第９４１堀：私だけの疑問 (Part2)
"Indeed. So, you used this device to issue direct attack orders to an army so far away."
Wow, Empress Eupia is amazing. From that exchange just now, I realized she had been giving orders directly to Steve and the others.
"Yes, that is correct. Now, what would you like to do about the forest clearing? We can still continue, if you wish."
"Hmm. While I appreciate the efficiency, the trees have been completely obliterated. I had intended to use the timber for construction, so let us refrain from further clearing."
"Understood. I shall have the troops withdraw. Now, would you like to observe a demonstration?"
"Indeed. I am quite eager to learn the secret behind that astonishing offensive capability."
"In that case... it cannot be done immediately. Given the sheer power involved, you would need to designate an appropriate location for us to show you."
"I see. To coordinate that, we should return to the castle first. Wait—if I do that, I might miss the messenger. What should I do?"
Seeing Empress Eupia troubled, I spoke up.
"You can just contact them with the radio. The messenger has one, right?"
"Ah, you are quite right. I know how to use it, so that is no issue. A brilliant suggestion, Aslin."
She praised me and immediately contacted the messenger. She’s become so adept at using the radio; it’s truly impressive. Most people would be confused and need plenty of practice, but she doesn't seem to have that problem at all.
"Very well. The contact is complete. I have ordered them to wait in front of the castle, so we shall not miss each other. Let us head back. Also, Lord Yuki."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Order the Weed army currently waiting in the distance to move to this gate. I shall guide them to a nearby campsite. I will also provide them with some food. I cannot simply leave a guest's escort to fend for themselves."
"I am grateful for your consideration."
Yes! Now Steve and the others can come closer.
As we headed back to the castle, the Empress turned to me.
"Aslin, I apologize for cutting our conversation short earlier. However, we are currently in transit. If there is anything you wish to talk about, I am listening."
"Um, there are lots of things. Let's see... oh, what are the delicious foods of the Zurable Empire?"
"Delicious foods?"
"Yeah. Like, local specialties? What’s popular here in the Imperial Capital?"
"Oh... wait a moment. You there, what are the specialties Aslin speaks of?"
Since Empress Eupia is an Empress, she isn't very familiar with such things. It seems she’s asking her attendants.
"Let's see. Among the nobility, the meat of the Continental Monitor Lizard is popular. Among the common folk, a warm, thin, and soft baked item called a 'hotcake' seems to be the trend."
"Ho? I was aware of the monitor lizard, but I did not know such food was popular among the commoners."
"Heh, so there are hotcakes here too."
They have hotcakes here, too. They’re so soft and delicious. You can put all sorts of sauces on them, or jam. They’re one of my favorite foods. My big brother always stacks them high and puts honey and whipped cream on top for me. He always says he’s bad at baking, but he makes them for me often because they’re easy.
As I was thinking about that...
"Aslin, it must be that! We must buy some!"
"Ah, hey!? Firia!?"
"Firia-chan, I’m coming too!"
"Aslin, you mustn't!?"
Labyris-chan and Shera-chan tried to stop me, but I had to investigate the local specialty, so I followed Firia-chan, dashed out, bought ten servings of hotcakes, and returned.
"Honestly, don't just run off in the middle of a trip. If there's something you're interested in, just tell me and I'll buy it for you. Look, you're troubling Empress Eupia and her people, aren't you?"
"No, no, it is quite alright. Thanks to this, I have learned of the food of the commoners. It is a good opportunity. Now, do you intend to eat all of this yourself?"
"Nope. I thought we could all eat together. Here, Empress Eupia."
"...'Empress-chan.' Fufu. Very well. I grant you permission to call me by that name. And this is for me? You have no concerns about poison, I see. Well, of course—you would not think that an Empress would consume such common street food."
Saying that, Empress Eupia took a bite of the hotcake right there.
"Ho. This is quite delicious, is it not? Indeed, indeed. It is a wonderful thing that such delicious food exists among the common folk."
She’s always thinking about those around her, just like my big brother and big sister, I thought.
Wait? I felt like Empress Eupia was scared of something earlier... oh well, never mind.
Aslin is sensitive. And she is more of an angel than anyone else.
However, since her true form has already shifted from a beautiful young child to a beautiful young girl as 'Super Aslin,' perhaps this is a bitter betrayal for the Empress?