Chapter 60

DD 60: Preliminary Arrangements

“…I’m sorry for having you come here in this manner, Minae-san . ”

“N-Not at all! Well… I was just doing what I am supposed to, Fief Lord-sama…”

In front of me was Minae-san, who was displaying an extremely grateful attitude to my presence… That’s right, I summoned her to my place as soon as the excommunication was pronounced . This was a preliminary arrangement to suppress the upcoming outburst of dissatisfaction among the fief’s citizens .

At first Minae-san was surprised, for she didn’t know that I am the daughter of Duke Armelia up until then . Moreover, when she learnt about the current situation from our exchanges thus far, her attitude became even more obliged . It was our fault… she thought . Foreseeing how this would turn out, I must have been quite a mean character to explain everything to her in this manner .

“I will be frank about the reason I called you here… I would like to ask you for a favor . ”

“Y-Yes . What is it? I would gladly fulfill it as long as it is within my capabilities!”

“I may have to remind you of a certain bitter incident not so long ago . How should I put it…? I would like you to spread a story about the sold church . You see… it is sort of exaggerated . To say, the plot is: the place where the holy church was located – though used to be where we lived – was unfortunately sold to some bastards involved with human trafficking . We were threatened to leave and subjected to continual harassment . When Iris got wind of the situation, she arrested those bastards and relocated the tattered church – due to the harassment – to another location, then found us a new home . The new church was not opened yet though, but rumors said that there will be a grandiose opening ceremony soon . At that time, Iris will also make her appearance there . ”

Hearing the content of my favor, Minae tilted her head in puzzlement .

“You want me to spread such a story?”

“That’s right . You probably will attract a lot of unwanted attention… no, eight to nine out of ten it would surely be . You will receive plenty of hostile and suspicious gazes, too . Even so, I want you to spread this to as many people as you can . ”

“If that is the case, then yes of course! I will do lots and lots of talking from now on, and make sure that it will be heard and talked about in every corner of the fief’s capital!”

***

Few days have passed since I asked Minae-san for the favor . The rumor has been spreading so wildly, to the point that no one isn’t being aware of it . Needless to say, not everything was good news – there were some skepticism and further rumors, and the original story was twisted with many variations through gossiping . Nevertheless, the main point was conveyed successfully . Plus, many people have shown interest in the opening ceremony of the new church .

As I was recalling of what happened thus far, my mind returned to the reality .

“You have my deepest gratitude, Minae . Just so you know, I am not the actual lord, just the acting lord of the fief . ”

“I-Is that so…?”

“Please also keep my identity a secret from the children . If they start to call me Lady Iris when I come to play with them… somehow, I feel like there are distances between us and that will make me sad . ”

“You will take your time to visit us again?!”

“Certainly . I am looking forward to seeing the children’s recital . Plus, I have yet given new picture books or telling them new fairy-tales, you know?”

“…Thank you very much, Lady Iris . The children are waiting for your appearance with joy . ”

“I am happy to hear that… Therefore, let’s finish the business quickly . ”

Having said so, I got off the horse carriage .

Today is the celebration of the completion as well as the opening ceremony of the new church . To ensure my participation go off without a hitch, Ryle and Dida – who were busy doing their tasks in various places – and Tanya are accompanying me as bodyguards at the moment .

In front of my eyes is the newly constructed towering church . Though it is supposed to be a sacred place, it gives off the atmosphere of a demon king’s castle where heroes head for… such is an exaggerated way I use to describe the building .

Well then, first of all, in order to settle the heart of the fief’s citizens, I should march into there .