Chapter 129
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ED: LonelyMatter
Chapter 129 – Returning From a Great Country
Lili devoured the breakfast that had been brought in eagerly, leaving Elena behind.
Lili had not eaten well due to her work commitments and as if to relieve her frustration, she forgot about Elena and immersed herself in her food.
After that, the two took a short break from eating.
After Elena put on her robe, she went out into the city with Lili’s guidance.
“After all, being full makes you feel energetic, doesn’t it?”
“If you eat that much, you’ll obviously be full of energy…”
Lili had finished several people’s servings of food.
Elena couldn’t help but wonder where all the food for several people had gone in her slender body.
“I guess that’s why I put so much effort into showing you around.”
“I see. That’s good.”
Elena, who had reached the point of giving up in various ways, let out a sigh.
“Well, shall we go to the shipyard area first?”
“The shipyard? Aren’t we going to see the ships lined up in the harbor?”
“It’s quite a large area, and it’s connected to the part that’s a military port. So I thought we’d start at the edge and work our way around.”
“…You’re really going to show me a lot, aren’t you?”
Lili’s words proved to be true.
“There’s no need to bother lying. Anyway, it’s a long way, so we’ll take the water train.”
“——Water train?”
“Then I’ll wear the badge that proves I’m one of Warren-sama’s subordinates… let’s go!”
Then Lili pinned the badge to her chest and told Elena happily.
＊＊＊
“Hey… wait a minute, Lili!”
There were several stations scattered all over Magna.
Elena quietly followed Lili as she walked to the nearest station.
For the first time, she heard the sound of the train wheels on the tracks. And many people board the water train.
——What is this iron box…?
The more Elena thought about it, the more the water train seemed strange.
“Yes? Is there something you want?”
She turned to Elena with her usual lackadaisical smile.
“The sound of it clattering along the tracks was amazing, but what is this vehicle…!”
“Ah, that noise must be the sound of the train’s wheels on the tracks. And even if you ask me what it is, it’s the water train we’re about to ride.”
When Krone landed on Ishtalika, she didn’t react the same way as Elena.
However, in Krone’s case, the fact that she had spent some time on the Ishtalika ship and that Graff had been teaching her next to her also had an effect.
That’s why the water train that Elena saw at close range didn’t look like a normal vehicle to her.
“If we take this, it will save us a lot of time. I have a small budget from His Excellency, so I’m sure we can pay for it.”
“…That’s a relief. I didn’t bring enough money to ride something like this.”
A lot of people were getting in, but were so many wealthy people in Magna?
Elena thought so, but this was immediately denied by Lili.
“What? No, no, even you, Elena-sama, can easily afford it. Look at this.”
She handed her a small ticket.
Lili handed the one she had already bought to Elena.
“240G…?”
“That’s the fare per person. So you don’t have to worry about it.”
“Li-Lili? Is it because you’re in a special position or something? So is it enough to just pay this when you use it…”
“Whether it’s used by a commoner from Ishtalika or a lecherous prince, the price is the same for everyone. Come on, get on!”
She was quickly put down, but before Elena could argue, she was pushed by Lili.
They got into a car with a few people, and the door was closed immediately.
“I thought there were more people here before. Why is it so empty?”
“After you get off the water train, the closer you get to the exit, the more crowded it gets.”
“What? It’s only a few dozen seconds. Still, why would you go somewhere that’s more crowded?”
Elena was not entirely convinced by Lili’s explanation.
“Haahh… Well, I can understand why you feel that way. If you were living in Ishtalika, I think you would probably do the same thing anyway.”
While hiding in Heim, Lili worked as one of Elena’s subordinates.
So, she also knew that Elena will be working non-stop without returning home from the castle.
“W-what do you mean ‘anyway’!”
“It’s a waste of time to go home. Since you’ve been working so hard, you’ll probably be heading for the exit soon anyway.”
“M-mmm…!”
Unable to argue with what she had just said, she could only let out a soundless voice.
“And if you have to use it every day for work… you know, Elena-sama?”
Elena tried to think about it in her mind.
Within a few seconds, she realized that this would be the case.
“Speaking of which, how long will it take to get there?”
