Silvia and Floria headed to the castle with Rin and met with Ririka there.
Along the way, Floria drew startled glances from several high-ranking officials, but otherwise, they were able to move smoothly without being stopped.
This was not because the castle guards were negligent, but rather a response afforded by Rin’s presence.
Floria was inwardly impressed by the standing Rin held within the castle, but she did not show it on her face.
She expected that even if they spoke of it, Rin would only be able to give a troubled look due to his personality.
When they finally reached Ririka, Silvia and Floria were greeted by a surprised Ririka.
“Suddenly, what brings you here?”
It was rare for both Silvia and Floria to visit the castle together, so Ririka seemed genuinely surprised.
“Well, you see. Kousuke and Silvia are planning to start something new again, and we’ve come to consult about it.”
“Oh? Are Kousuke and I solely to blame? Isn’t Floria quite enthusiastic about it as well?”
“Agreed. I admit that.”
Floria nodded with a serious expression at Silvia’s teasing remark.
Ririka tilted her head at their exchange but repeated what Silvia had explained to Rin.
“I see. So that’s why you’ve come to me.”
“Yes. Leaving Rin aside for now, do you know anyone else who would be suitable?”
In response to Silvia’s question, Ririka made a gesture as if to think for a moment before answering.
“Yes, I do.”
To that readily given answer, Silvia and Floria showed looks of surprise.
They thought it would take time to even search for such a conveniently suitable talent.
Seeing their faces, Ririka explained with a wry smile.
“Actually, my former companion, who wishes for children but has lost her partner, might be suitable. I can trust her, and she can teach the children combat. Above all, she loves children… Though she seems to want to keep it hidden.”
Ririka said this with a slight smile, and Floria’s expression clouded over slightly as she said.
“Hmm. Did her partner die from illness or something?”
“No. She was an adventurer, too. She said he passed away easily due to taking on a bit too much.”
Ririka had heard this story directly from the person concerned, but by then, some time had passed, and she spoke with a composed expression.
That was not to say that the person held no feelings for her partner.
As they were both adventurers, she had simply been prepared for the possibility that such a thing might happen someday.
Ririka, having also been an adventurer, understood that feeling all too well.
With Ririka wearing an unreadable expression, Floria did not ask further about the deceased partner and instead inquired about the person introduced this time.
“I understand. So, what is her name?”
“Sally. She was the leader of the party I was in. Ah, in that sense, she might be well-connected among women of our generation.”
“Ho. I see. Indeed, she sounds like a good person.”
Floria nodded, glancing at Silvia.
“Yes. Would it be possible for us to meet her?”
“Of course. I was also thinking about how to help my leader, so this is a good opportunity. No, perhaps it is divine guidance?”
Although Sally had not shown any significant change despite losing her partner, Ririka, who had known her for a long time, sensed she was forcing herself.
With a feigned tilt of her head, Ririka said, and Silvia and Floria let out small chuckles.
“Indeed. It might very well be divine guidance.”
“Yes. Well, how she evaluates it will be up to Sally herself.”
It was a subtle way of speaking about a god, but no one present, including Rin, would comment on it.
They all knew Kousuke personally and understood he wouldn’t scold them for such remarks.
With such pleasantries exchanged, Silvia and Floria were able to arrange an introduction to Sally through Ririka.
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The day after Silvia and Floria spoke with Ririka.
The two of them visited Sally’s place with Ririka.
“Oh, what’s this? Such a large group visiting me today.”
While Ririka sometimes visited Sally, she rarely brought anyone with her.
Moreover, seeing the two women dressed in obviously fine clothes, Sally seemed a little wary.
Perhaps anticipating Sally’s reaction, Ririka introduced Silvia and Floria first.
“Leader, these are Lady Silvia, whom I’ve spoken of before, and Lady Floria.”
Sally’s face showed a moment of confusion, then she nodded in admiration.
“Oh. I see. Truly, as Ririka said, she’s almost inhuman… Eh? Lady Floria…!!??”
After a look of understanding while observing Silvia, Sally’s expression shifted to surprise a moment later, and Ririka quickly covered her mouth.
Ririka was able to react quickly because she had anticipated Sally’s reaction.
“Phew. I’m glad I made it in time. — Are you a little calmer now?”
As Ririka asked with her hand over Sally’s mouth, Sally nodded several times.
“Haa. Honestly. After showing your face for the first time in a while, what kind of person do you bring with you?”
Sally seemed to have fully recognized Floria as “Queen Floria” and glared at Ririka.
Sally had never imagined a former queen would visit her home, so her reaction was understandable.
To such a Sally, Ririka replied with a shrug.
“I can’t help it. As far as I could think, you were the only one. More importantly, may we come inside and talk about this in detail?”
“I’m not the leader anymore… but, that doesn’t matter. More importantly, are you going to let these two into my house?”
“Yes. We can’t keep talking out here forever.”
Until now, they had been conversing at the entrance of Sally’s house.
However, even as a detached house, it was not a particularly large one, built with the earnings of a single adventurer.
Sally’s hesitation was a natural reaction.
But without minding Sally’s feelings, Ririka somewhat forcibly guided Silvia and Floria inside.
“—Honestly. Your pushiness in strange places hasn’t changed a bit.”
“I can’t help it. I can’t keep these ladies standing outside forever.”
Ririka replied as if nothing was wrong, but her reasoning was not incorrect.
However, Sally’s argument that she shouldn’t invite Silvia and Floria to a house like this was also not incorrect.
“Now, now, let’s not argue too much. Shall we first discuss the purpose of your visit?”
Floria said, mediating the conversation, and the two stopped their dispute (?).
Watching them, Silvia was impressed by how good their relationship remained, even after a long time away from being active adventurers.
Sally makes her appearance after a long time.
She experienced some sad events behind the scenes, but her personality remains the same!
When we considered who would manage the facility, Sally was the first person who came to mind.
Rin came to mind later to sort out the orphanage’s appearance.
