Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 120

The Empire’s Turmoil (7) – The Meeting

“So this is Rudek’s capital…it’s magnificent.”

“But it’s smaller than your capital, isn’t it?”

“No. I think this capital is as big as the imperial capital. Pardon me for saying this but I am quite surprised. Now I understand why Father wants Rudek…”

Prince Zeland and Tsetsie were having a conversation. They had become good friends. Well, the thing that Tsetsie said at the end was quite disturbing…but let’s just ignore it.

Now that we managed to arrive at the capital safely, I could finally relax. I could sense that on our way here everyone, including me, was on edge.

After all, the people my brigade was escorting were none other than the 4th Imperial Prince and his wife. If they were harmed on our way to the capital, it was quite possible that the Empire would wage an all-out war against our kingdom. If that happened, Rudek might actually get destroyed.

Now that we arrived safely at the capital, I could safely say that the first phase of the mission was complete.

I could even see Lapilia-sama’s relieved expression. When I looked at her while smiling, she immediately turned to me.

“What? Something on my face?”

?I took my gaze away from Lapilia-sama and moved next to Tsetsie.

“Tsetsie. After this, you will have an audience with our King. Sorry, I know you must be tired from the journey”

“I know. I’m fine. After the audience, we will stay in the capital for a few days before going to pick up my brother, right?”

“Yup.”

The news that Tsetsie has arrived at the capital must have reached the King by now. I could see Tsetsie was nervous.

Tsetsie was the 4th Prince that didn’t participate in the struggle for the throne. He probably had little experience in this kind of diplomatic event. 

“Tsetsie, your face is way too stiff. Calm down. I’m here too,” At the perfect moment, Luluria joined the conversation.

It looked like Luluria would use any means necessary to make sure she would also participate in the meeting between Tsetsie and the King. I guess I should make arrangements.

Well, before the meeting with the King, we should meet with Rays-sama first.

Because of the stranded ship incident, it seemed like an unwritten consensus that the 10th Division would be in charge of anything related to the Empire was formed.

When we finally met with Rays-sama, he didn’t look surprised that Luluria was with us. Maybe he already predicted that Luluria would also come, or maybe someone else has informed him about Luluria without my knowledge.

“Rays-sama Luluria…I mean, Princess Luluria would like to accompany Prince Tsetsedra to the audience room.”

“I know. I’ve already made the arrangement.”

“Thank you (Luluria)

Everything was according to his plan, huh.

Thus, we went to the audience room.

In the audience room, important people of this country had already gathered including Lucifal Veras.

Almost everyone was giving Tsetsie an unfriendly gaze. For Tsetsie, this place was in the middle of the enemy’s territory.

“I am Zeurasia, the King of Rudek. Welcome.”

“It is an honor to have met you. I am Tsetsedra, the son of Emperor Drak!”

Tsetsie raised his tone at the end of the sentence. Luluria stepped up next to her husband.

“With all due respect, I too would like to offer my greetings to King Zeurasia. May I have your permission?”

“Granted.”

“Thank you. I am Tsetsedra’s wife, Luluria. Using this opportunity, please allow me to extend my gratitude for saving me when I was stranded in the sea.”

“I have heard about you. I too would like to extend my gratitude as  It is thanks to your effort that my kingdom now have a good relationship with Fezaris.”

“Please, no need for gratitude. I was merely doing my duty. But, if I may add, I have been married into the Griddle Imperial family, and I sincerely hope you could also extend your hospitality to my husband.”

“I shall do so. Let us get to the main topic. The Empire would like our help in transporting the 2nd Prince of the Empire who fled to Gorber after a rebellion, is that correct?”

After Luluria’s intervention, Tsetsie looked a bit more calm.

“That is correct. I apologize for involving your country in our matter. I truly hope you will permit us to transport the criminal into our country.”

“And what has the Empire prepared in exchange?”

“We had prepared a suitable amount of gold coins.”

“…Is that all?”

At the King’s question, Tsetsie’s shoulders twitched. There was a hint of confusion in his expression.

Of course, he would be confused, I was too. This was different from what I heard would happen. From what I knew, the matter of transporting the 2nd Prince should have been settled with money so why did King Zeurasia ask that?

Or, was he trying to test Tsetsie?

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Prince Zeland was about to speak but someone stopped him.

“What is the matter?” King Zeurasia asked while folding his arms.

“May I be permitted to speak?”

Amid the tense situation, Luluria spoke out.

“What is it?”

“Is King Zeurasia a foolish king?” Luluria asked with a bright smile.