“Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group?” (Wendelin)

“Yea, I partic.i.p.ated ten years ago as well, but this time you have been nominated too, Earl Baumeister.” (Armstrong)

Around two months after holding the marriage ceremony, I heard the story about the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group which will be dispatched to the neighbouring country, Holy Empire Urquhart, from dous.h.i.+ in my mansion in Baulburg.

“I will join, too?” (Wendelin)

“Earl Baumeister, you are a celebrity, thus there’s the order from His Majesty to have you partic.i.p.ate by all means. Also, it seems that extends to Katharina-dono, too.” (Armstrong)

“Me too? I shall do my best to meet your expectations.” (Katharina)

It seems the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Groups are dispatched by both countries with a scale of around 200 people each once every 10 years.
The previous time of Helmut Kingdom is 10 years ago and for Holy Empire Urquhart it’s 5 years ago.
Although it’s 10 years for both, it has apparently adapted a visiting system of either side visiting either side every 5 years like summer and winter Olympics.
I heard about such event existing, but it didn’t become even a topic of talks in my parent’s family’s home.
Since it was unlikely that we would be called, it finished with saying that we are unrelated.
Most likely father and mother should have been aware of it in a corner of their minds.

“Is it something like “Let’s get along with each other as there’s no war anymore”?” (Wendelin)

“There’s that as well, but in a certain sense you can also say that there is a war.” (Armstrong)

Each side brings along great products and new technologies, both sides are apparently aiming for comments like 『Those have been developed by us. Are you jealous? Look!』.
It seems to be some kind of event to enhance national prestige.
Given that there are things like revisions of trade negotiations, this could also be called a war with the name political negotiations.

“Of course there’s also the announcement of excellent magicians!” (Armstrong)

As understandable after seeing the dispute with the Margrave Browig household, a magician, who can use wide-area advanced level spells, is able to overturn a war situation at times.
Actually, if both armies clash into each other, it won’t be possible for one side to be that easily dominating since there is almost the same number of magicians with the same ranks on both sides, but if one side has many excellent magicians, it will turn into an advantage during the progress of the battle.
Announcing those abilities apparently serves the purpose of preventing a war by being militarily pressured by the other side.

“The last time I led the magicians!” (Armstrong)

It’s only natural if you consider dous.h.i.+’s strength, or rather, one might think that they will hesitate to start a war once they see it.
At any rate, he is the biggest deterrence on this continent.

“Did Burkhart-san ever attend there?” (Wendelin)

“Of course I was invited. If Alf was still alive, he would have been invited though.” (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who came to the mansion together with dous.h.i.+, answers my question.
Basically a magician is apparently not invited if they are a n.o.ble themselves or if it’s unacceptable as employee of a n.o.ble.
Since Burkhart-san was employed by Margrave Breithilde instead of master, he was together with dous.h.i.+ for around three weeks after being invited to it.

“Now that I think about it, I’m an acquaintance of Burkhart-dono since that time.” (Armstrong)

“(I at least knew his face since before that. It seemed that he was a friend of Alf…)” (Burkhart)

“And, actually meeting him at the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group, I became speechless at that time due to the strong character of dous.h.i.+”, Burkhart-san explained to me the circ.u.mstances in a whisper.

“This time the employed me was called as well.” (Burkhart)

“Is it alright for so many magicians to leave?” (Wendelin)

“Until now it was fine. Besides, stuff like this shows the backbone of a country.” (Burkhart)

Even the brief announcements of special spells and magic battles will be carried out at a welcome party venue.
Military authorities of both sides at that venue measure the abilities and numbers of the magicians who are affiliated to their currently imaginary enemy.
Since magicians, who earn their income in the private economy, won’t attend due to it being a bother for them, it’s mostly an obligation for magicians who are employed by the kingdom and n.o.bles.
Serving at the court promises stability, but being unable to oppose such order might be a shortcoming.

“That means you can also call it a kind of war.” (Burkhart)

“That sounds serious.” (Wendelin)

“Be that as it may, until now there weren’t any troubles. Right, dous.h.i.+?” (Burkhart)

“That’s right. After appropriately revealing the spells, sightseeing is the main.” (Armstrong)

Given that we are magicians, we have more free time than the group of n.o.bles and government officials of other commerces and industries.
For them there are things like technology exchanges and renewals of import/export agreements, but it’s fine if a magician simply presents their magic.
As the rest is sightseeing, dous.h.i.+ explained that the main will mostly be playing around.

