I Have Tamed a Spider Monster - Chapter 244, Chapter 245, Chapter 246

The Reason for Borrowing the Lumite Grand Wing
We moved to the living area instead of standing around, and I served tea.
The tea is green tea, which I’ve recently taken a liking to.
Since it's now possible to import it from the Darshe Principality, I can enjoy it without hesitation.
Yes, that's a good thing.
But more than that, I want to ask why they suddenly want to borrow my Lumite Grand Wing.

"Darshe green tea, huh? It's calming."

"Is that so?"

"My homeland is in the Darshe Principality. You should visit it sometime."

"I'll try if the opportunity arises. But more importantly, why do you want to borrow my Lumite Grand Wing? My Lumite Grand Wing is quite conspicuous, don’t you think? It’s not exactly suitable for discreet travel."

Now that I think about it, my Lumite Grand Wing has various markings on it.
It bears the symbol of my shop as well as the crest of Marquis Vardmoi.
Frankly, borrowing a similar model would attract less attention.
If the goal is to secretly transport the princesses, I think it’s definitely unsuitable.
I wonder why.
When I voiced my doubts, Rumaja thoughtfully stroked her chin and responded.

"Standing out is precisely what’s good about it. No one would expect us to hide the princesses in such a conspicuous vehicle. Moreover, there are plenty of decoy transport methods, including the main carriage team. Among them, few would think of putting the princesses in a notable magic vehicle right after the carriage."

"And also…?"

"Your Lumite Grand Wing bears the crest of Marquis Vardmoi. Attacking that magic vehicle would mean picking a fight with the House of Vardmoi. Among the southern lords, Vardmoi holds the second-strongest power. No one would want to make an enemy of them."

Ah, so they’re using my backing from Marquis Vardmoi to their advantage.
The royal family is deeply entangled in power struggles, so they probably want to avoid adding more enemies.
In that case, even if someone wants to target the princesses, they won’t be able to openly go after a magic vehicle bearing the Vardemoi crest.
But is the situation really so dangerous that they need to be this cautious?

"Is the current situation really that risky? And, why exactly are the princesses visiting Vardmoi?"

"I can’t say. There are too many uncertainties. As for the current state, it seems skirmishes are frequent in the northern regions. The King’s Brother and the Third Prince both desperately desire the throne, even though it's now a meaningless seat."

"Ah, so this country really is splitting, then."

"Indeed, there’s no turning back."

After taking a sip of green tea, Rumaja began explaining the current domestic situation.
Well, it was about as I expected.

"In the north, the factions of the King’s Brother and that of the Third Prince are on the verge of open conflict. The east and west are observing, but they’ll likely also pursue independence. The south, where we are, is already completely independent."

"I see. What about the royal capital?"

"Who knows. Each faction sees the capital as the frontline. There's no need to risk anything unnecessarily. Once things are settled in the north, the capital will probably be annexed to that side."

Hmm, the treatment of the capital seems rather harsh.
The capital is close to Vardmoi, so I’d like it to be stable.
But aside from the north, which craves the throne, no one really needs it.
This leaves me feeling a bit unsettled…

"So, will you lend me the Lumite Grand Wing?"

"Oh, right. Honestly, I’d rather not."

"I see. However, I’d appreciate your cooperation if possible."

Such pressure…
But, considering the princesses’ safety, I guess I have no choice.
Alright, let’s do this.

"Then I’ll accompany you in the Lumite Grand Wing. How about that?"

I don’t want to jump into danger, but I also don’t want my vehicle wrecked.
Just a little bit of risk won’t hurt.

----------

To McFarlane’s
I don't want to lend out my magic vehicle, but Rumaja wasn’t backing down either.
So, I suggested a compromise—how about I go with it? But Rumaja frowned deeply at this.
After all, I'm also a high-priority protection target.

"Lily. Do you understand the situation you’re in?"

"Well, I know I’m apparently being targeted. But I’ve got solid guards, so it’s not like anyone's going to attack."

"Exactly. Besides Wildcat’s Claws and Plum, the Aventurers’ Guild and the Darshe Principality have covert guards watching you from unseen spots. Heading somewhere outside their range of protection is just asking to be targeted."

"But you want to borrow the Lumite Grand Wing, right? If I’m not going with it, I’m not lending it out."

"Ugh..."

Rumaja furrowed her brow and seemed to be lost in thought.
Seeing this, her master, Plum, casually offered some reassurance.

"What’s there to worry about? If I’m going along as a guard too, there’s no issue, is there?"

"That should cover the trip there. But the way back is..."

"My maids will accompany us as well. Will that do?"

