I Have Tamed a Spider Monster - Chapter 208, Chapter 209, Chapter 210

Return to Marquis Vardmoi’s Mansion
"... So, you brought Princess Rodenlight and Princess to my residence?"

The place was Marquis Vardmoi’s residence.
The city had just begun to regain its calm after a period of chaos, with the sky turning a shade of red as the sun set.
Although this was a noble district, safety was not guaranteed.
Four soldiers from the Darshe Principality stood guard in front of the Marquis Vardmoi mansion.
Along the way, I noticed soldiers patrolling from Princess Rodenlight's carriage.
The only reason we were able to enter the residence smoothly was because the coachman of Princess Rodenlight's carriage was a soldier from the Darshe Principality.
The noble district seemed to be under strict surveillance by Darshe's soldiers.

"Yes. It seemed awkward to stay there, and I thought it would be safer to have them close by if we were to guard them."

"Safer? It’s safer, indeed. But still..."

"Did we cause you any trouble?"

"No, based on what I've heard, staying there wouldn't have been beneficial. If they had remained in the palace, there was a risk of assassination. In that sense, leaving the palace was fortunate. However, my residence is not equipped to host royalty."

"That's not an issue. We barged in suddenly, so we can't expect much. Besides, we have more distinguished guests here."

"Hm? Are you referring to me?"

That's right.
When we were leaving for the Marquis Vardmoi residence, Plum came along too.
According to her: “I’m guarding you, Lily.”
While I already have Talat for protection, and we have the members of the Wildcat's Claws at the mansion, I couldn't just send her away.

"Don't mind me too much. I used to be in the military. As long as there's a roof, it's a decent place to sleep."

"I see. And so, umm… Lady Plum, what exactly did Lily do?"

"Oh, I hadn't mentioned that! About 20 years ago, I was kidnapped and used as the core of an ice wolf-type monster in the western forest of the Capital. Lily and Talat rescued me. Those who kidnapped me might be tracking her, so I'm here as a precaution."

"I understand. Like the princesses, I can't offer much hospitality, especially since the daytime disturbance has made it difficult to go out."

"I said, don't worry about it… By the way, were there any casualties from the daytime commotion?"

"None from my household. However, there was an explosion at the neighboring house. We're not sure who caused it, which led to the current state of alert."

"Mhm, I see."

I'm relieved that residence wasn't affected.
Only the Marquis himself had come out to address the situation, so I was worried.
This brings some peace of mind. I wonder if Alizée is safe.
If I'm free tomorrow, I'd like to check on her.

----------

How to Get to the City Center
We spent the night at the Vardmoi residence without any incidents.
Talat and the members of Wildcat's Claws reported that nothing happened, so it must be true.
As we all gathered for breakfast, I made my request to check on Alizée's situation.
As expected, Marquis Vardmoi was reluctant.

"Hmm. Does it have to be today? The city is still under strict vigilance, and it's not advisable to be out and about. Whether it's Princess Rodenlight's carriage or even the Vardmoi family carriage, once you leave the noble district, there is a risk of being attacked by the populace. I can't recommend it."

"I understand. But she is a crucial business partner to me."

"I know that. But given the current situation..."

I understood what the Marquis was saying, but I was still worried about Alizée.
There must be a way... Oh, that's it!

"What if we use the Lumite Grand Wing!"

"That vehicle also has the Vardmoi family crest prominently displayed. It's enough to indicate its association with my household."

"Ugh..."

I couldn't think of a good solution.
If only Alizée were here to help...

"What is this Lumite Grand Wing you're talking about?"

"Oh, Plum doesn't know about it."

"No, I haven't heard of it. Explain, Lily."

"Yes. The Lumite Grand Wing is..."

After explaining the size and capabilities of the Lumite Grand Wing, Plum grinned.
Ah, that was the face of someone up to no good.

"In other words, it's a large transport vehicle. There is a way to safely enter the city."

"And that is?"

"It's simple. Fill the Lumite Grand Wing with relief supplies and head into the city. The citizens will mistake it for a vehicle delivering aid."

"That simple...? And where do the relief supplies come from?"

"The troops my Father brought must be carrying them. Although, their primary target was the Royal family, not the general populace. We should repurpose these supplies for civilian aid."