“You can say that there are some kinds of sightseeing tours. Earl Baumeister, it’s fine for you to go with the feeling of going on a trip while taking your wives along.” (Armstrong)

“Is it alright to take the family along?” (Wendelin)

“If you are a n.o.ble, there’s absolutely no problem!” (Armstrong)

Although there will be around 200 members in the entourage, the partic.i.p.ating numbers will increase because everyone takes their subordinates, secretaries and guards along.
Especially the important n.o.bles increase the numbers since they take even their wives and retainers along.

“Antic.i.p.ating that, there will be two large magic airs.h.i.+ps chartered. Thus there’s no problem!” (Armstrong)

As it’s a national event, they won’t make an oversight in such matters.
It was decided that the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group will be transported by mobilizing reserve magic airs.h.i.+ps.

“Just right for the honeymoon, isn’t it? Everyone thinks that as well, right?” (Wendelin)

“True. A travel to Holy Empire Urquhart is a precious occasion.” (Elise)

Elise, who poured maté tea in everyone’s empty teacups, replies to my question.
There’s also the matter of it still being a ceasefire. The personnel from both sides isn’t allowed to leave either capital city, but since it’s a travel to the sole existing foreign country, the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group boasted of a secret popularity.
As it’s just trade, which unifies a state by exchanging private relations, there are many people who are eager to go with the n.o.bles and merchants.
It has already been carried out more than 20 times, but particular troubles haven’t occurred.
That means we are able to have a safe vacation abroad.

“However, will the entourage be limited or regulated?” (Wendelin)

Since not everyone can take along dozens of people, the numbers of the entourage will be first decided after the requests have been submitted.
It seems that great n.o.bles can bring along many people, but they will be regarded coldly by the surroundings if only they bring along too many.
Since the prescription in that matter is troublesome, I decide to dump it completely on Roderich.

“Someone like me went alone because that’s too troublesome.” (Armstrong)

“(That is because dous.h.i.+ likely wants to enjoy travelling alone though)” (Wendelin)

Given that it’s travelling to a foreign country, it might have been his wish for a feeling of freedom.
Before that, there’s the fundamental question 『Does dous.h.i.+, who is the ultimate stand-alone combat soldier, require any guards?』 though.

“We are fine with the usual line-up, I think.” (Wendelin)

Things are advancing favourably, but since we are developing the Savage Lands and Herthania Valley at the same time, it will cause a heavy burden on Roderich, whom I have entrusted with that, if we take too many people along even if it’s only as guards.
Me, Erw and my wives are probably enough.

“Yes, if it’s at the level of simple housework, we will handle that.”

Since we have even slept outdoors at the times of working as adventurers, there was no necessity to take maids along unreasonably.
As Dominique is newly-wed as well, it would likely be better to increase her free time currently.
Lately we have caused her a lot of troubles.
The new maid, Rhea, revealed an expression of wanting to go as well, but if we suddenly took a newcomer to a foreign country, it might cause friction between the other maids.
Besides, this time a maid isn’t particularly necessary.

“Wilma, what do you think?” (Wendelin)

“I look forward to the meals.” (Wilma)

“Those will be there.” (Wendelin)

Since it’s a slightly cold northern country, it was very likely for us to encounter different dishes and ingredients there.

“The Holy Empire Urquhart is overwhelmingly superior as for the domestically produced seafood of the oceans.”

In addition there might also be some good ingredients and recipes.
If it suits my palate, I will gladly negotiate for its import.

“How about you, Luise?” (Wendelin)

“It’s our honeymoon. There won’t be any problems since we will be there as guards.” (Luise)

Luise, who most recently matched dous.h.i.+ in power, replies while pus.h.i.+ng out her chest of which she doesn’t have overly much.
Even so, they have become a bit bigger after marrying, but there were many people who didn’t notice it even among her close acquaintances.

“You, Katharina?” (Wendelin)

“It’s an honour to be chosen for the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group. I will exhibit my magic to my heart’s content.” (Katharina)

If it’s Katharina, she will doubtlessly say that, I thought.
The family head of the Waigel household, which had fallen once, was chosen as member of the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group to which a normal n.o.ble isn’t nominated readily.

