I Will Become the Queen of the Enemy Country

The next day, they decided to continue the meeting and everyone dispersed.

Elise entered the tent assigned to her.

“You’ve arrived?”

Inside, there were familiar faces waiting for her.

It was Rosh, Leber, and Haltbin.

Uls, who had been sitting feeling Haltbin’s touch, shook his body and approached Elise.

Elise gave Uls a big pat.

“Rosh, thank you for your hard work preparing the Allied Forces meeting.”

The meeting preparations in the Abandoned Land were handled by the Dex territory, as it was the closest.

The tents, food for several days’ stay, and other expenses must have cost quite a bit.

“After the meeting, if you submit a claim to His Highness Karan, he will take special care of it.”

“No, our budget is sufficient.”

Since the hot springs became famous, despite the high prices, people were lining up to visit the Dex territory.

Deboa had spread the rumors.

After extensive advertising and publishing a reporter’s experience article, interest in the Dex territory’s hot springs grew enormously.

As a result, inquiries and visitors increased so much that Kram was said to be unable to sleep.

“Lord Kram must be working hard.”

“He says he’s working hard, but his face is beaming. He even submitted a plan to create a hot spring pool just for children. He says you have to row when the tide comes in.”

That sounded like Kram.

“Let him do as he wishes, Rosh.”

“Yes, I’ve even given him separate budget authority to do as he likes.”

Elise was surprised. Considering what Kram’s family had done in the past, it was a bold decision.

“Kram must have been pleased.”

“He said he would dedicate his life to me, but I told him it wasn’t necessary.”

He didn’t just say it, he actually came wielding a sword, causing Rosh quite a bit of trouble.

“If you ever run short on budget, let me know, Rosh. I still have some extra funds. Leber, how was the contact with the magicians?”

Elise naturally changed the subject.

“They showed great interest in the hair loss remedy. You know how magicians tend to have a lot of bald heads. I gave them a few bottles as samples.”

“There’s something more important than selling medicine, right?”

“Yes, Elise. It seems the process of Sage Ember becoming the representative of the Ivory Tower wasn’t very smooth.”

Leber looked around habitually as he explained.

With Iris causing trouble and not returning, Ember’s status within the Ivory Tower, who had actively supported her, fell significantly.

She needed to make achievements to expand her influence within the Ivory Tower, so she actively volunteered as the Allied Forces representative that everyone else was reluctant to take on.

“Hmm.”

When Elise let out a displeased groan, Leber stopped speaking.

Elise fell into deep thought. If Ember becomes too eager to make achievements, it could disrupt the plan.

To capture Ragnaros, balance was crucial. No side should rush ahead too much, nor should they fall behind.

“Why don’t you let Elise rest? Why are you all here?”

Karan’s appearance broke Elise’s reverie. He was holding a tray that seemed out of place in his hands. It was a tray with a beautiful tea set on it.

“Oh, it smells good! Let’s all have a cup.”

As Haltbin rushed to take the tray, Karan twisted his body and pushed Haltbin away with his foot.

“Ouch!”

Haltbin grumbled as he barely avoided the dirt-covered shoe touching his clothes.

“You took it from Bedrokka, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t take it, I received it as a gift.”

He had intercepted the tea set meant for David, but since he got permission afterward, it was fair to call it a gift.

“Why are you all standing? Aren’t you leaving?”

“We just arrived.”

Rosh, who hadn’t seen Elise in a long time, wanted to talk with her more.

“Rosh, I received help from your friend Pax. Thank you.”

“I’ll leave right away.”

At Karan’s greeting, Rosh stood up as if it was unbearable.

Karan wasn’t one to easily say nice things. If he did, there was a 100% chance that something bad would follow.

Words that would make Rosh very busy, that is.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

Realizing that Karan wouldn’t even allow a moment for Elise to chat, Rosh hurried out.

As Rosh left, the powerless Leber also took his leave. Elise had to hastily wave goodbye to the two as they left.

Now only Haltbin remained.

“Report,” Karan said as he poured tea, having assigned a separate task to Haltbin.

“It seems His Highness Chase has followed us. His Highness David appears to be completely unaware.”

“Did you see him?”

“We’re searching. Given that this is the Abandoned Land, the search isn’t easy. There might inevitably be some commotion.”

“There aren’t many suitable camping spots in the abandoned land.”

Few people knew the Abandoned Land as well as Karan and Haltbin.

“If I may add my opinion,” Elise said cautiously.

“Go ahead, Elise.”

“You’re always welcome to.”

Contrary to Elise’s cautious approach, both men brightened up. Haltbin even took out his notebook. He had only listened when talking with Karan earlier.

Elise felt pleased yet slightly embarrassed by their attentiveness.

She felt pressured to offer a brilliant idea, but what she was about to say wasn’t that extraordinary.

