Chapter 97

Dianeia was making her way back to the castle, observing the bustling city.

It was the first day of the festival, and the city was overflowing with more people than usual.

...Despite the major incident of the Dragon King's fall, it seems that visitors are coming smoothly...

I am most grateful that people are enjoying themselves safely. When I think that this is thanks to that person who lives in the forest, I realize my own inadequacies. Just thinking of that person's face makes my chest feel a little tight.

"I need to visit and thank them again..."

Murmuring to herself, Dianeia entered her office.

"Oh, Princess! I'm glad you're back!"

The Knight Captain rushed over, looking flustered.

"What's the matter, Knight Captain? Why are you sweating so much?"

"Well, we just received a message from the capital."

The Knight Captain handed her a letter. Dianeia tilted her head and read the contents of the paper.

"...The First Princess, who secretly left the capital the other day, is heading to Procia. She has been told to be careful...?!"

"Yes! She has already set off and should arrive by tomorrow at the latest."

"What is that energetic girl up to...!!"

Dianeia recalled the bright young girl who, despite being younger, was closer to the king than she was.

"Apparently, she has security with her, and her safety is guaranteed..."

"I would be in trouble if that weren't the case."

I just received a private letter from her saying, 'I hired the best private army, so my safety is fine!'

"Since she has that strong private army with her and she herself is strong, I'm not worried about her life, either."

Dianeia had also taught her self-defense techniques. In an emergency, she could teleport back to the castle. However,

"Really, the timing is bad... There's no choice. We need to review the security arrangements. Gather the knights and the witch squad, Knight Captain. And bring me the current report here."

"Yes, understood!"

Ah, today is going to be a bit busy. I need to finish my work somehow to guide Daichi tonight.

"Truly, I can only act as a witch in front of Lord Daichi..."

Well, there's no point in saying that now. All I can do is do my best to create time to spend with the person I admire.

While thinking this, Dianeia picked up the report and looked at it.

"Is Lady Dianeia here!?"

Anne came running down the corridor. She had transitioned from being the deputy of the armed city to a civilian, but Dianeia had made sure she could come to her office whenever she needed to.

"What's the matter, Anne? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Well, there was something I forgot to tell you."

"Forgot to tell me?"

What could it be? Did I ask her something?

"No, I've been staying up all night for days and completely forgot. One of my acquaintances, a Dragon King, is coming to Procia. I learned this a few days ago through dragon telepathy."

"Huh...?"

"The Dragon King is one of the strongest, but they occasionally cause problems... Ah, Lady Dianeia? You're rolling your eyes. Are you okay?"

"Ah!?"

No, I almost fainted from the shock.

"A Dragon King... So, they're coming?"

"Yes. They don't particularly hate humans, but they are stronger than me. They came to inform me of this."

"I see..."

I'm not sure exactly how strong the Dragon King is, but if they are stronger than Anne, who is already stronger than me, that's dangerous. What's dangerous is,

"A Dragon King who misjudges their own strength might challenge Lord Daichi... That moment could turn into a monster war."

"Well, I don't think that will happen... Lord Daichi will definitely win."

I hope so, but Procia is currently filled with many people. A major war there would be disastrous.

And now, with the First Princess also coming, two major issues have coincided at this timing...

...First, I need to deal with this, but can I finish today's work by night...?

I feel like I want to hold my head and feel depressed. But if I don't finish dealing with this, I won't be able to spend time with that person, so there's no choice.

"Anne, can you tell me more about that Dragon King?"

"Sure, I understand."

I'll need to work hard to finish my work by night.