September is nearing its end. Normally, the autumn atmosphere would be in the air, but this year in Agarta, the heat still lingers.
The construction of the reception hall, which started about two months ago, is nearing completion. Thanks to the exceptional skills of the craftsmen, as well as the intense competition among them in the past month, the construction has been progressing rapidly.
Rico has finally entered a stable period and started coming to Agarta for work a few days ago. Although she had been showing up every three days before, at my request, she had been mainly involved in administrative tasks as a mere presence. Well, I later found out that she had been assisting a lot with the work behind the scenes.
Since Rico’s pregnancy was discovered, I had anticipated that the administrative work she was responsible for would suffer. However, it turned out to be needless worry, as Ferris and Luala, along with the staff, worked together to splendidly fill in the gap.
Among them, three individuals have particularly distinguished themselves: Marunoa, Seodar, and Welne.
Marunoa is one of the women kidnapped by those damn bastards. Although she had suffered deep emotional wounds, it was discovered that while assisting Ferris and Luala as part of her rehabilitation, she had acquired an incredible ability. Now, she is working for them as an assistant. Her ability lies in mental calculation, allowing her to perform lightning-fast calculations with mind-bogglingly large numbers, and with exceptional accuracy.
Seodar is a man with strong connections among the people in the capital. He selflessly listens to the voices of the people and reflects them in policies. His dedication is remarkable enough to make you want to boil down the dirt from the fingernails of some politicians in other countries and make them drink it.
And Welne, she is the daughter of Count Seracenia. Defying her father’s opposition, she ran away and arrived in the capital. At the age of 16, she is fearless and incredibly proactive. When she suddenly requested a meeting with me, her words were quite impressive.
“Please let me work here for a month. I don’t need any money. If I’m deemed useless after a month, I’ll quietly return to my father. In return, please provide me with meals and a place to sleep.”
Even I was taken aback by her words, which didn’t seem like those of a noble’s daughter, but it seemed interesting enough, so I hired her for a month. Like an intense employee from the Showa era, she eagerly learned the work. Perhaps due to her aptitude for clerical tasks from the beginning, she is now actively working as a younger sister to Ferris and Luala. Moreover, she is well-versed in the affairs of lower-ranking nobles, providing advice on their way of thinking and preferences. I hope that eventually she will become the point of contact for nobles who still refuse to obey me.
These five individuals are practically managing the affairs of the country, and the lords who occasionally come by also help with various unexpected tasks.
“I never thought Ferris and the others would be so capable.”
One day, Rico observed their work and casually mentioned it to me.
“They said Ferris and the others are just imitating what I used to do.”
“I couldn’t handle such a workload like they do.”
“No, Rico, you raised them. Without you, the current Ferris and the others wouldn’t exist. It’s all thanks to you.”
“Really… But I’m retiring now.”
Rico murmured with a tinge of loneliness.
“What are you talking about? You’re going to have the job of raising a child from now on, aren’t you? I’m really counting on you. Please give birth to a healthy child.”
“Yes, you’re right. I’ll do my best!”
Rico showed me a radiant smile and lovingly caressed her own belly.
In her stable period, Rico’s current task is to coordinate the interior design of the reception hall. With her exceptional sense of style, the interior of the reception hall is becoming elegant and sophisticated. Rico seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself as she meets with local merchants and carpenters for discussions.
And Rico has also started discussions about the inner palace, which is scheduled to be occupied by the new wives.
As expected, Princess Concidy and Soleil will both arrive with a few attendants. Particularly for Concidy, she will bring 20 maids led by the Chief Lady-in-Waiting, Minshi. On the other hand, Soleil plans to bring ten Sylphs, with Astes being the leader.
Minshi and Astes have already arrived in the capital, and they are currently having discussions while inspecting the reception hall under construction.
Realizing that it would be a burden for Rico alone, I asked Quena, who was the closest aide among Rico’s attendants and currently the general manager of Hotel Krumfar, to provide support. She happily transferred to Agarta.
After various consultations, it was decided that Quena would become the Chief Lady-in-Waiting of the inner palace, and some of the staff from Hotel Crumfal would be assigned to the inner palace. Currently, Quena, Minshi, and Astes are primarily involved in discussions regarding etiquette and manners.
