The Neighborhood High School Girl, Miss Isezaki, Is the Great Saintess Returned from Another World~ And I, Suddenly Awakened as Her Exclusive Mana Supply Uncle, Travel Between Earth and Another World with Time-Space Magic~ - 116. Conflict Origins

116. Conflict Origins

I once again told Holly about my and Isezaki-san’s backgrounds. Sharing information is important, you know.

When I confessed that I came from another world called “Earth,” even the competent maid Holly was speechless. I secretly felt a little good about that.

After finishing our true introductions, Holly turned to us across the table.

“Do you two know why the territories of Carius and Digram are in conflict, despite having the same liege lord?”

As Isezaki-san nodded beside me, I remained clueless. I wasn’t particularly interested, and it seemed like Isezaki-san didn’t want to talk about it.

Seeing me shake my head, Holly began her explanation.

“There is a wilderness between the two territories, and the discovery of a magic stone vein near the border sparked the conflict.”

“Magic stones…?”

“Yes. It’s an ore rich in magical essence, used in magical tools and such. Its value varies depending on size and quality, and it’s in constant demand due to its various applications.”

“I see. So the conflict started over that?”

“That’s correct. Initially, each territory dug for magic stones within their own borders, but as they dug deeper in search of more, their mines intersected near the border, leading to conflict.”

“But didn’t… the king try to mediate between the Carius and Digram territories?”

“That’s right. Through the king’s mediation, an engagement was arranged between Delixir, the daughter of the Count of Carius, and Glard, the son of the Count of Digram. And an agreement was planned between the two territories regarding the magic stone mines… However, immediately after, the Great Saintess Seina was assassinated, and both the engagement and the agreement fell through.”

“Why did that happen?”

I blurted out. I couldn’t see the connection between the engagement, the agreement, and the assassination of the Great Saintess.

“Carius is the territory that produced the Greatess Saint Seina. It’s been said that due to her achievements, she was planning to relocate her base to the capital. The agreement was favorable to Carius, considering this. So when Seina was assassinated, Digram suggested revising the terms of the agreement. This led to further complications, and eventually, both the engagement and the agreement were canceled.”

“I see…”

I nodded and leaned back in my chair.

Isezaki-san had mentioned before that she didn’t care about being assassinated or finding the culprit. But listening to the current story, it seemed like the Digram family, who didn’t agree with the terms of the agreement, were the ones who had Isezaki-san assassinated.

Isezaki-san, manipulated by the adults and ultimately assassinated. Reflecting on her circumstances and feelings, it was a heart-wrenching moment for me.

Then, Isezaki-san leaned in to look at my face with concern.

“Um, sir… As I mentioned before, I don’t really care about being assassinated or finding the culprit. So please, don’t make such a sad face…”

“Huh, was I making such a face?”

I probably was. But as I touched my own face and tried to play it off, Isezaki-san raised her eyebrows in a pout.

“I’m back! …But please, don’t worry about it. Thanks to being assassinated, I was able to return to Earth, and above all, I’m happy every day now because I met you, sir.”

“Is that so? Well then, I’ll have to work harder to make Isezaki-san even happier.”

“Oh my, sir!”

Isezaki-san showed a smile. I think it’s a bit exaggerated to say she’s happy just from meeting me, but she must be worried about me fretting over her behalf. In response to such a kind concern, I’ll refrain from thinking too deeply about it.

“Um… Are you two really not married?”

Turning to the voice, Holly looked at us with a puzzled expression.

“Haha, no way. I’m just a neighbor, you know?”

“Not just a neighbor at all. You’re a very, very wonderful neighbor!”

Isezaki-san quickly corrected. She still holds me in high regard as usual. Well, it’s good to be cherished, but sometimes it’s a bit too much.

Holly seemed to want to say something in response to our replies, but she swallowed it.

“Sorry, we got off track. Please continue.”

Holly nodded at my words, and the conversation resumed.

—

After the engagement fell through, the king decided not to meddle any further. Since the earldoms enjoyed tax breaks, and any trouble over the mines wouldn’t significantly affect the king’s treasury, he probably gave up on any futile intervention.

Subsequently, the two earls incited their soldiers to interfere with each other’s mining operations, eventually leading to the closure of the mines. Even now, they sporadically harass each other near the mines.

“I see. I understand the current situation. So, what would you like us to do?”

After all that’s been said, this is the most important question. Holly quietly answered my inquiry.

“So far, it’s been sporadic harassment, but if there’s a full-fledged advance, this town will be occupied in no time. Therefore, we’re considering building a fortress near the mines. We’d like Matsunaga-sama to handle the transportation of materials for that.”

I see, transporting materials. It’s a relief that I won’t be fighting on the front lines. Perhaps Holly has had her eye on me since I stored the Earth Dragon. Certainly, transporting materials is something I’m good at.

I nodded in agreement with Holly’s proposal.

Original Author’s Comment:

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