Hachinan tte, Sore wa Nai Deshou!

Speaking of which, what have you requested there all of a sudden? Though its great it was accepted.

You know, the permit doesnt cost us anything, and there are benefits as well. (Wendelin)

With Thereses request for reinforcements from Earl Mizuho Country granted, we decide to leave Mizuho Castle and sightsee in Mizuho.

As it seems we have been provided a reservation in a high-class hot-spring hotel which has open air baths available at night, I look forward to this as well.

To the spa and delicious Japanese cuisine, that is.

Just how much luxury is that, I wonder?

Given that we are only staying for one night, I have to start the sightseeing and the selection of souvenirs in a hurry.

As its no good if I dont eat delicious food, I dont even have a second to lose now.

I rush to the money exchanger to change my Helmut Kingdom currency into that of Mizuho.

The copper coins are square with a round hole in them. The silver coins are oblong resembling a silver quarter ryou from the Edo period. With the gold coin being a koban* itself, ten gold coins are a large koban which is called Ten Ryou ooban.(T/N: A ryou was a gold currency unit in pre-Meiji Japan Shakkanhou system. It was eventually replaced with a system based on the yen. The Tokugawa shogunate attempted to create a central currency, based on gold, silver and copper units all exchangeable at fixed rates. Oblong gold coins, called koban, were minted with one koban containing about one ry of gold, so that koban carried a face value of one ry. The official rate was set in 1609 at one ry equal to 50 monme (approx 187 grams) of silver, or 4000 brass coins. However, in reality the relative values between gold, silver and brass currencies fluctuates almost on a daily basis throughout the Edo period. (source wiki))

There are differences in their shape, unit system and names, but its not overly complex as theres no difference in the quantity of gold, silver and copper used.

Well then, as Im walking in the city wondering what to buy, Ina came asking about the reward some time ago.

It wont be fulfilled if we dont win anyway. Even if we get the reward, there wont be any loss to the empire.

The condition, which I set, is a permission to have direct trade between Baumeister Earldom and Earl Mizuho Country.

As theres also the matter of distance and the number of magic airships, I will probably just come to buy things with Teleportation, but it means that Im lawfully allowed to do so.

Of course High Earl Mizuho has accepted that unconditionally.

But thats only natural as an increase in sales is a cause for celebrations after all.

You want the products of Earl Mizuho Country that much? (Ina)

Yes! If possible I want to buy up all of it! (Wendelin)

Getting all psyched up, I exchanged an amount of 100 million cents, but upon reflection I came to the conclusion that its not good to buy up a large quantity of goods and food since we will head into battle after this.

Instead its probably necessary keep the quantity down as much as possible while increasing the variety.

First is the tea house I failed to visit. (Wendelin)

You are quite fixated on that one, arent you? (Katharina)

I havent eaten anything since this morning after all. Are you not going to eat, Katharina? (Wendelin)

I will, but (Katharina)

Because we cannot visit the tea house at the ridge, we enter one in the city, but the citys appearance and the tea houses interior completely looked like a scene from a historical drama.

Commoners and peddlers are eatingdangos and such while drinking tea.

Welcome to our shop!

A pretty poster girl*, who wore an apron and a Mizuho uniform, which resembles a kimono quite well, shows up.(T/N: kanbanmusume a pretty girl to attract customers)

Her age probably isnt that different from ours.

Her black hair, which extended down to her hips, was tied up in a bundle in the back. She was an orthodox, Japanese-styled beauty.

Thats a pretty poster girl for you.

Whats your order?

Your love, please. (Erwin)

Err

Humph!

Ouuch!

As the other party is a beautiful girl, Erw immediately tries to pick her up, but mine and Burkhart-sans fists drop on his head making him sit down on his seat forcibly.

Dont make me lose face! (Wendelin)

But, I want to be loved (Erwin)

Did something happen with that man? (Therese)

He had his heart broken a little while ago. (Wendelin)

I see. (Therese)

Therese faced the playboying Erw with a slightly sympathetic look.

Even though his face is nice, a woman will pull back since hes too greedy. (Therese)

Thereses analysis was 120% correct.

However, I do believe that she shouldnt talk about someone elses matters.

Excuse me, whats your order?

It seems that the poster girl is used to handling such guests.

Without any care, she asks us about our order.

Tea for everyone! And the entire menu! (Armstrong)

All of it?

Indeed! Everything! (Armstrong)

Doushi was a free spirit in a different meaning.

He orders the shops entire menu.

As it appears that even the poster girl didnt anticipate such a development, shes quite surprised.

Doushi, can you eat that much? (Burkhart)

No worries! (Armstrong)

Its alright. (Wilma)

Burkhart-san asks while looking worried, but in addition to Doushi theres Wilma here as well.

Theres probably no need to worry if its at the level of a tea houses menu.

I will start from thedangos.

Simple whitedangos, herbdangos with anko in it, and skewereddangos in a sweet soy glaze; the sweetness of eating them after a long time drags me into a maelstrom of deep emotions.

They are delicious, arent they, dear? (Elise)

Im inferior to a professional after all, huh? (Wendelin)

Next time we will challenge it, too. Lets go back after buying the ingredients. Its said that if the climate and soil quality is different, even the same crops taste differently. (Elise)

Certainly, the taste of rice and adzuki beans might be nice in Earl Mizuho country where the winters are cold.

As expected of Elise who is an expert in cooking.

She pointed that fact out quickly.

The things you occasionally make, Wend, they were dishes from Mizuho. How did you know about those? (Ina)

From the library in Breitburg. (Wendelin)

Ina asks a perceptive question, but the library of Breitburg has the feudal lords support and boasts of a scale in the number of books collected that ranks second to only the royal capital Stadtburg.

As expected, since even Ina hasnt seen through all the books in the library, she didnt realize that Im lying.

Wendelin, thee are interested in books and food? It seems like we will get along. (Therese)

Therese-dono, are you skilled at cooking? (Wendelin)

Somewhat. I cant make too many dishes, but what I can do isnt limited to trivial dishes either. (Therese)

Thats what Therese says, but since I dont know her cooking ability there wasnt anything I could reply to it.

If I actually have her make me something, its possible that she will make me eat something outrageous.

Currently I dont even have time for such things. Ignoring it here is probably the intelligent solution.

The sweet red-bean soup is delicious, but I wonder how they are getting their hands on sugar? (Luise)

The sugar is harvested from sugar beets.

Poster girl-san answers Luises question.

Given that the sugar coming from sugar canes has a high price as an imported spice, it seems to be normal to obtain sugar from sugar beets in Earl Mizuho Country.

It seems that the remains of the squeezed beets are used as fodder for the cattle.

Thats not different from the sugar from the sugar cane.

Since its similarly sweet, I will end up getting fat again. (Katharina)

Though you are often saying that, Katharina, you actually appear to not weigh much

When we eat sweets, Katharina always says that she will become fat if she doesnt diet.

Its really strange since she isnt gaining weight like the bourgeois wives of the capital.

Is that so?

Mostly the feeling of her cheeks when embracing her. (Wendelin)

Wendelin-san

Katharina ends up being astonished, but this is also a point I wont concede on.

Although being overweight isnt good, its also a fact that Im not attracted to overly thin women.

However its often said that women are fussy if many of them gather in one place.

I ate delicious-looking food while talking with Elise and the others, but among them there were two people who were creating an odd scenery.

