"As Lady Anastasia Hoshin's envoy, I have come to convey my lord Anastasia's words to Lady Emilia."
After getting straight to the point, Joshua Juukulius put on a solemn expression. He took a letter from his coat, opened it, placed it on the table, and added an explanation.
"Lady Anastasia hopes to invite Lady Emilia to visit the Watergate City—Pristella."
"Pristella!"
Upon hearing the name, Emilia murmured it softly, her expression showing both surprise and a trace of curiosity.
Now gradually maturing, Emilia no longer believed Anastasia to be some kindhearted person.
As royal candidates of the kingdom, her camp and the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild had always been at odds with the Hoshin Company. Such a sudden invitation was strange.
And to specifically invite them to the Watergate City made it even more suspicious.
"Why? I don't believe there is any friendship between our two sides."
Shendu shook her head and cast Joshua a cool glance, faint vigilance in her eyes.
With those words, Shendu immediately put Joshua on the defensive, clearly stating their camp's stance.
As a royal candidate, Shendu's faction was immense. Not only were Crusch and Reinhard present, but other forces within the kingdom were also closely connected to Emilia's side.
"You misunderstand. Lady Anastasia has always been quite amiable."
Realizing Shendu would not be easy to handle, Joshua turned his gaze toward Emilia instead, looking at her meaningfully.
"I have heard that Lady Emilia's contracted spirit has fallen into slumber and requires a certain item to awaken. As it happens, we have found that very item."
Joshua's golden eyes locked onto Emilia's as he spoke each word distinctly.
"What? You found it?"
Emilia was startled at first, then quickly realized she had lost her composure and hurriedly regained her calm expression.
But it was already too late. Joshua had taken everything in. He knew he had seized the initiative, which made Geuse let out a silent sigh, feeling that Emilia was still not mature enough.
Only Shendu remained composed, quietly watching Joshua to see what he would say next.
Taking advantage of their urgent need for a magic crystal and approaching them at precisely this moment—this was truly in line with Anastasia's methods as a merchant.
Strangely enough, the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild had also searched for high-purity magic crystals.
Yet without exception, they had found nothing. The fact that Anastasia could suddenly produce one was itself highly suspicious.
"Yes."
Now firmly in control of the conversation, Joshua's smile grew more confident as he began explaining in detail.
"A magic crystal merchant in Pristella seems to possess the high-purity magic crystal Lady Emilia desires. Your side is also searching for a catalyst to summon the Great Spirit, correct?"
At that point, Joshua narrowed his eyes and said no more.
Since Shendu did not intervene, Emilia and Joshua continued their discussion, while Shendu observed silently throughout.
After learning that a merchant in that city possessed a magic crystal capable of awakening Puck, Emilia asked many questions. In the end, she decided to travel to the legendary Watergate City, Pristella.
"I accept your invitation. We will depart for the Watergate City soon."
"Then upon arriving in Pristella, please visit the Water's Feather Pavilion. Lady Anastasia and I will be waiting for you there."
Seeing the urgency on Emilia's face and receiving the answer he wanted, a pleased expression was reflected in Joshua's monocle.
"Understood."
Emilia nodded, signaling the formal end of the meeting.
"We have conveyed everything that needed to be said. Until we meet again. Mimi, let's go."
Joshua gave Mimi a look and waved his hand. The petite cat-eared girl stood up as well.
"Then we're leaving, Sister Shendu. I'll be waiting for you in the Watergate City."
Knowing it was time to go, Mimi threw herself into Shendu's arms and spoke reluctantly.
"Goodbye. It won't be long before we meet again."
Shendu stroked Mimi's cat ears and smiled faintly.
Afterward, Joshua and the others wasted no time. They departed at full speed in their dragon carriage, leaving everyone behind in contemplative silence. For a time, no one spoke.
Speaking of the Watergate City of the Kingdom of Lugunica, Shendu had heard a little about it. She had read books introducing the city.
For example, Pristella was one of the kingdom's five great cities. It lay near the border with the city-state of Kararagi. The city was crisscrossed with waterways and was said to be extraordinarily beautiful.
However, it was not a floating city, but rather one built at the center of a vast lake.
When it rained, the streets would be submerged by the rising lake waters. Surrounding the city were several enormous water gates, which could both block the waters outside and drain away excess water.
Just imagining the towering water gates enclosing the entire area, turning it into a sealed city—it felt somewhat like a free prison.
Moreover, whoever designed this city was truly talented. Daring to build a city at the center of a lake—were they not afraid it would be flooded?
"Lady Shendu, their intentions are far from pure. Inviting us there this time must mean they have some ulterior motive."
