Tsuyokute New Saga (LN) Book 8: Chapter 9

Kyle joined everyone at the hall a few minutes after his eting with Sharidan, where he just witnessed the Galgan Empire and Country of Taihon engaging in a bit of banter.

My, oh my, if it isnt Prince Sharidan. I didnt expect to see you here. How is his Majesty Mordau doing? I pray for his recovery from the bottom of my heart, said Korodes, as if he wanted to emit pressure.

After all, a forceful king like Mordau was a much easier opponent for him, so he provoked the prince.

Luckily, his life does not seem to be in danger, but he remains unable to return to his dutiesHence, I will have to represent my dear country here.

I seeWell, if there is anything we can do to assist, dont hesitate to inform . I consider you fine people from Taihon our good friends, after all.

In the end, their conversation was devoid of any kindness or genuine care. The people around them obviously knew about this relationship, trying not to get involved too much. Kyle watched for a mont, and right as he wondered if he should start breaking them up, a voice called out to him.

It has been a while, Kyle-san.

The person showing Kyle a warm smile was a beautiful woman wearing a relaxing dress. From her choice of words, it was obvious that they had been acquainted already, and as a matter of fact, Kyle recognized her face, as well as the voice. However, he couldnt quite attach a na to it.

Erm

See, I told you he wouldnt realize, Mira.

Another voice reached Kyle, colored in a faint sense of enjoynt. It was Milena, and the nickna she used was all too familiar.

Is thatyou, Miranda-san?

It was the ambassador for Zilgus, working in the mining city of CarranMiranda. Kyle could barely believe his eyes. She had changed so drastically. Partially because she had taken off her glasses, but even more so because her smile was nothing like the strict and diligent one that Kyle had grown accustod to.

I wouldnt know that myself.

Even as she showed a bashful reaction, Kyle could not connect the two.

You just changed so much, that IWell, youve certainly beco beautiful.

Well done with that, Miranda accepted Kyles genuine complint as a sign of good manners and laughed it off. Your rumors have reached too, Kyle-san. It has only been a bit more than a year since you left, yet you accomplished so much

I was just running around like a maniac. But it looks like Gazas-san couldnt make it.

Yes, I am here today as his representative.

The mining city Carran was pretty much under Zilgus reign, but as it was an independent nation, he was invited to this eting as the mayor.

I would have loved to et him againHow are things with him?

Kyle asked this, knowing that Miranda and Gazas were a thing, which made Miranda blush.

Love can really change peopleOr is this who she really is? Pretty cute, despite being Moms age.

To Kyle, Miranda was soone he fought together with in his previous life, but she had never shown a single smile. Granted, the situation didnt exactly allow for it, but at least he got to make up for it now.

I see. Im glad Gazas-san and Gou are doing good.

Yes. That said, Gou-kun has been so busy lately that hes barely even co ho. Even leaving Carran at tis

What a blooming conversation, Milena jumped in.

I-Im sorry, Milena-sama.

Its fine. I expected as much.

Milena didnt mind at all and began further idle talk with Kyle. It seed almost like she did this so that Kyle couldnt approach Sharidan and the country of Taihon, offering his help in the discussions. But that was to be expected. When Milena was involved in the civil war within Galgan, the ones who attempted to use that were from Taihon, after all. Though more accurately speaking, that was the ra Cult pulling the strings to strengthen the faction following King Mordau, wishing for a war between them and the Empire. Worse of all was the fact that Princess Milena was practically imprisoned in the Empire, and if it had co to a war, she might have been in great danger. Toward the end, she managed to escape with Kyles help, so Zilgus didnt join any war.

Imdiately, Sharidan blad and punished those who acted rashly, but because of this incident, the relationship between ZIlgus and Taihon worsened drastically. Taihon would have needed the support of Zilgus to stand against Galgans overwhelming might, so they wanted to make up no matter the cost. But, how would they go about doing so? Kyle personally would prefer if those two countries returned to their supportive relationship so that they could keep a balance in the distribution of might on the continent. However, because he wondered what to do, he was obstructed by Princess Milena. Although, he couldnt exactly stop either, so he had to be clear right here, right now.

Milena-sama, about Prince Sharidan

Kyle-sama.

Rarely enough, Milena interrupted Kyle.

That incident was brought into existence by OrgisAnd so, it was my fault for trying to get rid of the old rule of Zilgus.

The old rule must be referring to the late King Remonas and his followers. During this whole civil war incident, it was Minister Orgis who tried to get rid of the new queen Milena, trying to use Taihon to his advantage. Having made it back ho alive was probably a badge of honor for Milena.

Including thatNo matter how I may feel, the ones who have been directly involved right now dont think they can imdiately reconcile with Taihon just yet.

The opinions of those standing at the top of a country should be considered, but they arent absolute. If they ignored the feelings of those they cared for, their rule would eventually break down. Milena seed rather troubled by this current balance of affairs, so much so that even she couldnt keep up a pretend smile. Being rejected like this, Kyle really wanted to sigh, but he apologized imdiately.

You are absolutely right. Please excuse my careless words.

No, it is nothing you have to apologize for. More importantly

Milena ended this topic and imdiately changed to a new one.

After that, Kyle walked around, greeting all the other participants of the eting as the host of the evening. Of course, it never ended with just a greeting. So were not picking sides with either the Empire or Zilgus, others offered presents for him, whereas so tried to invite him to their country. One even introduced his daughter and princess to Kyle. For each, Kyle chose an appropriate response, trying to remain vague but polite all the sa. He tried to end it quickly, but the numbers were nothing to scoff at, and by the ti he finished the final greeting, the banquet was about to end.