As for Concidy and Soleil, although separate bedrooms will be prepared for them, their daily lives will primarily take place in their residences in the imperial capital. Essentially, they will commute to the reception hall in the morning and return to their residences in the evening, leading a lifestyle similar to that of office workers. To deceive outside eyes, we decided to create teleportation barriers in their respective rooms, leading to their residences, and only Quena, Minshi, and Astes would be aware of the barriers.
Minshi was initially opposed to the idea, but it was conveyed that it was Concidy’s wish, and she agreed to observe the situation.
Amidst such busy days, I had unknowingly turned 21 years old.
Some of the others suggested celebrating my birthday by stacking barrels of sake and inviting geishas for a lively celebration, but I politely declined. Instead, I decided to have a grand celebration when the reception hall is completed.
And one evening, as I sat down at the dining table to have dinner, everyone surprised me.
“Linos, happy birthday!”
With Rico’s announcement, everyone expressed their congratulations. Then, Rico handed me a small box.
“What’s this?”
As I opened the box, I found a necklace embedded with a sparkling white stone.
“The stone shining in the center is called Dyst,” Rico explained.
“Dyst?”
“It’s a stone mined near the crater of the Dagoi Volcano on Strange Island, far to the north. Strange Island is said to be the place where the Creator God, Hillem, first set foot, and Dyst, mined there, is believed to possess sacred power.”
“If it’s such a precious stone, it must have been quite expensive.”
“No, it didn’t cost any money.”
“Then how did you get it?”
“Geneha brought it back.”
It turns out that General Harpy, Geneha, went out of her way to go and collect it. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her around lately, and when I asked Illymo, she said Geneha was out hunting, so I didn’t pay much attention. I never imagined she was doing something like this.
What’s even more surprising is that while it usually takes a leisurely year for someone to travel to Strange Island, Geneha apparently made the round trip in just ten days.
“…Geneha is incredible,” I remarked.
“Did you just realize that now?” Ferris exclaimed, wide-eyed.
“The speed at which General Geneha flies is more than twice that of a falcon, and she can fly for long periods of time,” Illymo explained.
…I never knew she had such an ability. I should treat Geneha to a feast.
This stone that Geneha brought back was polished by Mei and made into a necklace. Mei said that there were leftovers from the stone, so she made three smaller necklaces as well, hoping they would be given to Concidy and the other new wives.
“Thank you, Mei. I’ll not only wear it for ceremonies but keep it close to me at all times,” I said as I promptly put on the necklace.
“Mei, do you still have leftover stones? If so, whenever you’re ready, please make necklaces for Rico and Mei as well. Let’s all have matching necklaces,” I suggested.
Mei exchanged glances with Rico, then replied with an apologetic expression, “I’m sorry, Master. As for that… I don’t know when it will be possible.”
“Why not?… Ah, right, Mei is busy too. Sorry, my bad. Forget what I just said.”
“Linos, even if Mei wants to, she can’t make them,” Rico explained.
“What happened, Mei? Did something happen to you?”
“No, it’s not that. I already have mine, Master.”
“I see, so it’s just Rico’s left then. I guess… once the child is born, and after the period of raising the child is over, right? Yes, that’s right. If we wear the necklace now, it might get tangled around the neck, and if it’s right after birth, the child might pull it off. Mei, whenever you’re truly ready. Whenever is fine,” I said.
“I’m already ready,” Mei said and Rico smiled. I was puzzled, not understanding what she meant, and tilted my head. Seeing me like that, Mei opened her mouth with an apologetic expression.
“Master, I… I’m also… ready.”
“That means…?”
“You’re slow to catch on, Linos! Mei has become like me,” Rico said, gently caressing her own belly.
“Huh? That means… could it be…”
“I had an examination with Dr. Roni, who came for Rico-sama’s check-up the other day. And… it seems I’m nearing three months.”
“U…uh…eh…ah…”
I couldn’t find the words. Everyone joyfully congratulated me one after another, and then they offered their congratulations to Mei as well.
Overwhelmed with happiness, I covered my face with both hands and could only cry, unable to express my feelings in words.
