“Well then, please excuse me.”

Some said this as they left the room…

“Excuse me. My lord, here’s an urgent letter from the Merchant Guild.”

While others came rushing in.

With less than a month until the Festival, Liesel’s office is buzzing with activity.

The people going in and out of the room earlier were messengers operating mainly in the capital’s commercial district, constantly bringing in reports. The clerks in the room, tasked with handling them, are extremely busy.

However…

“Ex… Excuse me, Captain Alec.”

“Oh, over here.”

Among the visitors are also members of the Knight Order.

The one who just entered, judging by his nervous demeanor, is clearly a soldier from the 2nd Unit, even without mentioning Alec’s name.

It’s not unusual to see August or someone from the 1st Unit in the office, but recently, Alec has also been stationed here.

Usually, when he’s in town, Alec tends to stay at the Knight Order headquarters at the base of the hill.

The 2nd Unit, despite being part of the Knight Order, has many members who were once adventurers. Even if they have business with Alec, it seems coming to the lord’s mansion takes some nerve.

I get that. I’m used to coming here and to Zelkis’s mansion, but I still get nervous when I visit other noble estates.

That sort of thing isn’t just about getting used to it. It’s about confidence—in etiquette, in demeanor… and that’s not something you can pick up overnight.

That’s why Alec usually receives reports at his designated captain’s office down at the headquarters, to make it easier for them to come by.

Fortunately, Teresa, the 2nd Unit’s vice-captain, is usually stationed there and takes care of things in his place. It’s been working out well that way.

As I peek over the backrest and look toward Alec and the others, it seems the soldier who came earlier has finished his business and left the room looking relieved.

In the past, I would’ve just thought it was a bit unusual for Alec to be in the office or for a 2nd Unit soldier to show up.

But after what Seriana and the others told me recently, I can’t help but wonder if something’s going on.

Well, judging by the mood right now, it probably wasn’t anything serious…

But still, it is war…

Apparently, the Knight Order members have already been informed. Not everyone is being deployed, but the atmosphere is gradually getting more tense.

Zighart also left to monitor the dragon species earlier than usual this year for that reason.

I thought it’d be easier in the fall… but he won’t be around the territory by then.

So yeah, even if the weather’s not ideal, he had no choice but to go now.

Hmm… everyone’s really busy.

“Oh?”

As I scan the room, my eyes meet Seriana’s.

She gestures for me to come over.

An errand, maybe?

“What is it?”

Riding the 【Floating Orb】 over to her, I see what’s spread out on her desk… looks like a roster?

It has names and titles listed, and I recognize a few of them, so that’s probably what it is.

Seriana hands it to me.

“Very soon, we’ll be receiving guests here at the mansion from within the territory and nearby regions.”

“Yeah.”

In past years, guests would also come from far-flung parts of the country and even from abroad—both commoners and nobles. But this year, due to the war, I’ve heard most visitors will be from within the territory or neighboring ones.

Among those guests, the nobles—especially the higher-ranking ones—will be staying at the mansion instead of inns in town.

Even the inns in the noble district have guesthouses built for such visitors, and they’re not bad at all. Still, in terms of security and, above all, status, the lord’s mansion is more desirable.

I flip through the list I received, and see many names of local magistrates and their spouses.

“…Huh? This year the actual people are coming instead of their representatives?”

Even within the same territory, Riana is pretty vast.

If they’re not close by, many prefer to send representatives to avoid the risks of travel.

That happened last year too.

Though we had to gather everyone in a hurry to discuss transporting the Holy Coins!

Anyway, all the names on this year’s guest list are the actual individuals.

Guess it’s because of the war?

Some of the names have marks next to them, while others don’t. I wonder what those mean?

“Yes. The reason is… well, it’s as you suspect. But more importantly, have you looked it over?”

“Yeah. What’s the circle next to the names for?”

“That’s why I called you. I’ve marked those who are bringing their wives. Since they’ve made the trip all the way to the capital, I’d like you to be present when we receive them.”

“…Oh? Ah, got it, got it. Just a light reception, right?”

Liesel will likely handle the husbands, while Seriana will handle the wives.

And I’m supposed to be there too—so that means I’ll be using the 【Blessing of Mira】 for hospitality.

Seriana smiles softly, seemingly satisfied with my answer.

A reception with guests using the 【Blessing of Mira】, huh… Feels like it’s been a while since we’ve done that.

Maybe I should start practicing today so I don’t mess it up!

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】【Blessing of Mira】【Wind’s Garment】・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana ・【Range Identification】・【】・40 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards