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To avoid that, there has even been discussion of turning off several sorceric tools used in the palace’s operation to at least mitigate the decrease of the magic cores being circulated in the market.

It would lower the palace’s defense, but we have judged that it’s more dangerous to allow the rumored noble to gain the influence of the public opinion.

There is a possibility of it being a trap, but for the royal family, that noble―the anti-Central Elbert family―cannot be permitted to gain more power.

If it truly is a trap, then there’s a fair chance that I will be targeted, but that won’t be different whether they gain power or not. In that case, the best option for the pro-Central royal family is to prevent the Elbert family from rising in power.

However, there is now a way for us to prevent Elbert’s rise and circulate more magic cores in the market without undermining the palace’s defenses. That’s only if my kingly father accepts this offer, however.

The servants waiting outside were quick to return to the room, so I immediately arranged to request a clandestine discussion with Father.

◇◇◇

It’s the first holiday since I sent the letter, and now I finally have the opportunity to discuss it with Father. As it is a sensitive topic, I could only give limited detail, but perhaps the lack of detail might have hinted at the gravity of the topic.

As for why this day was chosen, perhaps it’s out of consideration for me.

「Now, Leshimiiya. I’ve been told that you wanted to discuss the magic core supply issue… However, there is no need for you to feel responsible for this matter to begin with, you know?」
「While the responsibility may not be mine to uphold, I am still a Royal; I hope to help in what little ways I can.」

Certainly, this magic core shortage may not be my responsibility, but since I was indirectly involved with it, I want to help in some way. After all, had it not been for my presence, this would not have been a problem to begin with.

That’s why I had been thinking of how I could possibly help, but―

「Besides, I haven’t made any particular move this time. I simply received an offer.」
「An offer, you say… You haven’t gotten yourself into anything dangerous, have you?」
「I have not actively done anything to put myself in danger.」

If I were honestly asked if what I’m doing is dangerous or not, I’d say it’s dangerous. After all, I am chatting with someone in an enclosed room with only one bodyguard instead of the many I usually have.

Moreover, the said bodyguard even admitted that she cannot win against Miss Ailneige. If I had to describe the danger level if things ever go south, standing right in front of an A-rank monster would probably be less dangerous.

However, ignoring her―ignoring Miss Ailneige―is much more dangerous, and there’s no assurance that she will not harm Ausente.

Incurring her wrath and getting into an openly antagonistic position with Central is much more terrifying. And so to explain all of this, I decided to immediately inform Father about the matter at hand.

「The said offer was raised by that personage. She wishes to sell us magic cores in her possession.」
「That personage―The Princess of Central, is it? In that case, it shouldn’t be a bad offer. We will be incurring a debt to Central, but a good price should be able to offset to an extent.
However, it’s hard to say if a few magic cores will be enough for our dilemma…」
「A few conditions were raised during our discussion, but it would be best to see it with your own eyes first. This is the magic core that she has in stock.」

From my magic pouch, I took out a large magic core the size of an armful. Seeing this, Father displayed a rare expression of shock, but he quickly returned to his usual look.

「This is…」
「I’ve been told that it may be an S-rank monster’s magic core. If we are to purchase, the source must be kept―」

As I was about to share Miss Ailneige’s conditions, there was a knock on the door. That sound made my heart shrivel, but then the voice saying, 「Dear Father, I’ve heard that Mii has returned,」 immediately after gave me instant relief.

Not knowing how to handle this, I turned to Father for answers and saw him looking at me with the same concern, so I said, 「I leave the decision to you.」
Hearing that, Father answered 「Enter,」 to the person behind the door with a short but clear voice.

The one who entered shortly after was Ausente’s crown prince, my dear eldest brother, First Prince Arclain.
Being more mature, Brother Arc was lean yet already as tall as Father. He is awfully affectionate of me, but when it comes to his royal duties, he is capable of making difficult decisions.

「It’s been so long, Mii. I’m glad to see you doing well.」
「I’m glad to see you doing well, too, dear brother Arc.」

After a short exchange with Father, Brother greeted me with a smile. And then, upon noticing the object on the table, he had a serious expression.

「I was hoping to have a pleasant chat with Mii, but it seems like now is not the best time.」
「Indeed, which is why I permitted your entry here.」
「It sounds like anyone else would not have been allowed. Is that an A-rank monster’s magic core? It looks considerably bigger than what I can recall.」

My dear brother tilts his head in contemplation, but he probably has an idea of the magic core’s true identity. Hearing Father say, 「S-rank,」 he reacted with a light sigh.

「That on its own should give great progress on our magic core issue, but… where did such a monster come from? It should be hard to miss the news of an S-rank monster’s appearance.」

I see, so that’s how Brother Arc assumed this was procured. In fact, I also had a similar question in mind when I first saw it. If such a monster has appeared nearby, then it must be subjugated no matter the cost.

Besides that, the Hero’s appearance also came to mind. I thought, perhaps, the monster that is to ruin Ausente or its heralding omen may have finally appeared.
But reality had stranger things in store.
While Brother was a bit anxious, Father spoke out.