Published: July 4, 2025
“Queen Iliriaja, it's been a while.”
“Your majesty, I apologize for my long absence.”
Abel and Ryo were invited into the room and greeted her.
“King Abel and Duke Rondo, it’s been a long time indeed.”
Queen Iliriaja responded with a cheerful smile.
However, it was the two of them who seemed flustered.
“Uh, well, you see…”
“Abel insisted that we stay quiet about our statuses…”
“Don’t blame me for this.”
During their stay in Sujay Kingdom, they hadn't revealed their identities as the king and duke.
It wasn’t that they intended to hide it…
“No, it’s quite alright. I merely noticed it on my own. I received a report that the Lord Protector conveyed this information when he met with me in Darwei.”
“Yes…”
“I heard that too.”
In response to Queen Iliriaja's words, Ryo and Abel scratched their cheeks awkwardly.
“I would prefer to call you Ryo and Abel again, just as before…”
“Understood. Ryo-san, Abel-san.”
Queen Iliriaja accepted Ryo's suggestion with a smile.
“Right, before I forget, here you go.”
Saying this, Queen Iliriaja brought over a book that was on a desk in the back and handed it to Ryo.
“This is… ‘That Abel is a Hungry Swordsman II’… Oh, the latest edition!”
Ryo exclaimed with delight as he flipped through the pages and opened the cover.
“Yes. This is based on the manuscript that you entrusted to the Lord Protector, and it will be published within the kingdom. Consider this a complimentary copy for the original author.”
Queen Iliriaja said with a smile.
Indeed, what was handed to Ryo was written in the Central Nations' language.
Did they print a version in Central Nations' language just for Ryo?
“Actually, I printed a few copies of the first volume in Central Nations' language as well, and surprisingly, they sold quite well.”
“What!?”
“Many citizens of the kingdom are aware that the original author, Ryo-san, is from the Naitorei Kingdom in the Central Nations. Some of them wanted to read it in the original language... it seems there are even people who buy both the Archipelago Sea language and Central Nations' versions to compare them while reading.”
“Really…?”
That was a usage even the original author had not anticipated.
“It’s a very interesting story. I don’t think it’s a bad thing for more people to learn the Central Nations' language at this time. I’ve read it myself as well.”
“Oh…”
Books are such wonderful things.
After that, drinks were served by Lonk, the head butler.
“Coffee!”
“Speaking of which, it’s been a while.”
Ryo was surprised, and Abel nodded repeatedly.
In Darwei, they mostly had tea.
Neither of them disliked tea, but the familiar aroma of coffee felt exceptional after such a long time.
“Ah… the smell of coffee really calms the mind.”
“Indeed, it’s strange how it can evoke such nostalgic feelings.”
Queen Iliriaja watched the two enjoy their drinks with a smile.
At that moment, Ryo suddenly remembered something.
“By the way, when we stayed here last time, I think there was coffee at the ‘Inn of Free Winds’ café.”
“Oh… now that you mention it, I remember drinking some.”
“Yes, I had something called Mandarin coffee. But it wasn't on the menu I saw earlier while resting.”
It was Queen Iliriaja who answered Ryo’s question.
“You two are staying at the ‘Inn of Free Winds,’ aren’t you? I believe that place is fully booked by the Darwei Negotiation Group…”
“Yes. Actually, we arrived on a ship from the Darwei Negotiation Group. Oh, of course, we’ve received an invitation as formal observers for the conference of the Eastern Nations from the Duchy of Atinjo…”
“I see. Actually, coffee beans from the Archipelago Sea Region have started flowing into Darwei now.”
“What!?”
Ryo was taken aback by the unexpected development.
Abel, too, was silent but had his eyes wide open.
That was only natural.
Both of them were currently in the central imperial capital Hanlin, and were well-regarded by his majesty the emperor, occasionally even visiting the Imperial Palace… they should be somewhat famous.