Published: July 3, 2025
"The delegation from the Empire, led by Duchess Rubine Fiona, will arrive at the guesthouse tomorrow morning. Following that, negotiations will begin immediately."
"There's no audience with the emperor or anything first, huh?"
"That's correct. This procedure was decided a month ago when the negotiations were confirmed. At that time, to be honest, His Majesty's health wasn't very good…"
Marquis Heinlein explained while nodding.
"That's true."
In response, Abel nodded as well and replied.
"Thanks to Ryo."
"Oh, it’s not that much."
Abel expressed his gratitude honestly, and Ryo blushed.
In the Royal Castle's annex, Abel, Marquis Heinlein, and Ryo were having a meeting about the delegation coming from the Empire.
"If the king, who was said to be seriously ill, appears to be full of energy, the people from the Empire will surely be surprised."
Ryo said, grinning as he imagined that scene.
"The negotiations will take place in the conference room of the Interaction Hall, which is between the Royal Castle and the guesthouse where they will be staying. Please be aware that there will be no magic barriers set up in the conference room."
For some reason, Marquis Heinlein felt the need to explain that.
"Huh? Abel, are you planning to hit the delegation with magic cannon fire or something? The Duchess is the emperor's sister, right? Isn't that dangerous?"
"That's not me! I'm talking about Ryo."
Abel retorted.
Ryo tilted his head in confusion.
"I wouldn't suddenly attack someone I've never met before, no matter how much they're from the Empire."
"…Huh?"
"…What?"
Heinlein and Abel exchanged glances.
"Your Majesty, how much have you explained to Duke Rondo?"
"…Ryo still doesn't know about Duchess Rubine…?"
"I know that much! As I said earlier, she's the emperor's sister. Since Emperor Rupert VI is in his mid-fifties…"
Ryo recalled Emperor Rupert, who he had met on the battlefield—despite being in his fifties, he had the body of steel without an ounce of fat.
"Oh… so that's not even the main issue. First off, Ryo, Emperor Rupert abdicated two years ago, and Prince Helmut, the former crown prince, ascended as Helmut VIII."
"Seriously…"
Ryo had no idea.
Apparently, it had been quite a significant topic at the time…
"At that time, the other princes and princesses also lost their noble status and opened duke houses. Duchess Rubine is one of them. Her first name is Fiona…"
"Wait, could it be that princess…?"
"Yes, the previous Eleventh Princess, the commander of the imperial mage brigade, who you tried to freeze—her name back then was Fiona Rubine Bornemissa… she will be coming as the official envoy."
"I had no idea…"
Ryo slightly frowned and scratched his cheek.
"That means your husband probably doesn't know either."
Marquis Heinlein said in a somewhat smaller voice.
"Husband? Her husband?"
"Yes, her husband is Count Ruska, the deputy envoy."
"Could it be that guy…?"
"Yes, the blazing flame mage, Count Oscar Lusk."
At the moment of Heinlein's explanation, Ryo's expression twisted drastically.
He then turned to Abel.
"Abel, you knew and kept it a secret! He's coming!"
"N-no, I was planning to say it eventually…"
Abel averted his gaze and made excuses.
"Planning to say it eventually means you were fully intending to keep it hidden when you decided to make me handle the reception of the delegation!"
Even though Abel and Ryo had exchanged a firm handshake at that time…
Ryo felt despair…
"…Alright, let’s change my monthly cake privilege to weekly."
"Abel, I will follow you for life! Leave those two from the Empire to me!"
Ryo was back in high spirits…
Deliciousness governs people.
Deliciousness is justice.
Deliciousness is supreme.
People live for deliciousness and die for deliciousness.
Meanwhile, in the carriage of the delegation from Duchess Rubine of the Empire.
"The negotiators will be Marquis Heinlein and Duke Rondo, the first duke of the kingdom…"
Duchess Rubine Fiona muttered for what felt like the umpteenth time.
"Fiona, are you still worried about that?"