After a successful visit to the Principality of Dalat, the < left Radatra, the capital of the Principality of Dalat, at noon on June 25, and arrived at the garrison in about an hour, as on the outward journey.

Of course, in the morning Jin received a issued by the Duke.

"However, the Duchy has been very friendly to us because of such support from Jin-dono.

Theobald Theodoric von Grain, Marquis of Shoro and current President of the World Council, said sincerely.

"Indeed. The presence of Jin-dono is very important.

Tein Miyabe, the deputy ambassador and representative of Mitsuho, agreed.

"I am glad I could be of help.

Now they were having a meeting in the conference room at the garrison that was a combination of a review meeting and a consolation party.

"Now all that remains is the Duchy of Norway.

Marquis Theobald Theodoric von Grainne, the legate, muttered as he crossed his arms.

"I'm sure they'll be happy to cooperate with us if we bring them information on how to counter the Duchy of Jagus, and with Jin-dono there, I don't think there will be any obstacles to concluding an agreement.

Gaju Tsuga said definitively.

"Yes, since Tsuga-dono visited here last time as our envoy. He understands their country better than we do. We can trust his judgment.

"Is there a water shortage there, too?"

Jin asks, and Gaju Tugga replies.

Yes, in general the principality is short.

If we conclude a formal agreement with the three duchies, we plan to drill water veins and provide them with magic tools that can turn seawater into fresh water using magic spells.

* * * *

"By the way, we received an urgent message from the Nostalgia Party.

After the meeting was over, Gaju Tsuga opened his mouth as he was quenching his thirst with Citran juice that Jin had provided.

"The other day, I heard that the honorary advisor of the , Elena, who was visiting the Principality of Jagus, was abducted. ......"

"No, I heard that the other day."

But Gaju Tsuga stopped him,

"There's more. I can't go into ...... details, but I can tell you that as of now, Lady Elena is in no danger at all. And this information is not to be disclosed to anyone."

"Mm ...... I'm curious, but if they say so, I'll go along with it."

The Marquis Theobald Theodoric von Grainne sat down.

At this point, Elena had already been replaced by the false Elena, Spica 9-Lira of the .

Jin was not surprised since he had been informed by the old man, but decided to express his opinion anyway.

"<> is a tight-knit group. They are not in a panic, so I guess they will be all right.

"Well, I guess that's what I'm saying.

"They will let us know if there are any more problems."

We decided to leave this matter to <>, and if they asked for our help, we would take care of it.

* * * *

What was the <> doing?

< Elena returned to the headquarters, they decided on a plan against the Duchy of Jagus on June 22.

Following the plan, they prepared and went to the Duchy of Jagus again.

This was out of concern for the safety of , who had been taken hostage.

On the 25th, the < concluded an agreement with the Principality of Mimaka and returned to the garrison.

On the 25th, two members of <>, Edda Yima and Lauria Matsuta, visited the Principality of Jagus again.

They brought a gift...... or <>.

In the throne room.

"Well, 30 kilograms of magi stones, 15 kilograms of magi crystals, and a general-purpose battle golem," he said.

After examining the tribute in person, Prince Niestor Cirillo Jagus nodded in satisfaction.

"......Of course, this is not the end of it, is it?"

"......Yes."

Edda Yima, looking a little chagrined, replied.

"......I will bring you the same amount in another five days."

Hearing this answer, Prince Niestor Cirilo Jagus grinned.

"Well, I'll be looking forward to it. You may go back to ......."

"Yes."

Alone in his throne room, the king said,

"......This will bring me closer to my original purpose."

he thought to himself.

* * * *

After leaving the throne room, Edda Yima and Lauria Matsuta were in discussion with their vizier, Beyax Gere.

"Next time in 5 days, right?"

"...... Yes. That's what I told His Majesty.

"Yes. Can't we have two golems?

"I think that would be ...... a little difficult. ......"

Edda Yima replies with a downcast look. She is quite a good actress.

In fact, a golem of that level can produce three Nissan units, but there is no need to reveal that.

"I see. But you will keep up the pace.

Every five days, 30 kilograms of Magi Stones, 15 kilograms of Magi Crystals, and a Golem.

That was the demand of the Duchy of Jagus.

"......I know. ......"

Edda Yima replied, still nodding her head.

Lauria Matsuta opened her mouth.

"Oh, um, is it possible to see Elena-sama at first sight?"

"Hmm?　...... not this time."

"Oh, no. ......"

But the Prime Minister said without expression.

"You can't say no. ......You're right, I'll let you see him next time."

"......I understand. ......"

Edda Yima and Lauria Matsuta leave the royal castle with a drooping head. The Prime Minister smiled as he watched their backs.

"If we bribe them to meet Elena, we may be able to increase our tribute a little more..." he thought.

Thinking this way.

* * * *

And how was Spica 9-Lira, who was spending her time as a substitute for Elena ......?

"I don't have anything to ...... do."

She had a lot of free time on her hands.

In a small tower, there is only so much you can do.

"Next time, I'll ask you to bring me some books.

Fake Elena thought inwardly that she might be able to get some information about the Duchy of Jagus from there as well.