Finally Returning

“I’ve already considered suitable newspaper companies as candidates. I did my best to ensure that both the location and price wouldn’t inconvenience you, Congressman.”

Before Ernst could say anything, I took out a bundle of documents from the briefcase I had prepared and placed them on the table.

“I’m confident there’s no risk of complications as the owners of each company are all communists or other races.”

“Huh.”

Rustle, rustle!

He was truly so flustered that despite being a noble, he didn’t wipe the sauce from around his mouth with a napkin. He just quietly flipped through the stack of papers.

“You, what exactly are you?”

Only after skimming through all the documents I had brought did he utter a short sentence close to astonishment.

“I’m an enthusiastic officer candidate.”

How could I respond carelessly when I’ve been eagerly waiting for this deal? I took out a handkerchief from my chest and handed it to him, while responding with a gentle smile.

This is the best approach.

Even if I had promised a friendly relationship with the noble-looking man in front of me when I return to the military academy, it was obvious that its use would be limited. That’s why I had to decide on its purpose before returning.

And this was the result of that decision.

“…Excuse me.”

While Ernst wiped around his mouth, I gathered up the documents spread out in front of him. After neatly clearing the dining table, I once again assumed a listening posture.

“Ahem, thank you. Anyway, assuming I acquire a newspaper company as you suggest, what benefit would that bring to you, Yena? It doesn’t seem to have much utility value.”

“I’m not particularly concerned about the benefits I gain. For now, I only wish for you to acquire a newspaper company, Congressman.”

“Here’s the cocktail you ordered for dessert.”

After taking a sip of the drink that had just arrived, combining lemon aroma with a sharp liquor, I opened and closed my lips softly.

“Where did you get this list?”

“I earnestly requested it from Prime Minister Erdoff’s direct agency and was fortunate enough to obtain it.”

“Oh…”

“They are businesses of moderate size, neither too big nor too small. We expect smooth transactions as they are composed of communists and other races, especially elves, who are looking to leave Bern.”

With each word I uttered, Ernst’s jaw dropped closer to the floor. Where was that composed middle-aged man from before? He had turned into a statue unable to move his face.

It must be quite a shocking situation.

A guest invited out of courtesy for a meal, or rather, at best a pleasing student to him, is urging the purchase of a newspaper company along with strange papers.

“Haha, ahem!”

Considering the context, it was understandable that Ernst couldn’t even take a sip of his cocktail and just let out a fake cough.

However, I had no intention of backing down either. I planned to persuade Ernst to buy a newspaper company until the end.

Only then can I ensure that the promise of financial support isn’t just empty words, and lay the foundation for a focal point to keep in check the evil and detestable Paulo.

“…In short, your proposition is to step into the current chaotic media market. Using none other than my and my family’s backing as a pedestal.”

“I have not a shred of malicious intent. If I may cautiously state my resolve, I simply wish for a future where I can draw up a blueprint for Bern with you, Congressman, as I promised.”

Clatter!

After presenting my argument with all my might, I pushed the entire briefcase containing the list of newspaper companies towards Ernst’s feet.

“……”

The conclusion drawn hereafter would be solely up to this man.

---

“What was your impression?”

“There was nothing particularly special.”

“Any peculiarities?”

“Apart from her attractive appearance, she had a personality and manner of speech typical of her age group, with nothing noteworthy.”

Erdoff’s portrait in splendid Storm Trooper attire, the Labor Party flag dyed redder than anything else, and finally the Storm Trooper’s cap placed on the desk.

“I see.”

In the office filled entirely with Labor Party symbols, Paulo, his secretary, and Rahirt Eridrich were engaged in an intense conversation.

‘Was she just a woman devoted to the Party Leader?’

Tap, tap, tap!

Paulo rested his chin on his hand while tapping the back of a paper with the fountain pen he was holding. With each movement of his arm, dirty ink splattered onto the table and book covers.

‘That’s good news.’

The assessment came from none other than Rahirt Eridrich, so it was trustworthy. It meant she was either truly innocent or at least knew her place well enough not to cause trouble.

He had worried about what to do if she was the type to act up without knowing her place, but it seemed there was no need for troublesome management.

“Good work, Rahirt.”