Geuse's insight was sharp. Having lived for four hundred years, he had seen far too much intrigue and deception. He was nothing like the still-innocent Emilia.
"True. But for now, it seems our only choice is to go."
Resting her chin on one hand, Shendu's red eyes swept across Emilia's face as she spoke thoughtfully.
Following the inertia of events, the next phase had already begun.
"Still, it is impressive that Anastasia's camp learned that Emilia needs a high-purity magic crystal to awaken the Great Spirit. Using that as bait to lure us there..."
Ram frowned. The search for magic crystals had been kept confidential. The Divine Dragon Merchant Guild had conducted it in secret.
Yet despite their caution, it had still been discovered. This showed that Anastasia's camp possessed capable individuals who had uncovered their objective with ease.
"Heh, that's only natural. As one of the kingdom's five royal candidates, how could she lack her own network of informants?"
Shendu was not surprised in the slightest. Without such capabilities, one would hardly qualify as a royal candidate.
"Since we are going to that city, Lady Shendu, have you chosen who will accompany us?"
Suddenly, Rem looked at Shendu with anticipation, clearly eager to travel to the Watergate City.
"Not yet. It still needs to be decided."
Shendu shook her head. She had not finalized the traveling party.
At that moment, Geuse unexpectedly stood up and looked at Shendu with a helpless expression, spreading his hands.
"Lady Shendu, I may not have time to go to the Watergate City. Recently, the western border counts are holding a gathering. I have received an invitation and must attend. I may also need to bring two attendants."
Ever since taking on Roswaal's identity, Geuse had been extremely busy, handling the affairs expected of a noble. He frequently received various aristocrats and had been occupied without pause.
"I see. Then take Ram and Frederica with you. Those two maids will suffice. As for the rest, I will choose who goes to the Watergate City. What do you think?"
Shendu narrowed her eyes and smiled at Geuse.
"No problem. Since it is Lady Shendu's order, I will comply."
Geuse spoke respectfully, harboring no intention of opposing any of Shendu's commands.
"Alright, then that settles it. Once the personnel are selected, the rest will stay behind to guard the mansion. We depart in three days."
With that, Shendu concluded the discussion. Everyone left the drawing room to attend to their respective tasks.
Only Ram glanced at Geuse, who had returned to his desk to work diligently, her feelings somewhat complicated.
After Roswaal's return, Ram had spent some time interacting with him. She soon noticed that this Roswaal's personality and habits differed drastically from before.
For instance, he had once loved black tea dearly, yet now he seemed indifferent to it. His attitude toward Shendu and Emilia was excessively respectful. Various behaviors and habits increasingly reminded her of Geuse.
Thinking of this, Ram found herself caught in inner conflict, unsure how to face this new Roswaal.
...
Three days later, at night, in the mansion's drawing room.
After Anastasia's envoy had visited them, Shendu had written a letter to Akane, instructing her to come at once and meet her.
Among those traveling to the Watergate City this time, Shendu had already decided that Akane would have a place.
Because she believed that a decisive battle with the Witch Cult would unfold in that city, she naturally intended to keep her strongest peak combat power at her side.
The letter had been sent out less than ten minutes when Akane immediately transformed into her Flame Dragon form and flew from the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild in the royal capital toward the mansion. She arrived in mere moments.
The mansion was brightly lit and lively. As soon as she entered, she saw Shendu and Emilia drinking red wine together, chatting leisurely.
Others, such as Natsuki Subaru and Garfiel, were also drinking and talking animatedly, already calling each other brothers.
Even Beatrice, Ram, and Frederica were enjoying various desserts, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
"Hehe, Master, I'm here! Long time no see."
The long-haired, red-haired beauty exclaimed excitedly the moment she saw Shendu.
"Have a drink with us. Tomorrow we depart for a new place—to see the legendary Watergate City."
Shendu narrowed her eyes and smiled at her.
"Alright! I'll follow Master's orders."
Akane had no objections. She joined the lively feast, sampling the food and sipping red wine.
To be fair, although Akane was the president of the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild, she handled administrative matters with ease and had gradually become something like Emilia's diplomat.
With her stunning appearance and unfathomable strength, she had gained many admirers within the kingdom. Numerous nobles had attempted to form marriage alliances with her, but all had ended in failure.
After the celebration ended, Shendu and Emilia walked side by side toward Roswaal's office.
"Sister Shendu, Geuse has been very busy lately. We should keep it brief."
Emilia thought for a moment and spoke thoughtfully.
"Naturally. I also want to see how Geuse's efforts have been progressing lately."
Shendu smiled. Ever since Geuse had replaced Roswaal, he had been diligent, tirelessly courting neutral nobles for Emilia. He worked at least ten hours a day.
