I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace

The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was a completely unfamiliar sight.

[……A ceiling I don’t recognize. W- Where am I……]

Sitting up in the bed, Marie darted her gaze around restlessly. The room she was in was easily more than twice the size of her bedroom back at the Barony, and every piece of furniture was clearly of high quality at a glance.

Her clothes, too, were an elegant set of nightwear, and the bed itself was far larger and finer than anything she was accustomed to. Every detail of her surroundings was on a different level from her usual life.

At the very least, this was not her family home, the Ritch Barony, and it didn’t seem like a luxury inn either. The Ritch Barony simply didn’t have the wealth to rent such a room for lodging.

(……Eh? Seriously, where am I? What happened to me……? I- I remember meeting up with Father…… and then…… losing consciousness in the carriage……)

Marie, who had just begun to sort through her thoughts to understand the situation, was startled out of her attempts when someone knocked on the door and politely asked for permission to enter. Grateful for the chance to get information, she immediately granted it.

A maid stepped inside and bowed to her.

[Good morning, Marie-sama. I’ve come to assist you with preparing for the day.]

[Ah, errr…… I’m sorry. I don’t really understand the situation. Where is this?]

[This is a guest room in the main residence of the Hamilton Marquisdom. You lost consciousness in the carriage, and at Lady Eris’s instruction, we prepared this room for you. You seemed quite exhausted, Marie-sama, you slept soundly through the entire night.]

[A- Ahh…… I see…… M- My apologies for troubling the Marquis and for Eris-sama……]

[Not at all. His Lordship and the young lady both said it was entirely understandable, so please don’t worry. However, they would like to ask you for more details about your circumstances, so once you’re ready, you’ll be escorted to the conference room. If you’re hungry, I can bring you a light meal……]

Marie nodded, accepting the explanation. It made sense, what she’d managed to tell Baron Ritch in the carriage was fragmented, and the part involving Kaito, which was surely the most concerning, could only be clarified by asking her directly.

Thanks to a full night’s rest, Marie had regained some of her emotional stability; at the very least, she was in a better state to explain things than she had been yesterday.

[……No, I’m not very hungry…… i- if anything, my stomach feels like it’s only going to hurt even more soon, so I’ll pass on the food. I’m so sorry. If I could have a drink instead……]

[I’ll prepare it at once.]

The maid left briefly, then returned with tea. Marie moved to the table near the bed and took a sip, letting out a small breath as the warmth calmed her. The maid then presented her with exceptionally fine clothing…… although still within a range that wouldn’t be inappropriate for a Baron’s daughter.

[Lady Eris requested that you wear these today…… The clothes you wore yesterday will be washed and sent to the Ritch Barony, so please use these for the day.]

[T- Thank you very much.]

[Would you like assistance changing?]

[Ah, no, it’s fine. I usually dress myself……]

[As you wish. I’ll step out for now. If you require anything, just touch the magic tool there and I’ll come immediately.]

The maid bowed and departed.

Left alone, Marie stared into the distance as her thoughts drifted toward what awaited her next.

After finishing her tea and getting dressed, Marie followed the maid’s guidance to the conference room. Inside, the key figures were already gathered: Baron Ritch, Marquis and Marchioness Hamilton, and Eris.

[Oh, Marie. How are you feeling?]

[I’m alright. I’m very sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you, Marquis Hamilton, Marchioness, and Eris-sama.]

[Please don’t worry about that. We truly understand what you must be feeling…… If anything, I’m sorry we had to summon you when you should still be resting. We’ve gathered some information on our end, but there are many things only you, the person involved, can clarify. Please tell us in detail about your exchange with Kaito-sama.]

Eris, with whom Marie had at least some prior acquaintance, stepped in gently to ease her tension, and the Hamilton couple nodded in agreement.

[Errr…… would it be all right if I explained everything from the beginning?]

[Yes, that would help very much…… I’m sorry, but the circumstances have changed somewhat…… This matter involves Divine Protections, so we need to coordinate with Her Majesty Chris. Her Majesty has no direct involvement in the situation, of course, but she does wish to hear your account personally. So we will need to move to the Imperial Castle first, and you can give your explanation there.]

[Eek…… I- I understand.]

Feeling overwhelmed by Eris’ words, Marie nodded, unconsciously placing a hand over her stomach. This would be her very first time entering the Imperial Castle, and her first time speaking directly with the Emperor, Chris. Her stomach already hurt just thinking about it.

<Afterword>

Stomachache Devil : [Breaktime is over…… Let us resume.]