第３７６堀：忙しい一日始まる (Part1)
### Chapter 376: A Busy Day Begins
**Side: Deryu**
What I see through the window isn't a cloudless blue sky, but a tranquil expanse where white clouds drift lazily. It’s a perfect view to signal the start of a day. It makes me feel like I can really put in a good day’s work.
"Indeed. It’s clear here today as well."
"That’s true. It’s been raining quite a bit in Weed lately, hasn't it?"
Perhaps having heard my words, Eris replies. As she says, for some reason, it’s been raining in Weed for the past few days, and we haven't seen a blue sky. Well, since we’re inside a dungeon, we could change the weather whenever we wanted, but Yuki’s policy is to match the outside weather as much as possible.
"I’m actually glad I have work here for once. It’s rare."
"Yes. Usually, you’re the reason Yuki-san is so busy, so it doesn't leave a good impression."
Indeed. As Eris says, Yuki is always tied up here and seems to be having a hard time. Considering the mission Yuki has been given, it can't be helped, but as his wife, it’s incredibly unpleasant and worrying.
"Once this is over, he should be able to take it easy for a while."
"I hope so. At the very least, once the Ex problem is settled, we’ll have established connections with all six major nations. I’d like to think things will get easier."
"Well, first we have to finish this business with Ex."
"True. It feels like things are moving in earnest starting today, so let’s consider it a lucky morning."
With that, we managed to welcome the morning at Ex Castle without any particular issues. There were no night raids, and in a way, it’s more peaceful than it was in Zilba or Enaria. Well, I was on maternity leave at home for both of those, so I wasn't exactly on the front lines. It’s not like we’ve been guaranteed safety yet, though.
While we were talking, the others began to wake up. Perhaps timing it with everyone being up, Arne came to call us for breakfast, and we moved to the dining area. The meal was neither good nor bad. It’s probably high-standard for this New Continent, but comparing it to Weed is a waste of time. After all, we have delicious food that only requires hot water and three minutes to prepare.
Personally, I love cup ramen, but it’s a shame Yuki says it’s bad for my health and limits me to once or twice a week. Well, I do sneakily eat it in my room as a midnight snack. There are so many varieties, so I can't help it. I haven't gained any weight, so there’s no problem at all.
Wait, why am I thinking about other food while eating breakfast?
"So, Arne-kun. What should we do from here?"
Once breakfast was over and we were taking a breather with some tea, Popuri brought up the subject.
"Yes. If it is agreeable to you, the King wishes to formally complete the greetings with Lady Popuri and the Dragon Knight this morning."
"Understood. Is it permissible for our escorts to accompany us?"
"That is fine. However, only Lady Popuri and Lady Amanda will receive words directly from His Majesty. The rest of you will be in a designated area behind them."
"Well, that’s only natural."
Indeed. There’s no reason to bring unnecessary people from other countries close to the King without cause.
"..."
"Calm down, Amanda. You know King Noble isn't used to this either, so you don't have to be so stiff."
Beside where Popuri and Arne were talking, Eris was trying to soothe a frozen Amanda, but that’s no use. I wonder what would happen if I told her I used to be a princess? No, if I told her the true origins of Yuki’s members, she’d probably drop dead. We have countless acquaintances among royalty, and while Samantha being a Duchess makes things a bit ambiguous, that’s fine. More than that, we use gods—who are far above royalty—like our own hands and feet.
As I was thinking about that, Taiki, who was next to me, spoke up.
"Do you think anything will happen?"
"I don't feel any killing intent at the moment. As a Hero and a Japanese person, what’s your intuition?"
"As a Hero, I don't feel the same suspicious atmosphere as I did with the Demon Lord."
"The 'Demon Lord' part was unnecessary. But, as a Hero, I see. What about as a Japanese person?"
"Hmm, as a Japanese person, I’m looking forward to Amanda being so nervous that she does something funny. You know, the classic 'trope'."
"That could get our heads chopped off if things go poorly..."
"Reality is like that, isn't it?"
How carefree. Those kinds of tropes are only forgiven in manga; in reality, you usually face appropriate punishment. In a world where royal authority is paramount, things rarely just slide by.
...Suddenly, I’m starting to get worried. Amanda, please, don't make any mistakes that could become a problem.
Ignoring my worries, the simple ceremony for our formal visit ended without any major issues. Phew, that was hard on my stomach. Until now, even when problems arose, we could just use brute force to solve them, but that’s not the case this time. I suppose that’s the difference. Perhaps Yuki is always trying to minimize the damage precisely because of this kind of mental burden... I should be more careful about that in the future.
"I-I was so nervous..."
The person who survived the ceremony was slumped over in her room. It was nerve-wracking to watch, too.
"Well, I'm glad nothing happened."
"Indeed."
I agreed with Eris from the bottom of my heart.
"Something *did* happen!! I had to be followed up by His Majesty... am I going to be okay?"
"It’s fine. That’s how ordinary people are. Besides, Amanda isn't a citizen of the Ex Kingdom. You’re my companion, a student, and a Dragon Knight. If they questioned you over something like this, it would only cast doubt on their own character. In fact..."
"In fact?"
"They were probably relieved to learn that you’re just a student without any grand ambitions. And that goes for more than just King Noble."
"What do you mean by that?"
"We’ll talk about that when we get back. Amanda, you have a lot to do from here on out."
"Auu. That’s right. I still have to show them Wai-chan flying..."
"After that, you have to observe the soldiers' training and get a tour of the castle. As for me, I have to inspect the magical tools."
"A-aren't you coming with me, Headmistress!?"
"I’ll be with you until the Dragon Knight’s demonstration, but the magical tools afterwards are classified. If you insist, it might be possible, but would you be able to offer an opinion after seeing them?"
"No way. I’ll pass."
"That’s wise. Besides, Eris-dono, Deryu-dono, Taiki-dono, and your husband, Eoid, will be there. Nothing too terrible will happen. They’ll follow up for you."
"I feel like I’m being treated as a total failure... but I understand."
She managed to steer the conversation well. I guess being "just a student" is working in our favor for now. King Noble said with his words that it was fine, but his subordinates still harbor a fair amount of fear toward the creature known as a dragon. Words alone aren't enough to wipe that away completely.