“Ina, are there some nice sightseeing spots?” (Wendelin)

“The Köln* Cathedral or the Large Morning Market of s.h.i.+tamachi*; there are other smaller, pa.s.sable tourist attractions as well.” (Ina) (T/N: Köln = Cologne .. the author explicitly used the city’s name here. The cathedral over there is called “Kölner Dom.” s.h.i.+tamachi is the low-lying area of eastern Tokyo near Tokyo Bay, I could change it into a German name but I’m kind not sure what’s good for Urquhart yet)

Ina looked at a book called 『Margrave Breithilde’s Bardiche Traveller’s Journal』 which was brought by Burkhart-san.
Having been chosen as member of the previous Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group, Margrave Breithilde collected his observed information in a private book.
The contents have turned into a sightseeing guide which was made quite well.
Margrave Breithilde seems to be a person of the literal arts after all.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Yea.”

“Hey, this is more or less my job, however…”

It was unusual for Burkhart-san to only talk seriously, but he will carry out the necessary public works and serious arrangements together with Roderich since there are matters to handle during my absence as well.
Especially the road improvement and mining help in Herthania Valley is a hard struggle.
Even this is for an enjoyable honeymoon abroad.
It was decided that the partic.i.p.ants will only be the usual members.
The matters regarding ourselves can be handled by us. It’s also wrong to increase the numbers excessively since it has been decided how many can board the s.h.i.+ps.
As we have a shortage of labour, I wanted to avoid taking even a single guard if possible.

“If there’s Erw, Luise and Wilma, common guards are unnecessary.” (Wendelin)

“That’s true, isn’t it?”

“Them not being there is honeymoon-like.”

Also, there’s the matter of us cutting the share of other n.o.bles if we increase our entourage.
If we increase the entourage even though being newcomers, who completely profited from ores with mithril being the main appearing in Herthania Valley, it would be a reason for us being very likely trash-talked with 『The upstarts are impertinent!』.
n.o.bles are truly troublesome creatures.
It was basically a suggestion to go without guards and Roderich approved it while being reluctant.

“Please ignore the other n.o.bles and escape with magic if something happens.” (Roderich)

“Does that happen?” (Wendelin)

“It does. That’s why there are n.o.bles who increase their guards by even using the quota of other people’s entourage.” (Roderich)

As a n.o.ble is responsible for their own life, the public won’t complain or anything at the time when their own lord died while other n.o.bles survived.
On the contrary, it will finish with them being blamed with 『Isn’t that because you lot’s guard arrangement was no good?』.

“Even if we increase it somewhat, annihilation will be inevitable if the Holy Empire Urquhart feels like it.” (Wendelin)

Since we are going to be isolated in the midst of the enemy, you could say that the difference in guard numbers was meaningless.
Besides, so far troubles haven’t occurred even once.

“Even so, high-ranking n.o.bles, who have a history, try to increase their attendants because of their pride. Well, neither Lord-sama nor Katharina-sama need that, but…” (Roderich)

We are partic.i.p.ating in the name of His Majesty. It can’t be expected that Holy Empire Urquhart’s side doesn’t know of the achievements, I have obtained until now.
If the people themselves come, the other side might selfishly kick up a fuss, Roderich explained.

“Such a thing. That means something might happen in worst case, right?”

“To the bitter end it’s in worst case. Both countries are profiting from the ceasefire except a part of the authorities.”

No matter which world, there exist people who try to gain profits from war. Except for such people, the current state of ceasefire is desirable ((for the majority)).
By possessing occupied territories crossing over the gigantic crevice, the costs for defence will become too expensive.
As it’s indispensable to urgently transport soldiers if something happens, they would have to be able to always move large magic airs.h.i.+ps.

“Even for Holy Empire Urquhart having lost the southern territories, which were across the gigantic crevice, was good in regards to benefits. However, since it was a defeat, it looks like there’s a fixed number of emotional expedition advocates among a part of the military authorities.”

“After all there are ((such people)) in our country as well, right?”

“Such groups are in any country. They are also among the n.o.bles possessing territories in the north. And even among the troops of the central government. They don’t have the influence decide a dispatch of troops by the kingdom, but…”

No matter which world, such extremists aren’t rare.
We, who considered that there’s no other way even if we worry about it, began to prepare for our departure in a hurry.

