A month after the battle, the staff was busy at the guest house in the capital of Agartha. On this day, a party was to be held here. Incidentally, the efficiency of the staff at the guest house in Agartha is the best in the world. This is due in part to the excellent management of the manager, Minsi, but above all to the excellent coordination of the Siljus and Dwarves who work there.
Basically, in setting up the venue, it is the dwarves' job to carry heavy tables and so on. Although they are women, many of them have been using hammers and forging iron since childhood, and their arm strength far surpasses that of human men. They use their strength to complete the construction in the blink of an eye.
Once that is done, the psyllids appear. Using the wings on their backs, they fly around the room, quickly decorating the tablecloths and other decorations. Thanks to their lean coordination, even a spur-of-the-moment party can be held without difficulty here at the guest house.
Minsi and the others were preparing the venue with great enthusiasm, as it was to be hosted by Agartha King Linos this time. Rinos had instructed them to keep the party very simple, but the guests were expected to include the emperor of the Heidata Empire, General Caries of the Lamaron Empire, King Nike of the Sundange Kingdom, and many other distinguished participants in the recent war. It was only natural that the staff members would be so enthusiastic about the event.
Rinos and Rico, who had arrived at the venue ahead of the others, froze as soon as they opened the door. It was as if they were at a royal wedding, with the venue set up in all its grandeur and splendor.
Seeing this, Linos scratched his head and muttered to himself in a half-embarrassed manner, "I told you to keep it simple ....... Rico, on the other hand, was looking at the scene with a twinkle in his eye and giving detailed instructions to Minsi, who was standing beside him, about the design of the setup. Then he clapped his hands together and said he would get ready with all his energy, grabbed Linos' arm, and left the room.
The party was nothing short of spectacular. Although Linos had not specified a dress code, the invited guests showed up in formal attire. He had planned to hold the party as a consolation party for the battle, so he thought it would be fine to drink and eat in ordinary clothes, but his intention turned out to be completely wrong.
First, General Caries and Prime Minister Madeline from the Lamarone Kingdom, and Almond, who was invited as a representative of the commanders, appeared at the venue. Timing their arrival to coincide with that of the other two was Nique and her son Shin from the Sandanj nation. The venue was already prepared to welcome Lafayence, Knogen, and the well-dressed Princess Rufana. They were smiling and congratulating each other on the battles that had just been fought. Then the Emperor and Empress of Miedai arrive. As soon as they entered the hall, they went to them and congratulated them on their victory in the battle against Thana. Although Ikkaku and the others of the OWARA are nowhere to be seen, ...... they are probably lurking somewhere in this room, guarding the two men.
Later, Sidi's brother Galtor and Prime Minister Yury arrived from Niza, as well as Posehay's Chiwan, Roni, and Dawki. Queen Sarfate, the mother of Princess Rufana, arrived accompanied by her daughters. They had heard about the party from somewhere and wanted to thank her for the victory over the hated nation of Tana, which had taken their country from them, at any cost.
Just before the party started, His Majesty the Emperor of the Heedata Empire, Prime Minister Gremont, and Duke Vyrus entered the hall. They did not take part in this battle, but I invited them because Nike and Callies asked me to talk with His Majesty about the future, if possible.
His Majesty must have had something in mind in that regard. He immediately accepted my offer.
In the meantime, it was time for the party to start. I go out in front of everyone with Rico and the others. It's hard to walk because of my formal attire. As we enter the venue, I can hear the inarticulate voices leaking out. That's probably true. There's Rico with his hair tied up and dressed up to the nines, Mei with her light makeup and rather plain white outfit, but overflowing with intelligence and kindness that she can't hide, and Sadie, looking absolutely adorable and graceful. It is truly a sight for sore eyes.
Unfortunately, Soleil and Matocal are absent this time. Both of them are preparing for the birth, Soleil is unable to move from the village of Cyrus, and Matocal is still in the hospital. For my part, I would have loved to see these two dressed up to the nines, but ...... it's a shame.
In front of the crowd, I give a short speech and propose a toast. At that moment, Vieille, who had been invited but had not arrived yet, appeared. He is dressed in pure white with his hair neatly combed and wears a thin tiara on his head. As might be expected of the grandson of the Pope, his elegance and refinement were unmistakable. I turned my attention to Mr. Shin, Vieille's favorite child, but he remained motionless with his eyes wide open, and even from a distance I could clearly see that he was fascinated by Vieille.
The party started like this, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves to their heart's content. At first, I thought that the party would not be so exciting due to the grievances among the guests, but to my surprise, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves with open and frank expressions on their faces.
Then Nike came to me and Mei with Shin and bowed to us, asking us to take good care of her son. Shin, by the way, had not been told that he was going to study abroad, and he was surprised to see me. Moreover, he was surprised twice when he heard that it would start today. We had thought that we had convinced Shin, but neither Mei nor I could hide our confusion at this unexpected turn of events. According to Nike, if we had told him beforehand, he might have fled the country in a worst case scenario.
After that, Nike ate all the dishes served to her as if she had been liberated from something. The party was a buffet style, but we had also prepared a small barbecue table where we could grill meat and other items if desired. The emperor and his wife of Miedai and His Majesty of Heedata were sitting at the barbecue table, and soon they were talking about various things.
I was talking with General Caries, Almond, and others, when I noticed that Vieille was talking with the Duke of Vailas before I knew it. I looked at Rico and saw her walking toward her brother. Intuitively sensing that this was a bad idea, I shouted out.
"I have an announcement to make! Hey, look at me! It's going to be on the test!
Everyone has a look of shock on their faces. I cough and take a deep breath.
"I am pleased to inform you that the Supreme Commander of Agartha's armed forces, General Lafayence, has retired, and has appointed Knogen as his successor. I ask for your continued support for Agartha and for Knogen!"
Suddenly, Knogen looked surprised, but then he smiled wryly. Soon after, all eyes were on him, and before long the room was filled with applause.
"I am calling on Mr. Linos!
Suddenly, a voice comes from Knogen. I look at him with a surprised expression.
I look at him with a surprised expression on my face. I have one favor to ask of you as I accept your appointment as Commander-in-Chief!
"Please! ...... what is it?"
"Hi. I would like to ask for your permission for me to marry Princess Rufana.
"What? You guys were dating ......?
I look at Princess Rufana. She looks around with a surprised expression on her face. Knogen quickly approaches her.
"Will you marry me, Rufana? Your Majesty Queen Sulphate, will you give me your precious princess?"
Queen Sulphurte, who had heard his voice, looked around with a puzzled look on her face and opened her mouth.
"Yes,...... such a ....... But ...... you who serve near the king of Agartha, ....... What is your objection? I am a daughter, but I ask for your kindness."
"The queen has given her permission! Lady Rufana, I want you to marry me!"
All eyes in the hall turned to Princess Rufana. She was puzzled, but then her face turned red and she turned her head and said "yes" in a small voice. After a few seconds of silence, the audience burst into applause.
"When someone says something like that to me here, as a woman, I have no choice but to accept it. Knogen, you're doing a good job.
At some point, Lafayence came up to me, muttering something like that and smiling. I looked at Rico and smiled at him and smiled.
By the way, this proposal of Knogen's became known to the people of King's Landing, and a few years later, it was adapted for the stage and became a big hit. ....... But that is another story.