第９６１堀：驚愕 いや、本当に (Part2)
The one who had unleashed that lightning was...
"Don't think you can point a blade at my Yuki and get away with it."
It was Kagura. She stood by my side, shielding me.
Meanwhile, Mikos effortlessly disarmed the fallen man.
"What is with these people? It’s hard for me to believe anyone could be this foolish, Mikos-chan. So, Stasia, what kind of sword is this?"
"It’s just a mass-produced piece. Though, I suppose it must be very precious to this gentleman, so perhaps we should return it to him just as it is. If we return it directly to his heart, I’m sure he’ll be delighted."
Stasia accepted the sword, saying such ominous things with a perfectly serious face.
Looking around, every soldier who had shown hostility had already been struck down.
"Cease your futile resistance. If the crew stays quiet, I won't do anything to you. Or would you prefer to sink along with your ship?"
As Seraria spoke, the remaining soldiers immediately dropped their weapons, signaling their surrender. The crew offered no further resistance and followed our instructions, bringing the ship into the harbor.
Oh, by the way, the crew of the sunken ship was recovered by Hein’s people. As for the cargo that went down with it, I’ve asked Shera and her team to retrieve it. I hope there’s something interesting in there.
Now, before we get to checking the loot...
"Great Imperial Envoy Show-sama!"
"Y-yes? Princess Palfil?"
Show, taken aback by her intense, almost demonic expression, stammered. The two had only met face-to-face since Show arrived in this town, and even then, it had only been a brief encounter during a meeting; they had never truly spoken. That was why this situation was so extraordinary.
However, thanks to some idiot's actions, Princess Palfil had clearly made up her mind.
"I, and the people of the former Gusdo Kingdom, shall join the ranks of the Zurable Great Empire!"
That was her answer. And it seemed her subordinates were in unanimous agreement. Well, I suppose showing them that footage had an effect. Even so, for Show...
"W-well now. Princess Palfil, I saw the footage of the unreasonable treatment you received, but couldn't you calm down a little?"
"We are calm! We cannot possibly follow an Emperor who would do such things, such things! The Zurable Great Empire is clearly more trustworthy!"
"U-um, I am grateful you feel that way, but I can only report this to His Imperial Majesty..."
What Show said was perfectly correct. "We'll join you" and "Okay, accepted" is something that only works for small, individual parties. A mere subordinate cannot simply accept an entire nation into the fold on their own authority.
Nevertheless, Princess Palfil was still boiling with rage over what had just happened.
"Then, please connect us to His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Zurable, immediately! I know you have a radio! Please, put us through at once!"
"W-wait a moment, please!"
With that, Show dashed out of the room.
"Could you lend us a room for a meeting?"
"By all means. Though, Princess Palfil doesn't seem very calm yet, does she?"
"I know. But this is a good opportunity. It’s not every day the former Gusdo royal family willingly offers to become our allies."
Show and I discussed this as I guided them to a conference room...
"Please, use this. I’ll take my leave."
As I turned to head out, they stopped me.
"No, wait. Please, stay. The actions taken by the Hein Empire—the former Imperial faction—are something that must be discussed, including with Weed."
Well, that was true enough.
"Understood. Besides, there’s a chance they won’t believe you if it’s just Show-dono alone."
"...Yes, that’s true. But I never imagined the Hein Empire would act so foolishly."
"Normally, no one would expect someone to do something like that, so don't worry about it."
"...I suppose so."
We both looked off into the distance. In many ways, the world is a vast place.
In the sense of being completely devoid of common sense.
It’s really quite unpleasant.
Is that the kind of thing we’ll have to deal with from now on...?
There are people who surprise you in all sorts of ways.
People who can't read the room, or make you wonder what on earth they are thinking.
That’s the category they fall into.
Now then, what kind of image has the Hein Empire left you with?