Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~ - Chapter 108

Chapter 108   Journey with Charlotte 1

“What are you so surprised about? A duke should not be so undignified.”

“…Ah.”

“Though I have temporarily lost my sight, I still recognize the sound of those brave footsteps and the beloved scent of your strength.”

It is said that when one loses their sight, the other senses become sharper. Was this the case with Her Highness?

“In that case, forgive me!”

I signaled to Eclair and the others and carefully lifted Queen Charlotte into my arms. Then, I cast a teleportation spell.

The wind spirits gently enveloped us, guiding us out of the castle. When the whirlwind subsided, our presence had vanished from the tower.

Eclair and the others, who remained behind, seized the royal banners and other treasures in the room and swiftly retraced their steps.

◇◇◇◇◇

In the early morning of that day—

The sky began to lighten.

While waiting for Eclair and the others, I spent some time with Queen Charlotte.

“Shinker, were you unharmed?”

“I am not entirely unscathed. For now, I have assumed a different appearance and go by the name Baron Reister.”

“I am sorry for causing you so much trouble for the sake of the palace.”

“No, I will never forget the favor of being made a duke from a commoner.”

“…I see, that is a comforting word.”

There was no falsehood in my words. The promotion was not just a personal benefit.

Each month, I was able to donate a portion of my salary to the orphanage from which I came. This allowed many orphans to acquire basic literacy and venture into society.

“Then, I would almost like something in return as well.”

“…Someday, I hope to repay you in some way.”

“Don’t be modest. You just saved me from the tower’s narrow gap.”

At that moment, Eclair and the others arrived.

They were ready to depart immediately; we needed to leave before the pursuit caught up with us.

“It’s a trivial matter. Let’s go!”

I urged Comet and set off eastward, heading back.

◇◇◇◇◇

Six days later, in the morning—

At the estate of the Lord of Europa.

The formal reception and respectful greeting of Queen Charlotte, whom we had rescued, was conducted by Io. By now, thanks to magical healing, the princess had largely regained her sight.

“It is an immense honor to see your esteemed face.”

“Such formalities are unnecessary. I am now a duke. Let us speak on equal terms.”

“I am most grateful.”

Io signaled, and a table was set up for the meeting with Queen Charlotte. Coffee, a rare delicacy from the southern lands, was brought in, filling the air with a deep, rich aroma.

“Now, I have a request of the head of the Rillburn family.”

“Yes? I will convey it to the head in your stead.”

“I wish to have my presence here erased from memory, and I want to travel around to enhance my understanding as a ruler.”

“Does this mean you plan to return to the throne as queen?”

Upon hearing Io’s words, the Queen chuckled softly, wearing an expression that neither confirmed nor denied the possibility.

“If someone worthy of being king were to rule, such chaos would not persist for a hundred years. Well then… What is your response?”

“Understood. We will make preparations for your journey.”

“Thank you.”

After a brief period of casual conversation, Io and Queen Charlotte concluded their meeting. The Rillburn family would contribute some military funds and personnel to prepare for the Queen’s journey.

◇◇◇◇◇

That afternoon—

I was summoned to Io’s secret room.

“Is something wrong?”

“Would you be interested in accompanying the Queen?”

“Why the sudden request? Is it unacceptable for me to stay here and relax?”

“That’s not a problem, but you seem to have a certain obligation to the royal family. I thought this might be a good opportunity…”

“…Hmm.”

I was originally a mercenary.

Since birth, I’ve been a wanderer without a fixed home.

I enjoy traveling, and indeed, the prospect of long court life seemed a bit dull.

“Alright. I’ll take it on. Assign Adelheid as the governor of Gale and have Nataraja as my deputy…”

“Understood. I will never dismiss a loyal servant who has helped our family’s rise while I am still here. Please feel free to depart without worry.”

“…I see, thank you!”

I embraced Io’s back and gently patted her head.

Glancing around the room, I saw Opal playing with toys.

…I am blessed with an abundance of happiness.

I need to live more humbly…

The faces of my comrades who died young in battle floated in my mind.

◇◇◇◇◇

The next afternoon—

I loaded the luggage onto the mule and prepared for the Queen’s departure.

“My lord, here is this as well…”

A maidservant from Io’s side brought a parchment with instructions.

I unrolled the parchment and checked its contents.

It detailed a request to strengthen the bond between the House of Rillburn and the Cade Confederation.

The House of Rillburn, not well-regarded by the Clock faction controlling the royal palace, needed to solidify its support for the stability of the house.

It was a noble’s duty to sometimes prioritize the family’s well-being above all else. This likely related to discussions with Adelheid. Although I didn’t fully understand…

By the way, Queen Charlotte was to assume the role of a representative of the House of Rillburn, dressed in a silver armor and riding a strong white horse.

“Baron Reister, I have already heard the details!”

Her commanding presence, with the cloak billowing, was truly royal by birth. It was incomparable to mine.

“Yes! Then let us proceed!”

We embarked north, carrying out the secret mission of the House of Rillburn.

…However, due to the Queen’s request to broaden her knowledge, the journey became leisurely with little time constraints.