Chapter 43: How did you meet my brother? ( 3 )

My office. My comfort zone. A place where I, its ruler, got to enjoy what little comfort the soft chair could offer. But not today.

“So, you told her that, word by word?”

The two troublemakers kneeling on the floor nodded in unison. Hah. I sighed as I slumped on the bear-furred chair. Was it the collars they were wearing that gave Aisha that impression? I understood from Aisha’s words that the situation was bad, but I didn't expect it to be this severe.

Hah. I felt like I had aged a few more years. Ah, no, that sounded auspicious instead. Let me rephrase that. I had lost a few more years of my lifespan. I wanted to flip the table right there and then. But if I did that, what would Aisha think of me? An abusive tyrant who hits women?

Hah… No, Laurel, you promise yourself to be less violent already. Right. It’s just ignorant pets causing trouble. It’s not their fault that they’re dumb. It’s the master’s fault for not teaching them well. Thinking of that, I felt a lot better.

Staring at my medieval pets kneeling on the floor, guiltily watching my expression with their big round eyes, my anger subsided slightly. No, no, Laurel, you said you weren’t going to let them off so easily. I tried to glare at them.

Their ears drooped. Linia avoided my eyes while Pursena looked like a puppy soaked in rain with her droopy eyes. Hah. I rubbed my forehead. How am I supposed to get mad at them now? My anger subsided, and I patted their heads. They had the look of someone whose dignity was tarnished, but I didn’t bother to care at that point.

To Aisha, my reputation was as low as dirt, so there’s no point in even trying. Hah… Where’s the little sister who goes around clinging to me babbling brother, brother. I lamented. Whatever. Work comes first; I’ll settle it later.

“Jerome. Your reports?”

“Yes sir. I would like to conclude the success of rescuing the family members of soldiers working under Prince Pax.”

“Isela.”

“Regarding provisions, I apologize, but while we’re able to send this batch to Fittoa Refugee Camp without a problem, I’m afraid it’s impossible to gather enough for the next batch.”

“… Hah… Alright. Next.”

The reports came in droves, each as annoying as the other.

Philip was like a wolf entering a flock of sheep, biting everyone using unknown methods; therefore, he escaped blame and even managed to land a blow on his brother Pilemon’s authority. Not only that, he managed to receive more financial support for Fittoa.

Ariel’s side had contacted us and had quite a favorable impression thanks to Philip’s persuasion; however, Ariel herself has yet to truly desire the throne. Derrick, her mage guardian, was alive thanks to Sylphiette, but whether it was a good or bad thing was unknown.

Paul is in Milis doing his thing. The man had his head in the game, so it was fine. On the other hand, I told the Demon Continent’s search party—the one with Roxy, Tallhand, and Elinalise—to search for Dead End so Rudeus would keep up the pace with the situation.

Which led to the question, where do I jump in now?

Personally, I would love nothing more than to run headfirst to the Begaritt Continent and save Zenith, but…

I stared at my surroundings. A ragtag bunch trying their best to make things work. Half of the personnel I have on hand were bought directly from the slave market; the other came from people I know that were willing to lend a hand, which included Laws, who's still running about somewhere as we speak.

And then finally, the two heaven-sent pets… as well as those two. I stared at the pair of Water God Style people. Isolte was prancing around curiously, and as for the latter, the old hag decided to stick around. That said, I doubt she’d go into a labyrinth.

While I did roll them like crazy up to B-rank and above, the truth is they were all at most advanced-ranked in one or two disciplines of swords or magic. It was unlikely that they would survive the Maze City of Rapan, much less the Teleport Labyrinth.

Conquer the labyrinth? Bullshit. Might as well say let’s suicide together instead. Not only that, but something was also off with that continent recently. Therefore, it’ll be better to assume the very worst possible outcome.

The second option was consolidating Ariel’s position for the throne. It was the most probable, most profitable, and perhaps the most ideal outcome. But for that to work, I have to find a way to contact Perugius. I could gain access to moving through the continent with his help too.

… I mean… I did promise to fly all the way there if needed… but is it really necessary? More importantly… I secretly glanced at the woman talking to her granddaughter. I don’t think I could touch that old hag, much less slay her.

Then the last option was finding Orsted. Forget everything else; Orsted alone was enough for the whole plan to set into motion. Help me save my family, and I’ll help you plot and scheme against a god. Right? I already know part of the future based on the novel; I was in the dark while the enemy was in the light. Smack, smack, and it’s done… Except… how do you find him?

I thought it was possible to find Silent Seven Star, but Nanahoshi was supposed to be at Ranoa University of Magic, but there wasn’t any information in that regard. Perhaps I was too early… but for me, time was of the essence.

Hah… Fuck. Is there really no better option?

“Boss?”

“Yeah?”

“When are you going to stop patting our heads?”

“…”

My hands stopped moving. Did I pat them the entire time? Whatever. I dismissed Linia and Pursena and entertained my third guest.

“Let me thank you once again, Lord Laurel. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am that you’ve saved my life not just once but twice now.”

“It’s fine.”

We fell silent after that, both of us realizing that the next topic would inevitably arise, regardless of our desires.

“I’m sorry for-”

"It's fine."

"But Lord Laurel—"

"It's fine."

"But—"

“I SAID IT’S FINE!”

“But it’s not! I tried to teach her as much as I could these past few years, but even now, my daughter’s too stupid to understand how amazing you are, Lord Laurel!”

“What’s so great about me? And it’s not like she’s wrong either. Even you wouldn’t believe that a child can cast king-ranked magic in the first place!”

“…”

Lilia opened her mouth but then closed it. She also knew common sense. Aisha’s recalcitrance was so natural it was unquestionable. Rather, it was weirder to assume that unnatural things were natural.

“That’s… not the only reason.”

“… What on earth did you teach her, exactly?”

Lilia remained quiet, but I could see sweat dropping like bullets from her forehead… Hah. This is going to be a hassle, isn’t it?