Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 160

 "It's been a while, Seria."

Upon arriving at the magistrate's residence in Lef's town and stepping inside, Liesel greeted us with a smile.

The guards probably went to inform her of our arrival when we entered the town, but did she really wait for us?

"Well... it has been a while."

Seriana seemed slightly exasperated, but she didn't seem too surprised. Well, it's hard to do anything undercover with this person around.

"Oh, what a shame. Couldn't surprise you, huh?"

He chuckled, his laughter contrasting with Seriana's villainous grin. As always, he was the refreshing one. No, wait, maybe guys like him are actually the masterminds...

"Now, let's head to the dining hall. You must be hungry too, right?"

"Well, yes. You also have to move, so we don't have much time. Please lead the way."

With that, Seriana was led away by Liesel, with us following behind. What should we do...?

"Everyone, this way."

As I was thinking that, Liesel's butler, Carlos, spoke up. Normally, we have a casual relationship, but when it comes to master and servant, we keep our distance. However, it seems different this time.

◇

"So, what's the situation in Rutoru? I've heard a simple report from Alex, but I'd like to hear it from you too."

After lunch, we discussed the situation in the capital and the towns we passed through, and now it was time for the main topic: Rutoru. Alex had been investigating the town too, but since he had been working as an adventurer for the past few months, his information was limited.

"Indeed, the influence of the church was strong. The previous magistrate prioritized maintaining peace in the town, so maybe that's why... Most of the influential figures in the town had ties to the church. We could have forced our way in, but that would have likely caused backlash. It might seem lenient, but well, we'll take it step by step."

I see. I don't think it's lenient, but rather patient.

"They probably haven't been conscious of the lord's presence until now. We want to secure our footing, and there's no need to rush."

"What about the adventurers?"

"Some use the holy coin and visit the healing institutions, but most adventurers are on our side. There aren't many from Rutoru, but the ones Alexio brought along are doing well."

Liesel responded to Seriana's question.

So adventurers are on the lord's side. Well, Alex scouted them from the capital, and they came all the way here, leaving behind their activities in the dungeon there. They'll do their best.

And those who aim to be adventurers from that town are mostly dissatisfied with the situation there, so if there's a change in regime, they might join us.

"Oh, that's good."

"Yes. Being so far from the capital, adventurers are the core of the town's defense. We were prepared to burden the residents to favor them if necessary, but fortunately, that wasn't needed. Zig and the others played a big role. It's thanks to them that..."

"Speaking of which, how are Zig and the others? I heard they planned to return if they could make it in time, but did they stay there after all?"

Zig, who went with Alex and the others. They haven't come back since.

Is that town really that enjoyable?

"Zig was investigating outside the town. Luban joined him later and expanded the scope. Fiora initially participated, but now she's busy deciding where to live."

"...I see."

They're such carefree people...

"For now, we'll use the magistrate's residence in Rutoru. The Count had been expanding it since the engagement was confirmed, so the construction is already finished, and they've acquired surrounding land to expand the grounds, including barracks and servant buildings. Elena and the others don't have to worry about that."

The magistrate's residence, huh... I know it was in the southern part of the town, but I've never gotten close.

"What about Sera? Should we use the servant's building, or should she live in the residence?"

She asked me while I was sitting on her lap.

As long as there's a private room, I don't mind either way...

"I'll have Sera prepare my room as usual. It's spacious enough, right?"

"Don't push yourself too hard."

Liesel, currently experiencing the effects of "Blessing of Mira" and "Prayer," lightly scolded Seriana, but her intention was a bit different.

It's the hideout!