Jared awoke again to find that it was still dark both inside and outside the tent.
He now realized that multiple tents had been prepared in the town square with the fountain. It was silent, with no voices, presumably because everyone was asleep.
He was curious about the Dragon Species, but he guessed they were likely sleeping just like the residents.
As a result of sleeping continuously, his stamina had recovered. It was a shame he couldn’t say it was fully recovered, but his magic power hadn’t been consumed much, so he figured he’d be in perfect condition if he slept once more.
“Sewing the Dragon Species” sounded simple enough, but he was reminded of how difficult the task of forcibly sewing through their hard scales had been.
As he moved his right hand, which still felt slightly strange, someone suddenly spoke to him.
“You’re awake, Jared.”
“Ah, Duke Alway?”
“Was there something troubling you?”
“No, I just woke up and wanted to get some fresh air.”
While sleeping in the tent hadn’t been bad, he also wanted to move his body a little. His body felt a bit stiff from sleeping for so long.
“Duke Alway, what are you doing out here when it’s still dark?”
“I went to bed earlier than everyone else, so I woke up early. This town is surrounded by forest, so the air is clear and feels good. Say, would you like to talk for a bit?”
“I don’t mind…”
“There’s something I wanted to discuss with you regarding my daughter.”
“Yes. If you don’t mind, it’s still a bit chilly for spring, so let’s talk inside the tent.”
“I’m sorry to trouble you. I’ll take you up on your offer.”
He lifted the entrance of the tent and invited the Duke inside.
After confirming the Duke had taken a seat on one of the chairs inside, Jared bowed his head slightly and sat down.
“Now, I want to talk about my daughter, but first, let me tell you what happened while you were sleeping. I’m sure you’re curious.”
“Please do.”
“We provided cooked meals for the residents and prepared multiple tents like this one. They’ll have to live in tents for a while, but as it’s getting hotter now, they’ll have to put up with some inconvenience. However, it shouldn’t be a major problem.”
Jared felt relieved by the Duke’s words. Living in tents was indeed difficult, but even just being protected from the elements made a big difference. While he was truly sorry that their familiar homes were gone, the Duke had also said that the necessary funds for reconstruction would be taken from the appropriate sources, so the residents wouldn’t be burdened.
“Given the circumstances, we plan to exempt them from taxes until the town is rebuilt. Once the town is restored, the residents are enthusiastic about revitalizing the town with the Dragon Species. I respect them for not losing hope even in this situation.”
“I feel the same way.”
“As for the Adventurers, they were sent to the Capital City yesterday. It would be easy to condemn them since this happened in my territory, but with Magicians also involved, we plan to hold a trial, including the Mage Association. Of course, they have already been sentenced to imprisonment, and their actions were too sinful to warrant any mercy. The merchants who hired them and the executives of the Adventurer’s Guild were also from the Capital City, so they’ll all be dealt with together.”
However, only the swordsmen might actually be imprisoned. As for the Magician, it’s possible the Mage Association might take responsibility for her. Since the Association is an organization for Magicians, if she shows remorse and cooperates, there’s a chance she might serve a shorter sentence even if imprisoned.
Dealing with the merchants might be a bit complicated. Seeking Dragons themselves is not a crime. However, it’s certain that significant damage occurred due to the merchants’ requests, but the primary cause was the actions of the Adventurers. They might face asset forfeiture or penalties, but perhaps not severe criminal charges.
As for the Adventurer’s Guild, I don’t know since they weren’t directly involved. However, it’s clear they turned a blind eye to the Adventurers’ misconduct, so I hope they face some charges.
“We are also troubled by Adventurers and the Adventurer’s Guild. However, they are necessary as an organization.”
The Duke’s expression was slightly bitter. Perhaps there are occasional troubles in his territory, even if not as severe as this.
“That’s what happened while you were sleeping.”
“Thank you. I’m relieved to hear that there were no major issues.”
“No, it’s nothing. You’ve all done more than enough for this town. We can’t ask you to do anything more.”
Jared understood the Duke’s considerate concern as he smiled apologetically.
He wasn’t just grateful because Jared was his daughter’s Fiancé, but he truly appreciated what Jared and the others had done for the territory.
Despite being a Duke, he was friendly and personally went among his people, making him a respectable figure.
Therefore, it was confusing. He was nothing like the Duke Alway that Olivier had described. Would the Duke before him, even if Olivier was young, have dismissed his daughter’s words? he wondered.
Unaware of Jared’s inner thoughts, the Duke put on a fatherly expression and spoke warmly.
“Now, about my daughter. I’m relieved that Jared seems to have pleased her so much. Because she was born into the Ducal Family, she, and my other children as well, have had to endure more hardship than necessary. Olivier, as well as the other children, can be willful, which can be troublesome. Speaking of which, I heard Olivier suddenly summoned you the other day. As a father, please allow me to apologize.”
“No, please don’t worry about it. I was able to meet Hannelore, and Olivier officially recognized me as her Fiancé upon becoming a Court Mage Candidate, so I think it turned out well.”
“I see… Olivier truly likes you. She probably felt she could be spoiled and make unreasonable requests to you, believing you’d forgive her. I’m sorry, but please be understanding.”
Jared felt a pang of guilt, unable to tell the Duke, filled with genuine relief, that it was all an act.
“And, allow me to congratulate you on being selected as a Court Mage Candidate. Half of the Court Mage positions are unfilled, and candidates rarely appear. Please do your best.”
“Of course. I wish to do what I must as a Magician.”
“When my daughter said becoming a Court Mage was a condition for marriage, I didn’t know what to do, but I’m glad you’re far more capable than I imagined. I heard from my wife that you’ll be living with Olivier and the others from now on?”
“That’s how it turned out. To be honest, as I’m only her Fiancé, I’m unsure if it’s appropriate to live together…”
“It’s fine, I’ll permit it as her father. If Olivier likes you, I’ll persuade her to marry you – forgive the unpleasant analogy – even if you don’t become a Court Mage. My wife also seems to like you, and I would be happy if you became my son-in-law.”
Jared thought he had been liked quite a lot.
He wondered if there was something about him that made him likable, but besides being a Magician, he couldn’t find anything else. Of course, being a Magician was important, but he didn’t think that alone would make the Duke willing to give his daughter away.
Even if that were the case, he felt they would be taking him in as a son-in-law rather than giving their daughter away.
He couldn’t quite grasp the Duke’s true feelings, and a sense of unease remained.
“Olivier is selfish, stubborn, and a bit clumsy, but kind at heart. As her father, I ask that you get along well with her. I’m counting on you.”
The Duke bowed his head to Jared as a father who cared for his daughter, and Jared could only reply, “Yes.”
