Log Horizon Book 5 chapter 4 by fagguy and friends

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UkGqM3KIxBzjoqVDmCKVTuAtI2rhv5wcY4Ct9ASK_yQ/edit

It is still work in progress, but here is fagguy's translation work so far.
This is done by Fag guy and anons, I only play a small part in this.
All of it has been translated, but it is still lacking in terms of editing.




CHAPTER.4  CONFUSION

〈Chemistry Set〉

When you combine this red potion with the blue one……

It’s yummy!



▼1



The entire floor was jam-packed right from the start.


There were teams of 〈Adventurers〉 representing their guilds, girls shopping for the lowest prices, traders queueing to buy the works of renowned artisans, and noblemen merchants dressed in their splendour.


Although the crowd had been expected, few guilds had foreseen that it would be such a grand spectacle. The scene was chaotic, with various stalls busy touting customers.


This large hall was the venue for the clothing expo.


Since the wares here were limited to 「clothing」, not all the production guilds had set up booths here. It was a matter of course that the three big production guilds, who had at least five hundred members each, had various departments that catered to different industries and needs. However, the small or medium-sized guilds would usually choose to specialize in a specific type of product.


For instance, 〈Anemona〉 was a weapons production guild that was known to all of Akiba’s insiders. It specialized in the production of Japanese swords. All of its members were high-level 〈Blacksmiths〉. Their dedication, which stemmed from their near-freakish obsession with quality, allowed them to rediscover the techniques for manual forging in this〈post-Catastrophe〉 world. Such a guild would obviously not have 〈Tailors〉, and would naturally not partake in the exhibition held within this building.


However, the entire 「Libra Festival」 was a big opportunity for all sorts of guilds and artisans.


This floor was a market which specialized in clothing and was indoors at the request of the female 〈Adventurers〉. However, a 「flea market」 was also being held outside concurrently, centered along the main streets outside.The open-air stalls there were selling all sorts of different wares.


The clothing market was held in the building’s interior, but the market outside sold weapons, armor, and even jewellery. To be honest, the heart of the festival was obviously the 「flea market」 being held outside, however, the clothing expo also received a significant amount of attention as well.


The clothing market’s main event was the 「fashion show」. Basically, it was an event featuring the clothing various guilds had designed with as much attention to detail as their ingenuity. Models would wear these fashion items and parade on a runway. The models were [Adventurers] famous in Akiba for their popularity or appearance. With so many of them gathered and appearing in the show, it would not be surprising if a good portion of the crowd were actually here as fans instead of shoppers.


The booths were split into two categories: large and small.


The large booths had more personnel and had a greater variety of wares on display. These were the booths of the large-size guilds. They were situated against walls, making the transportation of goods an easy task.


The area in the middle of the floor had been partitioned into semi-open spaces for the small booths. These were used by the small and medium-size guilds.


〈Crescent Moon Alliance’s〉 booth was not situated in a good location. It was rather far from the center of the floor, but it was not close to the walls either. With regards to the crowd’s traffic, it was a rather unfavourable location, it was also far from the fashion show’s runway. Hence it was expected that their business would be a bitter struggle.


However, 〈Crescent Moon Alliance〉was different from the pure production guilds. 「Let’s try anything as long as it interests us!」. That was the sort of guild it was. In fact, its booth was only set up by the members who had expressed an interest in doing so. It was not a concerted effort by the entire guild.


Since the〈Crescent Moon Alliance〉was a friendly guild full of equally-friendly〈Adventurers〉, players, even council members, were willing to lend them a hand if they asked . However, when compared to pure production guilds, their experience in business was a little lacking. If, perchance, their got a good location, rumors of them abusing their position in the〈Round Table〉were bound to come up. In this sense, their location was very appropriate.


「Say, isn't this crowd a bit ridiculous?」


Henrietta grabbed hold of Maryele, who had lost her composure and was exclaiming 「wuah~, wuah~」. She took this guild leader, who had such a voluptuous body that it incited hatred from others, dragged her back to the counter, and sat her down on a stool.


「Maryele, you are a guild master, how can you lose your cool like that? Do me a favor and sit here quietly.」


「You’re right. It’s just that, how do I put it in words, I haven’t seen so many people in quite a while……」


Maryele felt restless inside and was unable to settle down.


What she had said was indeed true. In the original world, taking a crowded train was a common routine. In the heart of Tokyo Prefecture, it was a common sight to see thousands of pedestrians going about their business in front of train stations or at crossroad junctions.


However, ever since they came to this world due to the 〈Catastrophe〉, they never had the opportunity to see such scenes anymore. Despite the fact that Akiba’s central plaza was filled with activity, it never felt crowded due to its spacious open area.


This place made people reminisce of the crowded conditions back in their original world. The crowd had rushed in immediately after the opening, gathering around the myriad booths to shop.


The fact that they could still afford to quarrel despite this ongoing commotion proved that 〈Crescent Moon Alliance’s〉 booth was away from the main traffic of the crowd.


Like a waterfall splashing against the rocks below, the bulk of the crowd first swarmed the booths of the large-scale guilds situated next to the walls. Subsequently, smaller streams of people then made their way towards the booths of the small and medium guilds which were located near the stage.


However, they were only able to afford the luxury of observing the crowd in such a detached manner for roughly half an hour.


After the large guilds had attracted long queues, a significant amount of people started to think in the following manner: 「Isn’t it better if we looked at the smaller booths rather than line up now?」.


Henrietta had initially planned to deploy Maryele (or rather her smile) on the frontline, with herself serving as the cashier and accountant. However, current circumstances made this increasingly difficult to do.


The number of 〈People of the Land〉 was greater than expected.


The members of 〈Crescent Moon Alliance〉 who were stationed at this stall were Maryelle, Henrietta, and two 〈Tailors〉.  Apart from this booth and the fashion show, the〈Crescent Moon Alliance〉 had also set up an al fresco restaurant and a weapons shop at the flea market.


As Maryele was the guildmaster, it was expected of her to make an appearance at every one of their booths. Henrietta had decided that it would be best to keep Maryele there only until after[d] the fashion show this afternoon[e]. By doing so, only the two inexperienced guild members would be left to man the booth.


Henrietta snuck a look at the aforementioned two. They shook their heads in response.


The meaning behind it was clear. 「No way, no way, we’re not familiar with this!」 The two of them were expressing this through their gazes.


Henrietta was negotiating business and sighing internally at the same time.


If the other party was an〈Adventurer〉who simply wanted to buy outdoor clothes for daily use, there would hardly be any issue. Since they were all from another world, they were all equally unfamiliar with conducting such business. Thus what they were doing could be better described as merely 「playing business」. But that was more than enough for 〈Adventurers〉.


On the other hand, the〈People of the Land〉 were mostly merchants and traders.


Furthermore, the purpose of their visit was not simply to pick out clothes that they liked. They were here to gather information, make new contacts, and, if possible, to negotiate the establishment of a supply line. Hence, they would make inquiries about the price, the materials, and even in depth details such as how things were sewn.


（However, I have neither the experience nor the know-how for such a responsibility……）


With this thought in mind, Henrietta politely refused the inquiries of the middle-aged 〈People of the Land〉 merchants with a smile on her face.


During the formation of the 〈Round Table Council〉, having put one over the three big production guilds——could it be that I’ve developed a taste for this kind of situation?[f] Henrietta thought to herself.


