As soon as I got out of the carriage, I saw a person with beautiful brown skin, and I could tell they were from a different region. Unlike the democratic citizens who looked like a typical white person, they looked different, and if I had to compare them to a race on Earth, they looked like they were from South America. Their healthy, supple skin and glossy black hair stood out the most. The most interesting part was their outfit. Unlike the democratic country, whose outfits resembled the Middle Ages, their outfit looked pretty light.

‘It’s definitely because it’s hot...’

Maybe it was because we traveled south, but it was really hot, and it was to the point that I wanted to take my suffocating clothes off. It was fine inside the carriage since temperature-control magic was always on, but when I stepped outside, I struggled.

‘Ah… I’m dumb.’

One thing I overlooked was the outfit of the people of Laios around us.

‘I’m sure nothing will happen.’

The issue was that everyone’s outfit was extremely loose. It may be considered an ordinary outfit here, but I had to think about where to lay my eyes on. Similar to the outfits female dancers wore, both men and women were showing off their bodies, so naturally, I was worried about Jung Ha-Yan.

She was absorbed in her magic training inside the carriage, but when she came outside, she frowned.

‘I just have to be careful.’

As long as I didn’t look around like a fool, nothing would happen. Moreover, she had gotten scolded before we arrived here, so I was sure she wouldn’t cause any trouble.

Anyway, since she greeted us first, it was only right for us to greet her back. While I was focused on the exotic scenery, Cha Hee-Ra finished her greeting, so I stepped forward.

‘15… Maybe 16 years old?’

The kid I saw looked like they were in middle school. She had brown skin like the others, but what caught my attention was the unique decoration on top of her glossy braided hair. She looked pretty proud, but she greeted us politely, and it was Laios’ long custom to tap the red diamond-shaped pattern on their forehead. It was awkward, but I didn’t think it was a bad idea to greet like that. Even though there wasn’t anything on my forehead, I had to show respect for Laios’ culture as much as possible, so I did the same. If the kid in front of me were an ordinary kid, I would have just bowed, but…

‘She was Pristina, Laios’ 27th Queen.’

Since the kid who looked like she got tanned from being outside most of the time was the queen, I couldn’t treat her the same way I treat other kids.

“Hello again. I’m Pristina of the neutral nation, Laios,” Pristina introduced.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Miss Pristina. It’s truly an honor to meet you. I didn’t expect you to come out in person, so I’m not sure how to react to your excessive hospitality,” I greeted.

“It’s nothing, Father Lee Ki-Young. It’s my honor to meet a key member of the democratic country,” she said.

“Please treat me comfortably,” I told her.

“No, I can’t do that since you’re an important guest. Anyway, let’s head inside first,” she suggested.

“Thank you…”

‘It’s not going to be easy.’

We only greeted each other, but based on the conversation, I was certain it would be difficult for me to get what I wanted.

‘She has her guard up...’

Pristina knew very well why we traveled all the way here, and the goal of this delegation was to create an alliance with Laios. The way she emphasized neutral and her attitude of not wanting to treat me comfortably showed her that she wouldn’t get swayed by me.

‘From their perspective, it’s understandable…’

A country could only become neutral if they were strong enough to protect itself, but this small country was weak compared to the Sacred Democratic Country and the Republic. The number of named powerful people, the quality of their army, and even the foreigners was of low quality. And the reason why they were able to remain a neutral nation was ironic, but it was because they were located between the Sacred Democratic Country and the Republic. Laios had always been in the middle when the two sides fought, and in some ways, it was a strategic point for both sides. The Republic could cross the sea or enter the Sacred Democratic Country through Laios. If Laios and the democratic country became allies, the Republic could get pushed back, but that applied to the democratic country as well. The two sides had also been considering bringing Laios down, so the nation had been receiving unwanted pain.

There was a slight change after the Second Continental War. The empire and the Republic had almost destroyed each other because of the war, so they had no choice but to declare a ceasefire. Laios also announced their complete neutrality by saying that they wouldn’t take anyone’s side. The empire and the Republic accepted and respected their decision. I had no idea why they accepted it at the time, but I figured it involved many political reasons. It could be because they were worried that Laios would provide support to the enemy, or maybe the leaders had come to an agreement behind the scenes.

Regardless of the reason, one thing I was sure of was that the leaders of Laios were all wise. Their political skills, as well as their ability to make connections, were above average.

‘It’s amazing...’

To stay independent while in between those with power wasn’t an easy task. They weren’t as strong as the Sacred Democratic Country or the Republic, but they still had some power. I didn’t know what the foreigners of Laios were thinking about, but I was sure the denizens here were very proud of their nation.

When I looked behind, I saw Jung Ha-Yan and Park Deok-Gu following us slowly while talking. Of course, Han Sora was maintaining her distance as usual.

‘I think I can relax for now.’

