Chapter 434
(Kyle Calendar Year
515: Age 22)
First Time in the
Imperial Capital
Three
months after returning in triumph from the three-country expedition, exactly as
promised, I departed Kusanagi accompanied by Miseri to attend the
new Emperor's accession ceremony and the awards ceremony for distinguished
services in the Imperial Capital Griffin. Some time had passed since the
battle ended, but through the messenger sent by Sieghart, I learned of
the Third Prince's difficult position—the two incidents that occurred in
the Imperial Capital, their details, and the new sources of conflict they
birthed. Because of that, honestly speaking, I was even doubting whether the
awards ceremony could even be held. By the way, the sources of conflict the Empire
still harbors are...
·
One. The Emperor died an incomprehensible death, the culprit
is still unknown, and the Empire is still in the vortex of confusion.
·
Two. Among the disgruntled nobles, suspicion of the
Emperor's assassination is directed at the Third Prince.
·
Three. In the midst of this confusion, the First Prince
fled; his whereabouts are still unknown and he has not been captured.
·
Four. Taking this situation as a good opportunity, those who
would be implicated by the rebellion began to move all at once, and are largely
uniting under an anti-Third Prince banner.
Therefore,
the political situation within the Empire has become unstable, and they
are desperately proceeding with countermeasures. It was explained that holding
the Emperor's accession ceremony and the awards ceremony this time was not
because the Empire had stabilized, but expecting political effects. The
objectives of that are...
·
One. To show off friendly relations with neighboring
countries starting with the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom, and
suppress the hostile factions that are still maneuvering.
·
Two. At this late stage, to smoke out those who oppose the
Emperor's will at the awards ceremony, politically 『publicly
execute』 them as those unable to read the
times, and whittle down the opposition faction's power.
『For that purpose as well, I ask that
Archduke-heika please attend
the accession ceremony as a sworn ally supporting the new Emperor, and
participate in the awards ceremony as a venue for us to express our gratitude
anew.』
In
the letter sent by Sieghart upon inviting me as a state guest, it was
added as such. Well, I had received an invitation from the Third Prince
since before, and feeling that if I could contribute to the stability of his
governance it would be a blessing, I agreed to participate in the accession
ceremony with a ready answer, but I understood that the situation was not one
where going to the Imperial Capital for sightseeing would be fulfilled. It
seems we are scheduled to be in a position to receive gratitude from the Empire
(new Emperor) anew for the subjugation of both the rebel army and the invading
army on this occasion, but it seems the situation is such that even the degree
of that will be difficult. Partly due to such circumstances, the accompanying
personnel were a corresponding number, aligning an elite five thousand cavalry
of the Demon Territory Knights led by the Commander. In addition,
joining our column were Clarisse-denka
as the representative envoy of the Kyle Kingdom, which had also received
an invitation, and five thousand cavalry of the Royal Capital Knights
led by Knight Commander Gouras serving as her escort.
「It seems the Empire is in a
situation where optimism is not permitted; we too shall coordinate with Gouras-dono and
exercise utmost caution.」
「Right. Precisely because of this
situation, we need to become the backing for the new Emperor, you see.」
When
I said so, I unintentionally smiled wryly. Someone like me, the backing for the
Emperor of the Empire? I'm saying something pretty grandiose myself,
huh. Moreover, towards the person at the top of the country that destroyed the Kyle
Kingdom and took my life in the previous history. I fought desperately to
protect my family and comrades, but looking back, compared to when I first
started redoing things in my third life, I am now in a position I couldn't even
imagine. Of course, there are many other things I couldn't even imagine either,
though...
※
We
were supposed to join up with Clarisse-denka's party in Kusanagi and head for the Imperial Capital
together guided by Count Durul, but... for some reason there were those
who joined that column as well.
「My friend, to enter the Imperial
Capital riding side-by-side with you, it has become quite an interesting
development.」
「......」
I
mean, you know... is it really okay for the King of a country to come out so
casually! When I saw their column visiting Kusanagi, I had a bad
premonition, though. From the Principality of Fearalt, which had
similarly been invited to the accession ceremony, Marquis Flame as a
special envoy and five thousand cavalry of the Royal Guard Division,
including three hundred of the Magic Corps, had been dispatched, but...
