Seeing me return together with Josak, Lord von Christs face turns extremely pale, add that to my uncharacteristically solemn expression, and he assumes that Ive met with some sort of danger. But that baseless worry doesnt last very long, before it turns into another problem.

I heard Your Majesty met the Shou Shimaron king, Saralegui?

Thats right.

In the pool?

Yup.

But why would he show up in this kind of highway hotel

Of course he would feel confused, but what I have to say next is even more shocking.

And then, Gnter Weve been found out.

What? Whats been found out?

The fact that Im the Maou.

When he heard that, forget his gaze losing focus, he practically turns the whites of his eyes. First turning pale then turning the whites of his eyes, he really is a busy man.

H-h-h-h-h-how did things come to this? Dont tell me YourYour Majesty revealed your identity of your own accord?

Of course not, Im not that stupid yet. He just saw through me. Logically in the foggy condition of the bath, he shouldnt have been able to tell the color of my eyes. Josak immediately covered my head with a towel too. But we still got found out easily. Maybe I have some other mazoku quality besides my hair and eyes?

It must be Your Majestys beautiful appearance and noble aura, and the perfect parts that the lower class people can never even hope of having

No, the only one who thinks so is you.

Beside us, Saralegui fixes his hair with his slender fingers, saying,

Anyone can see youre a king at first glance.

I had even started suspecting if it was due to the maseki on my chest, but it isnt a national treasure. If this stone was a legendary item that other kingdoms knew about, he wouldnt have simply given it to me.

But, we dont have any time to spare to slowly figure out our worries.

Because by the time I finally manage to change into my clothes, Saraleguis messenger is already standing by the door.

He passes on a declaration, His Majesty wishes to dine with milords.

What will come has come, were going to have breakfast with the king of Shou Shimaron. Dining with a hotshot isnt something you can deal with just be saying, Its really delicious~ or Thanks for your hospitality. Thats to say, this isnt just a simple gathering and meal, its actually an invitation to a summit of leaders with toast in front of us.

We were meant to have a few more days before reaching the castle in the capital Saralegui, and it ever occurred to us that wed face our challenge on short notice in this hotel, so we didnt have time for any mental preparations whatsoever.

Besides, the dueling card now has changed from Gnter versus Saralegui, to me versus Saralegui. The saddest part is Gnter, who was so ecstatic to be appointed Special Ambassador of Shin Makoku with Full Authority under the Orders of the Maou, has been abruptly pulled down from the main characters seat. Just thinking about that, causes his cold sweat and tears to flow nonstop.

Anyway, we head towards a small restaurant that was booked ahead. Being a very through person, Saralegui is even waiting for us at the entrance, watching from the far end of the corridor. He is the honored ruler of a large country, but his personality is really quite straightforward. I say with a tone of sympathy, as though it has nothing to do with me, The men in charge of protecting him must have it hard! But for some reason Gnter actually pinches my nose.

What did you do that for

Your Majesty, ask yourself, is it logical for you to say that?

I give him a stare full of resentment. What, if you have any grievances, just say it! Dont want to deal with the naggy education minister anymore, nows the time to focus on the summit between two countries. I use the strings on my apron as a replacement for a tasuki[1] and tie them tight, preparing the first sentence of greeting.

Good morning, Your Majesty Yuuri.

Goof morning, Your Majesty Saralegui.

Because this is my first ever high level summit, my words come out sounding strangled.

Meeting him again in a bright area, hes still the pretty boy I imagined him to be. Just like at the pool, Saralegui is wearing pale colored glasses. Since theyre tiny things meant to protect his eyes, they dont hurt his beauty at all. Overall, he still has a young girls slender figure, and fair smooth skin, so these arent illusions by the mixed magic after all.

The first thing that attracts my attention is his hair color. Silky gold hair cascades down his shoulders like a waterfall, sparkling under the morning sunlight. Different from Wolf and Madam Cheris honey blonde hair, his is pale, as though one drop of golden dye added to white. Although its easy to categorize them together, each has its own merits when you look closely.

What am I talking about, each have their merit, why do I sound like a pervy old geezer?

Your Majesty Yuuri, I apologize profusely for inviting you over on such short notice.

