第１３７５堀：意外なところから情報が届く (Part1)
Chapter 1375: Information from an Unexpected Source
Side: Shera
After finishing my duties at the International Exchange School, I made my way to the Gartz Embassy, as I do every day.
Ever since I became Yuki-san’s wife—or rather, since the embassy began operating in earnest—my workload has decreased. However, urgent matters still arise that require my personal judgment, which is why I continue to show my face here.
Truth be told, I generally intercept any work intended directly for Yuki-san. If I didn’t, it’s all too easy to see him collapsing from overwork.
“...‘Please solve our water shortage. The reward shall be a princess.’ What kind of nonsense is this?”
I couldn’t help but curse as I recalled the document that had arrived the other day.
The sheer arrogance of thinking that a mere princess from a small nation is sufficient payment for resolving a domestic water crisis. It’s hard to believe this came from a small nation under the umbrella of my own homeland, Gartz.
That said, I can’t exactly reply with, “Are you an idiot?” The situation with Fioria-san makes that impossible. That incident nearly sparked a war, and we only intervened because we were conducting operational tests on a prototype machine designed to solve water shortages. The test was a success, and if they had simply asked for the machine, it would have been one thing, but they offered a princess instead.
In other words, their ulterior motive—wanting to provide Yuki-san with a woman to satisfy their own desires—was painfully obvious.
I feel bad for Fioria-san, but even though we accepted her under the guise of a maid—a servant—to serve as a cautionary example to the outside world, these letters keep coming.
Well, at least the number of letters sent directly to Yuki-san has decreased, which is a blessing. It’s not zero, mind you, but those are screened by Fioria-san first and returned to the respective embassies. I then receive them and draft the replies.
*“Do not think you can get away with such insolent behavior by bypassing Gartz.”*
It’s infuriating that they treat people like objects, and the excuse that they “can’t afford to pay” is just as maddening. It’s not as if they are in a situation where this is their final resort, either.
“Sigh. And here Yuki-san and the others are struggling so much with the situation in Suurus...”
There is no such thing as a noble or lowly job, but when I think of everyone out there risking their lives, I feel a twinge of guilt for heading to the embassy like this.
Still, this is for the stability of Weed and our allied nations.
Reminding myself of that, I entered the embassy, and as always...
“““Princess, welcome back.”””
The noble guards at the gate and the receptionists chanted in unison.
“I’m home. How is everything today?”
I’ve given up on correcting them, so I simply returned the greeting and asked my question. Although I have left Gartz and am no longer a princess, but rather a vassal of Weed, they still address me by my former title.
Actually, since I am his wife now, perhaps “Madam” would be more appropriate than “Princess”? No, “Shera-sama” is perfectly fine... Well, I was a princess, so it’s not technically incorrect.
As I was pondering this, the receptionist answered my question.
“The Ambassador wishes to consult with you, and asks if you would be so kind as to visit his office.”
“The Ambassador? Very well.”
Could it be another request involving a bizarre letter? *Sigh.* At a time like this, too.
I headed up to the second floor where the office is located. As I approached, a guard opened the door as if he had been waiting for me.
“Excuse me. It’s Shera.”
“My apologies for the trouble, Princess.”
“It is no trouble. This is for the smooth operation of our alliance.”
I exchanged the usual pleasantries, was guided to a seat by a waiting maid, and sat down.
“Ambassador, what is the matter?”
I asked while sipping the tea that had been promptly served. I am not a person of leisure. With Yuki-san and the others so busy, I have taken on the burden of diplomatic issues. Of course, I process what I can, but I am also handling the affairs for those currently serving as representatives of their respective nations, like Agil-san and Kagura-san.
The number of issues isn’t vast, but now that the embassy exists, we avoid the trivial matters and only the important ones reach us—the wives, who also serve as the hotlines for each nation. Therefore, every second is precious.
Perhaps sensing my intent, the Ambassador immediately got to the point.
“Yes. The reason for today’s meeting is that a letter has arrived from Loweel-sama.”
“From my sister?”
That was an unexpected source of contact. Usually, she would just come charging in herself...
I accepted the letter and examined it. The wax seal was indeed that of the Gartz Royal Family, the signature was Loweel-sama’s, and I confirmed the slight smudge on the top right—a mark used to prevent forgeries.
However, I could not open the letter here. As it was an official letter from the Royal Family, it was not addressed to me personally, but to me as a diplomat of Weed. In other words, it was meant to be read alongside Seraria-san.
“It is indeed from my sister. I will take custody of this.”
“Yes. She requested that you verify it as soon as possible.”
“Understood. Anything else?”
“No, that is all. I leave it to you.”
“Very well. Excuse me.”
I offered a polite farewell and left the embassy immediately. I would have to cancel my visits to the other embassies and collect everything tomorrow; for now, I had to deliver this letter.
“I see. So Loweel sent a letter.”
Seraria-san, having received the letter, checked its authenticity just as I had. Naturally, we had already confirmed it contained no poisons, magic, or blades. She opened the seal without hesitation and began to read...
Her expression shifted from anticipation to something far more severe.
“Seraria-san. What does my sister say?”
“You should read it too, Shera.”
She handed me the letter. I didn’t bother asking if it was alright to read it here. The trust between us was deep enough that no words were needed.
As I scanned the contents of the letter...