Chapter 436
(Kyle Calendar Year
515: Age 22)
At the End of the Idle
Talk...
On
the first day of arriving in the Imperial Capital, we exchanged cups of sake
with unexpected visitors until late at night, and everyone parted with smiles,
pledging to meet again in a 『free-and-easy』
manner. And the next day, in the morning, I received an explanation anew from Sieghart
regarding the new national borders and ceded territories, and an explanation of
the arrangements for the Meeting Ceremony. Normally it would be an 『Audience』, but I (and the King of Fearalt)
am strictly the head of a sworn allied nation of equal status. Therefore, an
audience would take the form of being impolite, so it seems the Meeting
Ceremony will be held after the audience concludes.
「I apologize for being somewhat
formal, but Archduke-heika is
a benefactor we invited. Since we cannot treat you on the same level as envoys
from other countries, excuse us for doing it in this manner.」
「I never imagined that I, who was
merely the second son of a baron, would be treated with such consideration by
the mighty Empire, though.」
「Well, we are also in the position of
utilizing everyone's names. The idiot (First Prince) didn't just flee,
but left behind a troublesome souvenir, so...」
Saying
so, Sieghart smiled wryly. Normally, the Third Prince was
supposed to become Emperor backed by overwhelming track records, and establish
absolute ruling power within the Empire. But even that had become
weak-kneed because of 『that incident』.
As a result, although they didn't directly participate in the rebellion, many
of those who clearly supported the First Prince still have not been
punished and hold real power within the Empire.
「For Grat-heika as well, having the backing of each country is a major
strength. If we had punished all the First Prince's pro-faction and the
neutral faction leaning towards them just like that, the Empire would
have fallen into civil war. There might be some noise, but we will deal with
those, so please forgive us.」
Saying
so, he bowed his head deeply. When I heard the details of the circumstances, a
certain suspicion had surfaced within me as well, but regarding that, I had
spoken of it as part of the idle talk at yesterday's banquet.
「First, you had better pay attention
to the personal security of Heika. Because those guys exploit the gaps
in people's hearts, drag them into dark places, and brainwash them, you see.
It's not necessarily the case that they were only maneuvering secretly in the
three countries. To begin with, there are signs that those guys were connected
to the First Prince, after all.」
「Yes, following your teachings, we
will also add Light Mages to Heika's close attendants, and
confirm everyone who is employed. For the time being... in the form of seeking
teachings from Leia-dono .」
Yes,
as one of the results of yesterday, we were able to share countermeasures
against the 『Apostles of Darkness』. The Kyle Kingdom side has already taken measures
receiving this incident, but they will add Light Mages to the entourage
when Clarisse-denka marries
in, and the Principality of Fearalt will also implement measures. The
problem was the Empire, but here Sieghart revealed all the inner
workings he had kept hidden up to now. I knew part of it, but it seems there
are as many as fifteen Mages under him, and they have secured a
corresponding number of magic stones necessary for the ritual. It seems there
was exactly one Light Mage among them, and they are scheduled to study
under Leia the whole time during our stay in the Imperial Capital.
「We will make arrangements so that
the Church of Lorelei can continue to perform the ritual even for people
on the Empire's side going forward. And I would like to embark on 『that plan』 anew.」
That
was the initiative regarding the revival of the Demon Territory within Empire Territory, which they had thirsted for since
before. Partly because it had been neglected due to being extremely busy with
many matters, it was decided last night to clearly begin moving on this here.
「Thank you very much. Then let's
conclude the morning's arrangements here, and I will go confirm the evening's
arrangements.」
Saying
so, Sieghart smiled wryly. Because to begin with, last night, the Tomboy
Princess dropped a bombshell statement as usual.
※
Events of Last Night
That
was when the banquet was in full swing, everyone was intoxicated, and the venue
was lively.
「Since I've come all the way to the
Imperial Capital, I want to see how the people of the Empire live, and
drink alcohol in a night tavern regardless of status.」
The
moment I heard those words, Knight Commander Gouras and I stood up
trying to stop her before anyone else, but two individuals beat us to the
punch.
「Hahaha, as expected, Clarisse-denka is an interesting person, too
good to be kept as a Princess. Very well, I shall introduce you to a tavern in
the Imperial Capital that I often go to incognito.」
「Ohh! That would be appreciated! I
too have many familiar taverns in Feari and Salaam, but I didn't
know the circumstances in the Imperial Capital and intended to just go
haphazardly, after all.」
I
mean, was it already a planned action! Even though I warned you so much...
