第１０３２堀：友との約束から大山脈へ (Part1)
### Chapter 1032: From a Promise to a Friend to the Great Mountain Range
**Side: Labyris**
"I’m counting on you! I really, *really* am counting on you!"
"Yes, yes. Leave it to me."
While being shaken back and forth by the Emperor of Yupia, I managed to give a reply.
Good grief, just how many times has this happened now?
No, this is the last time, so I just need to endure it a little longer. Hang in there, me.
We were about to depart for the Great Mountain Range to track the shadow of Gaeen and investigate the monsters in that region. We had come to offer our final farewells just before leaving, and because of that, I was currently being rattled like a ragdoll.
"Your Majesty, that’s enough. You’re going to upset Labyris-dono’s stomach."
Exactly. I felt like I was going to be sick at any moment.
So, please, say it more firmly and make him stop, Great Imperial Advisor Show.
"Hmm. You have a point. If only I could lead a million troops there..."
"That is impossible, as I have told you many times. The Great Mountain Range is terrain where the advantage of a large army is completely nullified against powerful monsters. Furthermore, the peaks are an extreme world of rock and snow. If you took an army, they would either be slaughtered by monsters or freeze to death. I cannot grant permission for such a march."
"Then it would be best if I accompanied them myself! There is no need for Aslin and the others to take unnecessary risks! Am I wrong?"
"Hah... what would you even do if you went alone, Your Majesty? Besides, the administration of Zurabl would grind to a halt in the meantime."
"I haven't built such a fragile organization. In fact, when I go on expeditions, you and the Shadow Emperors handle things just fine, don't you? Therefore, there is no problem."
"There is a massive problem. Do you think I could let you go to a place like that, given your position?"
"That is exactly why! It is absurd to throw Aslin and the others into such a place in the first place! We adults should be the ones going!"
If we were just talking about adults versus children, the Emperor of Yupia would have a point in a general sense, but a head of state doesn't just go in their place.
I mean, it’s nice that he’s worried about us, but it’s a bit of an unwanted favor.
Well, I don't think the Emperor of Yupia is unaware of that himself.
It just goes to show how worried he is about Aslin and the others.
"Um, Emperor of Yupia? I’m here too, you know."
"And I am here as well, so we will be fine."
"From my perspective, Agil-dono and Milly-dono are still quite young. I am worried!"
"If you start saying things like that, there’s no one older than you, Your Majesty. Besides, if you don’t stop, Aslin-dono and the others will start to dislike you. They are legitimate, proud generals of Weed. To keep harping on about them being children and worrying is an insult."
"Ngh!? I-is that so?"
The Emperor of Yupia looked toward Aslin and the others, looking apprehensive.
Aslin and Firia were standing there, looking a bit troubled.
They had been shaken like this many times before, so I suppose they just thought of it as a bit of a parting greeting.
"Um, Emperor of Yupia-chan. I’ll say it again, but we’ll be fine. We’ll come back safely."
"That’s right. We want Emperor of Yupia-chan to believe in us, too. Firia and the others believe that Emperor of Yupia-chan will safely suppress the Forma Kingdom and settle things with the Hain Empire. Can’t you do that?"
"There is no such thing! I believe in my friends from the bottom of my heart. And with your support, I swear here and now that I will settle things with the Hain Empire!"
The Emperor of Yupia puffed out his chest and declared it clearly.
He has a proper grasp of the battle situation, at least.
Yes, yes, that’s good. It would be terrifying to have an Emperor who couldn't even analyze that level of military strength as an ally.
Now, all that’s left is for the Emperor of Yupia’s heart to be at ease.
Well, everything up until now was just because he couldn't help but worry about Aslin and the others.
From an outsider's perspective, that’s only natural. After all, he’s hearing that women and children are going to investigate a dangerous zone alone.
That said, the Emperor of Yupia knows our true capabilities.
We just have to get him to believe in us.
But, as if to say that my worries were unnecessary, Aslin and Firia held out their pinky fingers with beaming smiles...
"Then, let’s make a promise. When we get back, let’s play a lot."
"That’s right. You have to keep your promises."
"...Both of you. Yes, yes! That’s right. It’s a promise! When you return, we shall play a lot. Labyris, Agil, Milly, is that agreeable? All of you, now."
Oh my, so the target of his worry wasn't just Aslin and the others.
Once he says that, we have no choice but to promise.
"Yes. We’ll come back safely."
"Leave it to me. I’ll come back with some top-tier information, too."
"That’s right. When we get back, let’s drink some of that prized liquor with Queen Seraria as well."
Yes, none of us actually dislike the Emperor of Yupia.
That is why we make this promise firmly.
So that we can properly fulfill it.
"Ah, I look forward to it. However, it would hurt the dignity of Zurabl if I sent friendly forces for nothing. Show. Stop your secondment to Weed for a while. At the very least, you shall be the shield for Aslin and the others with your own body... and lead the way."
"Didn't you just say 'shield'?"
"That’s just your imagination. As I said, it would hurt the dignity of Zurabl if we left all the rear security to Weed, wouldn't it?"
"Well, that is true..."
"You are somewhat capable, and you have a good head on your shoulders. And above all, the Great Mountain Range needs to be surveyed from Zurabl’s perspective as well."
He’s calm when it comes to things like this.
If he can't send an army, he sends someone who is a capable, trusted individual—someone we can't easily discard.
Yes, the Emperor of Yupia is acting like a proper Emperor.
What a relief.
"If that is your command, I have no objections. However, since this is a sudden participation, I must receive proper permission from Yuki-sama..."
"Ah, you don’t need to worry about that. Yuki told us that someone would likely come along, so we have permission to accept anyone we deem fit."
"As expected of your preparation. Then, let us move to action immediately. With Show present, there should be no issues with passage permits."
"Yes. With me present, we will not be stopped at the border. However, I need to prepare for the journey, so please wait a moment."
After that sequence of events, we arrived at the town at the foot of the Great Mountain Range, accompanied by Show.
It took about three days by car.
"My, my. I have experienced cars many times, but I truly want one. Above all, this off-road performance and comfort... If this were to spread to the military—no, to the general public—what a revolution in logistics it would cause. Well, Gates are fine, too, but these can be used flexibly to supply remote villages and towns; one could even say they are more convenient than Gates."
Show stared at the car, evaluating it with a look of intense desire.
"Even if you say that, we can’t grant you permission."
"That’s right. Besides, you need a license to drive a car. You have to study properly, or it’s no good."