I mean, the Division Commander Krugel leading the Royal Guard
Division... who exactly are you talking about! This time too, that King has
disguised himself as the Division Commander and come out incognito again! How
am I supposed to cover for this from here on? Seriously, give me a break...
「Krugel-heika, how is this acceptable as the King
of a country?」
「Hahaha, isn't my friend also a King
in charge of a country now? If so, I think we are equals now? Since the Archduke
is participating for the Demon Territory Dukedom, there shouldn't be any
problem with Kings of other countries participating either.」
「Well... it's not like I, who was
saved by Heika's light footwork, am in a position to say anything, but
you don't intend to participate in the accession ceremony just like that as the
Royal Guard Division Commander, do you?」
As
expected, I think that would be bad. But this person is a master of 『incognito』, and this time Marquis Flame
also had a look of resignation.
「Hahaha, I'm on terms with the new
Emperor where we previously exchanged cups in Kusanagi and Teigoon,
after all. As expected, I'll be participating in the congratulatory banquet as
King, and I've conveyed that matter privately through the return messenger.」
If
that's the case... well, it's fine, though. Actually, there are those in my
camp who are participating incognito, so I'm not in a position to say anything
about Krugel-heika, after all.
「My, for the two of you who are Kings
to be talking so happily... I would like to join the conversation as well.」
I
mean, the Princess who happily brought her horse closer—normally, it's an
unprecedented story for an unmarried Princess to go out as an envoy to another
country, you know! Though there are already two previous convictions... It
seems there was a great dispute on the Kyle Kingdom side over who to
dispatch as a special envoy despite receiving the invitation from the Empire.
Of course, the 『tomboy』
apparently raised her hand before anyone else, but the King and those around
her were strongly opposed, it seems. In the end, while the King himself
participating was hesitated upon, there was no appropriate person...
「Since there's an
excellent 『driver』, he'll handle the 『tomboy』 well.」
When
such an opinion came from some raccoon dog somewhere, it seems the dispatch of Denka
was reluctantly decided, but... who exactly is the 『excellent
driver』!
「My, sighing even though it's a
long-awaited journey?」
「I was just slightly struck by the
harmonious sight of you two.」
That's
obvious. From my perspective, I'm in the position of having been asked to look
after you, after all. The two of them are making a big fuss as if it's a
honeymoon, no, a premarital trip, but. No, the Kyle Kingdom side doesn't
know of Krugel-heika's participation, and in the
unlikely event the story of a 『premarital trip』
gets out, it'll become a huge uproar involving Heika again. Seriously...
it's a headache-inducing story.
「My? Isn't Archduke-heika exactly the same as us?」
「???」
No,
right... I don't want to admit it, but am I the same kind? Yoltia has
duties as a Mage, but Miseri is here in accordance with our
previous promise... Indeed, I feel like I told her it was for 『sightseeing in the Imperial Capital』...
However, the one I'm accompanied by is my legitimate wife, the Archduchess!
This is absolutely different! Come to think of it, in the end, everyone who
pledged to meet again in Kusanagi that day has gathered again changing
the location, haven't they. Is this also karmic destiny?
「Umm... is it alright for us to be
beside you, Takuhir-sama?」
To
the harmonious two lining their horses up on my right side, Miseri, who
was running alongside on my left side, spoke to me in a small voice. This time,
Miseri and Yoltia are accompanying me as Archduchesses, but Yoltia
also has duties as a Mage, and although she is a companion, she is
expected to be part of the fighting strength. On the other hand, Miseri
is accompanying me strictly in the position of Archduchess this time, and Yuka
volunteered to oversee the domestic affairs of Termira in her absence. Yoltia
has visited the Principality twice, so she has some immunity to Krugel-heika
and the tomboy, but Miseri is different. In addition, externally, the
fact that they are in the position of being (or planning to be) the same as the
Princess of their former homeland, the Kyle Kingdom, as the
Archduchesses of the Principality, was making them overly tense. They
probably still can't completely come to terms with this part, but they just
have to get used to it. Because even now, I feel embarrassed being called King,
and feel somewhat restless, after all.