All of them are delicious! (Armstrong)

Its time for another round. (Wilma)

Certainly, it is as you say! Onee-san! Get us the entire menu once more! (Armstrong)

Once more!?

While piling up a large amounts of plates, Doushi and Wilma were devouring heaps of sweets and even demanded a second serving in the end.

Even the poster girl ends up reflexively raising her voice at Doushi who ordered the entire menu twice.

You two, are you alright?

Cutting a single sweet bean jelly into small pieces and eating those, Burkhart-san was truly worried about those two while showing an expression as if he had a sour stomach.

No problem! (Armstrong)

Plenty of room left. (Wilma)

If you say so (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who finished eating the sweet bean jelly, was amazed by the appetite of those two.

Its probably supported by his feeling of wanting to drink alcohol soon though.

There were many things I ate for the first time, and they were very delicious, too! (Armstrong)

Satisfied. (Wilma)

That is, if you eat that much

Having savoured sweetness at the tea house, we move towards the next shop.

Burkhart-san was astonished at Doushi and Wilma who ate a dreadful amount of sweets, but even I want to tell them various things.

Theres still plenty of food ahead of us, but

Certainly, the sweets, which were served in the tea house, were delicious if compared to the things I created with my low cooking skill.

Now that I think about it, those were dishes I created by using trial and error while suffering hardships in the Savage Lands during my loner childhood, but one should go to specialists for the best results after all.

This means it might be necessary to hire a cook from the Mizuho people.

I decided that I will consult about this later with High Earl Mizuho.

Dont fret! My stomach is only filled by less than half! (Armstrong)

Lots of room left here as well. (Wilma)

Then its fine. (Wendelin)

Is it really!? (Erwin)

Erw, who failed to pick up the poster girl, retorts at me, but since we are still going to get other food, it will be problematic if I tell them that they cant eat it.

As its impolite to not order anything after entering a store, theres no problem as long as they can eat.

The bill wont be that large either.

Next is Found it! (Wendelin)

Soba is written on a sign curtain hung at the shops entrance.

Im finally able to eat soba after coming to this world.

Since it would kick up too much of a fuss and as I would be considered weird, I enter the stores inside while pretending to have found this store spontaneously.

They serve both, chilled and hot soba.

I enjoy both options, but Elises group didnt order anything but one type.

Get us the entire menu. (Armstrong)

Looking forward to it. (Wilma)

All of it, dear customer?

Dont worry since we can eat it without any problems! (Armstrong)

As you wish

These two once again surprised the soba restaurants onee-san, who came to take our orders.

Its delicious, you know?

Since there was soba in the south as well, I tried to obtain and make them, but with my skill they ended up becoming thick pasta noodles.

I tried to experiment with noodle sauces as well, but the taste was lacking. Soba is food you cant make successfully unless you have a certain degree of knowledge.

Despite that, it can be normally eaten in this Earl Mizuho Country.

Going by the current situation, I should be able to greatly look forward to other Japanese food, too.

However, theres a single problem.

Even though its the long-awaited Mizuho cooking, we can only eat it until tomorrow morning.

Since dinner will be served at the high-class hot-spring hotel High Earl Mizuho prepared for us, I should be able to expect a lot from the alcohol and the food.

But, theres also the trap called dinner and breakfast being at fixed times.

I want to eat various dishes until we have to return if possible, but if I overeat too much, dinner wont fit in my stomach anymore.

Thats a seriously troubling matter.

As I have a limited stomach size, the problem is what I shall eat, I guess. (Wendelin)

Why are you seriously worrying about such stuff? (Erwin)

Erw looked at me with an expression showing that he doesnt comprehend.

If only I could eat as much as Doushi and Wilma. (Wendelin)

Imitating those two is dangerous. (Erwin)

I end up being considered a strange fellow by Erw, but I didnt want to be told that by someone whose pick-up attempt was ignored by the waitress-san even in this soba restaurant.

Then, you try to pick her up, Wend! You will definitely fail! (Erw)

Its impossible for me to do that.

Even though I have come here to eat, why do I have to do something like picking up girls?

One thing has nothing to do with the other, I believe.

And, Erw has forgotten the most important fact.

What kind of stupid stuff are you saying?

Though I stopped while thinkingDamn it, it was already too late.

Erw, what will you do if he really gets deceived by someone because of that?

I dont wish to increase the quarrel over household affairs.

Useless retainer. You cant even pick up any girls. (Wilma)

I believe that many women would swarm him if Wendelin-san did something like acting like a playboy, but (Katharina)

Damn it! Just where can I find my own looove~~~!? (Erwin)

Erw, who was called worthless by Elise and the other women, began to stress eat soba.

If they are selling noodle sauce and dried noodles, we will be able to eat soba at any time.

Are you that pleased with it?

Yes. How about the alcohol, Burkhart-san?

This cold alcohol, its delicious. Lets buy it and go back. (Burkhart)

Rather than the soba, Burkhart-san apparently liked the Japanese sake-like alcohol which he had ordered as supplement.

He had another cup of the cold alcohol while eating soba dumplings as a side dish.

(I saw those kinds of old men in soba restaurants on my days off.) (Wendelin)

Of course thats an event which happened in Japan.

Earl-sama, you didnt think about something rude just now, did you? (Burkhart)

No (isnt he a perceptive one). Onee-san, about this alcohol. (Wendelin)

Once I ask the young waitress-san about the alcohol in order to dodge the question, it seems to be called Mizuho Sake which uses rice as an ingredient.

(I guess its Japanese rice wine after all.) (Wendelin)

I try to sample it and the taste was the one of Japanese sake.

Now then, Im greatly satisfied. (Armstrong)

Thanks for the treat. Since Ive heard that its healthy to eat moderately, I will stop around here. (Wilma)

Wilma said something dreadful, but I decided that I didnt hear it.

Once we finished our meal at the soba restaurant and left the store, Wilma and Doushi, who ate a large quantity in this place as well, revealed satisfied expressions while stroking their bellies.

I think thats only natural considering how much you have eaten though. (Erwin)

On this topic, Erw is right with what hes saying.

Next is shopping, I suppose.

- End of Part 1

Clothes will be first since there are many women, but this is Earl Mizuho Country.

As those clothes are basically items which are called Mizuho clothes and use the same way of wearing as kimonos, its futile if I dont recall how to fit kimonos.

Elises group is happily checking ornate hairpins, which had expensive jewels attached to them, and Mizuho clothes with beautiful patterns in a high-class-looking store which had Dry Goods written on its signboard, but they decided to buy them on the next occasion.

Its regrettable, isnt it? Lets hire a maid who is capable of helping with the dressing.

I think thats too extravagant.

I do have money after all.

I will negotiate with High Earl Mizuho about a maid, who can help with the dressing, later as well, I guess.

Earl-sama, you usually dont live very luxuriously, do you? (Burkhart)

As Burkhart-san says, our usual livelihood isnt that extravagant.

Since we belong to an Earl household, we keep up the minimum of outwards appearance, but the inside isnt like that at all.

Given that we are also working as adventurers, there isnt any great difference to other adventurers when we are camping. Even the ingredients such as choco, the native fruits of the Demon Forest and the monster meat werent paid with money since we are actually getting them ourselves.

Import and purchase of food is probably the entry in the account book with the highest expenses.