After dismissing Eridrich from the office with a few hand gestures, Paulo picked up the [Detailed Investigation of Yena Freud] document he had brought, with an indifferent gaze.

“A common household, a pure-blooded Bern citizen, not of another race… not an appendage excreted by lowly elves and dwarves.”

Whoosh, whoosh!

Within seconds, he carelessly tossed the documents deep into the blazing fireplace on one side of the office wall.

Unless it reached a level worth keeping, secretly obtained documents were immediately destroyed. It was Paulo’s own rule established to absolutely preserve his safety.

‘She withdrew on her own, so there’s no need to worry about her.’

If that child had overlooked her limitations and dared to enter the Ministry of Interior to cling to the Prime Minister’s ankles, he would have watched her thoroughly, but that wasn’t the case.

‘Even if he cherishes her, a child who didn’t grow up in a normal family would have eventually become an obstacle on the path the Prime Minister is pioneering.’

Even if she was of pure Bern descent.

Thud, thud─!

Paulo stared intently at the fireplace where wisps of pale ash were flying, then silently returned to his seat.

[Elf Population Survey Report]

[Dwarf Household Number Prediction Results]

With so much work still to be done, how could he afford to worry about such trivial matters? Yena Freud, she was just a passing breeze.

If she appears before him again, then he can reinvestigate Yena and give her appropriate treatment at that time.

“It’s time for the meeting.”

Rustle, rustle!

Paulo organized the scattered documents into the cabinet, then put on his coat and hat and stood up.

---

“Hahaha!”

After a moment of silence, a roaring laughter filled the dining area.

Clink!

Finally picking up the cocktail he hadn’t touched at all, the corners of Ernst’s eyes formed long semicircles.

“You’re even bolder than you look.”

Contrary to expectations, Ernst’s reaction wasn’t very negative. Despite worrying that it hadn’t even been half a day since the deal was made at the banquet, the worry remained just that – worry.

It’s unexpected.

Even though he was a pragmatic person, I had anticipated that it would take considerable time to properly cooperate with me, who had put his own flesh and blood in prison.

“I highly value that courage of yours. You lower yourself infinitely when it’s time to be humble, and show unwavering spirit when it’s time to rise, haha!”

But look at the present.

From the day we first met at the military academy, he had never been hostile. Whether it was sincere or a mask, I had to acknowledge it at this point.

“If it were another child, I would have taken it as an presumptuous request, but you, Yena, have proven your ambition through actions.”

Whatever the case, for now, Ernst was an undeniably satisfactory figure for mutual cooperation.

“I understand your will well, I’ll remember it.”

After a long exchange of glances, Ernst was the first to offer a handshake.

“Thank you.”

I don’t know how long this relationship will last, but for now, I’ll focus on this moment. I immediately stood up, bowed at a right angle, and grasped his hand.

The meal that had pleased my tongue thus came to an end.

Trudge, trudge!

I wish the military academy’s rations were at least half the level of this restaurant.

“Whew…”

After a successful lunch, I took a simple walk to aid digestion. Perhaps because I ate my fill without worrying about the cost, my usually flat stomach had swollen up significantly.

I wonder if Erika would have liked it.

Looking down at my rounded abdomen that formed a small hill, I was suddenly reminded of her, diligently attending classes.

As I’ll be leaving Bern tomorrow, thoughts of Erika, Lina, Gartel, and the principal and instructors of the military academy, who hadn’t crossed my mind until now, flashed through my head one by one.

“…Ah.”

It must be chaos. Even if Astrakhan is a remote region, it’s not so isolated that newspapers aren’t delivered.

News like “Yena Freud Delivers a Speech That Sets an Example for Bern’s Politicians!” must have already reached not just the instructors but even the cadets.

While I had to deal with the Labor Party and the Stresemann family in Bern, in a few days, the time would come to face the scrutiny of instructors and cadets in earnest.

It’s going to be troublesome.

Well, what can I do? Since it’s a path I chose myself, not forced by anyone, I’ll have to overcome the crisis with bold responses.

Anyway, I’m returning to the military academy.

That’s all there is to it.

“Maybe I should buy some gifts to take back.”

I took a step forward with a mind half at ease to enjoy the leisure while I could, a bit of hunger, and a touch of uneasiness.