第１７８７堀：男爵との面会 (Part1)
Chapter 1787: Meeting with the Baron
Side: Yuki
The location for my meeting with Baron Siana was the monitor room.
It’s the facility equipped with screens to observe the cameras installed throughout the police station and prison—not just for recording conversations, but for monitoring behavior as well.
The screens displayed the current state of the prisoner detention camp, as well as the surroundings of the northern town, showing that our surveillance system was operating perfectly.
"The screen in the center is the one," Stasia said.
Following her lead, I turned my gaze to the center, and the image expanded just as the timing aligned.
On the screen was a white room with a single table and two chairs—no, wait, there was one against the wall, so three in total.
Baron Siana was already seated, a soldier standing guard behind him, and Kagura sat opposite them.
It looked like a type of interrogation room.
Well, calling it an interrogation room wouldn't be wrong, either.
After all, he is one of the enemy’s commanding officers.
"So, Kagura is speaking with him first?"
"Yes. I’ve conveyed the situation for today, but we also need to confirm his physical condition and help ease his nerves."
"To him, you and Stasia are his superiors, right? It’s only natural he’d be tense."
"Indeed. No matter how much we guarantee their safety, their lives hang on a single decision from you, Yuki-sama. Even if they know we wouldn't do anything reckless."
"Hey, I do what needs to be done when the time comes, you know?"
People seem to think I’m some kind of pacifist, but I have no problem disposing of enemies when necessary.
"For you, Yuki-sama, there are almost no 'enemies' left, are there?"
"When you put it that way, I suppose you’re right."
It’s not that I dislike killing; it’s that I’m cautious because the risks associated with killing are often too high.
There are some people you can reach through simple dialogue.
I just mean there’s no reason to go out of my way to create more enemies.
That said, it is a fact that there are those with whom words simply don't work.
And then there are those whose strength rivals my own.
Those, I mark for elimination.
As we were talking, a soldier approached, likely having received a signal from Kagura.
"I shall guide you."
"Understood. What about you, Stasia?"
"I will remain here to monitor the feed. Should an emergency arise, I will lead the troops in."
"Understood."
Stasia is in charge of the emergency response unit. That’s only natural.
"Um, Yuki-sama. What shall we do?"
Orelia asked timidly.
True, it would be cramped to bring all three—Prof, Orelia, and Hobis—inside.
"The room isn't very large. It would be best to bring one person as a secretary or attendant."
"That’s true. Now, the question is who..."
As I pondered which of the three to bring, Prof suddenly spoke up.
"I will decline."
For some reason, she stepped aside easily, and Hobis followed suit.
"I’ll pass too~. I think Orelia-chan would be best for this~."
"Yes. I agree with Hobis. My appearance is close to that of a child; I might offend Baron Siana."
"And I’m a bit too laid-back~, so I might come across as disrespectful~. I think the composed Orelia would be best~."
Both of them would do it if I ordered them to, but they were deferring to Orelia.
I could understand their reasoning. People judge by appearances first; Prof looks like a child, and Hobis has that loose, fluffy vibe.
In contrast, Orelia is the type who looks sharp and professional.
And, of course, she is capable on the inside as well.
"Oh, ah, yes. I am honored by your trust."
She was surprised, but sensing the intent of the other two, she nodded immediately.
"Alright, let's go. You two stay here and wait with Stasia."
"Yes!"
We headed toward the meeting room—or rather, the room that looked like an interrogation chamber.
A soldier stood guard at the door facing the hallway; it was heavily secured.
Well, I suppose that much is necessary.
The guard seemed to know who I was, as he immediately guided us into the room.
Kagura, who had been facing away, turned around to see us.
"You're here."
"Did I keep you waiting?"
"No, the timing is perfect."
While we were talking, Baron Siana stood up and straightened his posture.
"Allow me to introduce you. Baron Siana, this is my husband, and the Prince Consort to Queen Seraria of Weed in the south, Yuki-sama."
"A pleasure to meet you, Baron Siana. I witnessed your valiant fighting with my own eyes. As a man, I respect you."
It was a stiff greeting, but dignity and courtesy are important.
If I didn't maintain them, all of Weed would be looked down upon.
As for Baron Siana, upon receiving this greeting:
"I apologize for appearing before you in such a state. I am Siana, a vassal of the Budeaku Kingdom. I hold the rank of Baron."
He gave a sharp salute and began his greeting to me.
"It is an honor to meet you, Yuki-sama, the Prince Consort of Weed."
He was a truly polite, dandy man.
I took a moment to look him over again.
He looked to be in his early forties, sporting a beard around his jaw, and as his history as a frontline soldier suggested, he was well-trained.
He must have been at least 180 centimeters tall.
As for his attire, he was wearing the simple clothes we had provided. His military uniform had been stained with blood and shredded in battle, after all.
"I appreciate your courteous greeting. May I have your hand, so that this meeting may be a fruitful one?"
"My hand?"
"I am not sure if you have the same custom, but we shake hands to show friendship. If we are to cooperate, how can we do so without trusting one another?"
When I extended my right hand, the Baron seemed to understand my intent. He reached out and shook it.
His hand was thick and powerful, calloused from wielding a sword.
"I look forward to working with you. And truly, thank you for everything."
Baron Siana said while shaking my hand.
There was relief on his face.
"Not at all. As I said before, your actions were magnificent. Not just the charge itself, but the fortitude to have your soldiers relay the message beforehand, and the courage to execute it. That is not something easily imitated."
Indeed.
If we hadn't accepted, that "suicide charge" would have truly been just that.
But he had been prepared to do it even without our secret cooperation.
"That was merely a matter of luck. It would not have been realized without someone like you, Yuki-sama."
"Even so. You have good vassals, Baron. The Budeaku Kingdom is fortunate."
Truly.
It is hard to find subordinates with such loyalty.
We don't have many middle-aged men like this in Weed, after all.
"Both of you, I understand this is a pleasant meeting, but you must be tired of standing. Why don't you sit down?"
"Oh, my apologies. Please, have a seat. How are your injuries?"