The next day.
　I was walking into town when Odette called me up.

'I'll take Yuki to the 'Grail Trading Company' today.
'Grail Trading Company'?
It's a business association with a long history. Even before the "War of the Eight Kings," it has continued to exist in various forms.
'It's nice of you to show me around town, but how did you end up there?
You just came from the local area, right?　It's important to know about the financial situation in King's Landing. As a sorcerer, you may find yourself acquiring valuable items as you explore. You can't just leave your money in the dormitory after you've redeemed it.
I don't think I can get that item very often.
"What does the man who drew the Holy Sword say?

　Odette shrugged her shoulders in dismay.

　This is the road near the quarters.
　Me and Odette are walking towards the town.

'I told you before.　The discovery of new 'ancient artifacts' would raise the title of the house by one. You can even build a new house.
I didn't find the Holy Sword, it was there all along.
''If you can't use it, then it's as good as nothing. If it becomes public knowledge that you have broken the seal of the Holy Sword, you might be able to raise the title of the Baroness of Glossaria by one. You know, Yuki might even be able to build a new noble house?
You mean I should know the financial situation in King's Landing for when that happens?
Yuki is a quick learner, isn't she?

　Odette sniffed like she was good at it.

　Indeed, Odette has a point.

The Sacred Sword Lean Kaal is left in the Sacred Sword Cave for now.
　It's because no one but me and Alice can pull out that sword.
　After discussing it with Princess Iris and Odette, we've decided that we'll either replace it with a replica later, or we'll take the opportunity to announce that we've broken the seal.
　Odette invited me to the Chamber of Commerce as a countermeasure for choosing the latter.

I'm not going to be able to get away with it. You are very dependable.
...........
'I'm a country aristocrat and I don't know about these things. It's nice to have Odette's support. It's good to see you, Odette. Really.
What are you talking about, you embarrassing me?

　Pow.

''........Don't pat me on the back all of a sudden, Duchess.
'That's because you say something embarrassing. Totally.........already.
'I'm just saying thank you,'
Aristocrats don't talk about such things in person. They write letters to each other...and even when they do say it directly, they use more indirect language. I will teach you a lesson next time.
Okay.
You better learn the way to get there. The road from the lodgings to the town is quite complicated. I'm sure you'll be showing the maids of the inn sooner or later.
All right. First bridge, through the nobleman's gate.
Yes.....what?

　Suddenly, Odette stopped.
　She looked ahead and saw a pure white carriage parked across the cobblestone road.

'Oh dear, oh dear. A carriage in such a place. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. What a mystery.
'No, how the hell does Odette know about the burglar carriage?
The Dukes are a house divided from the royal family. But surprise, surprise, it's Her Royal Highness Princess Iris. What a surprise.
It's not a coincidence, is it?

　It's impossible for His Highness to sneak out of the house at the same time that Odette and I are going out.
　His Highness and Odette must have planned this from the beginning.

''Well then, Your Highness, we'll come for you later.
'Thank you for your help. Barnes.
I'm sure you'll be fine with your escort knights and their assistants, but take care of yourself.

　It was Mr. Barnes, the general, who was acting as the coachman.
　Mr. Barnes waved to Odette and me and then drove off with the carriage.

'Sorry to keep you waiting. Yuki-sama. 'Odette,'

　Princess Iris pinched the hem of her skirt and bowed.
　The princess wore a sorcerer's robe, unlike her usual dress.

''I will be happy to accompany you to the Chamber of Commerce.
Are you sure?　Go out like this.
''After I become a trainee in the 'Magic Guild', there are times when I'll go out as normal. I have to get used to it before that.
His Highness has never used the Merchant's Association before, so I thought you two might like to learn something about society.

　Odette turned to me and closed one eye.

''The trainees in the 'Magic Guild' are sometimes given quests like adventurers, you know. Financial knowledge would be necessary. Your Highness, and Yuki, too.
Okay. I'll go with you.
...Yuki-sama. Um, there's no need to use honorific titles, is there?
...Is that so?
We don't want "Your Highness" in town. Please call me Iris.
I understand. I'll see you later.
Yes. My...
No, Iris.
Yeah, sure. Let's go, Yuki.
.....

