After the barbecue event had ended, we told Panamera that we were heading back to Ceat Village.
However, her reaction was subtle.
"Already leaving?"
"Yes, we’re leaving!"
"It’s a shame. You should stay for another week."
"No, we’re leaving!"
I stood firm, refusing to change my mind, and Panamera sighed in disappointment.
"I had hoped you’d make a few more things, but I suppose it can’t be helped."
As Panamera said this, I smiled wryly, and Arte, who had been standing nearby, spoke up.
"Panamera-sama... you’re making Van-sama work too hard, don’t you think...?"
Though it wasn’t a loud voice, Arte’s protest to Panamera caught us all by surprise. Panamera, too, was clearly taken aback and widened her eyes.
Dee and Espada, having worked for the Fertio family for so long, never interfered with conversations between noble heads. Till and Kamysin would probably hold off until the last minute too.
In that context, it was unexpected for Arte to speak out against Panamera.
"...What, have you completely become the boy’s ally now?"
Panamera muttered in surprise, and Arte, her eyebrows raised, shook her head.
"N-No... I’m not... it’s just that, ah, I was being too forward..."
Arte tried to explain her reason for protesting, but when Panamera stared at her face, her words faltered and trailed off.
With teary eyes, Arte’s words seemed to shrink away. After watching this, Panamera suddenly burst out laughing and began rubbing Arte’s head with one hand.
"Ha ha ha! It’s nice to see such camaraderie! But, I do feel a little lonely now that I’ve lost my hold over you."
Panamera dramatically said this with a sad expression, and Arte, flustered, desperately tried to deny her words.
"Th-That’s not...! Panamera-sama is my benefactor, so that’s not...!"
Arte desperately tried to convey that it wasn’t the case. Seeing her, I couldn’t help but speak up from the side.
"Arte, I think Panamera’s just joking."
"Huh?"
Arte blinked, then turned to Panamera. Panamera, looking at her, smiled mischievously.
"Geez...! Panamera-sama...!"
Realizing she had been teased, Arte puffed out her cheeks and angrily glared. Panamera, narrowing her eyes, laughed aloud. After their playful exchange, Panamera suddenly turned to me.
"By the way, I forgot to mention, but His Majesty has asked Van-sama to inspect the capital of the Yellenetta Kingdom."
"Huh? An inspection?"
I asked, surprised by the sudden statement. Panamera let out a short laugh, almost as if she had exhaled.
"I just received a letter the other day. It’s probably arrived in Ceat Village as well. Would you like to hear the details first?"
I nodded cautiously, wary that more troublesome matters were coming my way.
"What’s with that face?"
Panamera seemed amused by my expression and laughed softly. When I pouted, Panamera waved her hand, furrowing her brow.
"Don’t be so cautious. Think of it as a reward in a way."
"A reward?"
I asked again, and Panamera nodded, answering.
"Yes. Remember how you sent important information about Yellenetta to His Majesty during your time in Ceat Village? He wants to put you in charge of the investigation team to uncover the hidden royal treasures."
"Huh? You mean the royal family’s hidden treasures that Prince Freitliner confessed about?"
"Yes. Naturally, everyone involved with the royal family has already been restricted from acting. You’ll go to the capital and uncover the hidden treasures, then transport them all to His Majesty. That alone will be a significant achievement, and you’ll likely receive a reward for it."
Panamera explained with a slightly envious tone. To those eager for a rise, this was probably the perfect opportunity, but for me, it seemed like a tedious task.
"Eh? We have to go to the capital? Isn’t it about a month’s journey from here?"
"Well, if you hurry, it’ll take about three weeks. It’s His Majesty’s goodwill, so you should gratefully accept it and send a letter of thanks."
"That kind of social consideration..."
I sighed, letting my shoulders droop. Zetros and the others furrowed their brows, but Panamera just shook her shoulders and laughed.
"I don’t get it, but do as I say, alright?"
I was admonished, and reluctantly nodded. I looked around—since I had mentioned this might be our last day, Bell and Rosalie were busy with the newly opened stores and weren’t here.
"Well, I suppose we should confirm with Bell and Rosalie about opening a store in the capital of Yellenetta. Sigh, I wonder if Orto and the others will come with us..."
I said, and Panamera nodded with a smile.
"Don’t worry. I’ll tell the adventurers that I’ll provide them with extra rewards. If I mention they’ll be making a connection with the Count’s family, they won’t refuse."
"…No, I think they’d be happy with the reward, but let’s avoid mentioning any connections with the nobles. I’ve always gotten along with Orto and the others without that kind of give-and-take..."
I protested against Panamera’s suggestion. Panamera looked at me, wide-eyed, before bursting into laughter.
"Ha, ha, ha! You’re being considerate to the ‘lawless’ adventurers, huh? But that’s probably why so many of them listen to you."
After muttering that, Panamera nodded a few times, grinning.
"Alright. For the adventurers, we’ll go with what you said. And I’ll go to the capital with you too, alright?"
"Of course! If anything, the royal treasures should be found by Panamera!"
"That’s a no-go."
With a mischievous grin, she rejected my suggestion. How typical. If I’m not careful, I might find myself with an even higher title next year or the year after, and that could mean even more work.
At that moment, Van couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the future.
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