Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

33

Having received Rootger’s oath of allegiance, I decided to disclose information about Estelle’s illness.

“I may not know the exact illness, but I know the nature of it.”

“What in the world is it? The detestable nature of the illness that has tormented my daughter!”

“It’s a hereditary disease that affects those of human and elf blood.”

Alz said that in the game.

“Elf…?”

“Perhaps there was elf blood in your wife’s ancestral line. Over the generations, the elf blood became so diluted that it was almost insignificant, but unfortunately, it caused unnecessary issues in your daughter’s case.”

“Is that even possible… Is there a way to cure it?”

“We still don’t know.”

There were two types of medicine mentioned in the game.

The first was the ointment I had prepared. The second was a decoction for treating the illness, with only a brief mention of herbs for the ointment, but no specific recipe for the decoction.

“But there is a lead.”

Alse said he learned of this treatment from the northeast of the continent. The northeast of the continent. It was the region where the Kurrabel Empire was located.

“I have a genuine half-elf from the Kurrabel Empire under my command.”

I had asked Eo a while back.

─Is it symptoms of allergies in human and elf hybrids?

Since she didn’t know the meaning of allergies well, she had to explain it step by step.

Eo tilted her head a few times before clapping her hands.

─Come to think of it, my parents when I was young strictly warned me not to touch a certain object under any circumstances.

─What was that object?

─I can’t remember. I only remember being cautioned back then.

─I see. Will it not manifest after a certain period of time…

That settled it. At least the Kurrabel Empire knew about this illness.

So when Eo expressed her desire to see the way of life of the people of the Kurrabel Empire, I had one more request.

To bring someone who knows about this illness.

“Since she is in contact with the people of the Kurrabel Empire, let’s make sure to ask her about this as well.”

“Hmm, strictly speaking, we might not be able to find the cure.”

“Hmph, do you suddenly want to retract your loyalty oath?”

“As if. Just by revealing the true nature of the illness, you are already a benefactor to me. I merely acknowledged that my daughter may have to live the rest of her life in her current state.”

“Well, don’t worry too much. We will surely find a cure.”

Thinking that since it was discovered even in the game five years later, it would be easier now.

“I hope it turns out that way. But more importantly, how should we proceed with your contact in the future? If you have to be separated from your daughter, it must be quite sad.”

“There is no need for that. I plan to stay in Rainfall for the time being. You all should find a mansion in Rainfall and stay there. I will visit when the treatment is needed.”

“Oh, that’s a relief.”

“But those two are exceptions.”

“Those two?”

“George and Ings, was it? Send those two back.”

I decided to set one more condition for Rootger.

To cut off all ties up to now. This was a condition out of concern for any potential third-party connections.

Not only Albad, but also the apprentices George and Ings should be sent back and no longer have any relationship.

It was quite a difficult condition, but unexpectedly, Rootger readily accepted.

“Since you have agreed to join under you, it is a natural course to cut ties with Albad. George and Ings should also break free from the shackles of Rosenburg and walk their own paths. It shouldn’t be too difficult. Then, we should also find a new caretaker for your daughter.”

“…I’ll take care of that part. We need someone to monitor the progress of the illness as well.”

“Is that so. Thank you.”

I had a feeling Rootger wouldn’t turn out to be a traitor.

‘Doesn’t seem like the type to secretly plot against others.’

I decided to keep a closer eye on Rootger for the time being.

After finishing work and returning to Rebell, I informed my parents that I would be moving to Rainfall.

Rebell, the territory of the Eilain family, was not in a particularly good location.

Situated in the southwest, it was vulnerable to direct threats if Albard or Byuran invaded Caliper.

Therefore, Rainfall, located northeast of Caliper, was the optimal choice. Especially now that the connection with Crossing had strengthened even more.

However, my father shook his head.

“I think I should stay with Max until he settles in. I thought he was ready, but he seems lost.”

