Traage Port
“That concludes the representative’s address. Let’s give one more round of thunderous applause to Kelvin Celsius for his magnificent words!”
*Clap, clap, clap!*
Phew, I somehow managed to pull it off. I got through it with Shutra’s cue cards. I never expected a ceremonial event like this right before the decisive battle… The port is off-limits to anyone but authorized personnel, so there’s no one here except us heading to the battlefield and Lady Tsubaki. I just want to voice a couple of complaints about what kind of ceremony this is for. Hmm, maybe it’s necessary to maintain the country’s reputation? I highly doubt my words will boost morale, though.
“Master, you must be tired.”
“Yeah, it’s not something you should do if you’re not used to it. Shutra, thanks for the cue cards. The text was perfect.”
I must have sounded like I was just reading robotically, though. Perhaps the perfect text balanced out my monotone delivery?
“Older Brother, you were so cool.”
“Yeah, yeah, it was like a pledge of allegiance.”
Rion, what do you mean by that? Do you mean I looked cool, or that I looked inexperienced?
“—Now then, everyone! I cannot accompany you, but I have absolute faith that you will achieve victory! This concludes the departure ceremony!”
Just when I was relieved the speeches were over, Lady Tsubaki’s closing remarks had already ended the ceremony. From here, we will board our assigned ships and head towards the oceanic region located at the center of each continent.
There are a total of 28 ships, and they are scheduled to submerge underwater until we reach our destination. Each ship is equipped with a magic item that allows for communication over long distances, so we can stay in touch even while submerged. To prepare for any malfunctions, Kuro’s doppelgangers have been placed on all ships, so our countermeasures are thorough. My summoner partner, Colette, and I will somehow manage to cover everything.
…However, the fact that Colette and I are on the same ship does cause a slight unease. The journey by ship is expected to take several days. This means we’ll be in a confined space for a certain number of days. This arrangement is apparently to prevent Colette from falling into delirium due to a lack of holy smell, but I can’t help but worry about various other dangers.
“Kelvin! Your address earlier was quite good.”
As I was dwelling on these thoughts, Lady Tsubaki approached me, fanning herself with her fan.
“Ah, Lady Tsubaki. Thank you. I’m happy to hear that, even if it’s flattery.”
“Don’t be so modest. The text almost felt like something the princess of Trisen would devise, but it was so wonderful that I couldn’t help but think so. Right, everyone?”
“Eheheh. Isn’t my Older Brother amazing?”
“Yeah, yeah, Kel-ni is amazing!”
“Yes, Master is amazing.”
Hey, what is this, some kind of shameful public display?
“Oh, come on, I can’t take it… Well then, Lady Tsubaki, I think it’s time for us to go.”
“Indeed, I can only assist up to this point. I’m sorry, but I’ll be waiting here for good news.”
“Why are you apologizing, Lady Tsubaki? We are already more grateful to you than words can say. When we return, please let me do something for you.”
“Is that so? In that case, I would like you to sign this marriage registration form—”
“—Alright, is everyone ready!? Let’s go!”
Drowning out Lady Tsubaki’s tactical remark, I shouted with all my might to my allies. Then, I leaped onto a ship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“We’re departing! Be careful not to forget to close the hatches!”
The fleet, equipped with functions as both submarines and airships, departed the port one after another, submerging into the water. For Tsubaki, the King of Traage, this was the first time she had seen such a fleet in operation since the last war. She gazed fixedly at the sea, as if burning the sight into her eyes, until the last ship disappeared from view.
“…They’ve gone. However, to be rejected once again.”
“Lady Tsubaki, how long do you intend to hold onto that person?”
“W-wah!? O-oh, what is it, Kagenui… It’s always like you to appear without a sound, but could you at least try to announce yourself in a way that considers my feelings? Suddenly being spoken to from behind gives me a fright.”
Tsubaki flapped her fan to wave air towards herself, as if trying to erase her cold sweat. Her rather cute shriek suggested she was quite startled.
“I apologize. It seemed as though sadness was emanating from Lady Tsubaki’s back.”
“To call me sad, what an impudent remark. Furthermore, what do you mean by ‘hold onto’?”
“The literal meaning. Your attempts to enlist Lord Kelvin, including direct negotiations and correspondence, number a total of sixty-four. You have been defeated in all of them. Even for someone like Lady Tsubaki, isn’t it time to give up? It might be time to consider your marriage—”
“—You don’t need to count that many times! Honestly, you say the same things as my deceased grandfather, you’re just being bothersome. I’m the same age as Efil, you know?”
“Isn’t she on the verge of exchanging vows with him… Let’s face reality, the reality.”
“I am facing reality head-on, which is why I’ve reached this conclusion. Remember Kelvin’s black hair; I, of the same kin, could not possibly mistake his appearance. He is undoubtedly a transmigrator who came from the same land as the Dragon God. Traage’s royal family can only marry within their own kin to preserve their pure bloodline. Considering Traage’s future, there is no one more suitable as a son-in-law than Kelvin. For that reason, I went to great lengths to ask the Dragon God to evaluate Kelvin. I received his full permission as well.”
“That’s why you went together the other day, isn’t it? However…”
“There is no ‘however’! Don’t worry. I have plans for my next move.”
“Oh? What plans?”
Tsubaki snapped her fan shut and took something out of her pocket. It was a small container that resembled a perfume bottle.
“Heh heh heh, you remember investigating the vicinity of the shrine maiden of Delamis, right? This bottle is the result of that. Despite her pure appearance, she uses such a bold tactic. She managed to outmaneuver me, who had already marked Kelvin.”
“…If you don’t mind, may I ask what that is?”
“It’s an aphrodisiac. And not just any kind, but a potent one brewed by a skilled kunoichi.”
“………”
Although Kagenui’s face was hidden by her mask, it was easy to guess her thoughts at that moment. She lowered her gaze, pressing her brow.
“Are you serious?”
“I’m very serious. If the shrine maiden of Delamis was permitted to do this by the gods, then it should be fine for me too. I’m not one to brag, but look, my appearance doesn’t lose to that of the shrine maiden, does it?”
In fact, Tsubaki had hit a sore spot for the goddess who permitted it and the shrine maiden who executed it.
“That may be a hasty conclusion. It’s possible that Lord Kelvin and the shrine maiden already had such a relationship from the start. There were indeed rumors during the Ascension Ceremony.”
“Hmph, you’re being tiresome! From what I’ve investigated, Kelvin only met the shrine maiden for the first time during the Ascension Ceremony. Kelvin might enjoy pleasure, but he’s not a heartless man who would make a move on a woman he just met in front of Sera or Efil. Even if they were to be intimate, it would require some time. It’s more realistic to assume that the shrine maiden fell in love with Kelvin at first sight and forced herself upon him! Do you understand? If so, this is already a decided matter. No more objections!”
“Hmmph…”
Tsubaki’s words, which strangely hit the mark, made it impossible for Kagenui to argue further. While everyone wished for those who went to the decisive battle to return safely, there were some who seemed likely to cause a disturbance upon their return.
