第１７５８堀：思い出される疑問と始まる会議 (Part1)
Chapter 1758: Recalled Doubts and the Commencement of the Council
Side: Yuki
After what felt like an eternity—or perhaps just a leisurely, drawn-out drive through the forest—we finally returned to the Ohe Royal Capital.
"You have returned safely! A magnificent feat!"
With those words, King Ohe welcomed us with great fanfare. Soldiers stood at attention, swords raised in a display that felt more like a grand ceremony than a simple homecoming. To top it off, the common folk were cheering from the sidelines.
Confused by the sudden spectacle, I looked around until Eris and Kagura, who had been stationed in the capital managing affairs, approached us.
"Yuki-san, we took the liberty of publicizing your successful rescue of the hostages, the delivery of supplies, and our ongoing medical relief efforts."
"So, that’s the reason for this reception?"
"I see. King Ohe, you were aware of this?"
"Naturally. It would be problematic for us if you were unable to move freely, so I ensured the news was disseminated. More importantly, the gifts you brought from Weed have worked wonders. The Queen and the Princesses are particularly fond of them."
"Ahhh..."
I, along with Orelia, Prof, and Lyushi who had accompanied me, all let out a collective sigh of understanding. Really, there was no other way to react. Good food is a potent diplomatic tool; that much is beyond debate. We’ve learned that lesson time and again back in Weed.
"I am pleased to hear that the flavors of Weed suited the palates of Ohe’s people."
I truly meant it. If it hadn't suited them, it would have just been a waste of perfectly good supplies. Generally, I avoid exporting anything with too unique a flavor profile. This time, we stuck to dried fruits, vegetables, dried meats, and dried fish, seasoned primarily with salt and a touch of pepper. Of course, we provided the salt and pepper as seasonings, so the final flavor was left to their own discretion.
"We are grateful for your consideration. However, Martin and I find ourselves missing the taste of Weed..." King Ohe said with a wry smile.
Well, having visited Weed and experienced the depth of our cuisine, a diet consisting solely of salt and pepper must feel rather lackluster. It’s not that the Ohe Kingdom lacks herb-based dishes, but compared to the richness of Weed—or rather, the sheer variety of Japanese-style cooking, with its sauces and stocks—they clearly felt something was lacking. It wasn't exactly gluttony, but rather a refined preference.
"I am honored that you enjoyed the flavors of Weed. If you would like, we can dispatch some of our cooks to teach your staff our methods."
"Oh, I am humbled by your generosity. But, regarding our own cooks... I would hate to offend them..."
"I understand. When would be a good time? We can bring the food then. Our cooks have been serving their signature dishes to the people of Ohe, and it would be a shame to let that effort go to waste."
This is a common dilemma. If I’m too blunt, the royal chefs often end up scowling, only to lose their confidence once they realize how far behind they are compared to Weed’s culinary standards. We learned that lesson the hard way in Rogari, so we’ve become more tactful. King Ohe seemed to catch on to the implication.
"...You are right. We must be considerate of the chefs who have served us faithfully until now. Let us discuss this and return to you with a plan."
"Understood. In the meantime, would you like some light snacks?"
Seeing his disappointed expression, I figured a snack wouldn't hurt.
"Yes! Snacks would be perfectly acceptable!"
"What would you prefer? We have quite a variety..."
"Let's see... Yakisoba and Takoyaki would be wonderful. Those shouldn't interfere with our evening meal."
Safe choices, I suppose. Noodles and flour-based dishes. It’s quite filling, but if that’s what he wants, who am I to argue?
"Understood. Just let us know when you are ready, and we shall prepare them."
"Thank you. Now, let us begin our discussion regarding the future. This way."
And so, amidst the fanfare, we headed inside.
"...Yuki-san. Is it really appropriate to spend our reunion with the King talking exclusively about food?"
"Hey, don't look at me. He’s the one who asked. Besides..."
"Besides?"
"It means he has the luxury of worrying about food. That’s something to be happy about, isn't it?"
"True. Compared to when we first arrived, the atmosphere has softened. It’s not that they’ve let their guard down, but the suffocating bloodlust that once permeated the air has dissipated."
Eris was right. When we first arrived in the Ohe Kingdom, the tension was palpable. The kingdom was under siege, and both the King and Martin had been injured...
"...Come to think of it, did we ever ask how the King and the Captain of the Guard sustained those burns?"
"Eh? No, I don't believe we did..."
"It’s not normal for a King and his top guard to suffer such injuries. We were so caught up in everything else that I completely forgot to ask."
I realized my own oversight. It’s an impossible situation for the King and his guard to be burned in a standard conflict. Since the northern forces haven't launched a full-scale invasion, it wasn't a battle against men. Something else had happened.
"I'm sorry."
"My apologies."
"No, it’s my fault for forgetting. I’ll ask now, so please help me follow up and gather the necessary information."
"Understood."
As we spoke, we returned to the conference room within the castle. Princess Suena and Queen Dana were absent, currently recuperating in Weed—or rather, on maternity leave. That was for the best.
As we took our seats, the maids immediately served us tea.
"Forgive me for calling you to a meeting the moment you returned."
"Not at all. It was my responsibility to take a detour during such a critical time, and besides, we gained some valuable information."
"Information? Did something happen in the forest?"
"Yes. Tsunai-dono dispatched a Forest Jaguar in the blink of an eye. As expected of a captain representing a nation that manages its own troops."
"Ho, that is impressive, Tsunai."
"Yes, sir. I regret that I could not take the time to observe them further, as my priority was the safety of Yuki-sama and his party."
"Naturally. You and your wives are the lifeline of Ohe, Yuki-dono. Your judgment was correct. Now, regarding this information—is it about the movement of the monsters?"
I decided to leave the question about the burns for later. Given the current flow of the conversation, it was more important to secure cooperation for surveying the monsters' migration and habitats.