277 - Reunion and Negotiations
We have received one new review since the last update. Thank you very much.
Also, the manga was recently updated at Comic Gardo. Eve has also made her appearance, making look forward to the appearance of Liz, the Four Revered Saints, the Dragonslayer, and Erika as we progressed from here.
This chapter starts Volu 9. For the mont, I’m hoping to update regularly at weekly or bi-weekly intervals (although there may be periods where I update at shorter intervals, just like in the previous volus). I look forward to the ride with you all again along with Volu 9.
The representatives of the two countries sit at the long table, facing each other.
The Pri Minister of the Faraway Country———— Lieselotter Ornick.
The Mad Emperor—————- Falkendotzine Mira Dias Ordzit.
Sitting on the right side of Liese’s seat is , Mimori Touka———— and diagonally behind stands my deputy, Seras Ashrain.
Sitting on the left of the Arachnid Pri Minister, from the seats closest to Liese, would be Kokoroniko Doran and Gio Shadowblade.
On the other hand, no one is seated on either side of the Mad Emperor.
A tall blond man stands diagonally behind the Emperor.
He introduced himself as Wright Mira, Mira Empire’s General.
On the Emperor’s other side, there stands a young man with round glasses.
He seed to be a counselor or sothing like that.
After the two camps had finished their greetings, the first one to speak———- was the Mad Emperor.
[Splendid, it brings great joy that your side is in sync with mine. Even your tactics far exceed my expectations. First of all, allow to give you my honest praise.]
[It’s us who should be praising you instead...... Once again, please accept our gratitude for supporting us in this war.]
The one who returned the courtesy politely was Liese.
I could feel so nervousness from her voice.
[.......................]
Liese...... She’s getting slightly overwheld by the Mad Emperor’s presence.
I guess it’s not hard to tell why.
His voice——– Listening to it feels like sharp claws were being pointed at the nape of my neck.
And then, there’s that ghost-like, imnsely beautiful face......
It is indeed a beauty that rivals that of Seras.
In addition, although he is young and has a small-build, he had the overpowering presence befitting of an Emperor.
I think this might be the first ti I’ve encountered soone like him.
At that mont......
[Oya? What’s up, Poppo-chan?]
In the area near the camp enclosure, a girl slumped down.
It was Kashima Kobato.
Looking like she beca weak on her knees, she slumped to the ground.
[Koba-chan?]
[Ah——- I- I’m sorry......]
Kashima glanced once at Ikusaba Asagi, who was looking at her.
Then, she wryly smiled.
[I- I heard about them...... but when I saw a lot of the real deal myself...... I kinda feel overwheld.]
[Huh—— So that’s what this is about huh? Well, I guess it’s just like Poppo-chanya~~]
Seemingly convinced, Asagi lends a hand and pulls Kashima up.
[T- Thank you...... Asagi-san.]
[Ya alright?]
[......, ——–I- I’m sorry. It’s just, as expected...... impossible for ......]
Kashima wobbled.
She clearly looked pale.
Extrely pale.
[Are you sick?]
[U- Unnn...... I’m just feeling a little unwell...... I- I’m sorry———- It’s probably just like that ti in Jonato......]
[Ahhh...... If I rember correctly, you were overwheld when the main forces of the Holy Extermination Monks lined up in Jonato’s royal capital before the fight against the Great Demon Emperor’s army, weren’t you, Poppo-chan...... Though you say that, you’re probably anemic. Hmmm, even though you can endure a battlefield where blood splashes and severed arms fly...... I wonder if it’s that? Poppo-chan is just the type that can’t handle tense situations? Well, I guess it’s better than collapsing from anemia in the middle of battle.]
[No...... I’m afraid of blood splatters and flying arms, and seeing them made feel shocked...... How should I say this...... I feel more comfortable at those tis because I can still move...... I- It’s just like that even back then. I’m just weak at places like this......]
[So that’s why you’re not that eager when I asked you earlier huh.]
[U- Unnn......]
[That’s kinda timid of you, but well...... I guess it’s Asagi-san’s fault for forcing you to go here with . Ummmー! She’s not feeling well, so please can soone bring her back and let her restー!?]
Asagi called out to Mira’s soldiers.
[Asagi-san here has been invited by Emperor-san to co here, so I will stay hereー. Andー that’sー why, Mira’s soldier-sans. Please take care of Koba-chan for .]
[I- I’m really sorry...... Everyone...... for causing a ruckus...... I’m sorry.]
Weakly apologizing to those around her, Kashima is led out of the camp by Mira’s soldiers.
As she was being led away, Asagi called out.
[Ahh, just because our Poppo-chan’s weak doesn’t an you could play dirty tricks on her, oーkay? Nuhahahaー.]
Upon her words, the people on Mira’s side who looked like civil officials stared at Asagi.
Their stern gaze looked like they wanted to ask what impoliteness she’s saying, especially when their Emperor was in the middle of negotiations......
