Chapter 91

"Hmm? You have an interest in this country's politics? I'm surprised."

Before Makedo could react, Sophira interjected, wanting to tell Makedo to "please remain silent for a while." Makedo had a tendency to prioritize his emotions, which sometimes led to dramatic good results, but other times to failures due to lack of consideration.

"Hmm? Could you be from Tsubura?"

"Ha, that's a joke. A country that treasures such relics—ah, never mind."

"You called them 'such relics'? Have you seen the relics? Do you understand their value?"

"We're not talking about that right now."

"You have an obligation to answer. The relics of Tsubura are a secret of the Allied Government. It's incomprehensible that you, a person from another country, know about them."

"......"

The boy seemed to be deep in thought.

He must be thinking that he misspoke—Sophira inwardly smirked.

"Alright. I'll tell you. I know the meaning of Tsubura's relics. And how to use them."

"Hmm?"

"For example, that thing called the 'Monster Mask' is not a monster at all. It's a Tengu."

"......A Tengu?"

The direction of the conversation was changing.

At first, Sophira thought the boy had sneaked into some mansion and seen the relics.

But it seemed different.

Suddenly, the talk turned to the "Monster Mask." Sophira had seen the actual mask before; it was a mask modeled after a monster with a long, straight nose. Since over a hundred of these had been unearthed, it was thought to be some kind of religious object.

To bring up such a subtle item,

(Are they aware of something we don't know?)

Suspicion clouded Sophira's mind.

"A Tengu is also known as a guardian deity of the mountains or a monster of the mountains. They wear the attire of a mountain ascetic, have a red face, and a long nose. Well, it's quite a popular mask."

"Popular? No such mask has been unearthed outside of Tsubura."

"That's right. Not here."

"Here... not?"

"Come now, I didn't come here to talk about that. I just wanted you to understand that I'm not from Tsubura. I don't want to be lumped together with a country that digs up such masks and treasures them."

"But—"

"Enough, Sophira."

Sophira wanted to gather more information, but Makedo called a halt.

"From what I can see, this person is wary of Sophira. He's trying to confuse you by hinting at information about Tsubura's relics, which is not the main topic."

"Wha—"

When Sophira looked at the boy, he pursed his lips in disgust.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I should have remained calm."

"It's fine. As you said, this person is unpredictable. His sudden attacks and his way of finding spies are all for the future. His goal is to impose his demands by setting the pace. He's an extremely self-centered man."

"Well, well, I'm flattered."

The boy said boldly.

This Queen Makedo rarely gave such frank evaluations, especially in front of the person being evaluated.

(Don't lose yourself, me...)

Sophira steeled herself and turned back to the boy.

She couldn't deny that she had underestimated him. She had unconsciously looked down on him because of his appearance.

"If you want to interfere in politics, reveal your affiliation. Then, discuss the content of your proposal. If you do, the Queen will make a wise judgment."

"Alright."

Then, unexpectedly, the boy took off his mask.

A boy with black hair and black eyes.

His features matched those of the boy who had contacted Claude.

"My name is Hikaru. As you know, I'm from Pawnsonia. I'm a student at the academy."

Hikaru let out a sigh of relief.

So far, everything was going according to plan.

He had shaken them up and was ready to push through.

If they came to their senses, he would explain properly.

In that case, they would listen more calmly than if he had approached them with their guard up.

Of course, he had set several traps. He wanted to confirm whether the queen and her people knew about "Hikaru"—it seemed they didn't, judging by their reactions.

The academy principal was from Tsubura, but the information hadn't reached the queen. The principal might have deemed it insignificant, or it could be a matter between Tsubura and Kirihar.

In any case, the main event was about to begin.

"The head clan of Romania, the Green Oni League, is considering the establishment of a 'Student Union' that doesn't discriminate based on country of origin. The first president will be Silvester Gii Tsubura, from Tsubura. The goal is to foster friendships across national boundaries within the academy and eventually break down the barriers between nations within the Allied States."

Hikaru gave a brief explanation of its formation.

"Are the leaders of Romania and Tsubura already involved?"

"No, people from the remaining five countries are also involved."

As Hikaru listed the names, Makedo let out a surprised exclamation.

"Quite an achievement to gather them all. The entanglements between nations are not trivial."

"Young people are more flexible. Besides, when you focus on individuals, national interests don't matter. There are plenty of people who have friendships across borders. Politics tends to ignore this."

"True. So, you want us to agree to the establishment of this Student Union? How many years will it take for the Student Union to function and for national interests to disappear? Five years? Ten years?"

"League has said he will watch over and protect it until his death."

This statement seemed to surprise Makedo, who looked far away.

"......I see. So there are decent people in Romania too."

"Actually, I also think the establishment of the Student Union will go more smoothly during Queen Makedo's reign. That's why I'm helping."

"Understood. I will agree to the proposal."

"Your Majesty."

"Silence, Sophira. It might cause problems later, but this is not a big deal. Besides, the Student Union has the potential to contribute to the future of the Allied States that you and I desire. Furthermore, this person—Hikaru—has revealed his true identity, and it's only right to respond in kind."

Hikaru, knowing that his identity was about to be exposed, decided to reveal it himself.

Of course, he also calculated that revealing himself would increase his favorability compared to being discovered.

"Understood. If that's what you think, I won't say anything more. Hikaru, you have more to propose, right?"

When Sophira said this, Makedo looked surprised.

Hikaru smiled.

Indeed, Sophira was the one to be wary of.

"Wait, Sophira. What do you mean?"

"It's the Queen's decision. Please see it through to the end."

"Hey, Sophira! Don't be mean!"

"Your Majesty, you're showing your true colors."

"Of course, this hidden boy is watching us! So, what else is there?"

"It's the Queen's decision—"

"Sophira! I get it! I'm sorry for agreeing without your consent!"

"......Well, I have nothing to say. This boy seems to be good at catching us off guard. —So, the other proposal is a troublesome one, right?"

When Sophira turned to him, Hikaru was smiling slightly.

"Is it that funny?"

"No, I just thought that a good relationship between a king and a prime minister does exist. —It would be nice if everyone was like that."

"......"

"......"

When Hikaru said this, Makedo and Sophira exchanged glances.

"As the head minister said, there is another proposal. It's presented alongside the establishment of the Student Union."

When Hikaru mentioned the joint wedding, Makedo, who didn't know about Claude and Ruka, exclaimed, "No way! Absolutely no way!" but Sophira burst out laughing.

"Hikaru, you made me laugh. The thing that transcends national feelings is 'love.' Ah, you might be right. The Queen is in a state of confusion, but I'll persuade her to vote 'yes.'"

"Thank you."

"—But this is one favor you owe me."

"I understand. I was thinking it wouldn't be balanced just for finding a spy. I'll pay it back before interest accrues."

"If you understand, that's fine."

"What are you talking so calmly about!? The marriage of the Zehard family of Kirihar and the third princess of Ludansha!? What is that!?"

"Your Majesty, please be quiet."

"Everyone can hear you."

"Your calmness is annoying!"

Somehow, it seemed they had secured Kirihar's vote.