His performance convinced Shendu that saving him had indeed been a good decision.
After pushing open the door, they found Roswaal—currently portrayed by Geuse—still hard at work, with Ram and Frederica standing nearby.
"Yo, still busy, Roswaal?"
Since only a few people knew the secret of Geuse replacing Roswaal, Shendu greeted him with a smile.
"Roswaal, we also came to bid you farewell."
Seeing Geuse in his clown makeup, Emilia slipped into her role as well and smiled gently.
"Thank you for coming. I assume you have decided on those who will travel to the Watergate City."
Hearing their greetings, Geuse stopped working and looked at them seriously.
"Yes. As for dealing with the other factions, we'll be relying on you for now."
Shendu looked at him solemnly.
"No problem."
Geuse responded magnanimously. In his heart, he believed that all his hard work was merely atonement for Emilia and Fortuna.
Recently, his workload had been heavy. The upcoming gathering had only been made possible through his earlier efforts.
The nobles he had drawn in were lords from the western border—neutral figures who harbored prejudice toward demi-humans and half-elves and felt deep unease about supporting one.
However, Roswaal had handled the neutral faction's issues skillfully, persuading them with both reason and emotion. Most had already been won over. This meeting would be Geuse's most brilliant achievement since replacing Roswaal.
As the strongest supporter of Emilia's camp aside from Shendu herself, Geuse had always given much. Compared to the former Roswaal, who was bound to follow the Gospel, he was far more trustworthy.
"By the way, there is one question I must ask."
Geuse suddenly looked at Shendu with curiosity. "Who will remain here to guard the mansion?"
"Elsa and Meili. With those two staying behind, anyone foolish enough to attack the mansion will die miserably."
Shendu spoke with full confidence. The assassin sisters would be more than enough to sweep away most trouble.
"Heh, very much in your style, Lady Shendu. However, someone is eavesdropping outside. If you wish to listen, you may as well come in—Beatrice."
Sensing someone beyond the door, Geuse activated the Unseen Hand and pulled it open.
Instantly, an elf girl with drill-shaped twin tails appeared in the doorway, her face frozen in shock at being discovered.
"I have summarized everything. Beatrice, I hope you enjoy the journey. And do your best to protect everyone."
Geuse smiled gently at her.
"M-Meow!"
Caught off guard, Beatrice was so flustered she let out two adorable catlike sounds, drawing a smile from Shendu.
"You little fool, choosing this place to eavesdrop."
Shendu laughed as she looked at her.
"Sorry. I just wanted to know what Big Sister was discussing with Roswaal."
Beatrice was no fool. As a clever Great Spirit, she cared deeply about who would be chosen for the Watergate City.
After all, Shendu already had Akane—the Flame Dragon and her earliest subordinate—by her side. In comparison, her own role seemed negligible.
Just thinking about it made Beatrice restless, unable to sleep. In the end, she had pressed herself against the door crack, desperate to hear whether they were discussing what she cared about.
The result was clear. Shendu had not yet finalized the detailed arrangements for the trip.
"Alright, Beatrice. I know you're worried about whether you'll be going. But I can tell you clearly—there's no need to worry."
"You are part of this operation."
Geuse saw through her little thoughts and chuckled.
"Roswaal is right. Beatrice, I'm taking you with me this time."
Shendu stepped forward and stroked Betty's head gently.
"That's good. Betty will definitely protect Big Sister."
Betty clenched her fists, revealing two adorable little fangs.
After concluding the discussion, Shendu formally finalized the group traveling to the Watergate City.
They were Shendu herself, Emilia, Akane, Beatrice, Garfiel, Natsuki Subaru, and Rem—a total of seven people. It was an extraordinarily powerful lineup.
Once Shendu and the others left, Frederica looked at her master with a teasing smile.
"Lord Roswaal, you truly have changed more and more. I quite like the current you."
She stood beside him, her tone playful.
"It's nothing. I'm only doing what I can."
Geuse shook his head and resumed his work, lowering his head to process documents.
Becoming a noble truly meant endless tasks.
"The current Lord Roswaal may feel unfamiliar to me, but... this version of you isn't so bad."
Standing beside him, Ram's feelings were complicated. The hatred she once held toward Roswaal had now completely dissolved.
After all, the dead are gone. Ram no longer wished to dwell on the past. The conflict in her heart had finally been released.
"Heh. As long as you like it. I'm simply doing what I can."
Geuse glanced at Ram briefly, then ignored everything else and returned to his workaholic mode, striving to handle everything perfectly.
In this regard, he appeared far more diligent and conscientious than Roswaal had ever been.