◆◇◆◇◆

“Ooh! It’s size isn’t inferior to Stadtburg.”

One week later, we had an unbroken view on Bardiche, the capital city of Holy Empire Urquhart, from atop the deck of a large magic airs.h.i.+p which was prepared by the kingdom’s government.
According to doc.u.ments, Bardiche was only a bit above in size and population compared to Stadtburg.
The visible buildings had mostly only few differences to the properties of the Helmut Kingdom style, but there are some among the visible buildings that had, what is called on Earth, structures of Islam style, India style, Chinese style and j.a.panese style.
It seems Holy Empire Urquhart is a mix of various cultures.

“It’s a multi-ethic culture?” (Wendelin)

“Looks like it. It’s written in the book that Holy Empire Urquhart was established by unifying many small countries.” (Ina)

Ina, who was next to me, informs me of the contents which are written in 『Margrave Breithilde’s Bardiche Traveller’s Journal』.

“Who is chosen as emperor from the seven Duke households, who hold the t.i.tles of prince-electors, seems to be a relic of that ((time)).”

An Imperial family exists in the capital city as well more or less, but it appears like once in every 3~4 times an emperor is born who is originating from the imperial family.
The rest is chosen from among the prince-electors, who announced their candidacy, at a vote by the members belonging to the n.o.ble’s Congress.
That means there is a partial electoral system, however this was also the proof that the power of their central government wasn’t as strong as that of Helmut Kingdom.

“They have various circ.u.mstances due to the country, huh? Well, I don’t care as I have my hands full with the matters concerning my own territory.” (Wendelin)

Right after that the large magic airs.h.i.+ps arrived at a port which is located in the outskirts of Bardiche.
Once we disembark the s.h.i.+p, we receive a welcome from Holy Empire Urquhart.
A military bands performs the national anthem of Helmut Kingdom and many n.o.bles express welcoming words one after the other.
This part doesn’t seem to be overly different from the nations on Earth.

“It looks like the magicians have been strengthened this time, Armstrong-dous.h.i.+-dono.”

“It might be called as the start of young talents sprouting, Blatson-dono*?” (Armstrong) (T/N: Burattoson)

“He’s the dragon slaying hero-dono? He’s young. Oops, excuse me. I’m called Alley Blatson. For the time being I’m the Head Magician of this country.” (Blatson)

A magician of Holy Empire Urquhart calls out to the group of 20 magicians which included me.
A slender elder with an age of around 60 years, who had his silver-grey hair swept back and wore an ashen robe, introduced himself as Imperial Head Magician.
His amount of mana is probably slightly above Burkhart-san’s?
Going by the visible impression, he looks like he possesses quite the ability.
He is likely the same type of a 『skilful and clever』 magician like Burkhart-san.

——————————————— End of Part 1 ——————————————–

“However, isn’t there too many magicians?” (Blatson)

Blatson’s line of sight turned towards my wives who are with me.
As my wives’ mana increased after they did it with me, there were actually magicians among those travelling on the magic airs.h.i.+p who were annoying.

『Who knows? Why is that so? I want to know that as well. We had a normal vessel matching though.』 (Wendelin)

I deceived them by saying that, but they gained mana to the degree of Elise being in the middle of advanced level, Katharina approaching close to dous.h.i.+ in mana capacity, even Luise being mostly equal to Burkhart-san and Ina as well as Wilma having risen to intermediate level.
That mystery was very interesting for the magicians, but we swindled them by deliberately giving them the slip.
They are unable to do something like forcibly examine us anyway.

『(I will definitely take it with me to my grave).』 (Wendelin)

That’s because the majority of the attending magicians is male.
I don’t want to have something like a.n.a.l s.e.x with them either. There’s also the aspect of it being a bad joke if there was no effect after doing it by force.
Besides, there’s the issue that it’s treated as heresy by the church.
Once I secretly discussed this matter with Cardinal Hohenheim, I received the appreciated advice 『Evade it adequately. Also, make sure to be careful of women』.
As he’s also the grandfather of Elise, a situation appearing, where I have no choice but to make a move on women indiscriminately, is likely not desirable for him.
He declared that he will 『take it with him to his grave』 as well.

