My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's

It's quite long because I couldn't decide where to cut!

"Everyone, please wait here a moment."

We should have been led into the Great Hall on the tenshukaku side—the symbol of this country—but apparently, during wartime it's being used as an observation post, so we were taken to the main keep's Great Hall instead. Kanzo apologized sheepishly, and we all shook our heads. Sure, I wanted to climb the tenshukaku out of personal curiosity, but that was trivial.

By the way, Miki Kaminari had disappeared sometime earlier. She'd probably gone ahead to the Great Hall to greet us. I think the small room we passed through before being brought into the Great Hall was for those preparations. While there, Kanzo gave us a brief explanation of etiquette in Yamato Country. Fortunately, there were no disarmings or annoying procedures.

"Princess Amelia of the Amelia Elf nation, and the heroes summoned from another world—welcome!"

A stage-actor-like shout greeted us as we entered. On the right side of the rectangular Great Hall, the heads of the three houses sat in ranks of two or three rows facing the center. The elevated seat had a hanging curtain, obscuring whoever might be inside, and there didn't seem to be any presence behind it.

Still, I always thought those ceremonial greetings were only for the lord entering the castle. Being on the receiving end of one is weirdly ticklish.

Following Kanzo's instructions, we sat on the left side in order: Amelia (with Night on her shoulder), Sato, Kyousuke, and the others, careful not to step on thresholds or tatami borders. Kanzo sat likely where the Kohana family attendants were gathered, and Amaryllis, after hesitating, sat next to me at the lowest seat. It's been a while since I've sat in seiza.

At the upper seat for Yamato Country were Miki Kaminari; in the center, a transcendent beauty with a sharp, drawn-sword-like presence; and at the lower seat a flashy woman who resembled Hazuki Tsukimi. They were likely the heads of the three houses. Each wore a pure white haori bearing their family crest—easy to tell who was who.

Since Kanzo sat to the right-rear of the central beauty, she must be the head of the Kohana family. The Tsukimi family had been merchants originally, and became one of the three houses after an alliance with the Elf race centuries ago, which likely explains their lower seat.

My attention, however, was focused on the room itself. It's been a while since I was in a Japanese-style room. I know the situation doesn't allow for sentimentality, but I couldn't resist taking a quiet, deep sniff of the igusa scent. I'm not home, but the nostalgic atmosphere still stirs feelings—definitely homesick.

"Welcome to our Yamato Country, Princess Amelia and the heroes summoned from another world. We welcome you with all our hearts. Before we begin the talks, as you may know, we'll briefly introduce the three household heads. I am Miki Kaminari, head of the Kaminari family; next, Sachiya Kohana, head of the Kohana family; and Yayoi Tsukimi, head of the Tsukimi family."

They bowed in succession upon introduction. This felt very Japanese.

Amelia and Sato introduced themselves, and the talks began.

"First, despite wartime, thank you for accepting our sudden visit. I hope this meeting will be beneficial to both sides."

"Such gracious words, Princess Amelia. I am sure this will become a positive occasion for both of us. However, as you know, since we are at war, if the situation changes things may become hectic…"

"I am aware. I wish for this country's long-term prosperity alongside the Elf race. If necessary, we can resume talks later. There's no need for us to rush; we don't even know when they'll awaken."

"Thank you for your generosity. During your stay, our country's militia will take responsibility for your personal safety and transportation—please rest assured."

In the silent Great Hall packed with dozens of people, Amelia and Miki exchanged words politely. They were feeling each other out.

The one who grew impatient with the perfunctory niceties was the Tsukimi family head, who seemed ill-suited to stiff formalities.