The Annals of the Flame Kingdom (WN)

What Kota and the others brought back to the lord's palace was a woman who was elegantly drinking tea in the reception room of the palace.

"Ah... Kota-sama"

Emily, who was standing in the corner of the room in a nervous manner, recognized Kota's figure and slightly loosened her expression. Kota smiled back at Emily and turned her gaze to the woman. The woman also noticed Kota's presence and showed polite courtesy when she stood up.

― ― I see you at the beginning, Kota Matsushiro. My name is Edward Altoner, and I'm Minister Lorna. Please forgive me for the sudden visit. "

"... thank you for your courtesy, Lorna." My name is Hirota Matsuyo. A foodie in the realm of Rondo de Terra... I wonder? Well, that's the position. I don't care what you say, so please excuse me. ”

He recommended a chair to Lorna, and confirmed that Lorna was seated. Kota also took her seat. Emily placed her tea in front of Kota with a slightly worried expression.

"... tea, Kota-sama."

"Thank you, Emily."

My throat was also dry because I ran. That's right, Kota took a sip of tea and exhaled in her mouth. I pushed in a little agitation and looked at the woman in front of me.

"So... I asked you about the emissary from the Kingdom of Flame... what can I do for you?"

"My lord, Edward Altoner, has received your letter."

Having said that, Lorna placed the letter she had sent from her pocket in front of Kota. Kota grabbed the letter and shifted her gaze to Erica.

"...... Erica-san"

"... yes. This is definitely the seal of the Altner family." I've seen it in the Royal Castle many times. "

“What is the possibility of disguise?”

"Well, I don't have any..."

"... you can't help thinking about it, can you?"

Imagining how much it would be necessary for this woman to trick the [Emissary from the Kingdom of Flame] here, Kota shook her head tinyly.

Well then... I'll take a look at it.

Paki, the seal cracked with a dry sound. In the letter from the inside, Kota raised his eyebrows in a small way through his eyes.

"...... Are you meeting with Mr. Edward?"

“Yes, Edward asked me to set up a meeting with Lord Kota Matsushiro. What do you think? The meeting between the Kingdom of Flame and the Empire of Flame... would you accept it?"

Lorna leans her neck and shows it. Aino exhaled with a small breath at Lorna's figure.

"Um... was it Lorna?" Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Aino Okawa. "

"I know, Saintess of Larchia." I'm a celebrity, so you're a celebrity. "

"I see? I don't mean to be so famous... but anyway, do you want to meet?" What, a meeting? You mean there's something to talk about? "

"It's outside my authority."

Having said that, Lorna sipped a cup of tea. Well, that's true. If the messenger who brought the letter speaks up to the content of the letter, it is no longer the messenger. Lorna opened her mouth as she glanced at Ayano, who dropped her shoulders in disappointment.

"... and normally, I'd like to say that... I have received some delegation of authority from Edward. The talks have always been about peace talks.”

"...... peace talks?"

"In the meantime, our faction and yours have ended up in a state of war." Oh, there's no direct fighting... well, you can't say you have a friendly relationship, can you? "

Asked, "Isn't that right?" Erica grinned at Lorna with a bitter bite.

"It's white... no matter what I try to do!" It must have happened to you, what's happening now!! "

"There is some disagreement about that. We have our theories and our justice. But... well, this is a water theory. Anyway, I thought it was important to talk about the" past "anyway, and" now "and" from now on "."

"... it's you!!"

“Erica, please be quiet for a moment.”

"Kota..."

Erica smiled awkwardly and returned her gaze to Lorna.

"Erica-san is right, and honestly, I have a feeling about what I'm going to do now." But... I understand what you're saying. "

"You're making a wise decision."

"But it's a different story if you're convinced." Isn't that what caused it in the first place? "

"Is it the assassination of Lotte Baumgarden?"

“That's right. You're not saying it was you, are you?”

"No, I won't do that." The assassination of Lotte Baumgarden-- "

One, exhale.

"That 's--that's my hand." The one in my hand has endured the trials of wishing, begging, and hell... [Glory]. I won't let anyone take care of it. He... he did what he had to do. "

"... do you want to say that here?" What kind of consideration is there for this emotion? "

“This is not what Edward said. This is my personal opinion. Besides, I will apologize and compensate you appropriately for this matter."

"... what about the executioner? Not now?"

“Is that important?”

"... it's important, isn't it? It's not emotionally convincing. I was made to eat bitter juice... but Lotte Baumgarden still had to be taken from us. We don't need to know where and what they're doing right now... I think we have the right to do that."

"... I see. I understand."

Having said that, Lorna took out a small wooden box from the bag she had placed next to her desk.

“Now, please take this.”

"... what is this?"

It's the [executioner] you wanted.

Of course, it's just like that.

"--because I killed him. There's only hair and nails here... but if you don't mind, please put it away."