September is nearing its end. Normally, the autumn atmosphere would be in the air, but this year in Agarta, the heat still lingers.
The construction of the reception hall, which started about two months ago, is nearing completion. Thanks to the exceptional skills of the craftsmen, as well as the intense competition among them in the past month, the construction has been progressing rapidly.
Rico has finally entered a stable period and started coming to Agarta for work a few days ago. Although she had been showing up every three days before, at my request, she had been mainly involved in administrative tasks as a mere presence. Well, I later found out that she had been assisting a lot with the work behind the scenes.
Since Rico’s pregnancy was discovered, I had anticipated that the administrative work she was responsible for would suffer. However, it turned out to be needless worry, as Ferris and Luala, along with the staff, worked together to splendidly fill in the gap.
Among them, three individuals have particularly distinguished themselves: Marunoa, Seodar, and Welne.
Marunoa is one of the women kidnapped by those damn bastards. Although she had suffered deep emotional wounds, it was discovered that while assisting Ferris and Luala as part of her rehabilitation, she had acquired an incredible ability. Now, she is working for them as an assistant. Her ability lies in mental calculation, allowing her to perform lightning-fast calculations with mind-bogglingly large numbers, and with exceptional accuracy.
Seodar is a man with strong connections among the people in the capital. He selflessly listens to the voices of the people and reflects them in policies. His dedication is remarkable enough to make you want to boil down the dirt from the fingernails of some politicians in other countries and make them drink it.
And Welne, she is the daughter of Count Seracenia. Defying her father’s opposition, she ran away and arrived in the capital. At the age of 16, she is fearless and incredibly proactive. When she suddenly requested a meeting with me, her words were quite impressive.
“Please let me work here for a month. I don’t need any money. If I’m deemed useless after a month, I’ll quietly return to my father. In return, please provide me with meals and a place to sleep.”
Even I was taken aback by her words, which didn’t seem like those of a noble’s daughter, but it seemed interesting enough, so I hired her for a month. Like an intense employee from the Showa era, she eagerly learned the work. Perhaps due to her aptitude for clerical tasks from the beginning, she is now actively working as a younger sister to Ferris and Luala. Moreover, she is well-versed in the affairs of lower-ranking nobles, providing advice on their way of thinking and preferences. I hope that eventually she will become the point of contact for nobles who still refuse to obey me.
These five individuals are practically managing the affairs of the country, and the lords who occasionally come by also help with various unexpected tasks.
“I never thought Ferris and the others would be so capable.”
One day, Rico observed their work and casually mentioned it to me.
“They said Ferris and the others are just imitating what I used to do.”
“I couldn’t handle such a workload like they do.”
“No, Rico, you raised them. Without you, the current Ferris and the others wouldn’t exist. It’s all thanks to you.”
“Really… But I’m retiring now.”
Rico murmured with a tinge of loneliness.
“What are you talking about? You’re going to have the job of raising a child from now on, aren’t you? I’m really counting on you. Please give birth to a healthy child.”
“Yes, you’re right. I’ll do my best!”
Rico showed me a radiant smile and lovingly caressed her own belly.
In her stable period, Rico’s current task is to coordinate the interior design of the reception hall. With her exceptional sense of style, the interior of the reception hall is becoming elegant and sophisticated. Rico seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself as she meets with local merchants and carpenters for discussions.
And Rico has also started discussions about the inner palace, which is scheduled to be occupied by the new wives.
As expected, Princess Concidy and Soleil will both arrive with a few attendants. Particularly for Concidy, she will bring 20 maids led by the Chief Lady-in-Waiting, Minshi. On the other hand, Soleil plans to bring ten Sylphs, with Astes being the leader.
Minshi and Astes have already arrived in the capital, and they are currently having discussions while inspecting the reception hall under construction.
Realizing that it would be a burden for Rico alone, I asked Quena, who was the closest aide among Rico’s attendants and currently the general manager of Hotel Krumfar, to provide support. She happily transferred to Agarta.
After various consultations, it was decided that Quena would become the Chief Lady-in-Waiting of the inner palace, and some of the staff from Hotel Crumfal would be assigned to the inner palace. Currently, Quena, Minshi, and Astes are primarily involved in discussions regarding etiquette and manners.
