Chapter 144: “Events in the Imperial Territory and Events in the Town of Nosa”

—A little over ten days ago, in the imperial capital—

“We’ve decided to dispatch an investigative team to the border region to look into ‘that box.’”

In the palace of the Dolgaria Empire.

Inside an office there, the First Prince, Diaz, spoke.

Seated before him were a prince and a princess, each with high claims to the throne.

They remained seated in their chairs, listening to Diaz speak.

“There was also a suggestion that we should use the ‘Princess of the Holy Sword’ to give the investigation some prestige. However, Liana’s twin sister is in that area. There’s a risk that the investigation results could leak. That’s why—”

“We were called, right, Diaz-niisan?”

“That’s right, Ricardo.”

Diaz spoke to the tall prince.

His name was Ricardo. He was the third prince. Skilled in magic, he was in charge of leading units to subjugate magical beasts.

The petite girl next to him was Princess Daphne, the second princess.

She had long black hair tied up carelessly and stared sharply at her brother, Dias.

“So, let me ask. Who wants to lead the investigation team for ‘that box’?”

Prince Diaz asked.

Prince Ricardo and Princess Daphne both raised their hands simultaneously.

They glared at each other with challenging eyes.

To calm the two of them, Prince Diaz added:

“Let me make it clear: this mission is for investigation. Not for combat.”

“Is that so, Diaz-niisan?”

Prince Ricardo murmured.

He lowered his hand as if he’d lost interest.

“That’s boring. Extremely boring, Brother Diaz.”

“Archduke Kharon and the high officials suspect that we’re the masterminds behind the ‘Magical Beast Summoning’ incident. We can’t draw attention to ourselves. Not until their misunderstanding is cleared.”

Crown Prince Diaz shrugged.

“Even though the real mastermind behind that incident was the Minister of Magic, Azim Rajin… Archduke Kharon said something strange, and now the high officials are being misled. It’s troublesome.”

“…Since it’s Archduke Kharon who defeated you, Oniisama, it can’t be helped.”

Princess Daphne murmured quietly.

“Archduke Kharon can use both his arms again and has regained his title as the strongest. If someone like that speaks, of course everyone will listen, right?”

“It’s only for now. Eventually, Archduke Kharon will grow old. The Grand Duchy thrives because the former Sword Saint Kharon is there. What about the next generation? Will the successor he chooses have power equal to his?”

“You’re straying off topic. And speaking too fast. You’re flustered, Oniisama.”

In a whispering voice, Princess Daphne continued:

“A future emperor should remain calm. Seeing you like this worries me.”

“I am calm. I want you to trust your full-blooded brother.”

Crown Prince Diaz went on.

“Let’s continue. From the interrogation, we learned an unexpected fact about Commander Geralt of the fort. He didn’t report the summoned ‘box’ to the Minister of Magic, Azim.”

At the interrogation, Commander Geralt admitted that he had summoned something that wasn’t a magical beast.

He also admitted that he hadn’t reported it to his superior, the Minister of Magic.

Geralt had said:

‘I planned to report it to the Minister of Magic after checking the contents of the box.’

—That’s what he said.

Saying, “We found a weird box” and “We don’t know what’s inside” would make him seem incompetent.

So after successfully controlling a “giant scorpion magical beast,” he intended to report about “that box” along with his achievement.

“As a result, ‘that box’ was taken away. Now we must search for its whereabouts.”

Diaz shook his head.

“This time, the investigation will be carried out by a unit directly under the Imperial Family. Those troops only obey those of imperial blood. That’s why I want one of you two to take command.”

“Daphne has one question, Oniisama.”

The princess with jet-black hair, Daphne, spoke.

“What if someone from the Demon Lord’s Domain got their hands on ‘that box’?”

“In that case, it’s fine to back off. You must absolutely not interfere with the Demon Lord’s Domain.”

Crown Prince Diaz said that with a bitter expression, as if chewing something unpleasant.

Until a few months ago, the Demon Lord’s Domain was a mysterious nation.

To the Empire, it was a country to “avoid as much as possible,” and one to be “kept in check by sending hostages.”

However, over the past few months, the situation changed drastically.

