第９５１堀：大国の皇帝が望む者 (Part2)
Since I am the one overseeing the imports, it is only natural that I must entrust the task to someone I can rely on.
"Very well, then let us begin the selection process..."
Just as I began to speak, an intruder burst into the Emperor’s office without so much as a knock.
I was on the verge of shouting at the guards for their negligence, but the moment I saw the face of the person who had entered, I was struck dumb.
"Your Imperial Majesty, Yupia. I have heard the rumors. Please, entrust the surveillance of those swindlers to me, the Grand Imperial Strategist, Show."
With those words, she performed a graceful bow. She was the brain of our nation.
No, she was the greatest intellect on this entire continent: Show Rorism.
She was the one person I, the Emperor of this great nation, desired above all others.
The Grand Imperial Strategist.
She was beautiful, brilliant, and possessed considerable martial prowess.
Despite all that, she had been a rare individual who, at the time, existed entirely outside the public eye, her name unknown to all.
As she lowered her head, her flowing silver hair fell into disarray, yet even that only served to make her look more beautiful.
Truly, being a beauty is a great advantage.
However, it remains a genuine mystery why she had been so obscure back then.
Well, that is not what is important right now.
"Show. Have you forgotten the etiquette of entering a room?"
"My deepest apologies. However, I acted as I did because I perceived this situation to be of the utmost gravity. Why have you handed over Aurelia Port to a country no one has ever heard of? Furthermore, you have left Princess Parfil in their custody. What exactly are you thinking!"
Show slammed her hand onto my desk with a *bang*.
Haa. It seems she is quite furious, as expected.
Well, that is only natural, I suppose.
"You have surely perused the report, which contains the reasons for my decision, have you not?"
Even so, I have no obligation to explain the reasons one by one at this late hour.
After all, I had compiled the entire sequence of events into a report and sent it to all relevant parties.
Naturally, it had reached Show as well; there is no way she could have failed to read it.
"I have seen it. However, is it not utterly preposterous? A military force led by the renowned General Vol crumbling in a single night of surprise attacks? That is impossible. Please, do not treat me like a fool!"
She slammed the desk again.
Mm. I understand her feelings well.
But reality is always merciless.
"Show. I understand your frustration, but the documents approved by the Imperial Council and my own authorization—the conclusions drawn from them are all fact, all reality."
"That is exactly why I am saying you are being deceived! I do not know what kind of silver-tongued lies they fed you, but I will be the one stationed at Aurelia Port to oversee it. I shall tear the masks off Weed and Sea-Cypho."
"Calm yourself. They have promised to supply us with Magic Gear once more. That is one thing we cannot afford to have reneged upon."
"I understand that well. ...You weren't talked into this on the condition of Magic Gear supplies, were you?"
"That is part of it, but I was not 'talked into' anything by them. In fact, if you trace it back to the source, it was your own strategy that sparked this entire affair. You understand that, don't you?"
When I said that, driving the point home, Show fell silent for a moment and turned her gaze to the documents...
"...Indeed. If the annihilation operation I ordered resulted in Weed and Sea-Cypho deciding to open hostilities, then it is my mistake."
She is not one to make excuses or shift blame when it comes to such things.
She honestly admits when she is in the wrong.
"Grand Imperial Strategist. Based on that, if you can appropriately handle the people of Weed and Sea-Cypho, I will entrust everything regarding Aurelia Port to you. What say you?"
She would take those facts, immediately rework the strategy, and propose something even more precise.
That is...
"Ha. Understood. I accept the governance of Aurelia Port. I shall also investigate the true intentions of Weed and Sea-Cypho."
Show bowed elegantly once more, signifying her acceptance.
"Very well. I leave it to you. Do be careful not to be discourteous. I doubt that would happen with you, but this is a nation we must not make an enemy of, even by the slightest chance."
"...Are you saying that much, Your Majesty?"
"Well, you will likely understand by tomorrow. Even Yuki-dono understands that they are not yet trusted. Now, that aside, the northern region you were assigned to—is everything in order?"
"Of course. Everything has been handled. The documents for that are here."
*Thud, thud...* She placed a stack of papers on the desk.
"Your work is perfect, as always."
"Yes. That is only natural. Therefore, please leave Aurelia Port to me."
Truly, one cannot complain about someone who is this capable.
Well, for the rest, I have no choice but to rely on Yuki-dono.
Thus, the Grand Imperial Strategist has appeared.
What is her true nature?
Will she become our greatest enemy? Or an ally?