Chapter 138: Shall We Intercept the Mission?

(Perspectives of Her Highness Flora and Oliver)

“I have a report for Your Highness. The investigation results regarding the members of the goodwill mission from the Vandle Empire have been compiled.” The results of the investigation I had requested from the Kingdom Intelligence Department—with Father’s permission—were out.

“The investigation results are as follows.” Looking at the materials handed to me, the noble daughters participating in the Empire‘s mission were all of the same generation as myself and William-san, and were girls reputed to be superior in appearance and highly capable.

“Thank you. You investigated well in a short period.” It seems the Empire is trying to win over William-san using noble daughters. I do not think William-san will be easily ensnared, but I cannot overlook this. I decided to share this information with Scarlett-san and Oliver-sensei.

“Thank you both for coming.” I invited the two to the gazebo in the courtyard of the Royal Palace. Only trustworthy maids are nearby, so there is no worry of what we speak here leaking to outsiders.

I explained the investigation results compiled by the Intelligence Department to the two. “To gather such girls who possess both beauty and intelligence, what is the Empire trying to do?” Scarlett-san was surprised, but Oliver-sensei was not; he nodded as if he understood.

“Your Highness, thank you for the valuable information. Then, allow me to convey some information from my side as well.” Ah, Sensei seems to have obtained some information too.

“When I requested an old acquaintance at the Levant Company to gather information, it seems voices are rising among the Imperial nobles that William-sama, who possesses exceptional Production Skills, should be invited to the Empire and ennobled.” Oh my, is that what is happening?

“Unlike our country, the Empire has prioritized domestic affairs from the start, so it is thought that they understand William-sama’s value.” “Do you think so as well, Oliver-sensei?”

“Yes. The reason they gathered girls gifted with both intelligence and beauty for the mission is likely to appeal to William-sama about the merits of the Empire, and to hint that if he comes to the Empire, he can take his pick.”

“Is that so? The Empire values Will that much.” Scarlett-san also seems to have grasped the situation. “However, that will likely not be a very effective method against Will.”

“Is that so?” “Yes. I think Will would not be happy even if surrounded by girls. Even when he was surrounded by girls at a party for Western nobles, he did not look happy in the slightest, but was troubled.”

Hearing that, I can easily imagine the figure of William-san being bewildered even when surrounded by beautiful girls. “If Scarlett-san, who knows William-san well, says so, then it must be true.” I recall how his eyes sparkled at sweets when we first met.

“Yes. However, since the Empire seems to have chosen girls who are not only good-looking but also smart, it is possible that Will might become interested upon knowing that domestic affairs are prioritized in the Empire.” “I see.”

“Even so, there is the matter of the World Tree, so it is impossible for Will to go to the Empire. However, it is not fun to simply watch the Empire‘s girls tempt Will.” “That is true. Let us gather beautiful and excellent girls from here as well.”

“Even without doing such a thing, there is no one who possesses the beauty and ability to rival you two.” “It is not persuasive coming from you, Oliver-sensei.” “It is as Her Highness says. You are cheating when you cross-dress.”

“No, no, I am a Jester after all.” Setting Oliver-sensei aside, I decided to call out to the daughters of the Royal Capital‘s nobles and large merchants who are good-looking and smart.

After speaking with Her Highness and Scarlett-san in the courtyard of the Royal Castle, I visited the main branch of the Levant Company in the Royal Capital. It was to hear the latest information from Joachim.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Young Master.” Contrary to his words, Joachim came out as soon as I arrived. “I told you to stop calling me Young Master. So, how are the movements of the Imperial Intelligence Department?”

“Well. It seems there are several in the Royal Capital. However, since the Kingdom‘s Intelligence Department is marking them recently, it seems it is becoming difficult for them to move.” “So the Kingdom‘s Intelligence Department is moving too.” “Yes. The Kingdom seems to be strictly checking entrants from the Empire.”

“I see. Then it seems we don’t need to worry much about rough business. I heard this at the Royal Castle earlier, but it seems they have gathered girls gifted with both intelligence and beauty for the mission.” “I see, the Empire likely wants to induce William-sama to come to the Empire of his own volition.”

Now then, I wonder what the lineup of the Empire‘s mission girls is like. I’ll take a look in advance. I disguised myself and headed north. I have been using the makeup I pursued to become beautiful for disguise recently.

This time, I disguised myself as a middle-aged farm woman. I think it is a decent result myself. Waiting while pretending to shop near the inn where I obtained information that the mission from the Empire would stay, the mission’s carriage arrived.

The girls who got off the carriage are indeed beautiful and I can feel their intelligence. However, they are no match for Her Highness Flora or Scarlett-san. Those two can be said to be in a class of their own. Besides, I will be participating this time too. Let’s show the capability of the Kingdom‘s girls to the Empire that looks down on the Kingdom.