第９６４堀：尋問と血染め悪魔 (Part2)
"Since you seem to have accepted that, let us continue. You claim to be an envoy of Hein, yet you have committed acts that amount to a declaration of war against other nations that trade with the Gusdo Kingdom. Are we to understand that this, too, is the will of Hein?"
"……"
It seems he isn't quite foolish enough to consider acts that invite new enemies without his country's authorization to be acceptable. He wasn't *that* stupid, it seems.
"Silent, are we? Very well. That shall be clarified in due time. Now, changing the subject, regarding Princess Parfil..."
"That’s right! Bring out the Princess! Why is she not present at this gathering? We came all this way at the request of the Gusdo Kingdom! We even sent an envoy!"
*Ah, he just keeps shouting.* That was the only impression I had, but Yuki and Shou-u seemed to feel differently; their gazes sharpened...
"An envoy, you say? Does that mean the envoy has returned, the terms have been settled, and that is why you have come here?"
"Exactly. That is why, if you do not hurry, the Gusdo Kingdom will perish! Perhaps there were some rude behaviors toward people of other nations, but time is of the essence!"
He nodded as if it were obvious in response to Yuki's question, further emphasizing the current crisis. However, even I could sense something was off by this point. He said the envoy had returned, but that was...
"That is impossible. Or rather, it is already too late."
Just as Shou-u replied, it was impossible. And as for protecting the Gusdo Kingdom, it was already too late. After all, the Gusdo Kingdom had already fallen.
"What kind of foolish things are you spouting!"
"I said it was impossible, and that it was too late. First, I said it was impossible because there is no way the envoy could have returned. In the first place, didn't you come here without waiting for the envoy to return?"
When Shou-u asked that, the man wore a face as if he had bitten into a bitter bug.
"……It is true that I left because waiting for a reply would not be in time. But there is no way they would not accept the conditions. If they do not accept, the country will perish. Why did that princess refuse? One must not let personal feelings sway the fate of a nation!"
Well, I understand that protecting a country isn't all sunshine and rainbows. But I think that attitude only invites more backlash. In the first place, the reason Princess Parfil was so angry wasn't just because she was being forced into a marriage. Well, maybe that was a small part of it.
As I was thinking that, Shou-u opened her mouth.
"Indeed, you are correct. When deciding the fate of a nation, it is only natural to ignore the feelings of a single individual."
"That is exactly it! Yesterday's incident was due to the Princess's incompetence!"
"However, if the country has already been destroyed, how do you suppose your words sound?"
"Huh?"
The man was stunned for a moment by Shou-u's retort, but as if he immediately understood the meaning, his face turned to one of astonishment...
"N-no way! Gusdo has already..."
"Yes. That is correct. The Gusdo Kingdom has already been destroyed. By the hands of our Zulable Empire."
"Wha!? Ah!?"
He seemed even more shocked by Shou-u's words, but the next moment, he uttered something unexpected.
"Ugh, silver hair, and that red flower hair ornament adorning those silver locks. And the red attire. Y-you are the Blood-Stained Devil!"
"Blood-Stained Devil?"
Another nickname I didn't know. Well, I suppose if you look at Shou-u from a distance, it might appear as if she is bathed in blood, given her silver hair and red-based clothing. The red flower hair ornament probably makes the association with blood even stronger.
"That's right! This woman has destroyed many countries that serve the Emperor, starting with our Hein Empire! Along with that Great Devil, Zulable!"
*Ah*, so that’s what that tiny Emperor is called. Well, if that’s the kind of reputation they have, it’s no wonder he thought a young girl appearing as the Emperor was a fake.
Shou-u, having been called that, didn't particularly react to the nickname and stated calmly:
"I am glad you know who I am. In that case, shall I act in a manner befitting the Blood-Stained Devil?"
Saying that, Shou-u took the dagger handed to her by a subordinate and approached.
"Kuh, I will not yield to the likes of you! The Emperor, and our country, will never lose to demons like you! And this is the end for you too! The righteous Hein fleet will arrive at this port shortly! Hahaha!"
*Oh*, it’s impressive that he can maintain such an arrogant attitude even at a time like this. Well, he did let some information slip, too. I get it. This guy is just an idiot.
Rejoice! It's a knightly "Kuh, kill me!" moment! You did it!
The snowman isn't happy at all, though!
And, I think you can guess without me saying it, but next time: a pitfall.
After all, it is X-Day!