Uuu… It's too difficult, I feel like steam is about to come out of my head.
While listening to the reports from my retainers, I was secretly complaining in my heart.
"The chaos caused by the labyrinth overflows that began about three months ago can now be considered to have settled. Additionally, regarding the food supply concerns that arose due to magic beast damage… —Lady Nagisa, are you listening?"
As I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information coming one after another, the retainer who had come specifically to report gave me a puzzled look.
"I-I'm fine! Please continue!"
I hurriedly straightened my back and looked the retainer squarely in the eyes.
No matter how hard it is, I cannot falter here.
This is the responsibility of the Asagiri family, who seized the Kyokuto region from the Shinonome family of the eastern dawn, including my sister Fuuka.
As someone in a position to support the country, no matter how difficult, I must overcome it.
The retainer frowned for a moment but quickly continued his report.
"…Understood. Regarding the food supply issue—"
Even after that, I continued to focus on the retainers' words to keep up with the conversation, when suddenly I sensed a presence I knew very well.
"! S-sorry! Something urgent has come up. I'll hear the rest of the report later!"
After telling the retainer that, I left the room and hurried toward the place where I sensed the presence.
◇
"Lady Philly. W-welcome back…!"
I approached the owner of the presence I had sensed—Lady Philly—and called out to her.
"My, Nagisa. I always tell you there's no need to come out and greet me specifically. You're an adult now and actively participating in the governance of the Kyokuto region, aren't you? You don't need to worry about me."
Lady Philly spoke to me in a considerate manner.
A soft smile floated on her face, making her appear very friendly.
Caught up in that, I almost let my guard down.
But I must not forget.
—That Lady Philly has no human heart.
How many times have the people suffered horribly because I let this person act freely?
It seems I still hold value to Lady Philly, so she does not do anything terrible to me directly.
That is why, whenever Lady Philly is in this country, I must act as a breakwater to protect the people from her by keeping watch.
…Hm?
The usual Lady Philly always has cold eyes no matter how much she arranges her expression.
But today, I didn't feel that coldness.
"T-thank you for your concern… Um, Lady Philly, did something good happen?"
"My, can you tell? Actually, it seems I may finally be able to fulfill my long-cherished wish."
"Y-your long-cherished wish…?"
"Fufu… You don't need to be so wary. It's not something I'll start right away. For a while, I plan to relax and stretch my wings. There's a festival in this country right now, isn't there?"
"…You mean the Spirit Dance Festival?"
"Yes, that's the one. For once, I intend to purely enjoy the festival. So I have no intention of interfering with it, and I promise not to lay a hand on the people of the Kyokuto region until after the Spirit Dance Festival."
"R-really!?"
"Yes. So make sure you prepare thoroughly so there are no issues with the Spirit Dance Festival. I'm looking forward to it, after all."
Lady Philly is a dangerous person, but she is someone who… keeps her promises.
She has never once broken a promise she made with me.
Preparing for the Spirit Dance Festival while monitoring Lady Philly is difficult, so this is a huge help.
"Understood! I will do my best so that you can enjoy it too, Lady Philly!"
"Yes. I truly am… looking forward to it."
.