Template Dungeon Leveling Scenario (4)

I had a chat with Her Highness in the study room.

"Perhaps you could join me as I visit the refugees?" Her Highness spoke.

"The refugees conglomerating at the west gate?" The camp does seem to grow in size by the day.

"Yes, the ones from Phylus Kingdom. I heard that you've brought two children here correct? I have been tasked to provide aid and to act as a figurehead to mitigate the flames spread by some of the other nobles who wish to exploit this fact to diminish the support of the king," Her Highness said in an annoyed tone, taking a sip of tea. This would make it her second, however, it did not add to the counter. The quest had said to serve 100 different people.

"Then I'll ask for the opportunity to join you to the site? I believe I can act as your temporary entourage?"

"Gladly," Siesta smiled wryly.

It has been awhile since I've last mixed with another royalty, though I myself came from royal blood. I can't seem to grasp her intention.

The maid, El, bent over and whispered something into her ear. Her Highness nodded a few times before turning to me.

"Liliath-sama, for reference sake, what are your goals? You have said that you came front the heroes world, have you sent any intentions going forward? Anything you wish to see achieved or any place you would like to see? A country you'd like to visit or.. to return home?"

I smiled, unsure what ploy she was trying to conjure. Though, it may be less of a ploy than a sincere wish to get to know us better, "Many things You Highness. Though If I may pick one, it would be the ability to stay by Noel's side."

"Love.. is it.." Her Highness sent a bitter smile my way before turning away with a difficult expression.

"Is there something troubling Your Highness?"

"Is there a point in listening to others? What is the point of serving the nation? I've read many of the books that you have recommended, it broadened my view of what it meant to live, and the purpose of mankind. I can't help but feel wronged to purposely gain the favor of the people, toying with their emotions for the sake of political reason although, it applies more to the noble class than it does the commoners. What is the right in keeping up an image in public? What is the reason one must practice etique? Why must one must act as if they weren't themselves just to drill a morally acceptable image of yourself to those around you? It's stiffening. Being someone unlike yourself for the sake of others as a show of power and strength. It's the people surrounding one that influences one's behaviour, one's practices. For the sake of fitting in, one would go to such lengths. One can only do so much with will power and mental fortitude. I feel troubled by these questions. Is there worth in becoming the empress?"

"Your Highness.."

I couldn't ape how she felt, for I myself had not had the opportunity to dirty my hands in the world of politics. I empathise with worries and indecision.

It is a wonder why there is a need for politics, a need for people in power, a need for someone to manipulate the masses. However, it is also a wonder how society wouldn't be able to operate without these people.

Similar to pain, it is detested, it brings about troubles and reduces one's well being-- but necessary for the survival of an organism.

"It's alright. I only said what I did with the intent to strengthen my thoughts."

"Perhaps it is advisable that you take a rest. It takes time and effort to assimilate information. Putting the knowledge into practice is harder than what it seems, especially when everyone's circumstances differ."

Her Highness nodded to my words.

I raised the tea cup and placed it on my lips. This one had a sour taste that ended with a bitter note.

A thud.

"Huh?!"

"W-WHAT.. No.. It can't be.."

"Y-Your Highness Alytia?!"

"Hm?" I calmly placed my teacup back on the table.

A person who seemed to be a female knight appeared in the room. There wasn't a trace of magic?

"A-Anee-sama?! W-Why are you..?! W-What's with you.."

"Siesta-chan, sorry.. I'm very sorry.."

I tilted my head.

Her Highness Alytia Erudite. She went and embraced Her Highness Siesta. How come she came into existence all of a sudden..

"HIIKHH?!"

"Shit, no way.."

Two unfamiliar voices.

Checking their origins.. the two are heroes? I couldn't help but feel confused.

'Noel, what's going on?'

'Oh, you see.. the red blinking daily quest actually represents reincarnated people in danger. So Nine brought them over to your side after saving them from the dungeon.'

"Your Highness Siesta!" The girl, Takata Sayu, called out.

"Ah.. Your Highness…"

"Get back.." El stood in front to form a temporary wall between them and the two hugging princesses.

Her Highness Siesta continued to console Her Highness Alytia. Tears streamed from her face. The smell of sweat was starting to perfuse into the air.

I used life magic to treat the three individuals.

"S-Sorry," the girl Takata Sayu looked down to the floor embarrassed.

"Thanks.. and sorry for the sudden intrusion," The boy, Aoki Kaito, bowed.

"No problems."

"Yahoo. Mission complete, yea? Hi Liliath," Nine popped into existence. El flinched at his-- her arrival. The room was starting to feel cramped.

"It went well it seems?" I greeted Nine, "How come you changed your gender?"

"Oh, that.." she looked at the two heroes.

"You two know each other.. what exactly was that skill.." Aoki asked

"Thank you for saving us!" Takata cried.

"No biggy. Um, I'll explain the reason why in a bit.."

'They were in the middle of doing 'that', so..'

I wondered what it was that Nine saw. Was it really 'that'? If it was 'that', wouldn't it be worse if she risked wetting herself as a girl?

I shook my head to rid of these indecent thoughts. Ridiculous.

"Your face is red," Nine sent me a smug smile.

I turned away.

"I guess there's a lot to solve, it's not done yet," Nine said, looking around.

"Yeah.." Aoki said.

"Speaking of which, where's Prune?"

"Oh, she went to the market…"

Hm?

Her marker wasn't on the map?