「Of course, this is a story that
includes inviting my friend too. Once the accession ceremony is over, you can
go out sightseeing in the Imperial Capital accompanied by your wife during the
day, right? I was just admiring my friend's devotion to his wife after hearing
the story from Clarisse-dono .」
「......」
You
even know that much. I mean, the Tomboy Princess led Miseri and Yoltia
into it just because they wanted to go out themselves! When I glared at the
tomboy, she was averting her gaze with a feigned ignorant face.
「Oho, then at the time of your
wedding, I would also like to fully enjoy the night in Feari.」
「That would be good! At that time, I
shall act as your guide.」
「But Heika, if you empty the Empire
right after your accession, it will cause trouble for us left behind...」
As
expected, Sieghart raised a voice of objection, but that's a reasonable
story too. I mean, do these people understand their positions as Emperor and
King? Their footwork is too light, to the point of being common
sense-defying...
「Rest assured, I'll take you along
too. It seems there's a Demon Territory in the Principality of Fearalt
too, and formidable enemies that don't exist in the Kyle Kingdom, even
called un-subjugatable, exist there. I hear Takuhir-dono effortlessly
subjugated three of those formidable enemies.」
「Really! Then during that time, let's
call Uncle to the Imperial Capital and have him act as caretaker. If we make it
so we are visiting the Demon Territory Dukedom externally, the impact
will be small too.」
Hey!
Don't turn your coat so easily. Moreover, to use us as an excuse...
「Then it's decided! To think I can
swing my sword alongside Heika again, I can't wait starting now!」
Tch!
Even the Tomboy Princess jumped on board. With this, my escape route is gone, huh.
「Then I'll strictly instruct the
deputy (Zahark) of Salaam beforehand. But
please, absolutely do not do anything reckless.」
「What are you saying? Will Archduke-heika not come to celebrate our
wedding? That would be very sad.」
「Of course I will attend the wedding,
but after that...」
「Then it's decided! Even now I can
recall the nights in Salaam I spent with Heika. Let's raise a
toast again with everyone present here.」
「「「「「Looking forward to that day!」」」」」
No...
let me finish speaking until the end. Because in the end, it'll be my role to
act as a babysitter. I couldn't help but harbor a strange sense of affinity
towards Knight Commander Gouras and Marquis Flame, who were
similarly hanging their heads. And it goes without saying that the three of us
toasted to appreciate each other's hardships, leaving them who were livening up
aside.
「Umm... Archduke-heika, is everyone always like this?」
The
one who spoke up timidly saying so was Alicia-denka, and behind her, King Crajyu also had an
indescribable expression.
「That's right, I don't know why, but
if anything, everyone here is full of people who are 『uncharacteristic』. It's quite bewildering the first time, isn't it?」
「No... it's incredibly... 『good』!」
Huh?
Why are your eyes sparkling so much? She's happily exchanging glances with King
Crajyu too.
「Actually, both Alicia-dono and I were ridiculed as 『uncharacteristic
for royalty』 even in our homeland, and were
isolated the whole time. For us, who grew up while even siblings were at each
other's throats, this is the first time we've felt so comfortable! We too, by
all means!」
「Please let me join you together with
Heika too!」
No...
that way! Come to think of it, I had forgotten. They are of the same kind as us
in terms of being 『uncharacteristic』, moreover, they resemble those two... Dyed by red it
becomes red; no, it seems to be changing to an even deeper red.
「Of course! Now that we have become
friends here once, I will invite the two of you as state guests. And we too
would definitely like to attend your wedding, but.」
「O-Of course! If we can be favored
with your attendance, it would be an unsurpassed honor...」
King
Crajyu was clearly feeling humbled while trembling with joy, but I fully
understand that feeling. Of course, I intended to attend since I had heard the
story beforehand, but if guests from the Empire and other countries also
attend, his status within his country will jump drastically. Even more so if
they are Emperors or Kings.
「Fufufu, this exactly can be called
the greatest gift for this accession. We can walk a new future together with
friends we have formed ties with. It's a surpassing story for the Empire
as well.」
「Umm, I will be accompanying you
there too, you know. Because managing things in Heika's absence is a
has... no, an honorable thing does not suit me.」
Hey,
your true feeling of 『a hassle』
just leaked out. As usual, Sieghart doesn't change even if the other
party is the Emperor. I was watching their 『selfishness』 with a wry smile, but I took a blow from an unexpected
place.
