第１３３０堀：祝いの席で (Part1)
Chapter 1330: At the Celebration
Side: Yuki
"Cheers!"
With that chorus, everyone began to dig into their meals of choice. Today, we had finally declared the commencement of the student exchange program to every department. In other words, the preparations we had been laboring over for so long had finally come to fruition. It was a testament to the fact that our collective efforts had been rewarded. Given that the difficulty of this task was on par with the formation of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, the joy we felt was of a different caliber. We had coordinated with various nations, handled the logistics, and paid meticulous attention to everything from security to the smallest details. While we could never afford to let our guard down, no one could deny that this was a moment worth celebrating.
Naturally, those of us in the upper echelons felt the same.
"Phew! Honestly, was it really alright for us to join in?"
"It’s not exactly the thing to say while drinking, but I am a bit concerned about that myself."
"What are you talking about? The Lord himself gave the word. It would be rude not to enjoy ourselves. Right?"
I responded to Coral’s prompt.
"Indeed. This was only possible because of everyone’s cooperation. Though, I must admit, I didn't expect quite so many diplomats to attend."
As I said this and looked around, I saw diplomats from various nations, sent through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enjoying the feast. I had assumed they wouldn't participate on such short notice, even though I had mentioned that a separate celebratory banquet would be held.
"That is only natural. While this is a Weed celebration, it is simultaneously a triumph of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Therefore, we shall attend these proceedings whenever possible," said Show, the Great Emperor of Zulable, who had appeared beside us. His plate was piled high with a variety of dishes.
"I don't mind, but won't people like Eupia be angry?"
"For the sake of smooth diplomacy, there is no issue. I can simply send the Emperor some curry or something to appease her."
A rather casual statement, that. I suppose for them, it’s just a bit of lighthearted banter. As I was thinking this, Show turned the question back on me.
"However, was this truly the best course of action? Would it not have been better to hold a private celebration with just your wives?"
"Ah, I thought the same," Miyabi added. "Shouldn't you have started with your inner circle? You were the ones who broke your backs to make this happen, were you not?"
"That will happen another day. First, we have to celebrate publicly, otherwise the people working under us would find it difficult to celebrate themselves."
"Ah, indeed. It is uncomfortable to be the only ones celebrating when the leadership has not."
"Exactly. It’s only right when everyone can make some noise."
"There is certainly truth in that."
"The duty of those at the top, is it? It’s a troublesome business, truly."
I agreed with Queen Miyabi that it was indeed troublesome. Nevertheless, it was a fact that these things had to be handled properly. By celebrating on such a grand scale, it served as a public announcement to everyone that the student exchange program had officially begun. Though, as for celebrating with my wives...
"When it comes to a private celebration, I’d prefer something simple, like eating at home and getting a good night's sleep."
Preparing for a celebration is surprisingly exhausting. Of course, Kirue and Sasari would do their best to manage it, but I’d want to spare them the labor, which makes that option feel like a bit much. Perhaps it would be best if we just went out to eat somewhere? That way, we wouldn't be placing a burden on the family. As I was pondering this, the others chimed in.
"Indeed, that is the best way to handle private celebrations. When you involve diplomacy, it always ends up like this."
"Being a ruler is quite the ordeal, isn't it?"
"It’s a nuisance not being able to eat in peace."
The dragons said as much, though both Gaul and Coral were dragons of significant standing themselves. I suppose it was just their nature. Or perhaps it was simply that there was no one left who dared to speak up to a dragon. As I was thinking this, Queen Miyabi suddenly looked as if she had just remembered something.
"Come to think of it, though it’s a bit out of place at a celebration, what are you going to do about the rare species I asked you about—the spirits? I heard the proclamations regarding the Gem Race and the Harpies, but the Spirit Race was left untouched, was it not?"
Ah, right. We had discussed the rare species with Queen Miyabi and the others. I had submitted the information regarding the Gem Race and the Harpies to Liliana, and the proclamations had been issued to the various nations, but the spirits had remained a blind spot. The reason I hadn't viewed it as much of a problem was...
"It’s difficult to tell people to be wary of spirits when they are everywhere. They seem capable of vanishing at will, so for now, I’ve kept it to the official documents. It’s not as if there’s a definitive description of their appearance, either."
"Well, when you put it that way, I suppose you’re right."
Indeed, spirits change their form depending on their element, and more importantly, they are rarely seen to begin with. Warning people about such beings is an incredibly difficult task. All I could really say was that such a race existed. The only thing that truly concerned me was...
"What does worry me slightly is the spirit Queen Miyabi encountered. The Wind Spirit met when dealing with the demons, and the Water Spirit at the Saintess’s Fountain in the small nation belonging to Litea. Since there is a record of them being met, even if only once, I fear there is a high possibility they could be captured."
"High, you say?"
"Well, perhaps not 'high,' but if we can meet them, I think it would be best to speak with them. Queen Miyabi, you haven't mentioned that spirit to anyone else, have you?"
"Hmm. I had almost forgotten about it until you asked... but the Saintess’s Fountain is quite well-known. Given that, perhaps it is worth a visit?"
"I agree. I’ll speak with Litea through Rurua later. If they agree, would you be willing to come along?"
"Indeed. I don't mind. It wouldn't be bad to meet them again after all this time."
Just as I had secured her cooperation, Show, who had been eating, joined the conversation.
"If it is acceptable, might I also accompany you to meet this spirit?"
It seemed that even for Show, the Spirit Race held a certain allure.
"I don't mind, but if I bring too many people, it might start to look like I'm taking them elsewhere."