I-Im grateful f-for your g-gracious i-invitation Ouch!

Wolfram secretly kicks me, ah, calm down, me. Quick, remember when you were chosen as the substitute oath-declarer at the Summer Games, and how you practiced every day for it. Although since I was only the substitute, when it came to the actual day all I could do was sit and listen.

I have to be calm and carefully when conversing with this boy king, and try to find out what kind of character he is. Or perhaps to let Wolfram and Gnter get a better picture, I should try and glean as much information as I can. Like whether hes a good guy or a bad guy, or if hes a person we can trust.

Likewise, likewise. Im sincerely very happy we can have breakfast together, Your Majesty Saralegui.

The pretty boy king curves his light red lips into a small smile.

Lets not call each other Your Majesty any more. We should be equal in standing, wouldnt you agree, Mr. Yuuri?

I never requested that you call me Your Majesty, Saralegui.

I actually called him without even an honorific. Although my pretense at calmness is still holding, the truth is Im a nervous wreck inside.

But no wonder. The enemy is a natural born royal, receiving kingly training since childhood, a boy whod grown up watching the back of his father and previous king for seventeen years, a man noble amongst nobles. In comparison, Im surrounded by ministers who desperately praise me, and a throne I got like from a lottery. I have absolutely no idea what the tricks to leading an entire people are at all.

Though I have met other people of high stature in the past, like Mr Hyscliff and Belar the Second, but back then I wasnt using my true identity as Shibuya Yuuri to face them, and was instead hiding under false pretenses. This is my first time going leader to leader, king to king one-on-one like this. This time what I say might be taken as the opinion of all the mazoku, if I lower my head now, then all the people of Shin Makoku will surely scorn me.

Right now, saying something comforting like just be who you are has almost no use at all on the actual battlefield. If I cant show a power above average, then theres simply no way for me to be Saraleguis equal.

I desperately straighten my back, not letting the other party look down on me no matter what.

The pressure makes me feel like my butt just cant sit on the chair.

Firstly I must choose an appropriate tone of voice. The first person pronoun should be we, right? And stuff like when to show respect and when to show allowance must be noted. And instead of have, should I say own?

And yet all the mental preparation I did beforehand is instantly shattered. Because Saralegui suddenly gives me a warm hug, wrapping me tightly with his slender arms.

Waa!

Really? Can I really just call you Yuuri?

P-please call me that.

While Im trying to hide it on the outside, on the inside Im screaming Eeeeeeee in embarrassment. Wolframs piecing gaze from behind makes me exceptionally jumpy. Instead of saying its piercing like a needle, I should say its like a roaring flame of jealousy. No, wait! Its not just a glare, hes pinching me too! My butt hurts like hell where he pinched me!

Saralegui doesnt notice our little movements under the counter, pure and innocent him pulls my hand like a child and says,

Come in, we can chat inside. By the way, why are you dressed in a kitchen apprentices clothes?

Because Im in the middle of stowing away, so I cant change my clothes.

Stowing away?

Saralegui starts laughing lightly.

Even the king has to stow away? Shin Makoku is so interesting. But that long apron looks really good on you!

I dont tell him that in fact I was planning to pretend to be a professional chef, and feign ignorance while I eavesdropped on the conversation between the Special Ambassador and the king of Shou Shimaron.

Just like all the secret negotiations happen over the corporate lunchtime or in high class restaurants, we eat as we talk. But because Im naturally slow, I was never able to multitask. So even though the table is covered with a luxurious breakfast, even a glutton like me is in no mood to eat.

Theres another reason my appetite declined, actually.

Aside from the soldiers standing guard at the entrance and Saraleguis personal guard, there are a few more of his men in the room, and one of them is a familiar face.

He has Shou Shimarons standard hairstyle and a textbook beard, plus a drawn, wan face and thin single-lidded eyes. Maybe its due to his appearance, but rather than saying he gives off an overall impression of strength, itd be better to say hes like a sharp weapon. And last of all, theres that memorable army uniform of yellow and blow crossed, as well as that cheek with even more scars than last time.

This person is the king of Shou Shimarons loyal lapdog, Nigel Weiss Maxine.

