Published: January 24, 2026
Ugh... This is so difficult, I feel like steam is about to come out of my head...
As I listened to the reports from my retainers, I was silently complaining in my heart.
“The chaos caused by the flooding of the dungeon, which started about three months ago, can be said to have settled down. Also, regarding the food shortage issue caused by demonic beast damage... Nagisa-sama, are you listening?”
Overwhelmed by the huge amount of information being delivered one after another, the retainer who had come specifically to report to me gave me a puzzled look.
“I-I’m fine! Please continue!”
I hurriedly straightened my back and looked him squarely in the eye.
No matter how hard it is, I cannot falter here.
This is the responsibility of the Asagiri family who usurped KyokutĹŤ from the Shinonome family, to which Fuuka and the others belong.
As someone who supports the country, no matter how tough it gets, I have to overcome it.
The retainer furrowed his brows for a moment but then resumed his report.
“...Understood. Regarding the food shortage issue—”
As I concentrated on his report to keep up with the retainers’ discussions, I suddenly sensed a familiar presence.
“Ah! I-I'm sorry! Something urgent just came up. Please let me hear the rest of the report later!”
I told the retainer this, then left the room hastily and headed toward the place where I sensed the presence.
â—‡
“Philly-sama. W-welcome back...!”
I approached Philly-sama, the owner of the presence I had sensed, and called out to her.
“Oh, Nagisa. I always say there’s no need to come out just to greet me. You’re an adult now and actively involved in Kyokutō’s politics, right? You don’t have to worry about me.”
Philly-sama said something to put me at ease.
Her expression held a gentle smile, looking very friendly.
I was tempted to let my guard down because of that.
But I mustn’t forget.
— Philly-sama has no human heart.
How many times have the people suffered terribly because she was left free?
Since I seem to have some value to Philly-sama, she doesn't do terrible things directly to me.
So as long as Philly-sama is in this country, I must keep watch to act as a breakwater protecting the people from her.
...Huh?
Usually, even when Philly-sama feigns expression, her eyes are always cold.
But today, I didn’t feel that coldness from her.
“T-thank you for your concern... Um, Philly-sama, has something good happened?”
“Oh, can you tell? Actually, it seems my long-cherished wish is finally about to come true.”
“L-long-cherished wish...?”
“Fufufu. Don’t be so wary. It’s not something that’s going to start immediately. For a while, I’m thinking of relaxing. There’s a festival in this country, right?”
“...You mean the Spirit Dance Festival?”
“Yes, that’s the one. I plan to purely enjoy the festival for once. So, I have no intention of disturbing the festival, and I promise not to lay a hand on anyone from Kyokutō until the Spirit Dance Festival.”
“R-really!?”
“Yes. So make sure the preparations go smoothly. I’m looking forward to it.”
Philly-sama is dangerous, but she is someone who properly (......) keeps her promises (......).
She has never once broken a promise with me.
Preparing for the Spirit Dance Festival while keeping an eye on Philly-sama is tough, so this is a big relief.
“Understood! I will do my best to make sure Philly-sama can enjoy it too!”
“Yes. I’m truly looking forward to it (....)”
Thank you very much for reading until the end.
Thank you for waiting.
Chapter Nine begins!
I would be happy if you read the next chapter too.