Wendelin, thee are gentle to thy wives. (Therese)

Really? (Wendelin)

As Im a Duchess, Im getting bored by nothing but strangely servile folks. The ones who praise the clothes I tried on are only the merchants, who want me to buy them, and retainers who will never tell me that they dont suit me. (Therese)

At least at the time she wore clothes, shed like to have a man capable of normally telling her whether those clothes suit her or not.

In Thereses current position that was also a wish that cant be granted to begin with though.

Even if Mizuho clothes are impossible, can we at least buy accessories?

The shop next door was selling accessory cases and combs which had expensive ornaments embedded as lacquerware.

In addition there are also expensive tea utensils, lacquer work and hanging scrolls.

Theres indeed a great number of Japanese-like goods being sold.

Elise, how about this comb? (Wendelin)

Its easy to use and enters the hair gently. (Elise)

Since the merchandise isnt that expensive, Elise and the others buy the ones they like one after the other.

By the way, Wendelin, cant thou buy one for me? (Therese)

No That might be impossible (Wendelin)

If I suddenly bought something for a noble from a foreign country and moreover a woman who isnt my wife or lover, strange rumours would very likely spread.

Besides, currently my position is just that of a magician who was hired by Therese.

It would be preposterous to give a present to a person in such high position.

Even if it does turn into a rumour, I wont particularly mind though. (Therese)

I will be the one troubled by it! (Wendelin)

If the nobles of Helmut Kingdom learned of it, there would definitely be some among them starting to say such things as Earl Baumeister was ensnared by a prince-elector of Holy Empire Urquhart or He succumbed to her allure.

Next is a magic tools shop, huh?

Once we entered another magic tool shop, a lot of articles were lined up inside.

Even though its outward appearance is Japanese-styled, its spacious completely like a large consumer electronics shop.

Welcome!

After browsing through the displayed items, many of them are general-purpose items and all of them are smaller and their price is around twice as expensive as the the ones in Helmut Kingdom.

But, as it seems that their mana consumption efficiency is great according to the clerks explanation, many of them run for around 30% longer than the ones in Helmut Kingdom if they are charged with the same amount of mana.

They excel at miniaturization and mana conservation techniques.

Surely the items were similar to those made in Japan.

The magic tools created by Earl Mizuho Country have a higher efficiency and power than those made by the empire.

There isnt that much of a difference in performance between the magic tools produced by the empire and the kingdom.

In other words, it was no exaggeration to call Earl Mizuho Country the best on the continent at the current point in time.

However, we didnt buy any.

The magic tool types, which we discovered in the underground storehouse in the Demon Forest, were highly efficient after all.

(However, the shapes and the arrangement of the switches is quite similar, isnt it?) (Wendelin)

Apparently Earl Mizuho Country has existed since the time when the empire was a small kingdom in the south.

Though its only a small portion of the Mizuho clan members who seem to know about their roots, they might have moved here from the area around the Demon Forest.

If that was the case it would explain them possessing a unique, advanced magic tool production technology.

What might have caused the technological level to drop in comparison to the past possibly was the matter of losing a lot of skills during their nomadic period.

You arent buying, Wend?

The performance of the items from the underground storehouse, we found in the Demon Forest, is good. (Wendelin)

Now that you mention it, thats certainly true.

Aah! But lets buy some.

Perhaps for selling them to the magic tool guild?

According to Inas thinking, we should be able to make some profit by selling the tools to them.

The magic tool guild has bought a large quantity of the items, we discovered in the underground storehouse in the Demon Forest, and all the remains of the Rock Gigant Golem by relying fully on their too excessive assets.

All of it was for the sake of new technological development for magic tools, but frankly, the results are questionable.

With them being repeatedly told by their surroundings that they have no results to show, they should buy the magic tools of Earl Mizuho Country as examples for a high price all the more.

It looks like its pretty much prohibited to take them along to a foreign country.

Is that okay?

The items are circulated into the empire. I think there are also some among the kingdoms nobles who possess some.

Since those are items which can be bought in the empire if you pay money, its impossible that not a single magic tool has made its way out to the kingdom as well.

Besides, even the empire hasnt caught up to the performance of the magic tools produced by Earl Mizuho Country.

That was also evidence for the production technology being hidden.

That bunch from the magic tool guild. They will likely buy it since they have the money. It would be no more than earning some extra money.

Even if they arent able to buy them, it will likely yield a good profit if we sell them to someone else.

The share, which isnt affected by import taxes, can be sold cheaply within Baumeister Earldom.

All types.

Umm, customer-sama?

As I said, give me all types.

Err Are you really sure?

Yes, really.

As a matter of fact, there are also items I recommend except those on display.

Once I placed a large amount of oobans in front of the clerk, he received me while having a face full of smiles.

He brings out the items which werent lined up at the storefront and explains their uses politely.

I look forward to you visiting our store once again.

Having bought all types of the magic tool shops merchandise, we head straight to the grocer.

In reality the magic tools dont matter.

This place is Earl Mizuho Country which owns a Japanese-styled culture. In that case theres only one item I want.

I have been defeated after all, havent I? (Wendelin)

Ah, they have the Miso and Soy Sauce that you created, Wend.

Luise was surprised by themisoand soy sauce of which there are many varieties.

Say Wend, you reproduced the flavouring of Earl Mizuho Country, didnt you?

I guess those were created by Earl Mizuho Country. I didnt realize since it was written in a worn-out book in the library.

Though Im repeating myself here, but thats of course a lie.

Since Luise hasnt the hobby of going to the library to read books, she probably wont ever realize it.

Strong Flavour, Light Flavour and Tamari*; they have a wide range, dont they?(T/N: variety of rich soy sauce)

That applies to soy sauce but there is evenmisoresembling HacchouMiso* and light-brownmisoranging from sweet to salty flavour. Of course I bought all types.(T/N: a specialmisoproduced in Okazaki City in the Aichi Prefecture)

The qualities of kombu, katsuobushi, the noodle sauces, ponzu, tsukemono, nori and rice is great, isnt it (Wendelin)(T/N: Google them if interested, cant be bothered any more with all that food stuff)

This place is a goldmine.

Although I cant buy too much since we will go to war soon, it will probably be alright for a while if its just the share we use up by ourselves.

They have dried noodles as well, dont they!?

Since they were also selling dried soba and udon noodles, I bought these to some extent, too.

Oops! Forgettingmirinis no good!

Alcohol and Mizuho Sake was also sold. A large quantity of shochus made out of rice, wheat and potatoes.

These can be used for cooking as well, and not just for drinking.

Its a place where I want to buy as much as possible.

Shishou-sama, why is Wendelin-san that happy? (Katharina)(T/N: Shishou = teacher/master as in teaching martial arts)

Hes been such a man for a long time. Its not like hes enticing women, so, isnt it fine? (Burkhart)

I guess so. I think its cute, but (Katharina)

It appears that Burkhart-san and Katharina are talking about something behind me, but deciding to not mind it, I bought up large amounts of ingredients and seasoning made in Earl Mizuho Country from then on.

It looks like you are pleased with Earl Mizuho Country, Earl Baumeister-dono. (Toyomune)

Yes, thus please make sure that I can come here freely. (Wendelin)

I have to coordinate it with Duchess Philip-dono and the empire as well, but the part of you spending money while shopping is very welcome. (Toyomune)

Im sure you want to protect the citizens livelihood by improving the economic activity. (Wendelin)

It helps that you understand quickly, Earl Baumeister-dono. (Toyomune)

Once we headed to the high-class inn, which was assigned to us, as it became evening, a banquet sponsored by High Earl Mizuho was held there.