“If that’s the case, then I guess there’s no other choice. I’ll stay at Julia Academy for the time being…”

“No, you will go to Rainfall.”

“Excuse me?”

“While you were in Crossing, there have been changes in the domestic situation. As a minor noble, I don’t know the details, but the atmosphere seems uneasy. You might get caught up in unnecessary trouble being at Julia, the Helyan Duchy, so go to Rainfall first.”

“An uneasy atmosphere…”

I wondered if there was a reason for that.

Considering the reconciliation between the Helyan faction and the Salleon faction at this point, if there were changes in the situation, it would only mean friction with other countries.

“Could it be that the Chimera War is going to break out this spring?”

If that was the case, I could understand it, but according to the information I gathered when I was in Crossing, there was no such movement in the country that would be the main focus of the Chimera War.

“There must be another reason that I’m not aware of.”

I would soon find out why there was a sense of unrest flowing through the Caliper Kingdom.

Rainfall’s secondary academy welcomed me when I transferred, and from the first day, I received a lot of attention.

This academy, where students from Crossing and Caliper jointly attended classes after forming an alliance, had an unusual aspect – there were hardly any nobles.

With no noble system in Crossing to begin with, and only four nobles on the Caliper side, even a minor noble like me attracted attention.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Alce Eilain. I aspire to become an officer. I look forward to working with you.”

Subtle glances were cast from all around.

As it was a typical scene, I casually ignored it and went to sit where the teacher pointed.

“Anyway, it’s a hassle.”

I honestly wanted to just brush off things like academies, but I had no choice but to go along with the story to meet the protagonist.

I needed to enroll in the high academy where I would meet the protagonist.

“At least Alce doesn’t show any signs of betrayal yet.”

If the game’s Alce was truly a traitor, there should be some sign for me now.

While the connection with Crossing could be that sign, at least for now, I had no intention of betraying the protagonist.

So, for the time being, I planned to follow the story of meeting the protagonist.

But if Alce truly turned out to be in an antagonistic relationship with the protagonist, then the story would take a different turn. From then on, I might have to walk my own path.

“At least it seems fortunate that this year’s spring isn’t the time for the Chimera War to start.”

I rested my chin on my hand and gazed out the window. The scent of spring drifting in.

Unintentionally, possibly due to recent lack of sleep, drowsiness crept over me.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the classroom. A commotion.

“Stay calm!”

The teacher reassured the students, looking perplexed.

The reason for this was simple. It was because of another transfer student who had just arrived behind me.

“Along with our Line Guards, we have Estelle Dante joining our Rainfall Middle School Academy. Now, Estelle, please introduce yourself.”

“I’m Estelle… Dante. Dante is my mother’s surname. Please… be kind to me.”

By her side was Yumir, whom I had assigned.

“I’m Lemyu, entrusted with Estelle’s care. Please treat me as if I don’t exist.”

Yumir shot me a sly glance, and I smirked.

‘Leutger made quite a strong decision.’

Even considering the possibility that the illness might not be cured, he immediately pushed Estelle out. It was as if he was saying one must get used to living like that.

It was a harsh choice, but understandable. One cannot rely on someone else forever for help.

Leutger himself could die.

“As you are aware, Estelle is suffering from an illness. Please understand this with deep empathy.”

But there was a limit to understanding. When the teacher tried to assign seats, everyone tried to avoid it. The students in the front row were disgusted by a strange odor.

‘Even though it seems like that, she has improved a lot.’

Indeed, even the experienced teacher must have been surprised, making it difficult for the students to accept.

The teacher, unsure of what to do, fidgeted. Then, he looked at me with determined eyes.

“That’s right! Let’s have the new transfer students sit together.”

Since my seat was in a secluded corner by the window, it seemed like a perfect place to exile Estelle.

With a dark expression, Estelle sat next to me. Then she glanced at me.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Alse Irine. Let’s get along well from now on.”

