'Indeed, it's truly terrifying. Do you know what magic could accomplish such a thing?'
'My apologies, Grandfather, I am not aware of any magic that could do this. But if it is magic, I think only God-tier or Emperor-tier magic could achieve it, right?
'Additionally, I think a godchild with a special ability might also be able to do it.'
'A godchild? That is indeed another possibility. Do you think today's event was an enemy attack or a natural disaster?'
'I'm not entirely sure what it is. But we should be able to tell in a few days. If it's a natural disaster, it should stop here. If it's an attack, then the enemy likely has further operations planned.'
'A very astute analysis. I need you to investigate the cause of this territory's disappearance. Are you willing to go?'
'Yes, Grandfather. I would be honored to serve you.'
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, I turned and left the room. Just before reaching the door, I heard.
'I heard you've been getting quite close to Hilda's daughter recently?'
'Yes, Grandfather. After all, my father and Aunt Hilda have a good relationship.'
'Is that so? Well, never mind. But for now, you shouldn't get too close to her. In the future, if you want her, I can give her to you.'
This statement left me somewhat unclear of its exact meaning, making it difficult to respond.
Seeing I didn't reply, Grandfather Darius simply waved his hand. I took the opportunity to leave the room.
The next day, I discussed with Ariel the matter of converting the exhibition venue into an orphanage. After all, most of the orphans currently at the exhibition were from the Fittoa Territory.
At a time when their parents and relatives were missing, their livelihoods needed to be secured.
I told Ariel the location where I had previously stored the supplies prepared in advance for those orphans.
I instructed her to requisition the exhibition venue in her own name, allowing those children to move in, and to establish the Fittoa Territory Children's Refugee Camp.
This way, I could avoid being investigated for knowing about the Fittoa Territory's disappearance in advance, and it would also boost Ariel's popularity among the people to new heights.
If done well, every citizen of Yars would praise Princess Ariel's virtue.
Regarding such a beneficial matter, Ariel looked at me as if I were a devil. She seemed to think I was the one who caused the teleportation incident.
I couldn't explain it clearly to her either, so I spoke vaguely. 'I suspected the Fittoa Territory might face a disaster, so I prepared in advance. I couldn't evacuate all the people. I could only do my utmost to save a group. As for why I knew about the disaster, don't speculate. Every possibility you guess would be wrong.'
Ariel seemed to suddenly let go of something in her heart and said, 'I thought you did all this just to put me on that throne. Since that's not the case, I feel much better. I will handle the tasks you've arranged. You can rest assured.'
'Mmm. I need to investigate the cause of the Fittoa Territory's disappearance. I might be away for a few days. The better your reputation among the commoners, the more likely you are to face assassination attempts. That white-haired girl from last time is quite good. Keep her by your side for protection.'
'Is she also someone you arranged?'
'No. She is someone sent by heaven to support your ascension to the throne.'
After saying this, I left, hoping she would understand my meaning.
After leaving Ariel, I prepared my luggage and set off with Eris towards Roa City in the Fittoa Territory.
Because this was an emergency, I didn't take a carriage. Instead, I rode a horse, taking Eris with me on the journey.
The two of us and one horse traveled through the desolate, uninhabited wasteland, creating a strange sense of disconnection.
AI Model: gemini-3.0-flash
After entering the Fittoa Territory, the road we took was no different from the last time we went to Roa, but the scenery on both sides was completely different. Those farmhouses built in the fields, the trees by the roadside, the farmers working hard in the fields, the wheat... all of it had now turned into patches of wasteland.
On the ground, besides soil, not even a single weed could be seen.
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