Kyle promptly started working that afternoon and did exactly what Rishe had discussed with him.

To avoid Arnold’s suspicions, he seemed to carry out his mission naturally amid their visit during the day while going around the inspection locations that he had applied in advance to the Garkhain state.

The only time Rishe would talk to Kyle was once a day when she administered the medicine she had concocted for him.

Under such circumstances, only the knight from the favelas, who was Rishe’s accomplice, would accompany her. Then they would discuss the details of the operation.

Then a few nights into the operation.

“Please check here, Rishe-dono.”

“……!”

Rishe gasped as she took in the items on the table.

“This is a surprise. Honestly, I thought it was doubtful that we would be able to make it in time, even with Prince Kyle’s help…”

When she said that, Kyle nodded sincerely.

“It’s because I encountered a familiar face on the ship to Garkhain. The other items you requested are already on hand.”

“Thank you. It’s also difficult to collect these even for the trade association that I patronize.”

The said “operation” required some manpower and goods. But even the Aria Trading Company didn’t always have any goods at hand.

Thank God Prince Kyle is here. I might have worked as a merchant too if I’ve ever been here in Garkhain…

After all, this was the only country that Rishe has never visited in her past lives.

She knew most businesses in other countries, but she was unfamiliar with the market in Garkhain.

Prince Kyle is awesome. He’s not only familiar with his own country, but also with the merchants and artisans across the ocean of his country.

Rishe gazed at Kyle’s provile, who was once again checking the number of items.

Kyle has an official role in the Koyor Kingdom related to academia and trade.

It was for this reason that he got involved with Rishe, who was then a merchant, and also Rishe, who spent time as an alchemist.

Kyle’s network extended to this country.

He’s actually met many merchants face to face and done honest business with them, so he’s got a handful of merchants based in Garkhain, too. And those merchants treat Prince Kyle as an important customer and are available for urgent purchases…

Merchants valued people, and Kyle would be a trustworthy customer to any merchant.

“–But I can’t guarantee that this powder is the right one. Maybe Michel can determine it.”

“No, Prince Kyle. It’s not a problem. I can determine the compositions on my own. And, as I’ve told you, I want to keep this operation a secret from Teacher Michel as well… Has Teacher gone down to the castle today?”

“Yes. When he’s not doing research, he spends most of his time in places where there are books.”

Kyle probably thought that Michel was in the library below the castle.

But when it came to Michel’s behavioral patterns, Rishe was actually more familiar with it.

If Michel was out in the castle grounds, he must be doing exactly what Rishe thought he would do.

“Rishe-dono, my request for an audience with His Highness Arnold one last time has been accepted.”

Rishe accepted.

Kyle was a royalty from Koyor, even if it was an inferior kingdom to Garkhain.

She knew that Oliver, Arnold’s squire, could convince Arnold not to refuse all requests from guests of the state.

“But that’s the day after tomorrow, two evenings later.”

“—Yes. I understand that you have only three days left of your stay before going back to Koyor.”

Kyle visited the country on the pretext of congratulating Rishe on her marriage.

The second ostensible reason was also to exchange knowledge and experiment with scholars, not to form an alliance.

If they extended their stay for no particular reason, they would henceforth draw suspicions from Arnold’s father, the Emperor.

Once noticed, Koyor only has two choices: His Majesty invades them, or His Highness Arnold, who evades it, will. Prince Kyle’s life would be at risk….

Pushing aside those concerns, Rishe said cheerfully, “It’s not a problem, Prince Kyle. In fact, I was thinking that since your meeting with His Highness Arnold will not happen until the day after tomorrow, it will give us a day to prepare.”

Kyle breathed a sigh of relief.

“… Thank you very much. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”

“Fufufu. I’m glad to hear that, but it’s late and you need a good night’s sleep.”

“No, I can still move. The medicine you gave me has helped me feel much better.”

“Prince Kyle.”

Rishe smiled while sorting through the assortment of items.

“Did you forget? I can tell at a glance how tired you are. Have a good night’s sleep, and let’s look forward to tomorrow.”

“…Forgive me, Rishe-dono. For the sake of our country, you’re working like this.”

“Not at all. Besides, I’m happy to have more friends in the country I married into.”

When Rishe assured him that, Kyle’s eyes wident, and he bowed deeply.

****