I was guided to a room at the end of the hallway that looked extremely luxurious.
I was seated on a fluffy sofa, and a sexy platinum blonde dog-eared lady brewed me tea with a luxurious scent.
"The Guild Master will be here shortly, so please wait for a moment."
"Yes, thanks ..."
Or rather, the uniform's chest is too open.
Even though I know I'll be caught looking, I can't help but look.
[ Kent-sama ... There's a hidden room ... ]
[ Just as I thought! From my point of view, which direction? ]
[ The picture frame on the left ... The viewing window is on the bottom ... ]
[ Maa, it's fine ... If they want to watch, I'll let them watch. ]
If a mysterious kid like me showed up with a royal envelope, I'd be wary.
More than that, I think the real Guild Master will appear.
A body double comes out, I want such a troublesome thing to stop since it won't lead to a discussion.
Even though I know I'm being observed, I have nothing to hide, so I'll enjoy my tea and baked goods.
The tea has an impeccable aroma and taste, and the cheese-flavored baked goods are crispy and delicious.
When I had finished drinking tea and eating sweets, the Guild Master finally appeared.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting. I am Kudenine, the one in charge of the Commerce Guild."
"Nice to meet you, my name is Kent Kokubu."
When I stood up and bowed, Kudenine-san froze with a shocked expression on his face.
He was in his late forties to fifties, middle-aged and overweight, with a barcode-style hairdo.
Even in this world, people were concerned about their hair becoming thinner.
"Ma, Ma, Maou-sama, you say?"
"Aahh, that's what Camilla-tachi call me, but don't worry, I'm not that scary."
"So it's like that. Ahh ... Rachel, give Maou-sama a refill on tea."
"Y, yes ... Right away."
The dog-eared lady, who was giving sexy sidelong glances earlier, seemed to be shaking and her face stiffened.
Kudenine-san, who was sitting across from me, also had a pale face and sweat beaded on his forehead.
It seemed like they've heard exaggerated rumors about me.
"Maou-sama, what kind of business do you have with us today?"
"Yes, I have something that I would like to put up for auction, so I came to ask if you could make me an ID."
When I handed over the letter of introduction that Camilla had written for me, Kudenine-san's body trembled again.
"Is it okay if I take a look?"
"Please, this letter of introduction is for that purpose."
After checking the envelope and sealing wax, Kudenine-san took a paper knife from his pocket and cut the seal.
Now that I think about it, I hadn't checked the text of the letter of introduction, but I hoped it didn't say anything strange.
"I, I'll prepare to issue your ID right away, so please wait a moment."
"Understood."
Actually, if the work had just continued at the counter, wouldn't I already have an ID card?
"H, here you go ..."
"Thank you very much."
The sexy Rachel-san made me a refill of tea, but she was shaking like she was in a skit and was having a hard time even making a cup of tea.
I mean, I wondered what kind of person people thought I was.
"Umm ..."
"Yesss ... Wh, wh, what is it, Maou-sama."
"About me, what kind of person do you think I am?"
"Huh? N, no, I'm sorry. I don't understand the meaning of your question."
"Err, Kokubu Kent is, this kind of person ... I wonder what it's like, such as gossip, or rumors ... that's what I'm thinking. I really won't get angry, so could you please tell me the stories you know."
"Yes, as you wish ..."
Rachel-san took a deep breath before speaking, but please stop giving me that expression like you're already dead.
According to Rachel-san, the person named Kent Kokubu can freely control a Storm Cat and Gigawolves.
Even a maximum outbreak of Orcs and legendary monsters such as a Griffon and a Gigas can be wiped out by just one person.
Even if the knights of the Kingdom of Resenburg poured in all their strength, they would be unable to subjugate him, and the knights had already been added to his subordinates.
He controlled Camilla Resenburg from the shadows and effectively ruled the Kingdom of Resenburg.
Maa, it wasn't as wrong as I thought.
Or rather, I feel like I'm not aware of it enough.
"I, I'm extremely sorry. I just heard that as rumors around town ..."
