Donovan’s permission from headquarters was not for the Crown to make any moves.
It was simply a defensive measure, a way to counter if the other party made a move.
As for the Crown, they were content with maintaining the status quo and were not trying to expand their influence.
Of course, as before, they would assert their inherent right to claim any increase in the number of active adventurers, which would naturally lead to more business.
The problem arose if any action was taken to undermine their existing rights.
If something like that were to happen, the approval they received this time was to take countermeasures as a matter of course.
Donovan, having returned from headquarters, was immediately caught by Adele.
“How was headquarters?”
“Ah, no problem. The permission was granted easily.”
“I see.”
Adele’s expression softened with relief at Donovan’s answer.
Given the circumstances, he hadn’t expected permission to be denied, but there was still some lingering anxiety.
However, now the branch could bear full responsibility and respond immediately, no matter who their opponent might be.
Seeing Adele’s expression, Donovan suddenly remembered and asked, “By the way, what’s happening with the other movements?”
Donovan had only been away from the branch for about half a day, but it was possible things had changed.
However, Adele shook her head in response. “No. Nothing in particular has changed. Not even the main players’ movements.”
Before, long before Kousuke and his companions came to Seichun, the main players hadn’t even acted openly.
However, ever since Isac lost to Kouhi, they had begun taking actions that hinted at a connection with the Empire.
Of course, Donovan had assumed some involvement from the Empire, as Dames was an imperial noble. But Dames himself had such a personality that it was unclear if his actions were intentional.
Perhaps it was because of the magic tool Isac used, but information clearly indicating imperial involvement had spread.
Although the intent was unclear, it was evident the Empire was behind it.
Furthermore, Seichun had historically been a territory contested by the Republic of Raines, the Heitei Kingdom, and the Dominant Empire.
Now that the Empire’s involvement was clear, it was only natural to expect the other two nations to make some kind of move.
Donovan shook his head at the troublesome situation. “Good grief. This is a complicated situation.”
“Indeed,” Adele replied, nodding.
Watching Adele nod, Donovan suddenly realized something. “No, wait. Did this situation even arise because the Crown appeared in Seichun in the first place?”
Adele gave Donovan a reproachful look at a statement unbecoming of a Crown branch manager.
“Whoa, I was just kidding! So don’t make that scary face!”
Donovan said hastily, prompting Adele to sigh. “Honestly… As branch manager, you shouldn’t say things like that, even as a joke. You never know who might be listening?”
“It’s fine, just a little. Besides, there’s no one here, right?”
“That may be so…”
The Seichun branch building, thanks to Kousuke’s direct involvement, was extremely robust in terms of counterintelligence and defense.
The magic tools to prevent outsiders from entering were still operational.
It was not easy for spies to infiltrate.
Of course, Donovan wasn’t relying solely on the tools and was using his own abilities to monitor the surroundings.
Adele lacked the ability to sense ambient presences, but the necessary precautions had been taken beforehand.
No amount of care was too much when it came to the current state of the branch.
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While Donovan and Adele were exchanging lighthearted banter at the branch.
In a certain room of Dames’ mansion, a person was receiving a report.
That person was Amedio, the third prince of the current king and the central figure orchestrating the Dominant Empire’s schemes in Seichun.
He was also the same person who had met with the branch manager of the Battle Trading Company earlier.
The magic tool Isac was using had been taken from the Dominant Empire’s treasure vault.
Naturally, it had been taken with the King’s permission.
By the way, the reason Dames was acting so recklessly in town, even with the prince nearby, was partly because Amedio had not stopped him.
Amedio wanted to use Dames as a cover to conceal his own presence.
The woman reporting to Amedio was one of his trusted retainers.
She usually managed the inner workings of the household and rarely appeared in public, making her a perfect candidate for activities like this.
“So, the rumors are spreading smoothly?”
“Yes. Of course, no one knows who is directly involved.”
“I see. That’s fine then.”
If it were known that the third prince of the Dominant Empire was present and giving direct orders, the Republic of Raines and the Heitei Kingdom would surely intervene.
In such a situation, it would inevitably turn into the same three-way conflict as in the past.
Amedio did not want such a meaningless outcome.
However, given that the rumors already hinted at imperial involvement, it was highly probable that both nations would react.
In fact, it could be said that he had spread the rumors precisely for that reason.
As Amedio was contemplating this, the woman spoke to him. “Your Highness, may I?”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“What about the national treasure you lent to Isac?”
“Ah, that. I’ll retrieve it eventually, but it’s not time yet.”
“Is that alright?”
The woman asked, tilting her head at the prince’s answer.
She had expected him to retrieve the item as soon as Isac lost to Corry.
“Well, it seems like we can still use it as a pawn. And since its actions are easy to understand, it’s convenient to use, wouldn’t you say?”
Seeing the prince smile enigmatically, the woman adopted a similar expression.
“Indeed, that’s true.”
“It will probably be difficult to maintain its rank as before, but there are many other ways to use it. Well, as long as we make sure it’s not stolen, that should be fine.”
“Understood.”
The woman bowed respectfully to the prince, who spoke with a cheerful expression.
Afterward, they quietly tidied up some documents, but eventually, their silence was broken.
Responding to a knock on the door, the woman walked over. “Who is it?”
“It’s me.”
The short reply was from a colleague the woman knew well.
She quickly opened the door to welcome him in.
The man who entered was dressed in light equipment, giving him the appearance of an adventurer.
After a silent bow to the woman, the man headed toward the prince.
“Your Highness. I have returned.”
This man, who knew Amedio’s true identity, was also a retainer playing a crucial role in advancing the plan.
Upon seeing him, the prince continued his work and spoke to the man. “Ah, thank you for your hard work. Judging by your expression, it seems there’s been some progress?”
“Yes! The investigation of the site is complete.”
At this report, the prince paused his writing and turned his gaze to the man.
“I see. Then, please report in detail.”
In response to the prince’s words, the man began to relay all the information he possessed.
And with each word he spoke, the prince’s face grew brighter.
The main players have finally arrived!
Being able to easily lend out three national treasures of that caliber made me think this kind of status would be fitting. What do you think? lol
