第１６５１堀：訪問のお願い (Part1)
Chapter 1651: Request for a Visit
Request for a Visit
Side: Yuki
"And so, Show and I have come," Shera said, bowing her head across the desk from Yuki, with Show following suit. "We know you're busy, but we earnestly ask for your help."
The content was about the school I'd discussed with Kirika and Prol just the other day—the invitation to come visit. Well, it's about appearances, isn't it?
"I'd heard a little about that myself," Yuki replied. "So, Shera and Show moving means they've decided things have settled down over there, right?"
"Yes. My elder sister mentioned it would be good to visit once before the international exchange school begins."
"And our monarch requested that you 'put them in their place,' the fools heading to the international exchange school."
Well, it seems both sides want me to explain things, or rather, to tell the nobles and such not to underestimate us, more than they care about the children. After all, not all the students are gathered from the school I'm heading to.
"Understood. Even if I'm just considering it, where is this school?"
I had planned to go anyway, so I might as well ask about the school for now.
"Logari is the magic school in the Land of Magic. If it were in one of the great nations, there would be disputes, and then there's the matter of Nonoa."
I understood. A school in one of Logari's great nations would certainly cause trouble. It makes sense that Nonoa's place, with its proven track record, would be preferred. It's also a place where I have acquaintances, so it's comfortable. Besides, it's my first time going, and I can absorb new techniques there.
"What about Zlabur?"
"Ah, this is rather embarrassing, but we've prepared a school specifically for those who will be sent to the international exchange school, and we'd be honored if you could teach there."
"Huh? A school *for* sending them?"
A surprising statement, I asked back in astonishment.
"It's regrettable, but while we in Zlabur have emerged victorious from that war and established our position, many have submitted without fighting. Regarding Weed, some are skeptical, which is still acceptable, but others seem to view it merely as a means to secure loyalty to Zlabur. We're concerned that genuine learning won't happen if things continue this way."
"Ah, I see."
Zlabur had just concluded its war with the Hyne Empire. So, the gathering of children is being mistaken for a means to strengthen control. No, it's definitely also a means to strengthen control. After all, young people deemed suitable are being gathered from various regions by order of Zlabur's Emperor Yupi.
"Originally, with the ongoing wars, student exchanges through schools were limited to allies and places where safety was assured, so countries under the former Hyne Empire's umbrella were not included. That's why we've deliberately gathered individuals through examinations and are instructing them. There was also the matter of unifying etiquette, so we've drilled it into them beforehand. Otherwise, they wouldn't be presentable."
"Is it that bad? I certainly had heard something like that."
"While they naturally obey Zlabur, the victorious nation, many see this as part of the upcoming power struggle. Yet, to dismiss it entirely would cause problems for future control, so this is about 'one good smack' here. Otherwise, there would be a disparity in what is brought from Weed, and that should be avoided."
"Ah, how serious. Still, that old man did clean up his mess properly, so discrimination would be bad, wouldn't it?"
The old emperor of the Hyne Empire challenged them to a decisive battle to prevent the war from spreading further, and he honestly accepted the outcome. Without that, I can tell that the Zlabur region would now be embroiled in continued conflict, with the former Hyne Empire's factions moving independently. Since he properly accepted the result, should I properly return the favor? How conscientious of him. Is that the mark of an emperor?
"Thank you for your understanding. And so, we'd like you to come to that academy and show them Weed's greatness, including its physical strength."
"Strength? At an academy?"
"Unfortunately, overwhelming power speaks louder than words. It's right after a war, and even some of the instructors and teachers we've selected are skeptical, so this is also to open their eyes."
I see, so it's about giving them a good jolt to make them listen. Well, it is an important matter.
"I'm convinced. What about Seraria?"
"I'm convinced too. Personally, I'd like to go with you, but..."
"That would be wonderful for us, but is it possible?"
Hearing Seraria's wish, Show turned his gaze towards Yuki.
"No, that's impossible. The others would complain that the Queen isn't here."
"Haa, I thought so. Show, can't you smooth things over?"
"...No, that would be impossible. Complaints, as Yuki mentioned, would arise from other great nations. Ah, unless you were to come disguised as an attendant, as before..."
"Ah, that would be out of the ques—"
"There is still work to be done. Show-dono, you understand, don't you?"
Interrupting Seraria, Quar's strong will, absolutely forbidding her from going to another country, was palpable. It seemed to have reached Show, as well as me.
"Yes. I fully understand Quar-dono's feelings. I apologize for making an unreasonable request."
"No, I understand your feelings as well, but this wouldn't just be a matter concerning Zlabur. If that were to happen, work would truly grind to a halt. We must avoid that."
"Tch..."
"Something wrong?"
"Nothing at all."
Seraria lowered her opinion without meeting Quar's gaze. There was no chance of winning, no matter how she looked at it. It was surprising how much she had mellowed compared to before.
"What was that, you?"
"I understand Quar's opinion, but I also thought Seraria should get to travel a bit somewhere. Isn't it hard on you?"
She's been diligently performing her duties as Queen lately, so I honestly think she deserves some time off. Especially since I've been going to other countries in her stead.
Then, Seraria looked bewildered for a moment before quickly smiling.
"Ahaha, I'm fine. As I just said, I do go abroad quite secretly."
"No, have you been anywhere since Zlabur?"
"Of course! After all, we have enclaves in foreign territories, so I go on inspections."
"Ah, that's what you meant. I haven't seen Horst or Catherine recently either."