"Aahh, it's okay, it's just rumors. However, I don't remember adding any knights to my subordinates, nor do I have any intention of ruling the kingdom ..."
I tried to smile at her, trying to reassure her that there was no need to worry, but instead, her face stiffened.
[ Buhahaha, Kent-sama, if someone is told that you truly subjugated a large number of Orcs and legendary monsters by yourself, it is natural for them to react like this. ]
"I see ... Umm, I was able to subjugate the Griffon because the entire Volzard defense force came out to help. The Storm Cat and Gigawolves, I feel like they're working with me as family members rather than me controlling them, so it's not scary."
"Y, yes, certainly ..."
Yup, I felt like I failed somehow.
It's not scary ... Rather, it's definitely weird.
After spending some awkward time with Rachel-san, who was extremely nervous, Kudenine-san returned.
"S, sorry to have kept you waiting, Maou-sama."
On the tray that Kudenine-san held out to me, there was a shiny gold card.
On the surface, the name of Kent Kokubu was engraved in Resenburg letters as well as a coat of arms that appeared to belong to the Commerce Guild.
"This is the identity card for Maou-sama. No, I know it would be presumptuous for us to guarantee the identity of Maou-sama. Therefore, it is a special product that we make when we receive a request from the Royal Family."
"I'm sorry. A regular ID would have been fine, but ..."
"No, no, please, accept it please."
"Haa ... Umm, this can be used properly, right? When I go to the auction, what is this ... I won't be asked that, right?"
"Of course, we will take appropriate action."
In some parts of Resenburg, this treatment probably wouldn't change, and there didn't seem to be any problem with putting things up for auction for the time being, so let's accept it as is.
"So, can you tell me about the auction?'
"Yes, anything ..."
"Please tell me the date of the event and the deadline for listing."
"Auctions are held twice a month on star day on the 15th and 31st. The deadline for listing is earth day of the 12th and 28th three days before."
"Then, the earliest I can put it up for auction is the 31st."
"Yes, that's right. By the way, what do you plan to list, Maou-sama?"
"I'm thinking of selling a Kraken's magic stone."
"K, Kraken, is it?"
I told him that Krakens were appearing off the coast of Edelich, and that I had received a nomination request and was subjugating them.
"Subjugating the Kraken as well, was Maou-sama working alone?"
"No, no, the ocean is vast and we don't know where the Krakens will come from, so I asked local adventurers to set out on a boat and act as decoys."
I briefly explained the procedure for defeating the Krakens.
"Then, most of the battle was fought by Maou-sama alone?"
"Maa, it can't really be called a battle."
Kudenine-san gulped and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Rachel-san also still had a pale face and frightened eyes.
Hmm ... I have no intention of causing any harm, I wonder if it was wrong to have shut down that mutt earlier.
"Maou-sama, is there anything else you need?"
"No, there's nothing in particular, so I think I'll excuse myself now ..."
"Umm, what about the hearing ... ?"
"Hearing, is it?"
"Yes ..."
Even if you say a hearing, I had no intention of having any business other than the auction.
However, as I watched Kudenine-san looking extremely desperate, something occurred to me.
"Aahh, perhaps, is it about corruption?"
"Yes ..."
Kudenine-san nodded, as if he steeled himself for what finally arrived.
"Nothing in particular."
"Ehh, what did you say ... ?"
"I don't really have anything to ask you about corruption. As I said with Rachel-san a little while ago, I have no intention of controlling Resenburg, and I have no intention of getting involved in troublesome things like exposing corruption."
"I, I see, is that so ... Haah."
I see, since the crackdown on corruption had begun, I embarked in person ... He misunderstood it.
After learning that I had no intention of getting involved, Kudenine-san relaxed.
"But, though I won't do anything, Camilla is serious."
"Ehh ... What do you mean?"
"Before I came here, I stopped by Camilla's office, and she was interrogating a person in charge who was involved in corruption."
"I, is that true?"
