CH 157

"The company of high-ranking individuals inevitably leads to a high-ranking individual."

Translated by Dawn

“The company of high-ranking individuals inevitably leads to a high-ranking individual.”

“Nice to meet you. I am Anastasia, the second princess of the Duchy of Saverdales. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Saying so, she gracefully curtsied, lifting the hem of her dress and taking a step back, performing a curtsey, a Western cultural greeting.

Just that gesture alone made it abundantly clear that the girl in front of me was not an ordinary girl.

She appeared to be in her mid-teens, with lustrous long platinum blonde hair and a gentle expression that left a strong impression. She was undeniably adorable, and that was my initial impression of her.

With the physique appropriate for her age, she exuded a serene and gentle aura, which paradoxically gave her a mature and sophisticated charm, radiating an indescribable charm.

“I appreciate your courtesy. I am Rolando, an adventurer based in the neighboring Kingdom of Schells. I came to this capital today for sightseeing, and when I presented this medal, I was informed that they would bring someone who can confirm whether it is genuine or not. However, I never expected that it would be the princess of this country who would come.”

I chose formal words, avoiding casual language, as I was dealing with someone who held a royal position in this country. …I could read the atmosphere to some extent. Though there were times when I found it troublesome and didn’t bother, this time, as I was dealing with a high-ranking individual I was meeting for the first time, I considered the face of the King of Schells who bestowed upon me the prestigious Mithril Order of the First Class. It was a way to avoid an international issue.

If there were any issues with the person who granted me the honorable Mithril Order, it could potentially reflect on the country that awarded it. Medals, in a sense, come with troublesome responsibilities and obligations.

Of course, there were not only disadvantages. They provided a certain guarantee of status, allowing one to receive treatment on par with the highest-ranking nobles of other countries. In most cases, receiving a medal was a common practice for you to become a noble. However, in my case, I rejected the peerage and territory bestowed upon me, so I, as a commoner, possessed a status comparable to that of the highest-ranking nobles or even royalty of other countries—a peculiar existence.

Because of that, there was a possibility that nobles would try to utilize me as a tool to enhance their own standing by incorporating me into their camp. However, the King of Schells was keeping a close eye on me in that regard, so there are few aristocrats within Schells who would entertain ill intentions toward me.

However, the current situation was that I was in a foreign country beyond the reach of the King’s watchful eyes. If any problems were to arise, I would have to handle them myself, and in terms of dealing with them as a nation, there was a high possibility that I would be put at a disadvantage.

“As a princess, I am merely a member of one of the prominent noble families that govern this country, so there is no need for overly formal language.”

“Well then, let me relax my speech a bit. Anyway, this is the Mithril Order of the First Class. I would like you to confirm it.”

“I will take a look.”

She had a gentle smile just moments ago, but now her expression changes completely, becoming serious as she began her official duty. Her purpose for coming here was not to engage in small talk with me but to verify the authenticity of the Mithril Order of the First Class I possess.

I handed her the medal, and after examining it for a while, she exhaled a sigh and then handed it back to me, conveying the result of her examination while presenting the medal.

“This is undoubtedly a Mithril Order of the First Class manufactured by the Kingdom of Schells. There is no mistake.”

“Then it means my status is assured.”

“Yes, in that case, would you be able to meet my mother on another day?”

Looking at her face, earnestly pleading with the same serious gaze as before, I pondered. I couldn’t help but have a premonition that this might lead to some troublesome affair.

However, even if I were to refuse, there was a high likelihood of being dragged into this troublesome affair without prior notice in the future. And knowing the circumstances could make a significant difference between being unaware and being aware. So, if there was indeed a problem occurring in this country, it should not be a negative outcome to know the details, regardless of whether I chose to resolve it or not.

“Ah, I don’t mind meeting her, but… it’ll be not just that, is it?”

“…Please ask my mother for the details.”

“Alright, I’ll hear it from her then.”

With that conversation, Anastasia finished her task and promptly returned to where she came from. As she left, she said, “Let’s meet again.” Although it was a vague feeling, I somehow had the sense that we would indeed meet again as she had mentioned.

Finally, I managed to enter the capital. For now, I decided to head to the recommended inn I learned from the soldiers to secure a base and check on the usual “thing.”