His is the real Cropped Ponytail, but Ive already given him a cute nickname.

Ah, its you! Crop Pony!

Crap, I actually said it out loud

Maxine is the man who made Caloria hell on earth. If it wasnt for this man using a royal decree as the starting gun, ridiculously performing experiments, that tragedy in the south east area of the continent wouldnt have happenedAs in, using us, on the north bank of the Kalongba river as guinea pigs, and activating the most evil of all weapons, Ends of the Earth.

And not using a wrong key from goodness knows where, either.

It was that certain someones left arm.

Speaking of experiments, I wonder what those experiment partners are doing now? Is Gwendal being played around like a toy by Miss Anissina? Maybe hes even letting loose blood-curdling screams now? I try to think about the happy life I led in Covenant Castle, but seeing the worst man in Shou Shimaron, I cant relax no matter what.

At this moment, Josak taps the arm Id twisted behind my back lightly, and Wolfram is frowning slightly to. The only one who doesnt recognize Crop Pony is Gnter. But todayd Nigel Weiss Will-Never-Die Maxine isnt the same as usual, hes blinking non-stop, and thats just too unnatural. Those thin lips, usually curved into a cruel smile, are now twitching oddly, doesnt it feel like the sense of defeat of someone whos failed so many times he was scolded, and even branded as useless within his country?

Eh, you know Maxine?

Of course I do.

A taste of bitterness welling from deep within my throat, the fist Im gripping so tightly shaking uncontrollably. If it werent for Wolfram sitting on my right, stopping me, I would have long since grabbed Maxines shirt and pushed him to the wall.

Its this scum who turned Caloria into hell on earth.

But the one who ordered Maxine isnt anyone else. Its the king of Shou Shimaron, Saralegui. Ad that same man is right before me now, even smiling gently.

Speaking of that, Caloria even accepted Shin Makokus help during that crisis. Im really grateful for your sides aid and assistance, so here Im representing Calorias appointed ruler in presenting to you my gratitude. After all, back then that was still my territory.

I really dont understand the true meaning behind those words. Did he purposely take the extra effort to say that? Or is he sincerely grateful? But when I see his innocent smile, I naturally accept his words.

Technically, its what we were supposed to do anyway. Although we could not lend a hand in time, but we were willing to offer financial assistance, only to be rejected by Flynn Gilbert. Of course, we still have manpower and machinery standing by there to this day, so we can give our help at any given time. Now were just waiting for Flynn to soften up Oh, yeah, shes already the leader of an entire country, seems like I shouldnt simply call her Flynn anymore.

He shrugs his shoulders like a child who was scolded, making him look even younger than his actual age.

But no matter what, the one thing I cant forget is that hes the true mastermind behind this entire incident. Getting the wrong key and box, then ordering Maxine to open it, it was all him, the king. Is he trying to hide his own guilt? Or maybe he doesnt know I witnessed everything on scene?

Saralegui, what do you think the reason behind the tragedy in Caloria was?

Of course I know.

If you know, then how can you still be so--

My angry, shuddering words are suddenly interrupted.

Im sorry!

Saralegui suddenly puts both palms onto the desk. And lowers his pale golden head.

Im really very sorry. Although everyone knew that a terrible calamity might strike once we open the box, especially using an uncertain key, making the power even more impossible to control. We even knew that by doing this, we could never the desired result, but still

Without raising his head, he continue yelling, leaving no space for anyone to interject.

Ever since we got the box by some unique chance, Ive told my men time and again, to guard the box carefully, and utterly. Its overwhelming power is indeed very attractive, but I understand clearly that we humans have no way to control a power that defies the laws of this world, surpasses the human intelligence. But I still could not believe in the power of a legendary box. I thought that man could overthrow the gods, and that victory in war comes not from some box, but from the power of humanity. I thought that the people and all my men understood me, and agreed with me, were willing to follow me

Im completely subdued by Saraleguis presence. Forget fighting back, I cant even open my mouth to agree.