"Yeah, I don't know how far back they're looking, but they're definitely going to look into records from at least two or three years ago. Also, it probably goes without saying, but Camilla is talented and has subordinates who support her. If you use cheap tricks, you'll only widen the wound."
"Aaahhh, just what should I do ..."
Kudenine-san put his head in his hands and groaned.
"Camilla was also shocked, but it seems like it was pretty bad."
"It would be impossible to hide it from Maou-sama, so I'll be honest with you, but if all the small frauds are exposed, I think more than half of the shops in Aldaros will go out of business."
The words were said with a determined look on his face, so I'm sure he wasn't exaggerating or lying.
Even so, Camilla was shocked that more than half of the stores were involved in fraud.
"Maou-sama, please lend me your help."
"Hmm ... Even if you ask me to lend you my help, I can lend a hand if it's something rough, but I'm not an expert when it comes to money and fraud."
"Right, I see, that is so ..."
Kudenine-san was greatly perplexed once again.
If half the shops in Aldaros were to go out of business, the impact would be considerable, and there was a possibility that the employees of the Commerce Guild were involved.
"If you can't come up with any good ideas after thinking about it on your own, would you like to talk to Camilla directly?"
"If such a thing possible?"
"Of course, but there are conditions."
"There are conditions, you say? Please tell me."
"First of all, you must openly acknowledge and report the wrongdoings you have committed. Camilla is desperately trying to change the way things are done. Please remember that there is no room for dialogue with someone who does not admit their guilt."
"But, if you admit your guilt ..."
"Maa, please listen to the story until the end. Camilla is working hard to make Resenburg a better country. Therefore, please sincerely admit your guilt and demonstrate your will to work desperately to improve the future of this country."
"Intentions ... is it?"
"Yes, for example, all profits earned through fraud must be returned to the national treasury. Even if it cannot be returned all at once, it will be paid in installments. If you promise that you will continue to conduct honest business and contribute to the development of the country, you may be able to get your sentence reduced ... possibly."
"I see ..."
It seemed that the color of hope had returned to Kudenine-san's expression, albeit just a little.
"Maou-sama, this is a truly brazen offer, but could you please put in a good word for me with Princess Camilla?"
"I'll compile a self-report regarding fraud, so I'd like you to promise me a reduction in sentence ... is it?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Hmm ... That's no good. If you look at it the other way around, you won't plead guilty unless the sentence is reduced. Isn't it like you're making a threat, asking if they don't care if half of the shops in Aldaros go bankrupt. Isn't it asking too much to extract a reduced sentence with such an attitude?"
Kudenine-san's expression was very serious, but he couldn't shake his head when he heard my words.
He seemed shocked, but Kudenine-san still nodded.
"Surely ... It is as you say."
"Even from my perspective as an outsider, Resenburg seems to be in a critical situation right now. I think it's no good if everyone involved doesn't take it more seriously. I think the idea is to first make changes oneself, and then petition for a reduction in sentence."
"You're right. First of all, we need to show our sincerity."
"As I said earlier, Camilla is talented. And, she is trying to make this a better country. If everyone shows sincerity, they should be willing to negotiate. If they still don't listen, I'll set up a place for negotiation."
"Is that true! Thank you very much. I will definitely coordinate with the owners of the shops and workshops. At that time, by all means ..."
"Understood. The Kraken's magic stone will also be brought in, sometime next week, so I'll show my face again. Please tell me your story at that time."
"As you wish. My best regards."
I had only just shaken hands with Kudenine-san, who looked relieved, and was about to leave the room, when my stomach complained of hunger.
"Kudenine-san, are there any cheap and delicious restaurants near here?"
"What kind of food would you like?"
"I'm planning on having fish for dinner, so please tell me where to find a meat restaurant."
"As you wish."
The store I learned about from Kudenine-san was located after leaving the Commerce Guild, crossing the bridge, walking along the moat to the left for about five minutes, and entering an alley.
The fragrant smell wafted even outside the store.
"Hello."
"Welcome, sit down wherever you can. Do you want to order?"
"The Half please."
"Aiyo, one order of Half!"
