When we arrived at Marquis Amatista’s residence, Myun greeted us as usual.
“Welcome. Please, this way.”
Myun, a Lamia G-rank Butler and another mother figure to Marquis Frederica, unfortunately couldn’t have children. She now serves the Marquis Amatista family as head attendant.
Myun led us to the reception room as usual. To our surprise, Princess Yuriana was there, as was the Grand Hunter’s Master.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Yes. And you, Grand Hunter’s Master?”
“You too. Hmm? Your attire has changed. Did you get new gear?”
“Yes. It’s the standard equipment for the Wing Crest.”
“Though we only received it a little while ago.”
“I see. However, the coat’s design is the same, but the armor is different. At first glance, it almost looks like a completely different set.”
“That’s a matter of personal taste.”
While Prim and I were making small talk with the Grand Hunter’s Master, my sleeve was tugged.
It was Ludia, pulling on my coat hem, calling me over.
“What’s wrong, Ludia?”
“Um, hey. Could it be that Winged Tribe member with Ulfy is the Grand Hunter’s Master?”
“That’s right. Ah, I just realized, I haven’t introduced everyone yet. My apologies.”
It turned out only Prim and I had met the Grand Hunter’s Master before.
I should have introduced everyone first, instead of just making small talk.
Ah, a mistake, a mistake.
“That’s not it! Why is the Grand Hunter’s Master even here!?”
Ludia wasn’t the only one who gasped. Meena, Lydia, Flam, Raus, and Rebecca also widened their eyes and mouths, falling speechless.
“Didn’t I tell you last night? Retisencia even used the Hunter’s Guild, so it’s natural for the Grand Hunter’s Master to show up.”
“I understand the logic, but… I didn’t expect him to be here already…”
It seems not many people know that the Grand Hunter’s Master can use the long-distance teleportation magic, Traveling.
But first, I need to introduce everyone.
“Grand Hunter’s Master, these hunters are my raid partners.”
“Yamato’s raid is the Wing Crest, isn’t it? Gathering Bias. I imagine it’s tough partnering with them, but do your best.”
“Y-yes!”
“Ah, thank you!”
Lydia and Ludia are incredibly nervous.
Well, you don’t get to meet someone like the Grand Hunter’s Master as often as you meet the King, so it’s understandable for ordinary hunters to be nervous.
Raus and Rebecca are just gaping with their mouths open.
“And, Meena and Flam are my fiancées.”
“Ho? Didn’t you marry Miss Primrose? Does this mean they are your second and third wives?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Meena and Flam’s eyes widened even further, seemingly surprised to be introduced here.
“You two, you need to greet him.”
“R-right! H-how do you do! My name is Meena Fallheight!”
“Hehehe, I’m Flam! It’s an honor to meet you!”
Yep, they’re both really stuttering.
“Fallheight? Could it be that young lady is the daughter of Lord Dianoth?”
“Y-you know my… father?”
“Of course. Lord Dianoth is the Associate Order’s Master of the Order’s Guild Headquarters and one of the strongest Orders in the Amister Kingdom. I’ve met him several times.”
Meena’s father, Dianoth Fallheight, is an Associate Order’s Master of the Order’s Guild and an M-rank Order.
His level is apparently 54. It’s said that only Grand Order’s Masters have a higher level than Lord Dianoth.
Furthermore, he’s also a G-rank Hunter registered with the Hunter’s Guild, so it’s not surprising that he’s met the Grand Hunter’s Master before.
Meena is too nervous, so that detail completely slipped her mind.
By the way, “Associate Master” refers to the sub-master of each guild’s headquarters, meaning the guild’s number two.
“Lord Dianoth’s abilities are renowned not only in Amister but in other countries as well. I’ve always wondered why such a person is still only an M-rank Order.”
“A-rank Orders require a title bestowed by His Majesty, the Sky Knight. It requires not only skill but also achievements.”
Marquis Frederica is also a C-rank Order, so she’s knowledgeable about the Order’s Guild ranks.
Which means A-rank Orders require a title from the King?
What about O-rank Orders?
