Due to the White Whale's massive size and Emilia's camp's limited numbers, they required assistance from Crusch's army.
Crusch, holding Adam in high regard, readily agreed to help transport the White Whale. At Adam's suggestion, however, Emilia provided compensation for their services.
One must be wary of unknowingly creating debts of gratitude, as they might demand repaynt at inopportune monts.
The return journey proceeded peacefully.
Adam noted the curious absence of the Sin Archbishops of Greed and Gluttony. Perhaps Reinhard's presence had deterred them into taking a cautious approach.
He preferred to think that Elsa had engaged the Sin Archbishop of Greed, keeping him occupied with defending against her surprise attacks.
They arrived safely at the capital.
The White Whale's enormous bisected corpse was displayed outside the royal castle for public viewing.
The kingdom was astounded!
The Council of Wise n, upon hearing that the silver-haired half-elf had subdued the White Whale, rushed to witness it with their own disbelieving eyes.
Ministers and council mbers who had opposed Emilia stood speechless before the defeated White Whale. Several nobles who had previously shown prejudice against her swiftly changed allegiance, loudly proclaiming their support.
It was laughable.
Adam and Emilia then led a victory procession around the royal castle, welcod by cheering citizens!
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The banquet began.
The celebration brimd with music, dancing, and rrint.
Within re hours, Adam's reputation as a 『 Hero 』 spread throughout the kingdom, while Emilia's title of 『 Silver-haired Half-elf 』 transford from an insult into a term of honor.
Though nobles flocked to offer their insincere pleasantries, Adam declined them all, retreating to a quiet corner with Ram after satisfying his appetite.
When the banquet concluded, the group returned to the hotel.
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The next day.
"Emilia, let's set out for the Mathers domain now."
Early in the morning, Adam found her and expressed his desire to return to the domain.
Emilia looked at him in surprise, "Eh, why? Reinhard invited to discuss alliance matters with the House Astrea today."
"Emilia, we're at the height of our popularity now — we're the most famous among the five Royal Selection Candidates. How could we lower ourselves to 'beg' them for an alliance?"
"Is that so?"
"Of course! We're not inferior to anyone, so we must maintain our dignity!"
"I see..."
Seeing her response, Adam could only sigh at what she had been learning during her studies.
Did she not even know the basic techniques of negotiation?
"Then what should we do, Adam?" Unable to devise a solution herself, Emilia turned to him.
"Instead of eting with the House Astrea, we'll send soone to find Crusch. Of course, finding her is just for show — we don't actually need to say anything to her. Do you understand what I an?"
"...You an to make them think we're seeking an alliance with another Dragon Priestess, right?"
"Bingo! That's correct!"
Though naive and inexperienced, she wasn't stupid and could grasp Adam's aning.
"We'll only approach Crusch, not Priscilla or Anastasia."
"Why?"
"Think about it — I appeared together with Crusch before, and it was her army that helped transport the White Whale."
"What does that prove?"
"Hehehe! This way, the House Astrea will be convinced we've already allied with Crusch! Then, instead of us seeking an alliance, they'll co to us — we'll have the initiative!"
"!!!" His words instantly illuminated Emilia's thoughts.
So everything had been arranged from the beginning!
"Adam, I didn't expect you to think so far ahead."
"This is just a minor trick that could easily be seen through." He stroked his chin. After a mont's thought, he added, "If the House Astrea doesn't ally with us because of this, we'll simply ally with Crusch instead! I'm certain she would welco an alliance with us now!"
"Really? That's wonderful!" Emilia happily patted her chest, "Then... Adam, what should we do next?"
"As I said before, we return to the Mathers domain now! Send a ssage to the House Astrea stating that 'an urgent matter has occurred in the domain, requiring our imdiate return'."
"Yes, I'll handle it right away." Understanding the strategic advantage, Emilia sprang into action.
She arranged for a ssenger to inform the Sword Saint family, then went to et with Crusch herself, making sure to retrieve Subaru as well.
This last part was specifically requested by Adam. Not having Subaru nearby made him uneasy — the boy could die at any mont, forcing them to repeat everything.
In truth, Adam's urgency to return stemd from the troubling silence from Roswaal. The clown had departed seven days ago and should have returned to the capital by now.
Why hadn't he shown himself?
Roswaal hadn't sent a single ssage — he had simply vanished. While Emilia had been preoccupied with the capital's social obligations and alliance matters, this detail had slipped her mind.
But Adam hadn't forgotten! He kept that troublemaking clown under close surveillance!
Just wait, Roswaal. Step out of line, and I'll strike you down!
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Two hours later, everyone gathered at the capital's gate.
Ram and Adam led a dragon carriage, with Emilia and Subaru seated inside.
"Let's go!" Ram cracked the reins, and Patrasche began running swiftly.
The Earth Dragon they rode was indeed called Patrasche — a mount Crusch had gifted to Subaru. Surprisingly, the young man had managed to win the creature's loyalty.
Subaru: Another addition to the harem!
{T/N:… weirdo.}
The journey from the capital to the Mathers domain stretched far; even at an Earth Dragon's pace, it would take a full day and night of continuous travel to reach their destination.
Though Adam could have flown back directly, Emilia's rising fa from the Royal Selection and White Whale subjugation had likely drawn the Witch Cult's attention.
Fearing they might strike in his absence, he chose to remain with the group.
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Evening.
Whether by fate or chance, Subaru encountered his future best friend — Otto Suwen.
Otto, known as the Zodda Bug Bastard, struggled to sell his oil stock. At Takemu's suggestion, Subaru purchased the oil, and the two quickly struck up a friendly conversation.
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In the inn room
"Emilia, let's return to the domain now."
"I disagree. Lady Emilia's safety cannot be guaranteed while traveling at night, and the Earth Dragon needs rest. I suggest we depart tomorrow morning." Ram firmly rejected Adam's proposal.
"Why such hurry, Adam? Can you explain the reason?"
"The reason... I just have a feeling sothing bad is going to happen."
He spoke truthfully to Emilia; his multiple Divine Protections warned him of approaching danger, prompting his desire to return to the mansion that night.
"Lady Emilia, traveling at night remains dangerous. Ram still advises against it." Ram maintained her dutiful stance.
After a mont's consideration, Emilia replied, "It's fine. With Adam's protection, I don't think anyone could harm ."
"But the Earth Dragon..."
"We'll use a fresh one, and have the rchant escorts bring our Earth Dragon along later."
"Yes. As you wish, Lady Emilia." Ram responded softly and went to make arrangents.
"Good, let's depart now!"
Adam grabbed Subaru, who was still engrossed in conversation with Otto, and unceremoniously tossed him into the dragon carriage. After Ram returned, they drove the carriage away from the inn.
Once again, they embarked on their journey ho.
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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!
For just $1 you can access all the extra content, and descriptive images, costs only $2!
That's it and happy reading! /mrblackwing
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