Tilea's Worries

“Are you stupid? What if I misplaced an important document? Only Gil is allowed to organize this room!”

Then stop making a mess in the first place!

No wonder Tilea-san and Timu-chan don’t seem to take him seriously.

He’s a fool. That’s got to be it.

I was starting to get a little tired of Ortissio’s nonsense.

Oh well, it’s none of my business anyway. I don’t need to get involved. It’s just that I’m the type of person who hates seeing disorganized papers left lying around.

But since Ortissio said they might be sensitive documents, I had no choice but to suppress the urge to clean them up.

I sat down in one of the chairs beside the table in the middle of the room.

“Whoa!?”

I couldn’t stop myself from gasping.

There was something in my line of sight that I couldn’t believe.

There had been many things I could have commented on after entering this room, but this was by far the worst.

Scattered across the table were platinum coins.

One platinum coin is worth six months’ wages for the average citizen. And here they were, just lying around carelessly. Some had even fallen onto the floor.

It was unbelievably reckless.

At first, I thought it wasn’t my place to speak up as an outsider, but this was too much to ignore.

“Ortissio-san.”

“What is it?”

“The money is just lying there.”

“Hm? Oh, right. I forgot to put it in the pouch.”

Ortissio carelessly grabbed a handful of platinum coins and shoved them into a pouch he was carrying. But he was so haphazard that a few coins slipped out again, falling to the floor.

“Uh, excuse me, you’re dropping them.”

“I’ll pick them up later.”

“But what if someone steals them!?”

“Huh? Are you an idiot? No one here would ever dare steal.”

Ortissio gave me a scornful look.

Wait, *I’m* the one in the wrong here?

Sure, I know that everyone here is incredibly loyal. They’ve traveled all the way from the distant East out of their devotion to Timu-chan and the others. There’s no way any of them would stoop to petty theft. But what about thieves from the outside?

“Maybe there aren’t any traitors here, but what if an outsider manages to sneak in?”

“Pfft, you really are a fool. No one could ever break into this impregnable Underground Empire. Now, enough about that. What is this life-threatening matter concerning Camilla-sama? Speak!”

Ortissio clearly hadn’t even considered the possibility of a thief breaking in.

With all these valuable furnishings scattered around the mansion…

But then again, this place is a secret.

I suppose I was worrying too much. No one would ever think that such treasures were hidden beneath a restaurant. And even if they did find out, there’s Nielsen-san. I’m sure he has everything under control.

“Sorry, I was being overly cautious. Let’s move on to the main issue. My concern is about…”

I then explained to him about the threat posed by Elizabeth, who was opposing Timu-chan.

I told him how Elizabeth was cunning and dangerous, and how she ruthlessly crushed anyone who crossed her path.

I gave him specific examples to illustrate her cruelty.

To my surprise, Ortissio already knew of Elizabeth. It seemed they’d crossed paths during some sort of financial dealings.

That made the conversation much quicker.

If he’s met Elizabeth, then he should understand.

Elizabeth is a serious threat.

Even knowing this, Timu-chan continues to act as if nothing’s wrong, treating the situation like a game. That’s why I need someone to warn her about the danger.

After I finished, Ortissio let out a sigh.

“Haah… I was listening so seriously, and it turns out it’s just that?”

“Wait, did you even hear me?”

“Of course I did. But what is this talk of Camilla-sama’s life being in danger? Your fears are unfounded.”

“It’s not unfounded! Elizabeth is dangerous! Camilla-sama is up against someone like that, yet she has no sense of the danger she’s in. As her retainer, shouldn’t you be warning her?”

“Listen closely, puppet. Camilla-sama is merely toying with this Elizabeth person. It would be more disloyal to stop her from enjoying herself. Do you understand?”

This guy… I can’t believe him.

What does he mean, “enjoying herself”? Timu-chan isn’t like that—wait, actually, she kind of is.

She probably sees Elizabeth’s threats not as a danger, but as something thrilling.

But that’s exactly what makes it so risky. Timu-chan’s overconfidence could be her downfall. Elizabeth won’t miss a single opening. Even as we speak, I bet she’s already plotting how to assassinate Timu-chan.

How can this idiot not realize that his master’s life is in danger?

He’s just too afraid of upsetting her to speak up.

What a cowardly, pathetic excuse for a retainer.

“You call yourself her most loyal servant, but you’re just afraid of angering Camilla-sama, aren’t you? I’m disgusted.”

I couldn’t help but lash out in frustration.

“Huh? Are you insulting me?! I would gladly give my life for my master!”

“Then why don’t you warn her? If you truly care about Camilla-sama, you should be willing to risk her displeasure to stop her!”

“If her life were truly in danger, I would do just that. But in this case, it’s clear that’s not the issue. You, too, should know Camilla-sama’s power as one of her puppets, right?”

“Yes, of course I do. Camilla-sama’s strength is far beyond that of ordinary people. She could easily take down an entire group of magic students by herself. But Elizabeth is a powerful noble with abundant resources. She could hire an army of professional assassins! Even someone as strong as Camilla-sama could be vulnerable if she’s targeted by multiple skilled killers…”

“What nonsense are you spouting? Even if dozens of these little worms came after her, what difference would it make?

