Chapter 27
"It looks just like a fortress."
That was Sazaby's first remark upon seeing Barming, Tsanadefor's capital.
It had few decorations, and its colors were a drab gray.
Its scale was appropriate for a capital, but even compared with Rudectrad, the royal capital, Dentaros, the imperial capital, and Vadgetta, Golbel's smaller capital, it still left a decidedly drab impression.
The only real touch of color was Tsanadefor's blue-based crest, modestly displayed on the castle gate.
Though the castle walls were not especially tall, they gave off an oddly intimidating air, perhaps because of that color scheme.
"It feels like it represents Tsanadefor perfectly."
Solid and sturdy. It was a phrase often used to describe Tsanadefor. Sazaby braced himself anew.
"Whoa! This place is kinda badass!"
"Let's get inside already!"
Sazaby felt the resolve he'd only just mustered slacken a little, and privately grimaced.
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Following the Tsanadefor general who had come partway to greet them, Sazaby and the others finally entered Barming.
The city itself was surprisingly ordinary. The shapes of the roofs and styles of the entrances were interestingly different from those in Rudek, presumably to deal with the snow and cold.
The city seemed somewhat lacking in vitality overall, but this was not unique to Tsanadefor. With the effects of the poor harvest still so pronounced, the entire northern continent was much the same.
The citizens they passed did not look at them with hostility. They all watched the Rudek delegation go by with apparent interest. Objectively speaking, Sazaby judged this to be a promising situation.
A child suddenly darted out in front of the twins from among the crowd. Apparently, the child had been chasing a cat without looking where they were going.
"Whoa!"
"Look out!"
The twins hurriedly reined in their horses. Fortunately, there was no collision, but the startled child began to cry. When the Tsanadefor general hurried to move the child to the side of the road, the twins stopped him.
"Hey, hey, you'll only make the kid cry harder."
"Instead, let us take over for a bit."
Meizest dismounted, took the child from the general, lifted them up, and handed them to Yuizest. Wondering what Yuizest intended, Sazaby watched as Yuizest set the child down in front of them. The child looked up at Yuizest in confusion.
"Is this kid's parent around?"
"We're borrowing the kid for a bit to have them show us around!"
As they said this, the twins waved to the people around them and smiled. Bewildered by the contrast between their lovely looks and their rough speech, the child's mother came rushing forward.
"I am terribly sorry!"
"Don't worry about it! We'll give the kid back later—Sazaby will!"
"Hey, kid, if you show us around town, Sazaby'll buy you something tasty later!"
They spoke to the child with bright smiles, then continued on as though nothing had happened.
It was utterly chaotic, but it might make a good impression on the people around them. Sazaby quickly exchanged a glance with Nizuhock, then hurried to smooth things over with the child's mother.
Even as he did so, the twins cheerfully paraded down the main street with the child, whose laughter could already be heard.
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"Thank you for making the long journey!"
Queen Sapia Voliviano. Though Sazaby had seen her in person once before, in the Empire, he was awed anew by her commanding presence. Unlike Emperor Drak, she radiated an intimidating aura as sharp as an icy blade.
"We are honored by your invitation."
Nizuhock delivered the formal greeting on behalf of the delegation and bowed, and Sazaby and the others followed suit. Sapia gave a single deep nod, exchanged a few formal words with Nizuhock, then addressed the entire delegation again.
"Set yourselves at ease. Thanks to your country, it seems we may somehow overcome this difficult situation. We should be the ones thanking you. I guarantee the safety of every member of your delegation. Spend the next few days in comfort."
Rudek's food aid had, of course, reached Tsanadefor as well. That was what Sapia was thanking them for.
"We appreciate your consideration."
Nizuhock thanked her again. Meetings with various departments were scheduled for the next few days.
There were several items on the agenda, but the major ones were road improvements and the purchase of Tutu. The rest concerned minor negotiations necessitated by their new shared border.
This meeting was meant to be a first step—a chance for both sides to confirm each other's positions.
"By the way, you came too, just as I had hoped."
Sapia's gaze shifted to the twins.
"We are honored to meet you."
"Indeed. Ho ho ho."
The twins offered some bizarre greeting. The disconnect was jarring, but perhaps they were trying to be polite? Sazaby watched anxiously as Sapia continued.
"You don't normally speak like that, do you? Speak as you usually do. You took care of one of my children earlier."
"Oh, good. That's easier."
"Was that the queen's kid?"
Though they had been told to speak normally, the twins immediately reverted to their usual manner. The delegation went pale, and some of Tsanadefor's retainers visibly bristled. The twins themselves, however, seemed not to care in the slightest.
"All the children of my country are equally my children."
"I see."
"Then tell that kid not to dart out in front of horses next time. It's dangerous. It wouldn't be any fun if they got hurt."
"Ha ha ha! Indeed. I shall make sure to warn them!"
And so, the cheerful laughter of the three alone echoed through the audience chamber.