That night, there was a feast held in the great hall of Blanc Zem Castle in honor of the victor.
If you hear the words feast and castle in the sa sentence, you might imagine sothing more gaudy, but Zem was not known to stand on ceremony. When it ca ti to honor the winner of their national tournant, it turned into a raucous celebration with drinking and singing.
Souma, his wives, and Gimbal each gave an address at the beginning of the event, and then quickly retired. This was at the urging of Gimbal, because if the drunken rcenaries were rude to Souma and the other foreign guests of honor, it could cause a diplomatic incident. He was probably telling them, I cant handle you guys, so just do whatever you want on your own.
Ungh... Hic. In the middle of that raucous celebration, Mio was red-faced and vomiting.
As the center of attention at tonights function, the guests ca to hear a word from Mio, and, at the sa ti, pour her a new glass of alcohol to have a toast. Mio knew she had a high tolerance for alcohol, but after this many drinks, even she was a little unsteady on her feet.
Whoa, there. As she stumbled, soone got under her to hold her up. Are you all right, Madam Mio?
Sir... Colbert? she mumbled.
Your face is bright red. Are you sure you havent had too much to drink?
Ungh... Its cause everyone makes drink a toast with them... As she spoke, Mio felt sothing welling up inside her chest. Urgh... Blech!
Whoa! Madam Mio, hold yourself together! Lending Mio a shoulder, Colbert took her out onto the terrace to get so fresh air. He gently stroked her back as she held onto the railing and puked over the edge.
Im sorry... for letting you see likeurgh!
You dont have to force yourself to speak, okay?
After a little while like that, Mio cald down.
I really am sorry. Ive caused so trouble for you.
No... Ah! I know this cos a bit late, but congratulations on your victory.
Mio gave him an embarrassed laugh. Ahaha... Thanks.
After what His Majesty said, Im sure youll get the new investigation into Duke Carmine that you were hoping for. He wont treat the House of Carmine badly, either.
Seeing the genuine smile on Colberts face, Mio gave him a troubled smile of her own. Yeah, I guess youre right.
Huh? Arent you happy?
Ah... Um... Im happy, yes, but... I kind of figured so things out, and Im feeling better after letting out all that pent up frustration...
Eh?
No, Im just talking to myself, Mio explained to him with a wry smile on her face. But, more importantly, Sir Colbert, will you be going back to the Kingdom right away? Im sure Ill be joining you, but I need to bring my mother, too, so I need to prepare.
Oh, no, Im sure Ill be going ho as soon as tomorrow, but His Majesty and the others intend to stay in Zem a while longer.
Huh? They do?
Yes, well... They have other business to attend to...
Colbert was being evasive about sothing. Mio cocked her head to the side. Sothing other than the Great Martial Arts Tournant? What could that be...?
If youre curious, will you join us? The two turned towards the sudden voice that ca from beside them. There stood a tall, smart-looking man dressed all in black.
Sir Hakuya. Youd arrived? Colbert was taken aback by his sudden appearance.
Yes, just now. Ive already reported to His Majesty.
Hakuya... The Kingdom of Friedonias Black-robed Pri Minister, huh?
Hakuya nodded and bowed his head slightly to Mio. I appear to have been eavesdropping. Im sorry. I ca to speak to Sir Colbert, and happened to hear the two of you talking. It is an honor to et you, Madam Mio. I am Hakuya Kwonmin, and I serve His Majesty in my capacity as Pri Minister.
Oh! Nice to et you. I-I am Mio Carmine, she stamred.
Hakuya gave her a weak smile. I have been hearing about you. Congratulations on your victory.
Th-Thank you.
In regards to the House of Carmine, once we return to the Kingdom, I will perform a sincere reevaluation of the situation. ...If it were possible, I would however have liked to consult with His Majesty in advance of any decision on the matter.
Hakuya let out an exhausted sigh.
Mio asked him, Um, when you asked if I would join you, what did you an?
Exactly what I said. I was asking if you would join us in our other business, Madam Mio. I heard from His Majesty that you hold no hostility towards His Majesty or the Kingdom, correct?
Oh, yeah. I have no real axe to grind.
Then theres no issue. Hakuya nodded. I want to bring a small but elite set of guards tomorrow. If you have the martial prowess to win a tournant, I think you should be more than up to the task. Besides, if anything should happen to His Majesty and the others, I wont be able to carry out the new investigation into Sir Georg, so I expect you will do a good job of defending them.
R-Right...
You can leave your mother to Sir Colbert, Im sure. How about we have her return to the Kingdom in advance, while you stay with us?