Jung Ha-Yan was wary of her surroundings, but she didn’t seem like she would cause trouble anytime soon. I was sure her mood would improve if I asked her to hang out with me tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

Unlike her, Cha Hee-Ra and I, the main members of this envoy, were walking with Pristina. It was interesting that we were walking instead of riding a carriage, but I had a feeling as to what this child was up to.

‘It’s a nice place…’

Despite the fact that the living standards of this place weren't high, the smiles on people’s faces showed that they were happy. I wasn’t sure if the continent had surveys similar to the Gross National Happiness on Earth, but if it existed here as well, I was sure this nation would be at the top of the list. You could tell by how the denizens were cheering for Pristina and how she greeted each and every one of them.

The faces of the people from the city were full of life, and the tourists looked natural as tourists. The people from Dawan who came here to rest and the people dressed slightly differently from the people of the democratic country were probably from the Republic. There was a strange tension between them, but since this place wasn’t classified as a conflict zone under continental law, they were trying to avoid conflict.

‘So, a place like this does exist.’

I couldn’t get used to the sight no matter how much I looked, and that was when the kid with decorations all over her head spoke up.

“I heard this is your first time here.”

“It is…” Cha Hee-Ra replied.

“Yes, that’s right,” I answered.

“What do you think about Laios?” asked the Queen.

I knew what kind of answer she wanted to hear and what she would say, but what she would say was such a reasonable argument it would be hard for me to refute. Cha Hee-Ra discreetly told me to answer, and despite knowing where this conversation was headed, I had no choice but to answer.

“It’s great. The people look full of life, and everyone looks like they’re satisfied with their lifestyle. It’s to the point that I think this place is an ideal place to live.”

“I’m really grateful that you think that way. As the person who fought with the denizens to provide them with better lives, I’m happy to hear that from you, Father Lee Ki-Young,” Pristina complimented.

She lightly smiled before continuing, “It’s just like you said. Of course, this nation has a few issues, but not only am I proud of what our predecessors had achieved, but I want to protect it as well.”

I knew it…

“It took them a really long time to properly lead a nation that had always been suffering between two powerful nations. Aside from the first and second continental wars, there had been many small wars, invasions of outside forces, and even the great famine. Our nation has shed a lot of blood to protect our ideals and independence. Of course, we’re grateful that the democratic country and the Republic consider Laios as an important nation, but to be honest, it’s burdensome to have this much attention,” she continued

“I understand,” I said.

“That’s probably the reason why you came here, Father Lee Ki-Young. I’m sorry for completely refusing your offer even before you start talking about it, but Laios would like to remain neutral. We told the Republic the same thing, so the leaders of both sides don’t have to worry,” she informed me.

Basically, she didn’t want the nation to suffer again because if one side gained more power than the other, then they would lose everything the nation had achieved so far.

‘I can relate to that…’

It felt like I was seeing myself standing between Jung Ha-Yan and Cha Hee-Ra, and regardless of the side, I wanted to stay neutral. I was sure that right now—I was ready to scream “neutral nation” more than the character in the novel, The Square.

Basically, Laios wanted to remain a neutral nation, but I couldn’t stand by and watch them do that.

‘This is a shitty situation.’

This was a typical case of double standards.

“That’s not exactly the reason why we’re here, Miss Pristina. I’ll explain the other issues one by one, but you’re being too hasty…”

“I see. You’re right, Father Lee Ki-Young. I was a bit hasty. However… please consider it our way of delivering our intentions clearly. Of course, I welcome you to our nation. We’re thankful and are always prepared to welcome those who visit Laios. Welcoming the delegation that traveled all the way here is a part of our job as well,” she explained.

“Thank you.”

“It’s an old custom and pride of this place to show appreciation to friends from afar,” she added.

“Ahh…”

“You must be tired, so I’ll guide you to your rooms. Ah, you said it was your first time here. It’s embarrassing for me to say this, but there are many things a couple can enjoy together. I heard that Miss Cha Hee-Ra and Mr. Lee Ki-Young’s good relationship spans all the way from the continent the foreigners came from… I think it’ll be a great idea if you take your time looking around,” Pristina suggested.

“We appreciate your hospitality,” Cha Hee-Ra said.

Jung Ha-Yan seemed like she was in a good mood earlier, but for some reason, I was afraid to turn around. I wasn’t sure if Jung Ha-Yan had the same intention as me—like destroying their neutrality—but her gaze just now looked pretty sharp.

“You two look really good together,” Pristina complimented.

My back started to feel cold…

‘She’s not doing this on purpose, right?’

I couldn’t help but be slightly suspicious of the continuous comments.

“There’s a rock where you’ll stay together forever if you whisper words of love, and many people who visit Laios visit that rock as well. If you have tomorrow, you two should…”

‘Stop it.’

I knew Pristina had no ill intentions, but I wanted to cover her mouth because Jung Ha-Yan’s cheeks had puffed.