Vol 6 Chapter 3 (1/2)

Chapter 3 – Lieseltania

“Well then, be careful on the way”

The next , Kaya who saw them off to the front door said so with a kind expression while stroking Saya’s head

“…Yes”

Saya nodded while being a little embarrassed

Although today was sunny as well, the temperature was so low that the breaths spat out hite

『Ah, that’s right I’ll tell you just in case It’s about the intruder last night; according to the sensors’ data, it didn’t seem to be a human』

“It wasn’t a human, you say…? Then, what the heck was it?”

When Ayato asked back, Soichi ── or rather his holograph standing beside Kaya briskly rubbed its chin

There were probably 3-D projection devices not only in the house, but also in many places in the premises

『It was a wild aniht have come out of a forest that’s around here』

Since this area was a suburb, there seemed to be many dense forests if you went a little further for a walk

“An animal, huh…”

Claudia pondered over Soichi’s words

Then, a big black-painted limousine stopped in front of Ayato and company

“Everyone, I have come to pick you!”

When the girl dressed in er seat ── Flora said that vigorously, she exaggeratedly bowed before everyone

“You’re healthy as usual, huh, Flora-chan”

“Yes! It’s Flora’s redee feature after all!”[1]

Flora said so with a smile all over her face

Only several months had passed since the

, but she seerown a little taller She would surely becoirl in several years

“Well then, Soichi-ojisan, Kaya-san Thank you for having taken care of us”

After greeting Kaya and Soichi, everyone got into the car

The inside of the car was slightly similar to that of Dirk Eberwein’s when Ayato talked with him before; but the ere not black-tinted, nor was there a table The driver’s seat side was separated by a glass slide; interview seats with cushi+ons for three people and comfortable rear seats for tere disposed so as to face each other

“Ah, Princess and Airi-sama, please sit on the rear seats”

“Eh? Well, it’s fine…”

Ayato did not knohat kind of nment of seats had, but there wasn’t really any reason to refuse Just as he was asked, he sat on the rear seat alongside Julis

“Then, let’s depart!”

When Flora said so, the driver with a stern face silently started the car

“About how long will it take to arrive there?”

“Let me see… I would say around two to three hours by car from here”

“Huh, it’s closer than I expected”

“Lieseltania is a mountainous country located on the border of Germany and Austria after all”

While answering Kirin’s question, Julis turned her gaze to the three before her

“Well, there is tih if I ht know more than I──”

“Fufufu, I wonder who youabout”

“…Haa”

As Julis openly sighed, she looked outside theso as to pull herself together

“First of all… Let’s see Originally, the predecessor of the country called Lieseltania was the St Rodom at the time of the empire’s collapse… and was later overturned by the Germany’s revolution And it lasted for around 100 years as an independent country”

From the start, perhaps because Saya’s house was in a suburb, the scenery outside theied to series of trees covered with snow While looking at that, Julis slowly continued

“There ht’ve been no trouble if it had just ended with that, but sadly Lieseltania has once again been dragged out from within its coffin due to the mber tears=””> This is because in the middle of the Revival Period, a special class of Vertice Meteorite was discovered from the territory that used to be Lieseltania”

The Vertice Meteorite was the naht about by the mber tears=””> from normal meteorites

“If I remeht?”

“Just for note, only several tens of meteorites of that kind have been discovered so far”

Having answered Ayato’s question was Claudia

The Vertice Meteorites were graded by its mana dite content rate, and a special class was composed of 95── in other words almost entirely of mana dite

Currently, the technology to create mana dite artificially was established, but as expectedin quality Moreover, because there wasn’t that technology in the past yet, the securing of Vertice Meteorites was the top priority rated Enterprise Foundation in the Revival Period

“The size was quite small compared to other meteorites, but even so in Europe, there was as little Vertice e from the mber tears=””> When it comes to special class rated Enterprise Foundation of any place ant it After all, Europe is the horated Enterprise Foundation such as Solneige, Frauenlob, and EP”

Julis took a breather there and once again looked at the three people before her

“But, the place where they were discovered becahborhood that once used to be Lieseltania became a borderline in that tie which has established its headquarters in Ger, and on the other hand so is that of Frauenlob based in Austria as well Therefore, naturally both parties had come to clash… But, the risk of military conflict in Europe which had its quickly stabilized econoreat, so the other Integrated Enterprise Foundations had decided to act as mediation”

