89

“Coco, wake up. Coco!”

When I came to my senses, we had arrived at the Yuno Kingdom.

Staggering off the ship, I breathed salt-tinged air that felt completely different from the Seraphina Empire’s.

Blue sky and seagulls wheeling peacefully confirmed it: this was a maritime kingdom.

“Welcome to the Yuno Kingdom.”

A welcoming party from the Yuno court had come to meet us. Being by the sea, most of them had sun-darkened faces.

“From here we’ll proceed in procession to the royal palace. Please follow this way.”

The knights mounted their horses while ordinary officials like me boarded carriages. A tall man with very bright blond hair rode a lavishly adorned white horse.

“Is that him?”

Elysia nodded. “That’s right. This delegation’s leader is the Second Prince Raven. His Majesty personally appointed him.”

He was a royal I had never seen before—similar to the Crown Prince but with a different sort of presence. Someone it would be useful to know if anything happened.

“What kind of person is Prince Raven? I haven’t heard anything.”

Surprisingly, the answer came not from Elysia or Lukan but from Aidan, who had insisted on joining our carriage because he didn’t want to ride alone.

“I’ve seen him a few times because of Magic Tower matters. Quiet, I guess. He seems to avoid stepping forward at all costs—almost like he’s always watching for something.”

Considering the Crown Prince’s temperament, being cautious wasn’t surprising. A ‘stay alive at all costs’ stance, perhaps. Maybe I’ll learn more about him during this delegation.

“Coco, is your seasickness better now?”

“Yes. Now that I’m on solid ground I finally feel alive.”

“Do you remember anything? People were really worried.”

“I felt so unwell I don’t remember. Did something happen?”

“Ah, no. I’m glad you’re better.”

I wondered about it, but no matter how hard I tried, nothing came to mind, so I nodded awkwardly. I looked to Lukan and Elysia—both silent.

What’s going on?

As soon as we reached the palace and were greeted by the people of the Yuno capital, the delegation was led to the audience hall to meet the king.

The Yuno king had the physique and bearing of a seasoned mariner.

“Thank you for coming such a long way. I hope you stay comfortably during your visit.”

“Thank you. With His Majesty taking such care, this negotiation should proceed smoothly.”

Prince Raven replied politely. The Foreign Minister spoke in a language I didn’t understand; they nodded to each other, then dispersed.

“There will be a banquet tomorrow, so prepare; we will show you the rooms where you’ll be staying. Regarding the talks, how about we discuss them among ourselves over tonight’s dinner?”

“Understood.”

With the prince’s approval, we dispersed to our lodgings. I was assigned the same room as Elysia.

Elysia had been interested in languages and had meant to apply to the Foreign Ministry, but she’d ended up in the Chancellery. Since she knew some Yuno, sharing a room made practical sense.

The room was spacious and comfortable, and the weather outside was so sunny it felt like perfect travel weather. Elysia lay on the bed with a satisfied expression, rolled over, and said, “I’m going to eat my fill on this delegation.”

“Suddenly you talk of food?”

“The guilt loosens because it’s spread among so many people…”

“I know what you mean.”

Everyone here was an unmarried noble keeping up at least minimal upkeep, but with so many chances for communal feasting during the delegation, I took it to mean she’d indulge.

After unpacking a bit and resting, it was already dinnertime. Guided by a maid, the two of us moved to the dining hall. The table held only central imperial ministry officials who would participate in the talks.

“Ms. Cornelia, hello.”

“Mr. Girion?”

Girion, deputy commander of the royal knight first order, was part of the delegation’s escort and would attend the talks.

“It’s good to see you here. I look forward to your contributions to this negotiation as well.”

“I’m just here to learn. The Foreign Minister and other seniors will handle things well.”

“Then, if it’s alright, perhaps later a tour of the harbor…”

“Everyone, take your seats.”

The Duke’s voice hastily ended the conversation; everyone hurried to their places.

“Sometimes he does things I like.”

“Aidan, what did you say?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Aidan answered with a faint smile and seemed unusually guarded today. He had odd quirks, but he struck me as cheerful and kind.

Prince Raven began his meal with a measured smile. It was the first time I’d seen him this close.

