Ainz and the others were guided into Lord Amur’s castle to wait before the meeting began in the main conference room.
Ainz was quite interested in the room, which had a somewhat ethnic feel to it instead of the usual interiors he has always seen in Ishtalica.
Right now, they were waiting for Lord Amur, who was taking his time to read the contents of the letter handed to him by Warren.
「…Lord Amur. Please continue to work with me on the documents and act as if you are reviewing them」
「Huh…? Why, Ed?」
Ed is looking at the letter next to Lord Amur, with a mysterious look on his face. In the midst of all this, Ed suddenly spoke to him.
「Please listen to me. The beautiful blonde woman beside His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Ainz, she is Christina, the new Grand Marshal of the Knight Order of Ishtalica」
「I’ve heard rumors that she was the number two in powers in the Knight Order of Ishtalica before」
「Yes. After Lloyd-dono resigned from his seat, she was the one who was assigned to take it. I’ve heard that she also serves as the Commander of the King’s Guard」
Lord Amur thought a little upon hearing Ed’s explanation. And then, he asked Ed.
「…Just out of curiosity, Ed. How is she compared to you?」
「What do you mean?」
「Stop playing dumb, can you win against her?」
Ed from the Dukedom of Euro, has made a name for himself by defeating Logas, who is said to be one of the strongest men on the continent. So, Lord Amur can’t help but wonder what he thinks about the new Ishtalica’s Grand Marshal.
「…Don’t be a jest」
Lord Amur thought he was just acting aloof, as if it was his usual joke. But when he looked sideways at his temples, he saw that he was sweating. The sight of it made him change his mind.
「What’s more mysterious is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Ainz」
「Mysterious, huh? What do you think of him, Ed?」
「His being does not seem to fit his vessel. When he stands in front of me, I can’t help but feel as if I was facing a gigantic monster. But I don’t understand why either…」
「I don’t get your point, Ed」
「Christina-dono is probably the strongest when it comes to one-on-one combat. However, when it comes to dealing with a powerful monster, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Ainz, is the strongest」
Ed continued to speak. He could only put into words the impressions he had of them. But still, Lord Amur could not understand the details.
「I still don’t get your point. So why not Christina-dono?」
「I don’t know either. But when I first saw His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Ainz… I remembered an experience from long ago. It was when I was just an adventurer in Rockdam. In the guild’s main office in Rockdam, there was a huge model of a dragon. I got a similar feeling to it when I saw him and was just amazed」
「…Hey, Ed, don’t you think it’s just because you’re getting old? I never thought for someone like you to think of such a boy like seeing a huge dragon, but… His Highness, Ainz, was just a human right?」
「…Well, you may be right that it was just me getting old. But if we’re not careful of him, His Highness, Ainz, might be more terrifying than the battleship that brought him here. That’s what I think of him」
It’s hard to explain his thoughts any better than that. But the impression Ed got when he saw Ainz was as if he saw something gigantic.
「I’ve read carefully the letter that I received from you, Warren-dono, our guest from Ishtalica. I have certainly understood the intentions of His Majesty the King of Ishtalica, Sylvird-dono」
「That’s great to hear」
He didn’t want to make the group from Ishtalica wait too long. And since he had already finished reading the letter, he called out to Ainz and the others when the time was right.
「A few new trade agreements, and a formal treaty of friendship. All in all, it’s a win-win situation for us, and we’re very grateful」
「I am glad to hear that, Lord Amur」
「Now, let’s start the discussion to review the details. I hope this will be a fruitful discussion for both of us」
The letter prepared by Sylvird and the others was not bad from the Dukedom of Euro’s perspective. They can import foodstuffs from Ishtalica at a close price to the market price there. They also want them to promise to import a certain amount of foodstuffs, in exchange for keeping the current purchase cost of sea crystal unchanged.
From Ishtalica’s perspective, they can sell the ingredients that they have in excess. Euro can buy the shortages of foodstuff from Ishtalica at a low price, instead of paying a high price for it from trading cities.
It was a win-win situation for both of them.
And so, the meeting begins. With the Dukedom of Euro led by Lord Amur, and Ishtalica led by Warren.
Ainz was relieved that the meeting seemed to be going smoothly at that point.
***
Outside the castle, when the meeting was about to start, the group from Hyme had finally arrived.
「Y-you can’t!」
「Why!? Even though I’ve come all the way here, why Lord Amur won’t even see me!?」
At the Dukedom of Euro, the residence of Lord Amur… At its entrance, an uninvited guest from Hyme showed up.
