Chapter 81

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"Wh-What?! That's impossible!!"

Oliver stood up abruptly and shouted at Mersa.

"Everyone in the family? What nonsense!! The Imperial language isn't something you can learn with just effort!!"

Even after becoming a diplomat, Oliver continued to study and mastered various languages. Baritu was one of them, and Prince Task used Baritu to communicate through Oliver when he didn't understand the kingdom's language.

At first, Oliver also tried to learn the Imperial language, with the great assistance of Prince Task, but he found it utterly beyond his capabilities. So, why can the Stewart family do it?

Even if I concede a hundred steps, I can understand if it's just Mersa. She was the only one above me in the academy, so perhaps it's possible for her.

"Lord Stewart! There's no way you can speak it! With your barely passing grades, it's impossible for you to master not just the Imperial language but two languages!"

...That's a harsh thing to say.

I can sense that Georg is looking at me, but Leonardo deliberately avoids eye contact. Oliver, what are you saying in front of your son? I wish you would show a little more consideration.

"Oliver... words aren't about grades, you know?"

Leonardo sighs and looks at Oliver. His gesture seems to say, "You don't understand, do you?" and Oliver's voice grows louder.

"Then! What are you saying!!!"

"Love."

"…………………………………………………………………………………………Huh?"

"Love, love. If you have love for Emma, anything is possible."

He tells Oliver with a smug look. After all, he has seen our daughter, that incredibly adorable angel. With an angel, anything is possible! 1, 2, 3, go!

He laughs triumphantly and accidentally looks at Georg, who gives him a look of profound disappointment, as if he's seeing something truly regrettable. Despite being a severe siscon himself, the way he's being looked at is quite harsh. Well, it can't be helped. That's what adolescence is all about, according to Leonardo's perspective.

"Sniff. I understand! Lord Stewart! I can do anything for Yadvi too!"

Wiping his face roughly with a crumpled handkerchief, the king agrees.

...The king is still crying...

Ah, Georg! Don't give the king the same look! You'll be charged with disrespect!

"Well, seeing is believing... Prince Task, shall we have a little conversation in the Imperial language?"

He addresses Prince Task, who has been quietly listening to the adults' chatter. The prince must have many questions, but he's waiting quietly for his turn to speak, respecting the king.

"Yes. Then... what should we talk about...?"

A simple greeting wouldn't be enough to judge how much he understands. It's like when a TV host asks a celebrity who's good at English to say something, and they look confused. I can imagine Prince Task feeling the same way.

However, the Imperial language is convenient for Leonardo and Prince Task to talk about things they don't want the king or Oliver to hear. It's time to apologize. Even the spiders and cats in the house are family. As the head of the household, Leonardo must apologize...

"Ah... I'm sorry, but the 19 ninjas who infiltrated the mansion are in my custody."

Upon hearing Leonardo's words, Prince Task stands up with a thud.

"Oops, the ninjas mixed in with the diplomats should stay still. The king and Oliver might get suspicious."

Leonardo warns the ninjas before they react to the prince's sudden movement.

Tension appears on Prince Task's face, which has been expressionless until now, and a bead of sweat rolls down his cheek.

"Prince Task? Is something wrong?"

The king, who has just finished wiping his tears, calls out to the prince, who suddenly stood up.

"N-no, Your Majesty. I was just surprised by the perfect Imperial language. I apologize."

He swallows and slowly sits back down.

"So, what's the purpose?"

By speaking in the Imperial language, this Lord Stewart must intend to keep the existence of the ninjas, who can be considered human weapons of the Imperial nation, a secret from the kingdom.

Depending on the terms of the exchange...

It's unbelievable that the ninjas, who went unnoticed in the royal castle, were captured in such a short time during the visit, except for one. Even the remaining one is accounted for...

Lord Stewart's words, knowing what a "ninja" is, are terrifying. The only thing the Imperial nation can offer to other countries is magic stones. Baritu, being an island nation, has smooth relations because it's not exposed to the dangers of monsters. I've heard that the kingdom experienced a localized barrier hazard just a year ago. Magic stones are never too many. If they can save our country from a food crisis, it might have been a mistake to reveal that we would give magic stones only to the king and a few diplomats.

I never imagined there could be a place where even ninjas couldn't survive.

The world is vast. The Imperial nation's magic stones are destined to be plundered by the kingdom and the Stewart family. I have failed.

Unconsciously, he grips the fabric of the sofa he's sitting on.

"Ah!"

Oliver, standing behind him, lets out a small scream, but the prince, lost in despair, doesn't hear it. The king, startled by the scream, notices the prince's grip on his hand and gasps, trying to get the prince to let go with a look.

Leonardo continues to speak with a smile that, to the king and Oliver, seems incongruous with the owner of the precious Emma silk he's gripping.

"Purpose...? Oh, probably our people have already asked the ninjas. I hope it goes as expected..."

He grips the fabric even tighter. The ninjas wouldn't reveal the location of the magic stone mines, no matter how much they are tortured. They would take their own lives before that. They are ninjas, after all.

The strongest ninjas of the Imperial nation...

Leonardo Stewart... what a terrifying man.

At the same time that the king and Oliver turn pale from the tightening grip on the Emma silk, Emma finishes her meal and addresses the ninjas.

"Okay, everyone. Attention! I have something very important to talk about. Please answer properly."

Tension spreads among the ninjas at Emma's words.

They cannot betray the Imperial nation.

Even if they are treated to such delicious food, even if their nails are pulled out, even if one of their eyes is gouged out, even if they see their comrades burned alive, they cannot reveal any secrets. That's what it means to be a ninja.

"Lord Emma... We cannot reveal the secrets of the Imperial nation..."

Before Hattori can refuse, Emma speaks.

"Can anyone make miso?"

"…………………………Huh?"

"Can anyone make miso?!"

"…………………………Huh?"

What the Stewart family wants from the Imperial nation:

Miso

Soy sauce

Pickles

Tofu

Natto

Anko

Etc., etc., etc., etc. ...

It's been a year and a half since the reincarnation, and I'm starving for Japanese food.

"And white rice!!! I'll give you lots of flour, so can you exchange a little for rice?"

"Big sister!!! Then, how about spicy cod roe? Do you have it?"

At the mention of rice, William swallows hard.

"…………………………Huh?... Hmmmm?"

After finally understanding the unexpected question, the ninjas slowly raise their hands for those who can make miso and soy sauce.

Joshua will surely gather the ingredients with all his might. What we need are people who can make miso and soy sauce.

Because of the greed for miso soup and tofu, the questions became numerous, but the ninjas, unlike the men of the kingdom, can cook, and Emma received many pleasant answers.

And the most angelic smile of the day was updated.

Thank you for always reading.

I tried writing a short story, "A Love Story," as a side story to "The Tanaka Family Reincarnated." If you're interested, please take a look.

And, to my great honor, "A Love Story" made it to the daily ranking! Following that, "The Tanaka Family Reincarnated" also entered the ranking, a result so happy I don't even know who to thank. I'm beyond thrilled, and my heart is still racing (I'm a bit of a coward). Thank you so much, everyone.

I look forward to your continued support.