第６６４堀：久しぶりのジルバ帝国 (Part1)
Chapter 664: The Zilba Empire After a Long Time
Side: Yuki
"Man, it feels like it’s been a really long time."
"It sure does."
Steve and I were walking through the Zilba Royal Castle as we spoke.
"Wait, didn't you work here for a while, Steve?"
"No, no, even if you say 'a while,' it was only about two or three months, right? After that, the Boss had me running all over the place, working me to the bone."
"Did I?"
"You did. With Ms. Hifi, Mr. Noble, the White Forest, and all sorts of other things."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I guess so. Well, regardless, our stay here was incredibly short."
"That’s for sure."
As for why we were at the Zilba castle, it was to discuss the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that I had talked about with Noble and the others yesterday. Officially, we were visiting because the King of Zilba had requested a consultation and an interview.
"So, where are we?"
"I have no idea."
"Hey, you worked here for a while, didn't you?"
"I can't remember every single corner! I was basically a guest, so I couldn't just wander around as I pleased."
"…Well, let's just head back the way we came."
"Sounds good."
And so, we decided to turn back.
"Wow, even Yuki-san and Steve get lost. That's surprising."
"Indeed. Though, wandering around another country's castle as one pleases is a bit much, so it’s only natural, I suppose."
"…Hmm. Still, you could have just waited in the room until Jessica returned."
The three women behind us seemed surprised, but even I get lost sometimes. It’s not that I couldn't find my way back; I just didn't know the layout or the names of the areas. My trusty map function would tell me the way in an instant, anyway.
"Cleena is right, I could have just stayed put. But my stay in Zilba wasn't that long, and I never really got to sightsee like this."
"Well, it wasn't exactly a 'sightseeing' atmosphere back then. We were here to storm the place, after all."
"Ah..."
All three of them nodded in understanding. As we talked about those days and made our way back, Jessica came rushing toward us from the front.
"Ah, there you are!! I was looking for you!!"
"My bad, my bad. It’s been a while since I was in Zilba, so we were doing a bit of sightseeing."
"Ah, I see. ...Well, the situation was quite different back then."
"Exactly. So, is a meeting with the King of Zilba going to work out? We came on short notice, so if it's no good, we can do it another day."
Normally, you’d make an appointment to see someone like that. Walking up to the head of a nation without a prior request is, by any standard, strange. But since this was about helping the King with his concerns, and announcing that we were here to "consult" might cause unnecessary trouble, we had come without even a letter.
"No, His Majesty is—"
"It is no problem. A meeting with you is the highest priority."
Before Jessica could finish, the King of Zilba—looking every bit the monarch—appeared from behind her, accompanied by his retinue.
"Long time no see, Fionha. And Air, plus Yokiel, Row, and... let's see, Piku-n and Oli-e."
I threw out a light jab at the King of Zilba, who had brought along his rugged, burly generals and his magic sword users.
"You...!!"
"Calm down, Air. You wouldn't be able to beat Sir Steve anyway."
"Not just Air, even if all of us fought together, we wouldn't win."
"You still use those nicknames, I see..."
"Sister. I believe that, to Yuki-sama, it is merely a light joke."
Air, the magic sword user, had been about to get angry, but Yokiel held her back and Row persuaded her to calm down. The Melt sisters, Olive and Mist, seemed used to being called "Piku-n" and "Oli-e" by now; their reactions were boring.
"You are as infuriating as ever. Air, settle down. This is that man's specialty. Besides, he is in a higher position than you now; keep that well in mind."
"Yes. My deepest apologies. Yuki-sama, please forgive my rude behavior..."
Air apologized immediately after being chided by Fionha, the King of Zilba. Their discipline really is top-notch. But being apologized to like this is a hassle.
"Ah, Air, it’s fine. I just came to visit as a friend and thought I’d offer some advice while I was at it."
"…You really are an infuriating man. I see, so you call your friends by name as a matter of course?"
"Exactly."
"Haa... Honestly. I’m glad you aren't our enemy. Come this way."
We followed the King of Zilba as he led the way.
"By the way, were Yokiel and Row acquainted with Steve?"
"Hm? Ah, you wouldn't know, Yuki-dono. Or should I call you Yuki-sama?"
"He is the consort of a Queen of a nation. 'Yuki-sama' is appropriate."
"No, personally, 'Dono' is fine. Save the 'Sama' for our Queen. Anyway, are you two acquaintances with Steve?"
"After Yuki-dono finished his operations with General Marly, General Steve remained here, did he not?"
"That’s right. We learned a great deal from him and Technical General Zargis. By the way, where is Zargis-dono?"
Wait, what? Why is Zargis being treated with such reverence?
"Ah, Zargis is a technical researcher in Weed, so he’s very busy," Steve said.
"I see. That is only natural, given his mastery of magic."
"Indeed. General Steve, if you would be so kind, could you tell him that we have been hoping to see him again?"
"I'll let him know."
It seemed Steve was also held in high regard by these two generals.
"…Do you happen to know why they respect him so much?" I whispered to the Melt sisters.
"I believe General Yokiel was defeated in a one-on-one duel, and General Row was completely outmaneuvered in a battle involving their troops," Olive explained.
"After that, his precise advice on improvements, his help with paperwork, and Zargis-dono’s magic expe—er, lectures, significantly boosted Zilba's military strength," Mist added.
I see. I do remember something like that happening. Well, it’s better than them being on bad terms.
"You are welcome to come here whenever you like, General Steve."
"Yes, that room is still kept as the General's quarters."
"…I’m a General of Weed, you know? And you’re trying to recruit me right in front of the Boss..."
"Ah, if it’s necessary, I don't mind lending him out. I can send him over when he’s free. It’s necessary for the healthy exchange between our nations, right? Isn't that so, Fionha?"
"If Yuki says it is no problem, I have no objections. It would be wonderful to have General Steve visit our country."
"Looks like I’m never getting a day off," Steve sighed.
"Hahaha!"
We chatted until we reached the conference room and took our seats.
"So, what is this consultation about?"
"Getting right to it, I see. But before that, I must ask. Since you came here yourself, does that mean things in the New Continent have settled down?"
"We managed to avoid a war, somehow. Now, just like here, we’re taking it slow, letting them get to know us through diplomacy."