It was Lili, who had been her subordinate for several years, who was in the wrong. Elena thought that and changed the subject.
“Huh? Did you just change the subject so blatantly? Right, Elena-sama?”
“It was too far away to see much, so I don’t even know how far we moved.”
Looking out of the window, Elena asked Lili this question.
However, she did not answer any of Lili’s questions.
“I thought it was amazing that you seemed so relaxed even though you were in a hostile country. Yes.”
“Ara, thank you.”
Just like Krone, she has a certain level of composure.
“Aside from what we talked about earlier, let me answer your question. It’s about twenty minutes.”
“Hmm… not very fast, is it?”
“It’s through the city, so it won’t be that fast.”
It was a bit disappointing, but Elena felt a sense of relief.
“How far is it? How far will we go?”
“It’s about the same distance from the port city of Heim to the gates of the royal capital.”
“Eh?”
Lili says it as if it’s obvious, but for Elena, it’s a word she doesn’t want to hear. She is ashamed of the fact that only a moment ago, she had found it disappointing.
“A water train for long-distance travel or a train for the royal family would be faster. After all, it’s only for the city center. Well, that’s about it.”
Despite being commoners, the people of Ishtalika managed to reach their destination in such a short time, even though it took the people of Heim many times longer.
It seemed to her that this was simply a difference in wealth between the countries rather than a difference in technology or population.
Not long after, the water train with Elena and Lili on board departed.
Watching the scenery change before her eyes, Elena immediately retracted her earlier words.
＊＊＊
Even though it was called a shipyard, there were also many processing plants attached to it, probably because it was next to the harbor.
For example, there were sea crystal processing plants and even seafood processing plants within walking distance.
The shipyard area, where work began in the morning, was just as crowded as the festival in Heim.
Elena’s common sense was shattered when she realized that all these people had come to work.
Following Lili, who happily showed her around, Elena visited many facilities.
With each new sight, her common sense would be shattered, and with each new sight, she would be made to realize the strength of the country.
In contrast to the clear blue sky, Elena’s mood became more and more serious.
“What’s wrong, Elena-sama? Are you feeling unwell?”
“Hmm… You know the reason, and you’re still asking me, huh?”
When they were on their way to the next place, Lili said that.
Looking to the side, several finished ships were lined up.
“Yeah, I know what you’re thinking.”
She smiled and looked happily at Elena.
“…So you’d better forget about Heim.”
Lili stopped with that smile on her face and said this time.
“Oh, you. Can I talk to you?”
Then she changed her gaze and called to a pa.s.sing worker.
“Yes. How can I help you?”
The worker, who seemed to think for a moment, noticed the badge on Lili’s chest.
“How much of an effect do these lined-up battleships have on enemy forces?”
“Are you talking about monsters or humans?”
“No. Well, for example, what about a port city?”
Elena broke out in a cold sweat as she listened to their conversation.
She was so nervous and confused that her head was spinning.
“I don’t understand what you mean, but let’s a.s.sume that the opponent was the port city of Roundheart. Well, if we were fully equipped, I think we could destroy them in less than a day with three ships.”
In the words of the first king of Ishtalika, a preemptive strike was not allowed.
That’s why the worker deliberately used vague language.
After that, Lili thanked him, and the worker left.
“The fleet here is a new fleet being built as a defense against a hypothetical enemy country.”
She looked at Elena and told her with serious eyes.
“Many warships were lost during the subjugation of the sea dragon. Of course, when that happens, replacements are needed. The new models being built are much more powerful than the old ones.”
“…..”
“Our country is expanding its military strength at an unprecedented rate. This is not only the order of Warren-sama… but also of His Majesty the King.”
King Sylvird of Ishtalika clearly stated his intention to expand the military.
The implication was that this was a measure to ensure that there would be no gaps when the time came to fight.
“With Warren-sama in charge, it wouldn’t be impossible for Heim to launch a preemptive attack. Don’t you think so?”
“…In the worst case, it might be possible.”
In truth, Ishtalika had been too kind so far.
If a minister like Warren was to be dealt with, it was not an impossible scenario for what Lili had just said to happen.
