In the city of Priestella, Ren stayed home quietly, and with the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop no longer appearing, the world had grown a little more peaceful.
The royal selection was also progressing fiercely, like fire spreading across dry tea leaves.
The first to be discovered with royal selection eligibility was Crusch Karsten of the noble Karsten family. Her entry caused many nobles to choose sides early.
Others, however, remained cautious, waiting to observe the other candidates before deciding where to invest their support.
The world grew quieter.
Several years passed. Ram and Rem had grown older. Rem was already the head maid, while Ram had become lazier and more dependent on her sister, finding comfort in doing as little as possible despite still being a maid.
Whenever she saw Ren, Ram would complain that the reason she never grew taller than one meter sixty was because Ren always patted her head.
Ren, however, didn't bother arguing—after all, even in the original story, she never grew any taller.
During this time, that new other selves in black mist had never appeared again. Thinking about how it had taken him a hundred years just to obtain that entry, Ren decided not to dwell on it.
At Ren's castle, an important guest had arrived.
"Mr. Ren, it's an honor to receive your support." Anastasia sat confidently on the sofa, with a purple-haired knight standing behind her.
"I hope you won't disappoint me. From now on, Priestella City will be relying on you, Anastasia," Ren replied with a smile.
"We'll soon be heading to the Royal Capital of the Dragon Kingdom. Would you like to come with us, Mr. Ren?" Anastasia invited.
"Of course. It's been a long time since I last visited the capital. It'll be good to see it again," Ren agreed without hesitation.
"Good. Tomorrow morning, I'll come to fetch you," Anastasia said, then took her leave.
"Anastasia, is he really trustworthy?" Julius asked softly. He didn't like speaking ill of others, but in recent years, Ren had nearly driven Anastasia into a dead end.
"Julius, in the eyes of a merchant, profit comes above all else. Even sworn enemies can become partners," Anastasia answered, her confidence shining brighter than before.
Ever since becoming a royal selection candidate, she held far more bargaining chips. What had once been a dead end had now opened into opportunity.
Indeed, Ren's actions had nearly destroyed her Hoshin Company, but she had still chosen to cooperate with him.
…
"Pack everything. We leave for the capital tomorrow," Ren ordered, gesturing for Rem to begin preparations. He didn't even bother asking Ram—the reason was simple. She was just too lazy.
"Yes, Lord Ren." Rem bowed with practiced grace before immediately heading off to prepare.
"Ram, not only are you slacking off, but you're sneaking alcohol too." Ren's expression darkened as he looked at her.
Over the years, Ren had used his "Detective Glasses" to introduce modern developments into this world—food, alcohol, even games.
But once Ram got her hands on alcohol, she couldn't stop.
"Lord Ren, alcohol is meant to be drunk. If I don't drink it, it'll just go to waste. Hic." Ram's cheeks were flushed red from drinking.
"Tomorrow we're going to the royal capital. Rem is packing everything, and you're not helping at all?"
"Because Rem is the best." Ram said proudly, completely unashamed of her laziness.
"You really are shameless." Ren narrowed his eyes at her.
Fortunately, Rem didn't disappoint. She quickly finished packing for the three of them and even brought along a large sum of money.
Priestella was overflowing with wealth these days, and Ren was easily the richest man around.
Not only did he control the local guilds, but the products he developed sold across several countries. Most Merchant Companies relied on him for supplies.
The next day, the group boarded Anastasia's carriage bound for the capital.
The "Finest of Knights" Julius upheld his knightly duties, working with mercenaries to ensure everyone's safety.
Ren and Ram wore specially made clothes that concealed the Witch's aura from their bodies.
"The journey to the capital will take a few days. Please take care of yourselves along the way." Anastasia said with a gentle smile.
"Rem will take care of everything we need." Ren leaned back lazily, completely at ease.
"Yes, because Rem is the most capable little sister." Ram said as she sprawled out next to him, enjoying Rem's massage.
"Rem loves her sister the most." Rem worked diligently, happy to serve without the slightest complaint.
"To think I actually lost to a man like you… how frustrating." Anastasia let out a sigh as she watched Ren laze around.
"What? Do you think I'm an unworthy merchant?" Ren opened his eyes and looked at her.
"No. It's just… I work so hard, and yet you don't even try. The difference between us feels unfair."
"Do you know why? Because you're not enough to put any pressure on me."
"Well said, Ren. But this time, with the royal selection, I'll make sure I beat you." Anastasia's competitive spirit was ignited.
She wasn't wrong.
Ever since she became a candidate, many nobles and wealthy merchants had approached her.
Even the major merchant companies wanted to connect. She needed to seize this chance to expand her network.
"Alright then, young lady. I'll be waiting for the day you become queen." Ren snapped his fingers casually.
"Hmph." Anastasia turned away, unwilling to continue the conversation.
In the days that followed, Rem took charge of everyone's meals and housework. Ren and Ram simply enjoyed life in comfort.
The Royal Capital.
"At last, we're here." Ren stretched lazily, preparing to take a stroll.
In the capital, the Priestella City had an official representative to manage affairs, acting as its spokesperson.
"The selection hasn't started yet, so you can relax here for a few days. Your rooms are already prepared," Anastasia said as she guided them.
They were led to a noble's mansion that supported Anastasia. The estate was enormous, each person had their own room, and maids filled the halls.
This made Ram envious—back in their small villa, she only had her sister to rely on. Ren, as usual, was completely heartless.
After parting with Anastasia, Ren brought the twins out to the streets of the capital.
The market was lively, with many merchants selling goods imported from Priestella City.
"Lord Ren, the capital feels more backward than Priestella City," Ram remarked after observing for a while.
"Of course it does. Do you even realize who's responsible for developing Priestella City?"
Ren replied with smug satisfaction. Ever since he had gotten those glasses, farming and production had sped up dramatically.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the middle of the street. The passersby, hurrying along with their own business, didn't even notice that someone had suddenly materialized.
The man rubbed his eyes in confusion.
Rem was the first to sense it. That aura—it was the Witch's scent.
The man felt the same as Ren, which left Rem conflicted.
On one hand, Ren had saved Ram. But on the other, the Witch's Cult had truly destroyed their Oni village.
"Wait… could this be parallel world summoning? Where's the beautiful heroine?"
The man shouted dramatically, startling the nearby pedestrians, though most of them ignored him.
"Another world? What nonsense is that man talking about?" Ram asked with some confusion.
"Rem thinks it's possible. His clothes, his manner, and the things he carries are all things we've never seen before." Rem guessed.
"This time Rem is correct. He really is a man from another world. Now, can you guess who summoned him?"
"The Witch?" Rem thought of the witch's aura she sensed from him, though her tone carried uncertainty.
"Exactly. And not only that, he carries a terrifying Authority." Ren admitted with caution, uneasy because he wasn't sure if this man also retained memories from his endless loops.
"Authority…" Ram and Rem fell silent.
Having been with Ren for so many years, they both knew all too well what an Authority meant.
The fact that the man before them held power equal to that of a Sin Archbishop of Witch Cult was almost too shocking to believe.
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