Henrietta was currently in her twenties.


One cannot regard her as experienced.


Although she was technically a ‘professional’, she knew a person in their twenties, like herself, was like a newly hatched chick with its eggshell still stuck to its head. But she also knew that in order to graduate from being a hatchling, one had to gain experience in the frontline. Henrietta understood this through personal experience.


（I can’t just leave this to my juniors…… I have to at least take care of the troublesome merchants before I try making sense of the situation.）


Her guild mates could probably sense Henrietta’s concerns.


It may have been a result of their subconscious team spirit, but while Henrietta handled a 〈People of the Land〉merchant, the remaining three 〈Crescent Moon Alliance〉 members arranged themselves into formation to handle an 〈Adventurer〉.


The inexperienced pair packaged the wares while the smiling Maryele received the payment. The transaction was then completed after the three bowed in appreciation.


Henrietta observed this scene from the corner of her eye as she handled the inquiries of the 〈Person of the Land〉. Given the scale of the〈Crescent Moon Alliance〉, even an order of a hundred pieces a month was far too large for them to handle. If it needed to be refused, it needed to be refused——this was something that Henrietta had put her foot down.


（If I agreed to such a contract, I have no idea what the consquences would be like. Since a man who has such a pitch black nature like Shiroe exists, I truly cannot afford to let my guard down……eh?）


Henrietta examined her surroundings.


She had just realized that Shiroe had disappeared.


She remembered throwing him the clothes that he was meant to wear, but now, that overbearing man was currently nowhere near the booth. There was no sign of a certain black-haired chibi either.


「——Shiroe-sama?」


After checking that there were no troublesome customers coming or going, Henrietta straightened her back and scanned the area. While Henrietta was taller than Maryelle by a bit, the endless traffic in front of the stall obscured her vision.


「Where is——」


「Yes, the items this time are experimental. Therefore, for the sake of getting as much feedback from as many people, every customer is restricted to two items.」


「I’ve already made it clear that I’m willing to pay!」


「That’s not the problem.」


Henrietta, who had craned her neck to search, heard Shiroe’s bland voice.


It sounded like he was dealing with somebody’s complaint. Henrietta examined the endless streams of people and finally spotted Shiroe’s figure at a booth located opposite the passageway.


Shiroe was wearing a long sleeveless hooded vest. This, coupled together with a thin long-sleeved T-shirt worn on the inside, made him look 「presentable」. He was holding his ground, with a steady expression, in front of a merchant who looked impatient to the point of releasing steam from his head.


Wearing Crescent Moon’s apparel, Shiroe looked more like a normal Japanese youth than a character from medieval times. That appearance gave Henrietta a nagging feeling that she was getting a sneak peek into Shiroe's private life back in the original world.


「Sorry, please let me through!」


Henrietta had only managed to get a glimpse of him before losing him in the crowd again. She cut through the mass of customers enjoying the expo and rushed towards the opposite booth.


That was the guild〈Cocoa Brown’s〉booth.


Shiroe stood among the staff, facing a merchant who was shaking in frustration. Akatsuki was next to him, but it seemed as though Shiroe was stopping her rather than protecting her.


〈Cocoa Brown’s〉clothing stall seemed to specialize in small accessories, selling beautiful precious stones of various colors as well as delicately-crafted necklaces and earrings.


Henrietta felt that the items on display were very classy. She had already seen them earlier, before the expo’s opening, when she was greeting the booths around theirs. Furthermore, the items were priced shockingly low, to which the 〈Cocoa Brown〉staff explained that 「this is in gratitude to the battle guilds that have been taking care of small guilds like ourselves.」


「It’s like I’ve been saying, right? If you sell them to me, your crafters will be known among the <People of the Land>——」


「I’m sorry, please leave.」


Shiroe continued to reject the merchant’s offer.


By this point, the crowd nearby had noticed the commotion and naturally formed a semicircle around〈Cocoa Brown〉.


This ill-mannered merchant was trying to buy〈Cocoa Brown’s〉goods in bulk. It was okay to buy just one or two items, but a bulk purchase would make the stall unable to continue its operation for the remainder of the expo.


If their aim had been profit or to sellout, then〈Cocoa Brown〉would have sold everything by then. But that was not the case. It was their heartfelt wish that their products would prove useful to Akiba’s local〈Adventurers〉.Thus, their policy of limiting the items sold per customer didn’t sit well with businessmen.


〈Adventurers〉had superior physical and magical capabilities in comparison to the〈People of the Land〉. Their subclass level could allow them to achieve crafting capabilities comparable to a master artisan’s skill.


However, haggling and negotiations did not depend on physical abilities. After all, the proficiency of some skills depended entirely on one’s personality and traits. Furthermore, the issue at hand had nothing to do with physical capabilities and instead was about interpersonal skills.


That is why Shiroe had intervened.


He decided to lend a helping hand.


(This line of reasoning shouldn’t be too far from the truth——ahhh, this〈Person of the Land〉-san is quite unlucky.)


「Don’t get so cocky, kid!」


Just as Henrietta managed to squeeze her way through the crowd to reach the area in front of〈Cocoa Brown〉, the〈Person of the Land〉finally snapped and tried to punch Shiroe.


The onlookers that gasped were mainly〈People of the Land〉.


Some of them even averted their eyes.


However, the result was as Henrietta had expected.


Shiroe stopped the punch with his fingers.


Shiroe was an〈Enchanter〉. Like the other magic classes, an 〈Enchanter’s〉stamina and strength was lower than the other classes——however, that only applied when compared to an 〈Adventurer〉of a different class and of similar level.


With a level difference of over 50, and up against a〈Person of the Land〉no less, even as a magician, the difference in agility and strength was overwhelming. In Shiroe’s eyes, the haughty merchant’s fist was nothing more than a balloon.


Because Shiroe caught the〈Person of the Land’s〉punch, it was not judged as an「attack」and there was no sign of the「Guards」appearing.


As he caught the punch from the middle-aged merchant with his left hand, Shiroe stopped Akatsuki with his right, probably to keep her from drawing her dagger. Akatsuki gave Shiroe a displeased look.


「Have you had enough?」


Shiroe asked with a smile.

In spite of his smile, the〈Bard〉Henrietta could clearly sense a formless energy being focused in Shiroe.


Shiroe was gathering the mana in the air. Because both 〈Bards〉and〈Enchanters〉were similar in that they could provide mana to their party, Henrietta was keenly aware of what was happening.


The expressions on the faces of other 〈Adventurers〉also changed as they became aware of Shiroe’s actions.


Brandishing a friendly smile on his face, Shiroe gradually amplified the oppressing atmosphere. All around them, a look of horror could be seen.


Shiroe was not casting any spell.


He was merely accumulating mana without casting one.


Therefore, it was not an act of combat and the Guards would not appear. Moreover, his expression was kind and did not contain even a hint of aggression.


And even though 〈the People of the Land〉weren’t as sensitive to magic as 〈Adventurers〉, at that point, they too should have felt the enormous amount of mana emanating from Shiroe.


The middle-aged merchant’s face rapidly grew white and withdrew his fist from Shiroe’s hand.


「This is unpleasant, I’m leaving!」


He hastily muttered these words and fled the scene.


「That mister lost his cool so easily.」


「My lord, didn’t you also force him into a corner?」


「If you had dealt with him, wouldn’t he have lost his head?」


「After all his limbs got broken.」


Shiroe appeased Akatsuki as she tilted her face up.


