Chapter 165: 165 Audience

The Imperial Palace of the Stanza Empire, which I saw for the first time, was an impressive structure with a round roof, long corridors, and a series of tall towers, and it was as large as the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Ergeland. ...... And, as I had heard beforehand, it certainly had a very good view. Even from the outside, you can see how sketchy the interior structure is.

I don't know much about warfare. I don't know much about warfare, but I'm not sure this castle is really suitable for fighting.　I'm not much of a warfare expert, but I don't think this castle is very good for fighting. It would be impossible to keep the enemy out with such a sketchy and obvious building.

There are not many castles that are so difficult for the enemy to enter, unless you expect a siege. In a country that's grown this big, the only thing the ruler has to worry about is assassination of the ruler, rather than a sudden invasion by a large army. You can prevent most of the short-term assassinations when the palace is designed in such a way that it is easy to see when a suspicious person enters.

What would you do if you were working as an assassin in this palace?

I'm sure you can get through the crowded areas by grabbing the clothes of the servants, but it will be difficult to go deeper into the palace without being suspected. If you want to spend a year or so, you should probably take a servant's application and go in, but most of these "jobs" are contingency-based, and you'll have to pay for all the expenses up to that point. ...... It's not worth it when you think about it.

You mean we don't get paid until the job is done?

If you want to work for a long time, by far the best way to earn money is to be stationed somewhere, or to be attached to someone, gathering information. Those are usually paid on a daily or weekly basis. If you're looking for a job, you'll need to find a job that pays well. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time with your family and friends. ...... Even so, my dad and I haven't actually completed many assassination jobs because the clients are often lying to us. I believe that was the last assassination request I received before my father fell ill.

"Oh, .......

...... Oh, well, I haven't heard any details about that assassination request that I didn't complete. I'm pretty sure it was a request from some marquis family or a branch of it.

Do you share such things?

Sort of. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who'll be able to help you out. ...... At that time, I was busy with other work, and just when I thought I had finally settled down, my dad collapsed, and we didn't have time to talk.

So we'll have to talk about it when we get back to the Elgrand.

Right.

While Deanna and Kai were whispering as expected, the carriage moved slowly forward and entered the palace grounds through a large gate. As soon as they passed through the gate, Deanna felt a change in the air and looked up slightly.

"...... What is it?

"...... Hmm. It's a simple one, but there's a warding that prevents anyone without permission from entering the grounds. We're in this carriage, so it looks like we got in no problem.

Kai's words made Rita's face turn a little grim.

I'm not sure what to make of this.

In the event that you've got a lot more than one of these, you'll be able to get a lot more. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

It's a good thing I prepared a good luck charm, just in case.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's only effective against spells, not against ordinary swords or poison, so be careful about that. Also, the amulet is only effective once, so if it should go off, replace it with a new one immediately.

But it's reassuring to know that there are defenses against such attacks that we can't prevent. Thank you very much, sir.

"Don't thank me. It was my father who made the granting spell, and I just used it to put my spiritual power into the talisman. It wasn't much work at all.

Kai is being modest, but Mia is right, having a countermeasure against the spirier is a big advantage. As he always says, Kai's spiritual power (spira) is not very flexible, and he specializes in attacking and destroying, but it seems that once he unleashes his power, he can "destroy" - that is, nullify - the spiriers that target him without doing anything. In other words, he can nullify it. On this visit to the Stanza Empire, Sora created a spellbook that could 'grant' Kai's spiritual power (spirae), thinking that it would be better to have as many means of self-defense as possible. Kai used the spell to impart spira to a large cut-glass bead, and made a large number of amulets to protect the owner of the bead from dangerous spiriers. After testing the effect of the amulet, Yami said, "Sirius-sama's knife, which is supposed to have a hundred hits, deflected off of me by itself!　It's very effective! (Incidentally, he was then squeezed with a series of hard throws without using the "maneuver").

While we were talking about this, the speed of the carriage slowed down and then stopped.

--The next moment, a gorgeous fanfare resounded. Accompanying the fanfare, a voice said, "His Imperial Highness, the Eighteenth Prince, is returning home! could be heard.

Kai smiled wryly and put his index finger to his lips.

"No more Elgrande from here on out. --Until Dee finishes her work, we'll keep the Tongue activated.

They all nodded their heads in understanding. Deanna nodded as well and made eye contact with Rita.

