Prominence

The feast celebrating the coronation continued even after the sun had set.

Despite it being night, torches and magical lights made it bright as day.

Food and wine were replenished as fast as the crowds depleted them.

And the quality of the food showed no signs of cutting corners.

Clearly, considerable expense had been invested.

The simple act of filling one's belly was fundamental yet important.

In Alsarm and at the royal castle, I'd seen how people made anxious by disaster had their worries eased by eating.

There's even a saying about how manners come after food and clothing.

Outside, festivities were held for the common people, while inside the Imperial Palace, a party was being thrown for nobles and merchants.

Here, the food consisted mainly of light finger foods, and all the alcohol was high-end.

Though it seemed everyone cared more about conversation than refreshments.

After all, the people who would form the Empire's inner circle were all gathered here.

Everyone was scrambling to forge connections that would benefit their own interests.

I'd spoken with several people while accompanied by Azu and the others, but it was quite exhausting.

Although my status had been rising rapidly of late, inside, Yohane was still just the head of a small trading company.

Yet from their perspective, I was treated as an influential figure from the Kingdom who was on good terms with the new emperor. It was overwhelming.

Thanks to Alexia, I'd come to understand politics somewhat, but acting as a representative of the Kingdom was quite stressful.

I should bring at least one diplomat next time. And then dump all the work on them.

It was absurd that a mere merchant was being entrusted with national diplomacy, even if it was an emergency situation.

I'd have to petition Princess Tianis directly when I returned to the Kingdom.

Diplomacy should take priority over bureaucratic power balance.

… Having Azu and the others with me helped, too.

It gave people a conversation topic: "What lovely ladies you have with you."

When I explained they were adventurers serving as my escorts, people were slightly surprised.

I felt bad using them as showpieces, but they'd have to bear with it for now.

Fortunately, many of the nobles were from Duke Dantarg's faction, so I managed to get through with just small talk without losing face.

I was also relieved to find that some of the merchants present were people I'd met while staying in the imperial capital.

They even expressed some sympathy, saying things like "The Kingdom seems to be having a hard time, doesn't it?"

I suppose word of the Royal Capital's devastation had already spread by now.

That we couldn't even spare a single diplomat.

Well, it couldn't be helped.

If I hadn't accepted this role, it would have been difficult to even attend the coronation.

If that was the worst-case scenario, then the current situation was passing.

Still, I felt like I was being approached by noble young ladies quite frequently.

The reason was the soap and fragrance sets I'd been supplying to Duchess Dantarg.

The rumor was that using them would make you beautiful, and even the recent shipment was already fully reserved.

In fact, Duchess Dantarg herself seemed to have developed a remarkable glow despite being of a certain age.

She must have been serving as our advertisement.

I could tell the products were extremely popular.

When I mentioned that we'd set up mass production within the Empire and they'd be available soon, the ladies were delighted.

One young lady even gave me a hug.

Flustered by the somewhat excessive physical contact, I had my feet stepped on by both Elza and Alexia.

Apparently, from their perspective, my expression had become too slack and goofy.

How unreasonable.

Finn looked on with exasperation at what I was doing.

Azu's eyes as she watched me seemed somewhat suspicious too.

Orleans might be my only comfort.

For now, the Kingdom didn't seem to be viewed negatively by the Empire.

Perhaps we weren't seen as an attractive target for invasion or as a threat.

I didn't know what Emperor Kelves thought, but I'd heard he would at least honor the existing friendship treaty.

As long as Duke Dantarg, who was relatively close to the Kingdom and held considerable influence, was alive, things would probably be fine.

"Hey, enjoying yourself?"

"Your Majesty. Yes. Everyone has been very kind."

"Your expression doesn't match your words."

Emperor Kelves called out to me.

It seemed he'd seen right through my exhaustion.

"Everyone's interested in you. As the Kingdom's up-and-coming new face."

"Give me a break. You know better than anyone that's not the case, Your Majesty. Next time I'll ask for a proper diplomat."

"I think people would be much happier to see you than some Kingdom noble's face. Being a merchant rather than nobility, you can discuss practical matters, and that's been well received, you know?"

"What you mean is that people can use me as an outlet without holding back."

"That might be true! Well, if you come, you'll be welcome. If it benefits the Empire, of course I'll lend an ear. So don't send us someone who makes us uncomfortable every time they open their mouth, alright?"

"I'll pass that along… Though the decision isn't mine to make."

This was essentially telling me to continue being the liaison.

It seemed the diplomats before me hadn't been well-regarded.

I didn't feel bad about it, but the pressure was worrying.

I'd much rather be working on ledgers.

"It looks like you've finished making the rounds. If you're tired, go rest for a bit."

"I'll take you up on that."

Saved.

I was good at my business smile, but constantly being on guard had been exhausting.

Actually, I'd been tense since the parade this morning, so I just wanted to sit down and relax.

I jumped at Emperor Kelves's offer as if it were a godsend and headed for the rest area.

I was told we'd be temporarily using a guest room, but it was rather far.

Still, it might be just the right distance to cool down my flushed body.

"Heels make your feet tired. I'm glad I at least get to wear boots when adventuring."

"Heels while adventuring would be suicidal."

Alexia took advantage of being away from prying eyes to rub her feet.

As she bent down, the cleavage of her dress was emphasized.

The others were relaxing too.

They'd probably felt as restless at the party as I had.

The lively voices from the venue grew distant.

Just as I thought we were about to reach the rest area, Finn stopped walking.

"What's wrong?"

"Isn't it a bit too quiet? We haven't seen a single guard since leaving the venue."

"Maybe they've been called out to handle security outside?"

"Prioritized over here, where the emperor and the Empire's key figures are gathered? That's strange."

She had a point.

But perhaps Gloria and her companions were guarding from the shadows.

Just as I was about to say so, three figures appeared from the depths of the corridor.

All three wore bright red robes, and the person in the middle wore a mask decorated with what appeared to be a sun symbol.

I recognized those red robes.

They were the same as those worn by the Church of the Sun God group that had attacked Lady Anatia in Alsarm.

"What a pleasant evening. The perfect night to celebrate a new emperor."

"And you are…?"

"Oh, my apologies. I know you, but you don't know me."

The mask muffled a man's voice.

Finn lifted the skirt of her dress and reached inside.

Belts were wrapped around her thighs, equipped with numerous knives.

The white of her thighs contrasted with her black dress.

In an instant, Finn threw the knife she'd palmed, but the masked man dodged without flinching.

"I am Elhani, of Prominence, the Church of the Sun God's special forces. I've been wanting to meet you, Yohane-sama, who drove off Nephilim and Owen."