Lord Amur’s residence is a large castle that stands beside a cape. This made it impossible for them to see the Ishtalica ships anchored behind it as they came straight through the town.
「I even have a letter from my fath… His Majesty, the King of Hyme! And you still want to turn us away!?」
「I-is it from Hyme’s King? B-but I’m sorry… I don’t have the authority to make a decision here, but let me ask about it. So please wait here for a while」
「…Hurry up!」
The knight hurriedly ran into the castle. He went to ask Lord Amur and those close to him for instructions on what to do. It’s no wonder, because this matter is beyond the scope of what a single knight could decide.
「Guests from Hyme, let me show you to your rooms. Please follow me」
The group from Hyme made no attempt to hide their dissatisfaction. The knight then leads them to the guest room.
Under normal circumstances, such an act would have become a big international problem. However, Hyme, which is the most powerful nation on this continent, often takes a strong stance against other countries, and this time too was no different.
That didn’t change, even if Euro was making a deal with Ishtalica.
「Your Highness. I’ve heard that Euro’s castle has a cape with a nice view, so why don’t we go there to see it?」
「That’s a good idea. Let’s go with Grint’s idea. Guide us there!」
The knight assigned to guide them must have a hard time with their lack of discretion.
***
「I think it’s time for a break. What do you think, the people of Ishtalica? 」
The meeting went well. Ainz also managed to observe Warren’s choice of words and the way he proceeded with the discussion, and was going to use it as a reference for the future. The meeting had been going on for a long time, but at Lord Amur’s suggestion, they decided to take a break.
「I agree. We’ve had a long and meaningful discussion, and it would be good for us to take a break」
Warren readily accepts the offer. He was grateful for Lord Amur’s suggestion because he thought that Ainz, who had never had such an occasion before, would probably be tired.
「It must be boring to stay in the conference room too long. So how about having a look at the view of our castle? The wind seems to have calmed down, so it should not be too cold right now」
「That’s a good idea, Ed. What do Ainz-sama and Warren-dono think of it?」
Warren glanced at Ainz after he said so.
「Yeah, I’d be happy to see it. Please lead us the way」
「As you will. Very well then, Lord Amur, we’ll be in your care」
「That’s good to hear. Let’s get going then… Ed, please show us the way」
「Understood」
At Lord Amur’s call, Ed took the lead in leading the way.
Following him, Ainz and the others stood up and followed Ed and Lord Amur out the door.
Chris and Dill stood on Ainz’s side, and Warren walked in front of them as if he was leading Ainz. After Ainz and the others walked out the door, several knights of the King’s Guard who had been waiting outside the conference room began to walk behind them.
「The line was quite long, isn’t it…?」
「They’re not an enemy nation, but it’s only natural, considering Ainz-sama’s position」
Chris replied in a small voice at Ainz’s mutter.
「Well, I guess so. Then Chris-san, Dill, I’ll be in your care」
The two shook their heads in reply instead of using words. Ainz followed Lord Amur and the others, protected by his reliable knights.
In Ishtalica, materials like stone, ores, and materials from monsters were used throughout the castle. In addition, the castle was covered with soft carpets, which made it easy for people to walk around without feeling any strain on their feet.
On the other hand, the castle in Euro seems to be made mainly of rock materials. Although there are beautifully woven fabrics and carvings and other decorations, the castle looks a little plain. For lack of a better word, the inside of the castle seemed to lack warmth.
They walked through the castle and down the stairs to the outside.
「By the way, Warren-dono」
「Yes, how may I help you, Lord Amur?」
「Actually, I’ve been wanting to tell you this before. About the place where Warren-dono’s ship docked. We found a huge chunk of sea crystal on the ocean floor there」
「Hou… Well, well. How big is it?」
「It’s quite huge, nearly 15 meters in diameter. What do you think?」
When Warren heard those words, he was surprised without any attempt to hide his surprise. As it should be, such a huge lump of sea crystal has never been found in Ishtalica. Just thinking about how many of them can be used for magic tools makes him smile.
「I never thought it would be that big…! Uhm, I’m sorry, it’s just that I couldn’t hide my surprise, because we’ve never found a sea crystal of that size before!」
「I wouldn’t be unreasonable, so don’t worry. I’ll have the details delivered to you as soon as the meeting is over」
「We’re really grateful. If it’s that big, it’s going to be difficult to mine. So, we’ll check the data and come up with a plan to mine it」
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「That’s good to know」
They should’ve been taking a break, but they just started talking about the deal again.
