Ch.152Victory Ceremony (2)

# Chapter 152: Victory Ceremony (2)

The Pioneer.

In other words, upon hearing that the Saint of the Ethernian Holy Empire had arrived in person, not as a hologram, I hastily tried to observe imperial etiquette, but…

“Hush, it’s not yet time to make a commotion about it.”

[Status Abnormality: Telekinetic Restraint]

“…!”

The Pioneer Saint, who had blocked my movements through her psionic abilities, eventually approached me and continued speaking in a measured tone.

“At this moment, I have come solely to bless you for proving your valor and successfully removing the evil sealed since ancient times.”

“…”

“Therefore, pursuing formal and excessive etiquette toward us is unnecessary, at least in this setting.”

After saying that, the Saint stepped back and snapped her fingers.

-Snap!

“…Ugh!”

“Minister!”

Thanks to that, the restraint on my body, which had been frozen in an awkward posture, was released, and I nearly fell forward.

Riel, who was right beside me, used her belt as a rope—perhaps because her arms were too short—and barely managed to keep me upright.

After receiving Riel’s help and avoiding making an unsightly appearance.

I readjusted my posture, straightened my disheveled uniform, and then.

-Bow.

With a slight nod, I addressed her.

“I understand your words, Saint… Is this level of response appropriate?”

Was my reaction unexpected?

Our Ethernian Saint widened her eyes, openly displaying her surprise, and after a moment…

“…Ahahahah! Yes, that’s exactly the attitude I want!”

With a bright smile, she patted my shoulder, showing immense satisfaction.

“Very good! These days, young people try to bow too deeply, which is quite burdensome.”

“…”

“Child, I truly admire your boldness.”

“You flatter me.”

“I wish to request a private meeting with you and your lord later, so I hope you’ll accommodate that.”

Do what with whom?

I decided to respond to the Ethernian Saint with utmost courtesy while conveying a polite refusal.

“…That’s difficult for me to decide, so I can’t make any promises.”

“I understand, but isn’t it better to know a little in advance rather than hearing about it later?”

Interesting.

So refusal was never an option to begin with?

As I watched the Ethernian Saint’s strangely satisfied expression, I was overcome by an indescribable feeling.

But her expressions of satisfaction, her facial expressions, and actions were somewhat, how should I put it…

…This might be inappropriate to say, but honestly, she showed her age so obviously that it reminded me of a grandmother…

-Crunch!

“Oof!”

“Child, don’t forget that your thoughts are also transmitted to me.”

“…Understood.”

Rather, the still-young Saint, apparently experiencing such a reaction for the first time in her life.

Seemed to have reacted much more intensely than expected.

Otherwise, there would be no need to respond so strongly just because of age…

“Child?”

“Ah.”

The moment I realized I had been thinking unnecessarily.

-Whoom whoom whoom!

‘Oh.’

Seeing a glowing telekinetic fist flying toward my lower abdomen, only one thought crossed my mind.

‘This was a new method of suicide.’

As a result.

The Ethernian Saint’s falcon punch was incredibly fierce, but fortunately, not life-threatening.

“Huff… huff…”

“Are you alright, Minister?”

“I think I was too thoughtless, both my body and mind hurt.”

No joke, not just my body, but also my mind, or rather.

The pain made my soul tremble, and I could barely stand.

‘This is the power of a high-level psionic user…!’

But I couldn’t just stand there trembling like a puppy that needed to pee.

Thinking that mental ascension was the only answer, I pulled myself together.

And began to sincerely(?) welcome the incoming diplomatic ambassadors from each vassal state.

——————————-

And after some time had passed.

While the victory ceremony and the event showcasing Sebelli’s well-being were in full swing in the center of the forum.

In a secretive space set up in one corner of the forum, I was enjoying a pleasant secret date(?) with diplomatic ambassadors or foreign ministers from various countries.

“Given this incident, it seems appropriate to say that the people of Sebelli have provided their own answer on how to deal with Zeltech.”

“We think so too.”

“I concur.”

But since there were too many people for it to be called a secret date, perhaps “group meeting” would be a better term.

…To be precise, the people gathered here were those who had come together to exchange opinions on how the galactic situation would unfold.

They were either plenipotentiary ambassadors for diplomatic relations from each country or the foreign ministers themselves, which says it all.

In other words, while others were enjoying the flashy, insider-style event in the center of the forum…

We, as ministers, couldn’t even participate in the event.

Instead, we were in this damp and secluded secret room within the facility, plotting equally damp and sinister plans.

Ah, what a pitiful situation.

If there was any consolation, it might be that this secret meeting didn’t last too long?

“Now, let’s take a short break.”

“Hmm.”

“Good idea, I need to clear my thoughts with some fresh air.”

Of course, a new meeting would begin shortly after…

But what mattered was that I now had precious free time, so.

Along with Riel, who had naturally entered a cloaking state at some point, I headed to the forum’s rooftop to get some fresh air.

But the moment I opened the door to the rooftop.

“…Arto?”

“Artlaia?”

Why are you here…?

Such words rose to the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them back and spoke, trying to suppress my bewilderment.

I wondered why someone who should be busy giving a victory speech was here, but…

‘Well, even an emperor might want to take a break and get some fresh air sometimes.’

Seeing her ceremonial uniform with its magnificent cape fluttering in the wind, I nodded inwardly and said.

“Isn’t it quite nice weather? I’d say it’s perfect for holding a victory ceremony.”

“Um… I don’t have a degree in climatology, but… even so, calling this weather nice seems a bit off, don’t you think, Arto?”

-Tap tap

With Artlaia’s words, Riel tapped my side, and only then did I look around.

The numerous dark clouds in the sky, the smog that hindered my vision with its unpleasantly high humidity, and the fog as well.

“…You’re certainly right.”

Realizing my mistake, I immediately offered an apology to Artlaia.

“I’m sorry, I was being thoughtless.”

“No, it’s fine. Good and bad are subjective after all.”

Ah, what a benevolent being.

Seeing her personality pouch functioning properly after a long time, I nodded inwardly and said.

“So, Artlaia, why exactly has the emperor come here alone?”

“…”

At my words, Artlaia didn’t respond and just stared at me blankly.

“Riel, is there something strange on me?”

“No, you look the same as always.”

‘Then what’s the problem?’

But eventually, Artlaia, who had been silent, opened her tightly closed lips…

“Arto, did you do something wrong to the Ethernian Saint?”

“…”

[Time Pause]

As soon as I heard those words, I immediately activated time pause and began to organize the situation in my head.

Before long, I could understand how the current situation had unfolded.

‘Don’t tell me the Saint, whom I didn’t expect to be like that, tattled to Artlaia?’

If so, what exactly should I say?

I had hoped that my unintentional joke about her age would be somewhat excused.

‘What should I do?’

As it became clear through Artlaia standing before me that my expectations had been shattered.

After careful deliberation for the first time in a while.

[Time Pause Release]

Releasing the time pause, I boldly said to Artlaia.

“I don’t know?”

And the moment I uttered those words.

“An excellent idea, denying everything in the absence of evidence.”

“Ah.”

Hearing the familiar voice directly above my head, I immediately squeezed my eyes shut.