第５５７堀：大掃除開始 (Part2)
While the members in the waiting room were enjoying their tea in a relaxed atmosphere, the door swung open, and the group from the audience chamber filed in, casting sharp glares our way.
"……Yuki. Must be nice, having tea while we’re busy working our tails off?"
"Dressa. Big Brother is just the reserve for when things get serious—"
"Big Bro. Give me some of Hiiro’s, too."
"Ah, Hiiro!?"
"You have some for me, too, right?"
"Even you, Dressa? Oh, for heaven’s sake! Big Brother, I am so sorry!"
"No, no, don't worry about it. Here, Vilia. Catherine, don't be shy."
"Yes. Thank you."
While I was busy attending to the four of them, the other two gentlemen were also…
"……George-in. You seem to be taking things quite leisurely."
"Hahaha. There’s nothing to be gained by rushing. Resting well when you can—that is a matter of course for a human being, not just for someone in a position of authority."
"……I’ve only recently come to understand this, but you really do have a silver tongue, George-in."
"Everything is a matter of perspective. That aside, how about a cream puff?"
"I will accept, of course. I won't let you have all of Weed’s sweets to yourself."
And so, the master-and-apprentice-like duo of George-in and Princess Stasia joined the tea party. As for the Haiden group…
"……Father. That looks delicious."
"Duke Kamishiro. It’s unthinkable for you to enjoy such a treat all by yourself, isn't it?"
"There is plenty for Kagura, and of course, for the Princess as well."
Just as Duke Kamishiro held out the plate of cream puffs, hands reached out from another direction, snatching them up before Princess Carrie or Kagura could even take one.
" "Ah." "
Seriously? Go grab some others. There are plenty left on the plate. But putting that aside, the person who took those cream puffs was…
"Truly delicious. Sou. You’ve been eating things this good? I’m jealous."
"That’s thanks to you failing to manage your subordinates properly, Sorg."
"Guh. You really know how to twist the knife."
"It’s only natural. My daughter was put in danger, after all."
If you only heard the words, it would sound like a casual chat between friends. In reality, however, Duke Kamishiro was speaking to King Haiden. The others were stunned, and Kagura looked pale, likely thinking her father’s behavior was bordering on treason.
During the briefing earlier, these two had spoken in perfectly formal tones as sovereign and subject. I suppose they’ve been friends for a long time and act like this in private. It’s still better than the King of Lody, who is constantly reckless—that guy will take up part-time jobs repairing castle walls whenever he runs out of money.
"F-Father, that is… that is incredibly rude…"
Kagura, a serious girl who prioritizes her role as a subject over their personal relationship, was desperately trying to apologize.
"Hm? Ah, don't worry about it. This is just how Sou and I are. Didn't you tell Kagura?"
"Of course not. The Kamishiro house pledged to support the Haiden royal family as both subjects and friends. I couldn't possibly provide a lax education or speak in a way that insults the King."
"You’re always so stiff about these things. I feel sorry for your daughter."
"I don't need to hear that from you. By the way, is your daughter safe?"
"She’s barely four years old. I don't intend to have her inherit the throne, so she won't be a target."
"I’ve said it many times, Uncle. You don't need to worry about me or Mother."
"No, especially after what happened this time. I’ve been steering the country as a pro-war faction, but to shift toward reconciliation, it would be better for the future of peace if Carrie, who has achieved so much, becomes Queen rather than putting my daughter on the throne."
Hmm. So this King is actually thinking quite carefully about the future. Or rather, hearing him talk, it sounds like he only ended up with the throne because his brother passed away, so he doesn't have much attachment to it.
"Besides, I was just sightseeing abroad when my brother fell ill and I was dragged back here. Think of handing the throne to Carrie as my way of getting back at fate."
"……*Sigh*."
Princess Carrie let out a heavy sigh. I see—perhaps the reason Carrie became so strong-willed is that she used this King as a cautionary tale.
"Well, while we’re chatting, let me greet you properly as an individual. I am the King of Haiden, Sorg Haiden. Thank you for saving my niece, Kagura, and even Sou here, Yuki-dono."
"Not at all. I’m not a fan of war. It costs money and people end up gone."
"That is the truth. Once this matter settles down, I would like to have a formal discussion with Weed."
"Yes. I look forward to that day."
For now, the contact with King Haiden proceeded smoothly. Now then, I wonder if the capture operation will go as well.
Well, in a normal story, this would be the "happily ever after," but as you know, this story doesn't end there. Even this event is just one small incident for Yuki and his group. There’s still plenty of work to do. That’s just how life goes, isn't it?
Oh, and by the way, during my lunch break today, I was eating at a nearby diner when I suddenly saw some students walking outside. High schoolers, I think? A boy and a girl, holding hands and laughing together. I found myself thinking, *I wish they’d just disappear,* and it made me feel a bit empty, wondering if I’ve become tainted.