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 132

Chapter 132   Returning to Europa

Late January, Year 569 of the Unified Calendar—

In the heart of Cade, in the city of Ram, it was the season of deep snow.

“We’re heading back to Europa!”

“Pokoo~♪”

Typically, military actions by the Cade Confederation began around mid-March. Because of this, many mercenaries would return home during the winter months.

Taking advantage of that, we too made our journey home. Honestly, I had considered resigning from my position as acting chancellor, but by Her Highness’s command, I was to continue for a while longer.

“Sir Reister, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Her Highness and her retinue were heading back to Europa for the first time in a long while. Only Dr. Gunter remained behind, as the princess’s health wasn’t improving. Besides, he was now the official physician of the Cade Confederation’s ruling family.

We quickly sped along the snow-covered roads and took a brief rest in the town of Jif. After that, we continued southward in one go, and by the end of the week, we had arrived in the port town of Europa.

◇◇◇◇◇

After arriving in Europa, I parted ways with Her Highness and made my way to the manor where Io lived.

“Daah~”

“Opal’s gotten so big. Good girl, good girl.”

Though I had seen her through the scrying crystal, there was nothing like holding my beloved daughter in person again.

“Welcome home, my dear.” “Ah, I’ve made it back safely once again.”

I hugged Io, who had come out to greet me. I was certain that no matter how old we grew, our bond would never fade. Her presence brought me an overwhelming sense of peace.

“My dear, who might this young lady be?”

As Pokorina and Kumama dashed off toward the dining hall, the elder dragon’s frail daughter was left behind.

“Oh, I’ll explain the situation later, but please take care of her. By the way, she’s a half-dragon, half-human.”

“…I see. What is your name?”

…That’s right. I didn’t even know her name.

“I am Juralvik, daughter of the dragon clan. It’s a pleasure to meet you, madam.”

“I see, Juralvik. There’s a warm meal ready for you. Please, come this way.”

After that, we were all invited to a warm dinner.

Having just trekked through the snow-covered lands, the hot bean soup was especially delicious, and the grilled duck served alongside it was so good it almost melted in my mouth.

◇◇◇◇◇

After spending time in the noisy bath with Pokorina and the others, I finally shared the bedroom with Io for the first time in a while.

“…Hey, my dear.”

“What is it?”

I wondered what she might ask for, but unexpectedly, the topic was about our daughter, Opal. Apparently, under the new leadership of the Clock regime, the Duke of Rillburn’s position had become unstable.

Unlike me, Io came from a noble family, so the long-term survival of her house was a concern for her.

“…So, what should we do?”

“Her Highness needs to be restored to power. Otherwise, our house will be dissolved…”

…Huh, that’s quite a significant issue. Io never used to talk about such political matters. I guess becoming a mother really does change a woman.

“But Lord Clock is the legitimate king now. If we try to support Her Highness, it would be considered treason. Do we have any justification?”

“The people are suffering from a significant increase in taxes. And we’re losing to Duke Chad in the war over the Ferguson region. Also, the value of silver coins… Ah, it’s rude of me to bring all this up when you’ve just returned after so long.”

“Hm? Oh, no, I’ll keep it in mind.”

After that, I extinguished the candlelight, and Io and I shared a passionate night, just like the earliest humans.

We soon fell into a sweat-soaked slumber.

◇◇◇◇◇

The next morning—

At the administrative office in Europa, I summoned Adelheid.

“Thank you for your hard work in governing the Gale region. Now, regarding the matter of Juralvik, what should we do?”

“Thank you. It seems the lady invited me to knit with her this morning. Perhaps we can leave that matter to her? …However…”

“You think the policies of King Clock are the real issue?”

“Indeed. Not only in our territory, but also in the Owen and Sork regions, there has been rampant temporary taxation. Furthermore, the military service in response to Duke Chad is also heavy.”

“…So they’re trying to destroy our house?”

“Yes, the Rillburn family ranks second in the kingdom in terms of Ishtar wheat production, just after the royal family’s direct territory. And we are clearly an anti-establishment faction. It’s obvious they want to dissolve us. We need to take urgent action.”

“I see. Also, I feel like Io mentioned something about silver coins. Has something happened to the Owen’s silver coins?”

When I said this, Adelheid took out two small silver coins.

“This is the old small silver coin. This is the new small silver coin.”

“Hm, the new one is clearly smaller. Is the face value still ten rahl?”

“Yes, it is. Moreover, the purity has been reduced.”

“Very well. Let’s secretly produce small silver coins in Gale that are smaller than the new small silver coins, and of lower purity. Also, spread rumors that the kingdom’s silver coins will eventually become worthless.”

“Is it really acceptable to do that?”

“If that happens, the Clock regime will face difficulties.”

“Then, wouldn’t our dukedom come under pressure from the royal family sooner?”

I unfurled a red cloth and showed Adelheid the scrying crystal ball.

This is an excellent item that allows communication over long distances if one has magical power.

“How much do you think I have aided Cade until now? Well, politics isn’t my strong suit…”

I slowly leaned back into the soft backrest, relaxing my stiff posture from all the paperwork.