Since its a hot-spring hotel, we are also wearing the yukata which were provided by the inn.

As the bath is a naturally circulating hot spring thats fed by a source, its effective against nerve pain and rheumatism.

With it apparently having the legend of improving childbirth in addition, Elise and the other girls told me that they want to enter it quickly.

Theres an open air bath, too. It looks like mixed bathing is possible today.

But first comes the meal. Once we enter the tatami-matted banquet hall, numerous dishes, which appeared usually at obon, were lined up.

Sashimi, tempura, high-priced cow and pig meat that was roasted withmisoandnabewith small seafood.

Its a deluxe edition of the menu I ate at the time when I went on the company outing at a hot-spring hotel in my previous life.

I want a cook as well (Wendelin)

The peoples migration belongs in the sphere of the empires governments field of duty. I cant tell them anything in that regard. (Toyomune)

Therese-dono?

Wendelin, the parts thou fuss about are unusual for a noble. (Therese)

Even if Im told that, its necessary to employ Mizuho people from now on to have them help Elise and the others putting on kimonos and yukatas as well as to have a skilled cook make Mizuho food.

Thats something I wont yield on.

No, its for that reason that I will once again kill people.

If others learn of that fact, I will doubtlessly be treated as savage.

At least officially Im moving for the sake of both countries stability.

Lets go with a toast then?

It seems that they dont hold overly formal banquets in Earl Mizuho Country.

I hear that they hold a banquet in such format, no matter who visits them.

I like it, but there are many folks panicking about His Majesty the Emperor being forced to sit on the floor. (Therese)

Although there are flat floor cushions, tatami are treated as floor in the empires centre.

Though I dont think so since shoes arent allowed.

As they will only be stiff even if they visit. Its convenient in reverse if they dont come because of that. (Toyomune)

High Earl Mizuho reveals his true thoughts without hiding anything.

As a result of that, the emperor had never made an imperial visit to Earl Mizuho Country.

Since they are half independent, the guarding is troublesome. Each time they made plans for it, it ended up vanishing in the end.

Its the same with the prince-elector lords. Its probably only me who ever came here. (Therese)

Therese continues to talk while drinking hot Mizuho Sake.

As for sightseeing, there are many interesting locations for the empire here. (Therese)

The empire is a multiethnic nation, but there are unexpectedly few cultural differences.

The cultures ended up being absorbed over the last 2.000 years.

The only one among them who maintained its uniqueness, Earl Mizuho Country, was regarded as a popular tourist spot by the common people and the nobles besides the prince-elector lords.

Even though tourism is our main industry, the visitors are visibly staying away due to the current disturbances. Good grief, that duke-dono, who hails from a young, ambitious household, cant read the mood at all. (Toyomune)

High Earl Mizuho complained about the lowered income.

Even this hot-spring hotel which became our lodging place today, apparently suffers from wealthy guests not coming due to the coup detat uproar.

Under these circumstances, sightseeing being out of question for people at such level was only natural.

If the disturbances drag on, the empire will decay, wont it?

Seen on short-term it will decline no matter in what direction the situation moves. It looks like Duke Nrnberg has a sophisticated, detailed, long-term plan though.

Therese was bitter towards Duke Nrnberg, too.

It shouldnt be possible to create an empire, that gathers under one strong, centralized authoritarian rule, that easily.

The more unreasonable Duke Nrnberg gets, the higher the possibility for the empire to decline.

Hes a troublesome person.

He has too many high aspirations, I guess.

Although its a banquet, the coup detat and Duke Nrnberg, who is its ringleader, end up becoming a popular topic in the conversations.

However, before long the matters to talk about lessen and the banquet finishes slowly.

Tomorrow will be an early start. Shall we enter the bath earlier than usual and go sleep afterwards?

Its the first time since my previous life for me to get into a hot spring and moreover even an open air bath.

I did have baths by digging up rocks, filling them with water and heating it in the Savage Lands during my childhood, but strictly spoken, those werent open air baths.

I decide to exclude those since they were mere outdoor baths.

Erw, lets go take a bath. (Wendelin)

Y-Yea (Erwin)

I try to head quickly to the open air bath after being able to have my fill of dinner, but the gaze of Erw, whom I invited, was absent-minded.

Once I look ahead to the place hes staring at, I see a single woman standing there.

Erw, she is? (Wendelin)

Yea. (Erwin)

With him only saything that much, theres no need to tell me any further.

In other words Erw fell in love at first sight with a woman he met at a new place once again.

(That guy shouldnt fall in love with women at any place he goes to.)

(Its probably because hes young.)

Burkhart-san and Doushi whispered among each other, but without a doubt they are thinking that he will be rejected once again.

Certainly, if you look at her properly, shes quite the beautiful girl.

Her height is around 160 cm. She is standing in a corner of the room with a proper posture while wearing a haori and light blue long underpants.

Her black hair, which is hanging down to her waist, is bound into a ponytail. She doesnt seem to be that different in age compared to us.

A Japanese-styled beautiful girl with the air of a swordsman. Seeing her face, I was reminded of Karla.

Its not like they are that similar, but her atmosphere resembled that of Karla well.

Her?

Is she a guard?

They have many women in their ranks as well. She is connected to High Earl Mizuho. Look, she has three katanas, I think. (Therese)

Her possessing a Magic Katana means that she belongs to the Battou Unit. Her skill should be quite high.

Yes, she was a beautiful swordgirl-sama.

Basically the Battou Unit is an all-male unit. I have heard that there are only three women among them. Among those three, she is apparently overwhelmingly powerful (Therese)

According to Thereses explanation, she will accompany us from tomorrow onwards for the sake of guarding Duchess Philip-samas esteemed party.

Well, I guess its about us.

That girl is called Haruka Fujibayashi and seems to be 16 years old. Once she reaches my age, she will become quite the beauty. (Therese)

Since shes a beautiful Japanese-styled swordgirl whose atmosphere resembles Karla, it might be inevitable for Erw to fall in love with her.

Rather than thou, Wendelin, Erwin fell in love? (Therese)

Possibly. (Wendelin)

Its not a bad combination. Both of them use the sword. Haruka Fujibayashis home seems to be a lower retainer household. She was selected for her sword skills which are unparalleled. (Therese)

The instant he heard Therese-samas words, Erws entire body was filled with fighting spirit.

There shouldnt be any hindrance in her case for her to become his wife.

Understanding that much, a fire of determination dwells once again in Erws eyes.

Nice to meet you. Im called Erwin von Armin and I serve as bodyguard of Earl Baumeister. (Erwin)

The minute he understood that its not all hopeless, Erw rushed over at lightning speed to Harukas position and introduced himself.

Even though he should act as my guard, I dont even enter his eyes anymore.

Lets have a preparatory meeting for a bit as fellow guards who will cooperate together. (Erwin)

Preparatory meeting, he says, eh (Luise)

Of course he does it properly, but there are also parts that are seen as happy-go-lucky by the female camp. Going by what Luise said, she doesnt see it as anything but picking up girls in the disguise of a preparatory meeting as objective.