Shiroe shrugged helplessly as members of〈Cocoa Brown〉thanked him. The cute and round face of the dwarf girl had tears of gratitude in them as she held his hands tightly.


「Shiroe-sama.」


Henrietta was startled when she heard her own voice.


That was because it contained a somewhat displeased tone.


「What’s the matter?」


「Nothing, it’s just that …...」


「My lord, it must be time for us to go back to work.」


「That’s right.」


Upon hearing Akatsuki’s reply, Shiroe scratched his head, his previous aura having totally disappeared. The crowd nearby had also begun dissipating as though satisfied with the ending.


「Miss Henrietta?」


「Yes, Shiroe-sama?」


「——This expo is so chaotic.」


Henrietta instantly set aside her musings on 「why am I feeling unhappy?」and considered the meaning behind Shiroe’s statement.


A chaotic expo.


The disturbance in this incidence should be referring to the〈People of the Land〉incident just now. Thinking back, she had also just handled a business transaction that nearly turned into a fight. It was because on one side, there was a〈Person of the Land〉, while on the other, it was an Adventurer that was lacking in experience…...that was what Henrietta suspected. Did Shiroe think differently?


(Shiroe-sama saw something? If that’s the case …)


Henrietta was in doubt. She couldn’t decide whether or not to inform him of her bad premonition from earlier.


「Erm, Shiroe-sama …...」


「Indeed, the actions of the〈People of the Land〉were suspicious, but given that we don’t know enough, we simply cannot make anything out of this situation.」


She understood the things which Shiroe had just whispered. In other words, he too had felt some sort of unknown machination.


Akatsuki looked at him worriedly.


Henrietta wanted to talk to him so that perhaps, with his insight, he could shed new light on her doubts.


However, Shiroe had already begun to act. Speaking softly, he definitely was not talking to himself, but was contacting others through telepathy.


He focused on his secret conversation.


Finally, he nodded and turned towards Henrietta and stated his deduction clearly.


「It seems as though someone is attacking Akiba.」


▼2


Today, Raynesia had been in a rush since the break of dawn.


Of course, this was not of her own volition.


She had believed that she could let her hair down while the festival’s preparations were taking place——at least eventually.


She had planned to become “plant-like,” to be a lazy-bum, to act like a 「spoiled child」 to her heart’s content.


However, dealing with a near constant stream of invitations and guests made her unable to make time for an afternoon nap. Elissa was bustling around the room like a bee, taking out dresses and accessories from everywhere and considering how to pair them with each other.


The reason why Elissa was behaving in this manner was not because she was one of those airheaded girls who enjoyed dressing up.


In the nobles’ society, an event such as a dinner party or a formal meeting was an important gathering which was used as a show of prestige. A mere trinket could convey multiple meanings and messages to other parties according to its value, its color, and what gemstones it contain. This was how nobles socialized: with subtlety and allusion.


For instance, Raynesia was the second daughter of a duke. However, because the eldest daughter had already married out of the family, she was considered the oldest daughter in the family line. Also, while the reason for her deployment to the city was publicly announced as 「a sincere and personal apology to the 〈Adventurers〉」, in reality, she was there as the representative of both the members of the 〈Eastal League of Free Cities〉 and the Corwen clan. This was a rather evident fact.


Therefore, in situations like a formal reception, she had to make absolutely certain that Eastal’s most prestigious noble family——clan Corwen——would not be shamed. On the other hand, using her status as a〈representative〉as a shield, she could then leave subtle hints under the table. When meeting with merchants, she had to don jewelry of the appropriate value so as not to be despised, and when she was meeting with nobility, accessories that stressed her family’s lineage and status were in order. If both parties knew each others’ family situations, one could choose to avoid a fashion faux pas by wearing something that clashed with the other party’s, or one could even intentionally dress to compliment their attire. In the end, it was a game of complex psychological warfare.


Given that such a task needed a meticulous eye for detail, and it could not be performed by the inexperienced maids who served as her helpers, the choice was left to Elissa to handle. It had to be executed by someone who was familiar with the mannerisms of nobles, as well as the customs of the clan. Such was Elissa.


It was obvious that she could not wear the same attire the entire day.


She had to change her clothes and accessories for each new guest, making her very busy.


Nobles were very particular about keeping appearances. For instance, among the nobility, it was considered bad form to refuse the request of another party right on the spot. This was true even for cases like a minor noble making a request to a higher-classed noble. Even if it was just for show, she had to follow such customs to satisfy the demands of high society.


Thus when making requests, a lower noble would have to be more careful 「not make a request the other party cannot agree to」, and if you were the higher-classed noble to whom the request was made to, one had to show subtle 「hints reminding the other party to know their place」. In this political dance, clothes, gossip and gifts were the tools of the trade.


「Ah, really… What am I to do about the dinner party? I really have no idea what these 〈Adventurers〉 find tasteful.」


「Can’t we just go with the usual?」


「And what is this ‘usual’ you speak of?」


「Um…… light and airy?」


「Princess Raynesia, really?」

Even Elissa, it seems, have not fully grasped the social etiquettes〈Adventurers’〉 adhered to.


In the 〈Eastal League of Free Cities〉, how one could convey gratitude was common sense. But for the nobility, who would give thanks by giving awards or by asking someone to kneel down to be knighted, giving their thanks to 〈Adventurers〉 was a complete mystery. To know how to dress or how to act for people you do not know is utterly impossible.


Since this was so, the dinner party was modeled to resemble what was popular as closely as possible. The food, too, were done in this fashion as apart from the food the palace chefs that came from Maihama made, half of the cuisine were from restaurants around Akiba. If such an event was held in Maihama palace, scandals like “they are making fools of their guests!” were bound to come up. Fortunately, it seemed that for 〈Adventurers〉, such an event was alright. [h]


Since the general direction of the party was plain to see, Raynesia saw no need to worry about anything whatsoever. To her, it served no purpose to get frazzled over things that hadn’t even started yet, so she decided to laze about to pass the time. But it was an undeniable fact that Raynesia had such a disposition because she lived a life of indolence while avoiding people as much as possible. [i]


However, the situation changed.


「This should be on the list——next, coupled with a jade necklace, please wait. Remember last year, you received a birthday gift in......」


Elissa's voice contained a hint of nervousness.


「You're right, I have to pay attention to status......right?」


It was all too sudden.


Raynesia received notice that the western merchant Marvis was about to visit.


Marvis was a merchant by trade, but was also an important member of 〈Holy Empire Westelande〉's nobility. Although her family’s standing was not inferior to his, she still could not afford to be careless. And judging from the timing of his visit, he was most definitely sent here by order of the palace.


(The rumors that the west had changed were certainly true.)


Raynesia bit her lip.


Of course, there was a good reason for her stress.


About 280 years ago, the Yamato archipelago was a single, unified country. Commonly called the ancient dynasty, the 〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉 was ruled by a royal family which dominated the whole archipelago by use of force.


But during the chaos incited by the 〈Six Scrapped Princesses〉, the royal family came into ruin. Following its annihilation, the unified Yamato split apart after the power that was keeping it together was lost.


However, Yamato’s current nobility continued the system of ‘dynastic succession’ used in the ancient dynasty. After the death of the royal family, being the core of the former social strata, Yamato’s people were then ruled by the feudal lords that served the former〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉.


