第１１２５堀：集う者たち 唐揚げ (Part1)
**Chapter 1125: Those Who Gather – Karaage**
**Side: Eupia**
I am currently facing my greatest crisis.
Before me stands that pestering Show.
I may have been the one to dub her "Tai-kou-bou," but I certainly did not wish to encounter her in a place like this.
And so, yes, quite naturally...
"Oh, what a coincidence. Show."
"Ah, yes. Your Majesty."
"Well then. Alright, Aslin, let’s get going."
"Yeah."
"Yes, we are heading over there."
Good. A natural greeting, and the escape was a success...
"Wait, there’s no way I’m letting you just drift away! Stop! Halt, you hag and children!"
"Who are you calling a hag!"
"You! Why are you in the town of the Lancer Magic Academy!?"
Tch, she noticed.
Yes, I am currently visiting the Lancer Magic Academy.
The reason is...
"We came to eat delicious karaage, Show-oneechan."
"That is correct. The karaage here is exquisite."
"Yes. It’s delicious, isn't it?"
"And that is that."
Exactly. I came to eat something delicious.
There could be no greater reason than that.
"No, why would a sovereign ruler come to a foreign country with such a small entourage? And what about your national duties...?"
"Hah, things like that? That old man Hein was more than happy to take them off my hands for a few days. Speaking of which, I must buy a souvenir for that old man before I return. And the candidate for that is this very karaage—it’s delicious, isn't it, Shera?"
I confirm this with Shera, who is standing beside me.
A princess’s word cannot be a lie, and even Show should have nothing to retort to that.
"Yes, it really is delicious. Right, Vilia?"
"Yes. It is delicious."
"Hiiro. I eat the karaage here often."
"I’ll stock up on fresh ones in my Item Box, too. So, Rurua, what are you doing here with Show?"
"That’s right. You were supposed to be diligently observing the academy, so why are you in a place like this? Hmm? Slacking off?"
Does this woman spend her days abusing her position to indulge in such luxuries?
Come to think of it, her daily reports are filled with nothing but nonsense about which meal was tasty or how nice the baths were.
"That’s your line, Your Majesty! I am merely here in town as part of the academy tour, guided by Rurua. I’ve been studying at Weed constantly lately. Besides, Your Majesty, you didn’t force Labyris and the others to let you come, did you? Well?"
"Hah! Do you take me for a tyrant who would force such things upon my dear friends? They gave their full consent! Isn't that right, Labyris?"
"Yes. This trip was our suggestion. Besides, Eupia, we came here because we couldn't see Show."
"Oi. There was no need to say that."
"Eh? Did you need something?"
"We were worried. We sent you to Weed to let your hair down, and then we got reports that you had gone to another country."
Ah, honestly.
Labyris and Shera really don't need to be so brutally honest about unnecessary things.
"Your Majesty, thank you."
"It is fine. You have worked quite hard for us until now. It is only right that you enjoy yourself a little. Well, I must admit, reading the reports of how much fun you were having did stir a tiny bit of jealousy in me. But seeing you like this, I am glad you are enjoying yourself."
"Yes. Show is enjoying the Lancer Magic Academy, Emperor Eupia."
"Indeed. You are quite a help to us, Rurua-dono. Now, the pleasantries end here; I must return to my sightseeing. I hear there is some excellent karaage to be had."
After all, I do not have much time left. Therefore, it is only natural to accomplish my goals quickly.
Above all, when Aslin and the others, who live in the gourmet paradise of Weed, praise it so highly, it must be tasted.
My subordinates are waiting for souvenirs, too. That is precisely why they were so happy to send me off.
Oh, and for that old man as well.
"Not at all. We came to eat that karaage, too."
"Ho. Then shall we go together?"
"Yeah. Let’s go together!"
Hmm. If our destination is the same, there is no reason to go separately. As we head toward the shop that supposedly serves this karaage, I chat with Show about this and that.
"Your Majesty. What do you think of the academy, having seen it in person?"
"I have only been in the town, so I have nothing to say, but it is quite surprising that a town exists solely for the purpose of learning. Usually, schools exist within some territory, but here, the origins are reversed."
The group that formed the foundation of this academy must have held significant power.
Under normal circumstances, they would have been absorbed by some powerful figure, but this place has managed to maintain neutrality from all nations through the academy alone.
Well, there may be another reason—that it holds little strategic value for the surrounding nations—but that only highlights how much effort the principal, Popuri, has put into this place.
"She must have been quite desperate not to let go of this land."
"I suppose so. After all, the founder of this academy is still alive today."
"I have heard as much. That is part of the reason I came."
One who carries the same burden of immortality as I do.
I wonder what kind of person she is, though I have had no opportunity to meet her thus far.
"If that is the case, wouldn't it be easy to get an introduction? Popuri-dono often shows her face in Weed, after all."
"I know that. But, to speak only of immortality..."
"Ah, you mean the content of the discussion?"
"Indeed. This academy is a unique place, a house of learning for magic. She likely sees things from a perspective different from my own as a ruler. And as a sovereign, I must meet the principal. When that time comes, it will be a matter of political maneuvering. I would be disillusioned if I simply came for idle chatter."
"I think it would be fine to just come and talk normally, though. Well, it wouldn't hurt to have a souvenir, of course."
"It is not that simple. Ah, it is a difficult thing, one's position in times like these."
Because I am a sovereign, I cannot simply go and meet people as freely as Aslin and the others.
However, without that position, I could not protect what I wish to protect.
It is a frustrating reality.
But...
"That inn over there is the one!"
"It’s delicious!"
"Indeed. Then, charge! Follow me, you lot!"
"Eh, ah, yes!"
"Hiiro, let’s go!"
"Hey, don't go inciting Vilia and the others!"
For now, let us savor this delicious food to our heart's content!
There it is—the shop where the karaage that Aslin and the others rave about is served.
As we charged toward the location as a group, we emerged from a side alley and—instead of colliding—everyone came to a dead halt.
"Oh? What’s this? Everyone, all together?"