第９６１堀：驚愕 いや、本当に (Part1)
**Chapter 961: Astonishment, No, Really**
**Side: Yuki**
I had thought, "Another troublesome visitor, huh?"
But, if I changed my perspective a little, this was a good opportunity to learn about the former Imperial faction, and it would also serve as a perfect moment for Princess Palfil, who had been agonizing over what to do next, to make a firm decision.
With that in mind, I stopped their fleet with the aircraft carrier anchored in the bay and met with the envoy from Haine...
"By the Emperor’s decree, Aurelia Port shall be transferred from the Kingdom of Gusdo to the Haine Empire."
"““Excuse me?””"
He suddenly started spouting nonsense.
"Furthermore, that giant ship will be requisitioned for the upcoming war against the Zurabl Great Empire. Understood?"
"No, that is not understood. We are not the Kingdom of Gusdo. I told you, we are Weed."
This guy—he wasn't listening to a word I said.
"I have never heard of a country called Weed. No such nation is recorded in the Imperial Registry. Therefore, it is a mere self-proclamation. Or, you have established a country without permission. In any case, it is treason against the Emperor. I am saying I will overlook that crime. Hand over the ship quietly. If you do not, you shall be punished for treason."
"““……””"
This is bad. This guy isn't just "not all there"; he’s completely hollow.
It’s best to chase away people like this quickly, but Princess Palfil needed to make her decision. For now, I decided to ask about the fate of the Kingdom of Gusdo.
"Sigh. Well, setting us aside for a moment, is it really okay to seize Aurelia Port from the Kingdom of Gusdo?"
"I already gave the order, did I not? It is the Emperor’s decree."
"What about alternative land or compensation?"
"There is no such thing. Every country is exhausted from the war with Zurabl. The Kingdom of Gusdo should gladly cede their territory and prepare for the fight against Zurabl under Haine’s banner."
Oh, this guy is absolutely insane.
The absurdity of it left Princess Palfil and her retainers standing there in a daze.
Well, it couldn't be helped, but their information was far too outdated. The Kingdom of Gusdo no longer existed.
However, Princess Palfil didn't seem so naive as to remain silent.
"…Excuse me. I am Princess Palfil of the Kingdom of Gusdo."
"Oh. So you are the princess of Gusdo."
"……"
Hey, hey. An envoy, of all people, calling a princess "you"?
...Right now, Haine’s reputation is plummeting at terminal velocity.
"…I have a question. Gusdo was fighting the Zurabl Great Empire. I believe we requested reinforcements at that time. What happened to them?"
"Hmph. The army for that request is us. That is precisely why you are to cede this Aurelia Port."
"““……””"
Everyone was speechless at the sheer audacity of his statement.
Oh, this is beyond ridiculous. Not only did they fail to arrive in time for the battle, but this was the only force they sent? And they have the nerve to act so high and mighty?
It’s a wonder there isn't more—no, wait, the reason the Zurabl Great Empire is fighting is precisely because there *was* dissatisfaction.
Regardless, Princess Palfil suppressed her anger at this ridiculous response and opened her mouth.
"…Did the Emperor himself issue such an order?"
"Of course. The Kingdom of Gusdo is also a loyal subject of the Emperor. Now, you should gladly hand over the port. And through marriage with me, the Kingdom of Gusdo shall become a vassal state of Haine. Prosperity will be guaranteed by that."
"““……””"
Another wave of shock.
At this point, it was clear they were nothing more than invaders. And talking about marriage? It was beyond comprehension.
Princess Palfil was trembling, and I couldn't blame her.
Then, with a beautiful smile, Princess Palfil said...
"Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Gusdo has already perished. I am the last survivor of the Gusdo royal family."
"What are you saying? This is the Kingdom of Gusdo’s..."
"This is already Weed territory. Standing here is Yuki-sama, the Prince Consort of the nation of Weed."
Princess Palfil declared it clearly. That this place was already Weed territory.
"Don't spout such nonsense! Are you mocking the Haine Empire?!"
You're the one to talk! That was surely what everyone was thinking.
Finally, Princess Palfil exploded.
"You’re the one who is mocking us! Hand over land for free? Marry me? The country becomes a vassal? If the Emperor is truly a person who would order such things, our country would never have sworn loyalty to him!"
"You insolent wretch!"
"My father! My mother! My retainers! They all took up their swords and fought for the sake of the Emperor! And for that! For that, this!!"
Princess Palfil let out a heart-wrenching scream.
Nobody wants to risk their lives for someone who would do something like this.
However, the Haine envoy, perhaps thinking it was natural to follow the Emperor’s orders and that no one would dare oppose them, turned bright red and reached for his sword...
"Insolent fools! Enough! My army will occupy Aurelia Port. You shall be executed as an example! Everyone, seize these fools! You may do as you please with the women, aside from the princess!"
As the idiot who couldn't read the room ordered his men, they started to rush forward, shouting like post-apocalyptic thugs. But then—
*THUD!*
With a dull sound, a man was sent flying in a straight line, smashing through the ship's railing and falling into the sea.
*SPLASH!*
Man, that was a satisfying sound. And the one who created that magnificent splash was...
"Scum. Even if Zurabl hadn't raised the flag of rebellion, I would have crushed you myself."
Deryu declared in a voice that chilled the air.
Yes, Deryu had effortlessly punched the attacking soldiers away. Well, Deryu was that kind of Demon Lord to begin with.
And then...
*CRACK!*
*SPLASH!*
"I absolutely hate people like you."
"Same here."
"Yes. Me too. Actually, if you get any closer, I’ll put a hole in your skull."
Milly, Ratz, and Eris were completely enraged and in combat mode.
Everyone here had been caught in war and sold into slavery. That last remark was the equivalent of stepping on a landmine.
The fact that they were saying this with sweet smiles made it even scarier.
While I was thinking about that, *BOOM! BOOM!*
After the explosions, two wooden ships were suddenly split down the middle and sank.
Well, they fired mortars from the aircraft carrier.
I guess talking is off the table; we’ll just have to show them our strength.
"Now, Haine envoy. You have two choices: lose your life here, or surrender. Which will it be?"
"D-don't mess with me!"
"You're clearly the one messing with us."
While I was saying that slowly, the envoy drew his sword and charged, but...
*ZAP!*
"Gah!?"
A bolt of electricity struck the man, and the shock caused him to collapse on the spot.