"Phew, it might be a bit long, but let me start from the beginning. The capital city is about to hold a Saintess election. You've heard, right?"
"Ah, the one with Claya as a candidate..."
Paul nodded, adjusting his glasses.
"Although Claya has many things to worry about becoming a Saintess... the most worrying thing lately is that Serpent's Fang Guild you encountered."
According to Paul, he felt those who were targeting Claya were suspicious, so while investigating through the church's intelligence network, he also asked the lord to help gather information.
Not only the guild management office we consulted, but even Lord Radia and the church checked Serpent's Fang's information. The kingdom also seemed to think there was something wrong, and indeed collected their information and sent it over.
First of all, the Serpent's Fang Guild is a guild registered in the capital city. Although it's not a place with very strong high-level adventurers, the guild operates several companies and is a wealthy, near-large guild. After investigating there, the reply delivered to the lord yesterday was… 'No deaths have occurred in the Serpent's Fang Guild recently.'
"…Um…could it be…"
"Yes. A very troublesome situation."
"Huh? Why? Isn't it just those guys impersonating the guild?" Seeing Lisbeth and Paul frowning, I asked them, and Paul replied with a wry smile.
"As you said, impersonation is highly likely…but there's another possibility this time. It's forging guild members…" Forging guild members refers not to guild members registered through the administration, but to members registered through illegal means using the guild crest issuing machine.
The technology used for the guild crest issuing machine is strictly controlled by the royal family. If the machine or technology is leaked, those involved will at least face life imprisonment, and in severe cases, their families or relatives may be executed—a serious crime.
Hmm, as expected of an aristocratic society.
Ruthless, indeed.
The distribution machines are only allocated to guild offices in various regions, which are relatively safe due to their robust security magic… The problem lies with the machines that were leaked in the past.
Decades ago, a leak of distribution machines caused a major upheaval. Although the Kingdom's Knights recovered or destroyed most of them, it's said that 2-3 machines remain missing.
The Knights are still searching for them.
"…But…is there really such a big problem? It's just creating a member who isn't registered in the kingdom…?"
"Because the experience-sharing effect and other additional functions of the guild crest can do a lot…it's a long story. It also involves the kingdom's history, which is entangled with royalty and nobility…" Paul, after a moment of thought, said he would recommend a book, and I would understand once I read it at the library.
"Anyway, getting back to the point... Although the possibility is extremely low, it would be troublesome if the Serpent's Fang Guild somehow obtained the technology or generator related to guild crests and used it for something. In that case, it would be quite dangerous for Claya, as a guild operating in the capital, to visit the capital for the Saintess Election."
"Then what should we do...?" Paul sipped his tea, pondered for a moment, then looked at me with a serious expression, a determined look on his face.
"I plan to set off for the capital immediately tomorrow, to investigate that guild's information while ensuring Claya's safety. If we rashly enter the capital now... in the worst-case scenario, it could escalate into a major incident that could even overthrow the church."
Paul stood up, took a map from what appeared to be a bookshelf, and spread it on the table.
"If we take the fastest carriage in Radia, it will take about a week to reach the capital... but if Mr. Shimo is willing to give us a ride, how long would it take?"
"Uh, well... Liz. This distance..."
I asked Lizbet, while estimating the distance between the places we had previously visited and the capital, and then made a rough calculation. My horse form is tireless and much faster than a normal horse—it's practically a Malboroughi.
Plus, thanks to my skills, no matter how fast I run, the person on my back can ride comfortably. Considering that…
"How about a day if you're feeling generous? Running at top speed continuously from morning till night should be enough."
"…I've heard of it, but it really is fast. Well then, you two, especially you, Mr. Shimo, would like to entrust this to you."
Paul entrusted me with the task of sending him there first, saying he would gather intelligence in the capital and ensure Claya's safety, so please bring Claya to the capital in a few days.
"We'll try to bring as little luggage as possible, entrusting the rest to the caravan heading to the capital. The original plan was to depart a week later with the luggage… but since Mr. Shimo is here, for Claire's safety, I'd like to arrange it this way."
"Is escorting all you need to do?"