Im called Haruka Fujibayashi, Armin-sama. (Haruka)

As fellow escorts who will guard Duchess Philip-sama together, please dont add -sama to my name. Also, those close to me call me Erw. (Erwin)

Erw-san, it is? (Haruka)

Yes! I look forward to working with you, Haruka-san. Although its quite abrupt, but lets make arrangements regarding the guarding. The guarding inside this inn is perfect, but it will be necessary to strengthen our vigilance once we leave Earl Mizuho Country. (Erwin)

Yes. (Haruka)

The beautiful swordgirl Haruka seems to basically have a serious character.

She doesnt mind at all when Erw starts to talk about the job and also not being called by her name all of a sudden.

Once being told that its a meeting under the pretext of work, she began to honestly arrange things together with Erw.

Such serious Erw, thats the first time I see that. (Ina)

Me too. (Wendelin)

I agree with Inas comment.

Noticing that the girl called Haruka is seriously trying to do her best after being chosen for such an important mission, he probably schemes to have her fall in love by him following up with her endeavour.

I believe he has a splendid observation and strategy, but until now that has never led to the realization of love.

- End of Part 2

By the way, are you the eldest daughter of the Fujibayashi household, Haruka-san? (Erwin)

No. I have an elder sister whos married already, and I also have an an elder brother whos going to inherit the household. (Haruka)

Is that so? (Erwin)

At once Erws face becomes all smiles.

Hes probably thinking that he can marry her without any kind of problems.

Well, I do understand his feelings.

Even from my viewpoint, she is a beautiful girl you dont meet that often.

(However, a beautiful swordgirl in this place, huh?)

Moreover she has a great style for no special reason.

Her stance is good since shes accustomed to the sword. The Mizuho clothes, shes wearing, are accentuating her breasts quite a bit.

She might have slightly smaller breasts than Katharina, I think?

Do you have any hobbies, Haruka-san? (Erwin)

Eh? Is that related to guarding in some way? (Haruka)

It has no direct relation. But, its not like you can stay tense forever just because you are on guard duty. Its important to communicate with the people with whom you are guarding during the breaks. (Erwin)

I see. Is that how it is? I cook during my holidays (Haruka)

So you are not only a swordsman, but also know of the manners as woman, Haruka-san. (Erwin)

Im not that skilfull, but (Haruka)

Haruka reveals an expression showing that shes not as dissatisfied being praised by Erw.

Maybe she doesnt have much immunity against men.

His experience in making passes at women has increased. (Katharina)

Katharina, who recognizes his skill in swordsmanship albeit thinking that hes a playboy, has an amazed expression.

However, his remark regarding guarding duty isnt wrong either.

Besides, until now Erw accomplished his guard duty without there being any kind of attack against me.

Wend. Lets go take a bath.

Wend-sama. Bath. (Wilma)

Yeah, right. (Wendelin)

I think its the best to leave the matters of Erw and Haruka to the people concerned.

Given that I was led by Luises and Wilmas hands, we move to the open air bath right away.

Theres a mans bath, womans bath and mixed bath.

Mans (Wendelin)

To the mixed bath!

Mixed bath!

Mixed bath, it is!

Mixed bath.

Its the mixed bath. (Katharina)

Elise and the others overrule me, who tried to say mans bath, by saying mixed bath.

I didnt have a speck of interest in Doushis and Burkhart-sans naked bodies, but I thought it would be more comfortable to enter alongside fellow men.

If its your esteemed companions, they went into the direction of the mans bath just now.

According to the middle-aged, female employee, both of them apparently hurried into the mans bath.

Isnt mixed bathing fine? I will also (Therese)

Therese-sama, from now on its the period of married couples. Please restrain yourself.

Therese, who hears about the mixed bathing, tries to wedge herself in there too, but Elise gave her a warning without leaving a single opening.

Without doubt Doushi and Burkhart-san foresaw this development and escaped ahead of time.

Its not like it has been reserved by the Baumeister household. There wont be any problem with me entering, right? (Therese)

That is

There is, isnt there? The empires Duchess Philip and the kingdoms Earl Baumeister entering the same bath while naked will turn into a major incident if leaked to the surroundings, wont it?

What Katharina said was a sound argument.

Its not only bad for our reputation, but also its possible that Duke Nrnberg will announce that Therese and I are trying to steal the empire after forming an alliance, if things go badly.

(Mixed bathing with Therese has a charm, but) (Wendelin)

If we are careless, its not unlikely that even the kingdoms side will harbour worries.

I didnt believe that this had an appeal for Therese to the degree of closing her eyes to the possible issues.

Though I considered it to be quite regrettable in my mind.

Since its before an important greater cause, please refrain from causing any problems, Therese-sama. (Katharina)

Being flatly told so by Katharina, Therese gave up and headed to the womans bath while we went into the mixed bath.

Therese-sama is persistent.

Luise sighs while soaking in the open air bath.

The open air bath had a luxurious, spacious structure as one would expect of a high-class inn.

Even when soaking in the open air bath, which was surrounded by rocks, with six people, it still had plenty of space left.

The surroundings were concealed by a bamboo fence, but the full moon above and the visible ridgeline of the mountains made for a beautiful scenery.

Sounds of bamboo regularly hitting on the shishiodoshi* echo from the adjoining Japanese-styled garden.(T/N: Water-filled bamboo tube clacking on stone when emptied, common sight in old Japanese gardens)

Maybe Therese-sama is targeting the mana increase (Luise)

Luise, sshhh! (Ina)

Ina hinders Luise to speak any further in panic.

The mana of five people, who should have already hit the limit of their mana capacity, increasing and moreover the possibility of their night activities with me being the reason for that was a secret.

As Amelie-sister-in-law-san, with whom I was doing the same, didnt have the basic aptitude of a magician to begin with, her mana hasnt increased at all.

However, the mana of Ina and Wilma, who are unconsciously using mana while swinging their spear and battle axe even if its below elementary magic, is increasing.

According to Burkhart-sans prediction, the number of magicians, which has been known to be 1 in 1000 until now, has the potential to become 1 in several hundreds now.

However, thats only in case they have sex with you, Earl-sama. (Burkhart)

The mana capacity of Elise, Luise and Katharina, who should have hit the limit through training and vessel unification, has increased as well.

If society learns of that, my location will be swarmed by large quantities of women.

Hehehe! Its a rendezvous with a gentleman after 50 years, but since my mana will increase with this, its a reward.

Im actually looking forward to it.

Old magicians who have passed the age of 80 will advance on me to embrace me.

I cant consider this as anything but a nightmare.

Even so, its still fine as long as its just women.

Ussu! Id like you to raise my mana ~ssu!

I will definitely go mad on the day when a man presents his ass to me.

Its considered to be a taboo by the church, but in front of the charm of increasing the number of magicians and raising the mana capacity beyond its limit, its quite possible for the church to tolerate it by treating it as ceremony.

I think it was a nice timing for Ina to stop what Luise was trying to say.

Luise, you have a loose tongue. The walls have eyes and ears here.

Its certainly a verbal slip.

For Earl Mizuho Country it will probably be troublesome if something happens to us.

Once I probe with Detection, I can see the response of people who are serving as guards in the surroundings.

(Are they possibly called ninja or such?) (Wendelin)

Peepers? (Wilma)

Even if their objective is to guard us, did they maybe see our naked bodies?

Having sensed that, Wilma put herself on guard.

Its alright, Wilma. All of them are women.

