Reincarnated as a Strongest Beast kin.

Previous: [powers]

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Cherry bounced on the balls of her feet, brimming with excitement. "Let's go, Raiden!" But her enthusiasm made me nervous. Could she really handle interacting with these politicians?

"Try to act a bit more… diplomatic," I advised, my voice cautious.

Cherry tilted her head, confusion clouding her young face. "What does that mean, Raiden?"

I sighed. Of course, she wouldn't understand – she's just a kid. Thankfully, Tasuya was here to help.

Speaking of Tasuya, she was wearing a new outfit! Had she suddenly become a fashionista?

"Hey, Raiden," Tasuya called, snapping me out of my thoughts. She pointed towards a girl running towards us.

"Raidennnnnn!!!" The high-pitched scream belonged to Emilia before I even saw her.

She practically launched herself at me, wrapping me in a bone-crushing hug.

"Raiden, my baby, I have something for you!" Her affectionate tone made Tasuya giggle.

"Baby" was a bit much, but I shrugged it off. "What is it?"

"Here!" She thrust a necklace into my hand. It had a cross pendant. Did Christianity even exist in this world?

"Thank you…"

Tasuya's eyes widened. "Whoa, isn't that the Cross of the Holy Church?"

Emilia nodded eagerly.

I see…

"And Elizabeth-sama sent this for you too!" she added, handing me a neatly folded bundle of clothes.

Inside was a sleek black shirt with a crisp white undershirt and stylish cuffs. Simple, but elegant.

"I think you'll like it," Emilia said, beaming.

"I see. Thank you." I slipped on the outfit and instinctively looked for a mirror.

Emilia, noticing my gaze, conjured one with her ice magic.

I stared at my reflection. My golden eyes and brown hair, combined with the sharp black shirt and the cross, made for a striking look.

"Perfect," I muttered.

"I'm glad you like it," Emilia said, her smile widening.

"Thank you, Emilia."

"Shall we go?" Tasuya interrupted, cutting through the moment.

"Oh, yeah. Let's go."

"See you, Emilia!" I called as she waved us off.

We climbed into the carriage and began the journey to the neighboring Gardaven Kingdom.

As the carriage rattled along, I stared out the window, lost in thought. A bitter memory – a grudge against certain people in Gardaven – stirred within me. But I kept my thoughts to myself.

After a while, I broke the silence. "Hey, Tasuya…"

"Hmm?" she replied, eyes fixed on the passing scenery.

"… Do you have a cloak?"

"Why?

"… Never mind. I don't need one anymore."

"Oh, okay."

The carriage fell silent again. Cherry, sitting beside me, yawned and rubbed her eyes.

"Raiden… I want to sleep," she murmured.

I smiled. "Sure, you can sleep on my lap."

Her face lit up, and she promptly collapsed onto my lap, falling asleep almost instantly.

Typical Cherry – cute and clingy. I gently patted her head, feeling her relax as her breathing evened out.

Tasuya glanced over and smiled at the sight before returning her gaze to the window.

The hours stretched on, the fields and distant blue mountains a familiar, nostalgic sight.

Finally, the gates of the Gardaven Kingdom came into view. These were the very gates I had stormed through six years ago.

The guards swung the gates open immediately upon seeing our carriage – a perk of royal status.

Ranmusia was, after all, the most powerful nation on the continent.

We arrived at the castle where the king awaited us, his expression tinged with disappointment.

"Umm, where is the king?" Cherry asked nervously.

The man sighed. "King Luke Ranmusia is indisposed and unable to attend. Princess Cherry is here on his behalf."

Cherry fidgeted under his gaze, clearly unsure of what to say.

I stepped forward, my voice steady. "As King Luke's representative, Princess Cherry is here to negotiate on behalf of Ranmusia."

The king raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "I've never seen a child speak with such confidence."

Cherry and I nodded, while Tasuya stood silently by.

"The situation between our nations is… delicate," the king began. "We stand on the brink of war. I wish to discuss a peaceful resolution."

Cherry opened her mouth to respond, but I cut in. "Can you tell me why war is even being considered?"

The king leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Because Ranmusia is harboring a wanted criminal – Kaiden Glengar."

Ah, yes. The alias I had used six years ago.

"And you refuse to hand him over."

"I understand," I replied, feigning thoughtfulness. "But I don't believe that justifies war."

The king blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it. If Ranmusia truly had this criminal, they would have handed him over by now, wouldn't they?"

The king frowned. "So… they don't have him?"

"Exactly."

He leaned back in his chair, realization dawning on his face. "I see… I may have been mistaken."

"That's not for me to say," I replied diplomatically. "But I have a proposal to strengthen our relationship."

"Oh?"

"What if we advertise our dungeon in your country?"

"Dungeon?"

"Yes. Ranmusia boasts the ultimate dungeon for adventurers to train and grow stronger. We could attract visitors from your kingdom and share the profits— 20% of the income as an advertising fee."

The king considered this. "That sounds reasonable."

"It's a win-win. Your adventurers gain valuable training, and both our nations benefit."

"Very well. I agree," the king said, extending his hand.

I shook it firmly, hiding a smirk. Little did he know I planned to increase the dungeon fees significantly, ensuring his cut would be much smaller than expected.

Later, back in our room, I explained the plan to Tasuya.

"So, you tricked him?" she asked, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Precisely."

"That's my student," she said with a grin.

Cherry, sitting nearby, pouted. "I don't get it. Why is he fooled?"

Tasuya and I exchanged amused glances.

"Well, Cherry," I said with a smile, "that's just how politics work."

She puffed out her cheeks in frustration before flopping onto the bed.

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Next: [little did they know]