“It’s not much, but Chase must have a reason for coming here at such risk. Why don’t we set a trap based on that reason?”

“A reason…What do you think, Haltbin?”

You always pass the difficult questions to me.

“Maybe he really wants to participate in the Allied Forces?”

“That’s right.”

Correct answer! Haltbin raised his fist.

“Let’s go a step further. Chase wants to make achievements. His ultimate goal is the throne. But there’s an obstacle.”

“David,” Karan answered this time. Haltbin, a step behind, let out a disappointed sigh.

“That’s right. I think he might try to threaten His Highness David somehow this time.”

“Do you think David doesn’t know, Elise?”

“He probably does. I warned him after all.”

“The security seemed excessively lax.”

Karan had finished scouting while Elise was receiving reports from Leber and Rosh.

Even if Rosh had set up defenses, Karan needed to see for himself to be at ease.

“Shouldn’t we fill in those weak spots, Your Highness?”

Karan wasn’t particularly keen on the idea. He didn’t want to get involved in Bedrokka’s brotherly affairs, and he disliked Elise worrying about David.

However, letting Chase have his way would be the worst outcome, so Karan looked at Haltbin.

There were times when Haltbin hated being perceptive. This was one of those moments.

Even without Karan speaking, he could easily predict what he was about to say.

“I’ll mobilize the Concealment Unit to monitor His Highness David’s side.”

“Concealment Unit?”

They were like Karan’s secret operatives. Belonging to Pawnshop K.

Not wanting to lie to Elise, Karan gently nudged Haltbin’s foot.

Haltbin awkwardly smiled and covered up by saying he had secretly brought some warriors.

Elise nodded, moving past the issue of the Concealment Unit.

“Haltbin, you go out too.”

“Just one cup of tea…”

“Move.”

Karan shooed Haltbin away without mercy.

And then there were just the two of them.

“Elise, you must be tired from the journey. Is your back not sore?”

Karan pushed the tea towards her while subtly massaging around her waist.

The meaning behind that touch was clear, making Elise’s face turn red.

“It’s fine…”

“Muscle aches need to be worked out right away or they’ll be worse tomorrow. Let me give you a massage- Ouch!”

Karan’s overt touch suddenly stopped. He felt a pain in his calf.

Uls was gently chewing on Karan’s calf while wagging his tail.

Come to think of it, Uls was also in the tent.

Having seen Elise unable to function the day after spending the night with Karan, Uls didn’t like seeing the two of them close together.

Of course, Karan disliked Uls.

“Let’s send him out, Elise.”

Karan said, glaring at Uls. However, remembering how Uls had run out during the 3rd Gate incident, Elise couldn’t comply with Karan’s request.

She was even more reluctant because of how sensitively Uls had reacted to Iris.

‘I’m also curious about how the monsters only made way for Uls last time.’

While in the Abandoned Land where Ragnaros’s power was said to be growing stronger, Elise intended to observe Uls and figure out the reason.

“I’ll ask Regina for a massage today.”

At that, Uls released Karan’s calf and placed his large front paw on Elise’s thigh. Then, standing on two legs, he began moving his front paws rhythmically.

“Is he… massaging you right now?”

“Oh, it seems so?”

Karan laughed incredulously at Uls, who had pushed away his hands and taken over Elise, while Elise laughed because she found Uls adorable.

In any case, they’re laughing, so it’s fine, Karan thought, looking at Elise’s bright smile.

****

The second meeting the next day was also a mess. The meeting, which started at dawn, continued without breaks until lunch, and it was only when Rosh announced mealtime that a break was declared.

“Should I blow that stubborn magician’s head off?”

During the meal, Ilaria picked up her spear. Though quite far away, it was close enough to hit Ember if thrown with full force.

“I don’t want to see an ugly sight during the meal. Sit down.”

Karan calmed Ilaria down.

“That’s true. It’s not too late to do it after the meal.”

Ilaria let out a long sigh and tasted the food Andy had prepared with care.

“Hmm, it’s hard to believe this is food eaten at a campsite. It was the same during the 3rd Gate expedition, but the chef you bring along seems to be quite skilled. The taste is very consistent. It’s savory too. I’d like to ask about the secret recipe.”

“It’s MSG. If you need it, you can buy it from Andy.”

Elise’s business instinct kicked in. Karan clicked his tongue at her ability to seize every opportunity.

‘She’s cute, I tell you.’

“MSG? What’s that?”

“It stands for Magic Super Powder. I’ll introduce you to Andy before you leave.”

Ilaria showed great interest. The conversation continued on the same topic until dessert.

Everyone relaxed a bit, if only during lunchtime.

And shortly after, as if warning their relaxed minds, an incident occurred.

Dark shadows covered the sky, and eerie monster cries echoed from various parts of the Abandoned Land.