O-Okay. I have no problem with that... Mio blinked, unable to grasp the situation. Um, so what exactly is this business?
A eting with... a very important person, he said, his expression very serious. Tomorrow, here in Zem, there will be a eting that decides the future of the country. That is why not just His Majesty, but I too, am here.
I see...
Just what had she gotten herself into? Mios head was a confused ss.
The following day, we left Zem City and flew through the air.
You could have ridden on my back. Naden telepathically griped at .
Because there were things we needed to talk about, I didnt ride on Nadens back this ti, instead joining everyone in the gondola that she was carrying in her ryuu form. Naden had given an unhappy look about it, but this ti I didnt really have much choice.
Inside the gondola were , Aisha, Owen, and Hakuya who had joined us in place of Colbert. Colbert took the wyvern gondola we had used on the way here back with Mios motherwhich was to say Georgs wifeand they headed back to the Kingdom before the rest of us.
The remaining guards were with us as well, but Mio seed a little out of place among them. She had apparently joined us at Hakuyas request. I knew what her intentions were, and I had no reason to view her as a threat now that we had promised a new investigation into Georg, but it was still a bold move, bringing her like this.
By the way, on the matter of that new investigation, Hakuya had thoroughly chewed out last night for making that decision.
Honestly... That may have been the right choice this ti, but a single misstep and it could have hard national interest. I do wish you would consult in advance. Now listen, sire, you really do need to...
It was lecture ti with Hakuya for a little while after that. Once I had heard everything he had to say, I told him, I do think this stuff through.
I had learned from Liscias sermons that when soone is on your case, its more effective to wait until theyre done before you explain yourself.
Georg was especially respected by people in the military. Even now that hes a traitor, there are probably people looking around, suspecting he might have had so reason, right?
Well... yes.
I thought it was a good opportunity to extinguish that discord within the country. If Mio will just cooperate, we can give them a beautified version of the story that is incredibly close to the truth.
There were two points that were preventing us from making Georgs plan public.
Firstly, Georg had sent Glaive to inform about the plan in advance. Because people died as a result of the plan, I would end up agitating their bereaved relatives. There were people like Carlas family who joined the rebellion and martyred themselves for their friendship with Georg, too, after all.
Secondly, we took the rcenaries hired by the corrupt nobles captive, and used them to collect the nobles secret wealth in the form of ransom money. If Zem found out about that, it would cause a lot of trouble. Because, from their perspective, they would have been deceived by Georg and . It could well turn into a diplomatic incident. Conversely, if we could just keep those two points under wraps, we could do as we liked about the rest.
When I explained that, Hakuya sighed, It could lower the peoples opinion of you, because you let a good vassal die.
That will pass. Georg deceived everyone, and, because of my youth and inexperience, he was able to make dance on his strings. If Mio will say the right things to back up the story, we can make the public view it that way. From there, if we just pump up Georgs reputation, the things we make public wont hurt that much.
I see... Its not that you were blind, but that Duke Carmine was simply too good for you? ...Youre quite the scher, huh? Hakuya let out a sigh filled with a little admiration and a whole lot of exasperation. If Duke Carmine were listening, Im sure hed want to disagree.
Well, you know, dead n tell no tales.
Its all in how you say a thing...
After that exchange, I was able to force Hakuya to accept it. Though wed only move on it once we were back in the Kingdom. Until then, we had to focus on what lay ahead of us.
Um, where is this gondola going? We seem to be heading in the opposite direction of the Kingdom of Friedonia... Mio asked, unable to bear being in the dark about the current situation any longer.
It was true we were heading west, not east towards the Kingdom.
Because of the other reason we ca to Zem.
...I hear youre eting soone important.
Thats right. This is a very important negotiation that will affect how we act going forward. Thats why, well, Ill have to ask you to forgive for not heading straight ho. I promise well launch the new investigation into your father as soon as were back.
Th-Thats not a problem, but... um, is it okay for to co to such an important place?
I smiled wryly as Mio seed to break out in a cold sweat. She had looked so strong and brave fighting Kagetora, but she was as timid as timid could be when you took her out of her elent and brought her to a place for negotiating like this. She was so cool you might fall in love with her when she was doing what she specialized in, but kind of a disappointnt when it ca to anything else.
Reminds of a certain soone... I muttered.
...Um, sire? Why do you look at when you say that? Aisha gave an accusatory glance, and I looked away to try and hide what Id been thinking.
W-Well, its an important negotiation, but thats a job for and Hakuya to handle. Nothing bad will happen to you for joining us, so relax.