※
When
the march had proceeded partway, Count Kamin, who was ordered to act as
the host on the journey, also joined us, and with five thousand cavalry from
each of the three countries and two thousand cavalry from the Empire
side, making a total of seventeen thousand cavalry, the party headed for the
Imperial Capital. After several more days of traveling from then on, we finally
arrived at the Imperial Capital Griffin, and passed through the city
gates that boasted a majestic appearance several times larger compared to the
Royal Capital of the Kyle Kingdom.
「Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom Archduke Takuhir-heika, and the Kyle Kingdom
Special Envoy / Principality of Fearalt Special Envoy Party, have
arrived!」
When
it was loudly declared, music rang out all at once, and a flower shower of tens
of thousands scattered in the sky in welcome, but... Huh? What is this feeling
of déjà vu...
「Coming all this way, welcome to the
Imperial Capital Griffin. I respectfully express my gratitude.」
Saying
so, a single person I knew well, clad in military uniform, knelt in the center
of the main street. Moreover, the streets of the Imperial Capital had been
swept beautifully clean, single-stem flowers were arranged in front of where
the populace lined up on the left and right behind human walls of soldiers, and
that continued endlessly ahead. I mean... you even know about this! Yes,
because this was in the exact same style as the 『flower
path』 where I welcomed the King of Kyle
in Teigoon in the past. Krugel-heika, Clarisse-denka, and Sieghart were
silently staring intently at me, who was dumbfounded. Huh? Did something
happen? Could it be... is that it? Because it's disproportionate to my stature,
I dislike it, but. Nominally I am the highest-ranking person, so does that mean
everyone is not speaking until I open my mouth? It's troublesome but it can't
be helped; I made up my mind and opened my mouth.
「Good work on such a heartfelt
welcome! Will you also convey to Grat-dono
, who will newly become Emperor,
that 『I am filled with gratitude』?」
「Ha, with gratitude!」
After
saying so and bowing his head, Sieghart floated a smile from his solemn
expression for just an instant. To dare produce a welcome in our style, this
must surely be his consideration and his mischievousness.
「Then from here on, I will guide
everyone from each country who has favored us with their attendance. I will
guide everyone from the Westlights Demon Territory Dukedom, and serve as
the person in charge of security. Count Durul will guide the envoy party
of the Kyle Kingdom, and Count Kamin will guide the envoy party
of the Principality of Fearalt, and each will serve as the person in
charge of security.」
I
see. So individuals who know us well and whom we can feel secure with will be
the persons in charge of security. This must also be a part of their
consideration. However, I think Count Durul and Count Kamin will
have no end of worries during their stay, though... Because it's a Princess
with a previous conviction of 『sneaking out selfishly and returning
in the morning』, and a King who is a 『master of incognito』, after all. I let out a large sigh,
alternately looking at the persons in charge of security with their solemn
faces, and the two with their prim faces.
「My? That's a gaze with some
implication, but is there something about us?」
Tch,
sharp-eyed. I should give them a warning as a 『driver』 just in case.
「Selfish actions like in Salaam
are forbidden. Because it will also become a matter of responsibility for the
security personnel, you know. Especially since you are visiting as diplomatic
envoys this time, going out without permission is absolutely out of the
question!」
Hey!
Why are you blatantly looking away! Were you perhaps intending to fully enjoy 『the first night (in the Imperial Capital)』 this time as well?
「Heika, I'm relying on you too! This is
the Empire, you know.」
「Hahaha, my friend also has no end of
worries. But I promise, there will be no going out together.」
Hearing those words, Marquis Flame who was in the back also floated an expression of blatant relief. However, I had not understood the true meaning pointed to by Heika's words. And then... from the first night before the formal event of meeting the new Emperor the next day, my anxieties would hit the mark. In a form exceeding what I imagined...
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
-
[Gold]
B random
Nepheos
[Silver]
Corey Hicks
Creris
Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon
Jake Seagraves
Matthew Fraser
Tbaum56
Xavier O'Donoghue
Anton Lim
Baelee
Christopher Feliciano
Ctdela
Curious Panda
nick nasca
SD Fox
Sébastien Dionne
Z
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----