“It is possible to force them to do so by making false accusations.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“So, Elena-sama, you are already ‘checkmated."”
Even if the words of the first King Ishtalika were taken into account, the judgment of the recipient also had an effect.
If that judgment was harsh, even Ishtalika may launch an attack.
“You really can say whatever you want, can’t you… Lili?”
“Will you get angry? And even if you do, what are you going to do? Are you going to deny what I just said?”
Lili’s att.i.tude was unusually provocative.
But Elena still did not close her mouth.
“Yes, it’s true that there are some areas where Ishtalika is superior.”
“Area? It’s not n area. What is it that you’re better at? Territory? Population? Or culture? Or is it technological might?”
“Even Heim has a long history. It rose to become the dominant power on the continent because…”
Elena opened her mouth in defiance and continued speaking in a fl.u.s.ter.
“Then we are a nation formed by the unification of the continent.”
Lili stared directly at Elena.
These words penetrate Elena deeply.
“Elena-sama… I always thought you were too stubborn.”
“If you knew that, then give up. How many years did you serve under me?”
No matter how much she provoked or scared her, her att.i.tude never changed.
Seeing Elena like that, Lili also let out a half-hearted smile.
“Um, I’m going to say this now, but you work too much, Elena-sama. You always took away my sleeping time…”
“Thanks to you, I was saved. I’ll tell you a little secret, but my new subordinate is no match for you. Will you return?”
This time, she ended up recruiting Lili instead.
After a moment of confusion, Lili opened her mouth with a big smile.
“What? Are you lonely without me?”
“You used to be so good at work, but now you’re a bit slack.”
“Well, I am a cute Lili now.”
Seeing Lili looking so happy made Elena feel happy, too.
“If we had been born in the same country, I think I could have had a good relationship with Lili.”
If she had been born in Ishtalika.
If Lili had been born in Heim.
Elena murmured wistfully as she thought about it.
“But still, there are a lot of people in this city. Is there a reason for that?”
“Hmm… there is a reason, but there are also a lot of people here normally, you know?”
She didn’t want to have a damp conversation or a sharp one.
With that in mind, Elena changed the subject.
“…There might be a reason… But you’re not being very clear. So what is the reason?”
Lili had intended to avoid giving a definite answer, as she didn’t want to be asked too many questions.
However, when asked like this, she was surprised by her own nature, as she felt inclined to answer.
“Actually, Her Royal Highness, the Second Princess is here right now. She arrived yesterday, so it’s a little more lively than usual.”
Actually, the Crown Prince was also here, but she didn’t mention it.
However, when Elena heard these words, she was taken by surprise.
“…Olivia-sama?”
“Yes, Her Royal Highness Princess Olivia is here.”
“Why would she come all the way to a port city?”
“In the case of Princess Olivia, she has various business to attend to, such as inspections.”
By the way, in Ain’s case, it’s about the Red Fox. …There’s no way she could say that.
“I see.”
“Of course, you can’t meet her, you know?”
“I know. It’s just that… I just remembered something from the past.”
Olivia when she lived in Heim.
If possible, she wanted to go back before things went wrong.
“It’s hard for me to be in this position. It’s better not to think about it now, okay?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Anyway, that’s why there are so many people. So there are a lot of n.o.bles, and it’s very hectic.”
Lili had always had a sloppy att.i.tude, but now Elena was grateful for it.
“By the way, how long have you been watching me?”
“You mean, Elena-sama? Hmm… since last night, I think.”
“Well, I have a question for you. Do you know who introduced me to the inn?”
“Um, well…”
Without thinking, she regretted saying yesterday evening.
“I think he’s probably from a n.o.ble or wealthy family. The innkeeper was surprised, so I think he must be famous.”
——Of course, he must be famous.
Without saying a word, Lili nodded thoughtfully.
“Well, if you know who it is, I’d like to thank him… Lili? What’s wrong?”
“Well… I didn’t get a good look at his face, so I thought it might be difficult to find him.”
Lili replied with a wry smile.
At this point, she had no choice but to make up an excuse.
“Yes, I suppose so. It’s impossible…”
Although she wanted to thank the person properly, because it was the person it was, she decided to give up on this occasion.