Please, Rita.

Yes, sir.

When everyone was breathing quietly, the carriage door was opened at the right moment. The shroud that had been used when they had gotten off the ship was raised so that it could be attached to the carriage door, blocking the view from the outside.

(Although this shroud was quite meaningless after being seen in front of so many people.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who'll be able to help you out.

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...... Where things change, diplomatic etiquette changes dramatically. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. In the Kingdom of Ergeland, in such a case, even if you don't take a break, you're supposed to be given some time in the anteroom to sort out the luggage you've brought, change your clothes, and have a cup of tea (since you're meeting the chief executive of a country, it's polite to calm down both physically and mentally). As I walked along with the shroud moving, I was led deeper and deeper into the palace.

Finally, the shrouds were removed, and the maidservants who had been acting as shrouds fell back in silence, leaving only the Stanza and Ergeland delegations and what looked like soldiers with weapons, whether they were guards or observers. --And in front of me, a massive door. And in front of me is a massive door. No matter how I look at it, I'm probably going to meet the Emperor.

Princess.

The prince who was diagonally in front of me turned around and came a little closer.

I'm sorry to bother you at this time. In our country, when the royal family returns to the palace, the first thing they do is to greet His Majesty the Emperor. ...... If you bring back a guest, it is customary to introduce him or her as well.

(...... I see.)

It's a good thing that the prince is not a straightforward man. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. Diana would be more diplomatically and humanly disrespectful if she ran away now.

She may have said "guest," but a real guest would not have been this rude. It's likely that Stanza recognizes Deanna and the rest of the Ergeland delegation as hostages, both in name and reality, and that they are the spoils of war for Stanza's delegation. This is why they were brought here like objects, without any confirmation of Diana's intentions.

--But as expected, the prince has learned from the earlier incident in the traffic that there is no way that Diana will be treated as a "trophy". Therefore, in order to soften Diana's blame even a little bit, even though it was just before the last minute, he must have said something like this.

Is that right, sir? I knew that if we were to greet the Emperor of the Stanza Empire, we would have to dress in our finest attire in order to show our disrespect.

I'm not sure what to make of it. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: ....... At least in the Kingdom of Ergeland, the Stanza delegation and the King of Ergeland had made such an agreement in writing. If that's the case, then not properly speaking out against the rudeness of the Stanza Empire here would be to lower the prestige of the Kingdom of Ergrand.

No, no, Princess. That's ......》

Of course, if you say that's what the Stanza Empire is accustomed to, then we have no objection. But in the unlikely event that His Majesty is offended by our attire, please allow me to explain the situation as the Elgrand Emissary. If you had told us beforehand that we would be greeting you straight out of the carriage, with no time to make preparations, we would have made all possible preparations on board or in the carriage.

In a roundabout way, I would like to make it clear that this happened because of your miscommunication, and that the Ergeland Mission is not at fault. In this situation of isolation and helplessness, the moment you are licked is the moment you are finished. Of course, I don't want the prince, but I also don't want anyone around us to think that we can crush them or that we can win them over. At most, let them be frightened by this unnecessarily powerful villainous face and the "Red Rose" mode of warfare, which has been completely reserved lately.

At Deanna's attitude, some of the soldiers with a low boiling point became angry. They pointed their spear points at us very casually.

b*tc*!　Shut up and listen to me, you disrespectful to His Imperial Highness!

Stand back! You're the one who's talking to me.

Her expression instantly changed, and with a cold look in her eyes, Diana turned her cold anger and sharpness towards the soldiers. The soldiers' movements come to a halt as Diana perfectly uses not only the common stanzaic language, but also the archaic language spoken only by those of high rank.

I will be the first in line to the side of His Majesty the King of Elgrand. I'm the first in line to the King of Ergeland's entourage. I've received a personal letter from His Majesty the King, and I've come to the Stanza Empire as the official envoy of the Kingdom of Ergeland. Any insult to me is an insult to the Kingdom of Ergeland.

Perhaps pressured by Deanna's power, the spear points of the soldiers naturally lowered. After confirming that the soldiers had lost their will to fight, Diana thrust her cold gaze at the prince.

I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

......, get those people to back off!

As if the prince's order brought him back to himself, the soldiers around him seized the soldier who pointed his spear at Diana and disappeared across the corridor. The prince bowed to Diana in front of the great door, where the number of soldiers had dwindled.

