Chapter 435 – Under the Blue Sky

Since King Melvin’s verdict was announced, Leslie’s expression had looked both resolute and somehow liberated. It seemed that including the memories of being manipulated by Glazheim, he now had something to confront moving forward.

The actual perpetrators of the attack also appeared to have had incidents fabricated by Glazheim’s abilities – causing trouble in nightmares or being imprisoned – and now that Glazheim had perished, they were probably feeling some sense of incongruity about it all.

King Melvin had explicitly stated that if there was understanding and acceptance of the circumstances involving the nightmare demon, along with remorse for the attack itself, then Leslie and the others could help with the aftermath of the nightmare incident as a form of settlement.

Duke Driscoll was apparently pulling strings to ensure they wouldn’t lose their jobs either… Well, this was certainly a merciful judgment.

With the nightmare demon gone, nightmares were just nightmares. While things wouldn’t completely return to normal, measures were being taken to minimize the impact.

“—Ah, Theodore-kun. I have a message for you from Grand Duke Debonnis.”

Just as I was about to leave after concluding discussions at the royal castle, Prince Josiah called out to me.

“What is it?”

“I spoke with Duke Driscoll earlier about this… Since it seems we can reach a peaceful reconciliation day, Grand Duke Debonnis asked if you, being instrumental in this, would attend as well. What do you think?”

“I see. I’d be happy to if you think I’m suitable. I’ll also take that opportunity to express my gratitude and greetings to Grand Duke Debonnis.”

“That’s good. I’ll convey your response to Grand Duke Debonnis.”

“Thank you.”

After bowing to Prince Josiah and exiting the guesthouse, Lindwurm was waiting for me. It would take me home. When I gently stroked it, it made a soft rumbling sound in its throat.

“Then, until tomorrow perhaps?”

“Yes, Your Highness Stephania. I plan to head to the Duke’s villa around late morning.”

“Understood. Then I’ll see you then.”

I nodded to Princess Stephania and the others who had come to see me off, then mounted Lindwurm.

Corulis and Ramriya had also appeared at the training ground, waving toward us. Ramriya, perched on Corulis’s shoulder, was even showing off by creating sand arms to wave… I wonder if that was influenced by Corulis.

With a wry smile, I waved back. After bowing once more, I soared into the sky and began my journey home.

—And the next day.

“Mmm…”

I woke to the morning light. Next to me were Ashley and Marlene… both sleeping soundly while snuggled close to me.

Next to Ashley was Grace. Next to Marlene was Claudia, and beside her was Rosemary. Ashley had her cheek pressed against my chest, while Marlene was holding my hand. That everyone seemed closer than usual might have been because of the nightmare demon hallucination incident.

Since it was still early, we had time to relax. I decided to stay like this until everyone woke up.

Hmm… How should I put it? Comparing Ashley and Marlene’s sleeping faces, Ashley’s gives a more innocent impression than when she’s awake. This is probably because she usually has to maintain her composure as the head of the Silun household. When sleeping, she shows an age-appropriate childishness even compared to Marlene.

As for Marlene… she naturally has an innocent impression, but according to Alfred, she smiles more often these days, as if she’s more at ease.

If we’re talking about sleeping faces having a slightly different impression from when awake, Claudia would fit that too. Like the other two, she gives a more youthful impression when asleep. Claudia carries the title and history of being a goddess and seems to strive for behavior befitting that… but in daily life, she lets her guard down and often shows reactions of a normal girl.

Rosemary was also breathing quietly in her sleep… Yeah, her sleeping face is quite defenseless.

When I reached over and brushed aside the bangs covering her face, she made a small sound and her expression became like a smile.

“Mmm…”

Grace, who had made a small sound, slightly opened her eyes.

“Good morning.”

I greeted her in a quiet voice so as not to wake the others, and Grace, still lying down, smiled and nodded slightly.

“Did you sleep well?”

Grace also responded in a whisper.

“Yeah. I was able to rest well. I feel calm.”

