Just a few days remain until the Festival, and the guests staying at the mansion have nearly all arrived.

As with last year, the accommodations are divided—men in the North Wing and women in the South Wing.

The city where we live is at the eastern edge of the Riana Territory.

Of course, there are small settlements and frontier outposts even farther east, in the monster lands, but this city marks the boundary for where outsiders might come and go.

And the Riana Territory itself is at the easternmost edge of the eastern continent.

In other words, this place could be considered the easternmost point of human civilization, and as such, it’s rare for guests to visit from elsewhere.

This mansion sees this many guests only during this particular season.

And of course, the reason these guests are here during such a busy time as the Commemorative Festival, leaving even the towns they’ve been assigned to oversee, is because they have a proper reason.

Their purpose is to discuss the coming war.

Last year, Liesel summoned everyone regarding the Holy Coins transport convoy, but this time, although Liesel sent a letter about the war, those who gathered did so of their own volition.

The magistrates must already be aware of the formidable strength of Mesaria Kingdom’s soldiers, as well as the disparity between eastern and western forces.

Still, if their liege is going to war, it makes sense they’d want to confirm things in person.

It’s reassuring to see there’s no oversight in such matters.

Which is why we’re putting in considerable effort to properly host them.

Just like what I’m doing right now!

“Thank you for taking the time today. I had a very meaningful conversation.”

“Oh no, not at all. I rarely have the chance to leave town, so I’m glad we could meet face-to-face like this.”

Seriana chatted with the magistrate’s wife about their children’s education and the latest trends in the royal capital—typical noble-lady talk.

I was present too, so I could hear the conversation… but they all say pretty much the same things.

Seriana acts like it’s her first time hearing each topic and uses her conversation skills to get through it—but I’m not good at that.

Even though I’m not participating, I’m still listening to everything here.

I’m currently performing 【Mira’s Blessing】 on her lap.

Thanks to the training I’ve undergone recently, I’ve learned to control the power well enough to apply it safely and effectively in just under an hour.

So even if I zone out from boredom during the conversation, the treatment is progressing steadily.

Fortunately, since I’m sitting on the guest’s lap, they can’t see my vacant expression—but Seriana, sitting across from me, definitely can… I’ll just ask for her forgiveness on that front.

…Maybe I should start coming up with an excuse now.

“Well then, though it’s hard to part, we’ll be taking our leave. Thank you too, Sera-dono.”

“Huh? Oh, yes.”

It seems the meeting is over, and the guest is starting to stand.

Though I’d zoned out, I hurriedly slid off her lap, returned to Seriana’s side, and faced the guest.

When our eyes met, she smiled and bowed politely.

“…Yep. The treatment went perfectly. Thank you for your time.”

I returned the bow as well.

These noble ladies are often well-trained, so unlike the ones in the royal capital, they aren’t soft or squishy—but that also means the fatigue tends to show more on their skin.

That’s exactly why I treat them… and yep, this one turned out quite nicely.

Satisfied with the result, I nodded. The guest bowed to Seriana as well and left the room.

“Madam, Princess. Good work. That was the last meeting for today.”

As we watched her leave, Teresa informed us that today’s appointments were finished.

During meetings, Teresa is in charge of room security, but she also manages the schedule.

Normally, Elena handles that role, but she’s been busy with her duties as Alec’s wife lately, so we’ve mostly been relying on Teresa to serve as secretary for both me and Seriana.

“Phew… ahh… I’m beat.”

I’m allowed to be a little informal, but still—our guests are the wives of the magistrates supporting the Riana Territory.

I guess I’d been a bit tense after all.

Hearing Teresa say it was over made me relax, and I ended up leaning back against Seriana.

“You did well too. You can rest now.”

“Oh? That’s rare.”

I thought she’d scold me for being lazy, but instead, Seriana offered words of appreciation.

Surprised, I blurted out.

“How rude… Well, whatever. During deployment and until our return, we’ll be placing burdens on every town in the territory. Even though that’s factored in, being able to reduce dissatisfaction even slightly is a big deal. They emphasized the importance of post-care at the Noble Academy too. This time, you really helped make that happen.”

With that, Seriana sat back down on the sofa she’d just vacated.

And let out a big sigh.

Hmm… I guess she’s more tired than she lets on?

Normally, she does most of the talking when she meets people, but lately she’s been the one listening non-stop.

And to nearly identical conversations too.

No wonder she’s worn out.

“Yeah, yeah… alrighty, Seria-sama, good job today.”

I sat down on Seriana’s lap and cast 【Mira’s Blessing】 and 【Prayer】.

“Oh my, thank you.”

Her voice was unusually gentle.

Yeah, she’s tired alright.

This lady tends to get prickly when she’s energetic, but when she’s worn out, she gets like this.

Not that it’s bad—just throws me off.

Get some rest, will ya?

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【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・【Area Recognition】・【】・40 cards

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

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