Chapter 279.2

Chapter 279.2. The Opening Ceremony Seems Boring, Right?

“As Your Majesty says, the Ice Dungeon is a multi-layered dungeon, but it offers an excellent view, just like an open square. Moreover, the creatures that appear there are diverse, all were Poyopoyos, making it an excellent hunting ground.”

Nobunaga-kun smiles and follows, and even Uncle Enraku envies the amulet he holds.

“You can apply complete preservation if you have high-quality Ice Magic Stones. And it’s quite affordable.”

“Yes, to my knowledge, after it changed into the Ice Dungeon, the martial arts tournament lost its main attractions, but it has become one of the top hunting grounds.”

The Mist Dungeon collapsed due to an unfortunate accident. However, strangely, it turned into a multi-layered dungeon resembling a mille-feuille, with Poyopoyos popping up.

The magic stones that Poyopoyos drop, ranging from level 5 to 10 on average, are all of high quality, level 5 or higher than usual.

Now, adventurers and ordinary people are flocking to buy these magic stones. It’s a sellout. Aburage Viscounty and the Druids bought these magic stones in bulk and diligently produced magical tools.

Since these stones are easy to use as everyday magic tools, they’re bought in large quantities and manufactured. Aburage Viscounty has been making a substantial profit.

Of course, Ulhara Corporation, to which the Druids belong, is also benefiting.

“While the Druids have the technology, they lack mass production capabilities. Without Aburage Viscounty’s mass production technology, it would have been a missed opportunity.”

As I savor the Horn Bear Cow steak, a sharp voice calls out to me from behind.

“Duchess Ryusui, have you already eaten the steak?”

“Steak is tough for an old woman like me. I haven’t touched it, though. Sorry to the chef.”

“It’s so tender you can cut it with chopsticks.”

I demonstrated by cutting the Shiitake Horn Bear Cow steak with chopsticks and taking a bite.

“Hmph, youth is enviable.”

Standing behind me is Duchess Ryusui. It seems he left his seat and came over here.

“What do you want, Duchess Ryusui?”

The Emperor gives a sharp look. Despite the killing intent in his gaze, the old lady shrugs her shoulders and continues speaking without minding.

“Well, I heard some strange rumors have been spreading lately, so I thought it was necessary to clear up any misunderstandings.”

“Whether the rumors are true or not will be revealed soon enough. Until then, it would be best to keep quiet.”

“That’s true; it should become clear soon. Being too greedy can lead to a fall from a high place, Countess Takano.”

While talking with the Emperor, the old lady turns her face toward Mii-chan. Has she gained a few more wrinkles since the last time I saw her?

“Don’t worry! I’m good at somersaults. I can land a somersault from any height!”

“Then I’m relieved. I want to enjoy the martial arts tournament, so I’ll leave my seat here.”

With a hint of something in her tone, Duchess Ryusui raises a hand and departs gracefully.

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Hmm.. What does that mean? Is it because she got suspected by the Emperor and wants to improve her image?

That’s right. Duchess Ryusui lost the Emperor’s trust because there were rumors that she might be collaborating with Duke Kanna.

Well, Mii-chan spread those rumors.

As a response to the betrayal of Genshin Nagamasa and the defection of the Royal Guards, an event takes place where someone exposes Sena’s actions, and an ambush awaits them.

Duke Kanna couldn’t make contact with the Royal Guards. Mii-chan had speculated that there might be other collaborators.

Many strange occurrences raised questions, such as the sudden appearance of the monster tamers, who was questionable even after reading the original story, Niddhogg disguised as a soldier, and the fact that somehow someone revealed Sena’s travel plans.

While she didn’t mind it being a plot-convenient novel, in reality, it was clear that there was someone behind it.

The machinations of Duke Kanna alone couldn’t explain many things.

I had always suspected that the mastermind was either the unnamed Empress, or Duchess Ryusui, so I decided to spread rumors about Duke Ryusui first.

After all, there was no evidence. If there was no response, I intended to spread rumors about the Empress.

When you don’t know who the enemy is, it’s a basic strategy to attack them both. Given the dire situation where they relentlessly attacked Takano County, it couldn’t be helped.

The Emperor had been vaguely concerned. He distanced himself from Duchess Ryusui, and his reaction leaned towards a darker gray.

I hoped that the old man who had been hiding for several years could gather evidence.

“Now, then, I shall announce the beginning of the opening ceremony.”

The Emperor glanced at Duchess Ryusui, then stood up. The wall opened with a “whoosh”, the floor extended outward. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a balcony.

The Emperor, stood on the balcony, unperturbed despite the height that could make anyone dizzy and with clouds that could obscure vision. There was no change in air pressure or wind gusts entering the restaurant, thanks to the power of magic.

In the sky, a holographic image of the majestic Emperor appeared.

“Is everyone prepared?”

In a manner befitting a ruler, the Emperor’s voice resounded as people looked up at the sky. As everyone gazed upwards, the Emperor made the opening declaration.