The store was run by an old man who was a bear beastman, and it was hard to tell whether he was a polar bear, or was white-haired.
This restaurant specialized in Zuuku chickens raised near Ardalos, and the menu was only roasted.
All you had to do was choose whether you wanted the whole bird or half of it.
It seemed that there was a secret method to the roasting process, and the kitchen could not be seen from the restaurant.
"Okay! Your awaited Half!"
"Ooohhh, it looks delicious ..."
"That's wrong, Onii-chan. It doesn't look delicious, it is delicious."
I could feel the confidence in his cooking from the grinning old man bear.
He brought out a roasted Zuuku chicken cut in half, soup, and bread on a tray.
First, I took a sip of the soup. The soup stock was made from the neck of a Zuuku chicken, which also contained half of the chicken as an ingredient in the soup.
The soup was clear, but the flavor of the chicken came out well, and it paired perfectly with crunchy vegetables like green onions.
It was basically salty, but it had a soy sauce-like flavor.
And, it was a whole roasted Zuuku chicken, but it was a teriyaki with a distinctly soy sauce-like smell.
The skin was crispy, the flesh was chewy, and there was no smell at all, probably thanks to the herbs stuffed into the stomach when roasting.
"Delis~h! This is amazing!"
"Uhahahaha, Onii-chan, you seem to enjoy it."
"Yes, when I come to Ardalos, I will definitely stop by."
"Thank you for that, I'll ask for your favor."
In the blink of an eye, I finished devouring the Half Zuuku chicken down to the bone.
After paying, I left the store and decided to take a walk around the city of Aldaros.
I had been to Aldaros many times, but when I thought about it, I had only been inside the Royal Castle.
The streets of the commercial district seemed overflowing with people and things.
[ Kent-sama, every street in the Royal Capital has the same types of businesses, and this street sells clothing-related items. ]
"Hee, is that so ..."
As Reinhardt said, the streets were lined with shops that sold fabrics such as cloth and leather, shops that sold hardware such as belts, and shops that sold shoes and bags.
There were some clothing stores that looked high-end, but there didn't seem to be any underwear specialty stores that could be seen from the outside like in Tokyo.
I, It's not like I was thinking about having Yuika and the others wear sexy lingerie ... No, I was thinking about it.
After walking through the clothing-related streets, I thought about walking along the moat and onto another street, but I changed my mind and crossed the bridge.
After crossing the bridge, I walked along the road along the moat and came to a large street, but it was not as lively as the commercial district.
Continuing down the street, I could see the walls surrounding the Royal Capital and a large gate.
"Reinhardt, what's over that way?"
[ Beyond the wall, there's just farmland. ]
"Farmland, is it ... I'll take a quick look."
It seemed like there was a long distance to walk, so I lazily ducked into the shadows and moved to the gate.
Peeking out from the shadows, I saw a bunch of shacks crowded together outside the gate.
It was the difference between inside and outside the gate, but I felt a clear difference between rich and poor.
[ When I was alive, there were no slums like this. This gate does not lead to the highway, so these huts may have been overlooked. ]
When I tried to move under the shadow of the ramparts, from a certain point I saw a neatly leveled farmland, and there were no huts.
"I see, this is the south side of the Royal Capital ..."
[ Indeed. The area where the huts were located is northwest of the Royal Capital, and has long been a land with poor drainage. ]
As Reinhardt said, when I returned to the slum, water was piling up on the roadside, and the sanitary conditions seemed to be poor.
Huts that could blow down not only the roof but also the walls if a strong wind blew, dirty children, and a murky stream seemed to support everyone's lives.
In one corner of the city, a pile of garbage was piled up, and women and children scavenged for valuables among it.
"There are no slums as bad as this in Volzard."
[ That's right. Behind the Guild, in the eastern part of the old city, there is a section that has turned into a slum, but it's not as bad as here. It must be Klaus-dono's skill. ]
As I looked at the scenery of the slums, I couldn't help but think of the weight of the burden that was weighing down on Camilla's shoulders.