“Even though it was called rated Enterprise Foundations had their eyes on the leftovers interests (rights)”

Claudia plainly spewed venom[2] with a smile

“And as soon as the benefit-sharing agreerated Enterprise Foundation came up with the idea of ‘since you’ll split the benefits anyhy not rather arden where you can do whatever you pleasenations no longer re as the Integrated Enterprise Foundation is using that framework So, as selected was the country of Lieseltania which once existed there Therefore in uarantee, are perfectly convenient for the Integrated Enterprise Foundation Simply put, it’s the tax avoidance and the diplomatic immunity of key staffs”

“…In other words, a puppet nation?”

“Bluntly put, I guess you can say that”

Julis sed her shoulders to Saya’s words

“This being the case, the research institutes of every Integrated Enterprise Foundation jostled around the Vertice Meteorites As I also said before, there are no airports in Lieseltania, but if I say that the research institutes respectively have their own runway and ht?”

“Since h around Vertice Meteorites, it’s ideal for Meteoric Engineering research”

Mana concentration fluctuated to so on the place, but there were also data that the higher eneration=””> was to be born there

“That said, it isn’t as if the country itself is poor We also receive soh as the story always goes, the qualitative difference is great”

Julis who said so bit her lips somewhat in vexation

From what they heard from Julis’ story, the country called Lieseltania certainly seemed to have complicated circumstances

While listening to her story, the scenery outside the as gradually changing into e quantity of fallen snow if co in this season, it meant that there would be much more at the time when it would become fairly cold

“Ah, we can almost see the Capital Strel!”

Flora sitting on the passenger seat looked back and innocently said

They seemed to have crossed the border before they knew it

“Ooh!”

As they looked frontward at Flora’s words, a town bigger than they iined spread around a lake surrounded by mountains Old houses enerally had the iined In the place see to be the center of the town, there were also several buildings standing in a row, and a roadbed crossed the town from there

“So this is the capital of Lieseltania, Strel… It’s a beautiful town”

Kirin muttered with a fascinated face

“Well, it isn’t really that different froh… hmm?”

Then, Julis suddenly frowned “No, if we’re to go to the royal palace, then we shouldn’t take this road… What is going on, Flora?”

“Errr, this has also been ordered by His Majesty”

“Fro brother?”

“Yes Please wait a moment”

Flora took out a folded memo from her pocket like usual and carefully unfolded it

The car which Ayato and co to the center of the town Moreover, its speed has clearly decreased

“…Somehow, doesn’t it look like there are a lot of people?”

Saya said as she stuck her forehead on the

“Errr, he said “since you have co time, enjoy a triumphant return parade while you are at it””

“Wha…!?”

Julis was about to get up, but great cheers arose as to stop her

“Uwah!”

“I-It’s a…”

They thought that they got used to cheers in the

, but this was a heated atmosphere which did not lose to that of the finals

“Princessー!”

“Julis-samaー!”

People were overflowing on the roadsides and everybody unanimously shouted Julis’ name

Colorful confetti danced down fro their faces fro the their hands

It was a number of people so as to ask oneself whether the es of this town, all without exception, were packing the streets

When looking carefully, this triumphal return was announced on the posters pasted here and there in the town and in the space s on the streets along with Julis’ photos

“Kuh, big brother! I’ll remember this…!”

Julis turned to the ith a forced s her brother as such

“Julis is really popular”

“As expected, Princesses are a, huh”

Overwhelmed by such atmosphere, Saya and Ayato frankly expressed their admiration

“Fufufu, it’s to be expected In Asterisk’s history, it’s a first for a Princess of a country to win the

after all I don’t need to ht? Both Ayato and Julis have left the dealing with the mass media to the academy and Asterisk and outside tend to be out of touch, but Julis is noide celebrity rivaling Sylvia Lyyneheym”

Claudia explained while joyfully chuckling

“Yes! The number of tourists see won the

!”

“Heeh… It’s really a”

If so, then this huge audience was not only the citizens; such people (tourists) were probably mixed in as well

“You’re speaking like it’s other people’s affairs, but even if it isn’t to the extent of Julis’, Ayato’s home also seems to be very crowded”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“It’s just as you’ve heard yesterday, too Offers flooded to the father of Sasamiya-san who lost in the seiri Bright Dragon Style which won the

will attract attention, right?”

