第９８９堀：わからないことは聞いてみよう (Part1)
**Chapter 989: If You Don't Know, Just Ask**
**Side: Yupia**
"...And that is the reason for the delay in my report."
"Well, I did hear beforehand that the report would be coming today..."
I replied, then fell silent for a moment. Yesterday, Show had come to me seeking permission.
*“Your Majesty. There is a matter of great importance that arose after the banquet, and it will take until morning to resolve. Therefore, I would like to submit my report tomorrow morning...”*
Since that was the content of his request, I readily agreed and waited until this morning to hear the report, but...
"...Show. First, there is something I must confirm."
*“Yes, Your Majesty? What is it?”*
"Are you perhaps feeling lightheaded from staying up all night, or are you perchance intoxicated from alcohol?"
*“That is not the case. Besides, I do not partake in alcohol.”*
"That is true, I suppose..."
That means the report I received this morning was not a product of Show’s dreams, delusions, or auditory hallucinations.
"I want to believe your words, I truly do... But an 'Intercontinental Exchange Alliance,' was it? Over a hundred participating nations? And if you combine their landmasses, they far exceed our Zrable? Hmph. Such nonsense—I simply cannot believe it."
*“Yes. I have only heard of it myself, so I cannot say for certain...”*
"But that part, I could perhaps accept. Given that it is a nation like Weed, I can understand that their territory might be vast beyond my comprehension. However, you claim there is another continent across the sea, and that it is connected to this one via something called a 'Gate'? Do not spout such ridiculous lies."
The final part was something even I found impossible to believe—it could only be an obvious lie. A large-scale magical tool called a "Gate" that allows one to travel to distant places in an instant, and they are using it for trade? If such a convenient thing existed, no one would ever suffer! I barely managed to suppress the urge to shout that and continued calmly.
*“I wish I could dismiss it as foolishness, but the Queen of Sea-Cypho, the King of Haiden, and even Archbishop Enol of the Haire Church who were present... none of them denied it...”*
"...That is a bit too elaborate for a mere prank."
*“Yes. Well, it is possible this is retaliation for the various inconveniences we have caused them.”*
"If they were going to go through the trouble of such an incomprehensible harassment, it would have been faster to simply say they wouldn't trade with us from the start."
If that were the case, there would be no point in going through the trouble of taking Show all the way to Sea-Cypho.
*“...For now, I will continue visiting the various countries and offering my greetings. I will also continue to investigate Weed. I shall verify the truth of the 'Gate' while I am at it.”*
"Indeed. That is the only way. I, too, shall try asking Aslin and the others. If it is those children, they would not tell such trivial lies. If such a thing truly exists, I shall join you there. Since it is a Gate, it would be an instant journey, would it not?"
*“Haha. That would be nice. Well, please let me know in advance if you intend to come.”*
"Understood."
And so, the absurd report concluded. I took a breath, and as the confusion began to settle, I finally realized.
"...Though, I don't even know how to bring up the subject of the 'Gate' to Aslin and the others."
Until a moment ago, I thought I could simply ask, "Does the Gate exist?" but upon further reflection, asking such a dubious question to Aslin and the others would also be heard by their guards. If Aslin answered that it existed, that would be fine, but if she tilted her head in confusion, I would have to provide a detailed explanation. I would be the one explaining the existence of an impossible tool that allows one to travel to distant lands in an instant. What would Aslin and the guards think if they heard that...?
"No matter how I look at it, they might say I’ve finally lost my mind."
At a time when I am about to decide the fate of the nation against the old imperial faction, if rumors spread that the head of state has become deranged, it could shake the very foundations of the country. ...Could this be their goal?
"...No, that cannot be. Rather than resorting to such a pathetic scheme, it would be easier and more certain to simply take my head."
Weed possesses more than enough power to do that with ease.
"...Very well. I shall stop thinking about it pointlessly. I will just ask them secretly and honestly."
Yes, there is no need to ask so grandly. If it is Aslin and the others, even if I say something slightly strange, they would not mock me or spread it to others. I believe we have enough of a friendship to trust them with that much. Even if that expectation were betrayed, it would simply mean my judgment of character was lacking.
"Since that is decided, I shall go ask them immediately. It is almost lunchtime, after all."
Recently, it has become standard for me to have lunch with Aslin and the others, and I always take a break during the lunch hour. In our country, it is normal to eat only two meals—morning and night—so I was surprised when I first heard of this. Well, the fact that they have such leisure is proof of Weed's prosperity. I thought so, and when I was invited to join them for lunch, I found that there was much to be gained from it. I learned that sitting at the same table to eat is not merely about consuming sustenance together.
"Indeed. I shall trouble you again today."
"Oh, Emperor Yupia-chan. We were waiting for you!"
As I entered the room, Aslin greeted me while wearing a cute apron. I had forgotten, but the joy of eating with someone else... Due to my profession, I often end up eating alone. And when I do share a meal with others, it is for the sake of political maneuvering, leaving no room to enjoy the food. But here...
"It will be ready soon, so please sit and wait!"
"No, I shall help with the serving as well. Since I am being allowed to join you."
"Then, I'll prepare it with Hiiro and the others."
Like Firia and Hiiro, I prepared my own meal and brought my portion over. Truly, it brings back memories. Somewhere along the way, I had been distanced from such things, told that it was not the work of an Emperor. And above all, the reason why this lunch is so wonderful is...
"Oh! It is curry today!"
"My, if it isn't Emperor Yupia-chan. I knew you’d come."
"Choosing curry was the right call. Here, we have both bread and rice."
"You understand well!"
Yes! Delicious food! My Zrable has many delicious dishes, but frustratingly, they do not compare to Weed at all! I remember the day I devoured the curry, stunned by the gap between our nations and the sheer abundance they possessed. And today, the curry—the number one ranked delicious food in Weed—is waiting for me. And what’s more, I can eat as much as I want. Is there any happiness greater than this? Just as I was thinking that...
"Oh, Emperor... Yupia-chan. How about topping it with fried shrimp, tonkatsu, or hamburger steak today?"
"I recommend the fried eggplant and cheese."
"W-what... Toppings!?"
It seems I was a person of very small capacity. I was satisfied with the supreme dish that is curry, and had not even considered the possibilities beyond it. I see. This—this is what it means to be wealthy. Certainly, the runner-up dishes like fried shrimp and hamburger steak are delicious. But I had never even thought of the idea of combining them. In other words...
"It is invincible!"
"It is the strongest!"
"Indeed!"
An invincible, strongest dish has been born here! What a peak of luxury.