On the other hand, in your case, sire, failure can not be tolerated, Hakuya told that with a dispassionate look on his face.
I know... We dont have much ti left, after all.
As the air in the gondola grew heavier, Mio looked around restlessly, not sure what she should do. As they were talking...
Souma, were here. Its that place that looks like a house, right?
...Nadens voice echoed inside my head.
I looked down from the gondolas windows, and there was a mansion on top of one of Zems mountains. It looked like a Canadian log house, made using lots of logs. That was apparently the King of Zems mountain villa for getting away from the sumr heat.
As I looked down at the villa, I spotted a luxurious gondola ant to be carried by a wyvern parked nearby. ...Theyre already here, huh?
Sire, we must hurry, too.
I know. Naden, set us down next to that gondola.
Roger that.
Naden made a smooth descent and landed next to the luxurious gondola. When Naden took on her human form and we got out of the gondola, a number of people imdiately ca out from the villa.
Hee hee.
The person at the head of the group stood in front of us, then chuckled. Like always... especially now that I was eting her in the flesh, I was overwheld by her beauty. I thought I was used to seeing it, too... Of course, if it was just about simple beauty, my own wives were no less beautiful than she was. Liscia, Aisha, and Juna were all beauties, and Roroa and Naden were cute.
However, in her case, the air around her was different. She had natural charisma. The charm that always drew people to her. Fuuga had sothing like it, too, but in his case, it mostly arose from his ridiculous martial abilities. Her presence exuded purely from her human charm.
She extended her right hand to . I took her hand, placing my left hand on top of it, and she reached out and placed her left hand on top of mine. We exchanged a firm, two-handed handshake.
With a smile, she said, Im finally able to et you, Sir Souma.
Yes. Im happy to be able to talk with you in person, Madam Maria.
Though, strangely enough, it didnt feel that way, this was my first eting (not counting the Jewel Voice Broadcast) with Empress Maria Euphoria of the Gran Chaos Empire.
Another reason Id accepted Gimbals invitation was that he proposed a eting between myself and Empress Maria of the Gran Chaos Empire from within Zems borders. His goal in inviting to the Great Martial Arts Tournant was likely to show off the strength of his rcenaries, and either convince us to reenter the rcenary contract with them, or, failing that, to secure a treaty of mutual non-aggression. Between encountering Mio personally and this chance to et the Empress, Gimbal drove a hard bargain.
That said, we had amicable relations with the Empire, but our alliance was fundantally a secret one. The trade brought about by the dical pact between the Kingdom, the Empire, and the Republic of Turgis must have been visible even to those outside the three countries. Only mbers of the highest echelons of our two nations knew that we were in constant communication using the Jewel Voice Broadcast, though. If information leaked and third parties discovered we had such a close relationship with either the Empire or the Republic, there was the risk they would beco wary of us. For example, if Fuuga learned about it, that would cause quite a stir.
Upon hearing the news of an apparent joint relationship between the Empire and our kingdom, he may be desperate enough to build a power base that outstripped our own; enriching his countrys resources, and strengthening their military were also not outside the realm of possibility. He would likely pursue his ambitions with greater intensity, and even less heed for the consequences of his actions.
Because we had kept things secret to prevent that, neither of us had been able to head to the other persons country for talks. However, since this was proposed by a third-party, we were keen to take advantage of the opportunity. Because Zem was sandwiched between our two countries, it was probable that they made the offer in order to gauge the risk of being caught in a conflict between us. They likely wanted to bring Maria and together so that they could use the atmosphere of the eting as an indicator of whether our countries were on amicable terms or not.
I was willingly going along with this narrative, however. With everything in mind, by agreeing to co to Zem, I would knock down three birds with one stone. And, as for Gimbal, my assurance that we wont be hostile towards themassuming they are truly neutralprobably has satisfied his end goal, for the most part. He truly was more than just a capable warrior, but also a crafty king.
I found a familiar face in the group of people behind Maria who had co out to greet us. I extended my hand to her next. Its been too long, Madam Jeanne.
It has. You seem well, King Souma.
This was Marias little sister and general, Jeanne.
Jeanne shook my hand, then turned to Hakuya. Its been a long ti since Ive seen you, too, Sir Hakuya. Its a pleasure.
The pleasure is all mine. I am glad to see that you seem well, Madam Jeanne.
We see each others faces during our regular scheduled talks, but this feels kind of strange.
Heh, it does, doesnt it?
Jeanne was grinning broadly, and even Hakuyas stony face had a hint of a smile on it.
