Future Developments
After a brief discussion with Alizée, we returned to the Lumite Grand Wing, only to find that the transportation of relief supplies had already been completed.
Although the distribution was still ongoing, it seemed we could leave without any issues.
I checked in with a soldier just to be sure, then boarded the Lumite Grand Wing and headed back to Marquis Vardmoi's mansion.
It appears that Princess Rodenlight had already returned to the Marquis' estate.
She had delivered a speech and then talked for a bit before departing by carriage.
Given the ongoing threat of assassination, it’s understandable.
When we arrived at Marquis Vardmoi's mansion, there were more guests than before.
Rumaja and Lord Sazaby had arrived as well.
There was also an unfamiliar older man present.
According to Princess Rodenlight, this man was the head of one of the duchies in the country, Duke McFarlane.
Apparently, he had come to check on the safety of Princess Rodenlight and Princess Annette.
Around noon today, the siege by the Darshe Principality’s army was lifted, and upon visiting the royal palace, he found the king and others murdered, while the third prince and the king’s younger brothers were arguing over the throne.
When he inquired about Princess Rodenlight and Princess Annette's whereabouts, he learned that they had come to Marquis Vardmoi's mansion, so he followed.
Rumaja and Lord Sazaby also accompanied him, and it seems they were discussing future plans when we walked in, interrupting their conversation.
"Lily, you're back. The person from the Trade Guild... seems to be safe."
"Thank you for your concern, Marquis Vardmoi."
"Good. So, what do you plan to do next?"
"With your permission, I would like to leave the capital as soon as possible and return to Vardmoi. Staying in this city is inconvenient for various reasons."
"Indeed. I, too, no longer have the luxury to entertain you as guests. I'm not pushing you out, but it would be helpful if you returned to Vardmoi."
"Understood. I’m ready to depart, so it’s just a matter of whether Lady Lily and her party are prepared. Are you all set, Lady Lily?"
As for my preparations...
Well, most of my belongings are packed in my backpack, so I don’t think I’ve forgotten anything.
I should be fine.
"I'm ready as well. What about everyone from the Wildcat Claws?"
"We’re good too. Our luggage is packed, so we just need to grab it, and we’re ready to leave."
"Alright. Then, before you head to Vardmoi, please listen to what I have to say. I will send letters to both the Adventurers' Guild and the Trade Guild in Vardmoi."
"Understood. What is it you wish to discuss?"
"Yes. It is unlikely that the third prince’s faction and the king’s brother will reconcile in the future. We have decided to maintain a neutral stance in this matter."
Maintain a neutral stance?
Does that mean not siding with either faction?
Marquis Vardmoi continued to explain.
"The McFarlane Duchy, the Vardmoi Marquisate, and several other marquisates have reached the same conclusion and are planning to act accordingly. While it's unclear how the minor nobles will react, such a significant faction remaining neutral will be a severe blow to both sides."
"Will the royal family allow that?"
"I’ll take it from here."
Rumaja interjected.
It seems she had something to add as well.
"The Adventurers' Guild has decided to withdraw from any involvement with this country and will act independently, forming ties with individual noble families. The reason is the dissolution of our agreement due to the non-payment of cooperation fees."
"Ah, you mentioned that before."
"Yes. The deadline for payment was this spring, marking the fifth year. Given the current state of the country, there’s no way they can pay. That will be our official reason for severing ties with the nation and forging new relationships with individual nobles. They will be responsible for paying the cooperation fees, but we've already assessed the tax revenues of each region. So, we’ll be lenient."
Whoa, Rumaja had a rather mischievous expression.
I wonder how the Adventurers' Guild managed to investigate the nobles' tax revenues.
Maybe it's best not to ask.
Yes, I’ll leave it alone.
"As for the Darshe Principality, while they will withdraw from the noble district and the royal palace, they will remain in the civilian areas for some time to support reconstruction. Of course, Lord Sazaby and his people will be returning home."
"That’s the situation. Plum, what about you?"
"Me? I plan to stay as Lily's guard for a while."
Huh, Plum isn’t returning home?
And acting as my guard?
What do you think about this chapter?
