第５６７堀：イフ会談前哨戦 (Part2)
The ones speaking so casually were the King of White Forest, ruler of the demi-human nation, and King Noble of Ex, the mastermind behind the recent incident. To be blunt, both of them were essentially family to Yuki-dono.
In fact, the royal capitals of all six nations were under the influence of the dungeon, meaning their secrets were essentially an open book. Oh, how terrifying, how truly terrifying.
While I was lost in such thoughts, the food was brought out. Before the banquet could officially begin, we were finally addressed.
"Now, please, enjoy the cuisine. Though, I suppose I should say that, given that the kings of every nation are present here. One cannot simply partake in what is served without caution. For that reason, I have requested the presence of Lancer-dono, Principal of the Magic Academy, to verify that no toxins have been introduced into the meal."
"I see. That saves us the trouble of having to perform a poison check ourselves."
"And I assume Hifi-dono, the Holy Maiden standing beside him, is here to act as the antidote should the unthinkable occur?"
As eyes turned toward us, Hifi-dono and I rose from our seats and offered a light bow. Indeed, the reason I was called here—aside from Yuki-dono’s personal request—was to ensure the safety of the various monarchs. In truth, the dungeon monitoring system makes physical poison detection redundant, but it serves as a comfort for those who need it. Hifi-dono was invited based on her track record of dispatching recovery mages from the Holy Nation.
While being "called" might imply a lower standing, the fact that we were standing here on equal footing with the six great powers meant that, in practice, we were their peers. Though, behind the scenes, we were all merely pawns in Yuki-dono’s hand.
The kings, oblivious to that fact, began their meal. The tense atmosphere finally thawed, and casual conversation began to flow.
"However, King Noble, you took quite a gamble. If it were me, I would have kept that gate technology strictly for my own nation."
The one addressing King Noble was the King of Zilba. The two nations had formed an alliance against a common enemy, and while they appeared friendly, they didn't truly trust one another; their borders were heavily fortified with soldiers, ready for conflict at a moment's notice.
"Well, if I had done that, Ex would have been the one targeted for annihilation. Offering the gate technology was the more profitable move. Surely you understand that much. Besides, it is the same for you. Like the person in question, I realized that he was someone beyond our control."
"Tch. So you knew."
"At first, it was mere rumor, but I saw it with my own eyes. That is why you, King Zilba, are behaving yourself, aren't you?"
"Aye. I thought something was strange about him, but I never imagined he would go this far."
I had thought he was just a newly appointed Dungeon Master—and while that was technically true, I never imagined he would have already stabilized the mana supply of an entire continent before arriving here.
As I pondered this, the King of Roday and the King of August approached us.
"Hah. So even Zilba knows to behave when faced with Yuki-dono."
"…For my part, I had only recognized him as a band of highly skilled mercenaries."
"Well, that’s because you borrowed the strength of Lancer’s faction."
"Still, it is quite rare to see King Zilba so docile."
"Shut up, you thoughtless Roday and you play-acting knight of August."
Oh dear. It seemed the provocations from the Kings of Roday and August had pushed Zilba over the edge. Should I intervene? Just as I was wondering that, King Enaria stepped in between them.
"Now, calm down, Zilba. These two nations have little connection to Yuki-dono, so they are merely jealous."
"Ah, that’s right. They only managed to send a Duke’s second daughter and the granddaughter of the former Chief Court Mage to him. They have no standing to speak of. They dared to treat Yuki-dono—who shares blood ties with the royal families of my nation and Enaria—with such disrespect."
"Hah. If we’re talking about disrespect, isn't it ridiculous that he still has no right of succession? We aren't so narrow-minded. As for Samantha, we have already discussed it, and it is as you see here."
"The same goes for my side."
They spread out parchment scrolls as if to show them off. They read:
*‘Samantha Huge is to be welcomed as an adopted child of the current royal family and treated as a Princess…’*
*‘Cleena Feigel is to be welcomed as an adopted child of the current royal family and treated as a Princess…’*
In short, the two had become princesses, and the right of succession was now tied to Yuki-dono.
"Such blatant tactics. We have already recognized his right of succession as well."
"Indeed. Yours is a bit too transparent. We recognize his right of succession based on Yuki-dono’s achievements thus far; we do not adopt children simply to cover up our own failures."
The four nations began to spark with friction. What a headache. Besides, it wasn't as if Yuki-dono would ever accept a right of succession. That man was already stretched thin as it was; adding the burden of a nation would only bring him unnecessary trouble.
"For now, I shall go and report this matter."
"I will go as well. Noble, Refest, I leave this place to you."
"Aye, consider it done. Though, I doubt Yuki-dono would find any value in a throne or a nation; they would only be a hindrance."
"Indeed. To one recognized by the gods as a Dungeon Master, the positions defined by mere mortals are nothing but an annoyance."
Hmm. I agreed with Noble-dono’s assessment, but Refest-dono—Yuki-dono doesn't exactly revere those gods, you know? After all, they mostly just lounge around and dump their troublesome tasks onto him.
With that thought in mind, I returned to deliver my report.
***
*Note: There is a one-month adjustment period between the events of Poupri 567. To keep the flow of this conference smooth, I have skipped that month. Nothing of particular note occurred, other than Tori, Riel, and Kaya giving birth, which will be summarized at a later date. For now, please enjoy the next few chapters of high-ranking officials pulling at each other's legs.*