“As a matter of fact, my wives have blended in as well. They are no official group members though.” (Wendelin)

“Now that you mention it, 『Saint』-dono and 『Storm』-dono are your esteemed wives, aren’t they?” (Blatson)

After all, though they are in the empire, they do at least research the information of famous magicians in advance.

“I have practically become the person in charge of stuff like following-up during your stay and welcoming you magicians.” (Blatson)

The busy group members related to trade as well as exchange of technology and culture are handled by n.o.bles and specialised government officials.
As time seemed precious for them, they started to move right away.

“We have free time except for tomorrow’s unveiling of magic. There’s no necessity to hurry that much.”

“Blatson, won’t thou introduceth me soon as well?” (T/N: She uses an archaic way of expressing herself, will try to express it somewhat with my poor English skills)

“Excuse me for this, Therese-sama.” (Blatson)

“I cannot use magic, but I’m the chief executive even though an figurehead. I welcometh thy visiteth from the bottom of mine own heart.” (Therese)

The woman, who showed up from behind Blatson-san, was a person where everyone could immediately see that she has a high-cla.s.s social standing.
There was the manner of her speech itself. And, her attire and appearance give that impression as well.
With a height of around 170 cm, she is a characteristically sensual beauty with a dark brown, smooth skin, which I never saw in Helmut Kingdom, and she seems to be from Holy Empire Urquhart which is a multiracial nation.
Having her dark blonde hair extend down to her shoulders, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s don’t lose to those of Elise. From my point of view who was painted by l.u.s.t for a long time after marrying, she was an attractive beauty that makes me think about something indiscreet like 『I absolutely want her to be my partner at least once』.

“Mine name is d.u.c.h.ess Therese Sigrid von Philip. I’m quaint much a prince-elector, but I have nay interest in becoming the emperor.” (Therese)

“A female family head?” (Wendelin)

“Right. She has been recognised by our state.” (Blatson)

In Holy Empire Urquhart female emperors and n.o.ble family heads were allowed.
This is a fact which is also stated in 『Margrave Breithilde’s Bardiche Traveller’s Journal』 brought along by Ina.

“Such difference in culture is for sure enjoyable for a friends.h.i.+p visiteth, right? Or doest thou taste not permit such custom, Earl Baumeister-dono?” (Therese)

“No, there is no such thing.” (Wendelin)

Even at the trading company I worked at in my previous life, there were plenty of female employees.
Or rather, something like distinction by gender is irrelevant.
In short, there’s no problem if she’s suitable as family head.

“As simple concept, it’s fine as long as a magician can use magic.” (Blatson)

“You mean, it’s fine as long a feudal lord can govern their territory?” (Wendelin)

“It has no relation to gender and age, right?” (Blatson)

“That’s true as well. Well then, thus it means I becameth the one in chargeth here, but…” (Therese)

It seems that only d.u.c.h.ess Philip is a female family head among the prince-electors. If she’s in charge of our country’s group members, which mostly consist of other men, it might cause an unexpected friction.
Considering it like that, Blatson was sent around to be in charge of us.

“It doesn’t make any sense if a magician can’t use any magic. There is no distinction between women or men in that regard.” (Blatson)

“That is so.” (Therese)

It is said that there are few magicians who discriminate by gender instinctively.
However, that’s not the case if they were born with an upper pedigree. As a matter of fact, there are many men who are employed by the kingdom as magicians.
The majority of the magicians in this time’s Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group were men.
Actually, since women are well-attuned to their honest interests, there’s also the other reason that many of them are going ahead with the adventurer occupation, where they can earn money, rather than being employed which only guarantees them a salary and social standing.
Many of the female adventurers took the choice of working at a scale they are capable of while rearing children after earning as much money as possible until they marry.

“Even if we simply talketh in this place, it’s a wasteth of timeth. Since I shall leadeth thee to thy lodging house, I wanteth to inviteth thee to a luncheon meeting after resting for a dram while.” (Therese)

Following her guidance, we travel by carriage to a guest house close to the Imperial palace which is located in the centre of Bardiche, but for some reason she boarded the same carriage as us.

“Umm… Is there no problem with you not being on the carriage with dous.h.i.+ and Burkhart-san?” (Wendelin)

“Those elder guys art unavoidably probing each other’s minds and getting excited in reminiscent talketh. A youth is better situated among fellow youths, right?” (Therese)

“(She speaks her mind without holding back anything…)” (Luise)

Luise leaked her true opinion in a whisper due to d.u.c.h.ess Philip saying too much.

