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~ - 171. Returning Home Is Also Part of the Job

171. 171. 171. 171. Returning Home Is Also Part of the Job

After the fortress was completed, I and Isezaki-san took a short nap and woke up before noon. Without delay, we decided to return to Grandain.

Although there was no need to hurry back since our assigned task was finished, the Carius Army was busy with the move to the new fortress. I thought it would be better to leave before being burdened with more work.

So, I and Isezaki-san bid farewell to Captain Higuner and, accompanied by the same escort as on the way here – Colin and the members of “Stinger” – we left the military base by carriage.

Of course, we could return in an instant using [Dimensional Teleportation], but we didn’t want that magical ability to be widely known. Besides, the journey back by carriage, leisurely enjoying the scenery, wasn’t so bad.

On the way, we passed by soldiers who had come from Grandain. They were newly dispatched soldiers who were assigned to defend the fortress after we left for Grandain.

Lady Levia had been gathering soldiers in anticipation of what would happen after I built the fortress. But since the available soldiers were not enough, she also hired adventurers and mercenaries as private soldiers.

Among the new private soldiers were familiar adventurers, Geeta and Cyril. Apparently, the pay was good, so they planned to work as defense forces for a while. I gave them potato chips and cola as a form of support.

After spending a few days, we returned to Grandain. We bid farewell to everyone from “Stinger” here.

Although they had taken care of us a lot, it seems it’s the adventurer’s way to be indifferent when parting. After exchanging a few words with them, wearing satisfied expressions due to the high success fee, we parted ways easily, and then we received a welcome from Lady Levia and stayed at the castle for the day.

—

“Matsunaga-sama, Onee-sama. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done. Thanks to both of you, we can keep the threat of the Digram Army at bay for the time being.”

After having a meal together in the reception room, as soon as I and Isezaki-san sat on the sofa, Lady Levia expressed her gratitude again. Holly, the maid, also bowed her head.

By the way, we had secretly used [Dimensional Teleportation] to sneak back to the castle and communicate during the journey home, so the events at the magic stone mine had already been reported. Right now, it’s like a meeting to compare those reports with Lady Levia’s current information.

“For the time being… But it seems we can’t just leave it at that.”

When Isezaki-san furrowed her neat eyebrows, Lady Levia nodded slightly.

“Yes, Onee-sama. According to the demon named Maristel, the Digram family was targeting my life, correct? Conflicts between nobles are not uncommon in this country. However, it’s odd for them to order my assassination, especially considering I wasn’t even a governor in Grandain until recently. So――”

After moistening her throat with tea, Lady Levia continued with a slightly wrinkled brow, as if the sweet tea had suddenly turned bitter.

“It’s likely that this matter was manipulated by my foolish elder sister, Delixir. I don’t know why the Digram family would heed the wishes of a member of the Carius family, with whom they are supposedly at odds. But it was my sister who not only tied me down in Grandain but also tried to assassinate me. There’s probably no mistake about it.”

“Hey, Levi. But why would you be in a position to be killed in the first place? I’m your sister too… I’ve met Delixir a few times when I was a saint, but you and she didn’t seem to have such a bad relationship back then. At most, she ignored you, right?”

“That’s true. I was well aware of my place. It wouldn’t have been a problem if we had maintained that distance. But when did things start to turn hostile between us?”

Lady Levia pondered with her hand on her chin. But soon, she shook her head lightly and changed the subject, leaning forward on the table.

“Well, there’s no point in thinking about it now. Anyway, it seems she’ll continue to scheme in various ways, so Holly and I are in the midst of devising countermeasures… So, um, would you like me to introduce one of these countermeasures to you?” 

With that, Lady Levia looked up at us with upturned eyes.

I hate to say it, but I have a bad feeling about this. When I and Isezaki-san exchanged glances and reluctantly nodded, Lady Levia started speaking hesitantly.

“Well… We have occupied the area around the magic stone mine, and mining is expected to resume soon, right? Probably, a town will be built near the fortress as the second frontline city.”

Wow, really? Well, it’s only natural that if people involved in mining settle near the mines, settlements, villages, and eventually towns will be built there.

“This is a very important base. Magic stones are valuable resources, and besides, it’s right in front of the Digram territory. Defense is necessary. To manage such a base, you need a highly capable individual. So, I thought about it. Who would be suitable to become the governor? …Someone with my trust and, above all, Matsunaga-sama, who built the fortress overnight—”

“That’s a bit unrealistic.”

I and Isezaki responded in harmony. Oh, something like this happened before, didn’t it…?

“But, however—”

Nevertheless, Lady Levia leaned even further across the desk, undeterred.

“Levi, knock it off. Hey!”

Isezaki stopped her, firmly grasping Levia’s cheeks with both hands. The golden-haired beauty wore a slightly amused expression.

“Mm… I’m sorry, but… why not?”

“Yes, I apologize, but we’ll have to decline such an offer.”

I firmly refused, with Levia’s face still sandwiched between Isezaki’s hands.

Being a town governor is a serious responsibility. Besides, if you take up such a position, you’ll never leave the other world. I just want to live a relaxed life, enjoying the best of both Earth and the other world.

“I-I understand, I’ll give up… But, Lady? Ouch! It’s painful! It’s really painful! Please let go, I’ve retracted my statement!”

“It’s Levia’s fault for bothering the gentleman. Reflect on it for a while.”

“I-it hurts! It hurts a lot!”

The torment continued for a while. Eventually, when Isezaki released her hands, Levia rubbed her tearful, reddened cheeks, glaring at Holly, who stood nearby.

“It’s all Holly’s fault, isn’t it? You’re the one who said, ‘Why not try asking?’!”

“…It’s free to just give it a try.”

Holly said with a calm expression. This maid, she’s surprisingly cunning or… something. Her sister, Colin, is so innocent and honest in comparison.

“Anyway, since it was just a desperate request, I’ll give up on it. …But, if you change your mind, feel free to let me know—ack!”

Looking at Isezaki next to me, Levia’s face stiffened.

I also glanced at Isezaki, but she just smiled with her usual beautiful face. …Well, whatever.

Adjusting her posture, Levia opened her mouth again.

“Well, of course, I have other plans. I won’t allow my sister to do as she pleases any longer. I’ll report those plans when they take shape.”

With that, as if her work was finished, Levia leaned back into the sofa. It seems she managed to avoid being burdened with work.

I breathed a sigh of relief, sipping the now cold tea.

Original Author’s Comment:

—Afterword—

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