Chapter 121
The matter Das-san had brought before us was not something even the king could decide on his own. So, on another day, the kingdom's leading figures in the royal capital were gathered for a discussion.
Rather than our usual audience chamber, we were led into a particularly solemn room. At a glance, it was clear that the chairs were expensive, and eight people were seated there.
King Zeurasia sat in the center at the front. Immediately to his right was Lucifal-Belas, commander of the First Knight Order. In the vacant seat to his left, Raiz-sama, who had entered alongside me, sat down.
Nelfia stood quietly behind the king, trying not to draw attention to herself.
Das-san and I remained standing near the entrance. Once he saw that Raiz-sama had taken his seat, King Zeurasia opened his mouth.
"I apologize for the discourtesy of making you stand, Das-dono, but this is a serious matter. I ask that you bear with it for a while. I have already heard the matter from Raiz, but would you explain it once more here?"
"Of course."
Placing his right hand over his chest and opening his left hand, Das-san made a formal gesture toward King Zeurasia. The grandiose gesture made him seem more like a merchant than a diplomat, just as I had thought.
After clearing his throat, Das-san calmly explained what he had told us the other day. Having already explained it once, he presented it in a more logical manner, making it easier for even me, listening beside him, to follow.
"...And so, presumptuous though it may be, I have taken it upon myself to act as an envoy of the Empire."
When Das-san finished speaking, silence filled the room.
"...Well, does anyone have an opinion? ...No, this time, let me first tell you how I feel. I think we should accept this proposal. However, if there is anything in an opposing opinion that I can agree with, I have no objection to changing my mind."
Even after hearing King Zeurasia's words, no one spoke up for a while.
Because I had preconceived notions about Lucifal, I couldn't help thinking that an objection might come from him. But Lucifal, too, continued to wear a troubled expression.
Before long, one of those seated raised a hand.
It was Saifa-sama, who oversaw Rudek's diplomats.
"...Putting personal feelings aside, I believe we should accept, as Your Majesty says. However, whether we grant permission should depend on how the Fourth Prince conducts himself. If the other side takes an overly high-handed attitude, I advise that we turn them down."
"Indeed. What Saifa says is reasonable. I, too, believe this should proceed on the condition that the Empire comes bearing at least a minimum of courtesy. If they behave rudely, that is out of the question."
"If that is your thinking, I have nothing to say."
"Understood. Does anyone else have anything to add?"
In response to the king's question, one person after another cautiously voiced the opinion that they were willing to at least hear the matter out, though none of them seemed particularly eager.
Considering the current situation, it was safe to say that Rudek's leaders shared the desire not to force matters with the Empire for the time being.
"Very well. Then we shall meet with him."
King Zeurasia had made his decision. Beside me, Das-san secretly let out a sigh of relief. This concerned his own country's princess, after all. He must have been on tenterhooks, wondering what conclusion would be reached.
"Then what arrangements shall we make?" At Lucifal's question, the king turned his gaze toward me.
"Roa, this matter was originally brought up by your letter, was it not?"
"No, it wasn't exactly because of my letter. Our timing simply happened to coincide..."
"But it is a fact that the Fourth Prince's wife took a liking to you during the drifting-ship incident, is it not?"
"...Presumably."
"What say you, Das-dono?"
"Indeed. Lururia-sama is one of the few people she trusts on the Northern Continent."
Hearing Das-san's words, King Zeurasia nodded with satisfaction.
"Then have the Roa Unit go to Yoros Corridor to meet them. Any objections?"
No one spoke up.
"Very well. Then, Das-dono, I apologize for asking you yet again, but return to the Empire and arrange the schedule. A secretary will inform you later of the dates we can offer. Nelfia, is that acceptable?"
"Understood."
"Very well. That concludes today's meeting! Good work, everyone!"
Thus, the unprecedented situation of the Empire's Fourth Prince coming to Rudek's royal capital as an envoy began to unfold in earnest.
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"The Roa Unit alone is too small. Take a few more units with you."
Thanks to Das-san's efforts, the schedule was settled, and when the time finally came to go and meet them, Raiz-sama said as much.
I understood his concern. I trusted them, but if this turned out to be an Imperial trap, a force of only around two thousand would be woefully inadequate—that must have been what he meant.
Beside him, Lapiria-sama was giving me a look that plainly said, "Take me with you." I would certainly feel safer with her along. But did she have some ulterior motive? Actually, I could think of one possibility.
...Well, never mind.
"In that case, would it be all right to have Lapiria-sama assist us?"
"...Very well. Lapiria, what do you think?"
"If that is your order, Raiz-sama."
And so, it was decided that the Lapiria Unit would join the Roa Unit on the expedition.
Then came the day of our departure.
As expected, Lufa was perched primly behind Lapiria-sama on the back of her horse.