第９９３堀：ひとまずプチ会議 (Part2)
It was a secret weapon for admonishing one's lord, taught to me by Princess Dressa of Haiden. Without a moment’s hesitation, I swung my pristine, snow-white companion, pouring my entire soul into the strike against His Majesty.
*Thwack!!*
A satisfying sound echoed through the room.
Ah, I felt a little better.
Wait, oh no. I… I actually did it.
His Majesty shouldn't even know what a *harisen* is. This is bad!
Having regained my senses, I looked toward His Majesty with trepidation, only to find…
"…Heh heh heh, Shou. You’ve got a surprisingly good swing, don't you?"
"Y-Your Majesty?"
What? What is going on? Why is he laughing instead of getting angry? Oh no, did I hit him in a sensitive spot?
"Well, I’ve been teasing you quite a bit, so we’re even. And as a retort, that was a perfect ten. You truly have a talent for things that serve no practical purpose, Shou."
"A 'retort'?"
"It’s a way to play along with the humor. Aslin and the others demonstrated it for me. I even joined in. That’s where I used the very *harisen* you’re holding now."
…So this was a comedy prop?
Well, it’s excellent in the sense that it doesn't actually injure one's lord, so I suppose it’s fine.
"But, we’ve digressed. Even someone as unversed in housework as you, Shou, can brew decent tea with this. It requires no effort and no special tools. All you need is hot water and a cup. Don't you think this is incredibly convenient?"
"Yes. With this, I think anyone could easily enjoy a cup of tea."
"I believe this is a revolutionary item. It would certainly increase the opportunities for commoners to enjoy tea as well."
It was indeed convenient, and since it didn't seem like a chore, I had decided to brew it myself. I figured I couldn't possibly fail with this.
"Is that so? Indeed, if you control the amount of tea leaves, you can keep the costs down. And I personally think this is fine, too."
"I cannot allow that, at the very least. I shall be the first to brew you a delicious cup of tea, Your Majesty."
"Yes. It’s not just her skill, but I was captivated by her tea-making ability, which is why I appointed her to serve by your side, Your Majesty."
"I am of the same opinion as them. I’m not saying cheap tea is bad, but it is vital that Your Majesty always remains in peak condition. Taking care of your daily needs—you should not trouble yourself with such trifles."
His Majesty defeated the Haiden Empire and brought peace and order to this land… wait, was this a different continent? Regardless, he must devote his efforts to restoring peace and order there.
Trifles like brewing tea should be left to the maids. That is what servants are for.
"Hmm. I understand what you all are saying. However, delegating trifles to others does not necessarily mean my work will proceed more efficiently. Like this…"
As he said this, he mimicked what I had done, pulled out a tea bag, and poured hot water from the kettle to prepare the tea.
"When I try doing things myself like this, I make good discoveries. Well, it’s a form of refreshment. And it makes me think: the tea that Torne brews for me is the best."
"Your Majesty, thank you!"
"Well, it’s also a good way to reaffirm my own position. It’s not as if I’m neglecting my work to indulge in this, after all."
"Well, if you put it that way, I shall consult with others about importing these tea bags."
"It isn't just about this, you know? This tea bag was merely one example. Today, we only passed through while riding the bus, but there were so many things I had never seen before and didn't know how to use. I cannot judge them by myself, and there are simply too many for me to assess alone. These are the 'trifles' you speak of. I could stay here alone and manage to drink tea with a tea bag without any trouble. No, in fact, Aslin and the others would surely take good care of me and show me around. In the meantime, Head Maid Hijau, take Torne and investigate Weed separately from me. And Shou, you should also act separately from me and coordinate with Lady Eris and the others on the quantity of samples for the goods we intend to export."
" " "Yes, sir!" " "
I see.
So, he means that there is no point in us all moving as a group here in Weed, and we should focus on gathering information individually.
"Before I enjoy myself with Aslin’s guidance, I will meet with the Queen to negotiate regarding the wireless radios. If things go well, Lady Eris might have something to say about that as well."
"Understood. Let us proceed with that policy for now."
"Good. Then, first! We shall try the drinks in this refrigerator!"
…No, I retract my previous statement.
It really does seem like he just wants to have fun.
It appears the Emperor of Eupia decided to disperse and gather various information rather than receiving explanations as a group.
It was certainly not to get away from the nagging Shou.