Volume 2, Chapter 13 – A Suspicious Invitation

We arrived in Lilun, the capital of the Blue Star Republic.

The journey here was met with the same overwhelmingly thorough hospitality as in the town of Huttenhorn.

At every stop, mayors, town heads, and village chiefs welcomed us, providing hotels and transportation without asking for anything in return.

The hotels were either the Haslan Grand Hotel or suites in hotels of the same class, and during our stays, we were always assigned a tour guide who thoroughly showed us all the spots listed in the guidebooks.

Along the way, crowds of residents came out to see us, waving flags of the White Moon Kingdom and the Blue Star Republic in welcome, and guards appeared to properly Manage the traffic.

And it was the same here in the capital, Lilun.

No, perhaps even more so.

First, when our carriage arrived, the President of this country and his wife came out to greet us. ¹ The author used 大統 (President) instead of 大統領府 (Presidential Office).

And the hotel provided for us was, of all things, the state guesthouse.

Furthermore, we were invited to a state dinner hosted by the President and First Lady.

When on earth did we become state guests?

It was a relief that my Saint-sama cosplay set was acceptable instead of a dress, but I’m still not good with these kinds of events.

“To the prosperity of the Blue Star Republic and the success of Saint Fiene Argentata-sama’s journey, cheers!”

“”””Cheers!””””

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After the President gave the toast, the semi-buffet style dinner party began. After conversing a bit with the President and First Lady and becoming free to mingle, a long line formed in front of me in no time.

“Saint-sama. It is an honor to meet you. I am Otto, a member of the National Assembly elected from Daleburg. I hear you also work as an Apothecary, Saint-sama. Daleburg is also known as a producer of medicinal herbs, and we would be honored if you could visit us sometime—”

“Thank you for the invitation. If the opportunity arises, I’d certainly love to visit.”

A bright, professional smile. Okay, next person.

In this manner, people with various titles—ministers, assembly members, chamber of commerce presidents—came to me, introduced themselves, and tried to secure a promise for me to visit their areas.

What exactly do they hope to gain from that, anyway? I probably greeted about 100 people.

I can no longer remember who I spoke with.

Finally, once the wave of people died down and I could catch my breath, I headed over to the sweets corner for dessert.

Fruits, sweet bread, tarts… Okay, I’ll go with this cherry tart.

I asked for the cherry tart.

It’s buffet-style, but there are waiters and waitresses standing by to hand you plates they’ve prepared for you.

Perhaps it’s a consideration so the other women, all in dazzling dresses, don’t get them dirty.

“Thank you.”

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As I thanked him and was about to receive the plate with the tart from the waiter, he leaned in and spoke to me quietly in a low voice.

“Saint-sama. I would like to request a moment of your time in private later. It’s regarding the family you inquired about.”

“!”

“Later, a maid by the name of Johanna will come to your room.”

Saying that, the waiter switched places with another and retreated towards the kitchen.

◇ ◇ ◇

Knock knock

There was a knock at our room door.

“It is Johanna. I have brought what you requested.”

“Fiene-sama?”

“Let her in.”

A maid entered the room, rolling a serving cart behind her.

After bowing politely to me beside the table set before the sofa where we were sitting, she removed a luxurious, decorated cloche.

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What appeared from underneath was not a dish, but an envelope.

“This is what you requested.”

Saying that, she placed an envelope sealed with wax in front of me, bowed politely once more, and left the room. I was momentarily captivated by her perfectly executed series of actions.

“Fiene-sama, what is that?”

“A letter from the man who made contact at the dinner party earlier. He says he has something to discuss regarding Lu-chan’s family.”

Lu-chan stood up with a clatter.

“My mom and sister? What does that letter say?”

“Lu-chan, please calm down. I haven’t read it yet.”

I opened the envelope and read the letter inside.

“Let’s see… ‘Tomorrow, in the reception room of the Grand Cathedral, please tell the Sister standing on the right side facing the Angel Statue that you are here regarding the letter. Your attendants are also welcome to accompany you.’ it says.”

What in the world is this?

“What does this mean? Are my mom and sister safe?”

“I have absolutely no idea either. It seems suspicious, but what do you think, Chris-san?”

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“Hmm. It is indeed a difficult point to judge. However, if it is a trap, I believe we can simply break through it head-on, openly and honorably.”

Ah, there it was. Chris’s muscle-brained side had come out again.

Maybe asking her how to handle this was a mistake after all.

“I see…”

Alright, times like these call for calm thinking.

First, the fact that they’re using such a roundabout method means it’s likely someone who isn’t in a position to formally request a meeting with us.

At this point, we can probably rule out anyone with enough influence to reach the country’s leadership directly—that is, people at the heart of the government, the upper ranks of the Temple, or major trading companies engaged in legitimate business.

To begin with, such people could have attended today’s dinner party through their organizations.

If they had explained the situation there and formally requested a meeting with me, we would have had no reason to refuse.

And secondly, the fact that they can place people at the dinner venue, the state guesthouse, and even the Grand Cathedral.

That means they possess the power to intervene in personnel placements within both the state and religious centers.

I only know of one category of organization that fits both of those conditions.

Now, what should we do?