Book 7: Chapter 2


    Ive finished talking with the envoy from the elders of Socina Citys side. I didnt agree to their request, but neither did I reject them. I dont want to see either of the envoys again so I had Freya tell them that I wouldnt be working again since I had just gotten married. However, I began preparations to head into the desert at the same time. Its just that Im slightly reluctant to leave as I dont want to part with my wives. We did just get married after all.


    The desert? Ah, youre talking about the metal in the desert, right? Well if you want an opinion, their metal certainly is good quality, but the transportation and costs are very high so I rarely ever saw it. However, it certainly is very useful. If we had it, we could indeed use it to make gun-barrels and spear-tips.


    The red-haireddy looked at me and then scrubbed her hair. She looked at the blueprint before her and continued, But your majesty, if you want to purchase it directly from the desert in the south, itll be too expensive. If you did that, your guard-unit would basically be a unit made out of gold. Would you bear to train them like usual then?


    I shook my head as I looked at her and responded: I dont intend to buy metal. I want to go and find that type of metal because I heard that the metal they have is actually very cheap. The expensive part is mining it and the delivery fees. I want to go there and buy up a mineral mine. A new mine has supposedly been discovered there. All we need is a smelting method. As long as I have those two in my hands, Ill be able to get my hands on a mine, and Ill be able to transport the mined materials back here without a hitch.


    Isnt that good then? When I leftst time, I went to the desert. There was indeed a rumour that a new mine was discovered deep in the desert. However, it hasnt be confirmed if its true or not. But since you think that its true, Ill take your word for it. It would be best if you could make it a reality because I really want to enjoy the pleasure of fiddling with that type of metal.


    Sheughed but I didnt leave. I continued while looking at her: But I didnte here just to mention it.


    Do you have other business with me then?


    She looked at me somewhat boggled since I never brought up anything else before. I respect her greatly so I never poke my noise into her business unnecessarily. I dont mind how she runs the factory or what novel things she makes.


    With my eyes on her, I sincerely said: I hoped that you coulde with me to the desert.


    She hesitated for a second then scratched her head and answered: Ah, I thought thats what you were going to say


    Yes, you know about this metals stuff best, and if I am right, you went to look for it in the desertst time but were unsessful. Im not familiar with the desert but I know how frightening the desert is. Without the help of someone whos familiar with the desert, Ill die in there for sure which is why I need your help. I need you toe with me to the desert. That way, I will feel a little safer.


    Dont you have anyone else to ask around you, your majesty? And if you need a guide, the five nations of the desert are all Elizabeths vassal states. Any of them can be your guide, right?


    No, I dont intend to reveal my identity this time. Im not going to announce that Im the prince of the Rosvenor Empire regardless of where I go, because there are two other powers that arepeting for this metal like me as well. The two of them want to trade this metal with me. I didnt reject or agree to their offer. In a situation like this where my position is ambiguous, if I reveal that I want to take it all for myself, well only be hostile with each other with nothing for me to gain out of it.


    I looked at the red-haireddy and broke it down: Further, there is no one I can send on the job. Freya needs to stay and manage the citys affairs. I dont want for Lucia and Nier to put themselves at risk again, not to mention the fact that Lucia is pregnant. Luna doesnt know the desert so itd be pointless to bring her along. Therefore, you are the only one I know who can help me.


    After listening to my exnation, she massaged her shoulders in a somewhat irritated fashion and responded: Your majesty, I just came back from there not too long ago. And you also noticed that I went there to search for it to no avail. Its the first time youre searching for it so youre in high spirits and keen, but Ive lost motivation.


    I made a small bow and then said: Please, sister. You are the only one left I can trust. You must help me. If you can help me, you can do as you please with the metal we acquire. You can do anything you like. As long as we can satisfy my units requirements I would even be willing to buy if off of you.


    Yeah? She gave me a strange look then chuckled and said: Raise your head, your majesty. How should I put it? Though I have always been with the Gdriel tribe as well as having helped Elizabeth and Vyvyan all this time, I have never had them plead me like this before. This is the second time you are pleading me like this. Well, whatever. Ill make a trip with you to the desert out of consideration for your two mothers and your sincerity.


    Thank you so much!


    Its nothing, its nothing. My work is really interesting too. Havent I always been wiping your familys ass? Sheughed cheerfully. But then she quickly switched to a stern expression and said, But your majesty, you must remember that the desert is different to this ce. The natural climate and environment there is harsh. Your status as a prince isnt even worth a bottle of water there. Its an extremely dangerous ce. You must remember to bring your guard-unit along and they must be fully-equipped. If you insist on going, you must be mentally prepared for your guard-unit to suffer sacrifices.


    I nodded and replied: I understand. I trust them!


    The red-haireddy nodded and responded: Good then. I shall prepare then, your majesty. Just let me know when its time to set out. Your majesty, you have lofty ambitions just like Inard did back then. That was the first time I saw an elf take the initiative to interact with humans. At the time, I believed that they would meet a tragic ending, but it doesnt look like thats the case now. So while I think that you are being rash, it might be a good thing. I shall give my all to assist you. However, I want to y with those metals


    All right!


    Well, the matter with Lorana looks like its been settled. I managed to persuade her who was most suited for this job. If you want to go to the desert, you really do need a suitable candidate. I did say that the people by my side who I could rely on and could help me couldnt walk by my side this time. So I can only rely on myself no matter what happens this time.


    Ah, and Lorana.


    I returned to the pce and bumped into a frantic Luna.


    Luna!


    Luna looked at me and excitedly called out to me: Your majesty!


    I noticed her hasty expression so I smiled and asked: Whats wrong? What are you in such a rush for? Did something happen in the pce?


    She nodded furiously. She looked like she couldnt hold back her smile. She looked at me, and in a serious and excited tone informed me: Did you know?! Did you know?! Miss Nier was sent back here because she was not feeling too well. After the doctor saw her, we found out she is pregnant! Miss Nier is pregnant!