At Station Divine Kingdom, Landen, who had just met Gleia, had never expected that his actions that afternoon would have repercussions far deeper than he imagined.
The great nobles of the Dragon Kingdom saw that Landen dared to confront the Imperial Finance Department head-on, and all of them applauded in delight, declaring themselves willing to back him. Even the Girislav royal family, fresh from a war, sent representatives to express their support.
Without question, the great nobles who had always maintained an ambiguous distance from the Empire were more than happy to see Landen challenge imperial authority, though that had never been Landen's intention.
"It looks like this has become troublesome," Landen murmured. "I'm afraid there's some money I'll still have to pay."
"What?" the girls asked in unison.
"Nothing. I'll be in the Imperial Capital all day tomorrow. I'll try to settle the matters I already discussed with several families and the Imperial Capital School as soon as possible." Landen looked at the Dragon Girl. "Gleia, no matter who comes looking for you or what they say, just listen. Don't agree to anything—especially don't express any intention to join the local nobles in opposing the Empire."
"Don't worry," Gleia nodded. "Queen Tyriana spoke to me specifically this afternoon. She said that you represent Queen Tania and His Majesty Vili, and that you won't become any noble's tool."
Landen gave Gleia an approving look. This was the advantage of the Dragon Girl's noble birth: whenever an unexpected turn arose on Landen's side, powerful figures would naturally inform Gleia and tell her how to respond.
"Landen, I don't think sending the two of them to face those people is the answer. I'm afraid you can't handle them alone either. I don't even think anyone in the territory could successfully face them."