“No way…”

When he contacted his father, he did not mention that at all

“Well, we of the acadeive back up in that area, so rest at ease”

“……”

Because from the start Ayato’s father wasn’t the kind to reject students who came to him or chase after those who left, there wasn’tpupils That beca sister’s disappearance

(Guess I’ll contact hiain later…)

If this was to cause trouble for hiize briefly

“──Airi-sama!”

“Eh?”

His na; when he suddenly looked up, Flora was staring at him and she seemed irritated

“If it is fine, please respond too, Airi-sama Like Princess”

“Ah, yes… wait, m-me, too?”

“Yes!”

Flora unconcernedly nodded

“No, why me, too…?”

“Because A partner!”

“Well that’s true, but…”

As the troubled Ayato threw a fleeting glance at Julis as next to hi her hand outside the ith a rare── though a bit stiff── smile

As if responding to it, cheers increased in intensity

“Fufufu, don’tsense of responsibility, right?”

Claudia smiled as such at Ayato

“…Sense of responsibility, huh”

Certainly, Julis had a responsibility as the Princess of Lieseltania

And there was no doubt that Ayato also had a responsibility as her tag partner

“Haa, I got it”

Ayato also reluctantly tried to wave his hand outside thelike Julis Honestly, there was nothan this

Probably, he had put on a much more stiff expression than Julis

In fact, a not only Julis’ name, but Ayato’s were not small in number; which made him become more and more embarrassed

“But, it’s really an a atmosphere”

“…I’m a little surprised”

On the other hand, Saya and Kirin sitting in front of them had somewhat carefree expressions

“As Julis explained a short while ago, this country has quite coood way of putting it, it is good to let out souess”

When Claudia said so, she continuedher tone

“Although── I think the expectation of that person who set up this will not stop at just this”

- ψ -

The royal palace of Strel was on the opposite shore across the land from the center of the town and it seemed to be currently used as the official residence It was a solid building o

After having finished the parade which lasted longer than expected, Ayato and company finally arrived at this royal palace; but as soon as they arrived, Julis whose face was dyed in anger briskly walked along the corridor with quick steps

Ayato and the others ere perplexed had no choice but to follow along

Before long, Julis vigorously pushed open the door of a room located on the second floor of the royal palace without knocking

“Big Brother! What on earth is theof this?!”

As Julis raised her voice filled with anger, Ayato and company ere behind her quietly peeked into the room

Although luxurious, it was a roos were probably all first-class items, but they had excessive decoration; be it the desk set upsofa which depicted a gentle curve, or even the paintings and pictures frames displayed on the wall, neither of them seem to fit in well

And the man who lay down on that sofa with his head put on the lap of a woot up

“Ah, you’ve returned, Julis Welcome home”

He was probably in hisand he was overall thin Lightly dressed in trainers, this man did not seem to fit into this room the most

“Ohtime Claudia-chan as well”

The woently smiled with a carefree tone

“Big Sister[3], I’m sorry to intrude in theBrother a little”

“Yes~”

As the woracefully bowed

“Nice to meet you all~”

“You’re the students of Seidoukan Acadelad that you’ve acceptedbrother I’ And this is my wife Maria Ah, this is my private room, so you may relax, too”

To these words, the three people except Julis and Claudia opened their eyes wide

“…Eh?”

Since Julis called hi Brother, he was certainly so, but still──

“…His Majesty the King?”

Saya stared at Jolbert with dubious eyes

“…I mean, really?”

“Hahaha, it’s really troubling Would it be all right if I wear a crown and a flashy mantle?”

Though Jolbert unconcernedly laughed, actually Ayato was surprised, too

Speaking of Kings generally, one would iine a little more substantial person, but Jolbert was the exact opposite of that, or rather he gave a frivolous ih his features and hair color were similar to Julis’, their personality seemed to be completely opposite

“Nor public duties But I’h there usually isn’t any work for me”

“More i Brother! I wasn’t inforht I told you not toof a matter!”

“Well, if I’ve said it, you’d have definitely been against it, right?”

Jolbert indifferently warded off Julis’ anger

“Of course! Moreover,even Ayato?!”

“Yes, well, I just thought since it’s a rare opportunity”

“Thinking with coh!”