You did well to grasp that

Rather than the thoughts of Then they are kunoichis?*, I feel bothered by Luises super-detection.(T/N: Female Ninjas)

If its men and women, there are subtle differences in their mana. (Luise)

I know that, but (Wendelin)

I have been taught that by my childhood master, but I was also taught that people, who can actually distinguish that, dont exist.

Master and Burkhart-san said that its impossible.

Both are capable of specifying an individual once they remembered their mana signature, but differentiating whether its a man or a woman by just their mana after seeing it for the first time is a special skill that only Luise owns.

Luise, amazing. Next time, teach me. (Wilma)

Wilma was honestly impressed.

Recently you became more and more amazing, you know?

Due to her ability appearing to be already on equal term with Doushi, I couldnt hide my surprise.

However, recently my mana has gone up after all. At the same time I feel like my ability to sense mana has gone up as well. (Luise)

If you feel like it, you can obtain your own peerage. (Katharina)

Katharina also gave her stamp of approval to Luises actual ability.

No need. The management of a territory seems to be annoying. I will popularize the magic combat style in society together with my children as Wends wife. (Luise)

The children between Wendelin-san and Luise-san, huh? Combining it with the point that our mana increased

Maybe children like Doushi will be born.

Katharina seems to be expecting something like that.

Lets return to the topic? Its a wonderful open air bath. (Elise)

Certainly, it will get troublesome if others listen in on us.

Just as Elise says, we returned the topic to the open air bath.

I want to come here regularly.

Next time I want to stay here comfortably for several nights.

It was Elise who started to talk like that while smiling, but as expected of her.

Her breasts are floating in the bath.

I noticed it at the times when we entered the bath together after our marriage, but since breasts consist of fat, they float.

(Its a magnificent view.) (Wendelin)

Katharinas breasts are floating, too. Once I look at Inas and Wilmas breasts through the hot water, they have a different romance about them compared to looking directly at them.

Certainly this is a reward from god for me who survived by even going as far as killing against my will.

Although it wasnt without feelings of guilt, I wont be able to survive in this world if I mind it too much.

I decided to go with this take on the matter.

Buu~~~! My chest has this much individuality (Luise)

Luise, who has the lowest chest size, jumps on my back.

They grew since the time she was 12 years old all the same, but Luises breasts were an A-cup after all.

Thats true. They have individuality. I like them, your breasts, Luise. (Wendelin)

While feeling the small breasts of Luise on my back, I try saying something similar to a perverted old man.

If I consider my mental age, its not that strange though.

Thats right. My breasts have rarity value. Besides, I wont talk about anyone in specific, but Im not a woman who missed her chance to marry due to age. (Luise)

Oy oy (Wendelin)

If you ask about whom shes talking, its of course about that lady who is still single at an age of 20.

Hoo, who is a woman who missed her chance to marry due to age? Please do tell me by all means. (Therese)

However, Luise is quite mean as well.

She is deliberately sarcastic towards Therese who is meddling with me.

Considering Luises ability, its unthinkable for her to not having noticed Therese approaching close-by.

(Oy, oy, Luise.) (Wendelin)

(I perceived the presence of a woman, but I didnt think that it was Therese-sama.) (Luise)

(Liar.) (Wendelin)

Although she is giving such an excuse, theres no doubt that its a lie.

She should have already remembered Thereses mana by now.

Umm Therese-sama? (Elise)

Dont worry. Im wearing bath clothes for the sake of the innocent Wendelin. (Therese)

As expected of a spa for tourists, they have even prepared bath clothes for tourists although its a custom to enter the bath naked with others.

Therese wore white bath clothes.

We will become fellow comrades in war who will fight while risking our lives. Such socializing is necessary as well, right? (Therese)

She enters the bath while saying so, but on top of her body line being easily projected through the originally thin bath clothes, her nipples were visible due to the clothes clinging to her body in the bath.

I avert my gaze from Therese in a hurry.

Therese-sama, I believe that to be improper for a woman in a high social standing though. (Elise)

Arent thou naked, Elise-dono? (Therese)

Is there anything wrong about a married couple entering a bath together? (Elise)

Certainly not. Thee might be able to become pregnant soon. (Therese)

Therese dodged Elises attack evasively just like before.

As expected of a prince-elector whos a candidate for becoming empress.

It hit me suddenly, but if I marry Wendelin, this unproductive quarrel with you, Elise-dono, will vanish. If that happens, it will become peaceful. (Therese)

Well, my position and stomach will always be exposed to war times.

Doubtlessly I will end up being regarded as a person who requires special attention by both countries.

Only that, please excuse me from bearing that cross.

She is a charming woman, but she isnt necessary anymore as Amelie-sister-in-law-san covers the mature aspect.

Therese-sama, it will be wrong if you dont offer a bait to the nobles you are going to gather from now on. (Ina)

Its just as Ina says.

Seeing that we are incapable of confirming the survival of the new emperor Urquhart the 17th and the other prince-electors, Therese, who is trying to defeat the rebel Duke Nrnberg, is the most important person as next emperor candidate.

I will gather comrades by telling them that they might become my husband. Since its an old trick, I will use it of course. But, there will be never any guarantee that someone will become my husband. (Therese)

Then, do you intend to stay single, Therese-sama? (Elise)

Handling an empress husband is troublesome. (Therese)

Even in the empire the male domination over women is strong. If she is careless, he might become nothing but a hindrance to a rule by an empress.

Up until now there were candidates for becoming empress, but none of them was actually enthroned.

Since they always tripped over this problem, they couldnt win in the emperor elections, it seems.

The treatment of the maternal relatives is annoying as well. Thats why. (Therese)

Therese, who soaked in the hot water next to me, clings to my arm.

The sensation of her voluptuous breasts, which I can feel at my upper arm, is wonderful.

No, stop, I think this is getting bad.

Its fine with them just occasionally offering their sperm to me. However since theres no romance with only that, wont thou let me enjoy a time as married couple as well? (Therese)

No, that is (Wendelin)

Please stop it already! Arent you just troubling Wendelin-sama!? (Elise)

The angry Elise pulls me to her side and Therese gets separated from me.

Now I can feel the sensation of Elises breasts pressing against my upper arm.

Whether he is troubled about it is something that Wendelin himself decides. Isnt that so, Wendelin? (Therese)

Its fine to get angry here and abandon our job as mercenaries, but once Duke Nrnbergs dangerous ideology becomes gradually official, it will become impossible to get a victory against him.

The empire, which would have destroyed Philip Dukedom and Earl Mizuho Country, would gather under Duke Nrnbergs reign and it was very likely that it would become hostile towards the kingdom.

In the worst case its also possible that he will deliberately keep the empire in a quasi-war-state in order to unify it.

Facing towards the kingdom by making it a common enemy for the dissatisfaction of the nobles and populace whose impoverishment increased in the civil war was an act that was carried out occasionally in any world and country.

Then, once he continuously stations the increased military forces at the national border, it will likely influence the economy of the entire kingdom and the development of the Savage Lands.

As a noble of the kingdom, it will be wrong if I cant get Therese to win here.

Not only is she anticipating that, but shes also starting to strengthen her support base in case of her becoming empress.

In order to prevent the meddling by maternal relatives, shes trying to make a child with me who is a foreign noble she just met.

No matter whether that child becomes the next emperor or not, it will give birth to a faction called the parents kingdom faction in the empire.

She might be trying to protect her own descendants by using that.

If thou desire, I dont mind taking off these bath clothes either, Wendelin. (Therese)

No, its fine!