To the 〈Eastal League of Free Cities〉, this fact was also very significant.


The title ‘Duke’ of the Corwens, Raynesia’s family and one of only two dukedoms found in Yamato, was originally bestowed during 〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉. Likewise, the lords of the〈Eastal League of Free Cities〉inherited their ‘right to rule’ the〈People of the Land〉from their ancestors.


Of the areas of Yamato that were once under the 〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉, the two most influenced,〈Holy Empire Westelande〉 and the 〈Eastal League of Free Cities〉, practically split the archipelago in two.


The 〈Holy Empire Westelande〉 had recognized the Itsuki clan as the successors to the 〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉.


Even though Raynesia was not too familiar with history, she did know that the Itsuki clan was a “branch family” of the ancient dynasty’s royal family. The origins of the Itsuki clan came about from a political sacrifice. As their clan had moved to Ise, they survived the destruction of the 〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉.


Naturally, the Itsuki clan was put forward to be leaders of the 〈Holy Empire Westelande〉 as their name alone held a strong appeal to rulership, being the “legitimate successors” of the 〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉.


However, not all of Yamato’s nobility recognized the Itsuki clan as royalty. In fact, both Akiba and the 〈Eastal League of Free Cities〉, to which Raynesia belonged to, did not acknowledge the Itsuki clan as their rightful rulers.


In the end, the Itsuki clan was only a branch of the royal bloodline.


Once the clan split from the bloodline, its title could not be reinstated.


Besides, if it only was a question of having royal lineage, then even the Corwen clan had royal blood in their veins as described by the records kept by the aristocracy through a number of political marriages.


With the situation as it is, clan Corwen does not recognize the Itsuki clan to have the claim of direct royal lineage. But even if the lineage is not direct, it is still a branch family of the royal bloodline, not something to be taken lightly.


In the nobility hierarchy of the 〈Westelande Imperial Dynasty〉, clan Itsuki outclasses clan Corwen. From this political situation, even though both the eastern 'League of freedom cities Eastal' and the western 'Holy empire Westlande' are both influenced by the royal lineage, they always have a tense relationship with each other.


This Mavis person, the man that was sent here by the 〈Holy Empire Westelande〉 this time, was a highly ranked noble. Raynesia had once heard that he was the head of the merchant nobility and that he was in charge of maritime trade.


Although this dinner party was intended to improve relations with 〈Adventurers〉, if this person wanted to drop by, they could not refuse him an invitation. He was not the kind of man that could be refused with a “maybe later, when we’ve got time”.


Raynesia shook her head to clear her dark thoughts.


After all, both Mavis and Raynesia were 〈People of the Land〉, and by the culture left behind by the royal family in Yamato, they were both nobles.


Because of this, it could be said that they were of equal footing——meaning both need to adhere to the norms of etiquette and culture high society demands.


（At least……）


What she can do is complete her duties, that is what Raynesia thinks.


Her title is the daughter of the Corwen clan stationed in Akiba - simply princess Raynesia. Raynesia considers doing her best in her duties here is a way to repay Akiba for saving her home.


Raynesia stands ups, her white snowy dress flowing with her movements.



Although she has no idea what the nobleman of the west wants, she decided to be the personally serve as the vanguard.


▼3


「Hmm……」


「This is an attack. As they are using propaganda or psychological warfare, this is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth.」


Shiroe sighed softly.


Aside from the taste, it was also incredibly bad mannered.


The intent of such actions was obvious.


This attack on Akiba by an unknown entity, seemed to be an attempt discredit the〈Round Table〉and to weaken the unity of the city. However, this approach was too crude.


Was it because of the「enemy’s」incompetence? Or………


「……Or arrogance?」


Akatsuki turned her head upon hearing Shiroe muttering to himself.


He waved his hands hastily upon seeing the situation.


「It’s nothing, put away your dagger.」


「But, my lord……」


「You will have no opportunity to use that this time.」


Akatsuki unwillingly hid the icy-cold weapon under her skirt. Shiroe averted his eyes from her thighs and looked at Henrietta.


「Akiba is under attack.」


「Yes.」


Henrietta gave a stiff, curt nod.


Seeing that Henrietta has already noticed, Shiroe decided it was best if he shared some information.


「Our enemies should be making use of the ruckus to spread rumors. They aim to undermine the authority of the〈Round Table Council〉.」


「......We have to counter this quickly, maybe even stop the festival if necessary.」


「That might not be the best strategy.」


Shiroe calmly replied to Henrietta, who was hastily trying to find a solution.


「If we halt the festival, the public will doubt the〈Round Table Council’s〉ability to handle emergencies, resulting in our loss of authority, and our enemies will have achieved their goal. Thus, the best thing we can do at this time is to reduce the number of disruptions to a minimum and to resolve them as well. The festival must continue.」


「True……that makes sense.」


Henrietta looked pale.


Being under the indirect attack of mysterious assailants had produced quite a bit of stress. And it was not as if Shiroe wasn’t under the same amount of stress, but rather as Shiroe had a better grasp of the situation, he appeared calmer.


Shiroe’s instincts told him that the〈People of the Land〉were behind this attack. There were numerous reasons for such an assumption, but his primary basis was the 「intent to weaken the authority of the ruling organization」.


Including Shiroe, Yamato’s〈Adventurers〉were Japanese from the real world.


Not to be boastful, but the Japanese did not think that there was any value in undermining the authority of the ruling organization. In fact, those political and police organizations provide world-class services to their people. If such organizations failed, it would inconvenience the public, and so most Japanese would much rather have nothing to do with such high-level organizations. Therefore, the Japanese——in other words, Akiba’s〈Adventurers〉——would not think of「undermining the authority of the ruling organization」.


Furthermore, the unrefined manner of this attack provided another clue.


The〈People of the Land〉behind this would not expect this attack to physically harm Akiba’s〈Adventurers〉. That was to be expected, as it would at most cause the failure of the festival and worsen the security of the city. It could only result in the criticism of the〈Round Table Council〉, but would not weaken the 〈Adventurers〉 themselves.


This level of attack wouldn’t achieve their goal, even if that was to「undermine the authority of the〈Round Table Council〉」. It should be viewed as merely preparation for the real objective.


In that case, what was their real objective? And how would they benefit from it?


They probably wanted to use this chaos as a condition to conduct negotiations with Akiba.


This should be the aim of the「merchants from the west」, as mentioned when Minori reported in via telepathy. Since the〈Round Table Council〉and the〈Eastal League of Free Cities〉signed an agreement, the〈People of the Land〉from the west would naturally also want such an agreement to prevent the benefits from being monopolized. In order to achieve better terms and conditions, they conducted a preemptive strike.


If the mastermind was able to mobilize such a large number of merchants, then this person should be a merchant or noble who possessed quite some wealth.


The only person who could fit this criteria had already entered the city beforehand, a conclusion Shiroe drew after confirming it with Isaac.


Shiroe could understand this.


According to the current situation, this attack was certainly effective.


However, Shiroe felt that if that was all there was, then it was too crude and inelegant.


They only gained a slight advantage in price negotiation through intimidation and gossiping after mobilizing so many people. That was the extent of their capability.


「So it’s the west, huh……」


「Please keep it a secret for the moment.」


Shiroe requested this of Henrietta after explaining it to her back at <Crescent Moon>’s booth.