Well, that inability to read the mood is typical of Ikusaba Asagi.
......Even so, Kashima just now......
It looks like she was hurriedly glossing over sothing, trying to cover sothing up.
No, she probably did an what she said earlier.
“She kinda feels overwheld.”
It didn’t feel like she was lying at that ti.
But, for her to beco that pale———
Could it be that there’s so other reason?
However———— If there was another reason, what was it?
Just before she slumped down, Kashima was looking at .
Yes...... She looked surprised.
I know that this Fly King outfit had this ominousness around it.
However, from the look on her face......
It’s as if she realized the truth about sothing———– that she’d been hit with a powerful shock.
......, ———Don’t tell .....
No.
That isn’t possible.
I’m pretty sure I’ve eliminated all factors that make “” .
[.........................]
Moreover———- Why the heck are they here?
I’ve been thinking about this ever since I saw the two of them.
Did they take the Mad Emperor’s side?
Or perhaps...... Were they sent here as spies by that sh*tty goddess?
In other words, could those two just be pretending to be on the Mad Emperor’s side?
......To be honest, the idea that they were spies fits to a tee.
However, I still have too little information at hand right now.
So that they won’t connect all the events that happened with my true identity———- with “Mimori Touka”, I must find the opportunity to investigate the real situation.
While I had such thoughts in mind......
[I see. The superb command was the achievent of the Princess King Seras Ashrain huh.]
The conversation between the Mad Emperor and Liese moved forward.
[Y- Yes. As you’re well-aware, our Faraway Country has preserved our war potential. However, the overall leadership and the results of this battle are largely due to Seras-dono, who is well-versed in the art of war.]
[Not the guy sitting there———- Fly King-dono?]
The Mad Emperor’s gaze turned to .
Liese was also looking my way.
Her gaze seed like she was asking to answer him.
[I’m just the head of a small rcenary group. I don’t have the military skills to command a large army as Seras did...... In this battle, I’ve only participated as a re soldier.]
[You seem to be changing your voice......]
It seems like he was bothered about my voice, which was distorted by the Gem of Voice Alteration.
I originally intended to change my voice in these negotiations.
Considering that Kashima and Asagi are here, it could be said that this voice alteration is required.
The Mad Emperor, pointing at his face with his thin, white finger———-
[Is your Fly King mask because you want to hide your true identity?]
Mirroring his movents, I brought my hand on my mask.
[Having your face “well known”...... isn’t always a good thing. For example, if I were to undo this Fly King outfit, it’s highly likely that information about would reach the royal capital———– Even though I’ll be able to enjoy my daily life, they would still tie the identity of the within this mask to that of the Fly King. The fact that I wear this mask in public places allows the within this mask to be “free”.]
Gently putting my hand away from my mask, I continued.
[Unlike my real face, masks like this can be easily changed or thrown away...... But that isn’t sothing one can easily do with your real face. In addition, there’s a certain annoyance that cos with having your face “popular”...... I’m sure you, who is the Emperor of your country, are well-aware of this.]
Putting a hand over his mouth, the Mad Emperor chuckled.
[I see...... Indeed, I understand what you ant. Ahh, I’m sorry for digressing. Well then, first, let’s talk about our mutual demands, Lieselotte-dono.]
[Ah, yes.]
Regaining control of the situation, the Mad Emperor Interlocked his fingers on top of the table.
[I don’t know if you’re aware of this...... but the other day, my Mira Empire declared war on Alion Kingdom, which had sent their army to your country. Therefore, Alion and my country are currently in hostile relations. If ti permits, I will tell you later the reason why we decided to beco enemies...... but is that reason important to your country?]
It seed like he wanted to put that off for now.
I guess they have sothing they want to talk about first.
In that case, I guess it would be better if we listen to what he has to say first huh.
I’d like to know why they turned against them though.
But for now, I think it’s better to go along with them.
Liese also didn’t say anything in particular.
Seemingly sensing that he was being urged to go on, the Mad Emperor slightly changed his posture before he continued.
[As I told you through my earlier ssenger, my country wishes to form an alliance with you.]
After a brief pause, Liese responded.
[———-W- We too...... are also thinking positively about the alliance.]
[We do know that you have a separate King, but is he also open to the idea of an alliance?]
[Yes, o- our King is of the sa opinion......]
[Was the reason your King isn’t here because he is wary of us?]
The one who asked this was Wright Mira.
He was a man with a softer voice compared to the Mad Emperor.
However, he feels more like a “sly fox”.
[T- That is......]
Liese glances at once.
It looked like she’s trying to ask for my help.
Seeing what she wanted, I spoke.
[The people of the Faraway Country haven’t negotiated with influential humans for a long ti. And...... during the initial negotiations with Alion’s Thirteen Cavalry, they were deceived by Alion’s Cavalry Commander. They had such events....... so I hope you can understand their caution in sending their King to the “frontline”......]