Elise and the others restrain Thereses temptations.

Thanks to that I didnt enjoy the open air bath overly much. Finally being able to just get a long, leisurely bath, it ended with me suffering from dizziness.

- End of Part 3

Please save a person struggling through a hard time. (Wendelin)

When Im just out of the bath, I complain to Burkhart-san and Doushi for not having saved me.

I have been certain that you wont yield to her temptation, Earl-sama. (Burkhart)

There might be that as well, but its likely that Burkhart-san, who met the cute Therese 10 years ago, was unable to strongly tell her off.

Even considering it by age, he might be thinking of her like a daughter.

For me it doesnt change the result much no matter how it turns out. (Armstrong)

If my blood entered the Duke Philip household, it would be the first successful invasion of blood by the kingdom since the empires foundation.

It might be exaggerated, but nobles seem to be creatures who consider things in such manner.

The official nobles of the central government are refusing with Theres no precedent as long as theres no precedent, but once you create a precedent, things will advance with Theres a precedent. (Armstrong)

Therese should advance the political policies of increasing the coming and going of people and trade between both countries as it was happening before the coup detat.

Since the empire will be exhausted by the civil war even if she wins against Duke Nrnberg, an enlargement of trade should compensate for that.

If you exclude a part of the populace and nobles, the political thoughts arent that fixated about right and left.

If the trade improves the circulation of money even a bit, it might be possible to secure those radicals who woke up from their dream of establishing a new governmental authority in the future.

But then again, the appearance of people who incline towards nationalism and steal employment and concession due to that is something that is born in the world of politics.

From the standpoint of nobles, an increase of family choices for their daughters to marry into and for their sons to be adopted into isnt bad! (Armstrong)

If the number of children with mixed blood from nobles of both countries increases, it might also serve as a deterrence towards war.

Humans are creatures that will find a reason to invade, but theres no other choice but to leave such matters to the future nobles.

Even so, please dont abandon someone in need of help. (Wendelin)

But, you know, its unexpectedly simple to evade her temptations. (Burkhart)

Let me hear the method by all means. (Wendelin)

I lend my ears to Burkhart-sans advice.

Once I did so, he mentioned something unforeseen.

I see. Such move existed, eh?

Such move means?

Once I finish talking with the two old men, I return to my room.

The room, which has been assigned to us, is a spacious Japanese-styled room where six people can sleep with leeway. It seems to be the top class room of this inn.

It is a room for important merchants and nobles to enjoy their stay while bringing several wives and lovers along.

For some reason Im considered as guest of honour by High Earl Mizuho.

Its a move to evade Thereses temptation. (Wendelin)

Thats great then. (Ina)

Ina was immediately attracted to it.

She was probably also fed up with Therese as Woman who doesnt give up.

So, what kind of method is it?

Its this kind of move. (Wendelin)

I swiftly pull the obi of Inas yukata.

She doesnt rotate around like in historic plays and she didnt say A~re~ either, but the entire front part of the yukata opens and most of her front area ends up being exposed.

Her chest, which seems to be visible though it isnt, can be considered to have a very splendid angle.

Wait a moment, Wend! (Ina)

The answer is that I have to enjoy the night time with everyone! (Wendelin)

Therese was a woman who brimmed with sensual sex appeal at an age of 20, but she had a flaw.

Since shes an inexperienced virgin, she shouldnt have the experience and courage to boldly join in on such event.

Therefore, to prevent her sneaking in at night, I will play with my wives everyday.

This move was the idea of Burkhart-san who seems to be well-versed in such matters.

This room is convenient for such matters. (Wendelin)

Since there are futons on the tatamis and not beds, the preparations are finished right away once the futons are connected with each other.

Furthermore, as the futons are apparently high-class items, they are soft and light to a dreadful degree.

I think thats a great idea. (Luise)

Isnt it? Ei! (Wendelin)

Aree~~~! (Luise)

Once I grab the obi of the yukata of Luise, who joined my side in approval right away, she, who is easily influenced into joining some mood, spins around while raising the standard voice.

Whats that?

There are such situations in the Mizuho ceremonies as well.

I see. Wend-sama. (Wilma)

Ei! (Wendelin)

Aree~~~! (Wilma)

She had a slightly low voice, but once I unwrap the obi of Wilmas yukata, she releases the standard yell as well.

However, I wonder where Luise obtained that information?

Nyahaha. Thats fun. Well, next is Katharina then.

Me? Since Im shy (Katharina)

No use. After all it has the noble objective of evading Therese-sama by showing it to her.

You cant escape.

Katharina is caught by the excited Luise and Wilma, and gets dragged in front of me.

Lets have you join in properly! Ei! (Wendelin)

Aree~~~! (Katharina)

Even while saying that shes embarrassed, Katharina probably has things bearing in mind about Thereses lewd temptation.

Having the obi obediently unwrapped, she spins around while raising the agreed yell.

By the way, whats this about?

Umm, a bad-governor-attacks-young-girl play. (Wendelin)

I explain that its a scene of an evil governor attacking a young geisha who is pouring alcohol at a banquet, which I have seen in a historical play in my childhood together with my grandfather in the countryside.

Having the obi unwrapped, you spin around often in such arranged manner?

This situation is normal to be done with Mizuho clothes after all. Also, its an arrangement to rotate often once the obi has been undone?

The inner workings are deep, arent they?

Katharina admired the depth of the Mizuho culture at a strange part.

However, why did you know about it, Luise?

Because I bought this.

There was a shop in the city where you can buy books and such, and among its merchandise was a painting that resembled colour prints of everyday life in the Edo period. Moreover she was apparently searching for paintings prohibited to minors which resemble pornographic woodblock prints in secret.

On a page of an obscene picture book she opened, a pronographic depiction of the governor play was drawn together with a written story.

I heard about it before from Margrave Breithilde-sama. Men are creatures who lose interest. (Luise)

Therefore its essential to put the man in different situations so he doesnt get tired of the woman, she was taught.

If you recall what that person has said

Thats right. You are with someone other than us oops, that was a verbal slip. You work very hard on your duty as Earl, but we have to do our best until children are born. (Elise)

Elise is slightly scary.

My relationship with Amelie-sister-in-law-san took the the shape of being tolerated, but I guess its not that amusing from Elises point of view after all.

I have been given a warning.

The last is me.

Once I try to pull her obi after being urged on by Elise, Ina, who fixed the knot of her obi, appears next to her.

Wend, since the last time was a bit lacking, once more (Ina)

Requesting that while having her face dyed red, Ina was quite adorable.

Roger. Ei!

Ah~~~re~~~! (Ina)

Without a doubt, if seen by a third party, they might wonder Whats so interesting about this?, but its a win if they can get aroused while Im enjoying it.

Theres also the just cause of preventing Thereses interruption. That night I spent a noble-like night with six people.

Uwaah, thats amazing.

I pity the hostess-san a bit.

The next morning, Ina and me, who woke up first, were lost for words due to the disastrous scene on top of the futons.

The nightmarish incident, which made Dominique drop the duster in despair in the mansion, ended up being repeated as if one may do anything once a certain line is crossed.

My goodness, Vitality Recovery is quite the sinful spell.

Wend, I cant move (Luise)

Wend-sama, Elise-sama doesnt open her eyes. (Wilma)

Being urged on by Luise and Wilma, I cast healing magic on everyone including myself as well.

