The day after completing their first joint military drill in the Saber frontier territory, the King of Kratos, Rufus de Kratos, and the Emperor of Rave, Hades Theos Rave, made the arrangements for Lady Jill Saber and the Emperor of Rave.

The meeting place was the main residence of the Saber family, located halfway up the Rakia Mountains.

The marriage vow was one of a kind, bearing the seals of the two countries.

In addition, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Geraldo de Kratos, would be staying in the Imperial Capital of Raelm for an extended period of time in order to further negotiations and deepen his insight into the Rave Empire. With the sudden absence of the crown prince, who had been acting as a consul in place of the king, many worried about the domestic affairs of Kratos.

…Nevertheless, the king himself was laidback.

“Hey, I owe you one for returning the sword. I’m still young, but even I can’t recoup the loss of the Sword of Protection.”

Confusion was inevitable, yet the king himself didn’t seem to care and laughed boisterously.

Just in case, Jill kept a close eye on him as he stamped the seal, which excited him even more.

“Is that so?”

“Dragon Empress-chan is so curt, even though you went out of your way to see me off.”

“It’s not a send-off, but supervision.”

Rufus would be returning via the transport device at the Saber household. The destination was set to the royal capital, and since the transport device itself was originally under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Kratos, there was no certainty.

Well, as long as he leaves this place.

Regardless, she couldn’t afford to take her eyes off him until he entered the transport device. Thus, Jill went with Zeke and Camila to supervise him.

“Right, would you please let me see my son one last time? Has he been escorted out yet? Where is he now?”

“You’re asking this knowing there’s no way I’d tell you.”

“How cold. I just want to see my disgraced son.”

“…I asked Crown Prince Geraldo if he would like to meet his father, but he said, ‘over my dead body.’”

She didn’t really like the fact that she knew how he felt.

“Hahaha.” Rufus laughed lightly, then paused.

“What do we have here?”

Natalie came running towards them, and Jill frowned.

“Your Highness Natalie, it’s dangerous here. Please withdraw.”

“I’m sorry, but I have something to talk about…”

Natalie seemed at a loss as to what to call him. Then, she offered Rufus what she was holding in her chest.

A thread bound book?

“Here. I took it with me, so I thought I’d give it back. It must’ve been important.”

“This is unexpected. You didn’t present it to your brother or sister?”

“It’s sealed, anyway. Even if I did, they wouldn’t be able to read it.”

“Hm, I think the Dragon Emperor can forcefully remove the seal. Well, it’s fine. I leave it to you.”

Natalie was taken aback, and so was Jill.

The book did seem like something important, with a trace of magical power. Perhaps, there was even some kind of secret within it. Who would’ve thought that he would entrust it to Natalie?

“I don’t mind if others see it. Oh, right. If you like, you can open it with my son.”

“What?”

“Oh? Is the hurdle too high? Even though you were boasting about calling me father-in-law.”

Speechless, Natalie furrowed her eyebrows. She seemed to be at a lost. Then, with an unexpectedly gentle voice, Rufus urged her.

“I entrust it to you. I can’t give up on Dragon Empress-chan, but it would be interesting if you become my daughter-in-law.”

Natalie pursed her lips and hugged the book.

“I understand. I’ll safe keep it for now. I’ll be sure to return it to you someday.”

“Handle it with care. Don’t let it kill you.”

Natalie nodded, holding Jill back with her gaze.

“It won’t. Don’t underestimate me.”

“How dependable. Alright, time to go… You’re Lawrence, right?”

“Yes, I’m ready.”

Lawrence responded. His right wrist was bandaged.

He used to be a direct subordinate of Geraldo. However, after Geraldo’s decision to study abroad in the Rave Empire by his lonesome, he caught Rufus’ attention. Despite how complicated it was, it was amazing that he wasn’t dismissed.

…As a side note, when Lawrence was about to engage Camila and Zeke in close combat, he was caught up in the explosion caused by Jill’s sacred relic, got blown away, and twisted his right hand.