‘Blond hair and golden eyes… He looks like he trains with a sword regularly, but his gaze… I can’t place it.’

There was no information at all about his habits, personality, or work style.

‘So does he really just loaf around the palace doing nothing? Hah. I’m jealous…’ A mean thought sprouted. If he’d been shirking duties, maybe I should make him look troubled now… Am I being cruel?

“Do you have any complaints about His Highness the Prince?”

Elysia used honorifics since this was, in a sense, an official occasion.

“Anyway, he’s a superior. I’m observing what kind of person he is.”

“That makes sense. Through this delegation I’ll see if he’s fit to be my boss.”

“Isn’t that pointless? How could you best royalty?”

“I have my own standards. I’ll just say the secretary passed the fastest.”

“Secretary Elysia… I heard you were not very talkative.”

“I simply had nothing to say. Who would I have wanted to talk to at the previous Chancellery?”

I nodded, recalling the previous Chancellery that had overflowed with villains.

“I’m not a fan of overly casualness between bosses and subordinates.”

“Don’t worry. I draw that line sharply.”

“…You drop honorifics with me.”

“That’s when it’s not about work, so indulge me. I wanted a peer friend too.”

Elysia was actually a year older than me, so I didn’t want to fuss over honorifics. Calling her ‘older sister’ felt odd.

As the meal wound down, the Foreign Minister raised matters related to the banquet and the talks.

“Tomorrow’s banquet will be attended by Yuno’s royals, nobles, and clerks. Since you’ll be treated as honored guests, there don’t seem to be major obstacles for these talks. Both sides have given verbal agreement on the pact. You could say only the seals remain.”

Yuno had little reason to oppose. If they helped trace hidden assets and apprehend suspects, we would cooperate in arresting criminals who committed crimes in Yuno and slipped into the Empire. After negotiations, crossing borders and securing cooperation from local knight orders and patrols would become far easier.

“Very well. Then let’s meet at tomorrow night’s banquet.”

Prince Raven quietly signaled the end of the meal and stood.

‘Is he announcing the start and end of things now?’ His level of engagement was far too low. He could have smiled and exchanged light talk with the ministers, but there was none of that. Even the ministers seemed awkward around him. As the face of the delegation, I began to worry whether the talks would go smoothly.

When everyone rose, I subtly noted the Duke’s position and slipped back to my lodgings when no one was looking.

‘I need to finish this quickly too.’ Thinking of the Duke’s appearance at Those Who Can’t Resign made my heart heavy.

The next day, a banquet for the delegation was held.

Fortunately, members were allowed to attend without partners. I was dragged along by Lady Kiara and Pinea—who had heard about the delegation—and wore a dress tailored by Lorant: a simple baby-pink, off-shoulder gown they said was popular in Yuno.

“His Majesty the King approaches!”

The Yuno king entered leading royals and retainers. Behind him were people in white attire—apparently the clergy the Foreign Minister had mentioned.

The king sat and welcomed the delegation, personally introducing the royals and key figures. Finally, the clergy were presented.

“Here are our Yuno ministers and clergy. They have come to bless today’s delegation and talks.”

“Nice to meet you.”

The prince thanked them as representative. I privately regarded them as people who didn’t believe in gods and only looked after their own interests, so I paid them little mind. The Foreign Minister introduced our side’s attendees.

“These are the central ministry officials attending this negotiation: from the Foreign Ministry… (omitted)… from the Ministry of Finance… (omitted)… from the War Ministry… (omitted)… from the Chancellery, First-rank Secretary Cornelia Libertas, senior Scribe Elysia Langford, Lukan….”

“Cornelia!”

Then, suddenly, one of the opposing clergy sprang forward and went to embrace me—but was stopped by the Duke and Aidan.

“Eek!”

What the—what is this situation? I never heard that Cornelia had acquaintances abroad.

No, my family wasn’t in a position to go abroad in the first place.

“Who are you…?”

A man with dark brown hair, a slim build, and gray eyes flecked with brown smiled brightly. Definitely someone I hadn’t seen before. Wait—the color of his eyes…?

“Coco, no matter how long it’s been, how could you not even remember your brother?”

“Brother? Th-then my eldest brother?”

He smiled and nodded.

My eldest brother… that brute was actually alive.