Fabian Lestrome Indiavel was surprised—no, conflicted.
'Why would he choose me?'
His eyes narrowed as he stared at Jared with suspicion.
Was this yet another trap? Was this a ploy to take him away from the Royal Capital? To make sure he didn't achieve anything worthwhile?
'There's no way I'll accept!' Fabian clenched his teeth.
However...
~Fabian, accept his proposal!~
... A mental message sharply entered the prince's head.
Instantly, Fabian recognized the voice and turned in the direction of the speaker.
It was Damien Lawcroft!
'Why...? Why would he want me to do that?'
~Don't be so shortsighted! This mission couldn't be more perfect for you!~ The transmission came again.
Fabian struggled to understand, but he was stuck.
~By being the Royal who unified the Races in an Alliance, wouldn't your reputation skyrocket? Based on your performance, your position will solidify and you'll gain immense support, not only in the Eastern Kingdom, but also among the other nations!~
Fabian's eyes widened at the logic he never saw. Because of his apprehension of Jared, he had been blinded from seeing the merits of his suggestion.
~Now is the chance to gain more supporters and experience. It's a foolproof plan, so the Alliance strategy will most likely succeed. You're at no risk!~
Fabian had to agree with Damien's words, but... he still couldn't shake off the bad feeling that crept up on him.
'B-but, Jared surely has an ulterior motive for recommending me, right? There's no way he just said it because we attended Ainzlark!'
As he thought this, Fabian saw Damien smile from where he stood.
~Of course! But, don't worry... if you choose me as your trusted personnel, then you'll be completely fine. Everything will work out perfectly!~
Fabian's heart was set at ease the moment he heard these words in his head.
Truly, he had been so foolish. If it hadn't been for Damien's guidance just now, he would have missed his golden opportunity to once again outdo his siblings.
Which was why, when he was asked by his father...
"So, does my son, Fabian, agree to this?"
... Fabian didn't hesitate to respond.
"Yes, your Majesty. I wholeheartedly accept!"
Even though Jared's pleased expression annoyed him to no end, Fabian controlled his reaction and simply smiled.
'Just you wait, Jared! I'll reap all the befits from this expedition!'
***********************
'I have to know what he's up to!' Damien Lawcroft thought to himself as he stared at Jared.
That was the whole reason why he would tell Fabian to take him along as they left the Empire.
Even though his mission involved staying in the King's Court, and at the Capital, Jared had already injured most of his plans.
To make sure he could restrategize and make countermeasures for whatever Jared was plotting, he needed to have access to the mission itself.
'I have agents in the Capital, so they can inform me on whatever happens here while I'm away...' Damien thought to himself.
Besides, if it was a case of emergency, he could simply use 'that' to return.
In any case, the most prudent course of action was to tail Jared and see what he was up to.
'I should also contact them... just in case!' Damien thought, glaring at his former ward with a subtle dissatisfied expression.
'Things won't go your way this time!'
***************************
I fought internally to contain a snicker.
Of course, he would agree.
"Very well. Since Fabian has no objection, all that remains is for him to choose his Trusted Personnel, and—"
"I choose Damien Lawcroft" The prince stated with full conviction.
As expected.
"Does Damien Lawcroft agree to this?" His Majesty asked.
"Of course, your Majesty. I will do my utmost to ensure the prince's safety and best performance." The man in question stated boldly.
I smiled at him—no, at the whole exchange—and nodded with satisfaction.
"All that is left is to select a Head Representative from the Research Team... correct?" King Albion said, looking in the direction of the scholarly people in our midst.
The Research Team had sent some people to represent them, but their head wasn't present.
"We will need some time to discuss it with our Superior before a decision can be made." The man who appeared to lead everyone—most likely the deputy—responded with a bow.
I understood the need for hierarchy, but we didn't have all the time in the world.
Fortunately, the King read my mind and spoke up.
"Make it quick. The team will leave at the first sign of dawn. Make sure your Representative is ready by then."
They bowed once he gave his words.
"Since that's all, then—"
"Excuse me, your Majesty... but can I make an addition?" Another interruption surged forth.
Normally, everyone would snap at the person, but... it was Serah Crimson who spoke.
The King and Nobles had no choice but to zip it and listen to her.
"I wish to bring one of my trusted personnel with me. I believe it would be a good education journey for her. Would that be allowed?"
She had a fair point.
Having a few Personnel follow us would indeed be to the advantage of the Eastern Kingdom.
The people would properly understand how small they were in a vast ocean of stronger beings.
Cultures. Technologies. Resources.
The world was very vast, and exposing our citizens to what it had to offer wasn't a bad idea.
However, that could wait until after the Alliance had been formed.
Once we had secured our joint participation, deals concerning excursions and international trips could be implemented.
For now, a small elite force was all that we needed.
But, since it was Serah speaking, I couldn't very much object.
Besides, I was a bit curious about who she wanted to recommend.
"O—of course. Who would you be recommending?" King Albion, as expected, shamelessly agreed.
I couldn't blame him, though.
I noticed that Serah was grinning at me, hiding a mischievous look in her eyes. I unconsciously gulped upon the realization.
"My recommendation is Maria Helmsworth, apprentice of the Imperial Forces."
