第９４３堀：晩餐会の意図 (Part2)
"No, considering the level of this country, I think it’s quite delicious. It’s just that, when compared to the alcohol from Weed, I can’t help but..."
"The standard of comparison is too different, isn't it? This has its own charm, don't you think? It’s likely a local variety, isn't it?"
To be honest, I don't know the first thing about the quality of wine. To me, it’s all just alcohol, and that’s all there is to it. As I was sipping my drink, the Emperor of Yupia approached me.
"How is it? Are you enjoying tonight’s banquet?"
"Yes. Thank you very much for such a grand welcome. By the way, who are the people attending?"
"Hmm, they are the influential nobles living here in the Imperial Capital of our Zuraburu Empire. Simply put, they are the main subjects under my command. I have officially recognized you as envoys from Weed and Seasifo. It is only natural to make this widely known. I wish to avoid any trouble caused by those who are ignorant of your status."
"I understand the public reason, but what about the private one?"
"You certainly don't hesitate to ask, do you? Well, perhaps that makes things easier. You see, I am confirming if anyone knows of you, Yuki-dono. We had to consider the possibility that you were spies from some small, unknown nation that neither I nor my aides were aware of."
"And what was the result?"
"Since not a single person here recognized you, it is almost certain that you are indeed envoys from Weed and Seasifo. Well, after being shown that Musenki and the scale of your attack, I personally had no doubts, but those who didn't see you there were not so easily convinced."
So, it was also to persuade those around him. Honestly, every place is truly a handful. Still, with this...
"Can I assume the suspicions have been cleared?"
"Indeed. Although it has only been one day, having such overwhelming achievements and evidence thrust before them, even those who suspected you of being spies have no choice but to remain silent. Well, the jam and chocolate you shared seemed to be more effective than anything else."
"The jam and chocolate?"
"There is nothing harder to fake than food. In the world known to our Zuraburu Empire, such things did not exist. If you have any to spare later, I would appreciate it if you could provide more. It would be useful for persuading the stubborn ones."
"Understood. We have some in reserve with our unit, so I will provide you with some of that."
"I see. That helps."
It seems the suspicions have been cleared, and we have moved on to the stage of how to convince the subjects of the Zuraburu Empire.
"However, you are moving quite quickly."
"We have our own circumstances here. Just as you have come as envoys... well, Yuki-dono, you probably know the main reason, don't you?"
"You mean the matter regarding Vol-dono?"
"Indeed. We urgently need to compensate for the scattering of the 80,000 troops of the Second Front Army. I do not know how much you understand the state of affairs on this continent, but for our Empire, this is a significant blow."
That makes sense; if an army of 80,000 suddenly vanishes, it’s a major issue. They must need to explain it internally and externally and take appropriate measures.
"Whether it is fortunate or not, I cannot say, but what you and your people defeated were only the headquarters, the wyvern unit, and a portion of the flight magic unit. Most of the soldiers survived even though they scattered, and they are beginning to regroup. We plan to reorganize them soon. Though, the total annihilation of the wyvern unit is quite painful."
"So, you can plug the hole, so to speak?"
"No, that depends on you, Yuki-dono. I have received reports from Vol as well. Regarding the reason why Weed and Seasifo ended up participating in the war in the first place."
"The Gusdo Kingdom?"
"Indeed. You came here originally because of the Gusdo Kingdom, didn't you? What has become of Princess Parfil, the last remnant of that line? I heard she was at Aurelia Port."
Oh, the conversation turned to the Gusdo Kingdom sooner than I expected. Still, I wasn't sure how to answer.
"That topic would be better suited for another time."
"That is true. Let us not bring up topics that might stir anxiety among my subjects here."
As the Emperor of Yupia walked away, he added...
"I hope we can reach a mutually beneficial conclusion."
"Indeed. I would like to avoid any unnecessary trouble."
"It seems you are struggling as well. For now, enjoy the banquet. Oh, Aslin, Firia, Hiiro, are you enjoying yourselves?"
The Emperor immediately changed the subject and began chatting happily with Aslin and the others. Watching him, I brought the wine to my lips again... I just hope we can find a good compromise. That is what I thought.
A sudden banquet. A storm of schemes swirling within. And the promise of a meeting. What will become of the Zuraburu Empire and Weed? Will it be war, or reconciliation?