第９３８堀：皇帝との謁見 (Part1)
Chapter 938: Audience with the Emperor
Side: Seraria
Yuki really seems worried that I might draw my blade and start a fight. Honestly, to think he views me as a woman who can’t even exercise that much restraint.
"Isn't that just reaping what you've sown?"
"Did you say something, Quar?"
"No, nothing at all. However, please remember that for this occasion, Her Majesty is strictly in the position of one of Yuki-sama's attendants. Please, do not forget that."
"I know. I have no intention of dragging my husband down."
"That is good to hear. We are arriving at the Imperial Castle now. Please refrain from any careless chatter."
"I know that, too. Still, what a massive castle. I suppose that’s what you’d expect from an Emperor?"
I muttered that while looking up at the castle towering over the Imperial Capital. The Zurable Great Empire. According to the intelligence gathered by my husband and the others, in terms of national power, it’s equivalent to merging the three kingdoms of Roschur, Gartz, and Litea. It is a nation of truly staggering scale.
The very fact that they can properly govern such a vast territory speaks volumes about the Zurable Great Empire’s administrative capabilities. The nations of Rogari couldn't manage this. Well, the presence of an external enemy—the former Emperor—and the ongoing struggle to decide the victor between them is likely one of the factors that allows them to maintain control over such a vast land.
As I was thinking about this, the carriage carrying us entered the castle grounds and stopped. The doors opened.
"Welcome to the Imperial Castle of Zurable."
The ones who came to greet us were Vol and his group, who had gone ahead to explain the situation. Since I had been tracking them via dungeon management, I already knew, but they hadn't been executed on the spot, nor did they show any signs of having been tortured or punished. It’s quite strange, isn't it? A general who caused the near-collapse of an 80,000-strong army is being treated like this. Perhaps they are waiting to hear our side of the story before deciding on a formal punishment?
Well, that’s fine. We stepped out of the carriage and were guided into the interior of the castle, surrounded by soldiers and maids. The opulence I felt from the outside was mirrored within; it was a testament to the Zurable Great Empire’s wealth and technical prowess.
"……Though, compared to Weed, it still looks a bit inferior, doesn't it?"
"Seraria-sama. That was not part of the agreement."
I was immediately chided by Quar, who was walking beside me. It’s the usual, but I suppose the comparison is unfair. Still, this place has its own charm. As Yuki mentioned before, perhaps we should build a castle like this in Weed? If the people of Weed don't have a standard of comparison when they go elsewhere, they might be confused. Having a benchmark would make it easier to gauge a nation's power, and it would help others understand Weed as well.
That said, if we were to build a castle using Weed's technology and wealth, would it end up being a skyscraper reaching far into the clouds? ……Considering the total construction and maintenance costs for that, Eris would absolutely never agree to it. I don't have the confidence to persuade Eris for something like that, so it's rejected.
As I was thinking about such idle matters while observing the interior, we arrived before a set of massive doors and came to a halt.
"Everyone from Weed, this is the Audience Chamber. Since formal diplomatic relations have not yet been established, you do not need to kneel or bow your heads, but I ask that you show the minimum level of courtesy. For example, please refrain from interrupting the Emperor or making noise within the chamber."
Vol warned us. ……To think they would bring everyone into the Audience Chamber just like that; this is troublesome. I had assumed we would be taken to a waiting room first, with only a few representatives attending the audience. Are they planning to use our potential lack of etiquette—including the children—to gain an advantage in negotiations?
"However, young ladies, please do not push yourselves. If you need anything, please tell the nearby maids. We will respond immediately."
"Un. Thank you, Vol-san."
"Thank you, indeed."
"Thank you for your gentlemanly conduct, Vol."
"Yes. Please let me know if you need anything."
"Old man, thanks!"
"Hiiro. You shouldn't say things like that."
"Hahaha. It is fine. I am undoubtedly an old man, after all. His Majesty will not take issue with the words of young ladies."
He’s kind to the children. Well, I suppose he wouldn't try to use a child's lack of etiquette to gain an advantage, as it would look unstatesmanlike. But if that’s the case, shouldn't he have guided us to a separate room instead of taking the risk of delaying the audience?
It’s baffling. I understand they are trying to probe us, but their objective is unclear. The most likely possibility is that they are thinking of capturing us all, children included, in one fell swoop.
Ah, it's no use thinking about it. First, I have to speak with this "Emperor."
I steeled myself and stepped into the opened Audience Chamber. A deafening sound rang out, as if it were a signal, and I was momentarily startled before realizing it was an orchestra playing on both sides of the room. To have an entire orchestra... and to use it for our welcome? I should take this as a sign that they hold us in high regard. Usually, you wouldn't go to such lengths to welcome someone you look down upon.
We arrived before the empty throne.
"The arrival of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Zurable."
As if our stopping was the signal, the man standing beside the throne announced the Emperor's entrance. Vol and the others from the Zurable Great Empire immediately knelt and bowed their heads. The large door beside the throne opened with a heavy sound, and a small girl trotted inside.
What? What is the meaning of this?
My understanding couldn't keep up. It’s impossible for such a small child to be the Emperor, but since all the high-ranking officials of the Zurable Great Empire were bowing in unison, she must be the real one, or perhaps a body double.
Ah, I see. They’re trying to rattle us. If we show agitation or act rudely without thinking, we’ll be playing right into their hands. Vol did say that while he would forgive the children's lack of etiquette, he wouldn't forgive the adults'. I understood and accepted this immediately, but the little girl seemed to have read our agitation, and she grinned at us. It was a smile far too wicked to be called a simple grin.
……We have someone like that back home, too. Like Labyris.
The girl called the Emperor sat on the throne and announced her name.
"Guests from Weed. I am the Emperor of the Zurable Great Empire. Youpia."
So this child really is the Emperor... If it were the old me, I would have laughed and denied it. But since I started being with my husband, I have experienced countless unexpected things, so I won't underestimate her just because she looks young.
"Ho. You lot... you are surprised, but that is all, is it? No, no, it is I who have been surprised. Oh, excuse me."