「I don’t mind, Shiroe-sama, but what should we do next?」


「Hmm……」


Shiroe paused again.


Shiroe was one of the eleven founding members of the <Round Table Council>. However,  it was mostly an autonomous organization that was trusted by Akiba’s residents. If he acted alone, based on his own judgement ……Shiroe broke his own train of thought.


He was dead-set that「there would be no easy solution」.


(Seems like there is no need for bloodshed this time... since the foe is causing trouble with such arbitrary means, they should be prepared for our retaliation too.)


He also had this slightly reckless idea.


We might fight when beaten back, this is only right and proper. In this place, the cause and effect would be more severe than back home. No, he had to take the defensive; defending oneself was a right that needed no explanation.


「Of course we’re going to fight back.」


The out-of-place feeling Shiroe felt since yesterday’s「chaos」cleared up after asking the 〈Production Guilds’ Liaison Committee〉. The number of cases they needed to handle had increased.


The disputes in the city and the minor incidents that escalated to quarrels were merely the tip of the iceberg. For example, they would split a request that normally took only 1 form into two, take up the staff's time by making them go through unnecessary paperwork, not pay the exact amount in taxes, and attempt to bribe the officials. When you looked at them separately, they were all trivial issues. But there was someone pushing these minor issues to their limits as a means to attack Akiba.


It was difficult for <Adventurers> to determine if such actions were malicious. But these silly contacts continued to accumulate, trying to bind the〈Production Guilds’ Liaison Committee〉——and even the <Round Table Council>.


The enemy would mercilessly exploit this vulnerability.


Where were the「enemies」focusing their attack?


At this stage, they should be targeting the <Production Guilds’ Liaison Committee>’s administrative operations-related parts. City entrance, warehouse facilities,「flea market」inspections. Filing false or repeated reports focused on these businesses would overwhelm the administrative powers of the Liaison Committee.


The places where <Adventurers> or <People of the Land> were interacting were also targets. The enemy was attempting to spoil the festive mood by disrupting these venues.



To resolve these situations, they would have to「increase the number of staff」. The focus was to establish an efficient and flexible organization. The governing bodies headed by the Round Table Council were all formed by volunteers. Volunteers displayed problem-solving abilities above their usual level when their number and morale were high. But insufficient numbers would lead to fatigue, which in turn would deplete their morale. Without adequate coordination and direction, they would lose their way.


——We must reorganize the command system and deploy more manpower.


In addition, that alone would not be enough to stop any “follow up” attacks. If Shiroe was in their shoes, he would be ready to play his next card in hand to press the attack. Such a scheme would seriously undermine the administrative ability of the <Round Table Council>.


Shiroe calmly examined the situation.


(The battlefield is vast. Each individual attack is but a prick, barely worth mentioning…...but the field of attack encompasses the entirety of Akiba. The sheer scope of things makes it impossible for me alone to handle. Even the help of <Log Horizon> would be insufficient. However, if I were to mobilize the <Round Table Council>, there are certain disadvantageous aspects. In fact, the enemy is probably waiting for this very move, so they can take advantage of the various vendor disputes and disrupt our position.)


The priority at the moment was to contact the appropriate people for assistance, but this had to be kept within the upper management of the <Round Table Council>. This prevented panicking the public, which would then take more manpower to handle. The attack was directed towards the <Round Table Council> by overwhelming the <Production Guilds’ Liaison Committee> with saturation attacks; hastily raising the alert level would make them fall into the enemy’s trap.


(The best way, really, is to let this incident resolve itself……)


Shiroe started thinking of the possible outcomes.


He mentally created simulations of the deployment of combat power at hand. If one idea failed, he would change the conditions of the simulation. Shiroe stopped breathing, moving away from the murmur surrounding him, and the silence of the world enveloped him. He accelerated the simulation, trying to find the balance that had to exist somewhere.


Even the worried Akatsuki watching Shiroe had disappeared from his eyes.


Shiroe was so immersed in his thoughts that light and sounded faded away from his senses.


However, there was nothing.


Shiroe was not good at dealing with an「enemy」that used such attacks.


The「Enemy」seemed to lack a master strategy. The commander's purpose should be broadly understood as a whole, but each attack was almost always a type of「live」action. The assault was not based around a single point of careful strategy, but was rather about finding opportunities to make random attacks.


They could only know about the attack after the enemy had already finished preparations and initiated the offensive. Shiroe, who used preparation as a weapon, was bad at countering such tactics.


(Well wow, I hate this kind of opponent.)


Even though Shiroe had requested Akatuski and the others to engage the enemy, the situation was in fact much more complicated and frustrating than he had imagined. It was impossible to predict an enemy that would randomly regroup and attack targets of opportunity. If the enemy had instead chosen to focus their energy on a single point, their location could have been calculated, and defenders could gather to fortify the position. It would have been possible for a small group of defenders to repel a much larger army. This time, however, the enemy had chosen to simultaneously attack everywhere at once. Moreover, the enemy "agents" didn't necessarily bear any malicious intent, and were merely pawns being utilized by the enemy. Shiroe was thus unable to properly interpret and anticipate the various movements of the enemy groups.


(This time, there was no other way but to give up.)


Shiroe switched to another point of view.


He gave up on dealing with all the conditions.


Some things simply cannot be done. With this in mind, we should focus instead on what we can do.


It was now past noon, so there was not enough time to remedy the situation. If no countermeasures were deployed within the next hour, the situation would deteriorate so much that it would become obvious to the citizens.


In this situation, you had to find out what you could do to fight the「enemy」……


"Huh, isn't it Shirou-senpai? So you were at Crescent Moon's booth, that makes sense."


Shiroe turned to look and spotted his friend, West Wind Brigade’s Soujirou, at the back of the crowd. Today, Soujirou was wearing a deep blue floral hakama, with his hair tied into a short ponytail and carrying two swords around his waist.


"It's been a while." "Afternoon!" "Greetings, this is the first time we've met." "Who's this?" "It's <Log Horizon>'s..." "Yaaay!"


A chorus of greetings, bright and melodious, rang forth from Soujirou's accompanying harem


「I went to the cake store senpai recommended. Their service was amazing! They brought out sixteen full cakes for me. I couldn't quite finish, so I found a couple guild mates to assist me. As more of us arrived, they kept bringing us more and more cakes! Such warmth and kindness......Ah, eh?」


Shiroe felt his legs go weak, almost causing him to collapse on the spot.


That isn't service, that's just increasing the cake count to match the number of people per the competition rules! The retort almost made its way out of Shirou's mouth, but was restrained at the last moment. Soujirou remained completely oblivious.


「They ran out of stock after bringing out 30 cakes, but everyone enjoyed them. Oh, I like the orange mousse cake, it has a great taste, tastes like summer on the finish.」


(Ah ah, really, Soujirou, this guy.....)


Even though Shiroe felt weak, Soujirou had "avenged" his humiliation, and he put a hand on Soujirou's shoulder.


「Shiroe-sempai? What's the matter?」


「I'm fine, Soujirou, come, there's something suitable for you to handle.」


The enemy was fighting a secret war with saturation attacks, but was not following the usual rules and regulations of saturation combat.


In this case,「unintentional」, which was better than「lawless」, would be the most suitable line of defense.


The best candidate to fight was right in front of Shiroe.


▼4


Minori clenched her fist after ending her telepathy call.


