Side Story 96: The Two Strategists (3)

Roa, and Northvel-dono. I shall be in your care this time.

Could it be because he had been formally named the heir? The Emperor's firstborn, Bittegald, seemed more confident than ever.

"Did everything go smoothly on the way here?"

I answered casually. Although it had been a while since we had seen each other, he was someone I often encountered in the Empire. Somehow, we had developed a relatively easygoing relationship. Bittegald's personality was much like the Emperor's. In other words, he was also similar to Luluria, which made him easier for me to deal with.

"Ah. Everything went smoothly. Your preparations... seem more than sufficient already."

"Yes. We can leave at any time. What should we do?"

Bittegald thought for a moment about my question.

"It would be better to leave sooner, but let's not depart today. Is that all right, Luluria?"

Luluria, who had accompanied Bittegald,

"Yes. One or two days won't be a problem. Besides, I promised to treat you to some exquisite potage."...