Those two were getting along as well as ever. Id heard that, as they were both run ragged at the whims of their respective rulers, they had ford sothing they called the Association of the Victims of Slothful Masters. Their mbership, by the way, may have expanded now to include Colbert, who was run ragged by Roroa, and Leporina, who had the sa experience with Kuu.
Maria clapped her hands. Oh, right, Sir Souma. In addition to Jeanne, Ive brought so capable commanders from our country to provide security at this conference. Let introduce them to you. Gunther, Krahe. Please, co this way.
Yes, maam!
Two n in impressive suits of armor stepped forward. The one in yellow armor was your stereotypical macho man. His stern face was built similarly to Owen or Herman, and had a crew cut and a goatee. He looked to be in his thirties or forties, but was definitely the type who appeared older than their actual age.
He pursed his lips, crossing his arms behind his back like a military man would, tilting his head so that his goatee stuck out, and making no attempt to make eye contact.
The other man wore blue armor, and gave off the opposite impression. He was a slim but strong man, like Julius. This guy was around thirty, maybe. He had long hair, and was wearing a little makeup, so he had a face reminiscent of a mber in a visual-kei rock band.
The long-haired man looked at with a broad grin. It wasnt unpleasant, but Id never felt soones eyes cling to quite like this, and it made shiver a bit.
Indicating to each of them with the palms of her hands, Maria continued, Let introduce them. The big one is Gunther Lyle, and the slim one is Krahe Laval. These two, as well as Jeanne, have managed the Empires military for , since thats not sothing Im not good at.
...Im Gunther, the big man said suddenly. He felt a little intimidating, but I didnt detect any hostility there. He was likely quiet by nature. Looking at the way Marias expression hadnt changed a bit, this was apparently just how he always was. Krahe, on the other hand...
Well, well, it is an honor to et you, King Souma. My na is Krahe Laval. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I dont mind if you want to call Lavie. Oh, you wont? How rude of to suggest it. But I truly am pleased to make your acquaintance. Yes. I never lie.
Even if he was using up Gunthers share of talking ti, too, the man was too garrulous. He approached with a friendly smile, grasped my hand with both of his own, and shook it vigorously.
Shocked by his forwardness, I looked to Maria and the others, struggling to figure out how I should respond. Maria gave a slightly troubled smile while Jeanne pressed her palm against her forehead.
Not again... she mumbled.
This was apparently business as usual here, too.
Erm... You have so unique personnel in the Empire too, I see, I said, giving a strained smile.
Maria responded with a business smile of her own. They are both loyal and reliable commanders.
That probably ant they were capable, so their personality was second priority. Our country had so of those, too. (Like the super sadistic head maid Serina, or Genia the Overscientist.)
Krahe went on babbling, Still, to think I would be present when the Saint of the East and the Hero of the West et. I am beyond delighted. This will be another page in the book of legends. Once the two of you crush the Demon Lords Domain, hand in hand, this day will be spoken of forever. Ohh, youre marvelous, Your Imperial Majesty. Truly, you are a saint.
The look of ecstasy on Krahes face made it seem like he might burst into poetry or song. He ca off as a bit of a freak which began to weird out.
Lady Maria, you are a heavenly vision of beauty descended toOw!
You talk too much, fool! Jeanne dropped a fist on top of his head to shut him up.
Grabbing his head, she forced him to bow. Ow! Madam Jeanne, that hurts! I said that hurts...!
Im sorry, please ignore Sir Krahe. Hes a highly impressionable individual, and with the way he worships my sister as a saint, hes like a young maiden with her head full of dreams.
...The Empire has so really interesting people, I joked.
Its a big country, after all. Maria chuckled. Of course there are all kinds. The Kingdom is the sa way, right?
She was looking at my queens and retainers behind . Yeah... She has a point.
Ahh, let introduce them, Madam Maria, I said, walking over to them. These are my wives, Aisha and Naden.
Nice to et you. I am Aisha Udgard Elfrieden.
Naden Delal Souma.
These two hadnt sat in on our Jewel Voice Broadcast conferences, so this was Marias first ti eting them. Because the broadcasts were held in secret, aside from the rare exception of people like Ginger and Sandria, there were few people who she had t.
Ive heard of the two of you from Souma. Youre both adorable. Maria smiled at both of them.
This is that singing, dancing empress... Shes pretty normal, huh? Naden said quietly to herself as she looked at Maria.
Co to think of it, Naden had been watching broadcast programs from the Empire while she was in the Star Dragon Mountain Range. Incidentally, the simple receiver she had been using was in the castle now.