Upon reflection, my healing magic, I dont use it except at such times. (Wendelin)

Usually I leave it to Elise. Since we rarely get injured to begin with, there werent many opportunities to use it.

Katharina, wake up.

Yesh This disastrous scene is (Katharina)

If you say that its the usual, it ends there, but Katharina is speechless due to the tragic, disastrous scene caused by us thoughtlessly enjoying the fresh taste of a changed environment.

I cant overlook this as a lady. (Katharina)

It was obvious that the inns hostess, who will come to air the futons, will fall into the same condition as Dominique.

From Katharinas point of view, she considers that as embarrassing for a noble.

Wendelin-san. (Katharina)

I at least remember Clean. (Wendelin)

Im weak at that kind of magic. (Katharina)

Then dont throw out your chest and say it proudly while being naked, I thought.

According to Burkhart-san, Katharina was bad at magic related to livelihood.

Well its fine, I guess. Elise, get up. (Wendelin)

Yes (Elise)

I wake up Elise while casting healing magic. After using the Clean spell on all futons, we head to the morning bath.

Given that the hostess in charge of our room was there once we left it, I gave her a koban as tip and asked her to clean the room.

Since I tidied it up mostly, she shouldnt fall in the same state as Dominique.

Earl-sama, it seems you were vigorous. (Burkhart)

Once I enter the room, which was used for the banquet last night, to take breakfast after finishing my bath, Burkhart-san was already eating breakfast.

The Mizuho-styled breakfast wasnt that different from the one of a Japanese hot spring inn after all.

Rice,misosoup, grilled fish, boiled greens in bonito-flavoured soy sauce, pickled vegetables, natto, baked seaweed and such.

All of it was a lineup of dearly missed dishes.

(Earl Mizuho Country. You are the best!) (Wendelin)

In a hurry I begin to eat the rice served in a rice bowl.

It was popular to eat rice in the south as well, but the taste of the rice here was exceptionally great.

The Akitsu Basin, where Earl Mizuho Country is located, is hot in summer and cold in winter, it has a large difference in temperature over the seasons.

In other words, there are proper seasons. That improves the taste of the rice.

Since the water here is clean and delicious as well, this place provides conditions where you can harvest good rice.

Id like it to be put in a bigger rice bowl! (Armstrong)

Doushi, who entered at almost the same time as us, ate by wolfing down the served mountain of rice in his bowl.

As usual that man has an amazing appetite.

As result of you being active, Therese-sama didnt trespass, right? (Burkhart)

It was just as Burkhart-san said.

To join in on that requires quite the resolve and experience. Therese had the former but lacked the latter.

Did she consider it to be regretful?

She entered the room, but begins to eat her rice quietly after sitting down in the seat next to me.

Didnt you get it done properly despite being younger?

Earl Baumeister, its the start of your harem legend.

Saying it comparatively, the numbers are lacking. (Therese)

The inexperienced Therese has sex appeal, but talks like a sore loser.

Even so, it was a fact that a noble having five wives cant be treated as owning a harem, just as Therese says.

At least I hear it wont be called a harem unless I gather numbers in the two digits.

Its plenty if theres five people.

If thou have property at the level of Wendelin, even five wives are already necessary at the very least. (Therese)

Then I will search for more in the kingdom. (Wendelin)

Thou, thou are unexpectedly mean. (Therese)

Having finished the preparations for departure after breakfast, we will once again head towards Philip Dukedom in the carriage.

Duchess Philip-dono, Earl Baumeister-dono, I will prepare the soldiers and wait for you. (Toyomune)

After receiving High Earl Mizuhos farewell, the carriage travels towards the north.

Once we leave the mountain road, which is located in the northern part of the Akitsu Basin, we will enter the Philip Dukedom right away.

Even considering it geographically, there shouldnt be any pursuit party from Duke Nrnberg anymore.

Even here is no good, huh?

I try to float in the air a bit with the Flight spell, but I end up stopping it right away as a pain stabs my head.

If the effect reaches even until this northern area, it is fine to assume that the influence of the jamming device covers almost the entire empire.

Even if they analyze and mass produce the device while its operating in Bardiche unskillfully, our stance wont be affected.

There was no other choice but to destroy this at all costs.

However, how did Duke Nrnberg obtain that device? (Therese)

From a undiscovered historic ruin, I suppose. (Wendelin)

Since even we were able to discover them, its unlikely that the empires side cant do so as well.

The Ancient Magic Civilization prospered on the entire continent.

It will turn into a war where many people will die. (Therese)

Yes. (Wendelin)

Its something unpleasant, but it was possible for the war to spread to the kingdom if we dont defeat Duke Nrnberg here.

Thats why I decided to take part in a war where I will kill people.

The social position of Duchess Philip is heavy (Therese)

I didnt say anything to Therese who entrusted her body to my shoulder while saying so.

It looked like Ebbo, who is at the front, wanted to say something, but hes probably thinking that he will incur Thereses displeasure if he disturbs her.

He quietly glared at me.

He is Thereses most faithful dog-kun.

If theres a gentleman who is reliable, it will lessen my burden as well. (Therese)

Therese, who leaned on my shoulder while showing a sad expression, was sexy, but after all Im brought back into reality right away.

I ended up being pulled over by Elise who sat next to me on the other side.

Elise-dono, isnt that heartless? Suffering from the heavy responsibilities here, its the important part for me to attract Wendelins affection by showing him my grief. (Therese)

Such conspicious parts cant be trusted. Even before that, Wendelin-sama belongs to us. (Elise)

At the same time of Elise saying that, Luise wedges in between me and Therese and Wilma sits down on my knees.

Moreover, Ina and Katharina, who sat behind me, tightly guarded my back.

Therese-sama, please freely choose among the nobles from your own country. (Elise)

I dont praise thieving cats.

Balance is missing age-wise.

I dont admire someone who makes a move on the possessions of others. (Katharina)

After Therese appeared, the guard of Elise and the others became excessively hard.

Since theres also the secret that its possible to increase ones mana by having sex with me, which results the elementary attainments as magician even if its microscopic, they probably didnt want unnecessary women to approach me.

Thy guard is solid. In that case, I will pretend that theres something strategic to talk about (Therese)

I will go together with you as his attendant. As the campaigns priest. (Elise)

Being strictly warned by Elise, Therese reveals a regretful expression.

Ebbo, who saw this situation, had a relieved expression though.

(However, he is looking at people with such eyes) (Wendelin)

Burkhart-san was on guard at the coachmans seat. Doushi was sleeping and snoring apparently because of the large amount of food and the morning bath while keeping his eyes open once again. Erw looked happy while talking to Haruka about various matters.

(I wont complain, but its somewhat absurd) (Wendelin)

Thereses retainers continued to check the surroundings through the carriages windows in rotation. There was no problem at all since they had regulated breaks in between.

There a Demon Forest in the south? Id like to go there once. (Haruka)

I will invite you once this war ends. There are plenty of southern fruits over there. (Erwin)

I love sweets. (Haruka)

You can even obtain the ingredients for chocolate. (Erwin)

I have only heard a rumour about the sweet called chocolate from the old man at the grocery store. (Haruka)

I will give you a bit. (Erwin)

Really!? Thank you very much. (Haruka)

(Huh? isnt it going very well for Erw?) (Wendelin)

While the confrontation between Therese and Elise continued inside, the carriage safely reached Philip Dukedom within a half day.

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