第５４８堀：次なる一手と野暮な話 (Part2)
"Oh, that’s quite alright. Ratz-san already gave me the heads-up. So, will you be ordering anything, Yuki-san? Beer, perhaps?"
"No, I have a somewhat serious matter to discuss... I'll have an oolong tea."
"I'll have the same."
"I’ll take some fried chicken and a lemon squash."
"Understood. Please, wait just a moment."
Ryun took our orders and stepped away.
Well, the scene before me was already a total disaster of fallen bodies, but what could I do?
"Over here, big brother!"
Called out by Ratz, I looked toward the corner of the room where the key figures were gathered, relaxing.
"Ah, Yuki-sama!! My apologies for the rudeness of my subordinates!!"
Upon noticing my arrival, Prince George and the woman beside him scrambled to their feet and bowed their heads.
I wondered what they were apologizing for, but then I remembered the people who had eaten themselves into a stupor.
It was a common sight, so I hadn't paid it any mind.
Generally speaking, it’s the default state for envoys visiting Weed for the first time to eat until they collapse.
"Haha, I’m just glad you enjoyed the food. But, if you don’t mind me asking, who is the lady beside Prince George?"
Standing there was a woman who could only be described as a beauty, despite a scar running diagonally from her upper right eye down across her brow.
Her hair was gold—not just blonde, but genuine, metallic gold. It had that silver-like sheen, not white hair, but a true silver quality.
She had it tied up in a bun at the back, so it must be quite long.
As for her figure, unfortunately, she was wearing men's armor, so it was hard to tell...
Hm? I recognized that armor.
Could it be...? As I pondered this, Prince George and the unknown woman spoke up apologetically.
"Er... it’s a bit late for this, but allow me to introduce her properly. This is my older sister and General, Stasia."
"I apologize for the delay in showing my face. I am ashamed of this scar, and I hope you will forgive me for being such an unsightly sight."
Ah, right. She had mentioned she would take off her helmet during meals.
"Not at all. Scars are part and parcel of being a knight. They are medals of honor, not something to be ashamed of."
"Ha! I am relieved to hear you say so."
"My wife is no stranger to fresh wounds, either."
Our Queen has calmed down a bit lately, but when we first met, she was the type to lead the charge on the front lines.
Because of that, her body is covered in old scars.
She doesn't mind them at all, though.
"...By wife, do you mean Her Majesty the Queen?"
"Yes. Well, she was a general just like Princess Stasia back in the day."
"Is that so? My apologies for rushing the conversation, but since you’ve come here, Yuki-sama, does this concern an audience with Her Majesty?"
"Yes, that’s right. I thought it might be rude to interrupt your meal, but I figured sooner was better, so I decided to drop by."
"Not at all. We are grateful for your prompt response. Now, regarding the audience..."
As I answered, they straightened their postures, ready to listen.
"To put it simply, an audience is possible. However..."
"Is there a problem?"
"Before that, why don't you have a word with the people from Haiden who are currently staying here in Weed?"
"!?!"
Both of them were stunned by my words.
"Could it be!? Envoys from Haiden are here in Weed? No... I suppose that’s not entirely strange. With this gate technology, it’s no wonder that Princess Carrie or the daughter of Duke Kamishiro, whom we’ve secured in Baide, might be here as well."
"...I see. As George says, it is not strange at all. However, George. You knew, didn't you?"
The perceptive Princess Stasia turned her gaze toward George, who hadn't looked surprised at all.