Chapter 125
"So this is... the royal capital... It's quite impressive."
"It's smaller than the Greedle Empire's Imperial capital, isn't it?"
"No, not at all. In fact, it's about the same size as the Imperial capital. Forgive me for saying so, but I'm honestly surprised. I see why my father wants it..."
It was a conversation between Prince Zelando and Tsetsii, who had grown quite close over the course of the journey. Tsetsii had made a somewhat ominous remark at the end, but for now, I decided to let it go.
The satisfaction of reaching the royal capital safely outweighed my concern over Tsetsii's slip of the tongue. Tsetsii, Lururia, and the Imperial attendants traveling with us had all been extremely cooperative, and nothing had happened along the way, but I had still been on my guard.
After all, we were escorting the Emperor's fourth son. If anything had happened, it might have led to immediate all-out war with the Empire, which was currently enjoying a lull. If that happened, Rudek might have been destroyed sooner than in the future I knew.
The mission was only halfway complete, but the first stage had gone off without a hitch.
Even Lapiria-sama looked a little relieved. When she noticed me watching her with a fond smile, she immediately glared at me. "What?"
I looked away from Lapiria-sama and drew my horse up beside Tsetsii's.
"Tsetsii. I'm sorry to ask this so soon after the journey, but, as I told you beforehand, you'll be meeting King Zeurasia right away."
"Yes. I'm fine. And if the talks go well, we wait here for a few days, correct?"
We had sent word ahead to King Zeurasia. He should already have made preparations and be waiting for us. Tension was visible on Tsetsii's face as well.
He was a mild-mannered fourth son who had not even taken part in the struggle for succession. If what we'd heard was true, he must have had little experience in situations like this.
"Tsetsii, you look tense. Don't worry, I'm here too." Lururia joined the conversation at exactly the right moment.
If it was Lururia, she would probably find some way to attend the audience with the king and Tsetsii, no matter what. It seemed wiser to make arrangements before any argument broke out.
We first joined up with Raiz-sama.
Since the incident last time, it felt as though it had become an unspoken rule that the Tenth Knight Order handled matters concerning the Empire.
I had thought even Raiz-sama would be surprised to see Lururia accompanying us, but he handled it without the slightest sign of disturbance. I didn't know whether he had anticipated it or someone had contacted him without my knowledge.
"Raiz-sama, Lururia... Princess Lururia would like to accompany us to the audience, but..."
"Ah. I've already made the arrangements. Will that be acceptable to you as well, Princess?"
"Of course. Thank you for your consideration."
He had already seen right through my concerns.
Then we proceeded to the audience chamber.
Important personages stood in neat rows along both walls of the audience chamber. Among them, naturally, was Lucifar-Belas.
Nearly everyone was directing stern looks at Tsetsii. For him, this was the very heart of enemy territory.
"I am King Zeurasia of Rudek. Welcome."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am deeply honored to be granted an audience. I am Tsetsedora, son of Drak!"
Tsetsii's voice rose at the end. As she watched her husband in that state, Lururia quietly stepped forward beside him.
"If I may be so bold, I would also like to offer my greetings to King Zeurasia."
"You have my permission."
"Thank you. I am Lururia, Tsetsedora's wife. Some time ago, your country's kindness saved me when I was adrift. I would like to use this opportunity to thank you."
"Indeed. I know of you. We have a good relationship with Fezaris. We are grateful for your efforts as well."
"Those are generous words. However, I am now married into the Greedle Empire, so I ask that you extend that goodwill to my husband."
"Indeed. Then let us get straight to the matter at hand. The Empire wishes to enlist our help in handing over the Second Prince, who plotted a rebellion and fled to Gorbel. Is that correct?"
Lururia's intervention gave Tsetsii a little breathing room.
"Yes. I am sorry to involve your country in a matter that does not concern you, but we humbly ask that you permit us to escort a criminal through your territory."
"And what does the Empire intend to offer our country in return?"
"We have prepared a suitable sum."
"...Is that all?"
Tsetsii's shoulders twitched at King Zeurasia's words. Confusion appeared on his face.
That was to be expected. What King Zeurasia had just said differed from what I, too, had heard in the preliminary discussions. The matter was supposed to be settled with money. I couldn't understand why King Zeurasia had suddenly said such a thing.
Or was he trying to sound out Tsetsii?
"Ah!"
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Prince Zelando begin to say something, only to be stopped.
"What is the matter?"
King Zeurasia pressed on.
"May I be permitted to speak?"
It was Lururia who interjected in the midst of the tense situation.
"What is it?"
Lururia took a quiet breath and, with a smile as lovely as a flower,
"King Zeurasia, are you a foolish king?"
she said plainly.