“I got it, I got it It was my bad Sorry, everyone”

When Jolbert said so, he turned to Ayato and company and smiled wryly

“But you know, Julis The citizens were interested not only in you, but also in your tag partner Airi-kun After all, he’s the partner that you, the princess, have chosen”

“Ugh…”

Clever indeed Since Julis was conscious of her position, she would not coly if he mentioned that point

That’s her brother for you; he kneell Julis’ weak point

“…Ara, is it only the citizens who are interested in him?”

Claudia looked at Jolbert with eyes hinting at so

“Oh dear, as shrewd as usual, huh Young Lady of the Enfield”

“…What do you mean?”

Though Julis suspiciously asked, Jolbert laughed as to evade it

“About that, could I have a little of your tis with Julis and Airi-kun”

“Well, I don’t mind, but…”

Since Julis stole a glance at him, Ayato hurriedly nodded, too

“Ah, yes Of course”

Though he had an idea about what the King wanted to talk with him about, he could not afford to refuse, too

“Oh yeah, I also have to thank you guys for having saved my maid”

When Jolbert said so, he slowly looked at Ayato and company

“Therefore, I decided to hold an evening party to welcoht, so by all means I would like you to take part in it Ah, I have already prepared clothes for you, so you may choose a suitable one If it’s noe can still make it for the size adjustment”

“Like I said, I haven’t heard of that too, Big Brother!”

“Hahahaha Well isn’t it fine?”

Julis once again raised her voice, but Jolbert’s cool expression did not change

“Somehow, um, he’s a peculiar one”

Kirin looked at Ayato with a face showing that she didn’t knohat to do, but it was feeling like her words were quite indirect

“Hahaha…”

Ayato could only return a bitter smile At least, there was no doubt that he was quite forcible and s

Afterwards, Ayato and couided to the royal villa which was in the same site as the royal palace

It ithin walking distance from the royal palace and seemed to be connected by a special corridor

On the way, a beautiful baroque style garden spread out in front of them, and they could not help but slon before its splendor Unfortunately, it was covered by sno; but the pure white coat of snoithout any footprints was also beautiful

“Wow, it’s really beautiful…”

“Yes! When spring comes, it’s full of flowers and even more beautiful! This is also Princess’ favorite place; and it’s the Princess who personally takes care of these flowers!”

To Kirin who leaked a voice of admiration, Flora puffed her chest with an “ehem”

Certainly when that season came, there was no doubt that a beauty different froarden

“Flora, don’t speak of unnecessary things Let’s quickly go”

As she was embarrassed, Julis curtly said so and quickened her pace

While s wryly to such a Julis, the party went to the royal villa visible ahead

Siarden, the baroque style villa was of a splendor as not to lose to the royal palace; it seemed that one part of it was used for the royalty’s residence and all roouests of honor would lodge According to Julis’ story, there also seemed to be a quarter for royalty in the royal palace, but Jolbert mainly used the private room of the royal palace and Julis,like that

As expected unlike in Saya’s house, one rooiven to one person

Honestly, Ayato could not calm down that ht so, Flora ca

“A party”

“Ah, the forht?”

“Yes I will examine the size, so could you wear them a little?”

“Ah, yes More i party? Such a place is a first for me…”

Or rather, having an ordinary student participating in an evening party hosted by a King was not that co been strict, he acquired the bare minimum etiquette, but still he felt like the dimension was quite different

“H party is so which was suddenly decided, so I don’t think that it will be such a big thing”

“I hope so”

Though not as geratedly

While also being here like this, Flora riting a lot of things in herthe size with familiar hands

“Still Flora-chan, you also have it hard, huh You’ve to handle various works like this”

“That’s not true! It’s thanks to His Majesty’s power that Flora is able to work here, so I have to do my best to repay him!”

“Heeh…”

“Besides, handling the men’s preparations is easier, too Co with the preparations of the other…”

“Yes, certainly the preparations in the women side seem to be difficult in a lot of ways”

“Yes, that’s right”

Since under noret dressed, when it comes to formal clothes, they would probably take much more time than usual

──Actually, since the wo came that Ayato was called

“…Julis, I’ in”

“Y-Yes It’s fine”

When he knocked the door of the roouided him to, a somewhat nervous voice from Julis returned after a short pause