第９０７堀：竜をどう紹介しよう？ (Part2)
"Ah, I see. So there are those who would assume Yuki is acting on his own accord. Now, Ria, do you understand what kind of situation this leads to?"
Jessica suddenly posed a question to Ria. She’s been working hard lately, so I figured she might be able to grasp the nuance...
"Eh? Suddenly? Wait a second... Um, because it looks like he's acting on his own... does that mean people will think they can do whatever they want if they just cozy up to Yuki-san?"
"Exactly. If people think I got married on a whim, that in itself becomes a problem."
"I see. So, the marriage needs to be framed in a way that shows Seraria gave her formal permission, right?"
"That's the gist of it. Anyway, we've digressed. Now that we know where Seraria is, let's head over there. We need to discuss the presentation for introducing the Dragon Tribe."
With that, we immediately headed to the cathedral, but...
"Ah! Yuki-sama, over here! Over here!"
For some reason, the Archbishop of the Enaria Church was flustered, beckoning us to come over.
"What happened? Is there some kind of trouble?"
"No, well... First, please listen to the circumstances. We were discussing the wedding arrangements among the heads of the various religions, and then a dispute broke out among the ladies over the wedding cake—whether it should be a multi-tiered chocolate cake, a cheese cake, or a simple fresh cream cake... I tried to intervene, but..."
"..."
What on earth are they doing? Still, it is a debate over sweets, I suppose.
"For now, what is Archbishop Enaria's preference?"
"Me? Well, as a man, I personally find a bitter café au lait cake to be..."
"Ahhh!?"
"Hii!?"
At that exact moment, a voice of intimidation echoed from behind the door, as if to refute the Archbishop's words. What are they doing in there? I should deal with this before talking to Seraria.
As I stepped inside...
"A cheesecake is the best choice for a wedding cake. It has a firmer base than other sponge cakes, so it won't collapse," argued Alstaire, pushing for cheesecake.
Well, it’s true that some cakes are sturdier than others.
"What are you saying? Cheesecake is a matter of personal taste. Chocolate is the way to go. A chocolate cake is far more befitting of a wedding," countered the Holy Maiden Hifie.
A literal goddess, arguing with mortals over such things... Though, I certainly understand her love for chocolate cake.
"I won't say your opinions are wrong, but we should return to the basics. That is to say, a shortcake. We should go with a simple one made of fresh cream and strawberries. Enola desires it as well."
Wow, the head of the Haire religion from the New Continent was using the bride, Enola, as a shield to push for shortcake.
"I mean, what are you all doing? If you're planning to do a cake-cutting ceremony on the spot, we don't have the time for this."
"Ah."
When I interjected, they finally seemed to realize the reality of the situation.
"Well, that's true. Just counting the brides alone, how many are there this time?"
"No, Seraria. You shouldn't be the one forgetting that."
As I replied to her, I searched for the source of the voice and found her gracefully pouring hot water into a teapot in the corner of the conference room.
"It's fine. I just don't engage in the boorish act of counting. Let's see: Ria, Dressa, Vilia, Hiiro, Jessica, Agil, Cleena, Samantha, Kagura, Mikos, Enola, and Stasia—that makes twelve. My, what a large number. You're happy, aren't you?"
"I am, but I could do without the headache of all this preparation. And why were you just calmly watching the wedding cake war unfold?"
"Because, obviously, it's a good way to learn the preferences of the heads of the Rite Church, Enaria Church, Hifie Holy Church, and the Haire religion. Since the cakes will be served as a gift from the country anyway, it's good to have the types decided."
"..."
I see. Indeed, if the cakes are the "top picks" of the religious leaders, no country would be able to complain. Though, the religious dignitaries looked quite embarrassed to have their personal tastes exposed through such an unsightly squabble.
"So, what did you need?"
"Ah, right. I had something to discuss regarding the Dragon Tribe."
Now then, time to finish my work. How would you introduce dragons to the public? Well, having them transform right in front of everyone is the most straightforward way. However, doing that in reality without prior notice would inevitably cause a panic.
"Well, couldn't you just make arrangements?" you ask. But how do you secure space in a venue packed with people? Reality is full of complications. It's difficult enough for people in power, let alone an average person trying to introduce a dragon—it's impossible. In stories, keeping it a secret or being chased by mysterious factions is almost a given.
The world is a tough place, isn't it?