第１００７堀：微妙に進む事態 (Part2)
"No, no. Please, don't worry about it. It's not a bad thing for people to be on such good terms."
"Indeed, indeed. 'To be on good terms is a beautiful thing,' as they say."
"Are you really the one saying that, Your Majesty?"
Shou couldn't help but retort with a deadpan stare at the Emperor of Eupia, who was nonchalantly asserting his own righteousness. The Emperor, seemingly accustomed to this, didn't appear bothered in the slightest.
"Hmph. You get to travel back and forth to Weed every day and live a fulfilling life, while I’m stuck here fighting a war against paperwork every single day! Hmph, I’m so jealous, so jealous. Even I would like to get injured, have Lady Rurua treat me, soak in a hot spring, and eat my fill of delicious food."
No, he was clearly bothered, and he delivered a perfectly aimed counter-attack.
"Gah!? N-no, that was never something I wished for..."
"Oh, oh, I know that well. I was the one who ordered you to learn medical knowledge from Lady Rurua for the sake of recovery magic, and it was Lady Rurua’s request that you continue to visit the clinic even after your wounds healed, and I know that hot springs are good for the body, and I was told that eating delicious food is good for one's health, right?"
He started talking like a literal child toward the end there.
"Nngghh..."
"You can't deny a single word of that, can you? Ah, there isn't a single person on your side here, Shou. Everyone present has visited Weed and received souvenirs."
At the Emperor's words, I looked around at the maids and soldiers standing guard. They were indeed all familiar faces, and whenever our eyes met, they would offer a polite bow.
And, without exception, not a single one of them offered any support to Shou.
In other words, they were all incredibly envious of Shou's situation.
"I-I brought back plenty of souvenirs for everyone, didn't I!?"
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, please allow me to speak."
"Granted. Speak your mind. Tell this happiest man in the Empire exactly how you feel."
"Yes. Then, with all due respect, Shou-sama, that is a completely separate matter. All of us are incredibly envious of you."
When the head maid delivered the final blow, everyone, including the Emperor of Eupia, nodded in unison, leaving Shou with no choice but to clam up.
It was no longer a matter of logic.
Envy—that was the only word for it.
"Now, since we've silenced Shou, shall we begin the small talk?"
"I don't mind. What would you like to discuss?"
"Let's see. First, it should be about Firia and the others. I hear of their splendid work from my subordinates, but I rarely get to see them directly these days. Are they doing well?"
"Yes, absolutely. For Firia, not only is she helping her dear friend, the Emperor of Eupia, but this is also her first time in a position of responsibility. She is working with such enthusiasm."
"Indeed. I have heard as much from her personally. However, that is precisely why I worry that she might overexert herself."
"Ah, I feel the same way."
"You both really do love Firia and the others, don't you?"
"“Naturally.”"
After chatting about Firia and the others for a while, we finally moved on to the main topic.
"Now, since we’ve finished resupplying, let us talk about the Hein Empire."
"...We’ve already been talking for a solid hour, though."
"Ahaha, my apologies. Well, let’s talk slowly while snacking on these souvenirs."
I began my explanation while nibbling on the light refreshments from Weed that I had provided.
"As I mentioned earlier, I received a report from General Wave, who has returned to the Hein Empire. Here is the content of that report."
I played the recorded audio data.
*“...This is a report. Officer, can you hear me?”*
*“Yes, I hear you, General Wave. How was today’s voyage?”*
*“Fortunately, we cleared the storm and are now proceeding calmly. We have finally returned to our homeland.”*
*“Congratulations. So, you will be returning to the Imperial Capital now?”*
*“Yes. We plan to head there after three days of rest and resupply.”*
I stopped the recording there. The communication ended, and there was nothing else of note.
"And that is all."
"Hmm. Still, you have pinpointed the location, have you not? Bring out the map."
"Yes, sir."
When Shou replied, he spread out the map we had used previously to explain the continent. I pointed to a single spot...
"Here is the footage from the bird familiar that followed them."
As I displayed the footage, I pointed to a large port that served as the entrance to the river system. This was where General Wave had docked.
"Ho. This place shouldn't have been Hein Empire territory, should it?"
"Yes. But it was originally a vassal state. They must have annexed it, or perhaps they forced them to allow the construction of a naval base."
"Hmph. Either way, we now know where the Hein Empire emerged from. We must plan our future operations with that naval base in mind."
Shou and the others nodded at the Emperor's words and continued their discussion while looking at the map.
By the way, although they couldn't finish all the souvenirs I brought on the spot, everyone took them home, so I was glad that the large amount I had prepared didn't go to waste.
The Hein Empire fleet has finally arrived at port.
It would be easy if they would just return to the castle and provide us with information.
I wonder what on earth is happening inside the Hein Empire?