But a few of the more superstitious soldiers could not fight the temptation of that power. hey were attracted by the holy power of the Ends of the Earth, and brazenly took action without considering the consequences No, they did it for the country, and for the people of Shou Shimaron. But still, whenever I think about the terrifying outcome, I know I cant just turn a blind eye to their crime. Even though its the sudden action of a few soldiers, but I had noticed long ago yet failed to stop them, so I should take up all the responsibility, the responsibility that I, who had failed my duties as king, must carry. I was only watching the countrys land and borders, but I failed to grasp my ministers hearts. This happened because I(informal) ... I (formal) could not reach them. As a result, the violent soldiers ended up doing such a dreadful thing Dont you think so, Maxine?

The Crop Pony standing by the window side, his shoulders are shaking really violently, and hes biting his lip without a word.

Why arent you replying?

Another Shimaron soldier in the room scolds him in a low threatening voice.

Your Majestys words ring true.

Maxine replies straightforwardly, making me unable to shut my mouth which had already taken on an oh my god~ shape. What happened to you, Crop Pony? Why are you so serious and well-behaved today? Purposely speaking slowly and menacingly, isnt that the specialty of the real Cropped Ponytail?

This isnt the Maxine I know. Besides, he deserved it, Im not gonna pity him.

He is repenting to this day. After his successor is determined, he will personally pay for his sins. To make it up to the people of Caloria and the south-east area, Ive given him the heaviest possible punishment, but

The agitated Saralegui suddenly slows down, a barely suppressed anger in his words.

The problems that he caused you. Must be repaid here.

Nigel Weiss Maxine slowly raises his head to peek at his masters expression.

This stupid man cannot expect forgiveness, but at the very least he hopes you will accept his sincere apologies, right?

The expressionless mans face only twitches a little, and the same light that shone in his eyes when he yelled Saraleguis name that day flits through them again. But that light quickly vanishes. Becoming a deep brown tinged with despair.

The mans master orders him in a cruel voice.

You must apologize to Yuuri, Maxine. Kneel, take his shoe

I think, Dont tell me he wants him to lick my shoe? and take a surprised half-step back, preparing to reject him solemnly.

and put it on your head.

So at the end it isnt licking, but putting on his head? Thats a weird way to apologize, is this the Shimaron version of a kneeling apology? But, how should I say this, mnIt still counts as a culture exchange between countries, if doing this can solve matters, I can still take it.

I get it now, to make some problematic men obey and respect you, you have to show a strong and forceful attitude like this. This makes me respect him and scold myself at the same time.

After a bit more comparing, I realize Im actually really lucky. Im surrounded by people who call me a noob yet let me do as I wish, and people who frown deeply yet are still willing to take the suggestions of a rookie like me, and people who nose bleed while desperately giving me courage, and people who love crossdressing but helps me through underground work. And when I first came to this world, and was feeling uneasy, there was also a person who took even better care of me than anyone else.

When Im desperately trying to escape reality, a wordless and cool-gazed Maxine has already taken one slow step forward. This forces me to try and take a step of equal distance backwards, I really dont want him to do thatand from the look of things its obvious to see, that the person accepting the apology feels even more humiliated than the person apologizing. If it werent for Saralegui, I would have rejected something so embarrassing from the start.

Crop Pony with his special beard, approaches me with an even paler face and staggering steps. The other three mazoku aside from me too are afraid of a fraud, watching with nerves tightly taut. But then the human man filled with despair falls to his knees with a stance as though sticking his body to the floor, and his forehead is so low, it almost touches the ground.

Wolfram hurriedly says in a small voice,

What are you doing, Yuuri?

Eh, I put my shoe

Crop Pony lifts my right foot up high, then takes off the chefs shoe. Then he puts the thin-soled and lightweight leather shoe on his dark brown ponytail with a pah.

Didnt he say to put in on his head?

It shouldnt be like that, right?

Feels like hes wearing a hair ornament.

I told you its not like that!

But Wolf

I turn my head to look aside, and realize that the man who was staring at my naked right foot is now raising his head, so slowly it makes me impatient. He slowly raises his turbid gaze.

You got the wrong guy.

I take the shoe away from his head, the dust left behind there making me feel slightly guilty.

The one you should be apologizing to isnt me. To whom you must make it up, and how, you should know better than anyone else.

