Published: September 10, 2025
Correction of typos made on 2015/11/8.
This is not from Satou’s perspective. The main story will proceed as planned tomorrow.
“—Is this an ancient document?”
“Yes, it was found in the castle’s archive. Look at this, Nereina.”
“A modern translation?”
About five days after Her Highness Princess Sistina of the Royal Capital left, I was summoned by the princess and came to the castle.
“If this is true—”
“Yes, it would prove the existence of the nereids.”
The servants of the marquis’s family must have found this; they are probably talented enough to read ancient texts.
If we show this to the marquis, perhaps he will be persuaded to conduct a proper investigation.
For the first time in a while, I felt as refreshed as a bird seeing the morning sun.
◇
“Excuse me!”
Together with the princess, I came to the marquis’s office.
Normally, we would be stopped on the way, but today no one obstructed us. It felt strange.
Truly, a lucky day is different.
“You’re early.”
—Huh?
At the marquis’s unexpected words, I exchanged glances with the princess.
“You must be Nereina, who first raised the alarm about this matter.”
A young woman with golden hair cut straight at the shoulders rose from the sofa in front of the marquis.
Her outfit was made of fine, expensive fabric, and her jewelry and accessories were carefully maintained.
She was undoubtedly a high-ranking noble, not from the Marquisate of Ganika but a noble of the Royal Capital.
“This is Sara from the Echigoya Trading Company.”
—A merchant?
She looked every bit a noble, didn’t she?
“Marquis, I am here today as a retainer of Duke Mitsukuni.”
“I see.”
Duke Mitsukuni... the one famous from the king ancestor’s journey to reform the world!
We were surprised but exchanged greetings like daughters born into noble families.
“Now, regarding the nereids—”
“It’s true! The nereids exist!”
I interrupted Sara in my eagerness.
It was more than rude. At this rate, I might not just get scolded; I could be sent to a reflection room back home.
At this point, I decided to brace myself.
“If you look at this book, you will see that the existence of the nereids is factual—”
“No need.”
Perhaps angered by the earlier interruption, Sara sharply cut me off.
“Sara, please listen to Nereina.”
“I understand. If it’s after I speak, I will listen.”
Thanks to the princess’s support, I managed to secure some time to speak.
As expected of the princess! So reliable.
Clearing her throat, Sara began her story.
“Following rumors of nereids, lord hero Nameless’s investigation discovered the underwater city Nenerie and contacted the nereids there. However, they were deemed hostile monsters, and the area was sealed with barrier magic. Further investigation found descendants of elder nereids living primitively on a nearby isolated island. Upon contact and examining materials left in their village, it was confirmed they were original residents of Nenerie Underwater City.”
Isn’t their work too fast?
We only sensed the anomaly about half a month ago...
“Is that underwater city reusable?”
“Impossible. The teleportation gate used to access the city was destroyed, and only someone like lord hero Nameless, who can withstand the pressure of the deep sea, can even approach.”
“I see...”
The conversation between the marquis and Sara felt like a tale from a distant country.
“—Nereina!”
I was called by the princess and realized I had been lost in thought.
“I apologize.”
“It’s fine. Take this, Nereina. It’s a reward from His Majesty.”
The necklace was so luxurious it was almost too extravagant for a count’s daughter.
Moreover, underneath was a bolt of the finest Shiga tsumugi silk fabric.
And even more! There was a certificate of commendation from His Majesty!
“Accept it.”
“I humbly accept.”
I received the commendation and reward proudly.
Of course, the princess also received hers.
After all, this was the achievement of both of us.
“Now, I will visit the villages in the territory.”