Hearing my words, Wright smiled.
[Rather than Liese-dono here——— It feels more like you’re the Pri Minister of their country, Fly King-dono.]
[It’s rude to say such things in the presence of their Pri Minister, Wright.]
The Mad Emperor rebuked him.
Hearing his words, Wright lowered his head.
[I’m sorry for my rudeness...... I didn’t an to offend you. But as his Majesty has pointed out to , it was a comnt that may have offended you. Please forgive , Lieselotte-dono.]
[I’d like to apologize for Wright’s insensitive words. My apologies, Lieselotte-dono.]
[Ah, no...... I- It’s alright.]
With a sincere look on his face, the Mad Emperor slightly inclined his head.
[The point is...... We just wanted to make sure you had the authority to make this decision. If possible, I’d like to avoid situations where you bring our words to your King’s ears and we would need to wait for his response.]
[I- I do have it...... the authority to make decisions......]
[Understood. Well then, once again, we’d like to ask you———- Would you be willing to form an alliance with our country, Mira.]
[Errr, yes...... I guess so——– Yes, that’s right......]
Fumbling about, Liese continued.
[O- Our country hasn’t raised any n- negative opinions about forming an alliance with you......]
At that mont———- Sighs leaked out.
The sighs belonged to so of the n who seed to be civil officials standing behind the Mad Emperor.
I’m sure it was in response to Liese’s conduct and words.
[.....................]
This isn’t good.
Liese couldn’t demonstrate what she’s good at.
I think she’s being overly cautious.
I guess it’s probably because of the trauma of what happened before the war.
Because of this, she began worrying about every trivial thing.
I have this impression that she’s always speaking while feeling uneasy if it would be alright to say sothing.
Most of all...... She’s being slightly overwheld.
That peculiar intimidating feeling that the Mad Emperor gives off.
I told Liese to give a signal if she wanted to be the negotiator.
However, she still doesn’t give such a signal.
She plans to do it all by herself.
Or perhaps, it may be because of the mo that Seras and I handed over to her, stating what to be careful about when negotiating.
Perhaps, thinking that after all the trouble we went through, she couldn’t let herself show such a shaful sight.
From what I see, Lieselotte Ornick is currently trying too hard.
At that mont......
[Wright.]
[Yes.]
[Send those behind who made foolish reactions back.]
Hearing his command, Wright’s eyes narrowed——– but he still retained a smile.
[Understood.]
The ones sent back were the ones who had let out a sigh in response to Liese.
Perhaps, thanks to this, Gio, who seed like he was about to say sothing, stopped.
Even though he didn’t say anything, he clearly looked rather displeased.
......It isn’t hard to believe that the earlier flow of events were just a trick by the Mad Emperor to make our side have a good impression of him———— but I guess that’s just too far fetched huh.
[From the words Fly King-dono said earlier, it’s no wonder that their Pri Minister isn’t accustod to negotiating with outsiders. Besides...... What is important right now is whether we can communicate or not, not manners or formality. Don’t get too worked up, Pri Minister-dono.]
[Y- Yes...... Thank you for your consideration...... Errr, Falkendot...... zine M- Mira Dias——–]
[Pardon . If you didn’t know the inner workings of Mira, one would really think that it is my na. Please refer to as Zine.]
[Ah, yes...... Well then...... Emperor Zine...... Errr, t- the next matter would be......]
In the second half of her sentences, Liese’s voice was fading away.
This is even worse than stuttering.
I could feel concern coming from Seras behind .
......Seriously, Liese......
Even at her limits, she planned to persist huh.
If things continue like this, she would really be overwheld by the Mad Emperor.
I like her spirit——- but......
[...................]
I think it’s ti I opened my mouth.
[Liese-dono.]
[Eh? Y- Yes....... What is it, Belzegia-dono?]
[In this war, Liese-dono has achieved a great amount of ritorious deeds. However...... I don’t know if you’ve been working without sleep or rest, but you look a little tired......]
Turning towards the nearby Liese, I asked.
[When it cos to making decisions, of course, I’ll seek your directions...... but how about it? Why don’t you just let this Belzegia handle the negotiations leading up to the decision? Unlike you, I’ve slept and rested well this morning......]
For a mont, Liese looked puzzled at my words.
But after that, she seed sowhat relieved.
Looking like she decided to hand over the role to , Liese spoke.
[Y- Yes...... Well then, I’ll leave this to Belzegia-dono’s hands. My apologies.]
[Understood. Well then......]
Interlocking my fingers just like he did earlier, I faced the Mad Emperor again.
[On behalf of Pri Minister Lieselotte Ornick———– From here, I will act as the negotiator.]
Asking if the Emperor is alright with this or not, I continued.
[Would that be alright?]
It was only a little bit.
However, I could feel a hint of a welcoming atmosphere from him.
Upon my words, the Emperor’s lips suspiciously———— and bewitchingly raised.
[——————————-I’ll allow it.]
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