As for Concidy and Soleil, although separate bedrooms will be prepared for them, their daily lives will primarily take place in their residences in the imperial capital. Essentially, they will commute to the reception hall in the morning and return to their residences in the evening, leading a lifestyle similar to that of office workers. To deceive outside eyes, we decided to create teleportation barriers in their respective rooms, leading to their residences, and only Quena, Minshi, and Astes would be aware of the barriers.
Minshi was initially opposed to the idea, but it was conveyed that it was Concidy’s wish, and she agreed to observe the situation.
Amidst such busy days, I had unknowingly turned 21 years old.
Some of the others suggested celebrating my birthday by stacking barrels of sake and inviting geishas for a lively celebration, but I politely declined. Instead, I decided to have a grand celebration when the reception hall is completed.
And one evening, as I sat down at the dining table to have dinner, everyone surprised me.
“Linos, happy birthday!”
With Rico’s announcement, everyone expressed their congratulations. Then, Rico handed me a small box.
“What’s this?”
As I opened the box, I found a necklace embedded with a sparkling white stone.
“The stone shining in the center is called Dyst,” Rico explained.
“Dyst?”
“It’s a stone mined near the crater of the Dagoi Volcano on Strange Island, far to the north. Strange Island is said to be the place where the Creator God, Hillem, first set foot, and Dyst, mined there, is believed to possess sacred power.”
“If it’s such a precious stone, it must have been quite expensive.”
“No, it didn’t cost any money.”
“Then how did you get it?”
“Geneha brought it back.”
It turns out that General Harpy, Geneha, went out of her way to go and collect it. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her around lately, and when I asked Illymo, she said Geneha was out hunting, so I didn’t pay much attention. I never imagined she was doing something like this.
What’s even more surprising is that while it usually takes a leisurely year for someone to travel to Strange Island, Geneha apparently made the round trip in just ten days.
“…Geneha is incredible,” I remarked.
“Did you just realize that now?” Ferris exclaimed, wide-eyed.
“The speed at which General Geneha flies is more than twice that of a falcon, and she can fly for long periods of time,” Illymo explained.
…I never knew she had such an ability. I should treat Geneha to a feast.
This stone that Geneha brought back was polished by Mei and made into a necklace. Mei said that there were leftovers from the stone, so she made three smaller necklaces as well, hoping they would be given to Concidy and the other new wives.
“Thank you, Mei. I’ll not only wear it for ceremonies but keep it close to me at all times,” I said as I promptly put on the necklace.
“Mei, do you still have leftover stones? If so, whenever you’re ready, please make necklaces for Rico and Mei as well. Let’s all have matching necklaces,” I suggested.
Mei exchanged glances with Rico, then replied with an apologetic expression, “I’m sorry, Master. As for that… I don’t know when it will be possible.”
“Why not?… Ah, right, Mei is busy too. Sorry, my bad. Forget what I just said.”
“Linos, even if Mei wants to, she can’t make them,” Rico explained.
“What happened, Mei? Did something happen to you?”
“No, it’s not that. I already have mine, Master.”
“I see, so it’s just Rico’s left then. I guess… once the child is born, and after the period of raising the child is over, right? Yes, that’s right. If we wear the necklace now, it might get tangled around the neck, and if it’s right after birth, the child might pull it off. Mei, whenever you’re truly ready. Whenever is fine,” I said.
“I’m already ready,” Mei said and Rico smiled. I was puzzled, not understanding what she meant, and tilted my head. Seeing me like that, Mei opened her mouth with an apologetic expression.
“Master, I… I’m also… ready.”
“That means…?”
“You’re slow to catch on, Linos! Mei has become like me,” Rico said, gently caressing her own belly.
“Huh? That means… could it be…”
“I had an examination with Dr. Roni, who came for Rico-sama’s check-up the other day. And… it seems I’m nearing three months.”
“U…uh…eh…ah…”
I couldn’t find the words. Everyone joyfully congratulated me one after another, and then they offered their congratulations to Mei as well.
Overwhelmed with happiness, I covered my face with both hands and could only cry, unable to express my feelings in words.
