第１７４６堀：ようこそ何度目？ (Part2)
Ah, I see. Even an elevator is a mystery to them.
In this day and age, the idea of climbing stairs to reach an upper floor is unthinkable, but for those from Ohe who have never seen one, they must have assumed we were simply walking up a flight of stairs.
"I will have my staff explain the elevator in detail later. It’s nothing particularly complicated, though; you simply press the button for the floor you wish to reach, and it takes you there."
Yuki-dono explained it with such ease.
There is also the matter of opening and closing the doors, but explaining that would be a waste of Yuki-dono’s time.
More importantly...
*Ding-dong.*
The sound echoed, and the doors slid open.
We had arrived at the floor housing the conference room.
A clear answer is worth more than a hundred words.
"Right this way."
With that, Yuki-dono stepped out, and we followed.
For the record, the group inside the elevator consisted of myself, Yuki-dono, Rurua-dono, Prof, Orelia, and four members from the Ohe side—nine people in total.
It could hold fifteen, but it was certainly getting cramped.
The other members were busy with various tasks.
Ratz and Enora were assisting with refugee support and helping Lilishe-dono.
As for the escorts and attendants, Kagura and Hobis were guiding them via a different elevator.
And then, there was the view from the tenth floor, where one could look down upon the entrance...
"..."
As expected, the Ohe delegation was stunned.
Well, it is rare to see a building constructed with such a design.
Even in their stupor, their feet kept moving, and they filed into the room.
"Welcome. We are honored to have you here: King of Ohe, Queen Dana, Princess Suena, and Martin-dono."
The one who stepped forward to greet them was Seraria-dono, the Queen of Weed.
Kirue and Sasari stood at her side, accompanied by other maids, ensuring everything was in perfect order.
"I am Seraria, wife of Yuki, who stands before you, and Queen of this Weed."
It was an introduction that possessed a certain dignity, yet somehow lacked it all the same.
But that was to be expected. After all...
"I apologize that our meeting must take place in this setting, as it is unofficial."
"Not at all. We are the ones who should be thanking you for your significant support."
As Seraria-dono noted, this meeting was unofficial.
Weed does have an audience chamber where official meetings are held.
While discussions in a conference room are technically formal, our negotiations with the Kingdom of Ohe are still being kept secret from the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, which is why we chose this arrangement.
That said, it’s not as if the quality of the conference room is lacking in the slightest.
"Your Majesty Miyabi, this way."
"Very well. I shall have orange juice."
"Understood."
Kirue guided me to my seat, and I placed my drink order in advance.
It was as comfortable a chair as ever.
Usually, one would choose harder chairs for meetings to keep people from falling asleep, but this room felt designed to make you want to stay forever.
Though, if the meeting drags on, we will be served the simple meal mentioned earlier, so we are expected to conduct our business seriously.
"I will have green tea."
"Understood."
Before I knew it, the Elder had taken a seat beside me, and the other members were filing in as well.
"Now that everyone has arrived, dear?"
"Ah, yes. Once again, welcome to our Weed. We extend a warm welcome to all of you from Ohe."
Yuki-dono announced with a smile.
"Now, I would love to move straight to a meal, but let us proceed with the discussion first. I imagine it is problematic for the King to be away from Ohe for too long."
After all, they are in the midst of a war.
The absence of a supreme commander is bound to be an issue.
Well, Yuki-dono’s troops are filling the gap, so I am not particularly worried, but it is a matter of appearances to the outside world.
And so, we watched as the first conference between Ohe and Weed began.
Ah, the orange juice is delicious.
It is a rite of passage for first-timers.
Well, it is precisely because this gesture is understood and appreciated that everything goes smoothly afterward.
Considering the circumstances, I think my guidance as Queen Miyabi was quite appropriate.