“Sure…?”

It was an expression asking why she wasn’t being shown disgust.

“You’re sick, that’s why, right? So, it can’t be helped.”

Knowing that the situation with the smell had improved significantly, I could endure it.

‘Besides.’

In the game, she had chosen to die by suicide. It indicated that she was quite overwhelmed mentally. Probably even now.

That’s why I had dismissed the unhelpful George and Ings and appointed Yumir as her exclusive caregiver.

‘What can I do? I have to be the one close by.’

Estelle responded a beat late.

“Well, please take care of me. Alse… Miss.”

“Just call me Alse. I’ll also call you Estelle.”

“Yes, yes…!”

Deciding to focus quietly on academy life for the time being, shocking news spread that night.

The reason for the internal instability of Caliper.

The news quickly reached my ears.

* * *

Returning to the academy and hearing the news, I had to doubt my ears.

“…What did you say? Did I hear it wrong?”

Anton, who got information from Crossing, said,

“You didn’t mishear. Calipha Kingdom has declared war on Albad Kingdom, and they are organizing their army.”

“So, that’s the source of the suspicious trend my father mentioned…”

Calipha aimed his blade at Albad.

The flow of events made sense.

It was all due to the Tripartite War initiated by Crossing.

Crossing splendidly decorated the war by defeating both Beccabia and Albad simultaneously.

As a result, Beccabia suffered a blow that shook the foundation of their country, and Albad also took a significant hit.

It was only natural for the influential Calipha to consider a different course of action.

“If Crossing did it, can’t we do it too?”

He entertained the arrogant thought.

It wasn’t merely arrogance. Even from a rational standpoint, now was a perfect time to invade Albad.

It seemed like a good plan at first glance. However, there was a major issue at hand.

“Anton, isn’t this a time when Crossing can’t send reinforcements?”

“Yes, that’s correct. After the Tripartite War, the forces were temporarily disbanded, and given the overlapping of agricultural seasons, it would take at least two months to gather a sizable force again.”

In other words, it meant that Crossing, Calipha’s ally, also couldn’t dispatch troops.

It was turning into a direct confrontation between Calipha and Albad.

“Isn’t it a favorable choice?”

It was the master’s words.

“Although Calipha may not receive support from Crossing, the same goes for Albad. Beccabia wouldn’t have the means to send reinforcements either.”

“Yes, Albad is in a situation where the costs of war are piling up, so objectively, the situation favors Calipha. But if they fail to win, it will lead to significant problems.”

“Problems?”

“The situation could reverse like dominoes.”

“What’s a domino?”

“I guess I’ll have to explain that first. Simply put, if Calipha loses, they could suffer a greater blow. On the other hand, even if they win, the gains won’t be particularly significant.”

I laid out the battlefield situation and explained it to the master.

“If Calipha loses, Albad will immediately launch a counteroffensive. Knowing that Crossing, Calipha’s ally, doesn’t have the means to help.”

“…!”

“Furthermore, in that case, Beccabia will do whatever it takes to gather forces and try to reclaim the Carington Plains they lost. Just in case Crossing is unable to provide assistance.”

In such a scenario, Calipha would be in a precarious situation.

“Once that situation arises, Albad will try to drag other nations into destroying Calipha.”

A victory means tangible benefits. A defeat could lead to the nation’s downfall.

If this isn’t a handshake, what is?

“Shouldn’t we prevent that?”

“I don’t have that level of influence. If anyone were to, it would have to be Crossing, Calipha’s ally. What do you think, Anton?”

Anton shook his head as if resigned.

“Jurass seemed pleased and found it interesting.”

“Anyway, that lunatic…!”

Perhaps even the Parain King would stand by and watch. From his perspective, Calipha’s ambition for conquest was desirable.

“Phew! Do I have no choice but to act…”

If Albad launches a counterattack, I decided to handle everything within my reach as our territory, Rebell, will be directly at risk.