The Demon Lord’s Domain began demonstrating its technology and terrifying magical skills.

They instantly annihilated the magical beast Gargarossa with powerful magic.

The Demon Lord and the subordinates negotiated with Princess Liana and Minister of War Zagran, securing favorable terms.

Their sharp intellect and dignified conduct showcased their cultural sophistication.

Furthermore, they later used the mysterious word ‘Omawarisan’ to freeze the movements of a giant centipede magical beast.

They employed a mysterious familiar to identify the actual culprit behind the magical beast summoning.

As for the magical beast summoned by Geralt Zenger—they reportedly defeated it using the magic spell Meteor.

Seeing such achievements, even the people in the border regions changed their minds.

They came to believe that they were “saved from magical beasts by the Demon Lord’s people,” and began to feel that the Demon Lord’s Domain was on their side.

The Demon Lord’s Domain promptly set up a “trading post” and began doing business with the Empire’s citizens.

While the high officials were still debating how to respond, the border region effectively became part of the Grand Duchy, making interference difficult.

The Demon Lord’s Domain was no longer a “mysterious, inferior country.”

It should now be regarded as a magical superpower with powerful technology and culture.

“But still, the Empire cannot afford to get too cozy with the Demon Lord’s Domain.”

The Empire holds pride in being the rightful heir of the Hero.

To fraternize with demons or demi-humans is unthinkable.

“I don’t know which of you will be ordered to investigate. But His Majesty the Emperor will surely say it: never lay a hand on the Demon Lord’s territory.”

“…Understood.”

“Then, Diaz-niisan, what will you do about the unnecessary princess—Sophia, the sickly one who has become the ruler of the Grand Duchy?”

Prince Ricardo raised his hand.

“It’s fine to give her orders, isn’t it? That girl was acknowledged by Archduke Kharon and made a ruler—she might be getting full of herself. Isn’t it fine to remind a useless princess of her place?”

“If it’s necessary for the investigation.”

“Understood.”

At Diaz’s words, Prince Ricardo nodded.

He lowered his head, stifling a laugh.

Diaz sensed something ominous in his attitude, but he couldn’t remove Ricardo from the operation.

The authority to decide on the investigation of “the box” lies with the Emperor, their father.

Diaz’s duty was only to convey instructions to the princes and princesses in charge of the investigation.

This matter was already beyond his control.

Whether this was to protect the crown prince from scandal… or for some other reason, Diaz did not know.

(Father is… one of the strongest of all emperors in history. Surely, he has a plan.)

With that thought, Dias continued his explanation to his younger siblings.

—Present Day (The day after Thor visited Sophia), Princess Sophia’s point of view—

“I wish to accompany the investigation of ‘the box.'”

Princess Diaz spoke.

This was the reception room of the mansion.

Besides Sophia, her subordinates Dorothy and Isaac were present.

As the two widened their eyes in surprise, Sophia continued.

“As the ruler of this land, I have a duty to protect the people. If something unknown lies within our territory, I cannot simply ignore it. Especially now that an imperial investigation team is coming. As one who bears the blood of the Emperor, I must make sure they do not overstep their bounds.”

“Please wait, Your Highness!”

“Go ahead, Sir Isaac.”

“The investigation of ‘the box’ is the responsibility of Dorothy-sama’s ‘Lady Omawarisan Unit.’ There’s no need for Your Highness to go personally…”

“I’m sorry. This is my selfish desire.”

Sophia gave Isaac a slight bow.

“I want to see this ‘box,’ said to be summoned from another world, with my own eyes.”

“…Your Highness.”

“When I was living in the detached palace, I read many books about the Hero. The knowledge I gained might be useful in analyzing the ‘box.’ At the very least, if it truly came from the Hero’s world, I should be able to identify some characteristics.”

“Your Highness, do you wish to obtain that ‘box’ for yourself?”

Dorothy asked.

“I’ve heard that the ‘box’ cannot be opened. Even if we confirm it’s from the Hero’s world, if we can’t see what’s inside, it has little value. To be honest, I don’t understand why everyone wants this ‘box’ so badly…”

“The value of ‘the box’ is quite clear, Dorothy-sama.”

Sophia shook her head.

