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Adelhaite once said, whether to obey as a servant of the kingdom or to unite as friends. Of course, I thought her words were just sweet talk. Expressing that we were friends sounded a lot friendlier and smoother than telling me to become her follower.

Besides, the notion of friendship, as I understood it, involved playful teasing and sharing casual insults back and forth, right?

In that sense—

“Being friends with a princess?”

How on earth does one go about that?

Just looking at the ongoing situation, the princess was clearly enjoying herself. Well, she did mention the word “friend” first, so I guess that’s that.

“Look at the atmosphere.”

The attendants were standing silently behind the princess, all quiet yet seemingly focused on her. It felt like they were saying, ‘We won’t tolerate any mistakes, so tread carefully.’ There was an unspoken pressure emanating from them.

As much as the princess was already designated as the next queen, it felt like there was now a gap that couldn’t be crossed when it came to being intimate friends.

Milanet and I could only be flustered at her grand entrance.

“Your Highness… it might be better if we converse in a more refined and orderly setting than this. What do you think about relocating?”

“You called it the Great Demon Tribe Special Mission Knight Order. Where else could best represent you, young lady? You needn’t worry so much.”

Even if Adelhaite brushed it off, the problem was that our poor knights were probably on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

“Additionally, the royal family is indeed very interested in the Count’s expedition. There might just be a city in the west’s Demonic Realm that could have once prospered as the kingdom’s capital.”

Once she mentioned it, there would be no turning back.

Moreover, the royal family’s interest isn’t just for show; it’s a project that requires considerable manpower and resources. Ultimately, they’re making significant investments to strengthen the kingdom’s legitimacy and symbolism.

“Don’t let me get in your way; carry on as usual. I’ll just observe quietly.”

You can’t spit in the face of the one who’s smiling.

Giving in to the beaming princess, we moved to the shooting range as usual for the rangers.

“I did come to talk with Diolia, but…”

It was also to try out the gift I received from Adelhaite.

“I got a longbow, and Shione received a Magic Support Tool.”

Well, as you can see, I got a longbow.

I heard Shione was gifted a ring-shaped artifact, a sign that she’d started to dabble in magic through Epheana and the academy headmaster.

As we both prepared to try out the items we received from Adelhaite, the princess began to take an interest.

“Baron, it seems you’re quite famous for your excellent archery skills. Thinking back on it, I’ve only seen you handle a sword; I’ve never actually witnessed you shoot a bow.”

Especially not at me.

Now that I had received a bow, I was tempted to summon our spirit and show off something grand, but—

Absolutely not! No way! I just finished repairing it; I don’t want to mess that up…!

Thanks to the desperate gaze of our unit leader Diolia, I ditched that idea.

“I’ll do my best to please Your Highness.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Well, in the end, a flashy performance that I usually put on should suffice to satisfy her to some extent.

That, too, requires quite a bit of mana control to pull off successfully.

So, I focused on the basics and assumed a refined stance.

“Why do they call the longbow a war bow?”

It has greater draw weight than a regular bow, with a longer staff.

This immense power boosts the effective range and force of the arrows. Thus, when longbowmen release volleys in formation, it’s as effective as a mage’s area spell, especially against soldiers who don’t grasp mana to that extent.

Therefore, since longbows are commonly used in battles, they earned the nickname war bow.

“I need to get my stance right first.”

To pull back that intense draw weight and longer string smoothly.

I nocked an arrow sent over from the Marquis family onto the string and assumed my position.

Leaning slightly forward, my left foot stepped out while my right foot stayed back. Then, I bent my left knee gently and pulled the string back.

“Wow, it indeed feels different.”

It felt considerably more powerful than the recurve bow I was accustomed to using.

Pulling back the string as if to tear it apart, I applied as much strength as I could, layering on a bit of magic on top.

“Let’s skip the wind and just add some flames.”

With that kind of draw weight, it’s sure to soar without the aid of wind.

And generating unnecessary speed might hinder the arrow recovery, which wouldn’t be ideal.

Whoosh─!

“Wow…”

From beside me, I heard Shione let out a small gasp.

The sound of the string returning to its place was no joke; if someone got hit by a misfired string, they’d definitely scream.