“The condition for an O-rank Order is to have evolved into an Ancient Class.”
Marquis Frederica explained, but it felt like an incredibly unreasonable condition.
Well, if you think about it, the Hunter ranks also have A-rank at level 81, and O-rank at level 91, so this is even more unreasonable.
“Whether you’re a Hunter or an Order, skill is essential. Now, let’s set aside small talk and get to the main topic.”
“You’re absolutely right.”
“Indeed. Yamato, Miss Primrose. Marianne Retisencia, the princess you captured, will be escorted to the Royal Capital in two weeks, along with former Hunter’s Master Saches Trennel and Patriot Pride leader Barbatos Jav.”
“You mean you want us to escort them?”
“No, the Grand Hunter’s Master will be handling the escort itself, so it will be instantaneous to the Royal Capital. However, Princess Yuriana will also be returning to the Royal Capital at that time.”
I thought they’d ask us to protect them during the journey and prevent surprise attacks, but that wasn’t it.
And Princess Yuriana will be accompanying them? Isn’t that dangerous in itself?
“Yuri going along is quite dangerous, isn’t it? Even with the Grand Hunter’s Master nearby and bound by subordination magic, there are three of them.”
Prim spoke with concern.
For Prim, Princess Yuriana is like a younger sister, she said, so it’s natural for her to be worried.
“Yes. That’s why we want you to escort Princess Yuriana.”
“I don’t mind that, but is it just me and Prim?”
“No, we can’t split up the raid, so it will be all of Wing Crest.”
That makes sense.
Of course, if the danger level were higher, it might just be Prim and me. But this time, even though we’re escorting prisoners, it’s a quick trip to the Royal Capital with the Grand Hunter’s Master’s Traveling. With Prim, myself, and the Grand Hunter’s Master present, we can deal with any action they might take immediately.
“I’m fine with it, but what about everyone else?”
“I’m fine too.”
“I-I’ve always wanted to visit the Royal Capital.”
“M-me too.”
“Me too!”
Prim, Flam, Raus, and Rebecca answered immediately.
“Two weeks from now. We still don’t know about the weapons, do we?”
“That’s right. There’s no point in rushing it, so we just have to leave it to fate, don’t we?”
“I suppose so. Well, thanks to Ee-quipping, it’s easier to put them on than before, so I’ll look forward to it after we return.”
Ludia’s concern was whether the weapons would be ready.
The weapon Ludia is currently using is a Magic Silver fighting tool she’s favored for a long time.
Thanks to Ee-quipping, the hassle of equipping it is gone, but it’s still gauntlet on top of gauntlet, so she’s eager for a new weapon.
We’re in the same boat. Prim and I are using prototype weapons made of Jade Silver, but we’d prefer to use Lapis Lazuli Silver weapons as soon as possible.
However, I don’t expect rushing them will result in better quality, so we just have to leave it to Mr. Richard.
“It might be a good idea to bring Edward and Marina along as well.”
“Why ask me that? That’s right. Not only for that, but we can also report our marriage.”
By now, Ed and Marina should be explaining the Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron at the Crafter’s Guild.
I named this coat Crest Armor, and we received it before noon, so there’s plenty of time, and both of them were full of motivation.
“Ideally, I’d prefer to keep it to ourselves, if possible?”
Viscount Archlight reacted with a grim expression, refusing.
That’s a normal reaction, but can you maintain that expression after hearing this?
“No, actually, three days ago, we formed a Union with Ed and the others. So they are now part of Wing Crest.”
“And they’re probably being told by the Crafter’s Master to inform the Royal Capital’s headquarters quickly, as they’re explaining Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron at the Crafter’s Guild right now.”
“Jade Silver? Blue-Gray Iron?”
“What are those?”
It was a closely guarded secret, so it’s no wonder the Provincial Governor, Princess Yuriana, and the Grand Hunter’s Master didn’t know.
Since the Crafter’s Guild has been informed, it’s only a matter of time before they become known, so there’s no harm in explaining them here.