"If it's convenient, I'd like you to also serve as Claire's bodyguard in the capital. Although there will be a knightly guard upon arrival… it's difficult to trust strangers rashly. The two people who have recently gotten along well with Claire are trustworthy candidates… what do you think?" Paul offered to arrange excellent accommodations and meals in the capital, along with a generous reward of 20 gold coins.
Considering it's for two people, the amount is indeed considerable… but staying in the capital for over a month, isn't that a bit long?
Just as I was hesitating about the timeframe, Lisbeth nudged my side with her elbow and nodded.
Seeing her smiling eyes and nodding repeatedly, she seemed quite interested in the capital.
Hmm… okay. Since Lisbeth said it's okay, it should be fine.
When I nodded in acceptance, Paul smiled with a sigh of relief and folded the map, saying, "Thank you. So, the specific action plan is..." After discussing with Paul, we decided to send him to the capital tomorrow, and then we would go with Clya five days later.
Although we would arrive earlier than originally planned, if Paul didn't notice anything amiss during his advance journey, according to his thinking—the capital, with its many spies—would actually be safer.
Hmm... even if something happens, as long as I stay close to Clya and protect her, that's fine. Absolutely no other purpose. Hmm.
"Then... Clya. Is this alright?"
"...Phew. Okay. We'll do as Paul says."
Huh... Clya, who had been silent the whole time, was so cold towards Paul.
Not to mention her words, even her expression carried a hint of disdain... Was she comparing Paul to me?
Was the effect a bit too good?
Contrary to my feelings, Paul nodded with a satisfied expression and told me the departure time for tomorrow.
"Well then, see you tomorrow. Please take care of me, though the schedule is a bit tight."
...... As we walked out of the building and across the church lawn, Lisbeth poked my side and asked.
"Claya's attitude towards Paul is a bit strange, isn't it?"
"Indeed. Lisbeth's suggestion has had an immediate effect."
I said, stroking Lisbeth's head, but she tilted her head as if sensing something amiss.
"Hmm…it's progressing much faster than I expected…this…" This meant that even Lisbeth, who made the suggestion, hadn't anticipated it.
In other words…
"Claya will soon be mine, right?"
"…Hmm…" What's going on?
The person who made the suggestion has such a subtle expression; the situation is a bit awkward.
Just as I was thinking this, I suddenly heard Lisbeth running towards us, calling out to Lisbeth.
"Miss Lisbeth! Please wait!" Lisbeth came running in a flustered manner, stopping in front of us and calling out to Lisbeth breathlessly.
"Haa, haa… Miss Lizbeth… about what we were talking about earlier…"
"…Eh… Where's Paul? Isn't he my boyfriend with whom I've even made a marriage pact?"
"…Um, actually…"
"…Pfft. Master. Just a moment. I'll go talk to Miss Claire for a bit and then come right back." Lizbeth glanced hesitantly at Claire and walked a short distance away.
Watching the two talk, Lizbeth nodded with an "Ah-ha~" expression.
What were they talking about? Suddenly, I saw Lizbeth giggle; it seemed to be some good news.
Soon, the two returned and stood in front of me, nodding to each other.
"Well then, Miss Claire. As we said earlier…♡Prepare well♡"
"Ah, I understand. Miss Lizbeth…Well then. Mr. Semo, see you next time." Watching Claire walk towards the nuns' quarters after saying goodbye, I stared at Lizbeth and asked.
"What did you two talk about alone?"
"Topics that will please Master♡ Hehehe... Ahaha♡" Lisbeth giggled for a while, then wiped away her tears and said with a refreshing smile.
"Ah~ While Master and I were being affectionate, Paul did something reliable. Hmm. Exceeded my expectations."
"Huh? What did Paul do?"
"Hehe... It's quite easy to understand what would make Claire react that way."
Hmm... Paul. What exactly did you do? All that concern for Claire today was completely meaningless.
"What good deed did you do?"
"Hehe... The details are a secret♡ If Master really wants to know, I can tell you, but it's more interesting not to know now♡"
"Oh? I'm kind of looking forward to it? Then... shall we trust Lisbeth this time?"
"Hehe... One thing is certain... During her time in the capital, Claire will be reborn as Master's female♡"
I see... Just thinking about it makes my heart race.
In a month, Claire will become my female... Hearing Lisbeth's words, my little brother started to get excited. I quickly returned to my residence while kneading Lisbeth's buttocks.