Princess, I apologize again and again. Of course, it was our fault for not informing you in advance about the audience with the Emperor. If His Majesty asks you a question, you may answer it as you see fit.

I understand.

Of course, he's probably assuming that the Emperor, who has always regarded Deanna as nothing more than a hostage, won't have any doubts about her attire.

Seeing that Deanna was convinced, the prince finally felt relieved and motioned to his soldiers to open the door. After a short pause, the door opened and he entered, taking only Samba with him. Unlike the audience room in the Kingdom of Ergeland, the construction of the building, which is completely open at the top and bottom, allows the voices inside to penetrate well. This is the first time that I have been able to get a good idea of what is going on in the world. ...... If you think about it seriously, in the Stanza Empire, where the temperature rises to the point where people can die in the middle of the day in the middle of summer, raising the airtightness of a room that is used on a daily basis is simply suicide.

Greetings, Your Majesty. The eighteenth prince, Exiga Athar Stanzaum, has just returned home after completing his duties as Minister of the Stanza Empire.

《......》 Mm. Thank you for your hard work.

The voice that I heard was not very loud, but it had a deep and profound sound. It was a voice with depth that could only be produced by a person who had carried a heavy position for a long time.

(...... As I recall, the current Emperor Stanza has been reigning at the top of the nation as Emperor ever since he took over the throne when he was still a teenager, right?

In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. The only thing he is obsessed with is the invasion of the Kingdom of Elgrand, which has been his dream for generations.

The image of Emperor Stanza that Raia describes is what her mother told her, and it is probably also the honest assessment of the emperor by the nobles of Stanza. It is true that he has not accomplished anything noteworthy in his long reign.

(We can't always tell by his voice, but ...... is he really just a color-crazed invader?

While Deanna's head is spinning like that, the conversation inside is going on smoothly.

And so, my prince. How was your stay in the Kingdom of Elgrand?

How was it? Everything I've seen has been new to me and I've found it to be a very unique experience. I'm deeply grateful to the Emperor for giving me this opportunity.

That's good to hear. Knowing the inner workings of the Kingdom of Elgrand will be indispensable for our nation in the future. Continue, and good luck.

What?

It's a very formal conversation between a father and a son, and from any angle, it sounds like the distance between an emperor and a vassal, but given the number of children we have, I suppose it can't be helped. With forty-five children, the emperor's affection for each one of them would be diminished.

After a few more conversations, the time had finally come.

So, where is the "guest from the Kingdom of Ergeland" that you wrote about in your letter now?

He's waiting for you at the door. May I show him in?

Of course.

Yes. --Bring him in!

The door opens again at the signal of the prince's voice, and the stanza delegation and soldiers who had surrounded Diana and the others walk out at once. --Although no ropes are attached, this is truly a hostage situation, an offering of spoils of war.

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Diana unhesitatingly steps into the white, gold and silver colored space, full of history and authority. The old man sitting on a luxurious chair on a higher level is probably the current Emperor of Stanza. The crown on his head and the splendor of his costume leave no doubt. Around him, and in the hall, there were many other gorgeously dressed men of advanced years, and from their gazes I could instantly tell that they had gathered there ostensibly to thank the Stanza delegation, but really to watch the hostages taken from the Kingdom of Ergeland.

(...... It seems that human onlookers' guts don't change even in different countries.)

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

The prince raises his voice slightly.

I would like to introduce you to... I am Princess Diana, daughter of the noble family of Elgrand, the Earls of Crester.

At the Prince's blatant introduction, Diana laughed only in her heart. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

I don't think so. Princess Diana, allow me to answer you directly. Raise your head.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The hall shook gently as Diana replied in fluent stanzas and straightened her posture. The emperor on the throne, who was looking at her eye to eye for the first time, was looking at Diana with an interesting "thing" in his eyes.

It's a good thing you're here. I've heard that there are many beautiful maidens with jewel-like skin in the Kingdom of Elgrand, but it seems that it's true.

I'm afraid so.

Do you like the Stanza Empire?

The air, the streets, the dress of the people, everything is different from the Kingdom of Ergeland. I'd like to make the most of this opportunity to experience a foreign country firsthand and learn more about it.

You talk like a man. In your motherland, girls may have studied, but there's no need for them to do so here in Stanza. --The princess will be given a room in my harem, so from now on, she can spend her time without worrying about her living arrangements.