“Those two did partic.i.p.ate lasteth timeth. Blatson was the Head Magician lasteth timeth as well. Those gents belike have various ((things to speak of)). Even if the still young me enters there, what’s the pointeth of yond?” (Therese)

“(Still young, huh…?)” (Wendelin)

I won’t ask as it’s bad manners to inquire about a woman’s age, but I wonder how old she might be?
She looks like at least 20, but in that case it will be weird for her to know about the circ.u.mstances of the previous Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group.

“I did succeed the Duke Philip household at the mere age of 10 backeth then as well. I was just a figurehead as child, but I played this role the lasteth timeth, too.” (Therese)

Due to the sudden death of her father, it was the time when she, who is an only daughter, just finished succeeding the Duke Philip household.

“Really?” (Wendelin)

“Otherwise it’s not yond easy to becometh a d.u.c.h.ess no matter how much one is recognised as family headeth.” (Therese)

In the end even Holy Empire Urquhart seems to prefer male succession.
Female succession being approved appears to be based on the way of thinking that the blood will weaken if it’s left to adopted children or those adopted into the family of one’s bride.
There seem to be some exceptions because of several other households, but that’s about it as for the detailed circ.u.mstances, Therese-sama explained.
Asking a person I met for the first time is something even I won’t do as they will think badly of me.

“However, yond dous.h.i.+ is the same as ever.” (Therese)

“Well, he is that sort of person after all…” (Wendelin)

Everyone’s feelings matched for the first time in regards to that topic.

“That gent hasn’t hath changed from 10 years ago at all.” (Therese)

Moreover, even his appearance is mostly the same, apparently.
As muscled daruma since the old times, I could imagine that he had an appearance that makes even yakuza run away.

“We shall arriveth soon.” (Therese)

The carriage arrives at the guest house. The greeting employees and butlers guide us to our respective rooms.
Since I was an Earl, I was led to a quite s.p.a.cious, luxurious room.
However, the single matter that catches my eye is the point of everyone being given a private room albeit Elise’s group is next to each other.

“If it’s married couples, won’t they get the same room, I wonder?” (Wendelin)

“I mind not thee considering yond pointeth as expression of our welcometh.” (Therese)

Once we rested for a bit after placing our luggage in the rooms, d.u.c.h.ess Philip herself picked us up telling us that the luncheon meeting is beginning.

“That’s an honour, but personally by you, d.u.c.h.ess Philip-sama?” (Wendelin)

“I have an interest in thee. I’m more or less a woman who did miss her chance to get married, but aren’t thee glad yond I keepeth thee company without being yond hard-hearted?” (Therese)

“No… Aren’t you beautiful, d.u.c.h.ess Philip-sama?” (Wendelin)

“I’m happy to be told yond by thee. Well, then shall we go?” (Therese)

“Huh!?” (Wendelin)

No sooner than saying that, she starts to head towards the dining hall while pulling my hand.
Of course, since that’s not an action normally done by a d.u.c.h.ess, Elise and the others became speechless as well.

“Oh, yes, It is fine for thee to calleth me Therese.” (Therese)

“That is, as expected…” (Wendelin)

“Doth not mind. It’s the wisheth of mine who possesses the authority to succeedeth His Majesty, the Emperor, as princess-elector. There art nay people, who shall publicly criticize it, in either country. And there’s nay merit in minding something liketh malicious gossip.” (Therese)

She, who is amiable if compared to her usual social standing, coerces me into calling her by her name by mentioning her social rank as princess-elector at a time like this.
Without a doubt she should be a capable person as member of the imperial family and as n.o.ble, to whom someone like me is no match.

“Understood, Therese-sama.” (Wendelin)

“There’s nay particular needeth for -sama though. Well, there art the eyes of the public, thus it can’t be helped, I guess?” (Therese)

It seems I’m liked very much by this female d.u.c.h.ess-sama.
Even in the seating order at the luncheon meeting I was sitting next to Therese-sama who is located at what is called the birthday seat as organizer.
Dous.h.i.+ sits next to her on the opposite side and Burkhart-san apparently next to him.

