第１２６７堀：友の来襲 (Part1)
Chapter 1267: A Friend’s Raid
Side: Seraria
"Serariaaa! Why on earth would you say something as cruel as 'no one over eighteen'? That’s just heartless!"
With that shout, my friend, Lowel, suddenly burst into my office.
Yet, Quor, as indifferent as ever, simply continued organizing documents without so much as a glance.
Honestly... what a useless royal guard.
Complaining only in my heart, I stopped my paperwork and looked up.
"Why? Because this is a student exchange program for the youth. There’s no reason to include 'old folks' in that, is there?"
"Serariaaa, I’m not old! I’m young! I’m still in my prime!"
"Yes, yes. I’m not calling you old, Lowel. But the point of this program is to have the young people who will eventually support their countries—and the world—come here to see what the future looks like. There’s no point in accepting you, someone who already strolls into Weed and even my office whenever you please. Besides, the program is about 'studying at school.'"
"Ah, I suppose that’s true."
She’s such a simpleton; she accepted it the moment I said that.
Lowel is incredibly—no, terrifyingly—competent when it comes to combat and command, but she’s so dense when it comes to things like this.
*Sigh.* Is this why she’s still unmarried?
No, I mustn't say that. The moment I do, she’ll start a rampage. I have to keep it in.
"That’s why, even if you’re sending royals, you should choose young ones who aren't yet familiar with Weed or the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"I see... but Seraria, all the royals in Gartz are already lounging around in Weed on a regular basis, aren't they?"
"Then just send some talented nobles or something. You don't have to go out of your way to send busy royals, which makes things easier in many ways, right?"
"I suppose. Still, aren't other countries saying they want to send royals, just like Gartz?"
"Well, yes. But if you’re thinking about 'future relations,' you should send someone suitable, not yourself. Or should I leave it to Shera?"
"Ah, that’s an option too. Hmm, but since Shera is already there, sending another person from our side might be... wait, Shera is already a bride of Weed, isn't she?"
"That she is. But are there even any other royals you could send? Shera was sent to Weed precisely because there was no one else suitable, wasn't she? Doesn't that mean you’d have to pick someone even younger?"
"Mmph."
Lowel fell silent at my words.
It’s true; Gartz has plenty of children, so there’s no worry about the succession.
But if you ask if there are any young royals capable of fulfilling the role of an 'exchange student,' I can only tilt my head.
The royals older than Shera are already actively working to support Gartz.
"The fifth and sixth princes seem to be the martial type, so I suppose the only ones who could manage as 'exchange students' would be the third princess, Charl, or the fourth prince, Higil..."
"Wait, wait. Charl is in charge of trade management with other countries. And Higil has his hands full with paperwork as the military coordinator."
"You really... aside from Charl, are you still dumping your paperwork on Higil?"
"I-I am not dumping it! Higil is a 'staff officer.' That kind of detailed logistical support is his job to begin with."
Lowel puffed out her chest as she said that.
Well, her chest is about the same size as mine—which grew after having children—so it’s certainly a sight to behold. But her personality leaves much to be desired.
"Regarding that, I believe Your Majesty is not much different."
"Oh? Did you say something, Quor?"
"I am merely stating that the division between those who stand at the forefront and those who support from the shadows is simply more distinct."
"……I see."
"Yup, yup. Quor is right. I do at least do the final check on the documents and stamp them for approval. See, just like you, Seraria."
"Yes. Exactly."
*Tch.* If I say the wrong thing here, she’ll start dumping the truly troublesome paperwork on me, too. I have to change the subject...
"Anyway, since there’s a high possibility that royals from all the countries joining the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance will be coming for this first batch of students, I think Gartz should prepare someone of a similar standing."
"Mmm, that’s only natural. To countries from other continents, this is still unfamiliar territory. Many will likely come as a courtesy... so, in that case, should it be me after all?"
"Why? Any son or daughter of a duke would be fine. They are still royals, after all."
"A duke, huh... I’ll consult with my uncle and aunt then."
"That would be best. Roschur is planning the same."
"Hm? Isn't Elju coming?"
"What would Elju have left to learn at this point? No, there’s still plenty to learn, but Elju is more the face of the Rogali Continent Allied Forces than a representative of Roschur now, isn't she? It wouldn't be good for her position to send her out so casually."
"Ah, when you put it that way, I suppose so. Then, what about Aria-san..."
"Absolutely impossible. She’s the next Queen of Roschur and is already handling state affairs. The same goes for your First Prince, Teague, doesn't it?"
"I suppose. Then it really is the duke’s connections."
"Exactly. Besides, we royals of the Rogali Continent have already met plenty of times, haven't we? How many times do you think we’ve toured Weed during our meetings?"
"That’s true too. So, this is for people outside of that circle."
Exactly. The exchange student program is meant to broaden awareness beyond the members who are already interacting. That’s why we set the age limit—to find flexible young people who can accept new things and changes.
"Come to think of it, besides the 'up to eighteen' rule, there was a mention of 'up to twelve' as well?"
"Ah, that’s for Miss Fusora, who helped get this exchange program moving."
"Miss Fusora?"
I told Lowel about the little girl I met in the Kingdom of Zufuia when I stopped by during the investigation of the Goblin village.
Since there’s such a large age gap between her and the other students, we set that age bracket so she wouldn't feel isolated.
"Hoho. Sounds like a promising child."
"Yes. Perhaps because she’s still a child, she wasn't intimidated at all; she asked my husband all sorts of questions and made requests. Of course, her eyes sparkled when she met me, too. And that’s in a country where male chauvinism is so strong."
"I’ve heard rumors of that. Is the discrimination really that bad?"
"It’s quite difficult for a woman to become a soldier here, too, isn't it? Over there, it’s like that in every field."
"But I didn't see any sign of that from Kagura or Mikos?"
"That’s because they are highly skilled in magic. Even here, women who can use magic naturally join the mage corps, don't they? It’s the same thing. Or rather, haven't you heard about this from Stasia?"
That’s right, Lowel also interacts with Stasia.
If this were a connection with a 'proper' royal from the Heiden region, I should be happy, but...
"Ah, I heard it was quite tough, but isn't it the same for you, Seraria? You struggled when you tried to lead the army yourself, didn't you? Besides, we don't really talk about such troublesome things! When we meet, it’s basically a duel! And then we eat!"
*Sigh.* She really is simple-minded.
When Lowel meets Stasia, it’s just battling and eating.
That’s why she can’t get married.
...Well, Lowel is a Beastman and retains her youth for a long time, so maybe that’s fine.
Should I try to rope her in? But my husband would probably complain...
Still, no one denies her combat and command abilities, and she gets along well with everyone else.
If she settles down, it would not only clear out the 'leftovers,' but it would also strengthen the ties with Weed—Gartz would probably be delighted...
Wait? Instead of a problem, it sounds like it would be better to rope her in after all.