第１４３５堀：色々な意味で大味な会食 (Part1)
Chapter 1435: A Banquet That Is Coarse in Every Sense
Side: Samantha
It is surprising—or perhaps, more accurately, blatant—how much the attitude of the Kinauf representatives has shifted since I spoke of Lilishe-sama’s position within the alliance and the severe sanctions they would face depending on their future conduct.
They have begun to treat not only Litea but also us, the envoys from the allied nations, with the utmost deference.
No, they had treated us as envoys before, but they never used to resort to the kind of shameless flattery that Litea does...
"My, Samantha-dono, you are truly beautiful. And the nation of Roday must be a magnificent place indeed."
They have even started showering me with praise, clearly fishing for information about Roday.
Well, I knew this sort of thing might happen at a banquet following negotiations, but being fawned over so transparently is quite a nuisance.
And it isn’t just me.
"Cleena-dono, I hear you are a remarkably skilled mage for your age. Is August a master of the magical arts?"
"…Talent varies from person to person. It changes based on one's dedication to learning. My country merely supports that."
Cleena-san is clearly annoyed, yet she continues to answer. Honestly, if anyone tries to touch her improperly, they’ll be burned to a crisp.
Ah, and if some unfaithful wretch were to try and touch me…
I dodge a hand attempting to drape itself over my shoulder.
"My apologies, but I am a married woman. As are the other envoys here. We were dispatched to Weed due to the sudden chaos, and we have been redirected here. To avoid discord with other nations, I believe it would be best to avoid careless physical contact."
When I gently admonish them, they pull their hands back immediately. Perhaps they heard me, or perhaps they caught the mood, but they quickly distance themselves from everyone and begin whispering among themselves.
…How blatant.
"Oh, my apologies. I suppose I was a bit flustered, feeling the need to understand the great powers other than Litea after what has transpired."
"I am glad you have come to understand that much. We, too, dislike shedding blood in vain, but our honor is at stake if our nation and our alliance are ignored. I am pleased we could reach a reconciliation."
I leave the unspoken message hanging in the air: if Roday is pushed any further, we will throw our weight behind those who would crush you.
Blade-heika would likely find such things bothersome and avoid them, but the Chancellor and my father would certainly act. Above all, even if this place were to be destroyed, the burden of the aftermath would fall primarily on Litea, and there is no reason for us to go out of our way to look after those who have been colluding with the Dark Guild.
Even Weed cannot offer any more support than this.
At most, we might arrange for the people of Kinauf to flee?
Well, if the populace flees, the country can no longer function as a nation.
The person listening to me reacts…
"I-I see. I am glad we could reach a reconciliation."
They must have understood that if they break their word now, there will be no second chances.
Just as I am thinking this, the doors open and the maids begin to bring in the food. The person I am dealing with looks relieved at the sight.
"Oh, it seems the meal has arrived. Please, do enjoy the cuisine of Kinauf."
With that, they retreat.
Under normal circumstances, this is where the real business would begin. You would use your country’s cuisine as a conversation starter to expand the dialogue further. And then, the meal would end without much of it actually being eaten.
*Sigh.* Even knowing that, these kinds of banquets are truly exhausting.
No, the banquets held in Weed are literally banquets for eating. The conversation happens before and after. Everyone focuses on their meal. Eating delicious food is, after all, a given.
In fact, there is an unspoken rule that you shouldn't talk while eating. That, in its own way, is quite terrifying. It stems from a firm, unwavering will to secure the food one wants to eat.
While thinking such things, the preparations for the buffet are completed.
"Envoys, I have arranged this banquet, however modest. Please consider this a break from your duties and enjoy yourselves."
With the King’s words, the banquet begins.
Now, I wonder what happened to those who fled? It seems they have all retreated to hold some sort of meeting.
Is it Kinauf etiquette to withdraw when it is time to eat?
I am not quite sure about these things, so I head toward Lilishe-sama, who is already reaching for the food.
"Lilishe-sama, do you have a moment?"
"What is it~? Aren't you going to eat, Samantha-chan?"
"…This is the only entertainment here. It is better to enjoy it, at least a little."
"That's right~. Cleena-chan is right, you know~."
Before I know it, Cleena-san is nearby, and she already has a fair amount of food on her plate.
"I understand the sentiment of enjoying it, but since our counterparts have vanished, I am at a loss. Is this the norm for Litea or Kinauf? I had assumed that in a banquet like this, making conversation was expected."
"…Come to think of it, it is strange."
Cleena-san seems to understand what I am saying, tilting her head as she brings food to her mouth, but…
"…*Sigh*. Coarse."
She leaves behind a rather rude comment.
"Cleena-san. Compared to Weed, the seasonings and cooking methods here have not been established, so it cannot be helped."
For now, I reach for the roasted chicken, carve off a piece, and bring it to my mouth.
Yes, it is certainly coarse. It is just roasted with a little salt and herbs. No, it is certainly a dish, but when compared to the great powers that have been influenced by Weed and its food culture, it inevitably falls short.
"Ahaha~. Samantha-chan, you’re being quite rude yourself, you know~. Well, I suppose I agree about the taste~. So, you’re talking about how everyone from Kinauf went over there, right~?"
Lilishe-sama also reaches for the chicken, just like me, and takes a bite.
"Yes. Is this common?"
When I ask again, Lilishe-sama, having finished her bite, makes a somewhat complicated face.
"I can’t really say anything to Cleena-chan or Samantha-chan, can I~? I’ve been completely poisoned by Weed. There must have been a better way to handle this."
She says, offering a harsh critique. Well, it is hard to honestly call it delicious.
"And as for the banquet manners~. Litea and Kinauf aren't any different in that regard~. I suspect everyone probably threatened them a little bit~. After all, everyone here is a representative of a great power~."
"Ahaha… Well, I am Yuki’s wife, after all."
"That is right. Mikos-chan belongs to Yuki-sensei."
I hear a voice from behind me, and when I turn, all the envoys are gathered together.
It seems everyone had been approached and had, in turn, threatened them.