the unbearable desire to know the Marquis's true identity.
It was truly absurd that a maid didn't know the identity of the person she served as her master. But Byron and the man were extremely careful not to reveal anything in front of Aila, so she had no way of knowing.
But she couldn't ask him outright who he was. Byron generally didn't like it when she asked him questions, and she rarely showed any curiosity about his work.
If Aila had shown any curiosity about men here, it would have aroused unnecessary suspicion.
‘...I really need to find out who the man is.’
He seemed to be very close to Byron and appeared to be a high-ranking nobleman. He might have played a very important role in this conspiracy.
And Aila's curiosity grew as she crossed the border so casually. Just how high must someone be to pass through security so easily?
It was because no one would suspect the Marquis's party, who was currently serving as the Minister of Finance, but it was frustrating for Aila, who was unaware of this fact.
Moreover, there was little time left to find out the identity.
“...We’ll be breaking up tomorrow.”
“Yeah, Mom. I’ll miss you.”
They thought Aila was asleep, but she heard Laura and her mom talking.
"Breaking up? Why Laura and Capella?"
She had been dozing off for a moment, but the conversation woke her up, and she clutched the blanket tightly, concentrating on the conversation.
"If you take this road to Venator, you'll infiltrate the enemy's house right away. Be prepared."
"Yes, I know. I'll do it. I'll risk my life for the sake of my family's reputation."
As Capella spoke with concern in her voice, Laura swore with a firm voice.
From what she's heard, it seemed Laura had first infiltrated the Duke of Weishaffen as a maid. It was a similar story to her previous life.
But Aila's heart sank as she heard the story that followed. Laura was going to Venator with that mysterious nobleman.
Byron, Ayla, and the rest will return to their wandering lives as before.
Therefore, the time to discover his identity was before sunrise.
She concentrated on whether there might be a clue in Laura and Capella's conversation, but they only shared their regrets about parting and quickly went to bed.
As her surroundings grew quiet, Aila cautiously sat up. She cautiously examined Laura and Capella, but they seemed to be fast asleep.
'... It's a little dangerous, but I can't just let it go like this. I have to find out his name.'
He wasn't a slacker, and he looked like a big shot. If he left something to chance, it could lead to a major disaster down the road.
Aila cautiously left the room. Then, using her memory, she moved to the inn where the nobleman was staying.
It was a shabby inn for a nobleman to stay in, but it was still the largest and best room among them.
Fortunately, there was no one in the hallway. She quietly put her ear to the door. It was quite late, so she was likely asleep, but she wanted to check in case he was awake.
“...Is it possible?”
But the voice heard from inside the room wasn't that man's. It was Byron's.
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