“Teresa.”

“Yes.”

The map of the city spread out on the meeting room table detailed not just the layout of buildings within the capital, but also included information such as property owners and residents. It was an item found only in Liesel’s office, my room, the Knight Order headquarters, and this Adventurers’ Guild.

Several markers were placed on the map. Teresa knocked over one of them as I pointed to it with my baton.

The head of the Commerce Guild branch—his name was Klaus, I believe?—let out a small groan as he looked at the markers.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to blame you for mismanagement.”

“Ah… thank you for your consideration.”

Klaus shrank back even further in response to my words.

I did feel a bit sorry for him… but perhaps it was best to let him stew in discomfort a little longer.

◇

After dealing with the Undead in the Church District, we began apprehending those in the capital who still maintained ties with the church.

The church itself wasn’t considered illegal, and neither was supporting it. Since Liesel’s appointment, the government had been distancing itself from the church, and the residents had gradually followed suit.

Still, supporting the church wasn’t reason enough to make arrests. It wasn’t always clear whether such support came from intent or tradition, so up until now, we had left them be—just as we had with the church itself.

Even those harboring hostility toward me had been allowed to remain in their homes.

Many of them were guards or adventurers who had come to the city, and detaining them purely on those grounds would conflict with the city’s open stance toward outside adventurers. So we turned a blind eye… until now.

Though the situation developed beyond what we’d anticipated, we had always planned to use this as an opportunity to clean house. We had made preparations and could now carry them through.

“Madam… um, what will happen to these individuals?”

As I reviewed the list of those who had been apprehended, Klaus spoke to me hesitantly.

There were only a few locations left. It was about time he started working as well. Perhaps I should involve him…

“If they haven’t done anything malicious—like harboring enemies—then it won’t be too serious. At most, they’ll be questioned during the rainy season.”

Those apprehended were being held in one of two places: accommodations outside the city, or the Knight Order’s dungeon. The former was for the less serious cases; the latter, for the rest.

Upon hearing that, Klaus’s tension visibly eased, and a look of relief spread across his face.

But the real challenge for him was just beginning.

Whether they were deemed malicious or not, those apprehended were still long-time merchants in the city. Even though foot traffic was down due to the rainy season, news of their questioning could have various ripple effects.

This might open the door for outside merchants—those who hadn’t yet established shops—to make their move.

It would be Klaus’s job to handle that without causing confusion. Perhaps, for him, this sort of challenge was preferable to rougher matters… Either way, I’d leave it to him.

More importantly…

“Looks like the last house has been secured.”

Though it was a residential area, the early hour and the rain ensured that our operation went unnoticed. We completed it without incident.

I had anticipated things going this far, but… what happened in the Church District exceeded expectations.

We managed to resolve it without damage to the city, but only because Sera overextended herself.

…Liesel and I both still have a long way to go.

I found myself sighing when Teresa, who had been giving orders to the soldiers, approached me.

“Madam, I’ll handle things here. Would you mind checking on Vice-Commander Sera at the estate?”

She likely said that just to send me back home.

Teresa usually called Sera “Princess,” but since she was on duty, she used her formal title. That was proper, of course—but I’d grown so used to the former that it felt strange.

The oddness of it made me chuckle before I could answer.

I probably worried her, but truthfully, I was tired.

I regularly used blessings and had grown accustomed to keeping them active for long periods, but this was different. I’d never personally gone to the front lines before. That may have made the difference.

I was also concerned about Sera’s condition… I suppose I’ll accept Teresa’s offer and take my leave.

“…Very well, I’ll leave it to you.”

As I said that, Karn began calling for escort soldiers, but I waved him off.

I’d just be using the underground passage. It wouldn’t hurt to be alone for a change.

Leaving them behind, I headed toward the passage.

◇

Upon returning to the estate, I first went to see Elena, who was guarding the children’s room.

Fiora had probably already reported in, but I was still grateful that Elena had remained with the children until I returned.

I left the room to Rose and headed to my own chambers with Elena.

“Welcome back.”

When I opened the door to the bedroom beyond my room, I saw Sera asleep in bed and Fiora sitting on the sofa.

“How is Sera?”

Sera had a bandage wrapped around her arm.

We had plenty of potions and other treatments available, but it seemed the wound wasn’t fully healed yet.

Still, Fiora remained calm and composed even in front of Sera, so it couldn’t be too serious…

“The healing is taking a bit longer, but there’s no need to worry. More importantly, why don’t you clean yourself up? I prepared everything, but I’ve been watching over her, so I haven’t bathed yet myself.”

I was concerned about Sera, but as Fiora said, I was still covered in the dust from the underground.

I wanted to change clothes too… I suppose I should leave them to it and take a bath.

“…You’re right. Elena, take care of things here.”

“Of course. Please take your time.”

◇

“…Phew.”

After washing off the grime and slipping into the bath, a long sigh escaped me.

Earlier, I had used a blessing to survey the capital. All enemy elements within the city had been captured.

Of course, that didn’t mean all our problems were solved—but we had finally eliminated the troublesome presence that had lingered since I arrived here.

For the first time in a while, I could truly relax.

When Sera collapsed in the royal capital a few years ago, she was bedridden for several days… I wonder how she’ll fare this time?

She also had responsibilities as acting lord, but… maybe it’s okay for me to take a proper rest for a little while too…

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera ・Blessing・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】 Blessed Item ・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】+1【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 ・【Area Identification】・【】・0 cards

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

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