"... food? I don't care... why?

The next day, I went back to the hall and asked Rolf if he would give me some food on a regular basis for a while.

It's not just about giving it away, it's about paying the price.

However, I was told that I didn't need any other consideration.

Rolf is the former Duke after all, and he has enough assets.

You can pay as much as you want for food for a few people.

Therefore, I immediately accepted it, but I was troubled to ask why.

Of course, I thought you would hear it if I talked like this, and I have an excuse, but there is a question of whether it will work.

Rolf has long been an excellent eye-catcher at the top of the nobles as Duke of Farrence.

For this reason, it was obvious that I would soon be spotted where I had lied.

Even though I had the experience of deceiving countless people in the process of controlling the number of masterminds in the previous period, Rolf could not deceive them.

It is very difficult to say that it can still be done now, but I cannot say.

I mean, you shouldn't lie.

I told Rolf.

"Actually, yesterday, I felt a strong magic on the mountain and went to see it in the middle of the night."

"... really? Clément didn't say anything in particular. The same goes for the gatekeeper....."

Although this is a retired Rolf Hall, there are solid servants here.

The gatekeeper is of course there, and he has confirmed that he is quite skilled.

However, I am also good at concealed magic.

This is because it was necessary before, but it is not easy to discern the technology polished during the war.

That's why the gatekeepers didn't even notice.

I say.

"I haven't told Clément yet... so I don't want to worry about it. I'm sorry, but the gatekeepers didn't notice because they went into hiding."

Rolf looked stunned.

"... I heard about you last night while I was drinking with Cleman, and I was laughing at you because you were quite a stepmother... I thought you were making a big deal out of it, but it wasn't an exaggeration at all..."

"As long as you're ashamed."

"Besides, I was a little worried about the doorman's skills....."

"I was wondering if you would care about that. I'm proud of this, but I'm confident that if I just sneak into the castle, I'll sneak into it without anyone noticing."

"... if it's true, it's terrible. You can't tell anyone that, can you?

"Of course. It's because I'm your stepfather."

"I hope so... if you have so many arms, you can't help but miss it. Well, that's fine. So, let's continue. I don't know what I saw in the mountains....."

"Yes, I encountered a powerful beast. He had incredibly high concealment technology... but he was injured. He was also highly intelligent, and that's why he was able to have conversations."

"What!? So we need to organize a mob."

"No. In fact, I was able to negotiate with the beast and promise to leave the land sooner or later with food and magic stones."

"Hmm... I'm sure it's not just beasts and people that are hostile. It was something we could talk about....."

"Yes, but they said they couldn't move until the wound healed, so they need to stay for a while...."

"... maybe you should decide that it's time to crush them, but is there a reason why you dared to choose negotiation?

"It was a pretty powerful beast, so it would be difficult for a warrior like Trad to crush it. Astelle's people will probably not be able to do it. Overall, I decided that I should drink the beast's suggestion."

"Are you lying?

"No."

Rolf looked at me with a straight look and nodded to the bottom of his heart.

To be honest, I was thrilled to see things through.

I certainly didn't lie right now, but I can't say I'm reporting something accurate.

I'm not talking about dragons, I'm talking about beasts.

When it comes to dragons, it's quite important... if it's as powerful as a magical beast, well, something.

Truth be told, Rolf is a dragon, but I don't know where he has his ears.

I know it will need to be communicated later, but this should be fine for now.

"... I see. I'm not lying, but there's something I didn't tell you, that's all."

I thought I had been spotted, but I said calmly because there was no mistrust of me in Rolf's eyes.

"... yes. I thought I'd tell you everything... just a little bit."

"Hmm? Are you afraid someone will ask you? Probably not a problem... but since I retired and retreated to this truck, I can't deny that the area has become quite suitable. I'll ask for more details later, and I'll be happy with it now. I'll get you some food right away, but will you take it with you? You don't need an escort?

"Honestly, there's no point in putting an escort on. There's also an expectation that going alone is more reliable and more affordable."

"... so strong. It's just that it's not all about intention. Well, that's fine. Yeah, what about the Magic Stone? I have some stockpiles....."

There must be quite a few Magic Stones in the Mansion to get the Magic Tools up and running.

As far as I'm concerned, it was just a good suggestion, so I say it.

"... then, can I ask you? However, the price for that is....."

"I'd say I'll pay, but I don't need anything else. And don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything else. I will spare no effort to cooperate for the unjust."

"Thank you so much, stepfather... how can I repay you?"

"Don't worry about it. But if you dare, I'd like to see you here again. And let us visit."

"Of course not."