At first I touch his head with the intention of knocking the dust away for him, then to hide my own sense of guilt, I have to rap down forcefully instead.

Im right, arent I, Nigel Weiss Maxine. Honestly, even I feel embarrassed. Maxine!

Crap, I actually said it out loud.

Perhaps having noticed my red ears and face, Josak grabs Maxines hand and pulls him away from me, opening the door and chasing him out of the room, even saying a few short words to the Shimaron soldiers at the door.

The one who ordered the apology, Saralegui, must have been really nervous too, because now he releases a deep breath as though there was a weight lifted off his chest.

Every time something like this happens, I wonder if I have what it takes to be king Guess I dont have the leadership skills you do, huh. Yuuri, I really envy you, and the citizens of Shin Makoku who have such an impressive king!

Theres no such thing! Its not like that, Saralegui!

No, this is 180 degrees away from the Saralegui I imagined.

Quick, raise your head. Youve just been on the throne for two years, youre only seventeen, right? To rule perfectly is impossible, its impossible regardless of who is king. Besides, Shou Shimaron is a large country, and I heard there are even complicated racial problems.

Because of the invasion.

Wolfram mutters in a voice only I can hear.

S-so, its impossible to properly rule an entire country. Like me, Im a rookie king through and through. Until now I still dont understand exactly what a kings supposed to do! Its because I have excellent comrades helping me. Thats the only reason I could hold on until now. If there was even one of them missing, our country might have fallen long ago.

The difference is too much! The enemy in my imagination was a natural-born royal, having been taught the kingly ways since young, a man prepared to be king of a country. One with a mysterious charisma! A professional king who can capture the hearts of his men, then rub and knead and beat them without letting go! Technnically, it should be like that!

Theres no such thing as the perfect leader, Saralegui, you cant take everything onto yourself!

Come to think of it, someone like me whod been lucky to win the throne, why am I worried for the boy king of a country with tense relations and no deals with us?

Or is it just like Miss Aninssina said, and Shin Makokus intel department is for decoration purposes only?

Thank you. You really a nice guy, Yuuri.

Mmph!

Saralegui raises his head to look at me, the eyes behind those lens already moist.

Mmm! Nah Im really not as good as you think!

If I dont do anything, its highly likely that hell start yelling stupid stupid stupid, Im so stupid! while knocking his head on the wall.

I believe the people of Shin Makoku are really lucky too.

Youre wrong, Saralegui!

The truly lucky one isnt the people of Shin Makoku, its me.

Your Majesty.

One of the soldiers still in the room whispers into his masters earits the guy who scolded Maxine just now. This man has a regulation cropped ponytail too, but his hair and beard color make him seem gentler than Maxine. And I think compared to Crop Pony, he seems closer to Saralegui.

I know, Storob.

His name is Storob, please pay attention not to get it mixed up with ROAST BEEF[2].

The boy king nods his head softly, then stands in front of the chair he pulled over, saying,

Were going to talk about more serious stuff from now on, can I ask that everyone be seated? Although I said its okay, my men are still a little worried.

Maybe its because hes too skinny, so he doesnt have a lot of stamina.

Thats what I was thinking. Eventually everyone takes their places, and just as Id guessed before, the ones standing by are all men in soldier uniform. This really is a breakfast conference with a heavy atmosphere and muscle men.

Although there are enough chairs, Josak still stealthily moves to the door. The seating isnt arranged according to our positions. Thats why Im seated between Gnter and Wolfram.

Saralegui, whose appetite is as small as I thought, raises a glass filled with what looks like orange juice.

Then, we cant just be talking about the Box and Caloria, Im sure thats not your only goal.

Its the opportunity weve been waiting for. Gnter asks immediately,

I know this question is rude, but why did you to a normal hot spring hotel like this one? Shouldnt we approach you for a formal interview first?

Saralegui gives him a glance and then turns his gaze back to me instantly. I look back at him, and realize that theres a smile even in his solemn expression. Looks like his mood wasnt affected. Or maybe he just didnt want to listen to someone who was never introduced.

Saralegui, Lord von Christ is a very capable prime minister, and one of the most important people in Shin Makoku. He understands more things than I do, so I let him speak on my behalf. Just treat Gnters opinion as my own.