“But he had beautiful brown hair. Yes, it was a clear, beautiful color, just like Olivia-sama’s.”
“I see…”
She listened to Elena’s voice, desperately trying to hold back the cold sweat threatening to pour down her face.
“Well, anyway, Elena-sama. Shall we have lunch soon? Yes, that sounds good!”
Has Elena’s habit infected her?
Lili thought but couldn’t help changing the subject.
“What’s wrong all of a sudden? But it’s a good time, so like Lili said, let’s go eat now.”
Pleased that she had agreed so quickly, Lili led Elena along at a brisk pace.
They visited many other places that day, and each time Elena was surprised, Lili was even more delighted.
＊＊＊
Time flies when you’re having fun.
On Elena’s second day, she was reunited with Lili after a long time.
After that, Lili showed her some of the facilities at Magna.
Lili couldn’t help but smile as she watched Elena, who was amazed by everything.
And then the third day.
On the third day, just like the second, Elena takes a tour of Magna’s facilities under Lili’s guidance.
Although they do the same thing, the places they visit are different each time, so Elena never had the time to get bored.
When Elena returned to the inn, she gathered the doc.u.ments and prepared a report.
Was there any point in such a confident appearance?
She had thought about it, but still, as a citizen of Heim, it was unthinkable for Elena not to report.
On the way, she asked about Krone but was evasively dismissed.
The only thing she could find out was that she seemed happy.
She didn’t think Lili would lie, but it was a shame that she couldn’t confirm the truth for herself.
Even when she was told that Graff was in the royal capital, there was no way she could have met him.
But at least for those two, Heim was too small. There must be only a handful of people who could be active here in Ishtalika… That’s what she realized.
“Elena-sama? Are you ready?”
While she was lost in her thoughts, she heard Lili’s voice from nearby.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
Elena, standing at the harbor, was about to return home on an Ishtalikan ship.
However, since it will be a transfer via Euro, it wouldn’t be a direct route.
Still, she felt safer on the Euro than she would have if she had landed in Birdland.
She had decided to take it.
“Your luggage has already been loaded into your room, so please follow the guide inside.”
“You really took care of me from start to finish. Even though you’re my enemy.”
“I really wish you weren’t my enemy.”
Elena could only smile wryly when she heard these words.
“But I understand. When I get back to the manor, I have some things to tell the prince.”
“I see.”
When she heard that, Lili showed a look that was difficult to describe, which seemed both dissatisfied and sad.
“It’s a real shame that it turned out ‘as expected’ for me personally. But I hope we will meet again.
——As expected?
Actually, it seemed more likely that it was as expected.
Elena felt that way, but she never pointed it out.
“…It looks like the ship is about to set sail. Did you forget something?”
“You checked it too, didn’t you? It’s fine.”
“Huff, huff, huff. That’s the best news.”
The gradual approach of their separation brings a short silence between them.
“Elena-sama. Actually, I thought you were going to tell the lord. There is something Warren-sama told me that I am allowed to tell you.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“We may be able to meet again in late summer… in less than six months.”
Elena couldn’t take her eyes off Lili, who was speaking with a serious expression on her face.
“The meeting will be this summer. We will send a formal letter tomorrow. We look forward to seeing you, as Warren-sama said.”
“I see. So I guess I’m being used for this purpose.”
If she told Heim about Ishtalika, maybe their att.i.tude would soften.
Elena thought.
“…..”
Looking at Lili, who was silent, Elena was convinced.
“Lili, it was only for a short time, but I’m glad to see you again. I sincerely hope we will meet again.”
Then Elena approached the ship step by step.
But the moment she put her foot on the gangway, the quiet Lili opened her mouth again.
“Are you listening, Elena-sama? From the moment you board this ship and disembark when you arrive, you will be a clear enemy. If I get the order, I have to cut off your head.”
It was only natural.
On the contrary, she couldn’t complain because she was still allowed to go.
“So this ship and the gangway are the border, right?”
“You’re right.”
Elena seemed to think about it for a few seconds.
But then she took a quick step forward.
“It’s not like it’s the first time, Lili. Thank you for letting me get this far.”