“Because that ‘box’ is enough to move so many people.”

“—Ah.”

Dorothy’s face showed surprise.

Isaac was the same. He nodded repeatedly, as if he now understood.

“Y-you’re right. The imperial investigation team, our forces, and even those who stole the ‘box’… all of them were mobilized by it. That ‘box’ has moved many, even without revealing what’s inside.”

“Exactly. Just by being something summoned from another world, ‘the box’ has attracted attention. As people gather to obtain it… trouble could easily break out in this border region.”

Sophia looked intently at Dorothy and Isaac as she spoke.

“As the ruler of this land, I am obliged to protect the peace of the people. Whether or not we can obtain the ‘box’ is secondary. I want to gather as much information as I can.”

“I understand how you feel, Your Highness.”

“I too… deeply respect Your Highness’s thoughts.”

Isaac and Dorothy both nodded.

“But… if by chance you do obtain the ‘box,’ what do you plan to do with it?”

“Let’s see. Hypothetically speaking—”

Sophia tilted her head and made a thoughtful gesture.

Then, with a mischievous smile—

“I’m thinking of duplicating the ‘box’ and sealing away the real one.”

“W-what!?”

“A replica!? Is that… for theft prevention!?”

“Yes. I’d like to have the proper experts… analyze it thoroughly… to their heart’s content… and then create a replica. Of course, only if the ‘box’ hasn’t been opened yet—”

With that, Sophia slowly began to explain.

They would obtain the real “box” and have a replica made from it.

If the “box” remained unopened, then no one would know what was inside.

Even if it were empty, that wouldn’t matter.

If the real one was stolen, it would still be empty.

The only loss would be the cost of making the replica.

Compared to maintaining peace in the borderlands, that was a small price.

The “replica box” could be made so the lid wouldn’t open.

While the thief tried to open it, time would pass.

In that time, at least one potential conflict could be avoided.

“As for the real one… we can seal it away or preserve it as a relic. I’d like to consult with Archduke Kharon on that matter.”

“…W-what a plan.”

“…Your Highness, you’ve thought that far ahead.”

“Of course, this is only if we manage to obtain the ‘box.’ Personally, I think just finding some clues would be enough. I don’t intend to fight over it.”

The problem arises if “that box” possesses powerful abilities… but there’s no point in worrying about it now.

We’ll either have to seal it, destroy it with Sophia’s “light attack magic,” or neutralize it with that person’s help.

Sophia’s goal is to maintain peace in the borderlands.

Now that she’s become a lord, she has a responsibility. She cannot allow herself to look disgraceful before someone important to her who lives in the neighboring Demon Lord’s domain.

That’s why she wants to gather as much information as possible—about “that box,” the imperial investigation team, and the person who stole the box from the fortress.

“That’s exactly why I want to accompany the investigation. My knowledge might help in locating ‘that box.’”

“I understand what you’re saying. However…”

Dorothy looked worried.

And understandably so.

She was probably uneasy about bringing Sophia, who lacked real combat experience, along on the mission.

What’s more, Dorothy was also Sophia’s trusted right-hand. It was only natural for her to worry about her liege.

Although Sophia herself thought of Dorothy more like a friend.

“Then, how about I accompany you only for the investigation at the fortress?”

Sophia suggested.

“You mentioned it before, didn’t you, Dorothy-sama? That you would investigate the fortress Geralt commanded, and then gather intel in the surrounding towns. You’re planning to inspect the fortress, stay overnight in town, and return the next day, correct?”

“Yes… that’s right.”

After thinking for a moment, Dorothy nodded.

“We had planned a one-night, two-day trip. Sir Isaac’s ‘Omawarsan Unit’ is keeping watch over the fortress, after all. Indeed… if it’s that location, it may not be too dangerous.”

“What does Sir Isaac think?”

Having secured Dorothy’s agreement, Sophia turned to Isaac, eyes sparkling.

“If it’s a location the ‘Omawarisan Unit’ is stationed at, the danger shouldn’t be too high. Besides, I may be able to offer the unit members some encouragement.”

“If that’s the case…”

Isaac nodded.

“If Her Highness is coming to encourage them, the men will be pleased.”