I was guided to a room at the end of the hallway that looked extremely luxurious.
I was seated on a fluffy sofa, and a sexy platinum blonde dog-eared lady brewed me tea with a luxurious scent.
"The Guild Master will be here shortly, so please wait for a moment."
"Yes, thanks ..."
Or rather, the uniform's chest is too open.
Even though I know I'll be caught looking, I can't help but look.
[ Kent-sama ... There's a hidden room ... ]
[ Just as I thought! From my point of view, which direction? ]
[ The picture frame on the left ... The viewing window is on the bottom ... ]
[ Maa, it's fine ... If they want to watch, I'll let them watch. ]
If a mysterious kid like me showed up with a royal envelope, I'd be wary.
More than that, I think the real Guild Master will appear.
A body double comes out, I want such a troublesome thing to stop since it won't lead to a discussion.
Even though I know I'm being observed, I have nothing to hide, so I'll enjoy my tea and baked goods.
The tea has an impeccable aroma and taste, and the cheese-flavored baked goods are crispy and delicious.
When I had finished drinking tea and eating sweets, the Guild Master finally appeared.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting. I am Kudenine, the one in charge of the Commerce Guild."
"Nice to meet you, my name is Kent Kokubu."
When I stood up and bowed, Kudenine-san froze with a shocked expression on his face.
He was in his late forties to fifties, middle-aged and overweight, with a barcode-style hairdo.
Even in this world, people were concerned about their hair becoming thinner.
"Ma, Ma, Maou-sama, you say?"
"Aahh, that's what Camilla-tachi call me, but don't worry, I'm not that scary."
"So it's like that. Ahh ... Rachel, give Maou-sama a refill on tea."
"Y, yes ... Right away."
The dog-eared lady, who was giving sexy sidelong glances earlier, seemed to be shaking and her face stiffened.
Kudenine-san, who was sitting across from me, also had a pale face and sweat beaded on his forehead.
It seemed like they've heard exaggerated rumors about me.
"Maou-sama, what kind of business do you have with us today?"
"Yes, I have something that I would like to put up for auction, so I came to ask if you could make me an ID."
When I handed over the letter of introduction that Camilla had written for me, Kudenine-san's body trembled again.
"Is it okay if I take a look?"
"Please, this letter of introduction is for that purpose."
After checking the envelope and sealing wax, Kudenine-san took a paper knife from his pocket and cut the seal.
Now that I think about it, I hadn't checked the text of the letter of introduction, but I hoped it didn't say anything strange.
"I, I'll prepare to issue your ID right away, so please wait a moment."
"Understood."
Actually, if the work had just continued at the counter, wouldn't I already have an ID card?
"H, here you go ..."
"Thank you very much."
The sexy Rachel-san made me a refill of tea, but she was shaking like she was in a skit and was having a hard time even making a cup of tea.
I mean, I wondered what kind of person people thought I was.
"Umm ..."
"Yesss ... Wh, wh, what is it, Maou-sama."
"About me, what kind of person do you think I am?"
"Huh? N, no, I'm sorry. I don't understand the meaning of your question."
"Err, Kokubu Kent is, this kind of person ... I wonder what it's like, such as gossip, or rumors ... that's what I'm thinking. I really won't get angry, so could you please tell me the stories you know."
"Yes, as you wish ..."
Rachel-san took a deep breath before speaking, but please stop giving me that expression like you're already dead.
According to Rachel-san, the person named Kent Kokubu can freely control a Storm Cat and Gigawolves.
Even a maximum outbreak of Orcs and legendary monsters such as a Griffon and a Gigas can be wiped out by just one person.
Even if the knights of the Kingdom of Resenburg poured in all their strength, they would be unable to subjugate him, and the knights had already been added to his subordinates.
He controlled Camilla Resenburg from the shadows and effectively ruled the Kingdom of Resenburg.
Maa, it wasn't as wrong as I thought.
Or rather, I feel like I'm not aware of it enough.
"I, I'm extremely sorry. I just heard that as rumors around town ..."