Ed made a face of dismay and admonished Lord Amur.
「Lord Amur, we’re here for a break, so I think it’s not a good time to talk about it」
「Ugh, you’re right. I’m sorry, Warren-dono」
「Don’t worry about it. We’ve heard good things after all. So, we’re really grateful」
「I’m glad to hear you say so…」
Lord Amur looked guilty, but as if the timing was right, they made it to the exit.
「We can go down to the cape from the courtyard. Please watch your step as we descend」
Ainz and the others went out to the courtyard and continued to follow Ed and Lord Amur. It seems that the courtyard leads to the cape, and they now can see Lord Amur’s prized castle view.
「The waves are calmer today, the wind has calmed down, and it’s getting warmer. And we’re here just at the right time」
Ainz and the others left Ishtalica at night and arrived at Euro in the morning. It was a little chilly when they arrived, but now that they’ve spent some time in the meetings, as Ed said, the warmth of the afternoon is just right.
「The sea breeze feels pleasant」
「I’m glad Your Highness liked it. Well then, please come here… Hmm?」
Lord Amur was glad to hear Ain’s words, but when he saw some knights on the path from the courtyard to the cape, he wondered what was going on. Ed, who also noticed the situation, asked the knights what was going on.
「Do you have some business here?」
「…Ed-dono. And Lord Amur… Huh, the people from Ishtalica are here too?」
「Yes. I want to show them my prized Castle’s view. So, what are you doing here?」
「…A-A guest is waiting nearby」
Ed and Lord Amur are wondering who this guest he’s talking about is.
「Excuse me. But do any of us from Ishtalica had done something wrong…?」
Warren asked. He wondered if the knights he had brought with him had behaved arrogantly.
「N-no, not at all! The guest I’m talking about is… Umm…」
The knight looks very uncomfortable talking about it. Lord Amur begins to question him.
「Enough… That’s enough. I’ll go there and check it out myself!」
Ignoring the knight, Lord Amur descended the stairs and went to the terrace set on the cape.
Even if they really were a guest, he had no plans to meet them today. If it was a friend with no appointment before, it meant that even if he were to act assertive, it was the other party who had been rude to him first.
Following Lord Amur, who was walking slowly, Ed walked behind him.
He apologized to Warren, and ordered another knight who had been following them to guide Ainz and the others.
On the terrace where Lord Amur arrived, there was an unexpected “uninvited guest” sitting waiting for him. Behind him were several people who appeared to be his bodyguards.
「Lord Amur! You’re so late! I never thought I’d wait this long!」
「…Wh-why are you here…?」
It was Tigre, the third prince of the Kingdom of Hyme, who then came up the stairs leading down to the cape. He was together with several guards and the next head of the Roundheart family, Grint.
「Lord Amur, what’s wrong? Why are you look in such a hurry…?」
Accompanied by the knights, Ainz and the others arrive late to Lord Amur. Warren asks Lord Amur what’s wrong.
「…Hmm? Who are they, Lord Amur? Did you keep me waiting for another guest?」
But then, it was one of Tigre’s guards who shouted in surprise at the sight.
「…Th-this is… Impossible. Why… Why are you here…?」
「What’s wrong with you all of a sudden, Grint? You’re embarrassing me…」
When he spotted the figure walking behind Warren, Grint revealed his great surprise, forgetting about his lord. But it was to be expected. He had never imagined that his brother… Who he thought had suddenly disappeared from the Roundheart family a few years ago, would be in Euro, talking with Lord Amur.
「Your Highness! That guy is my brother… Though he’s no longer in our Roundheart family, his previous name was Ainz Roundheart! He was my big brother!」
With those words, Grint pointed towards Ainz and told Tigre about him.
At those words, all the people present were speechless and looked at Ainz.
Even Ed and Lord Amur were no exception.
「…I guess I should say, it has been a while, hasn’t it, Grint?… Chris-san, Dill, it’s okay, you don’t have to pull your sword, you guys too, okay?」
「…Understood」
「Yes…!」
Chris tried to pull out the rapier on her waist, and Dill tried to pull out his sword as well. But Ainz stopped them. Chris and Dill must have some reason for being angry.
First of all, he called Ainz “that guy” before. Then the way he spoke and pointed his finger. And finally, Grint’s words about his lineage and calling the one beside him with “Your Highness” were the main reason.
