" I didn't do anything wrong, with the reforms I advocated, the border defenses became more robust, and more warriors were equipped with better equipment.
" Arcane pistols, scrolls, rune weapons... the establishment of factories and industry upgrades not only fortified the border defense but also boosted the border's economy, turning it from a secluded fortress into a center that radiates across the region.
" Countless adventurers and merchants came here chasing various aspirations, bringing with them vast profits, and making the construction of this opulent courtyard possible.
" We have also repeatedly kept disasters at bay, so much so that I arrogantly stood at the frontline as a non-combatant, just to prove to everyone that this border is impenetrable."
Suddenly, the Count fell into silence.
"...Do you know what my wife often said to me?"
Switching topics, the Count continued.
The Hero shook her head.
Not expecting an answer, the Count nostalgically lifted his head.
"——I guard this city, and then, she guards me."
His eyes were like aged wine, carrying sorrow accumulated over countless years.
"That day, she did it."
He didn't say more, shaking his head.
"I know, I let my daughter down, whether it was losing her mother, or having her far from this father.
" But her talent as a mage is exceptional, should she grow up here at the border, it's likely not long before she'd voluntarily step to the front line."
The Hero thought for a moment, then agreed with a nod.
Though the little girl was usually calm, when it came time to embark on an adventure, she never hesitated.
" Heh, it seems you understand my meaning too, perhaps this is my selfishness as a father, but I wish for her to grow up in a safe environment, rather than face danger early, or be forcibly locked in her room by me.
" She's like a fragile flower, yet born on a ship amid towering waves, I want to see her bloom robustly, yet I don't want to confine her in a magical greenhouse."
The Count's expression grew complex, and his tone turned slightly colder.
" Let alone trying to bring this flower into a storm to prove its resilience, that can only be called a foolishly idiotic act."
His words, like a blade, revealed the majesty of a high-ranking individual.
But the blade wasn't directed at anyone else but his own heart.
The Hero silently cut a piece of pastry, gently placing it on a plate and passing it to him.
[The Count's Attitude]
The Count was taken aback, then shook his head.
" You've seen an unbecoming side of me, you eat it yourself.
" After all, I've passed the age where I seek comfort in good food."
Someone like him naturally wouldn't open up his heart just because of a few simple, caring gestures, saying so much had already been somewhat of a gaffe.
The Hero nodded, putting the pastry into her mouth, but it didn't taste as sweet as before.
The Count coughed lightly twice and continued.
"So, it's not that I don't wish to live with my daughter, it's just that she's not fit to grow up here.
" To study in the peaceful capital, grow gradually, and return here as an adult to truly face the dangers of this place... that's what I hope for.
" I don't know if this is right, but at the very least, I hope her childhood can be lived in peace."
The black-haired man let out a somewhat lonely sigh.
" Sorry, I spoke too much.
" Idle chatter stops here, I should almost handle official business now."
" Miss Hero, what are your plans next?"
Reminded by the Count, the Hero recalled the real purpose of her visit, and she fell into contemplation.
Since the little girl wasn't here, and she couldn't make an impolite request to the Border Count, what should she do next?
[The Hero's Next Actions——]
1. Stay a little longer, train a bit ♛
2. Hope the Count lets her join the army, to take part in the cleanup of magic creatures.
3. Finish what she came for and go back.
4. Try living here for some time.
9. Count, want to try learning with me for a while?
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
The Hero wrote down her plan on paper, handed it to the Count.
The journey back to the city where she grew up would take nearly half a month, and whether the little girl would be there then was uncertain.
And spending time traveling seemed too meaningless.
Since she was already at the border, she decided to stay and continue to train, using her skills to break the Bubble Princess's curse.
Surely on this vast land, many goblins would need her to clear.
" To battle magic creatures and train oneself, a very hero-like thought indeed." The Count mused, stroking his chin.
[The Count's Retention (Attitude below 30, no bonus, below 20 no effect, above 90 would give blood)]
[Retention above 50, the Hero will stay at the Count Mansion, and enjoy pastries every day]
[Retention above 80, the Count will provide further assistance]
[The Count's assistance is——]
1. Limited-time item: Border Count's Black Card (￥=∞) ♛
3. Weapon (Finger Claw/Hand Armor)
4. Legacy: Costume Change Magic
5. Armor (Special Storage Type)
9. Small Space Backpack
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure