Chapter 48
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Castro Ion and the Plague
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I nodded at the woman standing before me.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Niu."
"I'm Castro. Nice to meet you."
She gave her name and extended her hand.
Seemed like a friendly handshake, so I took it and nodded.
Tall with no excess fat.
Her large, heavy breasts and hips swayed, drawing the eye.
'Imperial family alright.'
Castro Ion.
Daughter of my aunt Manes, an imperial name equivalent to my older sister.
"Thank you for saying so."
"I heard you've started your coming-of-age journey. It'll be tough, but hang in there. Just facing it head-on without running is commendable—don't feel too burdened."
"Thanks for the encouragement."
I forced a smile, but the back of my head tingled.
I hadn't expected such warm words from an imperial I'd just met.
"No need to thank me."
Castro brushed back her wet hair and smiled.
Her striking looks made even such a simple gesture seem beautiful.
"More importantly, what brings you all the way out here? Doesn't feel like you just stopped by the territory on a whim—you seem restless."
"You noticed?"
"Living up north must've sharpened your instincts. Anyway, speak freely."
Did I seem that urgent?
I was surprised and puzzled, but she'd laid the groundwork, so I gratefully took the opening.
"On the way here, I passed seven villages hit by plague."
"Plague?"
At the mention of the main issue, Castro's eyes sharpened.
The count standing like a folding screen and his son looked stunned, eyes wide.
"Yes. It looked artificial, spread by magic. Probably Unique Magic."
"You've encountered the plague too? This is getting more troublesome than expected."
Castro sighed and met the count's eyes.
A signal to speak up since she'd yielded the floor.
"Understood."
The count seemed to get it too, sighing and nodding.
"If even Your Highness has faced it, that speeds things up. Truth is, the plague has been spreading in nearby regions for months."
"Nearby regions—how many?"
"You would've passed through Montpeja Viscountcy on the way from the north... Five territories including that one are in the same boat."
"Seriously?"
I was dumbfounded, eyes widening.
Five territories sounded minor, but including their domains, it was a massive scale.
A plague that size was extremely dangerous. It could spread nationwide.
"Yes. The Eastern Commander is focusing on that very risk."
Commander for short—meaning Supreme Commander.
So the Eastern Commander was the Supreme Commander of the Ion East.
And the one overseeing the entire Ion East was also imperial.
My grandmother, whom I'd never met.
"Grandma's handling it?"
"Yes. Thanks to the Commander's efforts, it's not the worst-case scenario, and we've gathered intel on the plague."
"Tell me."
I leaned in, and the count's voice rang clear.
1. The plague doesn't spread person-to-person—only through water.
2. Block a contaminated water source, and another pops up elsewhere.
3. Victims grow weak, collapse on the fifth day with fever. Left untreated for a week, they die.
4. Curable by magic or medicine, but it takes time.
I sorted the key points in my head and caught my breath.
There was plenty of minutiae, but no need to memorize it all.
"So, um..."
I trailed off, meeting Castro's eyes.
Tricky whether to call her sis casually or use her title.
"Feel free to call me sis. Her Majesty and Mother made me, after all—not wrong, is it?"
Thankfully, Castro quickly cleared it up.
I was just grateful.
"Got it, sis."
"Sounds nice. Call my little sister sis too when you meet her—she'll love it."
"You mean my little sis?"
"Little sis, yes. That's right."
Castro nodded.
Come to think of it, she'd come east with someone, but they weren't here.
"Speaking of, I heard you came from the north together? Right?"
"Right. She's assisting Grandma, so she's not here. Head to the eastern border, and you'll find her."
"Ah, that explains it."
Now it made sense.
If she was assigned to assist Grandma, of course she wasn't here.
"Anyway, back to the plague. Water's the prime suspect, so we've been checking the nearby sea too. Just in case."
"This whole sea?"
"Can't scour the entire ocean—focused on near the port. High chance of Unique Magic like you said, so we traced mana flows."
Castro's brow furrowed slightly.
She looked uneasy.
'Oh, right.'
In and out of the sea meant salt residue—must feel sticky.
I'd forgotten while listening.
"Thanks for sharing. Sorry to keep you when you're uncomfortable."
"No trouble—don't worry. But I should head back to the castle and wash up."
Castro nodded and glanced at the count.
"We should return and clean up first. Let's go."
"Yes, I'll escort you."
The count led the way as if waiting, the rest following.
Ekyon and I were no exceptions.
"We'll head to the inn. Good work, Count."
I exchanged goodbyes with the count before boarding the carriage.
Castro was highest-ranking, but he was lord here.
"Pardon? Come to the castle with us."
"Even up north, I was stuck in castles nonstop—doing the same here would feel grimy. Appreciate the thought."
I politely declined, and Count Vuro's eyes shook roughly.
Not relief at my refusal, but dismay.
'Mom's assessment was spot on.'
Noble faction, but loyal to the nation.
Thus favorable to imperials, as I'd heard. True enough.
"But this is a serious matter, no? For smoother, more efficient discussion, please join us."
Fair point.
No phones in this world—every talk took ages.
Plus, plague-related, perfect excuse.
Dodging as if it weren't my problem would undermine my imperial authority.
Crown Prince abandoning his people?
Even I'd curse him.
"What do you think, sis?"
"Good idea. Host approved, and it's grave. Plague hasn't spread further, but we haven't uprooted it."
Castro agreed.
No reason to refuse now.
'Honey again.'
Northward trek was rough, but since, beds were comfy.
Nobles practically shoving me into their castles.
"Alright. If it's not a bother, Count, I'll stay at the castle."
"Bother? An honor."
The count smiled and opened the carriage door.
Chauffeuring himself—seemed genuine.
"Thanks. Won't overstay—wrap up quick."
"Nonsense. Please, board."
I climbed in with Ekyon.
Soon send for Antiope and Aktayon too.
Arriving at the count's castle, I realized one thing right away.
Details and scale varied, but the core layout was identical.
Less unique flair maybe, but comforting in its familiarity.
"Your Highness, rest easy in this room. We'll prepare quarters for your escorts too."
"Thanks. Appreciate it."
Back in the assigned room, I showered first and caught my breath.
Freshly clean, my mind cleared.
"...Whew."
I sat on the bed, regulating my breathing.
Eastern climate—no chill even stripped, just cool.
Thus rolled naked on the bed awhile before changing.
The tug on my cock while rolling felt oddly good.
'Floor wank?'
Out of nowhere, but suddenly tempted.
Heard it was too intense, so gave up, but curiosity lingered.
Better or worse than fingering pussy while hugging bitches?
Now that I'd experienced real sex after solo sessions, craved that difference more.
Ekyon resting, time to spare.
If doing it, now.
"Your Highness."
Just as I stealthily bent toward the floor.
An unfamiliar voice knocked.
Interrupted mid-wank?
Normally, rage hot enough to redden my scalp.
But now, relief like dodging disaster.
Even glad.
"Ah. Come in."
Straightening up, a woman entered.
The castle's lady from the main gate.
"The countess?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
She approached with a smile and bowed.
Well-maintained like a noblewife—no sign of age.
"Sorry to disturb your rest."
"No issue. What's up?"
"Just checking if you're comfortable, anything needed. You're an honored guest."
Smile pleasant, demeanor impeccable.
Thoughtful too.
Yet facing her grew stickier, more uncomfortable.
Really weird.
"Thanks to you and the count's hospitality, all good. Appreciate it."
"We're honored."
The countess placed hand on chest and smiled.
Wonder how those tiny tits nursed her kids.
At least ours-sized or the babe starves...
Formula from infancy?
"Um, Your Highness. Forgive the impropriety, but I have a request."
"Hm? What?"
Request snapped me alert, eyes sharpening.
Corruption? Decline flat-out.
"Could you grant my daughter the honor of meeting you briefly?"
"Ah, your daughter?"
Tension melted from my shoulders.
Ion men throwing daughters wasn't rude—just natural.
"Hosting me so well, sure. But tired today—tomorrow. Adjust if your schedule conflicts."
"Of course. Truly grateful."
Countess bowed, eyes sparkling, sighing with hand on chest—relieved.
"No big deal."
"Thank you for your generosity. Call for anything anytime."
"Will do."
"Yes, Your Highness. Sorry again for intruding. I'll withdraw."
Done talking, she left promptly.
Blunt, but better than lingering awkwardly.
'Really off-putting.'
Time with daughter? Easy.
Not rude.
Just that nagging unease seeing her face.
Neck prickling.
'Time for a background dig.'
Gut feelings lack evidence.
But guide to finding it.
Thus, sic Aktayon on the countess's trail.
Digging'll uncover something.