第９４１堀：私だけの疑問 (Part1)
**Chapter 941: My Own Question**
**Side: Aslin**
"Whoa, that’s amazing! A grand display!"
"You’re impressed by the wrong thing... well, I suppose that’s true, too."
"Labyris, you shouldn't talk about that so openly. Look at Eris-san—her eyes are half-closed. There’s no telling when she might blow a fuse."
While chatting like that, we were enjoying the artillery practice Steve and his group were conducting in the forest. As Firia-chan said, it’s rare to see such a flashy, thunderous display, so it was quite a sight. And as Shera-chan noted, Eris-onee-chan was desperately trying to suppress her rage. I’d heard before that artillery fire costs an astronomical amount of money. Seeing so much of it being fired off right in front of us must be agonizing for Eris-onee-chan, who manages the finances.
But more than that, something else was bothering me.
"Hey, Labyris-chan. Eupia-chan has been acting strange for a while now."
"Aslin. That is the Emperor. Watch your language. The power of Weed doesn't reach this far. If you say something careless, you’ll just be a burden to Yuki. You understand that, right?"
"Ah, um. Sorry. But, Eupia-Emperor-chan is acting really weird."
It’s true. Emperor Eupia is acting strange. From the very beginning, she’s been afraid of something. What could it be?
"…Shera, is it really okay to add '-chan' to an Emperor's title?"
"…Er, I’d say it’s not exactly appropriate. But setting that aside, Aslin, I believe the Emperor’s expression is stiff because she’s witnessing the true strength of Weed."
"That’s right! She’s surprised by Brother’s power!"
"Yeah, I think that’s part of it, but… but…"
Still, I felt like it was something else. It felt like she was terrified of something deep, deep down in her heart. But I couldn't figure out what it was. While I was struggling to find the words, the artillery practice ended before I knew it, and Brother was handing the radio to Emperor Eupia. I think he was confirming that she could talk to people far away.
"…I see. …However, what am I supposed to do?"
I heard that faint whisper. No one else around us seemed to notice, but I heard it clearly. Emperor Eupia was troubled by something. I didn't hesitate. As I started to glide naturally toward the Emperor…
"Wait, Aslin."
"That’s right. You really can't do that."
"Yes, Aslin. Please, hold back."
Firia-chan and the others stopped me in a panic. Yeah, they’re right. I know you shouldn't just walk up to important people. I’ve studied enough to know that much. So…
"Brother."
"Hm? What is it, Aslin?"
I decided to talk to Brother first. After all, it doesn't matter how important someone is if I talk to Brother—because I’m his bride.
"Um, I want to talk to Eupia-Emperor-chan."
"…Aslin, you really do add '-chan' to everyone's name, don't you?"
Brother seemed more amused by my habit of adding "-chan" than by the fact that I wanted to talk to the Emperor. But that’s not what I wanted to ask.
"Brother. Can I talk to her?"
"Ah, wait a second. I need to confirm it with her first."
With that, Brother turned to the Emperor.
"Emperor Eupia, I know you are busy checking the radio, but could you spare a moment?"
"Ah, yes. What is it? We have plenty of time until the radio is transported to the castle, anyway."
"I see. If you don't mind, this child, Aslin, says she would like to speak with you."
Brother introduced me.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Aslin."
I performed the noble greeting that Seraria-onee-chan and Ruru-onee-chan had taught me.
"Huh? Ah, no. A pleasure to meet you. It’s different from the customs of my country, but your manners are impeccable. You’ve been well-educated, and to have learned such etiquette at such a young age… you’ve worked hard."
Emperor Eupia praised me. Even though there was a hint of surprise, she seemed genuinely relieved.
"Yes. Brother and the others taught me very well."
"I see. So, for you, Aslin, Yuki-dono and the others are good brothers and sisters?"
"Yes, they are the best."
"I see, I see. It is a good thing to be close. However, Aslin, why did you come as one of the envoys of Weed? It might be rude of me to say, but you are still small. I don't see what role you could fulfill as an envoy."
"To protect Brother."
I told her the reason I came, clearly and simply.
"Hmm. You don't seem to be lying. But if you are a bodyguard rather than an envoy, is it appropriate for you to bypass the envoys and speak to me directly?"
"Augh."
That was a tough point to counter. It’s true that my behavior wasn't exactly proper. I wondered what I should do. As I was agonizing over it, Emperor Eupia suddenly burst into a hearty laugh.
"Fufu. My apologies, that was a bit too much teasing. Well, a little casual conversation is fine. You greeted me properly, and I returned it. That means we are allowed to talk, don't you agree?"
When the Emperor said this to her aides, they all nodded.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. Though, Majesty, I believe you should be a bit gentler with children."
"I know that without you telling me. Still, I didn't understand your intentions. Whether you were an envoy or a bodyguard, it was only natural for me to be cautious. You understand that, don't you, Aslin?"
"Yes, I understand."
Brother and the others often say that important people have to be careful about such things, and I understand that much.
"Now, we’ve taken a long way around, but you wanted to talk, didn't you? In that case, I have a few things I’d like to ask you as well. Do you mind?"
"Yes, that’s fine. Is that okay, Brother?"
"Yeah, feel free to talk."
"…Ah, excuse me. I’m getting a call on the radio. Let’s save the small talk for later, forgive me."
"No, it’s okay… I mean, it is fine."
*Oops, I have to watch my tone.* But Emperor Eupia, while holding the radio to her ear, muttered…
"You don't have to force yourself to be formal. No, I wasn't talking to you, Aslin. You have no charm whatsoever."
"Hehe."
It seemed like she had mixed up her words for the person on the radio with her conversation with me. That happens sometimes.
"Muu. Because of you, I’ve been laughed at. Hm? You want confirmation that the radio is working properly? This conversation is proof enough. Yes, indeed. Tell the messenger to return with that radio immediately. And tell them not to break it or lose it."
After saying that, the Emperor lowered the radio and turned back to Brother.
"How was it?"
"Indeed. There is no doubt that this tool is the real thing. …To think you would hand over something like this so easily. Should I take this as a sign that you trust us?"
"Yes. We trust you as well. It’s a risk we have to be willing to take, isn't it?"