"Aahh, it's okay, it's just rumors. However, I don't remember adding any knights to my subordinates, nor do I have any intention of ruling the kingdom ..."
I tried to smile at her, trying to reassure her that there was no need to worry, but instead, her face stiffened.
[ Buhahaha, Kent-sama, if someone is told that you truly subjugated a large number of Orcs and legendary monsters by yourself, it is natural for them to react like this. ]
"I see ... Umm, I was able to subjugate the Griffon because the entire Volzard defense force came out to help. The Storm Cat and Gigawolves, I feel like they're working with me as family members rather than me controlling them, so it's not scary."
"Y, yes, certainly ..."
Yup, I felt like I failed somehow.
It's not scary ... Rather, it's definitely weird.
After spending some awkward time with Rachel-san, who was extremely nervous, Kudenine-san returned.
"S, sorry to have kept you waiting, Maou-sama."
On the tray that Kudenine-san held out to me, there was a shiny gold card.
On the surface, the name of Kent Kokubu was engraved in Resenburg letters as well as a coat of arms that appeared to belong to the Commerce Guild.
"This is the identity card for Maou-sama. No, I know it would be presumptuous for us to guarantee the identity of Maou-sama. Therefore, it is a special product that we make when we receive a request from the Royal Family."
"I'm sorry. A regular ID would have been fine, but ..."
"No, no, please, accept it please."
"Haa ... Umm, this can be used properly, right? When I go to the auction, what is this ... I won't be asked that, right?"
"Of course, we will take appropriate action."
In some parts of Resenburg, this treatment probably wouldn't change, and there didn't seem to be any problem with putting things up for auction for the time being, so let's accept it as is.
"So, can you tell me about the auction?'
"Yes, anything ..."
"Please tell me the date of the event and the deadline for listing."
"Auctions are held twice a month on star day on the 15th and 31st. The deadline for listing is earth day of the 12th and 28th three days before."
"Then, the earliest I can put it up for auction is the 31st."
"Yes, that's right. By the way, what do you plan to list, Maou-sama?"
"I'm thinking of selling a Kraken's magic stone."
"K, Kraken, is it?"
I told him that Krakens were appearing off the coast of Edelich, and that I had received a nomination request and was subjugating them.
"Subjugating the Kraken as well, was Maou-sama working alone?"
"No, no, the ocean is vast and we don't know where the Krakens will come from, so I asked local adventurers to set out on a boat and act as decoys."
I briefly explained the procedure for defeating the Krakens.
"Then, most of the battle was fought by Maou-sama alone?"
"Maa, it can't really be called a battle."
Kudenine-san gulped and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Rachel-san also still had a pale face and frightened eyes.
Hmm ... I have no intention of causing any harm, I wonder if it was wrong to have shut down that mutt earlier.
"Maou-sama, is there anything else you need?"
"No, there's nothing in particular, so I think I'll excuse myself now ..."
"Umm, what about the hearing ... ?"
"Hearing, is it?"
"Yes ..."
Even if you say a hearing, I had no intention of having any business other than the auction.
However, as I watched Kudenine-san looking extremely desperate, something occurred to me.
"Aahh, perhaps, is it about corruption?"
"Yes ..."
Kudenine-san nodded, as if he steeled himself for what finally arrived.
"Nothing in particular."
"Ehh, what did you say ... ?"
"I don't really have anything to ask you about corruption. As I said with Rachel-san a little while ago, I have no intention of controlling Resenburg, and I have no intention of getting involved in troublesome things like exposing corruption."
"I, I see, is that so ... Haah."
I see, since the crackdown on corruption had begun, I embarked in person ... He misunderstood it.
After learning that I had no intention of getting involved, Kudenine-san relaxed.
"But, though I won't do anything, Camilla is serious."
"Ehh ... What do you mean?"
"Before I came here, I stopped by Camilla's office, and she was interrogating a person in charge who was involved in corruption."
"I, is that true?"