　I'm curious about Odette's meaningful smile...?
　Anyway, me, Princess Iris, and Odette walked out into town.





'This is the 'Grail Trading Company'.

　Odette stopped in front of a building that faced the street.
　In front of her was a large building.
　It was bigger than the mansion of the baronial family I lived in. It was about three stories high. The width is about the width of several ordinary homes.
　There was a double door in front. On either side of the door, guards in armor are standing on the left and right.

The Grail Chamber of Commerce is a cross-border trade association. You can deposit and withdraw money from any branch in any country. We can deposit and withdraw money from any branch in any country, as well as distribute and sell our products and invest in other chambers of commerce. It is even said that even if the country goes down, the Grail Chamber of Commerce will not go down.
I've never seen it in person either.
'We don't have much to do with the royal family, you know. Besides, the children of the royal family wouldn't come this far. That's why I'm sure you didn't notice. Iris.

　Odette pointed to the sign above the front door.
Next to the name 'Grail Trading Company' was a small coat of arms painted on it. Bats and Old Castle.
　....That looks familiar. The shape of that castle.

'This is Odette Suley of the Duke of Suley. We have an appointment to see the general manager. For confirmation.
'Ha!　I'm pleased to hear that.　Come on in!

　Odette said, and a guard opened the door for us.
　Me and Iris follow Odette into the building.

''Well why are we supposed to meet with the general manager?''
Hmm. I said I needed to talk to someone in charge about something important, and here's what happened.
Aren't you supposed to visit the Chamber of Commerce?
'I'll take a tour. But first, I just need to talk to the big man.

　Odette shrugged.

'I'm sorry Yuki-sama. I asked Odette to do this for me.
Your Highness or Lady Iris?
''Yes. I was interested in the coat of arms of this Chamber of Commerce and then it was decided that the person most familiar with the coat of arms was the general manager of the Chamber of Commerce, so this is what happened.
Don't worry, I didn't give you Iris's name.
And this is how you're treating me. Oh, my God, Odette.
It's nothing. The Duke of Surrey's family has had dealings with the Grail Trading Company for a long time. I have at least 500 gold coins in my custody.
That's the dukes. That's a lot of money for a young lady...
Like the Grail Chamber of Commerce, the Duke of Surrey's motto is, "Survive the decline of the country,

　While we were talking about this, we were being ushered into the parlor of the 'Grail Chamber of Commerce'.
　We sit in the chairs and wait for the general manager to arrive.
　I know I'm welcome. It doesn't seem to be a bad thing.

''........I had a dream. Yuki-sama.

　Suddenly, Princess Iris opened her mouth.

'What dreams?'
'Yuki-sama and I were told to come here and talk to the greatest person in the world.
Did he tell you that in your dream?
Yeah.
To whom?
".........who was my father in my dreams. To Lyle-Carmine.

　................

.........Iris.......no way.
'Well I'm not sure. I had a fever a while ago and that's why I started dreaming.............but I don't know if what I'm dreaming about is real or not.

　Suddenly, Princess Iris took my hand in hers.
　She slipped her own fingers in between mine, in Alice's signature grip.
　No way.
　Is Princess Iris really that Alice...?

Thank you for your patience. My name is Rodelia, the general manager of the Grayle Chamber of Commerce.

　A gray-haired woman walked into the parlor.
　She stood in front of us, wearing a tie and trousers, and bowed her head.

'Good evening, sir. Mr. Odette-Slay. I take it this is the first time you two have met?
'This is my friend Yuki-Grossaria. The Baroness. The other one is...
Yes, Your Highness. Princess Iris-Lestia, Your Highness.
Do you understand?
'You cannot serve as the general manager of the Chamber of Commerce without knowing the face of the royal family well. It's an honor to see his face in person.
No, no. Thank you, too, for your urgent request.

　I guess I'm still a little confused.
　Holding my hand, Iris returned the greeting (greeting).

''Nice to meet you. I'm Yuki-Grossaria. However, I don't really understand the circumstances that brought me here, but...
I'll explain it to you.

　Iris looked at me.
　She looked at me.