「Truly... this is a disrespectful way
to put it, but everyone resembles Takuhir-sama.」
Wait
a minute! Miseri, I cannot just let those words pass. What part of me
are you saying resembles them.
「It's exactly as Miseri-san
says. We too are constantly... no, occasionally, worried because Takuhir-sama behaves in ways unsuited for a
lord or an Archduke... though we often think that is wonderful, sometimes we
are on pins and needles...」
Yoltia, you too! I mean, aren't you
lifting me up just to drop me? Moreover, you started to say constantly and
hurriedly followed up, didn't you?
「No, I think both of you are
misunderstanding something. I... think.」
「That is not true. When you brought
up going to the Demon Territory before you even turned fifteen, when you
wandered off into town alone the moment we took our eyes off you, when we heard
you jumped into a dangerous front line during battle, when you always said you
would step onto the foremost front lines... we were always worried.」
「No, Miseri, that is...」
「I feel the same. Besides... when I
was watching your practice with Clarisse-denka from the side, I was on pins and needles. To be so severe
against a Princess-denka...」
Thinking
carefully about it, it's all true. When I was young, Anne kept a watchful eye on me without
leaving my side for a moment, and from a certain point she let me act freely,
but... Anne's worries might have been considerable. Going out to the
Royal Capital, becoming the Demon Territory Count after that, and even after
becoming the Archduke, my actions fundamentally haven't changed... And
certainly, to teach Denka to know her place, I mercilessly beat her down
and even kicked her. Huh? 「......」
Do I have to become self-aware that I am of the same kind as them, a heretic
defying the common sense of this world? Truly birds of a feather flock
together, is that it? I, who self-proclaimed to be a guardian, was secretly
being protected by my companions behind the scenes?
「Wahhahhahha, it seems my friend has
finally realized it too. From the start, we are all individuals who won't be
outdone in the way of the sword; unnecessary worries are needless.」
Certainly,
that is true, but. The swordsmanship of that couple is far above the rest for
both of them, and I'm somewhat confident in my own skill too. Beside me, Sigur
and Carla are also accompanying me, and in interpersonal or anti-monster
combat, Yoltia boasts invincible strength with magic cheats. I myself
have confirmed in the Demon Territory that the Third Prince and Sieghart
are also somewhat capable. King Crajyu as well. If so, the ones in a
position to be protected here are Miseri and Princess Alicia,
whose ability is unknown? Thereupon, I reluctantly ended up agreeing to the
night sightseeing of the Imperial Capital as well.
※
Timeline returns to the original
In
the end, we are... Third Prince + Sieghart + King Krugel + Marquis Flame
+ Clarisse-denka + Knight Commander Gouras + King Crajyu + Alicia-denka + Me + Miseri + Yoltia +
Sigur + Carla A total of thirteen people plus one, to enjoy the
Imperial Capital at night.
「So that's how it is, Raphael,
I ask you to confirm the preliminary inspection and arrangements together with Sieghart-dono . Of course, your participation at
night is also decided.」
「Wha, me? Such a...」
「Yesterday you went out of your way
to 『preliminarily inspect』 the night town even in the Imperial Capital, didn't you? Marianne
was complaining that you ended up not returning until morning.」
「Th... that's...」
「Besides, Krugel-heika
was grumbling, 『It's a pity my friend isn't here.』 Don't you think it's impolite towards the King of a
country?」
It's
not like I'm deliberately trying to trouble Raphael. I can't help but
sympathize with his position. I can't help but sympathize, but...
「Raphael, I feel a bit sorry for Marianne
and Lanatoria too, you know. In every town we stopped by in the process
of moving so far, they lamented, 『When night comes he wanders off and
doesn't return until morning.』 So tonight, it's a proper duty so
that they too can sleep in peace.」
「Kuh... Y-Yes...」
「I understand your feelings, but
could you please cherish your newlywed wives too. At least take them
sightseeing in the Imperial Capital during the day or something, I ask you to follow
up. I'll prepare time for free action.」
Yes, I understand Raphael's duty (play) too, but similarly, Marianne and Lanatoria are important companions too, after all. I have to consider their feelings as well. Seeing off the back of the dejected Raphael, I let out a large sigh as a concluding mark. Now then, I suppose I'll be taking the stage on a somewhat troublesome stage from the afternoon. A stage filled with destinies, prejudices, and envy within the Empire...
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