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Chapter 23: Reunion with Emma
"I have returned to Yurieru!" exclaimed Marianne, feeling a sense of nostalgia as she descended from the ship and gazed upon the harbor.
Aelusdro and Rudolf also arrived at the port and looked out at the imperial capital.
"So, this is Marianne's hometown," Rudolf remarked. "It feels quite solemn here."
The harbor, reflecting the nature of a militaristic nation, exuded an atmosphere of simplicity and strength.
"I remember this was an empire where only humans were allowed. How can we enter the imperial capital?" Rudolf questioned.
"In that case, leave it to me. As a noble of the empire, I will ensure our entry," Marianne assured them.
Led by Marianne, the group set off for the imperial capital of Yurieru.
Suddenly, they caught sight of Marianne's father accompanied by a person surrounded by small creatures.
"Emma!?" Marianne exclaimed. The birds took flight, and the small creatures that were around the girl kept their distance.
Among the creatures, the girl—Emma—emerged.
"It's been a while, Emma Craelsh," Marianne greeted her, and Emma responded with a radiant smile.
"I've heard of your achievements in the Nagal region," Emma said.
"Indeed, all thanks to you, this has happened," Marianne murmured under her breath, voicing her complaints so that Emma couldn't hear. While being exiled to a remote region was her own doing, Aelusdro refrained from commenting.
"Anyway, the reason I have come here is to settle things with you," Marianne declared, pointing her finger at Emma with determination.
Taken aback by the sudden declaration of hostility, Emma's eyes sparkled with confusion and she let out a sigh.
"Why would you say such a thing?" Emma asked.
"Because you stole my fiancé! It's only natural that I don't like you!" Marianne replied sharply.
Emma, feeling directly antagonized by Marianne, became teary-eyed. A young monkey handed her a handkerchief to wipe away her tears.
"...Marianne, that's disrespectful to Lady Emma," the young monkey chided.
Marianne's arrogant attitude prompted her father, Count Freudenstein, to express his disapproval.
"So, you've come, Father."
"Yes, I'm glad to see you after so long... But please, don't come back."
Count Freudenstein reunited with his daughter after a long time. However, he did not hold her return in high regard.
"This is the consequence of the misdeeds you've committed. And to make matters worse, you bring non-humans along with you."
"Geh..."
"To bring filthy non-humans to a nation that upholds human supremacy, you have truly become tarnished. Well, you were already filthy to begin with, so I suppose it doesn't matter."
"Hmph!"
In other words, Marianne was effectively barred from entering the imperial capital of the Galba Empire.
As Marianne sulked, Rolf arrived.
"Rolf?"
"Don't worry. I have arranged suites for all of you at the Imperial Hotel."
"I appreciate your efficiency. Well then, Emma, goodbye."
Saying so, Marianne and the others depart, heading towards the hotel in the imperial capital of Yurieru.
And so, Aelusdro and the others followed Rolf's guidance to the Imperial Hotel. The interior was luxurious, pleasing to the eye, and the service was impeccable—a truly first-class hotel.
Aelusdro and the others were accommodated in the penthouse suite, thanks to Marianne's presence.
"Phew... It was quite an ordeal, but we managed to return to our homeland," Marianne said as she comfortably settled on the sofa.
Aelusdro and Rudolf sat quietly beside her.
Ellie flew around above Rudolf's head, while Shuu silently maintained his weapons.
Miro and Yumir were fast asleep on the sofa.
"If it weren't for Marianne, we would have been arrested," Aelusdro remarked.
"And worst-case scenario, executed," Rudolf added.
"Oh no, execution is scary!" Ellie trembled upon hearing the word and clung to Rudolf.
"Don't worry, I'm here. You're safe," Rudolf reassured her.
"Thank you, Rudolf..."
As the seven of them engaged in such lighthearted conversation, they heard voices approaching from a distance.
"Everyone, please come this way."
Judging by the voice's tone, it seemed to be a woman.
The seven of them followed the voice and found a heavily armored woman with a red ponytail and brown eyes waiting for them.
"First, I would like to know your names," she said as she bowed. "My name is Tiffany, the guild master of the guild 'Sun's Arrow.'"
"Oh, you're a guild master. That could be a good connection," Marianne said with a smile that seemed to hide something.
Ignoring Marianne's hidden intentions, Tiffany continued speaking.
"...I'll get straight to the point. I came here because I have a request for you."
"A request?"
"You're aware of Emma's popularity, right?" Tiffany asked, and Marianne nodded in agreement. Emma was adored by people of all ages and even animals.
"Among her admirers, there are three nobles who seem to have malicious intentions."
In the Galba Empire, the power of the nobles was growing stronger.
Tiffany added that she was using that fact to her advantage.
"Could it be that Emma instigated those three?"
"No, it hasn't been determined that she's the culprit yet. I want to ask you four to investigate."
"Why aren't you conducting the investigation yourself as the guild master?" Rudolf, curious about this, asked Tiffany.
"I have already conducted some investigations, but I was constantly obstructed and failed," Tiffany explained.
"But that's impossible for me!" Marianne exclaimed.
"Emma is likely to let her guard down around the woman involved. Those nobles will also be attending the party. It should be easier for you to approach them."
Tiffany's response to Rudolf's question was clear. However, Aelusdro and the others had insufficient reasons to accept the investigation.
Aelusdro couldn't bring himself to take on the request.
At that moment, Yumir remembered something and spoke up.
"Wait a moment. If I recall correctly, Marianne and Emma are supposed to have a showdown at the party, right?"
"Oh, you're aware of that."
"Before that happens, if it is revealed that Emma is the culprit, Marianne will be the winner."
...
Upon realizing Yumir's words, Marianne's face lit up with a broad smile as she said, "I'll take on the request!"
"Thank you. I've actually been under scrutiny by the imperial family due to investigating too much. I truly appreciate your help," Tiffany expressed her gratitude.
"As long as I can defeat Emma, I'm open to anything. Now then, everyone, let's go!"
"Yes, (Marianne is quite straightforward)," Rudolf remarked.
And so, Aelusdro and the others decided to take on the investigation in Tiffany's place, in order to expose the darkness of the Galba Empire.
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