第６７５堀：意外にも…… (Part2)

第６７５堀：意外にも…… (Part2)

"Indeed. Seeking help from another country is truly a desperate measure.

It’s not as if receiving aid is the end of the matter, either.

Princess Inis made that request for support with full awareness of the consequences; in that sense, she—or rather, the current royal family—has made a bitter, agonizing decision.

Well, perhaps that is precisely why Yuki and Seraria don't hold much animosity toward Princess Inis.

While we were discussing this, we arrived at the royal castle and were shown into the reception room, but...

'What is this? I heard the envoys from Weed were coming, yet it’s just one young man and a bunch of children? Are you mocking us?'

The arrogant man who entered the room spat those words the moment he laid eyes on us.

However, Yuki didn't react to the insult; he simply stood up and offered a greeting.

'A pleasure to meet you. I am Yuki, the consort of Queen Seraria, arriving from Weed.'

'Huh? A brat like you... a consort? Are you joking?'

'It is the truth. I have come to August today with a request.'

'...Is this about the establishment of this so-called Ministry of Foreign Affairs?'

'Yes. That is correct.'

'And what conditions are you offering in return?'

'Pardon? The other five great powers agreed without any conditions, stating that the creation of this ministry would benefit the If Continent Alliance as a whole. Is August saying it refuses?'

'Naturally. What are the other five powers thinking? To swallow the words of a mere boy like this—do they have no pride as great nations? It was a request far too grand for a mere mercenary like you.'

The arrogant man clicked his fingers as he said this, and soldiers poured into the reception room.

Oh my? What is the meaning of this?

'May I ask what this is about?'

Yuki asked without the slightest hint of agitation, and the arrogant man wore a lecherous grin...

'It’s simple. If you swear your obedience to us and work as our hands and feet, we might let you return home safely. Oh, of course, we will be keeping half of your daughters as hostages.'

'So, are you saying the negotiations have broken down?'

'Negotiations? There are no negotiations! The crime of deceiving the King and the Princess with such nonsense is grave indeed! As punishment, the Lancer Magic Academy will also have its dragons confiscated as our nation's military assets! Is that understood, Principal Popuri? To think you’d associate with such children.'

Ah, this idiot is beyond saving.

'You are being quite rude in front of us, who are also present. I shall be reporting this to Roday.'

'Likewise, I will convey this to Zilba.'

'I, too, shall make sure to report your nation's tyranny.'

Samantha, Jessica, and Agil, who were present under the pretense of accompanying us, stood up and declared this, but...

'Hah. You lot should worry about yourselves. Tell your countries that August is the master of the If Continent Alliance. If you don't, don't expect to leave here in one piece. Honestly, sending two students and a female knight as envoys to our country? We’ve been taken for fools.'

Oh dear, oh dear. Samantha aside, Agil is trembling with rage.

'Still, "Yuki," was it? You’ve managed to run a mercenary group with nothing but women and children. Ah, I see—you have a silver tongue. I’ll give you credit for that much. But the world doesn't run on words alone. You need power. If you had at least one sturdy warrior, perhaps you could have negotiated something, but thanks to that, you’ve saved me the trouble. Or were you hoping to offer these girls to secure a high position? A pity, with nothing but children like these.'

He kept babbling on, insulting Yuki, and treating us like mere children...

Very well, you bastard. Let's do this. No mercy is required.

The record of his verbal abuse has already been captured; there is no need to hesitate.

Just as I was about to signal the start of our counterattack...

*THUD!!*

With a sharp sound, the arrogant man was sent flying into the wall.

Everyone, myself included, froze for a moment.

Because the one who did it was...

'Well, I don't care what you say about me, but it’s another matter entirely when you speak ill of my wives. And who would hand over their wives to a moron like you? Keep dreaming. You’ve pointed your swords at envoys from other nations; there’s no need for me to hold back anymore.'

Yuki stood there, having just delivered the blow.

In other words, it was Yuki who had punched the man into the wall.

It happened so fast that even we hadn't seen him move.

'Alright, everyone. Let’s begin our self-defense.'

Yuki said this to us as we stood there in stunned silence, and we immediately moved to protect ourselves, heading toward the individuals who posed a threat.

And so, the "battle" at the August royal castle began.

But honestly, I was happy. Yuki truly loves and cherishes us, doesn't he?

'Fufufu...'

I began my "execution"—no, my self-defense—with a smirk on my face.

There is no future for perverts.

The Demon Lord who ate panties is proof of that.

Well, I suppose harmless delusions or minor eccentricities that don't bother others are fine, but actually acting on them is a no-go.

Any adult knows that, right?

So, it can't be helped."