“Jade Silver is an alloy of Magic Silver and Crystal Silver, and Blue-Gray Iron is an alloy of Adamantine Steel and Crystal Silver. Ah, ‘alloy’ is a technique from my world, where different metals are mixed to achieve enhanced effects.”
When I explained this, not only the Provincial Governor but even the Grand Hunter’s Master wore expressions of surprise.
“W-what did you say? Does that mean Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron are metals superior to Magic Silver and Adamantine Steel?”
“Yes. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they’re simply an upgraded version.”
“Yamato originally proposed it to Ed because of the magic power issues. Then, a metal like that, an alloy, was created, and now they’re forging our weapons with it.”
I took out my prototype Jade Alloy Sword from storage, and Prim took out her prototype Jade Alloy Axe-Spear.
“These are swords and spears made of Jade Silver. They’re still prototypes, meant only to take form. But recently, we defeated the Goblin Prince without experiencing any magic fatigue or stagnation.”
“Incredible…”
“They’re beautiful…”
“S-so, are you saying Edward wants to go to the Royal Capital to convey this alloy to the Grand Crafter’s Master?”
“For Ed, this is secondary. The main reason seems to be reporting his marriage to Marina.”
I wish I could sort out Fiana’s situation by then, though.
“If that’s the case, I have no problem. In fact, I’d be glad to escort them to the Royal Capital.”
The Grand Hunter’s Master is also an Ancient Ulfy, so the issue of weapons is a pressing concern for him.
If I have some leeway, I might even consider making weapons with Lapis Lazuli Silver.
“Now that I understand the reason, as Amister, their matter might take priority over others. Viscount Archlight, Count Sofia, what do you think?”
“I agree wholeheartedly. Especially since Jade Silver is an alloy of Magic Silver and Crystal Silver.”
“Yes. Both are produced in Amister, so not only the Order’s Guild but His Majesty would be pleased. However, Marquis Frederica, we haven’t heard Meena’s response yet.”
“Huh?”
Count Sofia’s unexpected question caught not only Marquis Frederica but me off guard as well.
The first to agree were the five of us: me, Prim, Flam, Raus, and Rebecca.
Ludia was worried about her weapon being ready, but she said she’d look forward to it after we returned. Lydia was the one who brought up Ed and Marina… come to think of it, Meena hasn’t answered.
“Meena, are you against it?”
“N-no, it’s not that, but, um… my family lives in the Royal Capital, so if we go to the Royal Capital, my father and mother might want to meet Yamato…”
The moment she said that, my mind went blank.
Right!
The Royal Capital is where Meena’s family lives!
If she has a family there, it means her father and mother are there!
And since I’m engaged to Meena, I have to pay my respects!
“Calm down. You intended to pay your respects to Meena’s family eventually, didn’t you, since you’re engaged?”
“You greeted Lady Apricot and the Village Chief of Prada Village properly, so I think you can greet Meena’s father and mother in a similar manner.”
Prim and Flam, who had already greeted them, tried to console me.
That’s true, but what I fear is Meena’s father.
Prim’s mother is still alive, and Flam’s parents are both deceased, so their greetings were in the form of acknowledging mothers or the village chief. However, Meena’s father is not only alive but is also an Associate Order’s Master.
If I were to ask for his daughter’s hand, I’m sure I’d be subjected to immense pressure!
“Yamato, I can tell what you’re thinking. However, Lord Dianoth isn’t that unreasonable. If you’re still worried, allow me, as a veteran, to offer some advice.”
A halo seemed to appear behind Viscount Archlight!
Viscount Archlight also has three wives, so he must have gone to greet their families three times.
To me, he’s a true senior!
“Things will happen as they will. So, acceptance is key.”
…Is that advice?
I suppose things will happen as they will, but to tell me to just accept it like that? That’s a bit much, senior!
With that distant look in your eyes, what on earth happened?
“Um, Yamato-san. If you’d like, greeting my family can be another time.”
Even if Meena said that, I couldn’t just say, “Oh, okay.”
Putting on as brave a face as possible, I promised to visit Meena’s family.
It was the only thing I could do.