Her fears had come true.


Akiba——Minori and her friends were under attack.


「You're certain of this?」


Minori nodded in response to Charasin, who was taken aback.


「Shiroe-sama also shares this view.」


Charasin bit his nails with a serious expression on his face while reviewing the document, and then started thinking about it once again.


Minori had been in this office for nearly eight hours, almost never taking a break since morning from the continuous process. Most of the mountain of documents had disappeared, now compressed into wooden file boxes in the corner of the room.


They had started to get ahold of the situation.


The reports were dispersed to avoid detection, but the number of Western merchants exceeded 15% of the total number of participants.


The quantity was not the issue. The problem was that the 15% travelers was causing more than 60% of the storm.


This room served as the command center for the「Libra Festival」.


Gathered here were prior and subsequent intelligence reports.


Using「reports」 was a mistake from the start. The multitude of different「reports」was overwhelming the administrative process.


Of course, documents were very important.


Keeping records was the iron rule in administrative work, and in this world, it could only be done on paper.


The <Production Guilds' Liaison Committee>, though, had an overwhelmingly inadequate processing power. If they stuck to the level of detail they had originally planned, they would ultimately fail in consolidating the reports. While they also lacked experience in doing this, the main culprit was the lack of manpower.


This became a window the other side could exploit.


Some examples included the simple survey of goods that are brought in, the permit to sell at the flea market, the paperwork authorizing the sale of merchandise, the documents for renting the common warehouse of the round table council, the permit to withdraw goods on site. There was a shortage of on-site staff everywhere.


Delays caused by pressure, the pressure caused a storm.


This jumble, caused by <People of the Land>, was much more than expected, leading to the inevitable——that was the unintented result. In other words, they did not expect this clutter, which was also the responsibility of the Liaison Committee. Charasin was reflecting on this.


But after organizing the reports, the actual situation was clear. Western merchants were deliberately complicating the administrative procedure with repeated applications.


A person or a group was trying to increase the burden on the system.


Charasin confirmed that the guilds responsible for patrolling the city, <D·D·D> and the <Black Sword Knights>, were at their limit dealing with the rapid increase of quarrels and disputes, while voices criticizing the <Round Table Council> of incompetence began to rise.


With things having escalated to such a degree, Charasin told Minori to contact Shiroe, so that there would be no gaps in information, which would result in their disadvantage.


Minori's prediction was unfortunately supported by Shiroe's report.


「Minori-chan, you will go back to Shiroe-san?」


She had expected him to ask this question, and shook her head “no” as she planned.


「I am not going back to Shiroe-sama.」


「Ah?」


「I want to stay here.」


Minori stressed this once again.


Charasin's look of dismay, too, was as expected.

When groups were under attack, they tended to gather at the leader's side. This was the defensive instinct of both humans and animals, and even guilds, too.


In these kinds of situations, members would gather next to the guildmaster to wait for instructions, this is the general concept of coping. This is the rule of thumb for joining guilds. When being subjected unilaterally by an unidentified social aggression, like right now, most guild masters, like Charasin, had just issued instructions, and members have been summoned to the guild hall.


Moreover, since Minori was still young, Charasin believed that she should return to Shiroe's protective wings.


But instead, Minori decided to stay here.


Her document-organizing capabilities were on the level of an administrative officer's. Of course, the <8th District Shopping Center> had several such members that worked in the background, but seeing how Minori virtually「eradicated」the clutter in the office, he could not refuse her decision to stay.


Minori deliberately pretended not to see Charasin's worried look, and took a deep breath.


This here was her battleground.


From her perspective, these documents and this office seemed to be other things.


Information in her consciousness naturally switched to form a new image.


(In other words, use the same approach as before.)


The problem was「dealing with an insufficient processing capability」.


It was the same idea as「having an insufficient healing capacity」.


Minori could recollect the chilling, murderous, and suffocating tension. Slowly, she relaxed her clenched hands, her body resuming the blood circulation. That's right, she could imagine this as a raid battle.


Looking back, her throat became dry, her body cooling down.


Use the same approach as in Ragranda, Choshi, and Sand Leaf. Imitate what Shiroe did, follow in his footsteps.


「I'll stay here and deal with the warehouse work. Can all the warehouse documents be moved over here?」


「Huh? Ah, ah, oh, that is ... if you're willing to help, I am of course very grateful.」


Charasin gave instructions to the youth beside him, Taro.


This so-called warehouse is the <Round Table Council>'s managed materials storage. Small- and medium-sized guilds can rent the warehouse space for a small fee. This was established during the <Round Table Council>'s creation.


After the <Catastrophe> changed the world, material quality would affect the finished product's quality. So for producers, identifying which materials were good or bad to purchase became very important.


Before, if the item name was「tomato」, regardless of what「tomato」was used, the quality of the finished dish was the same——but of course, it all just tasted like moist crackers. Now, if an inferior「tomato」was used, a tomato salad would be of poor-quality, and it would just become disgusting food. It was therefore increasingly necessary to check the quality of items personally before a purchase.


This gave a need to improve the management system of large warehouses. Large guilds could use their personal large-scale warehouses, but small- and medium-sized guilds couldn't. In response to this, the <Round Table Council> set up several large warehouses and was responsible for their management.


During the「Libra Festival」, these warehouses were also open to the <People of the Land>.


For example, a <Person of the Land> with over-laden carriages would need such services. Among their products, much of it wouldn't be able to be placed in the hotel's warehouse, or are bulky items. Some high-level items required special storage, like <Tianjin Winter Clothes>, which were made by elves and needed a refrigerated warehouse, or else it would be nearly impossible to maintain its freshness.


But by opening their use to the <People of the Land>, the process itself has become complicated, and this is a fact. All of the goods must be kept in a detailed list, or they cannot be held responsible. In addition to the usage of the warehouse, they had originally speculated that a fixed amount would be taken out every morning, and in the evening the leftovers would be stored; they hadn't planned on letting businesses withdraw goods whenever they clinched a deal.


Frankly speaking, such a burden far exceeded the processing capacity of the operational window——which was how Akiba came under attack, the most illustrative example.


「Minori, sorry to keep you waiting.」


「Ah, Tohya.」


Tohya went into the office without a word, Minori nodded to acknowledge him.


Communication between these twins was unique. Because they repeatedly used telepathy calls to reach each other, it simply became a subconscious action, and was becoming more like true telepathy that required no verbal commands.


「Charasin-sama, I'm here to help, I'm her twin brother Tohya.」


「Ah, ah, long time no see. Sorry to trouble you, thanks for helping.」


「Got it. Then Minori, I'll be back.」


After Tohya's simple greeting, he simply dropped the backpack and left the office. Minori didn't ask where he was going.


Various warehouse goods were definitely kept on this floor somewhere. As he said to Charasin, Tohya was going to get these custody orders.


The documents will soon be moved into the office at twice the speed. The flea market reports and custody orders will also be brought here.


After cleaning up the current space in this office, they will have to deal with the parallel processing of large amounts of documents.


This was the battlefield that Minori had chosen.


「Charasin-sama, these are also for you.」


As Minori was sorting the documents, the more important ones were passed to Charasin. Written in red on the top right-hand corner of the file was「urgent」. He was somewhat puzzled, but nodded his head quickly after inspecting it.


