After Elsa spoke, a hushed silence fell over the assembly.
Marquis Gaylen Theoderic was the first to break it.
"……Indeed."
The Marquis nodded, gazing at Elsa as if beholding something radiant.
Her argument was so fundamentally sound that it was easy to overlook, yet in this situation, it carried immense weight as a reason for judgment.
"Elsa, thank you. Thanks to you, my mind is made up."
The Empress was acting as the chairperson, but she was simultaneously the representative of the Shouro Empire.
"The Shouro Empire supports His Highness Crown Prince Cesar as the next King of Celuroa."
She looked around at Reinhard, Marquis Gaylen Theoderic, Magic Technology Minister Degauss, Lieutenant Colonel Fritz, and Captain Mattheus in turn, silently asking for objections. None came.
"As the representative of the Klein Kingdom, I also support His Highness Cesar as the next King of Celuroa," Prince Arthur added immediately. Neither Jessica nor Gloria voiced any disagreement.
"The Kingdom of Elias also casts its support for Crown Prince Cesar," Marchioness Firenziano declared.
"The Kingdom of Egerea concurs. That was the original plan, after all," Duke Blue said. With that, the opinions of all the representatives were unified.
"Then, shall we make our way to Cybele Mansion?" the Empress asked.
"Your Majesty, is it not dangerous for everyone to go?" Magic Technology Minister Degauss interjected.
"It is a difficult point. There is a risk of being divided if we separate, so I cannot say for certain which is the safer path," Marquis Gaylen Theoderic mused.
"I see... Lord of Kunlun, what is your opinion?"
Jin noted that the Empress was quite shrewd for asking him now.
"As for me..."
Since Jin found it difficult to choose between the nuances of "ore" and "watashi" in this formal setting, he had begun using "jibun" as a neutral way to refer to himself.
"...I would almost prefer it if everyone not directly involved in the negotiations stayed aboard the Konron 2."
"I see. They certainly wouldn't be able to touch anyone there. Everyone, what do you think?"
Since most of them had experienced the comfort of the Konron 2 just the other day, no one raised an objection.
"Very well. Let us decide on the personnel who will proceed to Cybele Mansion."
This took some time. The Empress insisted on going herself, while Degauss and her other subjects were desperate to stop her. The other nations faced similar dilemmas.
In the end, it was decided that five people—Prince Arthur, Duke Blue, Marchioness Firenziano, Baron Reinhard, and the Lord of Kunlun—would go as the official delegation, representing one from each country.
The accompanying maids and servants couldn't all fit aboard the Konron 2, so it was decided they would stay on the Shouro Empire's vessels. This arrangement provided a sense of security for everyone.
Those designated for the Konron 2 headed for the roof of the Guest House.
"This way to the Konron 2, please," Elsa and Edgar said, leading the way. Count Guarana looked at Elsa with an unreadable expression but said nothing as he and the others boarded the ship.
Rose took the controls for this flight, with Lily acting as the cabin attendant.
"We are departing."
Just like the previous day, the Konron 2 lifted off with a graceful lightness that left the passengers feeling no vibration.
Meanwhile, the maids and servants who couldn't fit were guided by Laozi and Anne through the back service entrance of the Guest House to the Shouro ships. The rear of the property was a mere ten-odd meters from the canal, where a pier was located. A few soldiers watched them, but no one intervened. They likely assumed there was no need to question servants boarding the Shouro ships.
While the others moved to safety, Jin and the other four representatives headed for the main entrance. However, as they attempted to leave the Guest House for Cybele Mansion, they were intercepted by soldiers.
"We cannot allow you to pass."
Ten soldiers with swords and ten with spears had blockaded the path. A man who appeared to be their captain of the guard stood at the front.
"Let us through. You have no authority to restrict our movements," Prince Arthur commanded, but the captain didn't budge.
"No. It appears you intend to commit a grave interference in our internal affairs. I must resolutely prevent that."
"On whose orders? Duke Alain Desmon's?"
"I cannot answer that."
As the heated exchange continued, a robustly built noble approached. He was an imposing man of clearly high status, and the soldiers immediately stood at attention and saluted.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
"Sir! We received orders to blockade the Guest House and are currently carrying them out!" the captain reported.
The noble barked a reprimand. "Fools! Detaining the representatives of foreign nations is the height of stupidity. You'll spark an international incident! I will take responsibility for this. Disperse!"
"Sir, but they intend to interfere in our internal affairs—"
"Are you still muttering? Listen well—detaining guests we invited to our own country is a disgrace. I said I would take the responsibility. Now, fall back!"
"S-Sir! Understood!...Withdraw!"
Overwhelmed by the noble’s intensity, the captain of the guard reluctantly led his men away.
"Please forgive the rudeness of my countrymen. I am the Chairman of the Ministry of General Affairs, Balfaza Walker," the noble said, introducing himself.
He appeared to be in his mid-40s, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a stern face framed by a mustache and beard. He looked far more like a seasoned soldier than a civil servant.
"I have heard whispers that you intend to support Crown Prince Cesar. Is this true?"
Prince Arthur met Balfaza Walker's gaze with a silent, suspicious look.
"Ah, forgive me. I am a member of the faction that wishes for His Highness Crown Prince Cesar to become the next king by any means necessary."
Even with that explanation, Prince Arthur remained wary.
"This is a dire situation. We have very little time. The Crown Prince is currently under house arrest at Cybele Mansion, forced into a position where he cannot attend the councils. If this continues, Duke Alain Desmon will seize the throne."
"Your Highness, let us go with him for now. Standing here is a waste of time," Reinhard advised.
Prince Arthur nodded. "Very well. It is as you say." He turned back to the official. "Balfaza Walker, was it? Lead the way."
"Yes, leave it to me."
The group proceeded to Cybele Mansion. They were stopped again by the gatekeepers at the entrance, but Balfaza Walker’s roar cleared the way once more.
"He is in here."
Balfaza led them to a specific room. The door was locked and wouldn't budge.
"Reiko, open it," Jin said.
With a simple nod, Reiko gripped the door handle and applied her strength. The door was sturdy, but it offered no more resistance than wet cardboard against her power; it was torn clean off its hinges in an instant.
"Your Highness!"
Crown Prince Cesar was inside. He had indeed been imprisoned.
"Oh... everyone... have you come to help me? Balfaza! You too!"
"Crown Prince, please, you must hurry. At this rate, Duke Alain Desmon will be crowned."
"But... I do not have the Key-Seal."
"What does the Key-Seal matter? A true king is one who loves his country and its people and leads them toward the future. It is regrettable, but the Former King... no, it is not my place as a subject to say more. Regardless, for the sake of the nation and the people, I beg you to ascend the throne."
Balfaza spoke with passionate intensity.
"The cabinet ministers only fear the golems that can be activated by the Key-Seal. Deep down, everyone knows who the true king is."
Jin knew that no matter how many golems were activated, they were irrelevant as long as Reiko was there—a fact anyone who saw the mock battle should have realized. Of course, there were likely those siding with the Duke simply because they didn't want to lose the privileges they had enjoyed under the previous regime.
Prince Arthur spoke up as well. "Prince Cesar, we feel the same. We wish for you to take the throne by any means necessary. For the sake of this world as well..."
Seeing Prince Arthur so earnestly persuading the Crown Prince, Jin felt he was seeing a new side of the man.
"For the sake of the world?" Cesar asked.
"Indeed. The international gathering we held recently—if such things truly become the norm, the world will develop far beyond its current state."
Jin added his own voice to the conversation.
"That's right. If you are willing to participate in such peaceful conferences, I am prepared to offer Kunlun Island as a permanent venue for those meetings."