第５３０堀：爺は気を遣う (Part1)
### Chapter 530: The Old Man is Considerate
**Side: Georgin**
The sky is beginning to brighten; dawn must be near. The servants of the Duke’s household are already moving about, busy with their morning tasks. Under normal circumstances, one would call this the start of a refreshing day, but...
Well, how should I go about this? I sit in the guest room provided by Duke Kamishiro, troubled by my thoughts.
As for what I need to discuss—well, there are many things. Truly, these past two weeks have been far too eventful. The list of people I need to report to is extensive.
"Well, I’ve already relayed the information to His Majesty, so that can wait. The incident that occurred today regarding the Lira Kingdom is not something that can be conveyed through a mere letter."
If handled poorly, it could lead to war. It is not a matter to be written down carelessly.
"The ones I must speak with are Prince George and Princess Stasia. They are the representatives of the Empire who will be interacting with Weed from here on out, so it is necessary."
However, Prince George aside, can Princess Stasia remain calm when facing those involved in that incident? Even that princess had kept her fangs hidden until now for the sake of Prince Age. Princess Stasia is even more so, given that it concerns her own sister.
"Hmm. I should meet with them and speak first. It would be problematic to make assumptions now."
The matter of both Highnesses visiting Weed is not something to be decided at this moment. They are still in their prime of growth, and I cannot afford to sour the relationship with Weed through a careless word.
"That leaves the contents of the interrogation from earlier."
I was asked by Yuki-sama to handle the questioning of those scoundrels, but thanks to that princess, they were on high alert. They seemed prepared for torture, making it impossible to get a word out of them. My intuition tells me that the remnants of the Lira Kingdom are undoubtedly involved, but if they won't speak, I have no way to confirm it.
"No, wait. Even if I can't get them to talk, there are those fools captured over in Baide. Perhaps I can use this situation as bait to extract information from them?"
It might be a surprisingly good idea. If the ones here refuse to open their mouths, I can simply interrogate the group in Baide, who likely aren't as guarded yet. They wouldn't dream that I could travel between the Kamishiro Duchy and Baide in such a short time.
Yuki-sama told me there was no need to push myself, as he intended to let them swim to gather more information, but if I do nothing, the Empire’s value will be questioned. I must be of use, no matter what.
Just as I stood up, intending to return to Baide, a knock sounded at the door.
*"It’s Taiki. Georgin-san, are you awake?"*
The voice from the other side belonged to Yuki-sama’s fellow countryman and friend, the Hero Taiki-sama, who rules the nation of Ranks on the Rogari continent.
"Of course, I am awake. Please, wait a moment."
I walked to the door and opened it politely. Standing there were Taiki-sama, his guard Ruth-dono, Princess Carly and her maid, Duke Kamishiro, and Kagura-dono, who was dressed in a peculiar outfit.
"Oh? You are all gathered here. Has the talk with Yuki-sama concluded? Where is he?"
"Yes, it’s finished. Yuki-san has returned to Weed. He has to prepare reports and inspect the confiscated items over there."
"That sounds taxing. My apologies—please, come in."
They are not the sort of people one should keep standing in the hallway, so I ushered them inside immediately. Yuki-sama is truly working through the night again. I hope he manages to get some sleep today.
Honestly, having the ability to do so much is a double-edged sword. The busyness that comes from being able to travel long distances so easily—I don't wish to emulate it, though I understand its convenience. Since this is about to befall me, I must consider how to handle it. Otherwise, His Majesty might happily have me shuttling between the front lines and the Imperial Capital every single day.
...Yes, I must draft a report on the heavy workload, or I shall surely collapse. Unlike Yuki-sama, I am an old man, after all.
While I was lost in these thoughts, everyone entered the room. I closed the door and prepared to listen.
"Now then, what business brings you here at such an hour—or rather, at the break of dawn?"
I decided to ask Taiki-sama, who had been the one to speak earlier.
"Er, Princess Carly and Duke Kamishiro have some questions they’d like to ask you, Georgin-dono. Since I’ve been entrusted with field command while Yuki-san is away, I’m just here to accompany them."
"I see. Then, please, have a seat."
Fortunately, even though it was a guest room, it was intended for high-ranking guests, so there were enough sofas for everyone to sit. We settled down to talk. The guard, Ruth-dono, and the princess's maid remained standing, however.
"And so, Princess Carly, Duke-kakka, what do you require of me?"
There shouldn't be anything I need to discuss with these two right now. Formal greetings can wait until the sun is fully up. I racked my brain, but I couldn't think of any urgent business that would require a late-night visit.
"First, General Georgin. I offer my deepest apologies for my rudeness until now. Given the current state of the country, I had no choice but to adopt that attitude."
Princess Carly was the first to speak. Hmph, so her behavior was an act. Given the assassination attempts and the like, I can understand the necessity of such a response.
"It seems you have had a difficult time as well."
"Yes. I never imagined the remnants of the Lira Kingdom would emerge. I assume you feel the same, General Georgin?"
"Indeed. However, the fact that you are speaking with me now means you have already distinguished friend from foe, correct?"
"Yes. By some stroke of luck, thanks to Yuki-sama and the others, the identity of the mastermind has been revealed. It is only a matter of time before we purge the trash nesting within our borders. Once I return to Haiden with the prisoners, the cleanup will be simple. After that, I hope to slowly clear up the misunderstandings with the Empire."
"That is a wish we share. War is best avoided, naturally. However, this matter with the Lira remnants may still cause friction. For us, this is a repeat of what happened seven years ago."
"For that problem, I shall go myself as an envoy of peace. Mourning Prince Age is a heartfelt wish of mine as well."
"...Are you suggesting that the fault lies not with either of our nations, but with those who manipulate the monsters?"
"Exactly. This is clearly a strategy intended to weaken the national power of both our countries. If we push that narrative, the fools who clamor for war will be reduced to a minority."
Indeed, if both nations officially announce that this was a conspiracy and join hands, the warmongers will have no choice but to stay quiet. If they act, they will be seen as pawns of the Lira Kingdom. Whether they are truly connected or not is irrelevant; the fact that the warmongers will be unable to move is significant.
"If that can be achieved, it would be a joyous thing. I truly hope you will meet with Princess Stasia. Ever since that day, she has been worried about you, Princess Carly."
"...I have heard that Princess Stasia—no, Stasia-dono—has changed since that day."
"...That is true. She has remained in a full-face helmet ever since."
"A helmet? Were her injuries from that time so severe?"
"No, the injuries were not that grave. Perhaps it is considered unsightly for a woman to have a facial scar, but both then and now, she wears it with pride as proof that she was able to protect you."
"Sister..."
"However, she has become very rigid since the incident with Prince Age. That is why I hope you will meet her and help ease her heart, even if only a little."
"Yes. Please, leave it to me. I, too, have changed since that day, but my bond with Stasia-dono and Prince Age remains unchanged."
There was a powerful light in the Princess’s eyes as she said this clearly.
...I see. That is why she threw herself into revenge. If she possesses such strong feelings, it may indeed be possible to thaw Princess Stasia’s heart.