I would like to talk to you, Rodelia-sama. Are you sure that you are the general manager of this "Grail Chamber of Commerce" and the chief executive of the entire chamber of commerce?
That is correct, Your Highness. Your Highness Iris.
''I've heard that the 'Grail Chamber of Commerce' also has records from before the 'War of the Eight Kings'. Am I correct in assuming that you are aware of that?
"Not all of them,

　General Manager Rodelia shook her head.

'But I'm proud to say that I've inherited the most important thing from the General Manager of the 'Grail Chamber of Commerce' for generations.
Then I will. You may laugh it off as childish nonsense.

　Princess Iris huffed and puffed and then

"We are told that when Alice-Carmine and 'My Lord' meet, we are told to visit the place of the coat of arms of 'The Bat and the Old Castle'. If you go there, you'll get the Blessing. I'm here today to confirm that.
..........

　The general manager of the Chamber of Commerce widened his eyes at the princess's words.

''........What do you mean? Ali──No, Princess Iris.

　When I asked her, Princess Iris whispered.

I've come to see if this dream of mine is real.
...a dream?
Yes. If those words are true, then my dreams are memories of my previous life, so...
No, I'm 100% sure it's just a memory from a previous life. What did they tell you, by the way?
"Fulfill my promise.
...promise.
'Yes, sir. 'Yes, I will prepare a dowry for you in case you catch up with My Lord in the future. The whole village will do its best to earn, save and prepare it, passing it down from generation to generation. When the time comes, pull it out and spend it.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

What are they thinking, the people in Fira's village?
　A dowry? Is it for when Alice gets married?
　No, it can't be, not after 200 years.
　.........it's impossible.
　What kind of cheat village would 'Feela Village' be if such a thing was still around in this era.......

Yes. Yes, sir.

　But the manager, Rhodelia, nodded easily.

'You know about this?'
"Of course. It's one of the most important aspects of the Grail Trading Company.
Can I ask you a question? What is the birthplace of the Grail Company?
I have heard that the village is deep in the mountains somewhere. It is said that the first generation left there and started their business. The bat and the old castle crest are used to remind us of the scenery of those days.

　'Very politely,' said the general manager, Rhodelia.

'I'm told there's a lore in the first village.
"Lore?
'Yes. 'No matter how much time passes, we are the people of My Lord. Let me explain in detail. Please come this way.

　She nudges me and Iris and moves to the other room.
　By the way, Odette is sitting in a chair with her mouth hanging open.
　........I'll explain it to her later.




　We were led to the basement of the "Grail Chamber of Commerce".
　The general manager, Rhodelia, uses two keys to open a sturdy-looking iron door and beckons us in.
　On the other side of the door, there was a board that looked like crystal.

'Sign here, please.'
What about this board?
It's an ancient artifact that the general manager of the Grail Trading Company has been guarding for generations. Probably the original.
Is this the original?

　Princess Iris spoke up.
　That's right. The Ancient Artifacts are the most treasured treasure of all, and even the Magic Guild only has a replica.
　If this really is the original, how valuable is it?
　No, more importantly, where did the guys from 'Fira Village' get this...?

It doesn't have much power. It only authenticates the handwriting and magic of the person who registered it.

　The general manager, Rhodelia, held out a crystal slab to me.

'Here you are. Sign here.
Me?
It is said that. Your true name and your magic.
Okay.

　I put blood on my pen and wrote my name on the crystal slab.


'Dean-Nosferatu.'


Yuki-sama.............my lord.

　With a pop, tears fell from Princess Iris' eyes.

''.............that. Strange......... The tears........can't stop.......why.
"...Now you're Iris-Leastier.......no, right?
I don't know ... I don't know ... I don't know. I don't know... but I'm happy.
You have been approved.

　General Manager Rodelia said.
　I saw the crystal slabs glowing blue.


'I've been waiting for this moment for the first 200 years.

　The general manager's woman, Rhodelia, dropped to her knees on the floor.

''I'm sorry I'm late. The general manager of the Grail Chamber of Commerce has been a descendant of the first generation. Our fathers, our grandfathers and our grandfathers have been telling us these words for many years.

No matter what time passes, no matter what country changes, the one who saved us from the disease of death and died for us, My Lord, is our master.

The General Manager of the Grail Chamber of Commerce, Rhodelia Coffey, swears your allegiance. And let me tell you. What happens after My Lord and Alice-Carmine depart....