Published: July 4, 2025
"Envoy of the Chououchi Empire, Berke Holan of the Erdenet family, requests an audience!"
I can hear someone shouting near the gate, likely the herald.
"Darwei is indeed different around here."
"That's true... but I never expected the envoy in question to come here personally."
Ryo cheerfully comments for some reason, to which Shou Shikuu responds with a frown.
Ryo slowly walks towards the gate, with Abel following behind.
"I can't believe the enemy's leader would come here in person!"
"Ryo, you seem happy about this."
"N-no, that’s not true! It's terrifying!"
Despite Abel's remark, Ryo denies it, still wearing a smile.
"After all, we are in negotiations with Darwei. We need to handle this delicately."
"I understand, of course. Do you think I'm someone without the sense for these things? I'm the messenger of peace, Ryo!"
"Yeah, 'harbinger of destruction and tyranny' fits better."
Ryo couldn’t refute Abel’s words, especially as they reached the gate.
“Thank you for your patience. This is the head of our house, Duke Ryo Mihara.”
“I am Berke Holan, envoy of the Chououchi Empire, of the Erdenet family.”
The one who greeted them was a man standing 180 centimeters tall, with a robust physique and long white hair cascading down his back, contrasting vividly with his black eastern attire.
He looked to be around thirty years old.
Without any pretense or arrogance... just being there made many bow their heads and kneel in respect, showcasing his presence.
"The envoy of the Chououchi Empire, I believe you were conducting diplomatic negotiations in the Imperial Palace. Is today a day off from negotiations?"
Meanwhile, Ryo, smiling, asks.
Of course, he is completely unfazed by Berke’s presence.
He is well aware of the presence of the Dragon King Ruin and the griffin Grigri, as well as the behemoth Behi-chan...
"No, we were negotiating just a moment ago. However, due to an unfortunate misunderstanding, I have been informed that my subordinate caused some trouble. I came to provide an explanation and apologize directly."
"I see, an unfortunate misunderstanding. That happens often. Speaking of which, General Yun Chen, who stands behind you, was also the result of an unfortunate clash, wasn't he? He was captured."
Ryo pointedly looks at General Yun Chen standing behind Berke.
In that moment, General Yun's expression stiffened slightly.
However, Berke’s expression showed no change.
"Yes, that's correct. You seem to be well informed about Yun Chen."
"Of course. Ah, as standing here is a bit awkward, why not come inside? The Censorate is also present, so it might be a bit cramped."
With that, Ryo begins to walk ahead.
Following him are Berke and his two subordinates, along with General Yun.
Only those four from the envoy’s side entered the Rondo Mansion.
The others seem to be waiting outside the gate.
Abel followed behind the four.
Ryo guided them to the garden.
There, two ice coffins stood.
The heads were above the ice, and they were conscious.
"This might be a bit shocking, but they are currently under investigation by the Censorate, so please try to remain calm as you look."
Ryo deliberately said this because the moment the envoy's two subordinates saw the frozen individuals, their expressions stiffened.
And General Yun’s face turned pale.
Only Berke, showing no change in expression, maintained a slight smile.
"Though they are frozen, it seems they are still alive."
"Of course. Might these two be the individuals who experienced that unfortunate misunderstanding?"
"Yes, they are my subordinates."
"I see. In that case, I would like to release them immediately, but... this investigation has also received permission from his majesty the emperor. Naturally, the Censorate must report to the emperor, and since I have borrowed the Censorate's power, I cannot go without informing his majesty. Thus, I would like to first ask the envoy for clarification. Is that alright?"
"That’s fine."
Both Ryo and Berke maintained faint smiles.
The six of them entered the building.
"To be honest, I did not expect the envoy to come here personally."