As Taylor left the waiting room, I let out a sigh.
Just as I was about to cross my arms and think, I heard the sound of a cup being placed on the table in front of me.
Looking over there, I saw steaming freshly brewed tea waiting for me.
I smile wryly and say, holding the cup in my hand.
"Shale?"
"Yes, good morning."
"Good morning. Where did you hear that from?"
"I just got here... What's Mr. Taylor's report?"
The voice came from the sofa opposite, where she was probably sitting.
She held up the letter I had received from Taylor on the sofa across from me, where no one was, and it floated into the air and disappeared.
I take a sip of tea and begin speaking to Shale, who is probably reading the letter.
"The name of the nobleman listed there, Baron Bobs, is the man who was embrace Elicia."
"...I see, so?"
"Changing the subject... What happened to the matter of Count Deus, who was mentioned only once in the church letter?"
"I heard from the priest that he met with him only once."
"What's it about?"
"They came to make a donation..."
"Donation...huh?"
I put the cup on the table and crossed my arms again in thought.
As can be guessed from the tone of Shale's voice, the priest's words are true, but his purpose is probably different.
At first, it was thought that Baron Tegagusa had teamed up with Baron Abonano to enrich themself.
However, when Count Deus' name comes up, things start to get fishy.
What's more, the situation is not good at all when Baron Bobs is the boss of the moneylenders.
I sighed and told Shale.
"I'd like to think that it's not true, but if possible, I think it's just an overreaction."
"Please tell me."
Shale gives the impression of straightening your posture.
It wasn't like I heard the sound of clothes rustling, and I couldn't be sure because I was judging everything from the sound of voices.
"Count Deus may be collecting the money."
"...Isn't it normal for aristocrats to increase their assets?"
"If that's a normal amount, then yes. There are many things to consider, such as territory management, territory development, and investments… but what if you've been collecting money for some purpose for the past six or seven years?"
"6-7 years ago..."
Yes, that was the time when Count Deus offered Elicia to other noble men.
What he received in return was still unknown.
However, if it's to create an information network to make money or as a substitute for money, then I can understand.
As Shale said, it's natural for nobles to increase their assets.
But that's only to the extent that the country is aware of it.
If the assets being increased are slush funds, it will take six to seven years...and the amount will be astronomical.
If a noble were to increase assets that they didn't actually need by using them as slush funds, it would be different from commoners or merchants increasing their assets.
Preparation for conflict or rebellion.
This is not a fight with an enemy country, but an ugly conflict within one's own country.
Shale, who had been listening to my story, muttered.
"Rebellion..."
"Is the son of the Dwaf Company still in prison?"
"Yes, I have been informed that he is being interrogated."
"We should investigate his connections with Count Deus. Fools gather around fools. It wouldn't hurt to investigate."
"I'll contact my friends."
"If nobles are involved, we can't leave the sister in Santony..."
"...after all the priest had received the money."
"Then it's even more so. Moneylenders are persistent. They'll try to get their money no matter what. I want to head to the royal capital tomorrow...no, I'll go today."
"I'll make the arrangements."
It would be easier to keep an eye on them in the royal capital than here in Santony.
And even if I were to defend it, I'd rather fight in a familiar place than in a place I don't know very well.
It's not that he doesn't know much about Santony, and he's worried about the lovers he left behind in the royal capital.
A voice came from above, as if Shale had stood up from his seat.
She said in a serious voice, bowing slightly.
"Sorry."
"...Hehe, leave it to me. Now then..."
I looked up and tilted my head, not understanding why she was laughing.
I put the letter that had somehow ended up on the table in my pocket and drank the tea that had cooled a little.
I got up from my seat and headed to the room where Erika and the others were waiting.
I need to figure out how to talk to the three sisters.
The waiting room where I spoke with Taylor and Shale.
Since Erika had already prepared it right after I left, it didn't take too long.
Three nuns in religious robes sit on the sofa opposite.
On my left side is Niche, who has short, curly brown hair.
On the right side, Sera has shiny red hair that reaches down to her waist.
And in the middle sits Atla, who spoke at church, with shoulder-length black hair.
The three of them looked calm and their expressions were peaceful.
Niche and Sera's breasts are the size of melons, and Atla's bears a magnificent watermelon.
Perhaps because of her nun's habit, her breasts are emphasized, so I try not to look at them.
...No, even so, it's too conspicuous.
Erika, sitting to my left, looked worried as she checked on the health of the three sisters.
Behind the sofa where Erika and I were sitting, three adventurer girls were standing.
"Everyone, are you okay?"
"Yes, thank you for your help."
Atla put one hand to her cheek and smiled.
Both Nicci and Sera smiled at Erica's words.
Just like with Felica, Erika went to see the three sisters once a day to check on them.
It seems like our relationship is going well, so I breathe a sigh of relief.
If your relationship is at its worst, you can't bring yourself to ask them to come with you.
I explained the current situation to the three sisters with a serious expression.
The three sisters listened quietly with serious expressions, but also with a hint of concern.
"So, it's dangerous to stay in Santoni like this. Let's head to the royal capital together."
"But, things like where to live..."
"There is a church in the royal capital too. Do you know Sister Meiya?"
"Is Meiya in the royal capital right now?"
Apparently, all three sisters are classmates of Meiya.
The three of them spoke happily when they heard Meiya's name.
Then that's easy.
It's better to be near a friend who you can trust than to be in such a dangerous place.
While I was away, Dill was also there, being trained by adventurers.
Although he appears calm, he has just been attacked.
Living with a lot of people will help to distract you a little.
I explained this to the three sisters, then bowed deeply while sitting down and said:
"If the church gets dirty, you can just clean it, and if it's destroyed, you can just rebuild it. I know it will be hard for you to leave the church in Santony, where you have been for so long. But nothing can replace your life. I will take you to the royal capital with me. I don't mind if you resent me... but I will definitely take you to the royal capital."
It's mostly just my own satisfaction.
They don't want to see the people they helped end up in danger again or living a terrible life.
If there is even a slight possibility that you will regret something in the future, thinking, "I should have done this" or "I should have done that" then, then cut it off.
As I continued to bow my head, I heard a gentle, elegant laugh from above and looked up.
The three sisters then looked at me with warm gazes, then turned their gaze to Erika and said.
"You're just as Erika said."
"Isn't that right? It's just as I expected, and it makes me laugh a little."
I looked at Erika with just my eyes, and she was also looking at me with an exasperated smile.
I tilted my head and turned my gaze back to the three sisters, who were smiling and bowing slightly to me.
"Thank you"
"Well then..."
"Yes, I'm heading to the royal capital. However, I want to go to the church to get some clothes and other things."
"We'll go out together... is that okay?"
Perhaps feeling a little worried, Erika turned to the three girls behind her to check on them.
The three sisters watched with smiles on their faces as Minty hugged Erica across the sofa, squealing with delight.
Good, this will prevent the worst case scenario from happening at this point.
To be honest, I would like the country to resolve this issue on its own without us having to intervene...
The scale of the matter has grown so large that it exceeds the capacity of any individual to handle it.
...When I return to the royal capital, I'll send a letter to the Prime Minister.
I sighed lightly and smiled at the joyous scene before me.