Debut Party (2)
○●○● Plum
“Hmph. This country’s crown prince—first time I’ve seen him, but he’s a crude one, isn’t he?”
“Well, Father, that’s only until today. He’s set to be stripped of his title at this very event.”
“Where’d you hear that?”
“From Kiblinki Saltas. He overheard the princess confiding in Lily yesterday and passed the word along.”
Good grief… that princess is a troublesome one.
If she’s gonna cut off her own kin for bringing shame to the royal family, she could at least do it somewhere private.
Poor Lily, having her special day eaten up by that fool of a prince.
“… Plum, was it really proper to eavesdrop like that?”
“A Kiblinki Saltas overheard it himself, shared it with all the guards and servants. If it hadn’t been necessary, he’d have kept it to himself.”
“Hah. Guess there’s no keeping secrets around Lily.”
“None at all. Kiblinki Saltas can read minds, after all. Think it, and they know it.”
“… That sounds troublesome.”
“They only speak up when it’s important. Dependable partners, those ones.”
Even here at the venue, the Kiblinki Saltas are hidden throughout.
They’re meant to seize that idiot prince’s faction if they try anything—but that’s not all we have to watch out for.
Our duty’s to protect Lily, but just for today, that ain’t all we’re here to do.
We’ll protect every guest in this hall.
Still, it’s mostly the Wildcat Claws who are tense. Dark Green Sprout look relaxed, and the servants are calm—they’ve been through far worse.
Besides, every last Kiblinki Saltas not on regular guard duty at Vardmoi or Parfe Ranch is here today.
Not a single rat’s getting out of this place.
“Still, who’d have thought that little girl would grow into such a merchant? You expect that?”
“Not a bit. Selling fine cloth and dresses’ll only get you so far. What really did it was when Kiblinki Saltas joined her—it boosted the nation’s food production, and built her own transport network to move it all.”
“Controlling food, eh? In wartime, that’s as good as controlling victory. I’m surprised her rise to power was allowed at all.”
“Oh, there were some who pushed back. But those who did got quietly crushed by Kiblinki Saltas—without Lily even knowing.
No scheming or false testimony can get past them.
And since they guard her trade wagons themselves, no one can pull that ‘bandit attack’ trick to steal the goods.
Even real bandits wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Truly, Kiblinki Saltas are mighty convenient creatures.
If they were warlike, the human race would’ve been wiped clean off the map long ago.
But as it stands, they’re gentle souls—love growing vegetables, doting parents, kind neighbors.
You can’t even spread bad rumors about them. They work side-by-side with the city guards of Vardmoi, so lies don’t stick.
Honestly, they’re a godsend as allies and a nightmare as enemies.
“By the way, Plum. Does Lily plan on expanding into our kingdom?”
“Hmm? Ask her yourself… though if you do, she’ll just shrug and say, ‘I’m not that interested.’”
“… That’s all? From an international merchant?”
“Well, she hasn’t quite realized her reach yet. If you’re serious about attracting her business, talk to the Vardmoi Guild or to Alizée.”
“Alizée?”
“The cat beastkin at the reception earlier, handling the invitation letters. She’s Lily’s business partner. Handles the areas Lily doesn’t much care for—summarizes plans, proposes deals. Lily still thinks of herself as a designer, so she needs a partner with a merchant’s sense.”
“I see. That’s useful to know.
The Kiblinki Saltas are fascinating, but the fact she raised her nation’s food production in a few short years… that’s impressive. I’d like to see what she could do for us—without letting her swallow us whole, of course.”
“Then go ahead and discuss it. Anyway, time’s about up, so I’ll be heading off.”
“Ah, right. Sorry for calling you over. But tell me, daughter—shouldn’t you be out there too? I heard you’re the captain of her guard.”
“She’s in one of the rooms now, watched over by Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas. Our job comes once she steps out—showing the guests that she’s well protected. Anyway, I’ll be off.”
Good grief…
With Tarat and Kiblinki Saltas on duty, the rest of us might as well sit and drink tea.
Still, if we only use monsters as guards, it might attract more trouble—folks trying to test their strength.
And while Kiblinki Saltas may have no known weakness, that might not always be true.
Best be ready for whatever comes.
What do you think about this chapter?
Thanks for the update.