第１２７４堀：海へ出る目的 (Part1)
Chapter 1274: The Purpose of Heading to the Sea
Side: Shou
“*Burp.*”
My, how unladylike to let out a belch in public.
Well, I suppose it cannot be helped after indulging in such a delicious meal to one’s heart’s content.
Besides, Orelia-dono and the others who accompanied me are also pressing their hands to their mouths, looking as though they, too, have overeaten.
I understand.
It is simply impossible not to eat too much.
It is truly exquisite.
“Ah—well, feel free to keep resting. I’m still eating.”
Because this was a menu item not yet accepted even within Weed, Yuki-sama had waited to see if it would suit our palates before starting his own meal. Consequently, he still had omurice remaining on his plate.
Before Yuki-sama sat a plain omurice.
Yet, it was clear that this was an "adult" omurice, distinct from the versions served to children.
To think that adding sauce could elevate the dish to such heights... I can only imagine how divine the original must be.
“Shou. Can you manage four-fifths of that?”
“That would be far too much, even for me.”
“Mugugugu…”
I understand the Emperor’s sentiment, but I, too, have reached my limit.
However, it would be improper to ask Yuki-sama to share his portion, and just as I was pondering what to do...
“Your Imperial Majesty Youpia. If you would permit it, we would be happy to assist you. How would that be?”
Orelia-dono and the others proposed a magnificent solution, their eyes burning with firm resolve.
“I-I can eat some too.”
“Yes~. We can help out a little bit~.”
“Good. Reinforcements secured. Order up!”
“Yes, sir. Waiter, one additional order of standard omurice.”
“Certainly, right away.”
In this world, numbers are the foundation of all things.
That is the most important factor.
While there are times when eccentric strategies and clever ruses are necessary, one must first arrange the board to ensure victory.
And so, we successfully repelled the enemy reinforcements.
Just as we were feeling satisfied...
“...It seems you all enjoyed yourselves thoroughly.”
“Indeed. Curry and omurice. I, of all people, had vastly underestimated their potential.”
“Prejudice born of preconceived notions is a dangerous thing. When you think about it, we have rice bowls, and this is no different.”
“Yes. The same goes for katsudon. Ah, it was delicious.”
“It’s like yakisoba bread, isn’t it?”
“Napolitan bread is also quite good~.”
Yayui-dono and Hovis-dono have just made some rather alarming remarks.
Noodles and bread—does this Weed place possess combinations of staple food upon staple food?
I was just steeling myself to ask for more details later when...
“Well, I’m finished eating. Can we talk now?”
“““?”””
What could he possibly mean?
We all tilted our heads in confusion at Yuki-sama’s abrupt statement—wait!
“Your Majesty, have you forgotten? We came here in the first place because Yuki-sama had something to discuss.”
“O-Oh. That’s right. Indeed. I hadn’t forgotten at all.”
It would be far too foolish to admit that we had been so distracted by the omurice that we’d forgotten the main topic.
Yuki-sama gave a wry smile as he sipped his after-meal coffee.
“Well, a formal report can wait for another day, but have you found out any specifics regarding the Haun Empire’s naval expansion?”
“Ah, that matter. There were various things going on, so I hadn’t reported it yet. Shou.”
“Yes. There are still many unclear points, so I have not yet drafted a report, but it has been confirmed that the Haun Empire was strengthening its navy to prepare for an invasion from the sea. Ah, I should clarify: it was the son who was carrying this out.”
“I see. Well, the old man wouldn’t have been doing it. He’s been bedridden the whole time.”
“Yes. While the Haun Emperor was lying ill, his foolish son was doing as he pleased.”
However, it is rather strange that the Prince would choose to focus on naval power.
The sea is a den of monsters.
One never knows what kind of threat one might encounter.
Unless one is merely fishing along the coast, there is a high probability that any ship built will simply be sunk.
That realization had been what kept us from venturing into the sea.
“Hmm, an invasion from the sea. But were they not concerned about sea monsters?”
We all shared the same doubt. The Emperor answered while sipping his melon soda.
“We have the same question. However, we do not know the details, including who they thought might be invading.”
“It is possible that it was also intended to assist the Gusdo Kingdom and others, as land routes became difficult once our Empire expanded its influence.”
“Well, that’s true. So, was there no intention to head to the open sea? Like building new types of ships?”
“There was nothing of the sort.”
“Indeed. From that perspective, it seems they wanted a naval force with freedom of movement to stabilize the country.”
“I see. But I have one more question. Was it not because they could only interact with other countries, like the Seasypho Kingdom and the Gusdo Kingdom, via sea routes?”
“That is certainly a factor. The same applies to countries beyond the mountain ranges. However, domestic stability is our top priority right now, so we have not been moving actively on that front.”
“Yes. The other side seems to view us merely as a trading partner. Above all, they likely do not yet know that the Haun Empire has fallen. We have been careful not to inform them.”
As the Emperor says, we wish to avoid further outside intervention.
For that reason, the Haun Empire still ostensibly exists.
Though, I doubt there is anyone more troublesome than Yuki-sama and his companions anywhere in the world.
“That’s a good judgment. If they think the country is in chaos, they might send a fleet over.”
“Indeed. There is no need to go out of our way to let them know we are weakened.”
“We do not know the reality or the situation on their end, either. It will be necessary in the future, but for now, this is the situation. Is that acceptable?”
“Thank you. For now, I’m glad it wasn’t an urgent matter.”
“Indeed. Just as the exchange student program is about to begin, I would prefer to avoid any more trouble. ...Ugh, is that what it is? Shou. Consult with Dressa and the others and work on strengthening the navy immediately.”
“...As you command. I apologize for leaving it neglected despite knowing the risks.”
I had been the one to suggest that an enemy might come from the sea, yet I had neglected to take measures against it.