第５４２堀：会談始まる (Part1)
Chapter 542: The Talks Begin
Side: Yuki
Well, for the time being, we managed to welcome the Findar Empire delegation to the lord’s mansion without any issues.
So far, thanks to Prince George’s diligent efforts, I haven’t sensed any hostility toward us. He must have explained the situation regarding Weed quite well.
However, unfortunately, for some reason, discord seems to be spreading within the Findar ranks.
The cause is Princess Stasia.
It is said that she injured her face during the incident with the Rila Kingdom and has kept her helmet—no, her armor—on ever since.
It’s not that she hasn’t bathed or cleaned herself; it’s that she remains in that state even during discussions.
Regardless of the armor, keeping her face completely covered by a helmet while attending greetings and meetings is considered rude even by our standards. It seems the other delegates who came as envoys are showing displeasure at Princess Stasia’s lack of diplomatic etiquette.
“It’s strange, isn’t it? They don’t have any particular hostility toward us, yet they’re on edge because of their own internal affairs.”
“It’s not that strange. It’s common when it comes to fighting over achievements.”
“But in Princess Stasia’s case, it’s not about fighting over achievements, is it?”
“True, but the other envoys cannot simply overlook her lack of manners. In the end, for those looking to make a name for themselves, Princess Stasia is a very troublesome presence.”
“What a pain.”
“Yes. I can understand the sentiment after hearing about her from General Jorgin, but when they bring that kind of baggage into a negotiation like this, it’s hard to know how to handle it.”
Labyris and Shera were the ones discussing this. Labyris had come to check on the situation during a break from her work in Weed and was being briefed by Shera.
Then, Catherine approached me with a troubled expression.
“However, Yuki-sama, what do you intend to do about Princess Stasia?”
“Well, Prince George has already bowed his head to me, saying his sister is causing trouble.”
“In that case, will you accept the apology, acknowledge the circumstances, and permit her to continue the talks while remaining as she is?”
“That’s the plan. Is that bad?”
When I replied, Catherine thought for a moment before speaking again.
“...If you permit Princess Stasia’s lack of manners, there is a concern that Weed might be looked down upon. However, you can demonstrate your magnanimity by showing that you understand the situation after hearing about her from General Jorgin. The concern is whether Princess Stasia herself can conduct herself with the proper decorum.”
“Her attitude when we greeted her was normal, aside from not taking off the helmet.”
“I agree. Based on what Prince George said, I don’t think she would be intentionally rude. The problem is just that the Findar side might end up having internal squabbles over her presence, which could hinder the talks.”
For now, the judgment is that Princess Stasia keeping her helmet on during the talks won’t be an issue for the Weed side.
I agree with that, but as Catherine said, I don’t want a “Princess Murder Mystery” to break out in the middle of our territory. Even if it’s internal strife within the Empire, if it causes the talks to be postponed, that would be a disaster.
“Ah, what about the possibility of Rila Kingdom remnants infiltrating their ranks? Cleena, how are the envoys and guards I had you guide to their rooms? Any suspicious movements?”
I turned to Cleena, who was in charge of surveillance.
“Hmm. No problems so far. They’ve been guided to their rooms and are just taking a breather. I checked their belongings using the Call function, but no blades or poisons were found, and there’s no sign of the modified dungeon cores we found before. As far as I can see, it’s safe.”
“I see.”
Well, at least it doesn’t seem like a murder mystery or an ambush by Rila remnants is imminent.
Just as I felt relieved by Cleena’s report, Aslin and Firia, who were also monitoring, spoke to me.
“Big brother. I think... I think the Princess is just scared.”
“That is right. She is afraid.”
“Afraid?”
“From what we heard from Jorgin-san and George-san, it sounded like she was just trying to prevent a surprise attack. But from what we heard from Princess Carrie, I’m sure that Princess is wearing that helmet because she’s afraid of others getting hurt because of her.”
“Because others would get hurt?”
“Yes. Armor isn’t just for protecting oneself. By showing that she is sturdy, she intimidates enemies and provides peace of mind to her allies. I’m sure she’s doing this so she doesn’t become a weak point. She’s terrified that showing her face might make her a liability.”
“...”
Hmm.
Well, that’s likely part of it.
It’s true that it’s to avoid surprise attacks, but as the two of them say, based on Princess Carrie’s story, Princess Stasia’s injury at that time made it difficult to continue the battle, leading to the decision to leave her sister behind to retreat.
Princess Stasia had become a burden to her sister back then.
I don’t know how capable her sister was, but it’s not strange to think that way. It’s like a trauma.
Still, even after hearing that, there’s nothing I can do.
“I understand what you two are saying. I won’t force her to take off the helmet, so don’t worry.”
“Okay. I understand. Good luck, big brother!”
“Please be kind to her. She seems very sad.”
While we were talking, the preparations for the conference room were completed.
“Alright, Shera, you and the others handle the guidance.”
“Yes.”
“Leave it to us.”
“Understood.”
With that, Shera, Ria, and Samantha left the room.
“Dressa, Vilia, Hiiro, you’re my guards. We’re heading to the conference room. Catherine, you too.”
“““Yes!”””
“Understood.”
“Cleena, Aslin, Firia, keep up the surveillance.”
“Hmm. Leave it to me.”
““Yes!””
Well, the issue with Princess Stasia won’t be solved in a single day, so I’ll take it slow. For now, the priority is to finalize the discussions between Weed and the Findar Empire.
Since the problems stemmed from an unfortunate accident during the summoning, I need to talk about that clearly and convey that we have no intention of being hostile.
“Yuki-sama, thank you for your hard work.”
“General Jorgin, you were already here?”
When I entered the conference room, for some reason, only Jorgin was there.
“Yes. There was something I wanted to discuss with you beforehand.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about the covert activities of the Rila Kingdom remnants. Since we will be moving to Weed and holding talks with Haiden, I couldn’t keep it from them, so I took the opportunity to inform them earlier.”
“And their reaction?”
“Prince George, as well as the other envoys and guards, were red with rage. I couldn’t see Princess Stasia’s expression due to her helmet, but she was emitting such killing intent that I’m sure she was just as angry.”
I suppose so. It must feel like their hated enemy has finally surfaced.