I planned to introduce everyone beside me at once. So I turn to Wolfram. But he shakes his head slightly. He narrows his emerald eyes, even creases his stern brows, the picture of hostility.

Im scared that therell be another storm to face when we go back to our room, so I do as he wishes and spare the introductions.

I know he is your confidante. But I just want to talk to you, Yuuri, and not any other stubborn mazoku.

Stubborn

Special Ambassador Lord von Christ is at a sudden loss for words.

What to do, Gnters brain juices are boiling over. If so, Id better end this first conference quickly.

I know, I kno~w, Saralegui! Just talk to me then, well have a summit. An Exciting Debate, Raw Egg at Dawn, I can be Tahara Soichirou [3], okay?

I stretch out my pointer and middle fingers to the boy king sitting opposite me.

There are two topics to discuss this time. One is why are you as a king here at a commoners inn? Although it is still kinda fancy here. And one more Ill be blunt with you, because I dont plan on beating round the bush. The other thing is about Shou Shimarons urgent diplomatic plans. Is it true that you are actively trying to contact the country under lockdown, Seisakkoku? Because we will take the appropriate measures according to your answer. Although I dont want to ruin your mood, but in case Shou Shimaron plans on joining forces with Seisakoku to attack the mazoku, thats more than just bad news to us.

Saralegui nods as he listens to me, seemingly without any intention of interrupting.

Then lets begin with the first question, why are you here at the hotel? Why didnt you wait for us in the city? Isnt just a few days difference? Or is it inconvenient for us to meet at the capital?

Didnt I tell you? I hope youll just call me Sara, it feels friendlier that way.

After giving me a disappointing answer, Saralegui puts down his glass of juice. His fingers are really beautiful after all, it wouldnt be a problem even if he were to be a model.

Because both these questions are related in cause and effect, please forgive me for not being able to reply you in order. But the reason were here, is because we guessed that our guests from Shin Makoku would surely be here. After we predicted the course of your journey, we decided on this place, where we were certain we would encounter you.

I see.

I guess you must be wondering why I couldnt wait for even those few days? Are all Shou Shimaron people so impatient? The answer is no, but we really dont have the time. If we waited until you reached the castle to start our journey, wed never be on time. We plan on departing from this country two days later. Yuuri, weve decided to set sail from the Saralegui War Port your ship had arrived in.

I se Set sail? Dont tell me?

Saralegui clamps his mouth shut, lacing his fingers across his chest as he says,

To Seisakoku.

What detailed preparations.

More offended than surprised, Gnter scolds softly. Maybe the people from Shou Shimaron didnt hear him, probably.

This is probably what you wanted to know, Yuuri. Does Shou Shimaron plan on starting relations with Seisakoku? The answer is thats right.

While Im still hesitating on how to react, a sigh escapes my lips. The biggest mystery has been solved too abruptly, leaving me feeling suddenly weak. I take a hand complete different from Saraleguis, one full of baseball calluses, and bring it to my forehead.

Is that so?

Are you unhappy?

Nah, at least not now.

After many letters sent back and forth, weve decided on a date with the other party. Although we are neighboring countries separated by an ocean, but the journey to Seisakoku will take a fair amount of time. According to the detailed navigation plans taking past weather conditions and marine routes into account, if we dont depart from Shou Shimaron within these ten days, well surely be met with seasonal winds and currents. So, Yuuri, I really didnt have the time to wait for your arrival at the city But it really is a pity.

The eyes behind the lenses narrow mischievously. When I was thinking he was talking about something serious, he immediately says something cute. As the king at the helm of a large country, who knew hed be so childish. Although hes one school year older than me, hes the type that makes you want to stay by his side to console and encourage him on.

What do you mean by pity?

I really wanted to take you around my castle. Nows right in the middle of the second blooming season, so the gardens really pretty. If only I could take you around it, Im sure youll love it.

Is that right, that sounds nice.

