第２８８堀：注意すべきこと (Part1)
Chapter 288: Things to Keep in Mind
Side: Yuki
Traveling through the skies is a relaxing job, just like any other day.
Yesterday was quite eventful in a good way, as I even learned the origins of the old man’s karaage.
Ah, I hope Kirue’s report from her weekly rumor-gathering trip today doesn’t contain anything strange.
Usually, there’s no need for us to step in, but every now and then, Deryu conducts a forced investigation in her capacity as a Special Duty Demon Lord.
Most of the time, it’s because someone is up to no good behind the scenes. Deryu storms in, beats everyone to a pulp, and then the wives get incredibly busy coordinating with the police leadership, like Tori, and gathering information from the government offices.
Naturally, if that kind of event occurs, I end up handling the grunt work, which cuts into my family time—something I’d very much like to avoid.
But, since I can’t just ignore it, I do my job for the sake of the residents of Weed.
Of course, the wives, whose family time was interrupted, shower the idiots causing trouble with such murderous intent that it doesn’t take long for them to confess.
"Come to mind, Vixen-san. Where should we land the wyvern? I don’t think it would be wise to go all the way to the royal castle in the heart of the capital..."
I had been zoning out while peeling an orange, but since I hadn't heard the landing coordinates, I decided to ask.
If I mess this up, it could easily turn into a major incident.
If a panic starts with people shouting, "It’s a wyvern! Exterminate it!" and a battle breaks out, that would be no laughing matter.
Though, I suspect the residents of the capital would panic long before that.
"Ah, I apologize. I hadn't mentioned it yet, had I? It seems I am still quite excited by this journey through the skies."
"No, it’s fine. It’s my first time, too. So, where should we land?"
He really is a pure-hearted old man. It makes me feel like I’m the jaded one.
"We have issued a public notice to the residents of the capital, but given the literacy rates and the judgment of our superiors that flying to the royal castle would cause a panic, we have decided otherwise. I would like you to head toward the barracks on the outer perimeter of the capital’s walls. It is used for military drills, so there is plenty of space, and since the soldiers there have already been informed, there shouldn't be any issues."
That’s a reasonable judgment.
...Now, I wonder if the Dragon Knight, who is sitting next to me with Firia on her lap, is actually listening.
"Amanda-san. Were you listening?"
"Huh?"
Correction: The Dragon Knight was busy peeling an orange and tossing it into her mouth while Firia sat on her lap.
"Sigh, Amanda. Yuki-san went out of his way to ask about the landing spot that you should have been paying attention to. Did you hear that? Or do you want to fly all the way to the royal castle and cause a panic among the citizens?"
"I-I’m sorry!? Um, we’re flying to the castle gate, right? Right, Eoid?"
"...Amanda. I really don’t think that’s a good idea. We’re going to the barracks. Vixen-san said he’d let us know when we get close."
"Ah, yeah. I heard you!! I really did!"
Is this the downside of Eoid being so reliable? It seems he’s always been the one to wake her up.
For now, Amanda is getting her ears pulled by Eris and being forced to sit in the cold outside for a lecture, so I’ll talk to Eoid instead.
"Hey, Eoid-kun."
"I-I’m sorry!! I’ll make sure to have a proper talk with Amanda!!"
"That part is fine. Eris is lecturing her right now. Eoid-kun, just know that a single action by Amanda-san could potentially spark a war. It would be good for you, as her husband, to provide support like you just did. A single human can only handle so much on their own, after all. Well, it’s better if you can do it, of course."
"Indeed. I worry if Amanda-sama is left alone, but it is good that her husband, Eoid-dono, is always there to support her. As Yuki-dono says, while it is better if one can manage on their own, given her position as a Dragon Knight, such trivial matters should be handled by someone else. Of course, it was my own oversight for forgetting until Yuki-dono asked."
"Well, as long as you keep that mindset, you’ll be fine. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
"Yes. Thank you. And, if I may, I have a question for Vixen-san..."
"What is it? If it is something I can answer, I don't mind."
"Um, regarding this visit to the capital, will we have an audience with His Majesty the King? I’m worried because we aren't exactly well-versed in etiquette..."
Eoid-kun said this while glancing at Amanda, who was still being lectured.
Ah, he’s worried. That girl will bite back at a Duke if she doesn't like something.
It seems she was good friends with Samantha because of that, but that doesn't mean it will always go over well.
"His Majesty is not the type to fuss over mere etiquette. Well, he might frown if it were his own soldiers, but you are students, born of commoner stock, and a legendary Dragon Knight. It would be more of a problem if he had the kind of character to lose his temper over such things."
"I-I see. That’s a relief..."
"Eoid-kun, sorry to ruin your peace of mind, but I think you’ll have to study etiquette properly once we get back. You are, after all, the face of the Academy."
"I welcome it. If I don't, I feel like my stomach will collapse from the stress."
...That sounds rough.
"My apologies for interrupting your conversation, but regarding His Majesty, you will not be able to meet him during this audience. He is currently away on an inspection of the provinces. Since he won't make it back in time, the Princess will be acting in his stead."
"The Princess? Not the Queen or the Prince?"
"Yes. The Queen has... various circumstances that make it difficult for her to act in His Majesty's place, and the Prince is still at an age where he attends the Knight Academy. It was decided that the Princess, who has properly graduated from both the Knight Academy and the Magic Academy, is the most appropriate choice..."
Ah, so if the Queen appeared, the people around her would be a nuisance. Politics is always such a headache.