The kindest expression she had ever shown Lili.
She smiled at her like a mother and took each step forward.
“No matter how far you go, you’re so stubborn.”
“Oh, it’s too late now, isn’t it?”
Without looking back, Elena answers Lili’s words. Nevertheless, she did not stop walking.
“So, shall we make a bet?”
“Okay, I’ll play along to thank you for showing me around. What’s the deal?”
Elena reached the entrance of the ship after walking down the gangway and stopped to listen to Lili’s words.
“What if… what if you were to live in Ishtalika, Elena-sama?”
“Well, if that happens, what do you want me to do?”
Elena couldn’t wait to see what Lili would say in this situation. Seeing her att.i.tude, a smile naturally comes to her face.
“If you end up living in Ishtalika, you’ll share a bed with me, okay?”
——…!?
“Li-Lili, what are you talking about…!”
“Don’t be so surprised. About 30% of it is a lie, so let’s just look forward to it, okay?”
She wanted to point out that there were too many honest feelings, but Lili’s words stopped her.
“Well then, Elena-sama. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Ishtalika. Although I am acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, I would like to convey these words of grat.i.tude on behalf of Prime Minister Warren.”
Lili, who had suddenly changed her demeanor, continued to speak.
“This was a sudden ‘invitation,’ but I also had a fruitful time. As for your return, rest a.s.sured that we will send you home on our pride and joy, so please relax. …Please enjoy your comfortable sea voyage.”
“Wait a minute, Lili! When did you…”
As she was about to complain, the outer door closed and Elena was immediately isolated on the ship.
In this state, she couldn’t complain to Lili.
“So I was tricked to the bitter end, huh?”
What she suddenly demanded was a wish she never expected. She was definitely a woman, so it must be a peculiarity of her nature.
“Dear customer, I understand you are a guest of His Excellency the Prime Minister. Is that correct?”
The woman in the waitress’ uniform came over.
Hearing what she said, Elena thought the Prime Minister was being considerate.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Very well. Then please follow me to your room.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
And so Elena went to the room that had been prepared for her.
This journey would certainly be much more comfortable than the journey there. The ship was wonderful; she got that feeling at first glance.
“I’d better finish my report to the lord.”
Instead of being shown around, she was shown around.
She patted herself on the cheek to cheer herself up a bit.
“Let’s do our best!”
And so the ship Elena was on set sail for Euro.
Meanwhile, outside, Lili watched the ship sail away.
She muttered to herself in a sad voice.
“Hey, Elena-sama. That’s not what I meant when I said it was as expected.”
Lili thought about Warren’s intentions.
And Elena was already being manipulated by these plans.
“The knowledge Elena-sama gained on this trip. If she doesn’t report it, she will be branded as a traitor. So she will report it without doubt, without lying. And she will add her own thoughts to the information, down to the smallest detail.”
That’s right. Elena would definitely tell them in a way that ensured a peaceful outcome. She might even tell them to give in to Heim.
And if that happened, everything would go exactly as Warren planned.
“Well, you know what would happen if you said something like that to the prince, right? I think you will be brought to the meeting, but he wants Elena-sama to be treated somewhat coldly.”
No matter what the possibility, if there was a dangerous element, then it must be eliminated. This was what Warren thinks.
Warren appreciated Elena. That meant that she had the potential to harm Ishtalika.
That was why Warren made sure that Elena was treated coldly.
The remaining Ishtalika spies in Heim would also work to ensure that Elena was treated coldly.
“They will surely say this: ‘We must not fight Ishtalika, we must not deal with Ishtalika…"”
When Tigre hears this, he will most likely complain to Elena to keep her mouth shut.
After that, she’ll probably be treated badly unless it’s something important.
“No matter how you look at it, it’s a good thing for us, Ishtalika.”
Despite spending so much public money, this was the result.
How wonderful, Lili smiled.
“I’m not conceited. But, Elena-sama, what you saw was only a small part of Ishtalika. I hope your head is still on when we meet again.”
Still, she can’t help but wish Elena good luck.
“——Besides, loving only the head is a bit unsatisfying, don’t you think?”
While talking to herself, Lili quietly disappeared into the shadows.
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