第９９２堀：たのしいほうもん (Part1)
**Chapter 992: A Pleasant Visit**
**Side: Yuki**
"Oho! So this is the sea! How magnificent! How vast! How grand!"
The moment the Emperor of Eupia learned of the Gate, he had insisted on coming through immediately. Honestly, it was completely unexpected. Well, in truth, I did have about two days to prepare, but when the head of a nation decides to visit, two days is effectively the same as having no time at all. Because preparations weren't fully in order, I had him fly to Aurelia Port first, and I was currently acting as his escort.
"…My deepest apologies. I could not, in good conscience, bring Your Majesty directly to Sea-Cypho."
"Indeed. I understand that well. It would surely cause trouble for Sea-Cypho if you were to do such a thing."
In reality, there isn't a single place that would say "Sure, go ahead!" if asked, "Can I bring the head of a country over all of a sudden?" If something were to go wrong, it would undoubtedly become a casus belli. For many reasons, one needs a proper period of preparation.
As for me, I had just finished a whirlwind tour of the Hayden Kingdom, the Haire Church, and the Findar Kingdom over these past two days. It was a frantic pace, and I was on pins and needles worrying that it might be seen as disrespectful, but they welcomed me warmly. I suppose they were doing me a favor by saving face. I’ll have to thank them later.
While I was lost in thought about those hectic two days, the Emperor of Eupia, seemingly satisfied with his fill of the ocean, turned back to me.
"And so, this is Aurelia Port, not Weed, correct?"
"Yes. This is Aurelia Port, formerly of the Gusdo Kingdom," I answered honestly. I didn't want him to mistake this for Sea-Cypho.
Then, Shou spoke up.
"That said, this is still within the Weed territory. So, it is correct to say that Your Majesty has personally visited Weed to offer greetings and witness the state of the nation firsthand. Therefore, this visit to Weed is—"
"Enough with the unfunny jokes. If I do not properly visit the Weed mainland, there would be no point in me coming out here myself."
"Understood. However, could you please reconsider?"
"I understand your sentiment well. But more than that, despite the great inconvenience this sudden request caused Lord Yuki, I felt this visit was absolutely necessary. Besides, you have already made the proper preparations, have you not?"
When the Emperor of Eupia asked me that, I replied:
"Yes. Not only have the lodgings been arranged, but Her Majesty the Queen is also looking forward to the meeting."
Tori and the others had worked hard to handle the lodging arrangements in my stead while I was swamped. Moreover, the inn chosen was that "horror inn," so there were no complaints about the location. As for the meeting with the Queen, we had actually already crossed paths in the Imperial Capital of Zurable. Well, Seraria seems to have her own ideas about that, and it’s not my place to interfere. If the preparations are ready, that’s all that matters. If this visit is a success, it will surely provide further momentum for Weed’s activities in that region. It also means we can properly investigate the mana depletion phenomenon.
"Very well. Though, I suppose the journey will be but an instant through the Gate. I leave it to you."
"Lord Yuki, we are in your care."
As the two of them spoke in unison, the soldiers waiting behind them offered a crisp salute. Seeing that, it was clear that these soldiers were well-trained. After all, this was likely their first time seeing the ocean, just like the Emperor, yet they remained perfectly in formation without even glancing at the sea.
*...Right. Once we get to Weed, I’ll take them to the private beach to let them have some fun. Everyone deserves a bit of free time. I’ll make sure to get the Emperor’s permission, of course.*
As I was making these plans, Aslin and the others came running out from the Gate.
"Big Brother—no, Lord Yuki! The welcoming preparations are complete."
"Complete, it is!"
"I see. So the welcome is ready."
It seemed the reception on the Weed side was also set. Even if it was supposed to be an incognito visit, having no reception at all would be the worst-case scenario. The Emperor of Eupia seemed to hear them as well.
"There is no need for such a grand reception, you know? I am well aware that this is a sudden visit."
"I appreciate your consideration, but if there were no one here to greet the Emperor of Eupia, it would be a stain on our honor."
"Hah, we are both in troublesome positions, aren't we?"
"Indeed. Truly. Well, once the first official visit is over, you’ll be able to come and go frequently, so this is just a one-time ordeal."
"Ah, I see. Since it’s only an instant to Weed, that is far better than anywhere else."
"That is true. Usually, whenever Your Majesty goes on an inspection, it requires such immense preparation, so being able to skip that is a blessing."
Shou nodded seriously, as if to say that was exactly the case. Well, it wouldn't do for the Emperor to just pop in and out without ceremony. However, if the frequency of visits increases, we won't need to prepare every single time. It saves on costs. In fact, guys like Blade from Roday already treat Weed like their own backyard. ...Actually, it’s terrifying how they suddenly start holding banquets for kings at the super-bathhouse, even mixing in with regular customers. Samantha said her stomach was in knots over it.
"Very well, shall we proceed at once?"
"Ah, yes. First, to ensure safety..."
Just as I was about to have Aslin and the others enter the Gate, the Emperor of Eupia took Aslin and Firia by the hands.
"Yes. This is better for safety verification. Isn't that right, Aslin, Firia?"
"Yeah. We're friends, after all!"
"If we hold hands, we won't get lost, it is!"
"Indeed. We are all friends. Very well, everyone, for the sake of safety! Hold hands with the person next to you and enter the Gate."
" " "Yes, sir!" " "
As expected of loyal soldiers. They followed the order, gripping each other’s hands—hands that were used to holding swords and heavy weapons—with firm, warm grasps. Honestly, it looked like something out of a commercial. Of course, that was just my own impression; to the people on the Weed side who didn't know the context...
"...Excuse me. What exactly are the people from the Zurable Empire doing?"
"Quiet. This is a matter for Lady Aslin."
It just looked like a group of soldiers doing something bizarre. Since the "first visit through the Gate" had become a routine event, I had kept the maids on standby to help with luggage, which ended up working against us. I’ll have to ask them to keep quiet about this later.
Well, setting aside that sad story, after the Zurable Imperial party passed through the Gate safely, I planned to follow them, but...
"Alright, Curse, Mauve, Raiya, I leave this side to you."
"Understood. Honestly, I’m glad I’m on this side."
"Oh. Good luck. Now then, Raiya. Shall we go fishing?"
"Sounds good. A job well done, after all. Let's go."
*Alright, Mauve and Raiya. I’m going to dump a mountain of work on you later!*
"Welcome. Emperor of Eupia, Lord Shou."
When I stepped through the Gate, Eris had already begun the welcoming greetings.
"Oh, if I recall, you are the one who was with Lord Yuki..."