"Yeah, I don't know how far back they're looking, but they're definitely going to look into records from at least two or three years ago. Also, it probably goes without saying, but Camilla is talented and has subordinates who support her. If you use cheap tricks, you'll only widen the wound."
"Aaahhh, just what should I do ..."
Kudenine-san put his head in his hands and groaned.
"Camilla was also shocked, but it seems like it was pretty bad."
"It would be impossible to hide it from Maou-sama, so I'll be honest with you, but if all the small frauds are exposed, I think more than half of the shops in Aldaros will go out of business."
The words were said with a determined look on his face, so I'm sure he wasn't exaggerating or lying.
Even so, Camilla was shocked that more than half of the stores were involved in fraud.
"Maou-sama, please lend me your help."
"Hmm ... Even if you ask me to lend you my help, I can lend a hand if it's something rough, but I'm not an expert when it comes to money and fraud."
"Right, I see, that is so ..."
Kudenine-san was greatly perplexed once again.
If half the shops in Aldaros were to go out of business, the impact would be considerable, and there was a possibility that the employees of the Commerce Guild were involved.
"If you can't come up with any good ideas after thinking about it on your own, would you like to talk to Camilla directly?"
"If such a thing possible?"
"Of course, but there are conditions."
"There are conditions, you say? Please tell me."
"First of all, you must openly acknowledge and report the wrongdoings you have committed. Camilla is desperately trying to change the way things are done. Please remember that there is no room for dialogue with someone who does not admit their guilt."
"But, if you admit your guilt ..."
"Maa, please listen to the story until the end. Camilla is working hard to make Resenburg a better country. Therefore, please sincerely admit your guilt and demonstrate your will to work desperately to improve the future of this country."
"Intentions ... is it?"
"Yes, for example, all profits earned through fraud must be returned to the national treasury. Even if it cannot be returned all at once, it will be paid in installments. If you promise that you will continue to conduct honest business and contribute to the development of the country, you may be able to get your sentence reduced ... possibly."
"I see ..."
It seemed that the color of hope had returned to Kudenine-san's expression, albeit just a little.
"Maou-sama, this is a truly brazen offer, but could you please put in a good word for me with Princess Camilla?"
"I'll compile a self-report regarding fraud, so I'd like you to promise me a reduction in sentence ... is it?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Hmm ... That's no good. If you look at it the other way around, you won't plead guilty unless the sentence is reduced. Isn't it like you're making a threat, asking if they don't care if half of the shops in Aldaros go bankrupt. Isn't it asking too much to extract a reduced sentence with such an attitude?"
Kudenine-san's expression was very serious, but he couldn't shake his head when he heard my words.
He seemed shocked, but Kudenine-san still nodded.
"Surely ... It is as you say."
"Even from my perspective as an outsider, Resenburg seems to be in a critical situation right now. I think it's no good if everyone involved doesn't take it more seriously. I think the idea is to first make changes oneself, and then petition for a reduction in sentence."
"You're right. First of all, we need to show our sincerity."
"As I said earlier, Camilla is talented. And, she is trying to make this a better country. If everyone shows sincerity, they should be willing to negotiate. If they still don't listen, I'll set up a place for negotiation."
"Is that true! Thank you very much. I will definitely coordinate with the owners of the shops and workshops. At that time, by all means ..."
"Understood. The Kraken's magic stone will also be brought in, sometime next week, so I'll show my face again. Please tell me your story at that time."
"As you wish. My best regards."
I had only just shaken hands with Kudenine-san, who looked relieved, and was about to leave the room, when my stomach complained of hunger.
"Kudenine-san, are there any cheap and delicious restaurants near here?"
"What kind of food would you like?"
"I'm planning on having fish for dinner, so please tell me where to find a meat restaurant."
"As you wish."
The store I learned about from Kudenine-san was located after leaving the Commerce Guild, crossing the bridge, walking along the moat to the left for about five minutes, and entering an alley.
The fragrant smell wafted even outside the store.
"Hello."
"Welcome, sit down wherever you can. Do you want to order?"
"The Half please."
"Aiyo, one order of Half!"