The hall shook more than before. This was because what he had just said was the Emperor's declaration that the spoils obtained from the Kingdom of Ergeland would become his wife.

Rita, who was still bowing, stopped Kai from tensing up for a moment, just a hint as well.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous words. I'm very grateful that you can provide me with a place to stay. ...... I believe that the harem of the Stanza Empire is the residence of the Emperor's wives, is it not?

Of course. Of course, my side wives reside in my harem.

If that's the case, I'm afraid I can't accept a room in Your Majesty's inner palace. As in Ergeland, even in the Stanza Empire, it would have been a mortal sin for a woman to marry more than once.

The men of Stanza stare in amazement at Diana as she states her opinion without hesitation to the Emperor.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

I've come to the Stanza Empire with the status of quasi-royal, as the first in line of consort of His Majesty King Juke of the Kingdom of Ergeland. --Just as His Royal Highness Exiga, the 18th Prince of the Stanza Empire, came to the Kingdom of Elgrand as an envoy of friendship, I have come as the wife of His Majesty Juke, also as royalty.

《...... huh?

As the wife of His Majesty the Juke, I am not allowed to enter the palace of the Stanza Empire and stay by the Emperor's side. It would be against the laws and doctrines of both countries.

The Kingdom of Ergeland recognizes the existence of male affairs and side chambers of noblemen under the old and evil law, but female affairs are considered a crime. Since it is a crime of intimidation, there is a way out by having a mistress who is approved by her husband.

And even more than the Kingdom of Ergeland, the Empire of Stanza strictly prohibits female infidelity. A woman who is officially married is not allowed to show her skin in front of a man other than her husband without his permission. ...... There is a loophole here, though, and it is not a crime to have relations with another man if your husband allows it.

In any case, according to the laws of either country, as long as Deanna entered the Stanza Empire as the first in line to the Ergeland Kingdom's side room and quasi-royal, becoming the side room of the Stanza Emperor would certainly be a breach of the law.

--I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I'm not sure what you're talking about. Do you think King Elgrand went to the trouble of sending you, the first in his entourage, to the Stanza Empire as quasi-royalty?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Why would he do such a thing?

Of course, it's because His Majesty the Emperor gave me the grand post of Minister of the Kingdom of Elgrand, just as he gave the post of Minister of Stanza to His Imperial Highness the 18th Prince.

The hall shook softly three times. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

--I'm getting a little angry. There's no limit to how much you can mock me.

What?　You're a woman and I've entrusted you with the mission of the Kingdom of Ergeland?

Yes, Your Majesty. This mission is not to discuss matters on a practical level, but to let the people of the Stanza Empire know more about the Kingdom of Ergrand, so to speak, as a goodwill mission. If that is the case, what is important is not your gender but your status. I come from a family with a long history among the nobles of the Kingdom of Ergeland, and I am currently the first in line to His Majesty's side. His Majesty Juke has entrusted me with the great task of being the ambassador of state, thinking that there's no one more suitable than me to be the bridge of goodwill and friendship between the two countries.

Hmm. Just as I sent you my royal son, King Elgrand sent you a man of equal status, didn't he?

Yes. His Majesty, the King of my country, sincerely desires friendship with the Stanza Empire.

But if this is a delegation of friendship, your attire is a little too light, don't you think?

Please forgive us for our rudeness. We, too, had intended to conduct ourselves with the utmost decorum when we sought an audience with the great Emperor Stanza. However, it was only recently, at your door, that we were told by the members of the ...... Stanza delegation that we would be greeting the Emperor.

《...... huh?

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure what it is. I'm not sure what to make of that.

--No matter how much she tried to make it sound good for the delegation, it would be meaningless if Diana told the truth. No matter how convenient it is for the delegation, it will be meaningless if Diana tells the truth. It will be clear who is lying by showing the letter that Diana and the others brought. And yet, the fact that they thought they could get away with making up a story like that means that the people in the Stanza Mission thought that Diana was a mute puppet. It's no wonder that they were so happy with the way things went in the Elgrand Kingdom, since everything went according to the wishes of the Stanza delegation.

(Don't think we're pawns in your hands just because you finally got your way.) (Don't think we're pawns in your hands just because you finally got your way.) Fortunately or unfortunately, there's nothing to bind me in the Stanza Empire. --For the first time in a long time, I'll be able to move as I please.

