第５４１堀：鉄面の女 (Part2)
"Good luck, Big Brother!"
"Do your best, Brother!"
Encouraged by those cheers, we headed toward the gates of Faide. Along the way, Bicks waved at us from the shadows of an alley, and I waved back. That guy is surprisingly competent. I should bring him some kind of gift next time.
When we arrived at the gate, a group that looked like a proper band was lined up.
"Come to think of it, what happened with the Weed band?"
"Eh? Why don't you know that, Yuki?"
"I leave those kinds of things to Seraria."
"If you're talking about the band, Seraria-sama discussed it with Qual-sama, scouted musicians from the Roschur orchestra, and created a new one, didn't she? She mentioned incorporating plenty of Earth instruments to form an orchestra."
"Ah, I think I heard something about that."
I had dismissed it at the time, thinking it was a huge waste of resources. I mean, we hardly have the time to be playing around with orchestras. Still, it’s good to have ambition, so I left them to it. Does this mean it actually took shape?
As I was thinking about this, I saw Georgin and the others, who had gone to meet the envoys, returning with the prince and his party. At the same time, the band sprang into action, beginning a loud—no, a welcoming performance. This is the standard protocol to show maximum hospitality to envoys, but it’s such a hassle. The musicians looked tense, likely fearing that one wrong note could cost them their heads. Well, one could call it an honor, but it’s not exactly good for the heart.
While I was busy thinking like a coward, Catherine and Georgin stopped in front of us, and the music ceased.
"Yuki-sama. I have brought Prince George and Princess Stasia."
As Catherine said this and stepped aside, the group moved forward. Behind them stood Prince George and... someone wearing a bucket helmet.
...Eh? Is that person in the bucket helmet Princess Stasia?
I couldn't even tell if they were a woman. They were clad in heavy full-plate armor, and whether they were binding their chest or not, it was impossible to judge.
"Yuki-sama. These are Princess Stasia, the First Princess of the Findall Empire, and Prince George, the Second Prince. Princess Stasia, this is Yuki-sama, the consort of Weed."
"I am Stasia, First Princess of the Findall Empire. I am truly grateful for the personal welcome and the magnificent hospitality shown by you, Yuki-sama, the consort of Weed."
Princess Stasia greeted me sharply without removing her helmet. Her voice was definitely a woman's. I had heard about it, but this was literal "iron-faced" behavior. She must still be deeply affected by the incident in the Lira Kingdom.
*No, no, pull yourself together.* Even if she looks like she’s about to shout "Praise the Sun!!" in that bucket helmet, she’s being perfectly polite aside from not taking it off, so I have to respond in kind.
"Welcome after your long journey. Prince George, you seem to be doing well, too."
"Yes. Thanks to you, Yuki-sama, things have proceeded smoothly. Thank you."
If I kept talking to Princess Stasia, I’d probably end up making a weird face for various reasons, so I casually turned the conversation to Prince George. He seemed to catch on, giving me a wry smile as he replied.
It must be tough having her as an older sister. If she walks around the castle every day wearing that full-face bucket helmet, everyone is bound to give her strange looks.
"Well, let’s not stand around here. Please, come into the city."
"Yes. Thank you."
We finished the brief greetings at the gate and returned to the lord's mansion without incident. Along the way, no one tried to harm us or the envoys. In that sense, the start was promising.
However...
"I apologize, Yuki-sama. I truly couldn't get my sister to remove her helmet."
"I’ve heard about the situation, so I’m fine with it. But aren't the other envoys and guards acting a bit on edge around Princess Stasia?"
"...Naturally, they are tense because of such rudeness during an official visit. They likely have an image of her slaughtering everyone because of my sister's actions. They know Weed's strength from seeing our tools, and..."
"Ah... I see."
"So, if you wouldn't mind, could you tell them that Princess Stasia's helmet is not an issue..."
"Understood. You have it rough."
"...Why don't you trade places with me?"
"I'll consider it if you trade places with me, too."
"I refuse."
"We both have it tough, don't we?"
"Yes."
"Haaah..."
For some reason, I feel like I really get along with Prince George. In terms of hardship, anyway.
"Hahaha, the hardships of youth are worth buying even at a high price," Georgin said, looking at us and laughing.
I wonder if this will turn out to be a fateful encounter! Also, for those who don't know what a bucket helmet is, I think you'll find it if you search for "bucket helmet." I think "Praise the Sun" will also make it clear.