Chapter 87
Chapter 87
[Translator - Night]
[Proofreader - Gun]
Chapter 87
"Huh?"
"What the... is this?"
They say that when a person is too shocked, their brain stops functioning.
A refreshing sea breeze that wasn’t unpleasant.
The sun shone brightly but wasn’t overwhelming.
The sound of waves crashing against the shore rang in their ears.
The soft, warm sand could be felt beneath their feet.
"Uh... S-Senior? What is this...?"
"Am I dreaming...?"
The dazed individuals soon shook their heads vigorously as they looked up at the strange constellations in the sky.
This isn’t reality!
As if to confirm their thoughts, an interface—something that shouldn’t normally be visible—appeared at the edge of their vision.
The knights aimlessly wandered along the shoreline, beginning to explore their surroundings.
But it wasn’t long before a scream shattered the tense silence.
"Ahhh! Let go of me!"
"Heheheh. Senior Knight, you have to enjoy the upper stream first before you can enjoy the lower stream."
"Argh!!"
A senior knight was grabbed by the arms and legs and lifted as if they were a giant blanket being carried away.
He was passed around among the other knights before being thrown straight into the sea.
"Ugh!!"
SPLASH!!!
"Argh! Pfft! So salty! Why is the water so salty?!"
I heard that seawater is salty like salt?!
Curious and intrigued, someone began pressing the interface displayed in their vision as if exploring it.
Suddenly, a parasol, a sunbed, and a luxurious glass filled with what looked like an exquisite fruit juice appeared next to him.
"Oh... Ohhh."
Everyone's eyes focused on the soldier who had summoned it.
He slowly took a sip of the drink.
Then, he let out a brief gasp of admiration.
"Hey! Hurry up and tell us. How is it?!"
"It tastes like a real drink? I’ve never tasted anything like this before, but..."
"What?! There’s alcohol here too!"
"No way, I have to try it too!"
With that, the guards' eyes sparkled with excitement.
They didn’t know what was going on, but they were all desperate for entertainment.
And now, they found themselves in a place that seemed filled with things to enjoy.
They had played in the water before, but an ocean stretching endlessly to the horizon was a first.
Excited cheers erupted as they began exploring like children who had just received new toys.
However, some knights knew they had to stay sharp.
It was impressive, but if they got too caught up in this, they wouldn’t be able to fulfill their duties as guards.
Then—@@@@
BEEP!!!
A sudden sound turned their vision black.
At the same time, they shot up from their seats.
What they saw upon regaining their senses was an artifact installation site.
"Gasp?!"
"What the...!"
The illusion had suddenly vanished, and grumbles of dissatisfaction erupted from all directions.
"Come on, I barely got to see anything!"
"What the hell is this...?"
Though they were frustrated, Leon remained calm.
"If a problem arises, just press this button."
Only then did the knights and soldiers realize who had turned off the artifact, their gazes turning sharp.
They clearly wanted to say something but couldn’t—because he was the heir of the noble family.
"If you lose sight of your mission and get lost in indulgence, we won’t be able to provide support."
As he spoke, Leon raised the alarm artifact.
It was a sound that played when monsters in the demon territory exhibited abnormal behavior, signaling the guards to deploy.
Looking at the count’s seal in my hand, I boldly declared,
“First things first—let’s go shopping.”
I had plenty of money, but since it was public funds, I couldn’t spend it recklessly.
Melissa was meticulous and incredibly strict about finances, saving every coin she could.
But now that I had the seal in my hands, there was nothing to fear.
“Luna, tell me anything you want! I’ll buy it all for you!”
“Oh, I like this a lot.”
A plan quickly formed in my head.
I had plenty of things I wanted to build throughout Cascadia.
But first, I’d indulge in just a little selfishness.
“Selfishness?”
“Let’s install a teleportation device.”
The investment cost was high, but it wasn’t impossible.
Authorization?
I was the acting lord of the territory right now—who would stop me?
* * *
Outside the territory, Melissa couldn’t hide her unease.
She was heading to imperial lands.
Even at the fastest pace, it would take at least a few weeks.
“My lady, are you alright?”
“Ah. I’m fine.”
With a grim expression, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Leon was about to cause some trouble.
“Well, we do have plenty of money... A little bit of trouble should be fine, right?”
Leon might get into mischief, but he wasn’t the kind of scum who ruined people’s lives.
No, if anything, he tried to improve them.
He wouldn’t torment the citizens.
—What are you all waiting for? Let’s get started! I’ll even pay you wages! With big bonuses!
—Ugh... Young master, if the Count finds out about this...
—Do you see this seal in my hand? Right now, I am the king of this territory! And anyway, Melissa will take all the responsibility!!
—Woooooo!!!
At the same time, back in Cascadia, chaos was unfolding.
Melissa had no idea.
In any case, thanks to the teleportation device, she quickly reached her destination.
She had arrived at the Berner territory—one of the imperial count houses.
Since Berner had long had a teleportation device, commerce had flourished there.
Most territories with teleportation devices experienced economic booms.
After stepping out into the bustling streets, she took a carriage and soon arrived at a luxurious mansion.
“My goodness, Lady Melissa. It’s been so long.”
“It’s been a while, Steward. I think the last time we met was after the academy?”
“Yes. You didn’t look too happy that day when you left... But judging by your face now, I take it everything has been resolved?”
“It’s been a few months now.”
“Ah, that’s right. And you’re not just a lady anymore—you’re a Count now.”
The elderly steward chuckled as he welcomed her.
“Is Count Berner here?”
“The master is currently at the imperial palace. But more importantly, my lady has been eagerly waiting for you. She missed you dearly.”
“It’s been a long time since I last saw Lilia. Please, lead the way.”
Following the steward inside, Melissa took in the grandeur of the mansion, far more lavish than anything in Cascadia.
Cascadia, after all, was a small border county in the kingdom.
Berner, on the other hand, was an imperial count house with direct ties to the royal family.
It was only natural.
Of course, Melissa wasn’t the type to show any sign of being overwhelmed.
After walking for a while, she entered a reception room where a girl with a cute demeanor widened her eyes in surprise.
“Melissa!”
The girl rushed forward and threw herself into Melissa’s arms.
Melissa silently embraced her and patted her back.
“It’s been a while, Lilia.”
“My goodness, just how much have you been through? You look half-starved—ah, no, wait. I mean, Count Melissa.”
“It’s fine. It’s just the two of us here.”
[Translator - Night]
[Proofreader - Gun]
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