第８８４堀：現在の新大陸魔力情報 (Part1)
Chapter 884: Current Magical Information of the New Continent
Side: Yuki
"……I have shown you a truly unsightly scene. I offer my deepest apologies."
Princess Carrie, making no attempt to hide her red, swollen eyes, bowed her head with dignity.
Well, bursting into tears during a conference would normally be considered a breach of etiquette. However, given the circumstances, no one here was about to complain.
"Nonsense, do not concern yourself. Weeping to celebrate a friend's new beginning—is that not a wonderful thing? It only proves what a good friend you are. I have no intention of blaming you for shedding tears for a companion."
Thanks to Queen Emerald, who had no direct stake in this marriage, speaking up first, any potential for others to criticize Kagura and the others was effectively crushed. Naturally, if a queen from another country declares there is no fault and no punishment, any of their own countrymen who tried to complain—even if just to stir up trouble—would be viewed as petty.
Well, there is always the possibility they might try to use this as a weakness later, but...
"A Princess Carrie, overflowing with human warmth—I would very much like to ask her to serve as our negotiator with Sea-Cypho from here on out. What say you, King Haiden?"
"Hmph. If the Queen of Sea-Cypho wishes for it, I do not mind, but I ask that you do not threaten Carrie over this matter."
"Indeed. I swear I shall do no such thing. Besides, I have heard that without her, we would never have met Weed. If you were to cast her out, I would be the first to offer her my protection."
Queen Emerald declared that she wanted Princess Carrie for herself. Well, from Sea-Cypho’s perspective, the contribution of Carrie and Kagura in summoning me—in summoning Weed—was immeasurable. Though, one wrong step could have led to the destruction of the entire nation...
"As if I’d hand over my cute niece. You haven't changed a bit, Emerald."
"Hmph. That you, who spent your days playing around, became King... I can see the hardships Princess Carrie has endured. Isn't that right? Archbishop Enol, Archbishop Findar, do you not agree?"
"Well, I suppose. Though, I failed just as miserably in this recent matter."
"I am ashamed to say I am the same. I never dreamed that a fanatic would emerge from within our own ranks. Still, King Haiden and Queen Emerald haven't changed at all, have they?"
"Truly. Their wicked natures haven't changed one bit."
"Ha! Still better than you, who acts on nothing but whim."
The leaders of these nations spoke with the casual air of old acquaintances.
"If I’m not mistaken, are you and Queen Emerald old friends?"
"Ah, you could call us old acquaintances."
"It’s exhausting to have a connection I thought had finally severed itself come back to life like this. Though, I suppose I should be overjoyed about the news regarding Weed and Princess Carrie."
"As you have likely already heard, these two originally had low succession rights. In the past, we traveled through various lands together."
"Yes. They even visited my domain."
"So, you were what one might call 'adventure companions'?"
"That is correct. Though it is highly regrettable. With this man around, it hardly qualifies as an adventure, so I’m not sure if we can even be called companions."
"Ha! Jumping from the top of a cliff into a cave at the bottom is not an adventure. It is suicide."
King Haiden and the Queen of Sea-Cypho faced each other, sparks flying between them. Yes, they must be quite close. And that word, "adventure"...
"Pardon me for interrupting your trip down memory lane. May I ask you something regarding that adventure?"
"Adventure? Oh! So you’re interested too, Yuki-dono! Well, of course you are! A man born into this world must go on an adventure at least once! To walk the world with your own two feet! How wonderful that is!"
"Fool. What Yuki-dono wants to hear about is likely the magical depletion phenomenon. Am I wrong?"
"That’s right. As Queen Emerald says, it is about the magical depletion phenomenon for now."
"I see..."
"However, I would also like to hear about things that caught your attention during your adventures, so I suppose I will be hearing your tales of adventure as well, King Haiden."
"Oh!! I see!!"
He looked so disappointed that I had no choice but to say that.
"Yuki-dono, there is no need to be considerate of Haiden."
"Well, well, it might lead to the elucidation of the magical depletion phenomenon, after all."
"Even so, we don't have time to listen to Haiden’s long-winded adventure stories. Keep it brief."
"Right, leave it to me."
"..."
We all wore expressions of absolute concern, but...
"It is fine. If His Majesty’s story drifts even slightly off-topic, I will be sure to correct him," said Princess Carrie with a beaming smile, proving to be a reliable ally. The message that she would absolutely not allow any wasted breath came through loud and clear.
"Now, Your Majesty. Please, proceed with the story related to the magical depletion phenomenon."
"Ah, um..."
Since even we could feel the pressure, King Haiden, who was receiving the full brunt of it, was acting completely suspicious. Well, if he had intended to talk about the phenomenon from the start, there wouldn't be a problem, but he clearly had intended to ramble on about his adventures. Everyone sensed it, but out of respect for Princess Carrie, we waited quietly for him to speak.
"Your Majesty. Why aren't you speaking? Could it be that you intended to tell an unrelated adventure story? In front of the busy leaders of various nations?"
With eyes that clearly said, *If that’s the case, you won't get off lightly*, it would be difficult for anyone to hold their ground. It would be a sight to see if King Haiden could provide information or if he would be punished by Princess Carrie.
"N-no way! I was just thinking about which information would be most useful! I’ve been on so many adventures, after all!"
"I see. Well, time is pressing, so please tell Yuki-sama and the others your best adventure story—anything that comes to mind is fine."
"Indeed. If there are other stories that might serve as information, you can just summarize them in a document later. Come now, let's hear it."
Queen Emerald chimed in, grinning as she backed up Princess Carrie. She really has a wicked personality. Well, I have no intention of stopping them. If information comes out, good; if not, future waste will be cut down. Either way, it works for me. Plus, it’s entertaining.
Cornered with no escape, King Haiden finally gave in.
"If I can't use my gags, then, thinking normally, it would have to be about the village where the goblins live."
"Ah."
Everyone let out a surprised sound, Princess Carrie included.
"Yuki-dono, you aren't surprised at all. And Emerald, you have a very dissatisfied look on your face."
"Well, I thought that might be the most likely lead."
"Ha! To think you’ve become such a spineless coward just from being threatened by Princess Carrie. Truly, a small-hearted man."
"Hmph. It’s just that I have no reason to go out of my way to please you."
"What!?"