The location where the Rosaria Empire had appeared was an incredibly troublesome spot. To put it simply, there was "nothing" there. Forget usable planets; there weren't even any asteroids. It seemed there had been thoughts of developing the area in the past, but the plans had always fallen through because transporting materials was too difficult. In this context, "difficult" didn't mean it was technologically impossible; it meant it simply wasn't economically viable.
In truth, Rosaria didn't share a border with Lepsitol or Parcion. They were separated by a vast void of nothingness. Because of that, the situation was essentially a case of "we know they exist, but we have no dealings with them." For better or worse, they couldn't even be considered trade partners. Sure, if one built a series of relay stations, they could establish a route, but I couldn't imagine Lepsitol—who lived only for the moment—or Parcion—who were passive about everything—pursuing profits that were hundreds of years away.
Apparently, small-scale arms smuggling took place, but even the Latarnia Bank didn't handle currency exchange for the other side. It was strictly bartering. Oh, I see. The integration of the banking system with Chronos carried the Latarnia Bank's seal of approval. No wonder investments were flooding in.
And so, the Rosaria people had crossed that vast expanse of nothingness. Because they had traversed such an empty area, they had remained completely off the radar until they were picked up by our sensors.
Currently, I was smirking in the warehouse. Whatever—we were a people who loved to talk. As long as things didn't suddenly turn into a battle, there wouldn't be a problem. First, I supposed we would exchange supplies. This was important. It was a way of introducing ourselves, a way of saying, "This is the kind of people we are."
By looking at the supplies handed over, we could get a glimpse of the other side's industrial level and culture. This wasn't some petty power-play battle between mothers at a private university-affiliated kindergarten in the Imperial Capital. This was a power-play battle on a national level.
Therefore, our nation of Chronos would provide Rosaria with certain items for the meeting. However, since they had barged in so suddenly, I decided to lean into a gag.
"First, a copy of the media for Fa-Q-san: Mystery of the Married Woman Labyrinth - The Movie..."
"Ah, stop! No! Claire, not the Iron Claw!"
"Leo... be serious," Claire commanded.
"Yes, Mother!"
Crrrrk-crrrk-crrrk.
After being turned into something resembling a squashed Daifuku by her grip, I let out a groan. Maybe I should make some actual Daifuku later.
"Then what would be good?" I asked.
"Perhaps some traditional crafts," Claire suggested.
"The Sword of Chronos, then."
There should be a traditional workshop nearby—one I personally supported. I sent a communication.
"Yo, Oyakata," I said when the connection went through.
"What is it, King?" Master Virgil replied. He was a muscular Ogre God Nation-descended Chronosian. Though I called him Ogre God Nation-descended, his family had been crafting traditional swords in Chronos for three generations.
"Well, you see, the Rosaria Empire showed up. I was thinking I'd like to gift one of your swords to them."
"For a presentation gift? if that's the case, it doesn't have to be from my workshop. There are other workshops with better-looking pieces, aren't there?"
"No, no. You're the one with the best skills, Oyakata."
"Oh, well, that's nice to hear. If the King goes that far, I suppose I have no choice. Is it all right if I can't finish a new one in time?"
"Yeah, I'll take one of your recent works."
"Right you are."
I ended the communication. I owned several of Oyakata's swords myself. They were excellent blades. I liked Katanas, too, but the Sword of Chronos was something special.
"Leo... are you sure you don't want a more artistic workshop?" Claire asked.
"Yeah. I can judge the enemy's tendencies by whether or not they recognize the quality of Oyakata's swords. If they don't, I can conclude that, as swordsmen, they aren't much to look at."
This was the essence of a national power-play battle: slipping something only a professional could recognize into a collection of easily understood crafts. I could have just ended it by blowing them away with something flashy and feeling satisfied, but I also wanted to size them up. If they could discern the value of an item that only an expert could understand, then the opponent was top-tier. Even if they couldn't, it would still serve as data. This was what it meant to smile while kicking each other under the table.
My expression twisted into a cruel smile.
"I'm truly glad Leo isn't my enemy..." Claire muttered.
"I'll properly send goblets, traditional clothing, and paintings, too. Traditional instruments as well. Right, Shiyun?"
"Indeed, Lord Leo♪"
Shiyun, who was working beside me, also showed a cruel smile. She was also scheduled to have a meeting with the Rosaria Empire and was planning to slip some "hidden gems" among the flashy, glittering gifts. If they recognized them, they were top-tier. If they didn't recognize them but used them as a conversation starter, they were still first-rate. If they ignored them entirely, they were second-rate. And if they complained, they were third-rate. Through this alone, we could determine the quality of their diplomatic staff.
"Kweh-heh-heh-heh!"
"Ufufufufufufu..."
"Shiyun-chan is being corrupted..." Wifey sighed.
We were currently working in the dining hall. The logic was that it would be easier if everyone involved worked together in one place. The Usual Gang was all present.
"Wifey, what will you do?" I asked.
"I am not fond of such things. I have conveyed my intent and left it to the civil officials. ...More importantly, Lord Groom, where did you learn such things? It is a source of constant wonder to me."
"You see, Wifey, my family survived solely by being professional sycophants for powerful nobles... specifically Duke House Mistral. We wouldn't have survived if we hadn't mastered the art of dominating these silent exchanges."
"How terrifying! Even my family wasn't that extreme!" Claire said, looking utterly repulsed.
It made sense, though. A talentless Marquis House had survived without being turned into a toy by the predatory nobles around them. Thinking about it now, I bet my ancestors played the fool while feeling like they were chewing on sand. If the Duke Association had still existed, and if my family had shown even a hint of competence, they would have been targeted and destroyed. As a side note, my old man was just genuinely incompetent.
"Ahahaha! Exactly. My family would've been crushed, too, if people didn't think we were just sword-obsessed idiots," Melissa added with a hearty laugh.
"Scary! Central politics is scary!" Claire exclaimed.
"Rest easy, Claire. I have already destroyed the Duke Association," Wifey said calmly.
"I... I've decided I'll never become like the Duke Association."
"Forget the Duke Association; you are already Chronos royalty," Wifey pointed out with a sharp, logical retort.
Quite right.
"Wifey... let's make this a bright, fun, and intense empire!"
"Lord Groom!"
We embraced. It was all a bit of a farce, but since it was a common occurrence, everyone just ignored us.
While we were talking, a call came in for Isono. He seemed to be having a very serious conversation. The usually air-headed Isono suddenly took on a grave expression.
"Did something happen with Hanako-san?" I asked.
"Hey Leo, can you take over here for a bit?"
"Sure, did something happen?"
"It looks like Hanako-san is pregnant... I'm going to the hospital."
"O-Oh! Kevin, please go with him!"
Kevin, who had been relaxing and eating sweets while off duty, immediately stood up.
"Isono-kun, let's go!"
"Thanks, Kevin."
"Ren!" I called out.
"Yes, I will accompany you!" Ren replied.
"And Tatiana?"
"Why are you asking like that?! Kevin-neechan, I'm coming too. I'll contact the Chronos Religion," Tatiana said.
"Um, contact Suematsu-san as well!" I added.
"Got it!"
And so it began. This was no longer just a personal matter; it was a political issue. If I were to die before having children, the right of succession for the throne of Chronos would pass to Isono's child. The next in line after that would be Amada's family.
Things were about to get very hectic.