 Do you *really* understand Camilla-sama’s power?”

“Of course I do. She’s a princess from the East. Her martial arts were personally taught to her by the royal family’s master. She’s a master of ancient combat techniques, isn’t she?”

“No, no, no. The East? Royal martial arts master? Are you out of your mind? You’re being absurd! You, Camilla-sama’s puppet, should know better than to spout such nonsense.”

Getting my intelligence questioned by Ortissio of all people is beyond insulting.

But from the way he’s talking, it seems like Timu-chan might not actually be from the East after all.

Now that I think about it, during one of my conversations with Tilea-san, she mentioned something about a place called “Nihon,” an island country they once lived in. When I asked if that was part of the East, she responded with, “Well, sort of, something like that.”

From what Ortissio’s saying, it seems like Tilea-san and her family aren’t from the Eastern Kingdom after all.

Maybe they’re from even further south?

Could the Eastern Kingdom have been an enemy of Timu-chan’s homeland? That would explain Ortissio’s attitude.

“You’re right. I clearly don’t understand Camilla-sama and the others as well as I thought. I made assumptions about the East and the martial arts training she received. So please, let me ask you again. Who exactly is Camilla-sama?”

“You’re seriously asking that after everything? Even after receiving the favor of Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama?”

Ortissio’s expression was one of complete disbelief.

“I know it sounds ridiculous to ask this now, but I really want to know. Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama, they’re of incredibly noble birth, aren’t they?”

“Of course, they are, you idiot! How can you not realize that after all this time? What the hell is going on in your head?!”

Ortissio was practically roaring.

Naturally. It’s pretty outrageous to ask if a princess is of noble birth after all.

The pressure radiating off him was intense.

Wh-what terrifying intimidation…

If I let my guard down, I feel like I might faint. With this much fighting spirit coming from Ortissio, it’s clear he’s no ordinary soldier. And if he’s just a subordinate, then there’s no doubt that Tilea-san and Timu-chan must be princesses of a mighty nation.

“I deeply apologize. I do understand. Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama are incredibly high-born individuals.”

“Hah? Then why the hell are you asking these stupid questions?”

“Well, it’s because Tilea-sama insists that they’re commoners.”

“Huh!? Tilea-sama said that?”

Ortissio looked dumbfounded.

I get it. I completely understand. It’s ridiculous, after all.

Tilea-san probably doesn’t want anyone to know about her royal lineage, so she’s lying. But really, she could have come up with a better lie.

“Yes, she’s very adamant about it. She insists that they’re commoners. But it’s obvious that they aren’t, right?”

“Tilea-sama seriously said that she’s a commoner?”

“Yes.”

“Well then, Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama are commoners. Understood?”

Yeah, there’s no way I’m going to accept that. You were just getting angry when I asked about their noble status!

Your reaction totally gave it away!

And come on, what kind of commoner lives in a mansion that puts the Arcdas royal palace to shame?

“Um, Ortissio-san, isn’t calling them commoners just a little too far-fetched?”

“Shut up! No matter what anyone says, Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama are commoners. Got it?”

“You’re forcing it way too hard. Am I really supposed to just accept that?”

“Yes, you are. Accept it. Besides, you talk way too much for a puppet. Just shut up and play your part!”

That’s complete nonsense.

Ortissio then proceeded to forcefully steer the conversation back on track, insisting that I had to believe it because it was an order.

Is he even aware that his attitude is the very reason it’s impossible to believe that Tilea-san and Camilla-sama are commoners?

Oh well. It’s not like I’m trying to expose their secrets or anything. I can pretend to believe him if that’s what it takes.

“Captain Ortissio.”

Just then, Gil, who must have returned at some point, interrupted our back-and-forth.

“Oh, Gil, you’re back.”

“Yes. The mission was completed without issue.”

“Well done.”

“Now then, Captain Ortissio…”

“What is it?”

“I overheard your conversation earlier. Forgive me, but I believe you’re being too forceful. I think we should provide Miless with a bit more information.”

“What!? But that would go against Tilea-sama’s orders!”

“It can’t be helped. At this point, it’s impossible for Miless to believe that Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama are commoners.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Considering how we’ve behaved and the fact that Miless has seen the Underground Empire, she must have already formed some conclusions. As long as we don’t reveal the crucial details, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Then—”

“Shh—Captain Ortissio, leave this to me.”

Gil sat down directly across from me, taking Ortissio’s place.

I hadn’t spoken to Gil much before.

But I knew he was far more intelligent than Ortissio. After all, I’d overheard them discussing how they needed to avoid revealing any vital information.

It’s likely that Gil won’t tell me the name or exact location of Tilea-san and Camilla-sama’s homeland. Still, I expect we can have a more productive conversation.

“Miless, let me formally introduce myself. I am Gil, Vice-Captain of the Second Division.”

“I-I’m Miless Vincent.”

“Very well, Miless. Let’s talk.”

“Understood.”