Charasin himself was a guildmaster whose administrative abilities were highly regarded by shiroe. Even urgent custody order cases, like the double-withdrawal of potatoes which Minori could not handle, can be settled by him easily with a telepathy call.


Minori was convinced of this.


At this moment, rushing back to Shiroe is not a good approach.


When the battlefront is in danger of collapsing, the rear guard needs to support the front line defense. The healers have the obligation to trust the vanguards.


(Although I'm not sure if I can be of any help ...)


But at this moment, this office lacked manpower; the only people present were Charasin and two <8th District Shopping Center> volunteers, plus Minori and Tohya.


——Even if it was the「Libra Festival」, the core staff only numbered at five people.


Shiroe had only instructed that she「and Tohya meet up」.


Minori pondered over the hidden intentions behind these words.


Minori's initial feeling about Shiroe's message was that 「Akiba is now faced with a situation that is not directly causing physical harm」. If it progressed into a dangerous situation, and Shiroe should order to meet him against all odds, she would certainly go to him if necessary.


But after feeling at ease, she felt as though the message was giving her the permission to act freely.


It wasn't simply giving her permission to act freely.「Akiba is being attacked. 」In effect, she was allowed freedom of movement, which she interpreted as Shiroe looking to her to take action.


His small expectation of her from afar.


Perhaps this was just a misunderstanding, but it was enough to make Minori get fired up.


(However, if this really is the case......even if it's only for a little bit, if I can't meet Shiroe-sama's expectations, I......)


I would like to imitate Shiroe in this office.


Minori came to this decision.


Reproduce Shiroe's full battlefield control.


While having two Shiroes in the same place was meaningless, if there was no Shiroe here, then imitating him may be of relevance.


The <People of the Land> counter staff are the vanguard tanks. Charasin, who is solving the problem using the time they brought, is the healer in this case.


Prioritizing the issues at hand was of utmost importance, predicting how things will progress. Sorting the intelligence allows things to move smoothly, this is what Minori was「giving her all」to achieve.


(She cannot become the vanguard or the healer.)


Despite the lofty ideals, she has only organized the documents, copying the content to other paper collations. Minori herself felt a kind of fire burning inside her underlying the sense of helplessness and irritability, but she tried freezing such sentiments.


She is still in middle school, being incompetent is normal.


In these cases, blaming oneself and self-abusive behavior was useless on the battlefield, which was Shiroe's teachings. Minori did not want to go contrary to Shiroe's expectations.


——Don't read the flow, but rather, "become" the flow.


Minori recollected Shiroe's gentle, half-joking voice.


(Be the flow......)


For the current Minori, the so-called fighting with the flow of files one after another, that was moved in a series, as well as through a series of contact whispers waiting for instructions. She wanted to turn into something like this.


No worrying.


No thinking.


Turning herself「into」the document itself, turning herself「into」a solution.


Minori chased after the vague feeling of contact as she focused on the task at hand.


▼5


The venue for the dinner party was shrouded by a luxurious atmosphere.


This is where Raynesia resides the 「Water Maple Consulate」(hall or embassy works also) on the entire first floor. The 「Water Maple Consulate」 is where Raynesia was posted when she came to Akiba, the Cohen duke of Maihama purchased the house, one of the many buildings that were redeveloped.


Originally, it was almost in ruins with only the basic structure of the building remaining. Now, it had been converted into a <People of the Land> aristocratic style mansion.


This is a consulate in outer appearance only, it also offers accommodations for visitors, also often used to conduct meetings or to examine local products and other practical work. So even though nominally Raynesia private residence, it was of considerable size. Three large halls, 80 total rooms, more then 30 regular staff.


Also, the Consulate will be holding the large-scale event - the dinner party, the staff also increased, the usual thrity people would be unable to cope. More chefs from Maihama have arrived, the bard's and waiter's were not enough, also urgent recruitment of kitchen staff from Akiba professionals, a large-scale mobilization of many people.


In fact, the staff was not limited to <People of the Land>.


Although few in numbers, there are also <Adventurers> that joined to cook, serving food, entertaining or working behind the scenes. <Adventurers> had high income level, Raynesia was using the <People of the Land> as a benchmark for salary, she never though <Adventurers> applicants would come, but this is Akiba, there were <Adventurers> that had interest and join in the fun mentality that applied.


Probably having a semi-obligation feeling, these <Adventurers> are even busy working behind the scenes in this gorgeous party(banquet), working side by side with <People of the Land> of the opposite gender get to know each other, establishing somewhat adorable relationships, having the opportunity to talk with each other.


「Thank you very much.」


Raynesia gave a sweet smile to the nearest <Adventurers> that greeted her. The young <Adventurers> looked cold and indifferent while looking away, but still quietly replied, this is how it should be.


The youth participated in the Sand Leaf campaign, working in support and siege warfare. Raynesia can only be gratefull, she made this event in order to thank them, the dinner party will be held today.


Thanks to everyone's support, Maihama and the league was saved, please accept my ethernal gratitude.


Raynesia did a curtsy to show her appreciation.


The young man waved at her to stop, speaking even faster 'This is not worthy of your thanks, we are adventurers, getting paid for doing this is only natural... It is a simple job.'


The youth blushed, blurting out uncomfortably 'don't mind me, please don't!' as he left in a rush.


「I think every one of them is very pure.」


「Correct... that is so.」


Raynesia replied to Eliza behind her.


<Adventurers> - especially young people, seem to be mostly reserved people. Most Knights are also romantic, but inevitably they are too invested in 「Chivalry」, their own values forced upon others.


In this respect, the young <Adventurers> often fled in panic when Raynesia thanked them.


Raynesia first thought that she was hated or marginalized, but she now understood that it wasn't like that. While in <Eastal League of Free Cities> she was called the 「sad-looking beautiful princess」, people treated her as decoration generally enjoying her beauty. However in Akiba, it appeared to be the same but a different type of admiration.


Adventurers will get embarassed.


Like Eliza would say while smiling, 「Oh my goodness, you shy as if you were a child」, but Raynesia didn't think that was bad. Compared to awkward flattery, this type of attitude gives her a more favorable impression, making her smile.


The consulate has room for about 300 guests.


Two-thirds are <Adventurers>, the rest <People of the Land>. <People of the Land> included in this were a wide array of merchants and executives running the city bank. Also present for the celebrations are the heads from the Chambers of Commerce and Trade.


The lobby was filled with the smell of very appetizing aroma.


The dinner party is intended to provide a venue for everyone to mingle and chat, but most importantly the dishes are perfect(impeccable), chef from Maihama came to show their talents to Raynesia, making various luxury dishes, as if to show off to the Akiba <Adventurers>.


Such as fish soup or beef flavored raspberry sauce, are the 「re-developed」 dishes. These are Sand Leaf traditional dishes, prior to the <Revolution> when goods were produces with the synthesis menu production.


The bland tasting food is now only a hazy memory, the feel of chewing on rubber dishes, had left a gloom impression, surprisingly since actually that sort of flavor could not truly be considered food.


But after the <Revolution> there are many dishes that are no longer like this. In the Crafting menu you can see the list of necessary items to make synthesis goods, you can tell what kind of igredients you need to make the food, however not knowing the cooking method, in order to make the finished product have the same appearance as the synthesis menu dishes.


The <Catastrophe> exposed the <People of the Land> ignorance. They know how twisted the situation was, synthetic menu items are not able to be crafted by hand. But brave chefs from Maihama, tried to use the ingredients on the list, and strived to make the unknown cooking methods actual 「local food」.


