第８２０堀：意外な対応？ (Part2)
“I can hardly believe it. Which units are involved?”
“The Fifth and Sixth Fleets, General.”
“Those lot…” General Lake grimaced, clearly having an idea of who was responsible.
*I see,* I thought. *It sounds like the younger hotheads in the military are acting on their own.* It was a troublesome situation, to say the least. As I was mulling it over, Yuki approached the two men.
“I think I have a general grasp of the Chancellor’s situation, but what would you like us to do now? Should we remain on standby?”
“Ah, my apologies,” Chancellor Aquamarine replied. “You are to have an audience with His Majesty and receive a detailed briefing on the situation. Please, follow me to the conference room.”
“Understood.”
Following the Chancellor’s lead, we moved to the conference room. Inside, several individuals who appeared to be the kingdom’s high-ranking officials were seated around a large table.
“Hoh. So these are the individuals General Lake invited from Heiden?”
“They seem rather young, don't they?”
“Indeed. Young, yes, but they don't seem the least bit flustered in a setting like this. I suspect they are of the same caliber as Aquamarine.”
They whispered among themselves as they watched us, but I didn't sense any condescension in their words. If anything, they seemed like a gathering of dignified, formidable people. Looking back at the heavyweights of my own country made me feel a bit sad, but I decided not to think about that. After all, Aquenoki is the root of all those problems…
As these thoughts crossed my mind, we were shown to our seats. Aslin and the others weren't seated at the main table, of course; they took seats in the back, similar to an observer’s gallery, to listen in on the discussion.
“Now then, allow me to introduce our guests. This black-haired lady has traveled all the way from the Great Magical Kingdom of Heiden…”
General Lake began the introductions. Wait, why am I first?!
“Lady Kagura Kamishiro. Some of you may already know the name. She is the second daughter of the Kamishiro family, one of the three founding houses of Heiden.”
*General Lake?! Could you have maybe given me a heads-up about this?!*
I wanted to scream, but I was here as a representative of a nation. If I lost my cool now, my social life would be over.
“…It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Kagura Kamishiro, dispatched to the Kingdom of Sea Sipho by the order of the King of Heiden.”
“Hoh. To think a daughter of the Three Houses would come to our aid.”
“But she is so young.”
“Wait. If you’re going to dismiss someone for being young, then Chancellor Aquamarine would fall under that same category.”
“True. That was discourteous of me. My apologies.”
“Not at all,” I replied. “It is a fact that I am still inexperienced, so I look forward to your guidance.”
“Hahaha! Spoken like a true youth. Chancellor Aquamarine lacks that sort of charm, you see.”
“Ahem. I apologize for my lack of ‘charm,’ but this is a formal meeting between nations. Please save such comments for later—and preferably when I am not present.”
“““……”””
The officials of Sea Sipho fell silent at the Chancellor’s dry remark.
“Very well. General Lake, would you please introduce the others?”
“Yes, sir. Moving on…”
The introductions continued with Princess Stacia and Enola, and finally, it was Yuki’s turn. For the record, we didn't introduce King Taiki, General Agil, or Amanda at this table. They weren't here in an official capacity for this meeting, and revealing that nations other than Weed were intervening would only cause unnecessary confusion for Sea Sipho.
“It is truly heartening that not only the Kingdom of Heiden but also the Findal Empire and the Highre Church have moved to assist Sea Sipho in its time of peril.”
“We are, of course, grateful for Weed’s cooperation as well.”
“However, Lord Yuki… forgive my bluntness, but even after hearing General Lake’s report, I still find it difficult to grasp the nature of your country.”
Well, it’s not like they could understand Weed just from a verbal explanation. Honestly, if someone claimed they understood Weed just by hearing about it, I’d either think they didn't believe a word of it or that they had a screw loose.
“Haha, well, I can’t exactly explain everything about Weed right here and now,” Yuki replied smoothly. “Perhaps we can discuss that at our leisure tomorrow? For now, could you please explain the current situation in Sea Sipho?”
“Hmm. Indeed, Lord Yuki is correct.”
“We shall set aside time tomorrow for that. I apologize that today will consist mostly of you listening to us, but we appreciate your patience.”
Yuki gave his usual non-committal response, but I noticed that the people of this country didn't look down on him at all. It was actually quite impressive. Then again, even if Weed is a small nation, he is a Prince Consort, so perhaps showing proper courtesy is only natural.
Regardless, I need to focus on the meeting. I need to hear about the monstrous threat looming over the Kingdom of Sea Sipho.
***
The delegation from the Kingdom of Sea Sipho began their greetings without any of the expected posturing or disdain. Usually, these things involve a lot of bickering, but that wasn't the case here. There were a few skeptical glances, but things proceeded without much issue.
Will Kagura and the others be able to continue the discussion so smoothly? What exactly is the Kingdom of Sea Sipho planning?
***
*Author's Note:*
I have decided to slow down the update pace for "Level 1 and Currently a Civilian." I am very sorry to everyone who looks forward to the chapters. However, the current reality is that I haven't been able to play any games, so please bear with me for a while. The new Pokémon was announced, so I have to give it my all in Pokémon!