“Then I can’t very well oppose it, can I?”

“…Nor can I raise any objections.”

“Thank you, Dorothy-sama, Sir Isaac.”

Sophia stood from her chair.

Then, holding her dress skirt, she gave the two a formal bow.

And with that, the meeting came to an end—

A few days later, Princess Sophia and Dorothy’s unit would head out to investigate the fortress where the “Beast Summoning” had taken place.

—That evening, in Sophia’s room—

“Your Highness. A delivery from the alchemist.”

“Thank you, Soleil-sama.”

A pure white owl sat by the window.

When Sophia opened the window, the owl pulled back its hood and transformed into Soleil, a winged pixie.

“This is the ‘MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium.’”

“The undiluted version, I see.”

“The alchemist was originally going to dilute it ten times before handing it over. But Your Highness preferred the undiluted version, right?”

“Yes. That gives me more ways to use it.”

“You want your skin to be radiant, don’t you?”

“Yes. I want to show off my radiant skin.”

“……”

“……”

“I understand. Also, the alchemist left you a message.”

“Y-Yes, I’m listening.”

“You don’t have to sit formally, you know. Um, the alchemist said: ‘There’s the investigation team from the Empire to consider. Things might get dangerous, so please don’t forget to carry your “self-defense item” when going outside town.’”

“…Thor Canaan-sama is worried about me, isn’t he?”

Sophia instinctively touched her cheek.

Feeling the warmth rise in her body, she said:

“Did Thor Canaan-sama say anything else about me?”

“He said, ‘Thank you for the residence permit. Next time I’ll come visit just for fun—no work involved.’”

“…That makes me happy.”

The fact that Thor appreciated the residence permit.

That he said he’d visit just for fun next time.

It made Sophia smile softly with joy.

“Thank you. Please give my regards to Thor Canaan-sama.”

“Got it. Do you have any reply you’d like me to pass on?”

“Then… please tell him: ‘Next time we meet, let’s test the lotion together. When using the undiluted version, and when using the 10x diluted version—let’s both feel and compare the difference.’”

“…………Are you sure you want me to say it exactly like that?”

“Sorry, no! Please don’t. Um…”

Waving her hand, Sophia retracted her statement.

Realizing she’d blurted out her true feelings, her face turned bright red.

The truth was, the last time Thor had said “Lotion should be diluted 10 times with water,” Sophia had been very curious how he came up with that ratio.

Moreover, Thor had predicted that Dorothy’s underwear would fall off when she used the undiluted lotion.

That implied he had personally experienced the same phenomenon before.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to say it so confidently.

So naturally, Sophia wanted to try the same experiment together with Thor—but…

(…If I say anything too weird, he might stop wanting to visit.)

Sophia muttered to herself without speaking aloud.

Then, regaining her composure:

“Then please tell him this instead: ‘I’ll find a chance to visit Thor Canaan-sama’s home as well.’”

Sophia said.

“And when I do, please treat me the same as you would Agnis-sama or Mabel-sama.”

“Understood. I’ll deliver your message.”

“Then Soleil-sama, let me make us some tea. Let’s have a little snack time.”

“Really?”

“Of course. You’ve come all this way, after all. Besides, I’ve instructed the maids to prepare afternoon snacks just in case. There should be some leftovers.”

Everyone used to worry because Sophia had such a poor appetite.

But thanks to the “footbath” and the “sparkling bath,” she had become full of energy and able to eat plenty.

The maids were happy too and started preparing snacks for her every day.

Since her body was naturally slender, there was—so far—no worry about her gaining weight.

Besides, it seemed Sophia had a body type where nutrients mostly went to her chest.

In fact, when Liana had visited, she had said something like:

“Even though we’re twins, I feel like that’s where the biggest difference shows.”

“…Next time Liana visits, maybe we should have Thor Canaan-sama confirm how different we are as twins.”

“Twins’ differences? Soleil and Lune are sisters close in age too, but we’re quite different.”

“Then let’s all have Thor Canaan-sama confirm the differences together.”

“I’m in favor of that.”

“How we pull it off… let’s discuss it over tea.”

And so, Princess Sophia enjoyed a pleasant tea time with the winged fairy Soleil.

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