Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 244

 New Duchy.

The name of the territory is Riana.

As soon as we entered its capital, Old Lutle, we were greeted by residents lined up on both sides of the road.

The influence of Liesel becoming the deputy governor and actively engaging with the city must have played a role, but compared to before I deserted, it's a world of difference.

He's also boldly challenging the church's autocracy and gradually diminishing their influence in the city. Although we can't act directly yet, it seems a considerable portion of the adventurers' sacred coin sales have shifted to our side.

"…Hehe."

As I watched the residents cheering from inside the carriage, a smile crept onto my face without me realizing it. I guess I'll give up on my childhood dream of turning this city into a sea of fire!

"…Why are you making a weird face?"

Perhaps they heard my involuntary laugh, as Seriana, Elena, and Teresa, who were in the same carriage, turned their gazes toward me.

"How rude… I'm just in a good mood!"

I'm in such a good mood that even Seriana's rude remark doesn't bother me. It's not like I'm being worshipped or anything, but since my lord is the one being celebrated and I hardly had any contact with the residents before… I've become quite tolerant.

"Heheh… Ouch!"

As I smiled and waved at the people outside the carriage, Seriana pinched my cheek with her free hand.

…She's quite dexterous.

"It's a good thing, isn't it? Knowing that the lady we've known since childhood is so well-received in the new territory makes me proud."

"Hmph… I haven't done much work yet… This is Liesel's achievement."

Elena tried to console her, but since she could be seen from outside, her expression was a smile, but her voice sounded displeased. Well, she's always been a bit of an athlete and quite strict with herself. I think she's done plenty of work, but she probably feels it's not enough.

She's a troublesome character.

"I've heard that frontier cities often have a difficult relationship with nobles, but it seems that isn't a concern here."

"Since my husband became the deputy governor, he's been actively interacting with the people, and last winter, we faced a monster attack. The fact that we managed to get through it without major casualties was significant."

"Ah, I read the reports in the capital of Zerkis. It was said to be a larger-scale attack than usual…"

"Yes. Of course, my husband played a big role, but it was particularly thanks to Seria, Alex, and Sieghart, who are the lady's direct subordinates. In this city, with the demon realm so close by, many people are connected to adventurers, so the stories spread easily."

Elena and Teresa were talking, but… I felt embarrassed being praised right in front of them!

◇

The deputy governor's mansion, now the lord's mansion, is located on the high ground in the southwest of the city. By the time we left the city in February, it was mostly completed but still under construction. However, three months later, it's beautifully finished.

The main building houses major facilities such as the conference room, dining hall, and Liesel's office, while the south wing contains rooms for Seriana, the maids, and female guests. The newly built north wing is packed with rooms for the male staff. Both the north and south wings have separate floors for men and women.

"Grr…!"

"That's why, Seria, you can't. Even we can't enter the south wing. There's no one who would harm you, but if something were to happen, it would put us in a difficult position. Give it up."

In front of the passage leading to the north wing, the soldiers guarding it stopped me firmly.

After returning to the mansion, Seriana and the others were receiving reports about what had happened during their absence with Liesel. Alex headed to the adventurer's guild, and Sieghart and the others wouldn't return until the evening. I could help carry in the luggage, but honestly, I wouldn't be much help.

So, I decided to explore the north wing… but being a woman, I guess I can't go in. I tried to insist, but it seems they won't let me through.

They're just doing their job seriously, and causing trouble here would be inconvenient… I was curious about the new building, though…

"Fine… I'll give up."

"Yes, there's nothing interesting to see anyway. Why don't you go and show your face to the ladies of the mansion? You used to talk to them often."

"Alright… see you later."

Should I sneak in at some point or bring Alex or Sieghart along and go the proper way… I'll break through one day.