The store was run by an old man who was a bear beastman, and it was hard to tell whether he was a polar bear, or was white-haired.
This restaurant specialized in Zuuku chickens raised near Ardalos, and the menu was only roasted.
All you had to do was choose whether you wanted the whole bird or half of it.
It seemed that there was a secret method to the roasting process, and the kitchen could not be seen from the restaurant.
"Okay! Your awaited Half!"
"Ooohhh, it looks delicious ..."
"That's wrong, Onii-chan. It doesn't look delicious, it is delicious."
I could feel the confidence in his cooking from the grinning old man bear.
He brought out a roasted Zuuku chicken cut in half, soup, and bread on a tray.
First, I took a sip of the soup. The soup stock was made from the neck of a Zuuku chicken, which also contained half of the chicken as an ingredient in the soup.
The soup was clear, but the flavor of the chicken came out well, and it paired perfectly with crunchy vegetables like green onions.
It was basically salty, but it had a soy sauce-like flavor.
And, it was a whole roasted Zuuku chicken, but it was a teriyaki with a distinctly soy sauce-like smell.
The skin was crispy, the flesh was chewy, and there was no smell at all, probably thanks to the herbs stuffed into the stomach when roasting.
"Delis~h! This is amazing!"
"Uhahahaha, Onii-chan, you seem to enjoy it."
"Yes, when I come to Ardalos, I will definitely stop by."
"Thank you for that, I'll ask for your favor."
In the blink of an eye, I finished devouring the Half Zuuku chicken down to the bone.
After paying, I left the store and decided to take a walk around the city of Aldaros.
I had been to Aldaros many times, but when I thought about it, I had only been inside the Royal Castle.
The streets of the commercial district seemed overflowing with people and things.
[ Kent-sama, every street in the Royal Capital has the same types of businesses, and this street sells clothing-related items. ]
"Hee, is that so ..."
As Reinhardt said, the streets were lined with shops that sold fabrics such as cloth and leather, shops that sold hardware such as belts, and shops that sold shoes and bags.
There were some clothing stores that looked high-end, but there didn't seem to be any underwear specialty stores that could be seen from the outside like in Tokyo.
I, It's not like I was thinking about having Yuika and the others wear sexy lingerie ... No, I was thinking about it.
After walking through the clothing-related streets, I thought about walking along the moat and onto another street, but I changed my mind and crossed the bridge.
After crossing the bridge, I walked along the road along the moat and came to a large street, but it was not as lively as the commercial district.
Continuing down the street, I could see the walls surrounding the Royal Capital and a large gate.
"Reinhardt, what's over that way?"
[ Beyond the wall, there's just farmland. ]
"Farmland, is it ... I'll take a quick look."
It seemed like there was a long distance to walk, so I lazily ducked into the shadows and moved to the gate.
Peeking out from the shadows, I saw a bunch of shacks crowded together outside the gate.
It was the difference between inside and outside the gate, but I felt a clear difference between rich and poor.
[ When I was alive, there were no slums like this. This gate does not lead to the highway, so these huts may have been overlooked. ]
When I tried to move under the shadow of the ramparts, from a certain point I saw a neatly leveled farmland, and there were no huts.
"I see, this is the south side of the Royal Capital ..."
[ Indeed. The area where the huts were located is northwest of the Royal Capital, and has long been a land with poor drainage. ]
As Reinhardt said, when I returned to the slum, water was piling up on the roadside, and the sanitary conditions seemed to be poor.
Huts that could blow down not only the roof but also the walls if a strong wind blew, dirty children, and a murky stream seemed to support everyone's lives.
In one corner of the city, a pile of garbage was piled up, and women and children scavenged for valuables among it.
"There are no slums as bad as this in Volzard."
[ That's right. Behind the Guild, in the eastern part of the old city, there is a section that has turned into a slum, but it's not as bad as here. It must be Klaus-dono's skill. ]
As I looked at the scenery of the slums, I couldn't help but think of the weight of the burden that was weighing down on Camilla's shoulders.