I didnt want to be thought of as engaging in spying, thus leaving a bad impression, so Id told Maria we had a receiver that could view the Empires broadcasts. Since they used separate jewels for public broadcasts and important communications like us, she said it wasnt an issue. In fact, she wanted a receiver that could view broadcasts from the Kingdom in return, so we sent her one.
When Juna saw Maria singing and dancing, shed said, What natural charisma... Its frightening how gifted she is, which got her competitive spirit all fired up. I felt lucky to have caught a glimpse of her determination to always win.
Youre amazing. I think this is the first ti Ive seen a woman whos stronger than Jeanne. Maria poked around Aishas physique as she stood rigid and upright.
Y-You flatter .
Maria had a gentle deanor, and could interact with anyone quite naturally. She was good at closing the distance between her and other people, so I could see why the people of the Empire loved her. If this ca to her naturally, she was a born enchantress. It wasnt just Krahe; she could probably make any man dance around in the palm of her hand.
Th-The Empress? Seriously? Hearing a strange tone of voice, and I turned around to see Mio was frozen stiff, her eyes blinking rapidly. Shed just co along as told, and now the head of the superpower to the west was standing in front of her. No doubt her mind was still trying to process all of what was going on.
Owen gave Mio a slap on the back. Ah! Sir Owen?
I know how you feel, but relax. When you live in the Kingdom, these sorts of ridiculous things happen all the ti. Itll be easier on you if you get used to it early.
...What happened to the Kingdom after I left?
Ouch, that hurt. Nothing bad happened to it. Probably.
Sister, its about ti, Jeanne urged.
Hee hee, yes, it is. Maria looked at . It wont do for us to stand here, talking all day. Lets go inside. Ive heard in advance that you have sothing of great importance to discuss, after all.
Yes. As such, I would like to limit the number of people who attend the talks. Will that be acceptable? Well each have one assistant inside the room, and one guard outside.
I understand. Id like Jeanne to join . Gunther will stand guard.
Then Hakuya will join , and Aisha will be the other guard.
We ordered the others to watch the surrounding area.
Lavie... Er, no, Krahe, who was left out, said, Why must I be left out of this historic conference? Im very sad. I an, silly Gunther is just a taciturn ox of a man, isnt he? Im begging you, let be by your side, too. Please, please, please, please, please.
He cried and begged desperately, but Maria and Jeanne both just waved it off.
Following that, Maria pointed at Naden. Ive heard the raven-haired Madam Naden is a dragon from the Star Dragon Mountain Range.
Huh? Why are we talking about now?! Nadens eyes widened at the sudden change in topic to her.
I thought I noticed a flash in Krahes eye then. Maria continued, Ive heard shes a particularly unique type of dragon called a ryuu, too. Arent you curious how Naden t Souma, who is not one of the dragon knights of Nothung, and built a bond strong enough it led them to form a contract?
...Certainly!
Whoa... In order to distract Krahe from the conference, shed brought up Nadens heritage, and was trying to shove him off onto her. That was an empress for you. What a harsh move.
Why dont you ask her about it while were having the conference?
Ohhh, I most definitely will! Krahe rushed over to Naden, put his hands together in front of him, and bowed his head. Please, please, tell about it!
Whoa, youre too close! Souma, can I shock this guy?!
Uh, no, hes kind of a foreign general...
We dont mind. If he gets too rude, please, punish him, Jeanne said with a smile.
I can?!
She gave permission awfully easily. Is this really all right? Naden sent sparks flying through her black hair to intimidate him, but it seed Krahe didnt mind at all, as he kept getting closer.
Ohh, the heros dragon partner wreaths herself in lightning? How mystical and divine! Ahh, Im fascinated to learn how you and Souma t. What was the story? Please, tell ! Now, now, now!
Gyah! Stay! Away! From! eee!
I dunno. If he was able to go this far without batting an eye, I almost had to be impressed. Ah! I might just have the word to describe Krahe... He was a romanticistto an unhealthy degreethat was what Krahe was.
Sorry, Naden. Itd be a pain if he interrupted the conference, so can you keep him occupied for us?
Wait! Why ?!
Please. I promise Ill make it up to you later. I put my hands together, as if in prayer, as I asked her.
Murgh... Naden groaned. ...Im going to make sure you make it up to .
Yeah, I swear I will.
Okay, I get it. Ill chat with him, but just for a little while.
It looked like Id talked her into it. Naden would handle Krahe, so we decided to quickly go inside the villa and get the conference going.
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