Chapter: 793
Lather’s wedding was successfully held amidst the blessings of all.
Honestly, I couldn’t help but tear up a bit. Given that I’ve known this guy since Season 77, it’s astounding to see that hideous creature finally find his match and get married. Sure, he might be a bit late for royal standards, but he’s still within the acceptable marrying age bracket.
It’s genuinely touching. After Erich and Ainter, now Lather has tied the knot too. Plus, Tannian’s wedding is next month, and Rutis is set to marry next year.
‘Is this what it’s like to marry off children?’
Not that I want any children like those unsightly ones—I want my real kids to be pure and good-hearted, unlike those little monsters.
Still, it’s nostalgic seeing these once-helpless kids, whom I worried about and cared for over three years, start their own families. If my kids ever decide to get married, I’d feel a million times happier than I do now.
‘Live well.’
The most awkward member of our club, Erich, has become a father. That guy, who used to boast about his abominable clumsiness pre-marriage, has turned into a decent human being post-matrimony.
So, Lather, I hope you live up to your potential and lead a peaceful, happy life as a royal of Yuben. There’s nothing worse than having a close friend live unhappily.
“Lin. Let’s head back.”
“Huh? Already?”
“It’s only polite to sneak away when the main character is busy.”
I turned with Lin while watching Lather shake hands with guests.
Trixie’s gift was handed over a few days ago, and I had already exchanged greetings just before the ceremony. Plus, with my academy friend, Erich, in attendance, Lin and I can return to the resort without any issues.
But heading home right now is out of the question. We still haven’t sorted out the water buffalo and bison import issue for Yuben.
‘Maybe I can meet up in three days or so?’
Give him a few days to enjoy his honeymoon bliss, then gently bring up the topic of the beast imports. With Trixie and my second father-in-law behind the present, he probably won’t refuse.
Of course, Yuben will have concerns about the sudden increase in animal imports. That concern will reach the Behemoth residing in the Empire, leading them to realize they’ve created a favorable environment for breeding water buffalo. They’ll probably come to the conclusion that their monopoly on strategic resources is crumbling.
But what does that matter? As a mage kingdom, Yuben received wedding gifts from direct royal family members, namely the works of the Duke of Magic and the Duke of Tannian. And it’s handed over by a personal representative of the Empire’s de facto power and future emperor.
No matter how harsh international relations are, swiping a gift like this and then keeping mum would be a misfortune for Yuben. “Is that guy going to chow down on that and act as if nothing happened?” If such a sentiment spreads across the continent, who would continue to trade with Yuben?
“Oh, Count Tailglehen.”
‘Hmm?’
Just as I was about to slip out, an eerily familiar voice rang out.
“Ah, Duke Kilanas!”
I turned toward the sound, and sure enough, a familiar face appeared.
An elderly man, his hair greying and a significant beard flowing down to his collarbone. He wields immense influence within Yuben’s political and magical realms and serves as a longtime political partner of the King.
Duke Kilanas, Chairman of the Magic Council of the United Kingdom of Yuben. I recognized him from a brief encounter we had during a club fair.
“I never expected to see a friendly face in Yuben. How have you been?”
“Thanks to the gods’ grace, I’ve been enjoying peaceful days.”
“That’s wonderful to hear.”
Kilanas smiled at my response before exchanging pleasantries with Lin. He then leaned in closer and quietly spoke to me.
“To express gratitude for the Count’s gift, I momentarily detained the Count. Originally, it was intended that His Majesty the King would convey his thanks personally, but Lather insisted it wouldn’t be courteous to disturb a couple on their honeymoon.”
“…Only a fellow newlywed would understand the heart of a honeymooner, I suppose.”
“Indeed, it seems that way. His Majesty was quite embarrassed about it.”
I broke into a cold sweat at Kilanas’s gleeful laughter. That was close; I could have ended up in a blind date with the King of Yuben!
Thank you, Lather. You actually have turned into a decent person after finding your match.
“So, I humbly approach you not as the King’s messenger, but as an old man, Count. I hope it won’t be too much trouble.”
“How could that be? I’m rather pleased to meet a face from the past away from home.”
And I genuinely meant it. I didn’t have any bad memories with Duke Kilanas, so feeling glad to reunite after several years seemed natural.
Moreover, Duke Kilanas had shown utmost respect and reverence towards Trixie. As her husband, I must respect his title and age as well.
“A connection from the past. I never expected you to cherish our brief encounter so much.”
“It’s true short experiences can lead to more extended appreciations, no?”
At that, Kilanas gazed silently into my eyes and lightly nodded.
“Short experiences can indeed lead to long connections. You’re right about that. With this, I find myself once again in the position of thanking you, Count.”