When I answered, Grace’s smile deepened happily. She extended her slender fingers and touched my cheek.

It was a bit ticklish, but I let her continue stroking. I closed my eyes, imprinting Grace’s happy expression behind my eyelids.

Well… When the time was right, Cecilia and the others would probably come to get us. I decided to surrender to the comfort of the warm bed and the slight drowsiness.

We all had a slightly later breakfast together, relaxed for a bit, then headed to the Duke’s villa.

The air was rather cool, but it was a beautifully clear and pleasant day.

Since Forset and the others could use Levitation, they said they would help with the cleanup. Floria the dryad and Harvesta were also coming along for garden maintenance. Holding Harvesta’s pot, Floria looked cheerful and in high spirits.

“Good morning, Theodore-san. I’m glad to see you looking well.”

The person who greeted me as I finished preparations and stepped out the entrance was a woman in adventurer-style attire with an eyepatch—Miriam, the owner of the Labyrinth Trading Company.

Apparently she had come to greet me yesterday since I returned from the Kingdom of Baharzad… but I was out and about yesterday.

“Good morning, Miriam-san. You’re looking well yourself. I heard you came to greet me yesterday, but I’m sorry I wasn’t home.”

“Not at all. I understand you’re busy, Theodore-san. Actually, I’ve also been contacted by Duke Driscoll.”

Said Miriam.

“By Duke Driscoll?”

“That’s right. He wants to buy items from the Labyrinth Trading Company. And also… since many pieces of furniture were destroyed… he wants estimates for replacements and repairs, and introductions to other merchants.”

“I see. So that’s what it was.”

The Duke had been buying magic tools from the Labyrinth Trading Company since arriving in Termwills, so from Miriam’s perspective, he’s already a regular customer.

And Miriam seems well-connected with other merchants, and her discernment is reliable.

For items not handled by the Labyrinth Trading Company, having her introductions and mediation would certainly be convenient. Since it’s still unclear what can be reused and what must be discarded, having Miriam around would make the replacement process go more smoothly. For her too, it’s not a bad deal since she can build favors with other merchants.

Miriam returned to the driver’s seat of the covered wagon she came in… The cargo area had a dartboard and billiards table loaded in it. Since they’re made to order, these must be new items the Duke ordered.

“Theodore. Everyone’s ready.”

Sheila said from the driver’s seat of another carriage.

“Understood. Then let’s go.”

I nodded and got into the carriage. With so many people, we split into several carriages heading to the Duke’s residence. After confirming everyone had boarded, I gave the signal and the carriages slowly began moving. Well then… off to the Duke’s villa.

“Good morning, Ambassador. Everyone.”

“Good morning, Duke.”

When we arrived at the villa, the Duke’s family, servants, and guards were already assembled, dressed in clothes suitable for easy movement. Leslie was probably still recuperating. Since Clark wasn’t here either, he might be attending to Leslie.

Near the gazebo in the courtyard, tables, pots, simple stoves, chairs and such had been prepared.

The servants had apparently already started cooking—chopping ingredients, boiling things in pots… preparing lunch. It had been decided that the Duke would provide lunch.

“We came a bit early to sort through the undamaged pots and tableware.”

Vanessa said with a smile. I see.

Thinking that we’d have lunch in the courtyard after cleanup… having lunch together sitting on the undamaged chairs and sofas under the blue sky would have a certain charm to it. Something camp-like or like an outdoor event.

Then a carriage arrived at the entrance. Getting off were Princess Stephania, Princess Adriana, and Princess Elham. Corulis and Ramriya were with them too. They seemed to have followed behind the carriage.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.”

Hmm. Now everyone’s here.

“Then we’ll get started right away.”

Saying this, I deployed a Magic Circle.

“Arise.”

“Oh… So this is the Ambassador’s…”

Using Create Golem, I mass-produced golems from the rubble. The Duke voiced his admiration upon seeing this.

Well then. Let’s start with repairing the destroyed walls and floors first.