第１２２２堀：こういう扱い (Part1)
**Chapter 1222: This Kind of Treatment**
**Side: Enora**
We finally arrived at Aoku Town, in the Aoku Viscounty of the Zufia Kingdom.
It’s a common occurrence, but I suppose naming sense really only amounts to this much, doesn't it?
More importantly, returning those idiots to Haiden for processing and then rushing back to rejoin Yuki and the others was truly an exhausting ordeal.
And now, having finally arrived at the lord’s mansion, I stepped off the bus to find...
"We have been expecting you."
The viscount’s servants were lined up outside in a grand, formal display to welcome us.
For a fleeting moment, I wondered why they were being so ostentatious, but well, I suppose they had no other choice.
The Zufia Kingdom might not know much about Weed or Yuki, but our guide is Mr. Kodrissi, a diplomat from the Kingdom of Haiden. Furthermore, we have Kagura, the second daughter of the Kamishiro Dukedom—one of Haiden’s three great houses—and Stasia, the eldest daughter of the Findarl Empire’s royal family. And then there is me, Enora, albeit merely a bishop of the Haire Church.
We are a group whose standing cannot be ignored by anyone living in this land.
If they were to show any disrespect, it could lead to the viscount’s house being dismantled, or perhaps even the collapse of this entire nation.
Well, it is highly unlikely that Yuki would ever demand such a thing, but as a nation—and as a noble entrusted with a region—they are naturally obligated to act this way.
Much like that foolish viscount who threatened Mikos.
Even if Yuki has no such intention, there is a non-zero chance that Carrie or the Haiden Kingdom’s own judgment could see this Aoku Viscount crushed just the same.
That is why such a formal reception is necessary.
Truly, nobility and politics are such a chore.
I can understand why Yuki would prefer to move about secretly, without the burden of status.
After all...
"Bishop Enora. Your room is this way."
I, too, am subjected to this "special treatment" as a bishop of the Haire Church and a Priestess of the Spirits.
Of course, it would be easy to refuse.
However, the servants who were instructed to guide me this way are blameless, and if I were to decline, it would only cause them trouble.
"Thank you."
So, for now, I accepted the guidance to my room obediently...
"Please let us know if you require anything."
"Then, I apologize for the sudden request, but could you please guide me to my husband?"
"Eh?"
The servant’s surprise was evident at my words.
Even so, I was merely making a reasonable request based on the facts.
"To my husband. He is the Prince Consort of Weed, known as Yuki, and he is my husband. Would that be acceptable?"
"Y-yes, of course!"
The servant looked startled for a moment, but as one would expect from someone properly trained, they began to lead the way promptly.
The lord’s mansion is large enough to accommodate guests like us, with many guest rooms, so I assume the others are being guided to their respective quarters as well.
Though, given the size of our group, I doubt everyone has their own room; most are likely sharing with a few others.
As I was thinking this, I happened to run into another group being guided in the same manner.
"Ah, Shera."
"Oh, Enora-san."
"Ah, Big Sister Enora!"
"Enora-yahho!"
"It looks like you all are having a tough time over there, too."
It seems Shera and Aslin were together.
Well, those four are essentially a single set.
"It’s not really a 'tough time.' This is just the norm here. For a Priestess of the Spirits, that is."
"It is much the same as being royalty, I suppose. You have had your fair share of hardships as well, Enora-san."
"Hardships? I’ve been used to this sort of thing since I was young. Anyway, are you all heading to Yuki’s room, too?"
"Yes. Since we were guided to a different room, it is only natural to pay our husband a visit."
"I asked if we could all be in the same room, but they said there wasn't a room large enough."
"It can't be helped. We have separate rooms at home, too."
"Muu, Firia will have to remodel it next time."
Firia could probably do it without breaking a sweat, but if we lived in the same space, our daily rhythms might fall out of sync.
There’s the risk of staying up too late playing games, and I wonder how that would go.
At home, there are times when we all "sleep in the great hall," so perhaps that would suffice.
"Ah, it’s the older sisters."
"Oh, you’re right."
"I wonder what everyone is doing?"
"Perhaps they are in the same situation as us?"
Just then, we ran into Stasia and Hiiro, who were also being guided.
Ah, that’s right—Hiiro is a Priestess of the Spirits here as well.
So that’s why she’s in a separate room.
"Are you heading to Yuki’s place, too?"
"That’s right!"
"Then let’s go together."
And so, after joining up, we were guided to the room where Yuki was staying, but...
"By the way, Stasia, why are you with Hiiro?"
"Hiiro’s group lacked someone well-versed in the diplomacy of this region, so I thought it best that I accompany them."
"Ah, I see."
Indeed, Shera’s group has Shera herself, and Labyris.
And I, needless to say, am a bishop of the Haire Church.
When you look at it that way, the combination of Hiiro and Dressa is indeed a bit precarious.
So that is why Stasia is there.
With Hiiro’s group now joined with us, we arrived at Yuki’s room.
"How is the room, sir?"
"Yes. Thank you for preparing such a wonderful room."
"I hope the ladies are satisfied as well..."
"Don't worry, it’s fine. I’m sure everyone is satisfied. Right, Enora?"
Hearing his voice through the door, I gave a wry smile and asked the guard to open it. Yuki was looking at us with a bright smile.
The Aoku Viscount, however, looked a bit pale.
"May we come in?"
"Yeah. Well, there isn't much room to sit, but is that alright?"
"That much is fine."
"Fine by me!"
Shera, Hiiro, and the others didn't hesitate at all and walked straight into the room.
As expected, even for a guest room, there wasn't enough space for nearly twenty people to sit.
"My, my, Priestesses of the Spirits and the wives... is there some sort of problem?"
The Aoku Viscount asked us, cold sweat trickling down his face.
Ah, it’s only natural for him to think something went wrong if we came to Yuki’s room immediately after being guided to our own.
I need to make sure I say this clearly.
"No, there is no problem at all, Aoku Viscount. We are grateful for the excellent rooms you have prepared for us."
"Yes. I, too, am grateful for the Viscount’s consideration."
"Thank you very much."
Shera and I offered greetings that took our status as Priestesses of the Spirits into account, and Hiiro offered her thanks normally.
But even though expressing gratitude is a common courtesy, to those who view the Priestesses of the Spirits as sacred...
"Oh, thank you!"
The Viscount was so overcome with emotion that he looked as if he might prostrate himself right then and there.
Yes, this is just how things are around here.