“Eh?”
What is he talking about with gifts now? Just tossing that word around about presents…
But Kilanas merely ignored my surprise and handed me a small token.
“Here you go, Count. A small gift from this old man to the blossoming young couple.”
“This is…?”
“It’s proof of your entry rights to the Magic Council. You can think of it as your admission ticket to the attractions.”
He stated it so matter-of-factly I almost nodded without thinking.
Wait, how is that not a crazy statement? The Magic Council isn’t a place easily accessible even to Yuben nobles, and here he is referring to it like it’s a tourist attraction!
‘A top-secret facility.’
The Magic Council is the core of the mage kingdom known as Yuben and the heart of this unique, unified nation. Everyone knows that every discussion happening there shapes Yuben’s path.
It’s no wonder people say there are not five but six kings in Yuben—the kings of the various countries making up the union and the Chairman of the Magic Council.
“That’s quite an extravagant gift. Please, take it back.”
“Don’t say that. The gift the Count gave to Lather isn’t just a personal favor; it’s a blessing for the entire Yuben magic community. We can’t afford to send a message of goodwill empty-handed.”
I felt a bit flustered at his sincere tone. It’s tough to refuse such an overture that carries the magic community’s consensus.
If I were to flat out refuse, it would be like spurning the goodwill of Yuben’s wizards, not to mention how it would sour relationships with the family of the Duke of Magic. It’s quite the slippery slope; rumors often spread differently from the truth.
“And since water buffalo is somewhat of a strategic resource, you’ll need to get the council’s permission to export them, so it’d be easier to discuss things with us from the outset.”
‘Oh.’
Kilanas’s persuasive power is absolutely overwhelming.
While it’s only been three days, casually chatting about business with a newlywed friend versus going straight to the authorities? Naturally, one would opt for the latter.
How did he even know I was aiming for water buffalo imports? Like, did he just guess? I mean, I’ve been openly wandering around the western plains of Yuben looking for cattle, so if he didn’t figure that out, it would be weirder.
‘It can’t be helped.’
After a brief internal debate, I tucked the token into my pocket.
Yeah, is there a more certain memory than visiting the Magic Council during my stay in Yuben? Kilanas must’ve had the decency to show us some intriguing sights.
“I appreciate your kindness. I’ll make sure to visit as soon as tomorrow.”
“Oh my, we must prepare to receive guests!”
Seeing Kilanas nod in satisfaction makes me feel oddly annoyed.
The Magic Council is no mere watchtower, towering above with a overseeing presence; rather, it sprawls wide, encompassing everything.
Unlike the soaring magic towers that seem to touch the sky, its highest floor is just five stories. While that’s not too shabby, considering it’s the symbol of a whole nation, it’s surprisingly mundane in height.
“It’s massive…”
“Right?”
Yet what it lacks in height, it absolutely makes up for in width. It seems determined to cover vast ground without regard for the number of rooms.
In a way, that’s even scarier. A single building with an immense footprint in a capital city. A mansion for a grand noble wouldn’t be able to withstand that kind of scale without drawing fire from the other nobility or catching the King’s ire.
But the Magic Council pulled it off. As the center of magic and a symbol of the regime, it occupied a grand space, just a step behind the royal palace.
‘It would be a good tourist spot.’
I couldn’t help but think that again. This place, excluding its status as a top-secret facility, wouldn’t be half-bad for tourists.
If it weren’t a top-secret facility.
‘Is this really alright?’
A sense of unease crept up on me all of a sudden. Kilanas had just mentioned the magic community, and I knew this visit was necessary for the larger animal import talks. But the more I thought about it, the more it felt like an inappropriate kind of visit.
But what could I do? We’ve already made it this far. My only excuse to turn this around would be something childish like, “Sorry, Trixie made me come.”
“Since we’ve come all this way, let’s explore a bit before leaving. It’s not every day you get to see something as extraordinary.”
“Ah, yes.”
At my suggestion, Lin hurriedly nodded, snapping out of her daze while staring at the Magic Council.
Now that I think about it, my honeymoon travels have all been rather unique. On my trip with Mar, we had a royal visit from Jerano’s princess; during my travels with Trixie, we attended a council meeting; and with Rizie, I ended up collaborating with two authors. Every trip has been filled with unexpected occurrences, and this one alongside Lin appears no different.
I’m actually looking forward to the two trips left. I wonder what kind of happenings will come next?
[May the five stars become one and guide this continent toward truth.]
“Oh.”
I let out a small gasp upon spotting the inscription on the main gate of the Magic Council.
This inscription was said to have been penned with the blood of the first leaders of the United Kingdom of Yuben.
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