Im not paying a lot of attention to Saraleguis words. Instead Im distractedly thinking, things are gonna get busy again. Since the intel about restoring relations turns out to be true, then Shin Makoku must take the corresponding measures. After all, if a land shut away for 2000 years decides to have a special relationship with Shou Shimaron, then the other countries, starting with Dai Shimaron, will definitely not stay quiet about it.

Of course, Shin Makkoku cant just stand by and watch either. Im really not good at diplomatic discussions, no, instead of saying not good, I should say Im basically clueless. Guess if it was Gnter and Gwendal, and the other Ten Nobles plus all the other high-level officials, theyd surely react violently, then start discussing non-stop in meetings.

Please answer me, after this trip would you come stay by my castle for a few days? Youre in no hurry to return home, right?

Yeah.

Although it wasnt my own intention to interfere with other countries matters, but my country cant stay out of this either. Whether the results are good or bad, this world is a competitive world. With my mathematics results, contemplating national economic matters is no easy feat, but when it comes to a sales market, bigger is always better, right? Mmgh, my head is already starting to hurt, looks like Id better get back quickly and hand this over to the experts.

Sorry, I think I should return immediately after all

Dont be like that, Yuuri. Didnt I just say I wanted to take you around my garden? Didnt you agree to stop by my castle after this trip? If you want to go back on your promise, I wont let you in my ship!

Your ship?

Did he mention a ship just now?

On both sides, Gnter and Wolfram wont stop knocking my knees. It hurts, it really hurts!

I dont understand your signals!

Dont go back! Just dont go back for now!

What? Thats too mean, Wolf, is that what the officially-recognized fianc should say?

Well stay for now. We agree to stay a few days in Saralegui City after you return from your trip!

Since when did the overprotective Gnter get so agitated that even hed reach out and betray me?

Mm? What are you guys

Thats why, please bring us along on this trip to Seisakoku!

I havent even completed my sentence, and Gnter has already promised the other party.

Although hes the Special Ambassador I myself chose, I have absolutely no idea what hes saying. Is Lord von Christ forcing Saralegui, whom weve just met, to take us to Seisakoku?

I say, Gnter, even if they mean well, doing this is just too shameless

I dont mind, yknow!

Is that right, you dont m Saralegui?

The boy king makes a bold statement with a nonchalant expression. No wonder they say a man is as good as his name[4].

Although I only welcomed Yuuri, but if he does not wish to travel alone, I can allow the other two to board the ship with us.

In other words, hes willing to let the three of us tag along in the Shou Shimaron ship on the diplomatic expedition to Seisakoku? I can almost hear the super bishie yelling banzai three times inn his head.

Sara You really are too kind.

Im nothing compared to you, Yuuri.

He shows an angelic smile that wont lose to that stubborn kid. In fact, now he looks more like an angel than the third son, whod suddenly changed into his oldest brother.

And then I collapse onto the back on the chair, feeling completely drained.

How did I do in my first ever leaders summit? If the full score is 100, my performance should be 127, because no one made any noises of protest. I suddenly feel like going out and soaking in the sun, whistling.

When I finally get out of the overwhelming sense of relief, the hunger hits me like a hammer.

PhewSince its rare to have such a lavish breakfast, then I wont hold backThough it might have gotten cold by now. Wolf, pass that jam over there to me!

Just when Im holding a toasted piece of bread in one hand and reaching out for the purple jar

An unnatural commotion comes from the corridor. Josak, who was standing by the door, moves his back away from the wall and his hand to his waist, before remembering that everyones swords had been pulled into a corner. So he heads across the room with a tsk.

Gnter and Wolfram stand up too. Everyone looks towards the same direction.

The only ones still seated are Saralegui and I, opposite to each other.

I say, Saralegui, I heard a shocking rumor. There are extremists against your rule

Its true! Yuuri.

Just then, the door crashes open, followed by hurried steps of boots on the stone ground.

What is this?

A familiar voice.

Whats with the security here?

Conrad

Gnter murmurs the name of the one who was once my confidant.

Lord Weller, who had barged in, tosses a bleeding soldier away.

Except for a certain someone, everyones gazes land on him, with his sword unsheathed and covered in blood. And I remain with my back towards him. Staring at the sky outside the window.

I dont see the need to turn around.

Because hes no longer the man I once knew.