Good work today, Ray, Count of the Frontier.

No.

'Hahaha, Ray's not quite there yet. He's got to get used to the social scene.

　Saying that, Zeke bashed me on the back. Now we're in the government office of the palace. Inside are the king, the vizier, Mr. Gain, my master, me and Alexia.

　I'm really tired today. As soon as we get to the palace at noon, we'll be loaded into a carriage and paraded through the royal city. We're going to drive the carriage through the lines of soldiers. It took us about three hours to go around the capital. All the while we're smiling and waving.

　Alexia and the others were used to it, and the cheers from the men never ceased to ring out. Haha, you must be jealous!　You're all my fiancées!　And I was waving my hand as I mimicked them as I got excited by one of them.

　As I waved my hand, the women cheered and it was amazing. That felt good. Alexia, sitting next to me, pinched my leg, though.

　After the parade with all that, it was time for the victory celebration. It started with a greeting from the king, and various people spoke to Zeke and the others. Of course, they also talk to us, their families.

　Just like at the end of the year party, there was a nobleman who wanted to marry me, but I managed to stop him with Alexia on my right and Caro on my left. Or rather, because the pressure of the two of them was so scary that the ladies who were brought in were in tears. I feel a little sorry for them.

　Then the sons and daughters gathered at Phelia and the others as well. To be exact, it was Phelia, Mei-chan and Haku.

　Phelia hasn't had a party in the royal capital since her birthday when she was president of Marina, but she responded to the party with an air of dignity. I'm sure Elise squeezed me tightly. Phelia gives off a dignified vibe, and her sons have a meltdown.

　Mei and Haku are similar to the one at the end of the year party. When the sons gather at Mei's place, Roy keeps a close eye on them behind her and Haku just returns them nonchalantly.

　But, well, it's a good thing the three of them are getting along so well. When I saw them today, Mei and Haku were replying to Phelia with "Fee sis" and "Fee hey". They must have talked about something.

　We managed to finish the celebration despite the scene, but I was really tired. After all is said and done, we were called here by the king. Speaking of the future, it will be about Alexia's deputies. I'm no stranger to this, so I have to listen carefully.

"What do you want to talk about first? Oh, you know. Dean.

Yeah, yeah. Ray. You don't need to come to the school anymore.

...What?

　What exactly is the master doing? How is it possible that I don't have to come to the school when I'm only in my second year?

Headmaster. That's a bit harsh. It's Ray. The proper term is Alexia's help. It's a form of internship, so to speak.

　The king adds to the master's completely lacking explanation. Master nods as he listens. Hey, Master. Do your job.

'That royal estate, as you already know, is the foundation on which Rey's kingdom will be built. It's useless without Rey, who is supposed to be the king there. But it's not good from an outsider's point of view to hand it over immediately to Rey. That's why I decided to make it a royal domain and have Alexia, Ray's fiancée, be dispatched as a deputy.

　I knew it was going to be like that. Besides, I'd be happy if I could help out near Alexia, too. When I look at Alexia while thinking this, Alexia smiles at me.

''The Royal Army that is currently in the Royal Domain can be used as is. The general has been taken over by General Melia Alstad, so it would be good to learn about commanding an army from her.
　Both Alexia and Ray should have learned about managing the territory. And then there's Helen, the Prime Minister's daughter. I'll give you an assistant, but you'll have to do the basics yourselves.

　It's a tall order, but if we can't do this, we won't be able to build a country. We're going to have to work together to get it done. It's like having an assistant.

So this is our story so far. Now it's time to talk about regalia.

　The regalia?　What's going on in your regalia?　The one thing that regalia reminds me of is Kana. How is she doing?　Did they do anything to you that you didn't like?　Once you think about it, it's curious.

'I received a messenger from Regalia just the other day. I'm sure you've been thinking about it for a while now. And the place is the Imperial City.

　...No, no, no, no, no, no, that's obviously a trap. And isn't it usually the other way around?　Isn't that what the defeated country would ask for?

Of course, I tried to refuse, but they told me that I could take my men to the imperial capital, and that I could join them while they were armed. I'm sure he knows that if he raises a question, he won't be able to just cede it. As proof of that........

　The king looks at me and stammers. I have a bad feeling about this.

''The Regalia side came to Ray with a proposal for an engagement with Luciana Regalia, the second princess of the Regalia Empire. Nominally, they say it's to establish a friendly relationship.

　 The expression of the neighboring Alexia is becoming colder and colder with a smile on her face. Is it what is called a political marriage?

''........Alexia. Don't make such a scary face. This is something that will be quite advantageous for you guys to rule the royal domain. From the point of view of the former citizens of Regalia, Nanor is an invader.
　But if you're betrothed to the princess of the Regalian Empire, that means you're close to the Regalian Empire. It should make it easier for her to rule the territory from now on.

I know, I know!　But... But...　I don't like the idea of Ray being used for that!

　Tears well up in Alexia's eyes. You're angry for me. I can feel my heart grow warm in my chest. I take Alexia's hand in mine.

'Thank you for being angry for me, Alexia. I'll be fine. It's a good thing the territory will be easier to govern. The sooner I can settle down, the sooner I can make out with Alexia and the others for that.

　I say with a light wink. Alexia smiled at me as she muttered, "Idiot.

'I'm sorry, Ray. I'm using you for politics after all.

'That's fine. I'm already involved in a lot of things. So when should I go?

'Hmm. ''Right now, General Melia has confirmed the safety of the king's territory, albeit to a certain extent. Besides, I have to reply back to the Regalia Empire, so I'd say it will be roughly a month later. Until then, you can do what you want.
　Later, the headmaster has given me permission to take someone with me if I want to take them. They're going to treat them all as on-the-job training.

Okay, a month.

　All right, I'll get a lot of stuff ready in the meantime. I'll have to buy a new spear too. And if they're willing to let me take anyone with me, I'll ask them.