Chapter 21

Wait, I don’t have to do anything?

Now then, picking a fight with Dolf was a given, but the problem was specifically how to go about it.

“So, how are we going to reclaim the throne?”

“There is no need for a ‘reclamation.’ The throne is still mine. Therefore, what is necessary is to indict my younger brother.”

“I see. In other words, we need to gather evidence.”

“Exactly. However, my brother is a tactician; he doesn’t let his tail show easily.”

Ugh, how tedious. I knew this wouldn’t end with just a punch, but this was a real pain.

“Don’t make such a face. My subordinates are currently pouring their efforts into gathering evidence. Quite a bit of time has passed already, so there is no need for you to go around collecting proof yourself.”

Was it that obvious on my face? My apologies.

“Then does that mean I don’t really have to do anything in particular?”

“That would be the case.”

In that case, where should I stay? Maybe going back to the cell was an option?

“Ryu, I’m hungry.”

Ah, right, come to think of it, it was already noon. Ril wanted a gourmet, and it didn’t seem like we’d get anything delicious inside a prison.

“King Dowal, sorry but we’re heading out of the country. Any issues with that?”

“No problem. The rest is my job.”

“I have one more favor. Your brother made off with my monster hides, so I want you to get them back.”

“…Has he really stooped to thievery now?”

“From his perspective, he probably figured he’d just take them since I wouldn’t sell. Anyway, I plan to have clothes made from those materials, so I need them back.”

“Understood. If he hasn’t sold them yet, I will return them to you.”

If he hasn’t sold them yet, huh?

Well, I guess that couldn’t be helped. I didn’t know how much Dowal would be able to do about it.

“Alright then, My Lady, shall we head outside?”

“Yeah.”

“I will show you the secret passage. You should head back through there.”

“Thanks, Dowal. Looks like we’ll be able to get back safely thanks to you.”

And so, Ril and I departed from the nation of Dowal Crown.

We stepped out into the open air for the first time in a while via the path Dowal had shown us.

“Now then, what should we go eat?”

“I want to eat poultry today.”

Having taken her human form, Ril put in a request for today’s menu.

Poultry, huh? I wondered if there were any around here.

Come to think of it, this was a mining area—were there even living creatures around?

“Ril, do you sense any signs of life on this mountain?”

“There are surprisingly many. I don’t know if they’re edible, though.”

“In that case… let’s try climbing up.”

For the time being, I decided to climb while searching for something that looked like it might become a meal.