“Y-Your Highness Dietrich, I hope you don’t mind if I join you…”

After receiving a letter from the Marquess of Metzelder, Nora hesitantly asks in the carriage on the way to Rhinesbrook.

“Of course. Isn’t it largely because of Nora’s assistance that I’ve been able to carry out my duties for His Majesty the King? I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, even though it’s rather too late.”

“I-Is that so…”

Nora flushes up to her ears and turns around in response to my words.

“Umu… I must have done something inconsiderate again…”

“Fufu… Dee-sama is troubled. But it is precisely because of such a person that I have fallen so deeply in love with you.”

Liz said this while leaning against me.

She was too clumsy in my previous life to ever do this to me, but now she spoils herself like this, and I’m very happy about it.

No… It just goes to show how much I neglected Liz in my previous life.

I really want to smack myself.

” …Your Highness, I am proud to say that my contribution is also substantial.”

Hanna begged, puffing her chest out.

Well, Hanna is Hanna, and she’s not holding back…

“Of course. As I always say, Hanna is an indispensable woman for me. And, of course, Nora too.”

“Wa?!”

“Fue?!”

Come to think of it, Hanna and Nora have started to make such cute voices now and then.

This is a positive trend.

“Fufu… Hanna and Nora, I’m so happy for you.”

“…truly, Your Highness is cheating.”

“W-What shall I do…? I’m so happy, my cheeks are flushed…”

Hanna turns her face away from the window and Nora presses her face with both hands.

Haha, I’m glad to see you two like this.

“Well, if Yennie hadn’t been rutting, I would also have brought her along…”

“””Certainly not!”””

“Uo?!”

As soon as I mutter something like that, three people press with a straight face.

T-That appears to be the case…

Nonetheless, Yennie is an excellent secret agent, except for rutting, and she’s always willing to help me, so I’ll get her a present later…

—○█○—

“Fufu! I’ve been expecting you, Your Highness.”

Ten days have passed since I left the capital.

When I got to Rhinesbrook, the Border Marquess of Metzelder was there to greet me with a smile.

“Thank you for inviting me, Your Excellency Metzelder.”

“No worries. Besides, I wasn’t expecting His Highness to arrive so soon.”

With a smile, the Marquess of Metzelder and I shake hands.

“You must be exhausted after ten days on the road—this city has hot springs where you can relax.”

“Yes, I will accept your offer—Hey Gustav.”

“That’s right. For the first time, I’ve come to soak in the hot springs and drink wine.”

“Oh! That’s a fantastic idea!

Marquess Metzelder enthusiastically agreed with Gustav’s words.

“Here is some wine from His Majesty the King’s treasury, so why not enjoy it together?”

Hanna handed them the wine I had prepared for the Marquess of Metzelder.

“I-If Your Highness says so, Shall we…?”

“T-That’s right… That’s a great idea…”

Two people with red faces exchange glances before turning their faces away.

How should I say this? How innocent.

“By the way, would it be all right to see the assassin tomorrow?”

“?! T-That’s right… Your Highness, please take it easy first!”

“Okay. Then, Gustav, while I’m in town, you will accompany Her Excellency Metzelder, okay?”

“”Y-Your Highness?!””

I leave the two surprised people behind and walk through Rhinesbrook with Liz and the others.

Fumu… As one would expect from a trading city on the Carolin Empire’s border, it is lively and bustling, with a distinct atmosphere.

“Hmm? Is that a cafe? It’s been a while, so let’s drink some tea and relax.”

“””Yes!”””

We walk into the cafe and take a seat.

Hohou? Something intriguing about milk in tea.

“Excuse me, owner, could you please make me a cup of tea with milk? What about you guys?”

“I’ll have the same thing as Dee-sama.”

“”I’d like the same, please.””

“Hmm, so we’re all the same after all.”

We exchange smiles as we look at each other’s faces.

“Yes. I will bring it right away.”

The owner returned to the back of the store after taking our order.

As we wait,

“Thank you for waiting.”

The owner was replaced by a female waitress who brought us a cup of tea with milk.

At that moment…

“Gah?!”

“…It’s overly sweet.”

Hanna dashed behind the waitress, grabbed her arm, and held her down to the floor.