The fact that he was from Roundheart’s family, and the word “Your Highness” that Grint mentioned, meant that he was from the royal family of the Kingdom of Hyme.
Considering Olivia and Ainz’s past, it is not surprising that the people of Ishtalica would be very irritated with Roundheart and the royal family of Hyme.
That’s why the two had almost pulled out their swords. They should have been rebuked for this, but Ainz didn’t blame them.
And by the way, Chris and Dill were by no means the only two who almost pulled out their swords. Ainz also said, “You guys too, okay?” as he could hear the sound of the King’s Guard putting their hands on their swords.
They must be feeling the same.
「How dare you say “it’s been a while”…!」
「Forgive my rudeness. But you――」
Warren opened his mouth and tried to take control of the conversation. But he was stopped by Ainz.
「…Lord Amur, I was grateful that you gave us a chance to walk around to change our mood, but it’s impossible under these circumstances… It looks like you have another guest. So, can you prepare a new conference room for us to gather there?」
「B-big brother! Why are you suddenly making a decision!」
Ainz is slightly irritated by Grint’s inability to read the air.
「Grint. You are the heir of a noble family, so you should behave in a manner appropriate to it. It was me who said “it has been a while” but you’ve gone overboard, haven’t you…? Lord Amur?」
「Y-yes… You’re right. I don’t know what’s going on, and I’m sorry to have you all come with me, but I think we should go back to the castle for now」
Ainz emits a unique aura that makes Lord Amur so intimidated by his presence and even makes his complaint to Tigre and the others disappear. He then readily accepted Ainz’s proposal without hesitation and decided to return to the castle.
At that moment too, Ed once again sensed Ainz’s mysterious vessel size, and out of habit, he became wary.
「…Tigre-sama is the third prince of Hyme! What kind of attitude do you think you are showing in front of our prince!」
Lord Amur has accepted Ainz’s proposal, but Ainz speaks strongly to Grint who has not given up yet.
He is younger than Ainz, but his words have gone too far.
「…Then you need to know that I am a Crown Prince. A mere “third prince”, and a “crown prince”. Even a young child would know who is in the higher position. If you’re not a fool and have the brains to understand that… Just shut up and follow us!」
At these words, both Grint and Tigre flushed and revealed their surprise, but Ainz was completely unconcerned and proceeded to climb the stairs and enter the castle. Warren, Chris, Dill, and the other knights followed suit and headed into the castle.
「How rude of him…! But somehow, the wind suddenly became stronger, didn’t it? Whoah!?」
「Y-Your Highness! Please watch your step!」
It seemed that the wind had suddenly gotten stronger and hit Tigre and the others. Ainz, who saw that happen from the top of the stairs, was wondering.
「…Hey, Chris-san. What did you do?」
「I’d let him get away with only that. You don’t have to thanks me」
Apparently, Chris had used wind magic to gather the wind around them. The strong sea breeze that was gathered then blew strongly around Tigre and the others.
「That’s what I like about you, Chris-san」
「Th… Thank you very much」
Ainz had a lot of mixed feelings in his heart right now. However, Ainz was a little relieved by Chris’s cute resistance.
Speaking of Chris, she was embarrassed by Ainz’s words. Although her tone of voice remained the same… She turned her face slightly downward and hid her slightly blushing face.
The knights of the King’s Guard and Dill who were walking nearby also heard his praise. Some of them also praised Ainz for his attitude earlier.
And Warren, who also saw it, spoke to Ainz.
「Ainz-sama, you did a great job earlier. I would be happy to report this to Her Majesty, His Majesty, and Olivia-sama too」
「…I thought I was being too rude by saying that he’s only the third prince though」
「No, no, no. In fact, you could have said more. If you wanted to, you could have said something like, “I can take over the throne” to him」
Tigre is the third prince. So, he can’t take over the throne unless something important happens to him.
「…Huh, are you in a bad mood too, Warren-san?」
「Well, I wonder…」
A man like Warren would never let his temper get the better of him. But still, Ainz could tell that Warren was probably in a bad mood and was trying to be mean. He then smiled and gave a bow to Ainz, and went back to his usual self.
They may have pride as royalty, but shouldn’t they think a little more about the country of Ishtalica and choose their words properly? That’s what he thought about Tigre and Grint right now.
「Haah, I guess I should have said no to this representative duty… I wonder why something like this happens? I should have taken it easy with my mother and Claune at home」
…When he thought about what was about to happen. Ainz couldn’t help but ponder such things.