In the Beast Kingdom.
I had just received a letter from Elu, informing me that Yuri’s National Founding had been officially recognized and his territory was now an independent state.
I clutched the parchment in my hands, my body trembling with pure, unadulterated joy.
“Your Majesty, p-please, take it easy! That letter is precious…”
“Ah, quite right. I can't be reckless with a letter from my beloved Elu.”
I hurriedly and carefully smoothed out the wrinkles I’d pressed into the paper. It didn’t flatten completely, of course, but it looked slightly more presentable than it had a moment ago.
“Still, he’s finally achieved Independence. I suppose the Kingdom of Inraku realized that having that much military power within their borders was more than they could handle.”
“The same could be said for our own nation, Sire. It’s true that Elu-sama is there, but they are still a neighboring power. If something were to happen…”
“…You have a point. In that case, the faster I act, the better.”
“Wh-What on earth do you intend to do!?”
“I’m going to see Elu for a bit. While I’m at it, I’ll meet with my future son-in-law and settle a few things.”
“P-Please wait, Your Majesty! In that case, we shall accompany—”
“No. You lot stay here and handle my paperwork.”
“…Eh?”
Behind me sat a hidden, towering mountain of documents. The moment my subordinate caught sight of the pile, his face turned a sickly shade of blue.
“Wait, please! With this much volume, there’s no way we can finish it alone…”
“I’m off!”
“Your Majestyyyyyy!”
The man’s scream of despair echoed through the halls, but I didn’t let it bother me. I flicked my cloak and left the castle behind.
◇ ◆ ◇
In the Empire.
I held the letter I had received from Luna. Sitting alone in my private chambers, I allowed a fearless smile to pull at my lips.
As I thought. My assessment was correct.
Depending on the circumstances, I had considered forcing a "discussion"—a threat, really—with the Kingdom, but it seemed such measures were unnecessary.
He truly is my most formidable elite—the man who effortlessly surpassed the Single Digits.
If he weren’t that capable, he wouldn’t be worthy of being the husband of my granddaughter, Luna. That said, offering my congratulations via a mere letter feels entirely too dry. It might be worth heading there directly, if only to give them a little surprise.
Technically, the Princess of the Beast Kingdom is slated to be the First Wife based on the order of engagement. However, the way of the world is simple: the strong win. It is common enough for a concubine to devour the First Wife if she has the power to do so.
Luna is likely aiming for exactly that.
If so, my role is to provide a display of the Empire’s overwhelming strength. Several members of the Single Digits are already following Yuri, but even that feels a bit dull. A new nation at its National Founding will surely be in need of supplies.
“Perhaps I’ll bring along a few congratulatory gifts.”
I cannot head out alone, however. In the past, I had more freedom because First was always by my side, but that fellow also became charmed by Yuri and abandoned his post to follow him. First was always obsessed with being the strongest; losing like that must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
That leaves the question of who is next in line for strength...
“Sigh… that brat. I suppose there’s no choice. Call the Genius Swordsman!”
I rang the bell nearby and gave the order to the servant who appeared.
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[Author’s Report]
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