“Miless, you must already realize that Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama are of noble birth.”

“Yes.”

“Good. Now, I’d like to hear your thoughts. What are your theories on who Tilea-sama and the others really are?”

At Gil’s request, I began carefully sharing my theories.

I explained how I believed that Timu-chan was a princess from the East, how she had learned ancient martial arts from a royal master, and how they had fled after losing a political struggle. I made sure to speak respectfully, not wanting to offend.

As I spoke, Ortissio seemed to be either mocking or ridiculing me, as if there was something wrong with my deductions. Still, I was confident that I was mostly on the right track.

Unlike Ortissio, Gil simply listened without interrupting.

I couldn’t tell what he was thinking from his expression.

“—That’s what I’ve deduced. Is it correct?”

“Well… I can neither confirm nor deny your theories. But I will tell you this much: Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama are hiding their true identities. That includes this Underground Empire. You understand what will happen if you speak of this to anyone, don’t you?”

“Of course. I won’t tell anyone.”

Gil’s gaze sharpened, and his presence became much more imposing.

While Ortissio relied on brute force, Gil’s pressure was far more intellectual, but no less intimidating. If I ever betrayed them, I’d be facing a death sentence for sure.

Not that I had any intention of betraying them, of course.

“Hey, Gil, I’ve realized something.”

As Gil and I spoke, Ortissio suddenly jumped back into the conversation.

“What is it?”

“Well, it’s this—Tilea-sama hasn’t revealed the existence of the Underground Empire to this puppet. Nor has she disclosed her true identity. But I went and blurted it all out. Isn’t that a huge blunder?”

“…Yes, it is.”

“What!? Then what do we do?”

“Ordinarily, we’d have to silence her.”

Silence me!?

My heart skipped a beat at Gil’s words.

I mean, it’s not out of the question. After all, I’ve learned state secrets from another country. If I had snuck into the royal palace of Arcdas, I’d be executed as a spy without a second thought.

“So… should we do it?”

“That would be a mistake. Miless is too cherished to simply destroy. We’ll have to trust in her loyalty since she’s promised not to speak.”

“Can we trust her? Does she even have any loyalty?”

Ortissio was clearly flustered.

How rude.

There’s no way I would ever betray Tilea-san and her sister!

“You don’t need to worry. I would never betray Tilea-sama or Camilla-sama.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. I swear it.”

“Really, really sure? You *did* rebel against Tilea-sama once, remember?”

“Shut up!! I’ve decided to dedicate myself to helping Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama. And you keep yammering on and on!”

I couldn’t hold back my anger and ended up yelling at him.

“You… you wretched… You dare speak like that to me, a mere puppet!?”

Uh-oh. Now Ortissio’s losing it.

This guy is a hot-headed idiot and strong, to boot.

“Captain Ortissio, please wait. Acting rashly will only bring ruin. I saw true loyalty in Miless’s words just now. I believe we can trust her.”

Gil’s words seemed to calm Ortissio, though he still didn’t look happy about it.

Reluctantly, he backed down.

Gil—or rather, Gil-san—was definitely winning my respect.

Ortissio might be an idiot, but Gil-san was great. He could very well be a suitable replacement for Nielsen-san.

“Um, Gil-san, about that thing…”

I resumed explaining the situation with Elizabeth to Gil-san.

Once I finished…

“This is why you’re just a puppet. All your worries are utterly ridiculous. You clearly don’t understand Camilla-sama.”

Ortissio chimed in again, interrupting.

Can you just let me talk to Gil-san already?

“Captain Ortissio, we’ll handle the Elizabeth situation with the Second Division.”

As expected, Gil-san understood!

I knew Gil-san would get it.

Ortissio looked at Gil-san as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

The only unbelievable thing here is *you*. Gil-san is the epitome of what a loyal retainer should be. Take a page out of his book, why don’t you?

“Gil, why? You, of all people, can’t seriously believe this puppet’s story. There’s no way Elizabeth poses any real threat. She’s a mere worm crawling on the ground. She could never be a danger to Camilla-sama.”

“No, what caught my attention in Miless’s story was the part about Elizabeth being able to hire a large number of assassins.”

“And what of it? This is Camilla-sama we’re talking about. No number of small fry could possibly make a difference.”

“What concerns me is that those insignificant vermin might cause trouble for Tilea-sama’s restaurant.”

“Oh! Y-you’re right!”

“Yes. Tilea-sama treasures her restaurant dearly, treating it like a jewel. If these assassins were to strike directly, we would crush them before they even entered the premises. However, they are cowardly, working in the shadows. They might poison the food, stir up trouble with the locals, or sabotage the restaurant’s supply chains or customers in indirect ways. That would be much more difficult to deal with. And if the restaurant’s profits were to decline, it would deeply sadden Tilea-sama.”

“Hrm, indeed. So, should we just kill Elizabeth? But she’s Camilla-sama’s prey. We can’t act on our own.”

“Then, how about this?”

Gil-san’s suggestion…

I take it back.

Gil-san *is* Ortissio’s subordinate, after all. These people aren’t normal. What in the world is he planning to do…?