"If that’s the case…"

For Rumaja to yield like that, Plum’s maids must really be formidable.
I’d always suspected they weren’t ordinary maids, but ones capable of providing protection… how admirable.

"Now that it's settled, shall we depart immediately, my apprentice?"

"No, we’ll need coordination from the Adventurers’ Guild. Departure will be in about a week."

"Understood. I’ll make preparations accordingly."

"Thank you very much."

With that, the conversation with Rumaja concluded.
After finishing her green tea, she left, and Melanie went with her.
I suppose it’s time for us to start preparing for the journey as well.
… Although, I have no idea where to even begin.
Maybe I should ask Plum.

"Hmm? Our preparations? We don’t need any of that. Don’t you have loads of preserved food already packed in your backpack, Lily?"

"Yes. Enough preserved food for dozens of people for over a month, along with some meat and vegetables."

"Then, there’s nothing more we need to prepare. Frankly, anyone trying to attack you now would be wasting their efforts. Even if they slipped past me, they wouldn’t deceive Talat’s eyes. Just ride on Talat and stay protected."

Being simply protected feels a bit frustrating.
But, considering my current position, it's the best course of action.
Six months ago, I was freely hunting ogres… what a change!

So, for the week leading up to departure, we spent our time checking and preparing our outfits and equipment.
Since unauthorized use of the Marquis’ crest could get us in trouble, I also went to get permission from Marquis Vardmoi.
Though, it turns out Rumaja had already taken care of that for me. Very efficient.

Then, on the promised day, Rumaja arrived alone at my house.
Wait, is she the only one coming from the Adventurers’ Guild?

"Hmm? It’s just me. Any additional adventurers would only be a hindrance. This time, we need a select few experts. But don't worry about the details."

I wonder what preparations she’s made.
She doesn’t seem inclined to tell me, so I won’t ask.

In any case, with our preparations complete, we set off toward the McFarlane fief, home of the McFarlane Ducal family.
Apparently, it lies inland from Vardmoi.
… I really haven’t been anywhere outside the vicinity of Vardmoi, have I!

----------

In the City of McFarlane
It took four days to reach the city of McFarlane in the Lumite Grand Wing.
We weren’t flying at top speed, but it’s clearly a fair distance away.
Since this journey was meant to be a small, elite group, it’s just me, the members of the Wildcat’s Claws, Plum, Rumaja, and Plum’s maids.
I’m not sure what business Rumaja has here, but once it's done, we plan to head back to Vardmoi immediately.
Are we really here just to escort the princesses to McFarlane?

The city of McFarlane was more dignified and expansive-looking than Vardmoi.
While Vardmoi was built within the last hundred years, McFarlane has existed since before the kingdom was founded.
Because of this, its traditions and culture have evolved in unique ways, distinct even from the kingdom’s.
We don’t have time to explore now, but if I get another chance, I’d love to take a thorough look around. Who knows? I might get inspired.

"First of all,, let’s head to the Adventurers’ Guild in McFarlane."

"The Adventurers’ Guild?"

"Of course. With me here, where else would we go?"

… Right, that makes sense. Rumaja is the Grand Master of the Adventurers Guild, after all.
She led us to the guild, and upon arrival, directed us to park the Lumite Grand Wing discreetly around the back.
Given its size, it’d probably be an obstacle if left out front, so I follow her instructions without complaint.

"We’ve arrived safely. Now, you all wait in the reception room while I take care of my business."

"Wait, aren’t we staying overnight?"

"Apologies, but we’re heading right back. Fortunately, we made it here with plenty of daylight left."

Hmm, it’s not that I mind the travel, but heading back to Vardmoi without even a single night’s stay?
What on earth is the purpose of this trip?

We’re escorted to the guild’s reception room and offered tea to pass the time.
After a while, Rumaja returned, this time with guests.

"Princess Rodenlight and Princess Annette!?"

"It’s been a while, Lily. I never expected to see you here."

"It’s been a while, Lady Lily… Talat seems smaller?"

"He evolved, so his species changed. But why are the two of you here?"

"I’ll explain.”

Rumaja interjected.
She cleared her throat and began.

"The reason I wanted to borrow the Lumite Grand Wing, as I mentioned before, was to discreetly transport Her Royal Highnesses. The royal carriage convoy ‘carrying’ the princesses has already departed from this city. Our plan is to overtake it and make for Vardmoi ahead of them."

"Oh, right, you did mention wanting to transport the princesses. I didn’t think you’d actually go through with it. But is it really okay to overtake them?"

"It’s fine. That was the original plan. The week of preparation time in Vardmoi was for coordinating this operation."

I see, there was a lot happening behind the scenes.
To think we’re actually transporting the princesses… I honestly thought it was some kind of joke.

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