Published: January 22, 2026
At Princess Lucilla’s first words, a tense atmosphere enveloped us.
Explorers generally do not get involved in politics.
While it’s undeniable that there are indirect ties, we explorers never stick our noses too deep into it.
We understand that diving too deeply would only bind us in endless complications.
The nobility and aristocrats are aware of this as well, so a mutually beneficial relationship has been maintained until now.
It’s especially rare for a member of the royal family to come directly to explorers and speak face to face.
“Your Highness, I apologize, but even though this is a request from you, we cannot accept it lightly. Could you first explain the details to us?”
Ms. Selma spoke on our behalf.
Perhaps because Ms. Selma and Princess Lucilla were classmates at the Noble Academy and got along well, it seemed to me that while she used polite language, she appeared more natural and relaxed than when dealing with other aristocratic sponsors.
“Yes. First, I will explain our circumstances and the request I want to make. Naturally, what I’m about to say concerns the problems our country currently faces, so I ask that you keep this confidential.”
We nodded in understanding at Princess Lucilla’s words.
Once confirmed, she spoke again.
“As you all know, recently my father, His Majesty the King, was killed by the Empire’s hand. The Empire has long engaged in unacceptable acts, but this latest incident is something our country cannot ignore. War is inevitable.”
We already knew this.
The nobility stirs anger against the Empire through newspapers and other means, raising public support for war.
Given the increased activity in developing magical weapons, a clash between the two countries is only natural in the near future.
“However, the undeniable fact remains that there is a significant gap in national power between our country and the Empire. If we confront them as we are, we will likely lose. Therefore, I intend to form an allied force by joining hands with friendly neighboring countries.”
Originally, there were four Great Labyrinths on this continent.
Currently, with the Great Western Labyrinth having been conquered, three remain. Countries with Great Labyrinths have historically converted the vast resources gained there into national power, so excluding the Nohitant Kingdom, they are all major powers.
Well, the Junoae Republic, which holds the Northern Great Labyrinth, suffered a significant decline in national power following a war decades ago, so now their power level is just above the kingdom’s.
Amid that history, the Nohitant Kingdom has worked not only to enrich itself but also to build friendly relations with surrounding nations through diplomacy.
Certainly, if the Kingdom and Empire clash, the Empire has the advantage, but if the Kingdom can ally with neighboring countries, the situation becomes uncertain.
“So, my first request: this is a personal one for Selma.”
“A personal request for me?”
“Yes. We have already started preliminary talks with the surrounding countries. However, the final arrangements cannot be made in writing, so I intend to go as the organizer myself.”
“You don’t mean the location is...”
“Yes, just as you suspected. The meeting place is Darane in the eastern part of the Kingdom—that is also our country’s gateway.”
Darane is the Kingdom’s trade hub, governed by Count Claudel’s family.
It is also the hometown of Ms. Selma and Sophie.
“I understand that this may cause you discomfort. But your strength is needed now. Could you please accompany me to Darane?”
“............”
Ms. Selma lowered her eyes at Princess Lucilla’s words.
Though I hadn’t heard directly, I vaguely sensed there was some conflict between Ms. Selma and her family, the Claudel count’s lineage.
This was just a guess based on Sophie’s past that I learned when instructing the silver rabbits of the night sky, and even after spending time with Ms. Selma, she had never once mentioned her family.
Everyone present waited for Selma’s answer, but she seemed hesitant to respond.