Though hard to appraise(evaluate/get an estimate), today's guests seem to be satisfied. Raynesia traveled throughout the venue, indroducing <People of the Land> to <Adventurers>, or <Adventurers> to <People of the Land>.


So far, the dinner party can be called a great success, everything looks great. Raynesia grandfather Duke Corwen said, <Adventurers> bonds with <People of the Land> will become the a great treasure of Eastal


Raynesia also thinks so too.


But this is the value of the bonds made with each other, everyday to polish and refine the ability to welcome the result. Raynesia thought that their duty was to foster this buddling relationship.


This should be the reason her grandfather posted her in Akiba.


But Raynesia just wants to sloth and laze around throughout the day.


「Princess……」


「What is it Eliza?」


Behind Raynesia is her the maid, taking advantage of the brief hap between guest arrivals to greet Raynesia. She don't look very good, probably heard some bad news from the maid who whispered in Elissa's ears just now.


Fearing bad news, Raynesia prepares herself mentally.


She is already prepared for this when she knew of Marvis' intention to visit.


Raynesia did not see Marvis at the dinner party. She has yet to receive news of his arrival, which implies the bad news will be about him.


「There is bad news」


「... Although i don't wish to know, please tell me.」


「Lord Marvis will reach the lobby in about 10 minutes」


「I see.」


This part is as expected.


Although this information doesn't sit well with her, this is not to the extent of being bad news.


「Then……」


「What is it?」


Raynesia pretended to be calm and urged her to go on.


「In fact Marvis-dono came with a ship to Akiba port, he came with alot of goods that he would like to move into the warehouse, but...」


「What is the problem?」


「This is all very sudden, coupled with the large amount of goods he is carrying-- the retal warehouse is a service provided for the <Adventurers> in the first place.」


Eliza responded in a troubled tone.


This is within expectation. If problems occour, Raynesia has the obligation to help Marvis. Her job is to serve as a bridge between <People of the Land> and <Adventurers>


The noise in the venue picked up at this time.


Probably a large number of envoys have arrived, it seems to be Marvis, it's too late for Raynesia to hear any reports.


Raynesia brought Eliza along, on the side <Adventurers> greeted her, while walking accross the hall the orchestra was playing. A middle-aged aristocrat walked through the door.


Raynesia did not meet him before, but this man is definitely the <Holy Empire Westlande> aristocrat -- Marvis.


「We are honored by your presence.」


Raynesia gently lifted her skirt, and gave a curtesy.


Raynesia holds a unique position in the aristocrat society among the people of the land. She is the daughter of the greatest noble clan in the east. Her beauty earned her the name of 'rose princess' in the social world, truly the envy of all people.


But she is a woman. In aristocratic society, women can not engage in foreign business.


Raynesia is living in Akiba as part of her duties, bridging the gap between people of the land and adventurers, providing all kinds of cooperation opportunities. But the official reason she is here is punishment for 'Seeking help from adventurers without the consent of the League of Freedom cities Eastal".


Raynesia is the representative of the East for <People of the Land>, stationed in Akiba, but has no official position. She is just 'the daughter of the Cohen clan who is grounded as punishment'. Hence, she has to show deep respect for the grand noble Marvis from the holy empire of Westlande


「Wow, really beautiful. If my memory is correct, you are daughter of the Corwen clan, princess Raynesia, right? 」


「Yes, Marvis-dono. Thank you for your visiting tonight, and for honoring us with your presence at this Autumn Celebration.」


Raynesia hid her emotions perfectly, and elegantly bowed her head.


To tell the truth, she has a lousy impression of him.


It is really bad. Mavis looks like he was made of white clay. Raynesia had accompanied her grandfather serveral times visiting nobles of <Holy Empire Westlande>, feeling repulsed by them everytime. It is the same with Mavis


Also an ancient aristocratic culture, the <Holy Empire Westlande> was more conservative then the East, even the men are uses perfume and lipstick. Some are suitable for this, but from <Eastal League of Free Cities> point of view, it was an outdated custom.


Raynesia was not interest in finding faults with others appearence, but with Marvis, the problem was not so much with appearance, but with the heart.


「It appears to be exceptionally lively, really a wonderful event.」


「Yes， this is thanks to the good fortune you bring.」


However, Princess Raynesia being noble-born, had the accumulated experience of a thousand conversations with various officials and diplomats. Even if it were with someone she could not stand, she would still be able to effortlessly converse with them while wearing a faint smile on her lips. Such is the foremost skill required of any child born of nobility.


「However... how should I put this... I can't help but feel it is a bit too disorderly.」


「What do you mean?」


Hearing the disdain in the noble's voice, Raynesia raise an eyebrow.


「Nothing, for nobles and peasants to attend the same banquet, this must be the guts of the east that inherit the blood of babarians, hahaha... really, I already gave hints to not come near me, shoo shoo.」


「I am very sorry, we of the East are not well versed with such customs, that's why the dance party was held in this form. I do not know if it will fit your tastes, but would you be willing to taste this wine from the East?」


This kind of statement of contempt is not something you can get used to, and is not easy to ignore. The 'League of freedom cities' are mostly lands conquered by the 'Weistland Dynasty' during its formation. The nobles of 'holy empire westlande' from Nakasu has always view this place as a babaric zone since the days of the 'Weistland Dynasty'.


In comparison, Ezzo is seen as a barren and sparsely populated place, looked down on as uncivilized brutes. Ezzo calls itself an empire after gaining independence, the hostility from the central countries also span from this.


Raynesia tilt her head slightly, pouring wine for the overdressed Mavis. Mavis looks dreamingly at her with slity eyes and touch her silver hair suddenly.


A wave of anger flares up around Raynesia


It is the adventurers that are closest to Raynesia and Mavis. The young warrior in armor holding a glass of wine and a samurai with his blade sheathed on his waist glares with looks that could kill.


Their eyes conveys the message: 'Want us to slaughter this pig?' Their concern made Raynesia smile.


The advernturers are free like the birds. Raynesia is really glad to understand how they feel.


But Raynesia declines their silent proposition with her eyes. Some proposals are too kind for her to accept graciously. It would be bad if the noble of the west gets hurt, and Raynesia was expecting this level of harassment from people like him.


If Raynesia don't handle this well, this noble will be kicked out at best, or slain on the spot in the worse case scenario. For both the east and the west, as well as the people of the land and adventurers, this will be an unfortunate outcome.


If he just want to mock her, she is already to take it in stride.


Raynesia holds this view.


Because she like to be lazy. She is confident to ignore all the words she hear and keep herself on the verge of yawning. But she is also prepared for a lecture from Elissa after all that.


"Eh, all right princess, please prepare the warehouse with haste. The goods I brought this time includes ingredients from the sea, it must be kept fresh."


"I understand. I will make the arrangement, please wait for it in the meantime."


Raynesia bows her head and acknowledge his request.


But Mavis interrupts Raynesia with a disdained expression.


「Ha! Princess, what are you saying?I have already sent in the documents before hand. A copy has already been sent to Maihama's Duke Sergead, and I have already gotten a reply.」


「Eh？」


「You have already prepared for this correct? We are bringing in top notch merchandize, fit for the Itsuki clan of the holy empire to use. It is not something you can leave lying around, do you understand?」


Chapter 4 end