Chapter 244

The Reason for Borrowing the Lumite Grand Wing
We moved to the living area instead of standing around, and I served tea.
The tea is green tea, which I’ve recently taken a liking to.
Since it's now possible to import it from the Darshe Principality, I can enjoy it without hesitation.
Yes, that's a good thing.
But more than that, I want to ask why they suddenly want to borrow my Lumite Grand Wing.

"Darshe green tea, huh? It's calming."

"Is that so?"

"My homeland is in the Darshe Principality. You should visit it sometime."

"I'll try if the opportunity arises. But more importantly, why do you want to borrow my Lumite Grand Wing? My Lumite Grand Wing is quite conspicuous, don’t you think? It’s not exactly suitable for discreet travel."

Now that I think about it, my Lumite Grand Wing has various markings on it.
It bears the symbol of my shop as well as the crest of Marquis Vardmoi.
Frankly, borrowing a similar model would attract less attention.
If the goal is to secretly transport the princesses, I think it’s definitely unsuitable.
I wonder why.
When I voiced my doubts, Rumaja thoughtfully stroked her chin and responded.

"Standing out is precisely what’s good about it. No one would expect us to hide the princesses in such a conspicuous vehicle. Moreover, there are plenty of decoy transport methods, including the main carriage team. Among them, few would think of putting the princesses in a notable magic vehicle right after the carriage."

"And also…?"

"Your Lumite Grand Wing bears the crest of Marquis Vardmoi. Attacking that magic vehicle would mean picking a fight with the House of Vardmoi. Among the southern lords, Vardmoi holds the second-strongest power. No one would want to make an enemy of them."

Ah, so they’re using my backing from Marquis Vardmoi to their advantage.
The royal family is deeply entangled in power struggles, so they probably want to avoid adding more enemies.
In that case, even if someone wants to target the princesses, they won’t be able to openly go after a magic vehicle bearing the Vardemoi crest.
But is the situation really so dangerous that they need to be this cautious?

"Is the current situation really that risky? And, why exactly are the princesses visiting Vardmoi?"

"I can’t say. There are too many uncertainties. As for the current state, it seems skirmishes are frequent in the northern regions. The King’s Brother and the Third Prince both desperately desire the throne, even though it's now a meaningless seat."

"Ah, so this country really is splitting, then."

"Indeed, there’s no turning back."

After taking a sip of green tea, Rumaja began explaining the current domestic situation.
Well, it was about as I expected.

"In the north, the factions of the King’s Brother and that of the Third Prince are on the verge of open conflict. The east and west are observing, but they’ll likely also pursue independence. The south, where we are, is already completely independent."

"I see. What about the royal capital?"

"Who knows. Each faction sees the capital as the frontline. There's no need to risk anything unnecessarily. Once things are settled in the north, the capital will probably be annexed to that side."

Hmm, the treatment of the capital seems rather harsh.
The capital is close to Vardmoi, so I’d like it to be stable.
But aside from the north, which craves the throne, no one really needs it.
This leaves me feeling a bit unsettled…

"So, will you lend me the Lumite Grand Wing?"

"Oh, right. Honestly, I’d rather not."

"I see. However, I’d appreciate your cooperation if possible."

Such pressure…
But, considering the princesses’ safety, I guess I have no choice.
Alright, let’s do this.

"Then I’ll accompany you in the Lumite Grand Wing. How about that?"

I don’t want to jump into danger, but I also don’t want my vehicle wrecked.
Just a little bit of risk won’t hurt.