At that moment, a beautiful burst of blue flames decorated the sky before vanishing. I retrieved the arrow, and when I looked at Adelhaite, she was staring at me with those wide reptilian eyes.

“Very interesting. Your magic control is remarkably skilled. Given your neat stance and laid-back demeanor, I can tell you’ve got it.”

Now she’s using her dragon-like eyes to stare at me.

Dragons are the masters of magic. Besides reading fate, they seem to have a certain level of visibility regarding mana use as well.

Thanks to this, I found myself compelled to answer several questions from Adelhaite about spirit magic.

As she quietly listened to my answers, Adelhaite suddenly threw a bombshell.

“Considering how confidently the answers come, Baron, are you perhaps acting too stiff in front of me? I’ve rarely met someone who would go so far to praise me twice directly.”

“…I apologize, Your Highness.”

“If you’re truly sorry, why not treat me as a close friend without hesitation? That’s what I want you to do.”

“How could I do that, Your Highness? I’ve gained nobility through the kingdom’s grace, and it would only be proper to remain a loyal servant.”

“Tsk, that won’t do.”

The princess keeps bringing up the topic of friendship.

With a cheeky grin, she particularly focused on Shione, even flicking her tongue.

“Luckily, the young lady’s wearing a ring as well. I’ve heard you’ve started learning Ancient Magic lately. I think I’ll help you out directly. The ancient magic of the kingdom still exists, and I’m quite familiar with it, so I can be of assistance.”

“Having Your Highness assist me… it’s an honor!”

One moment, she was by Shione’s side, diving straight into artifact talk.

Whether Shione had encountered any obstacles while practicing magic alone, she hesitantly asked questions, while Adelhaite answered clearly and directly by even using her dragon eyes.

With the atmosphere becoming merrier, I discreetly slipped back, only to find Diolia firmly stationed, gazing at the two.

“Seems like the princess is quite in sync with Shione. This must be a triumph for the Count’s house, wouldn’t you say, Deputy Commander?”

Right after Diolia spoke, Adelhaite subtly turned her head so only I would notice, eyeing me as if she had caught on.

Her gaze seemed to suggest that if she could charm Shione, then I would be dragged into it too, bearing a playful smile that reminded me so much of Siabel.

“I think so too.”

My adorable little Shione.

Once her only friend was me, but today she made a new friend.

*

After the princess departed, we moved forward with our plans from yesterday.

We moved to a separate area with Diolia and asked her if she had unearthed anything.

Diolia, as if waiting for that moment, opened her mouth.

“I’ve caught various hints. It seems Piana Trilla is indeed connected to this matter. I have also retrieved one clue. I will convey it to you directly later.”

So it is that person.

“It was Piana who frequently contacted the head maid back then, plus she shifted from Siabel’s faction to Sion’s faction during that time. There must be some reason for it.”

After saying that, Diolia paused for a moment, crossing her arms and staring down at the ground before continuing.

“However… it may be difficult to delve deeper into matters regarding the head maid and retainers anymore.”

“Has something happened, Lady Diolia?”

“I happened to witness the head maid and Piana having a secret meeting last night. Given that I’ve been chatting with the retainers a lot lately and a new maid has attached herself to Shione, they might have sensed something amiss. Better not to take any risks.”

So it turns out the head maid had a secret conversation with Piana.

There’s no need for that person to have talked with her. The fact that they met secretly during the night after getting involved with Shione raises some red flags.

“In that case… we need to start working under the radar. Although it seems quite busy lately… I should also have a quick chat with Sion.”

“What do you plan to do with that maid? I’ve heard she often visits the head maid’s office quite frequently… that’s somewhat concerning.”

“If it’s about Aheira, there’s no need to worry.”

Is there something else besides the conversation in the garden she’s been preparing for?

Seeing her so smug, I couldn’t help but speak up.

“It seems she has some other preparations besides the discussion we had in the garden.”

“Exactly, Ray often leaves, and she has been with Aheira throughout. We’ve talked a bit more, so I have an idea about her.”

With confidence brimming in her voice, Shione declared.

“Aheira won’t stay with the head maid; she will definitely side with me.”

That had a strangely mystical charm, capable of making even others inclined to believe her.

 

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