As the eting hall had now turned empty, Kyle was ntally and physically exhausted. Looking at all the leftover food, he rembered hed barely gotten to eat sothing himself, but he wasnt particularly hungry. And when he left the hall on heavy feet, attempting to return to his room, another voice called out to him. Reflexively, all his exhaustion vanished and he forced another smile. Waiting for him was Milena. She was probably waiting for him to leave.

Kyle-sama, I wanted to see you one last ti before you head off.

Oh, I didnt expect youd wait for .

She sure is coming at hardKyle thought to himself, but he couldnt exactly brush her off. She wasnt the type to fool around like this, just showing their friendship, but Kyle rembered that Milena even suggested Kyle had the right to the throne, making him a marriage candidate for her. Kyle grew worried, thinking that maybe she was serious about that. Of course, Kyle liked Milena as a person, but he had no interest in any royal succession.

Behind her stood the usual guard knights, as well as the Royal Knights Order Captain, Kirlen. Of course, he couldnt forget about the attendant Ninos. But no matter how well he knew them, especially Ninos had no positive feelings when it ca to Kyle. Of course, she wouldnt dare say sothing during a situation like this, but Kyle wanted to believe that the cold gaze she gave him was only his imagination. Milena must have sensed how exhausted Kyle was, as she left it with a simple greeting and then attempted to leave.

Then, until tomorrowI hope you get so good rest.

She then headed off to the royal quarters, heavily guarded to ensure their safety for the night. Kyle also excused himself and watched her walk off, about to head off to his own room, when he felt another gaze. It was one different from Ninos gaze of jealousy and discontent. It was a lotharsher and hostile.

Turning around, Kyle t eyes with a single royal guard following after Milena. And she looked familiar. Her na was Frederica, the little sister of Zentos, who died at Kyles hands. And she knew about this fact, too. It was necessary, and Kyle didnt regret it, but it still hurt to be looked at this way. It was a long day, and yet he had to be reminded of this grueso reality one last ti, before he headed back to his room on heavy feet.

Oh, you finally done?

Contrary to Kyle, Seran had been taking it easy in the room all this ti. He was ready to sleep, too. Lieze, Urza, and Shildonia were already present in a similar fashion.

You got it easy, huh? I feel like my facial muscles are frozen from all the smiling.

You say that, but we wont be of much help out there.

True.

Seran and Lieze looked at each other. They were always reliable allies, but they knew that they wouldnt have much value at political places like that. That was obviously the best decision, but Kyle still wanted to complain about being greeted like this.

Ive worked plenty already, Shildonia was munching like always, saying it like it wasnt any of her business.

But of course, she did work hard. In fact, the planning for all this, as well as adjusting the schedule for the participants, was all done by her so skillfully that everything worked out perfectly. If not for her and her wisdom, this eting would never have taken place.

For the love ofImagine what would have happened if I was in need of sleep, too.

Are you sure you dont have to sleep? And arent you constantly taking naps?

Sleep is still necessary for my ntal wellbeingAnd you really put through the grinder, Shildonia said with an exhausted expression, but Kyle knew better than anybody else how hard she worked.

Youre right. You absolutely helped out a lot.

Also, Kyle, Father and the others are ready to have their eting with the dwarves co tomorrow. And they agreed to be present at the eting on the final day.

RightThanks for convincing them.

Kyle sighed in relief when he heard that. As the representatives of the forest of Evenro, Rifuaro and the other elves had already arrived at this fortress. However, they have no intention of participating in etings relating to humanfolk or communicating with other powerful individuals. They simply agreed to have a eting with the dwarves from Gilbohl. However, Kyle planned to discuss the demons and their danger on the final day of this World eting, so he asked for them to be present then, too.

Kyle, theres a letter for you. And take off your clothes, we prepared your outfit for tomorrow, so get so sleep. Lieze was always trying her best for Kyles sake, so he didnt have to worry about the small things around him.

Be it her, Shildonia, Urza, or even Minagi, they were all doing their best to support Kyle in their own way. Realizing this, Kyle felt embarrassed that only he was acting like he was the tired one.

Well, thats how it is, said Seran, who really didnt do anything over the past half a year.

Of course, each person had their strong and weak points, but that wasnt the issue.

Princess Angela is late, so youll be looking after her.

Princess Angela of the Galgan Empire had created many connections with the group, even having fought together. She seed rather interested in Seran, so Kyle would usually send him after her.

For real?

Even Seran, known for being a ladies man, didnt see her as a potential candidate. In fact, he would try to avoid her if he could.

I wish youd just give inOr, what? Do you prefer Luiza-san? Lieze dropped the na of the current Demon Lord, who also showed great interest in Seran.

That ones even more difficult! Why would I have to go through this

Its karma, no? Kyle harshly pointed out, and everyone nodded.

Even though their conversation was without much gravity, it had almost a healing effect on him. Either way, the banquet that gave him a stomach ache was finally over. However, this was only the preliminary match for the World eting that would start tomorrow, and Kyle knew that better than anybody else.

The real deal starts tomorrowMaybe I should drink so stomach dicine beforehand.

Kyle may have been feeling better compared to yesterday, but he really wished that he could just skip ahead of ti.