第６７５堀：意外にも…… (Part1)
Chapter 675: Unexpectedly...
Unexpectedly...
Side: Labyris
We have just touched down at the August military barracks. It’s the same place we visited last time.
Because we arrived a day earlier than planned—or rather, because our journey went so smoothly that we reached our destination ahead of schedule—the Duke’s faction here in August hadn't prepared a proper welcome for us. Well, that’s only natural, I suppose.
The person who spotted us—was it the knight named Vixen?—hurriedly issued orders, and the soldiers scrambled to send word to the royal castle. By the way, the reason Vixen is safe despite belonging to the current royalist faction is that if he were to interfere with the command of the main force in the royal capital, it would escalate into a full-scale civil war, so he hasn't gone that far.
Vixen explained to Yuki that they prefer to keep things relatively peaceful, aiming to gradually whittle away the current royal family’s power so the Duke’s family can take over the throne.
"So, Feigel-san, who is being held captive, is safe then?"
"Yes. Detaining Master Feigel was essentially a trumped-up charge. If they were to arrest him for something like that, they would have to arrest almost every noble in the country, let alone the government officials. Misappropriating funds for drinks to treat one's subordinates is a common occurrence. If Master Feigel were to be punished for that, the other nobles would raise the banner of rebellion against the Duke’s faction. They were only able to make this arrest because the current royal family has made various blunders—or rather, failed to persuade those around them. The Duke’s faction is just exploiting that to seize political and royal power. If they can achieve results through negotiations with you, Yuki-sama, they can strengthen their position even further."
Hmm. So that old man is safe, then. Kirika and the others who went ahead seem to have already pinpointed his location, so the rest is up to us.
While we were listening to Vixen explain the power dynamics within the August royal palace, the people from the Duke’s faction finally arrived at the barracks.
"Vixen!! Where are these guests from Weed who couldn't even arrive on schedule!!"
"Sir, they are right here."
"Huh? All I see here are women and children?"
What an unbelievable reception. Is this really how they treat visiting dignitaries? But for us, this is exactly what we were aiming for, so I’m grateful.
The arrogant-looking man who came to meet us caught sight of Cleena and approached her.
"Oh my. You were dressed so shabbily that I didn't notice until now, but if I look closely, isn't that the princess of our country? If I recall, you’re that girl Cleena who was forcibly adopted by the King, right? Honestly, a small country like Weed—was it?—shouldn't be bothering a great power like August with their presence. It’s truly lamentable that a girl who doesn't even understand such things is a member of the royal family, even if by adoption."
"Shut up. Among these women and children are diplomats from Roday, Zilba, and Enaria, as well as Popuri-sama, the Principal of the Lancer Magic Academy. Don't chirp away in your ignorance, you small-timer."
"Wha—!?"
"I’ll be reporting this to those above. I’ll let them know there’s an idiot here who treated diplomats and principals from other great powers with such disrespect."
"Th-that’s impossible! There’s no way these young girls are diplomats!!"
"My, what a greeting. I am Samantha, the second daughter of the Huge Ducal House of the Roday Kingdom. I have been commissioned to observe the situation in August. If you require proof, please, take a look at these diplomatic credentials."
"Same here. I might look like this, but I’m a Magic Sword User and a General for the Enaria Holy Kingdom, Agil Thomson. Well, I get misunderstood often, but that attitude of yours is unacceptable. Here, take my magic sword and my diplomatic credentials as proof. Besides, arriving earlier than scheduled isn't a bad thing, is it?"
"Exactly. Cleena, as your teacher, I don't want to say this to my student, but I have to wonder about this kind of envoy."
"Mm. It’s an embarrassment, even to my eyes. Are all the people in the Duke’s faction this stupid?"
"Gnuuuu..."
"If you have time to growl, lead the way. You’re nothing more than a guide."
Cleena seems quite angry. This is the first time I’ve seen her issue orders so bitingly. Well, it’s only natural. They are getting in the way of our Yuki. Unlike Cleena, I don't feel anger toward Princess Inis for breaking her promise, but I do feel angry that the current royalist faction surrounding her can't even keep their subordinates in check.
And then, to arrive in August and be met by this idiot from the Duke’s faction... Cleena’s anger must have reached its boiling point for her to say those things.
But...
"...Yuki. Is it okay to provoke them like that? Isn't it a bit too much? Won't they point out our own faults? And more importantly, isn't Cleena way beyond 'quite' angry?"
"...That won't happen. They were the ones who judged the diplomats by their appearance and mocked them. It only looks like we're provoking them because we know the plan. To an outsider, it just looks like we're correcting their errors and misunderstandings. We know Cleena is angry, but to others, it just looks like she’s reprimanding an incompetent subordinate."
"I see. When you put it that way, I suppose you're right."
"Well, I agree that Cleena is absolutely furious. It’s rare for her to express such clear disgust toward someone she’s meeting for the first time."
Yeah. Cleena is basically shy, and even with people she knows, she struggles to read emotions. But ever since we got here, she’s been like this. I wonder just how much the people of August are hated...
"Anyway, judging by their attitude, it’s convenient for us, so everyone, just bear with it for now. Cleena, you can hold back, right?"
"Yes."
"...Mm. I understand."
I wonder. Hmm, but if she were truly furious, they would already be piles of ash. With our specs, we could easily blow away the entire royal capital. Since no one has been hurt yet, Cleena must be holding back.
While we were talking, we boarded the carriage brought by the idiot guide and headed toward the royal castle.
"But, even though they say there are all sorts of problems, the castle town doesn't look any different," Ria muttered, looking out at the town.
"Hm? Ah, for now, it’s just a conflict among those at the top. It hasn't reached the point of civil war yet. It’s probably just internal squabbling. Besides, a civil war would significantly weaken August’s national power, so neither side would likely let it go that far."
"Still, even if they have that much reason left, is that kind of welcome really acceptable?" Agil questioned the idiot who had welcomed us so poorly in the carriage ahead.
"Well, I suppose it just means the plan is working, right? It was worth it to pack our group with students and people with child-like builds. It’s clear evidence that they’re acting tough because they think they’re dealing with students and children."
"...Children, huh. *Sigh*. Yuki’s insensitivity is tearing my maiden heart to shreds."
"No, that’s a problem with the Duke’s faction for treating us like children. Take your complaints to them."
"I know, I know. *Sigh*, we’re going to need the current royal family to make some concessions."
"That’s exactly what they’ve been refusing to do until now, which is why it’s come to this. Besides, it’s a pretty desperate move to ask another country for help."