"Okay then. Let's make you of service, Lady Finne."
"Huh? Is there something that I can do?"
"There's something that you and only you can do. You have tremendous popularity within the capital, and there are people who covet that popularity."
"Who?"
"The merchants. I think it would be a big boost to Leo's influence if we could create a strong connection with them by the time the princes get back," Lynphia suggested nonchalantly while glancing at Sebas. She knew he would say something if he had any complaints with the idea. But Sebas said nothing.
Lynphia then continued her explanation.
"I'm sure all the big merchants in the capital would love to ride the coattails of your popularity, but the other candidates for the throne have probably been reaching out to them already. So, I think we should go after a slightly different company, one that's currently fully motivated to break new ground in the capital."
"Is there such a company out there?"
"Yes. You might have heard of it. It's a large company called 'Demi-Humans Inc.'"
Sebas seemed impressed. "Very interesting. My opinion of you just rose even higher. Master Leonard and Master Arnold have also had their eye on Demi-Humans Inc. However, to date, they've never engaged with them. I assume you know the reason why?"
"Yes. It's because the head of the company is a vampire. And due to recent events, the citizens of the empire have a poor impression of vampires, so I can understand why they've been putting off reaching out to the company. But that's also the reason I know we can for sure make a connection with them. I think it's a good opportunity for us."
Finne nodded along while Lynphia explained. Meanwhile, she was also furiously thinking, about who that plan would make enemies of, about who would become their allies, and about what effect it would have in the capital. After considering everything, Finne came to a conclusion. "Let's meet with the vampire in charge of the company. I don't want to make any decisions until we have a better idea of their character."
"Very well. I think she will agree to meet with us if we send a messenger ahead. Do you mind if I ask you to make the arrangements, Sebas?"
"Not at all. I suspect we will have an answer within two or three days."
Finne faced south, in the direction she assumed Arn might be, and enthusiastically called out, "All right. Well, wish me luck Master Arn!"
Naturally, there was no way for her to know the trouble Arn was in at that very moment.
2
We had been "invited" to the castle. Based on the polite wording, it was clear that the grand duke held no hostile feelings toward us. Of course, that was because Albatro knew full well that antagonizing us would mean opening themselves up to checkmate. If they caused an issue with the empire on top of the trouble with the sea dragon, it would be game over.
Given that, it would be best to courteously welcome us and persuade us to help them deal with the sea dragon. Due to their size, most dragons were treated as S-class monsters. If the Adventurers' Guild were dealing with one, they would either form a party of S- and AAA-class adventurers or give the request to an SS-class adventurer. If Albatro chose to let their military handle it, they would need plenty of soldiers and all the appropriate preparations. Suffice to say it would be nearly impossible for them to defeat the sea dragon on their own.
"Right this way."
"Thanks," I replied to our knight escort while stepping into the throne room.
The grand duke wasn't on his throne. He was kneeling at the edge of the red carpet with his head deeply bowed.
Surrounding him were several other individuals I assumed were his senior statesmen. They were also kneeling and bowing.
"Your Highness. It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Donato Di Albatro, grand duke of Albatro. I deeply apologize for involving you in everything that happened as a result of my country's negligence, and I give you my profound gratitude for saving the lives of so many of my people, including my own children. Thank you for all that you have done."
"We thank you, Prince Leonard!"
First the grand duke and then all of the statesmen expressed their gratitude. It was a rare and unusual sight to witness. Despite the great disparity in size and power of our two countries, he was a grand duke, and I a mere prince. In general, he ranked above me in status. It depended on the circumstances, but at most I might be his equal, never anything more.
It was beyond belief that he'd brought himself down to my level and bowed to me.
I froze at the sight, then glanced over and saw Marc was equally stunned. Although he managed to kneel, he looked bewildered as to what to do next. He was too consumed by his own uncertainty to give me advice.
Resigned to figuring it out on my own, I walked over to the grand duke, took his hands in mine, and urged him to his feet.
The grand duke was in his mid-forties and had Julio's looks with the same light brown hair and green eyes as both Julio and Eva. There was an air of kindness about him, but he looked a little on the thin side, and I had to wonder if he might be in poor health.
I knelt before him and spoke.