I see, so I would be distributing the supplies.
But is it okay for me to do this?
It would look like I'm stealing the Darshe Principality’s credit.
Moreover, if the supplies come from me, it would seem like they are from Marquis Vardmoi, which means I'd need his permission.
When I explained this to Marquis Vardmoi, he surprisingly gave his approval easily, on the condition that Princess Rodenlight accompany me.

"If Princess Rodenlight, who has coordinated with the Darshe Principality, distributes the supplies they brought, it would work. The Vardmoi household would be seen as backing Princess Rodenlight, but that can't be helped. If she agrees, we can proceed with this plan."

Princess Rodenlight, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "If it helps the people recover even a little faster, I have no objections."

Now, all that was left was to receive the relief supplies from the Darshe Principality’s troops and head to the city.
I was confident Alizée was safe, but I was still worried.
I needed to check on her soon.
She’s probably worried about me too.

----------

To the Commoners’ District
The Lumite Grand Wing, loaded with relief supplies from the Darshe Principality, was moving through the noble district, led by the Darche army.
Yes, it was packed.
Although I thought filling two carriages would be enough, Lord Sazaby decided to take this as an excellent opportunity to deliver as many relief supplies as possible, filling the Lumite Grand Wing to the brim.
As a result, the Lumite Grand Wing was heavy.
It wasn't just light food; it also carried heavier items like portable stoves, pots, and water.
I was surprised at how much they had prepared.
The supplies they provided seemed sufficient to reach all the residents of this city.
The food included not only hardtack and vacuum-packed rice but also a variety of items such as ready-to-eat side dishes and powdered soups.
We were distributing items not seen in this country, which would likely attract people out of curiosity alone.

Eventually, we exited the noble district's gate and entered the commoner's area.
There, houses were collapsed or charred, as if a battle had occurred.
When I asked the Darshe soldier driving us, he said that the people believed to be heretical inquisitors from the Gaiza Theocracy had been destroying the city.
There were quite a few of them, and even their initial actions caused significant damage, but the Darshe army quickly captured them.
However, most of those captured had committed suicide by poison, so they couldn't extract much information.
Rescue operations for those trapped in destroyed buildings had already been completed, and people who couldn't stay in their homes were staying in inns or parks.
This distribution was for those people.
The residents also noticed the Lumite Grand Wing with Marquis Vardmoi’s crest moving through the city, guided by the Darshe army, and some people followed us.

When we reached our destination, a park, it had become a kind of camp with many tents set up.
Although spring was approaching, it was still chilly, and it couldn't have been comfortable.
The Darshe Principality had quickly distributed tents and blankets, but they couldn't immediately provide food, so meals last night and this morning were in the form of rations.
While that meant no one missed out, it also meant people had no private time, which could be troublesome.
It would be for me too.
Once the Lumite Grand Wing was parked in its designated spot, a podium was quickly set up, and soldiers gathered at the opening to prepare for distribution.
When everything was ready, the distribution began, signaled by Princess Rodenlight.

"Everyone, please listen. The Darshe Principality army is here to give you relief supplies. Please do not push and take turns receiving them. There is plenty for everyone. Please do not fight over it."

The residents began to respond to Princess Rodenlight's call.

"Oh, it's Princess Rodenlight."

"Did Princess Rodenlight get the relief supplies from the Darshe Principality?"

"Don't be silly. The relief supplies were probably prepared from the start. But the fact that they could start distributing them so quickly might be thanks to Princess Rodenlight."

"That huge vehicle has the crest of Marquis Vardmoi on it, doesn't it?"

"Now that you mention it, it does. Marquis Vardmoi must be involved in this distribution too."

"I don't recognize the crest on the back, but... well, it should be fine."

The people in the square began to line up in three rows from three directions under the guidance of the Darshe Principality soldiers.
The Darshe soldier driving the Lumite Grand Wing opened the cargo hold, revealing the large amount of relief supplies inside, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Yes, the impact was sufficient.
Since the rest could be left to the Darshe Principality soldiers, we entrusted the Lumite Grand Wing to them and left the park—myself, Talat, the Wildcat's Claws, and Plum.
We decided to start our search at the Trade Guild.
If she were anywhere, that would be the most likely place.
Even if she wasn't there, we could probably get some clue about her whereabouts.
I really hope she's safe.