“(Is that okay? For me to be in this seat?)” (Wendelin)

“(It’s not weird. If one considers your rank, Wendelin-sama.) (Elise)

Elise, who sits in the seat next to me on the opposite side of Therese-sama, tells me secretly.
Among the magicians here I, as Earl, have a rank that comes next after dous.h.i.+.
Thus there’s no problem even if I sit next to Therese-sama like dous.h.i.+.
Dous.h.i.+ is a viscount, but he is in such seat in his standing as Royal Head Magician which seems to be even equal with a d.u.c.h.ess.

“(My treatment is also that of a distinguished healing magician in the church).” (Elise)

There’s that as well. It means that she is next to me even though she isn’t an official member ((of the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group)).
Katharina was sitting next to her. It was because she holds a peerage albeit it has an honorary attached to it.

“Well then, shalt we have a toast? Praying for the eternal friends.h.i.+p between both countries, cheers.” (Therese)

“Cheers!”

After having a toast upon Therese-sama’s instruction, the rest was spending time eating while chatting.
The menu was a full course which used fish. This should come from the northern territories which are abundant in seafood.

“Mine own Philip Princ.i.p.ality is located in the north. Thus it’s famous for its dishes which useth fish from the northern seas.” (Therese)

Because they are used to eating fish, the transport and processing of it is perfect as well. It was delicious without any fish smell at all.

“Was I able to please thee with it, Earl Baumeister?” (Therese)

“Yes, I like fish after all.” (Wendelin)

Since I deliberately go to the extent of importing it by paying a high amount of money, that point was nothing but the deed of a j.a.panese himself.

“Yond is most wondrous. However, dous.h.i.+, you don’t changeth.” (Therese)

“I have a still immature body, thus something like being beyond my prime doesn’t apply.” (Armstrong)

Usually he was like that, but as expected of the family head of an appointed Viscount household.
While eating the food with perfect table manners, he talked with Therese-sama.

“Therese-sama, you became beautiful.” (Burkhart)

“Burkhart, doth thee intendeth to court me? As ever of the newly-wed thee.” (Therese)

“No, not at all. Such an outrageous thing.” (Burkhart)

“If I compareth it to the shocking transformation called getting married, Burkhart, mine own growth into adulthood is belike a providence.” (Therese)

“You are the same as ever, Therese-sama.” (Burkhart)

Even though it’s after 10 years, those three are chatting quite intimately.
I wonder if there was some profoundly memorable incident between them?

“10 years ago I was a child. Since I hadst free timeth except for the official welcoming event, I hadst those two playeth with me.” (Therese)

Having those two serve as guards, Therese-sama took them along to tourist attractions she couldn’t go to usually.

“We did quite the absurd ((things)).”

“Let me tell you, but I prevented it in the beginning.”

“Somehow I can imagine it.”

Being in high spirits due to such playing around is clearly dous.h.i.+’s category.
Since Burkhart-san couldn’t stop him, I believe it was the truth that he was attached as guard to her to at least try guarantee her safety if possible.

“Thanks to yond, I wast able to go out for playing safely. It’s truly the grace of magicians. By the way, is it fine for me to asketh one thing?” (Therese)

“What is it?”

“I hast hath heard yond Burkhart is likely the most well-informed about magic among this group, but something strange tooketh place before…” (Therese)

That was during the time when Therese-sama set out to her inspection of the territory as usual.

“For several years the seafood of the north enjoys a most wondrous popularity in the whole nation here.” (Therese)

Due to the popularization of methods to preserve its freshness, the transportation efficiency has increased as well. The business has gained in quant.i.ty including Bardiche, too.

“The export is satisfactory, too. But, if thee simply taketh away, the hauls shall endeth up decreasing.” (Therese)

The restriction of a good fish size for catching, a set period of fis.h.i.+ng prohibition, establishment of fish reefs, the development of simple aquaculture and prosecution of poachers.
Since they have been putting forth an effort in this, she often inspects the actual sites.

“That hath happened during the timeth when I did board a s.h.i.+p to inspecteth the fis.h.i.+ng grounds at the coast.” (Therese)

All of a sudden Therese-sama’s underwear ended up disappearing.

“(Dangerous…)” (Wendelin)

“It is not a problem of me having forgotten yond I tooketh them off. I dareth say I’m not yet at the age where I starteth to get senile either.” (Therese)

“Strange things do happen…” (Wendelin)