Your Majesty. If I may ask, have the people of the Stanza Empire not been properly informed that I'm the envoy of friendship between our two countries?

《......》 Hmm. My country's delegation is going to bring back a noblewoman from the Kingdom of Ergeland, but I was asked if they would accept it.

Well... I'm not sure what to do. I'm sure you're exhausted from the strain you've put yourself through in an unfamiliar country. I think you should take some time off to rest.

...... Looks like it.

In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please do not hesitate to contact us. At first glance, Deanna's words seemed kind, but then she asked, "Are you going to continue to use someone who keeps making such 'mistakes' over and over again?　The emperor nodded his head in agreement. And the fact that the emperor nodded, it seems that even the dullest of minds managed to understand that the space that was supposed to be working for them had turned into an execution site in an instant.

Heck, Your Majesty!　Please don't be fooled by this woman's sweet words!

Perhaps the shouting of one of them served as a catalyst, and one after another, the officials fell silent.

This woman is a notorious daughter in the court of Ergeland. It's said that she's the most evil woman of all time, reigning over Ergeland's back court and waging a reign of terror!

The King of Elgrand is also being deceived and manipulated by this woman's charm!　I heard that not too long ago, due to her scheming, many of his concubines were expelled from the palace!

Not a single word that comes out of this woman's mouth is actually true!

(Wow, she's throwing a tantrum in every direction.)

The four who had the worst attitudes among the officials all crawled on the floor. It's worthwhile to make the bad guy look bad when he's been exposed so cleanly.

And then, just as Deanna thought for a moment about how she was going to cook them...

Shut up!

His Imperial Highness, who was standing diagonally in front of her, snapped in a perfect manner. At the sight of the prince, the soldiers spontaneously moved, even without orders, and pointed their spears at the prostrate four.

While the place was in an uproar, the prince dropped to one knee in a fluid motion.

Your Majesty. It is my fault, as the chief, for allowing such an undesirable person to accompany the delegation as a working officer. It's also my fault that I didn't detect that they were continuing to make false reports in order to take credit. I'll accept whatever punishment is appropriate.

《......》 Hmm. So you're telling me, Prince, that everything the Princess said is true?

Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. ...... If there is one thing I dare to correct, it is that not only the officials but also I was aware of the fact that we didn't give the princess an opportunity to formally greet you as the ambassador of state. It was the fault of the entire Stanza delegation.

Why did you do such a thing?

《......》I myself received the news that I was to go with the Princess to greet her immediately after her return to the palace, right after I got off the ship. I thought that if I told the Princess that, she would be offended, as she cherished her role as Minister of State. Since the time for the audience was limited, I thought I'd keep it from her until just before, with all due respect to the princess.

I see. ...... well, I understand.

The Emperor stood up slowly.

Once again, Princess, I'm glad you've come to the Stanza Empire. Normally, you should be treated as a guest in the palace's drawing room, but tradition forbids women to sleep and wake in the palace.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Therefore, I'm making an exception for you and assigning you a room in the harem. Of course, it's not as a side room, but as a guest of my country.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for your thoughtfulness. I'd like to ask you one question.

Let me ask you something.

I've heard that the harem of the Stanza Empire is a place you can't leave once you've set foot in. But I'm the Minister of State of the Kingdom of Ergeland. It is my mission to exchange words with the many people of the Stanza Empire and to be a messenger of friendship. In order to fulfill this duty, I must be out of the palace frequently. --Will you grant me permission to leave?

Technically, you may be a guest, but if you're locked up in the harem, you're no better than a hostage. I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

"That's right. I can't promise that you'll be able to come and go as you please in front of the other ladies. I can't promise that you'll be able to come and go as you please, but I swear on my name that I won't confine you to the harem or restrict your role as envoy.

I'm truly grateful for your generous words. I'm deeply grateful to His Majesty the Emperor for his generosity.

No, what... No, no, no. I'm just thanking you for showing me something interesting. --In my experience, it's better to keep a girl like you free than to keep her locked up.

Well, Your Majesty. It would be very expensive to keep me, wouldn't it?

I'm sure it would. King Elgrand seems to be a man of very unusual tastes.

This time, he smiled firmly and said, "I'll give you a chance to meet him officially as a state envoy later," before slowly leaving the room. As she naturally bowed, Diana slowly realized that she had overcome the first obstacle.

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