第７５６堀：大会議の前の食事会 (Part2)
Following behind them were Samantha and Chancellor Ronri, both looking pale.
"Your Majesty, please maintain more dignity in this setting. And it's rude to the kings of other continents."
"Y-Your Majesty?! We deeply apologize for interrupting your conversation!"
Chancellor Ronri immediately cautioned him, and Samantha promptly bowed her head.
It felt like they were quite used to this, somehow. An unpleasant kind of familiarity.
"No, it's fine. But, King Blade, are you also like us?"
"Well, being a king comes with certain restrictions, you know."
"While the loyalty of our retainers is appreciated, it's tough when they're overprotective."
"Exactly, exactly. There's really no need to worry, but we can't even casually go out to eat in the castle town."
"That's a predicament. Look, in Weed, there are plenty of delicious restaurants you can go to without worry. I often go out to eat and drink with King Rocksten."
"Right, right. Since there are gates, we just make a casual appointment, sneak out of the castle, and eat with King Selva. Oh, King Restia and King Blade also have gates open now, so how about joining us?"
What are these fathers-in-law talking about? Are they trying to work us to death?!
"Ohh, that sounds great! A friendly gathering for the Logali and If Continents!"
"Hmm. The gate to Rumer is far for security reasons, but if it's a friendly gathering, I can't very well refuse."
King Blade of Rodei is one thing, but even King Restia is enthusiastic. Wasn't Rumer wary of other nations until now? At this rate, Weed will become a demonic town where wild kings roam freely. If that happens, our working hours are sure to increase. We absolutely have to stop this! That's right, if I involve other countries...
Thinking that, I turned around to see King Fionha of Zilba, Holy King Enaria VII, and King August VIII of the If Continent standing behind me.
"As always, you're a nuisance who doesn't consider others."
"And your sneak attacks are so subtle."
"I'd like to be invited as well."
Hmm? I thought King Fionha was criticizing them, but the latter half of his statement seemed to imply he wanted to be included...
"Are you saying King Fionha is a nuisance? In these situations, it's first come, first served, isn't it? And it's not a sneak attack or anything. Why don't you all come along? Of course, King August VIII will come too, right?"
"Tch, it can't be helped. I'll also participate in that gathering. It's unthinkable to let you enjoy Weed's food all by yourself."
"If we are allowed to join, then there is no problem."
"Indeed. No problem if we're together."
Oh, these guys are enthusiastic too.
As for my wives and Agil, who were standing by my side...
"...This has turned into a bad situation."
"Mm. Our workload will double now."
"Now, now, isn't it fine? If this deepens the camaraderie among the kings of each continent, it's perfect, isn't it?"
Certainly, Agil had a point. However, if things came to this, we couldn't just leave the New Continent out...
"You're having a good discussion. If you don't mind, could we also participate in this gathering?"
"Although we are newcomers, we wish to get along well with all of you."
Immediately, Hyde and Findar also joined the fray. No, they said they wanted to participate. With this, most countries had decided to participate in the gathering, and those remaining were...
"Well, if that's the case, we'll have to invite Ex and White Forest too. If we leave them out, they might complain like King Fionha."
"Anyone would have something to say if they weren't invited to a gathering in this situation."
"Well, keep King Fionha in check. Ex will, of course, be participating as well."
"Likewise, White Forest will also be participating."
Oh no, this has turned into an intercontinental alliance gathering.
Hmm? But I feel like someone is missing... As I was thinking that, a voice came from behind.
"...That gathering. Of course, my country, Litea, will also participate."
"My Last Kingdom will certainly participate, but perhaps, Saintess Alstaire, let's take a break over there."
I turned around to see Alstaire standing there with a terrifyingly intense expression, her presence making the kings of each nation gasp. Come to think of it, she still had to deal with troublesome nobles. That must be why she had a headache. And Liliana, who gracefully followed up and led her away, nice.
"...Even on the Logali Continent, women are strong, it seems."
"Yeah, I was scared."
"No, women are strong everywhere..."
In that way, the lunch break passed, and the female heads of state were able to begin the conference without being underestimated. Could this be called a stroke of luck?
A pre-conference meal and exchange meeting. Well, this Intercontinental Exchange Conference was no different from a battle to determine each nation's standing. And here, we heard about King Blade's innocent straightforwardness and the unexpected enthusiasm of King Restia. Now, Tanaka and the others haven't had their turn yet, so rest assured. But I wonder if you can imagine various issues from their side as well? In the end, it doesn't change the fact that Yuki and the others will be busy!!