It was unknown whether or not that was a misfortune.

“Take care of yourself, Raccoon Boy~”

Even so, Camila was probably reveling in it. She was smirking.

“You were discovered first and almost cornered.” (Zeke)

“Shut up, Bear~ You were only able to get close because I acted as a decoy~” (Camila)

“Well, in any case, train yourself. You’re too weak in close combat.” (Zeke)

“Camila, Zeke, did you forget that you were both lured out by me?” (Lawrence)

Lawrence hadn’t lost either. Jill put a stop to Camila and Zeke, raising her eyebrows.

“Stop it, you guys are out of control. Your Majesty, it’s time.” (Jill)

“What a shame. Please tell the Dragon Emperor to take good care of you. Also, please demand a ransom for my son as soon as possible. Please be considerate in your treatment, because it’s going to be costly.”

He had never given up on attacking Rave.

Jill narrowed her eyes. Rufus spoke while softening his gaze.

“This isn’t the end, Dragon Empress-chan. We have to settle this. From my perspective, it won’t end until the Dragon god makes amends. In yours, until the Goddess gives up.”

It is what it is.

With those parting words, Rufus entered the teleportation device himself. Lawrence followed suit.

Natalie was the first to turn on her heel. Jill modestly called out to Natalie who was holding the book to her chest.

“Your Highness Natalie, what did the Southern King entrust you with?”

“…It’s not a big deal, but well, I’d like you to keep this a secret from Brother Hades and the others… I don’t think it’s a good idea to reveal things out of speculation or curiosity… When the time comes, I’ll be sure to inform you.”

Natalie didn’t avert her eyes from Jill who was staring at her intently. Sensing her determination, Jill nodded.

“Okay, if anything happens, be sure to let me know. Everyone will be worried.”

“Thank you.”

“By the way, it’s time to leave, isn’t it? But Her Highness Elynsia—”

“—Natalie, are you there!? It’s time to go home!”

Elynsia’s angry voice bellowed. Natalie sighed.

“But we were waiting for you, Sister Elynsia… How did it go with Chris Saber?”

“Huh!? What do you mean!? Every single moment I spent with him was excruciating! He wouldn’t stop saying, ‘Who let you out of the cage?’ I wasn’t even treated like a human being, let alone princess! Jill—!”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

Jill answered with her posture straight like a soldier. Elynsia also raised her voice like a superior.

“I hate to say this, but your eldest brother is deplorable! Cut ties with him!”

The mild-mannered Elynsia grabbed Natalie by the shoulder and walked away. Afterwards, Elynsia and Natalie would be returning to the Rave Empire by their original route.

I just hope that they’ll be in a better mood by then.

Zeke and Camila, who were lined up beside Elynsia and Jill, followed their captain who went in the opposite direction towards the Saber family mansion.

“I didn’t get to meet Captain’s brother. Is he still in the main residence?” (Zeke)

“No wonder~ Her Highness Elynsia was one of the few who witnessed him in action. Apparently, he has imperceptible speed~” (Camila)

“Brother Chris seldom appears in public.” (Jill)

In fact, Jill couldn’t believe that he went out of his way to talk to Elynsia. After all, he hadn’t even graced his own younger sister with his presence.

“It’s rare to find a woman who can hold her ground in a one-on-one fight against him…” (Jill)

“Wow~ has spring come for Her Highness Elynsia~? …No, I don’t think so~” (Camila)

“…The two really went scorched earth.” (Zeke)

“But since it’s Kratos, it’ll just regrow, anyway. The Goddess’ blessing sure is convenient. It’s a stark contrast from the Rave Empire~” (Camila)

“In exchange, we can use air transport.” (Zeke)

Listeard borrowed Rosa in order to transport Geraldo to the Rave Empire as soon as possible.

It wouldn’t be strange if they arrived at the imperial capital soon.

Even though that was all there was to it, Camila smiled profoundly.

“Indeed, that’s the case with us~” (Camila)

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