Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 43

Drifting Ship Disturbance (9) – The Kingdom’s Decision on Luluria

“It is an honor to meet you, Princess Luluria Fezaris Badusa. My name is Rays Stein. I apologize for having to keep you in this kind of place. I hope for your gracious understanding about the situation of our kingdom.”

“It is also an honor to meet the famed General Rays Stein. I am Luluria Fezaris Badusa. I am also grateful for your kingdom’s kindness in saving us and treating us kindly. I promise to inform my father, Mars Fezaris Badusa, about your generosity.”

“Thank you for your kind words. Have you had any problems during your stay? We hope you can be as comfortable as possible while staying in our country, so please let me know if there is anything lacking.”

“I am grateful for your kind intention, but there is no need to worry about such a thing. I was able to have a good time even in an unfamiliar country because of the presence of Roa-sama, Wickharlt-sama, and Rufa-sama, whom you had arranged to accompany me. Once again, allow me to extend my gratitude.”

“I am relieved to hear that.”

Rays-sama and Luluria’s conversation, which was packed with polite words and fake smiles, came to an end. They were conversing courteously, yet tension remained in the air. So when the talk comes to an end, we on the sidelines breathe a sigh of relief.

The meeting between Luluria and Rays-sama took place in a separate building within the complex of the lord’s mansion, where we have been residing for the past few days.

Even though Rays-sama was only accompanied by Grantz-sama and Lapilia-sama when he entered the building, security was nevertheless tight because the knights of the 3rd Division were stationed outside.

Luluria was the first person who restarted the conversation between the two.

“I…would like to make a request. I traveled a great distance from the southern continent to this northern continent, so I’m wondering… whether I might explore this town before you deport me to my home country?”

Rays-sama responded to Luluria’s question with a troubled expression.

“I understand your feeling, Luluria-sama. But I wouldn’t be able to face your esteemed father if something happened to you here. Therefore, please remain here until you arrived at the Greedl Empire.”

Huh? I turned to gaze at Luluria, who appeared to be as surprised. So I didn’t mishear what Rays-sama said, right?

“Did I hear you correctly, sir? Am I… going to the Empire and not being sent back to my home country?”

“You are correct, Princess. Our nation has been in negotiations with the Empire throughout the few days that you have been staying here, and an agreement has been reached. Along with the passengers on your ship, our nation will assume responsibility for safely transporting you to the Empire.”

“But I heard that there is currently a war going on between your nation and the Greedl Empire.”

“Yes, we are at war with the Empire, but as I believe you are also aware, just because we are at war does not necessarily mean that our opportunities for diplomacy are blocked. Not to mention the incident this time also came as a surprise to the Empire. It will be far more advantageous for us and the Empire to resolve the issue in this way if we consider our and the Empire’s future interactions with the southern continent.”

Oh, I get it. Rudek would make a poor impression on the nations of the southern continent if we sent Luluria back to her own nation. Despite this, Rudek would never agree to give the Empire something without receiving something in return, which is why the negotiations between the two kingdoms took so long.

“I see…. Then, I had a stronger desire to explore this town if that’s what was going to happen to me.”

“Princess Luluria…”

Rays-sama’s gaze shifted to one with concern. Only those who have interacted with him frequently will notice the subtle change, though.

“I do not know what kind of relationship the Greedl Empire and your nation will have in the future, but if the two nations’ hostilities persist, then this trip might be my final opportunity to see this town. Why don’t you regard it as a favor I owe to your nation? I might one day be your link for diplomatic relations with the Empire.”

“…”

Luluria decided to exert further pressure when Rays-sama remained silent.

“Many visitors from the southern continent came to this town, therefore there is no doubt about its safety. There is no reason to worry about my safety here and if anything did happen to me while I was exploring the town, I swear I won’t hold your nation responsible. If you like, I can even write an official statement about this.”

“If you’re willing to take it that far… I understand. Then, please write an official statement. I will also arrange some guards for you.”

“I believe the three people who have been accompanying me for the past few days, and…Luzel-sama, I believe was his name, will suffice as my guards.”

“Princess, me and Rufa…I don’t think we can serve as your bodyguards. I think we belong to the people who require the guards.”

Luluria let out a small laugh when I stated that.

“I’m not going to request your protection, Roa-sama. I just want to explore the town with people I am close to.”

“…You appear to have taken a liking to them, Princess.” (Rays)

“Yes, they are…what was it…Oh! the comrades that I have eaten with from the same pot!”

(T/N: A Japanese proverb that means close friend. In this case, it was also a pun since the four of them have also literally eaten from the same pot.)

Rays-sama turned his gaze to me. He was probably trying to tell me to explain everything later.

By the way, a few days after our first cooking class, Luluria began to cut her own vegetables with a knife. If I told Rays-sama about that, he’d definitely get angry at me, but it wasn’t like I could change what had already happened.

Rays-sama let out a little sigh after being silent for a bit, which was unusual for him.

“I will do what you say. But I’ll also send a group of guards to protect you from afar.”

“That is alright with me. Thank you for your consideration.”

After the conversation, Luluria gave us a cheerful grin, as if she had accomplished something big, and we could only respond with a wry smile.