Chapter 78: Audience with the Emperor and a Slip of the tongue

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

The day before the delegation was to return to the Kingdom of Kishirika.

“Nee-san, Nee-san. I really don't think tying up your cute little brother in a turtle-shell knot right before we go meet His Majesty the Emperor is a good idea.”

“It can't be helped. You keep trying to run away.”

“That's because I don't want an audience with the Emperor. He's definitely going to push another engagement with the princess.”

“Just dodge it casually.”

I was bound with rope in a turtle-shell knot, being dragged by the scruff of my neck by Nee-san as we headed down the long corridors of the Imperial Palace toward the audience chamber.

The stares of important-looking imperial officials we passed along the way pricked at me like needles.

I really wish they wouldn't stare so much.

“H-hey, isn't that the Saint and her younger brother…? Are they in the middle of some kind of play?”

“W-well, even a Saint must have one or two hobbies she can't talk about publicly.”

“I wouldn't call this ‘can't talk about.' It's pretty out in the open.”

“How enviable… If only I could trade places with the younger brother.”

“Minister of Finance. I'm aware of your masochistic tendencies, but please refrain from doing anything that would disgrace our nation. Seriously. No jokes.”

At this point, everyone definitely thinks Nee-san is into that sort of thing.

And then—

“Oh!! My beloved Fran-sama!!”

“Good day, Prince Sidin. Please excuse us.”

“Nfuh!! A backhand is nice, but this rough treatment is starting to become a habit…!”

“I'm glad to hear that.”

At the corner of the corridor, we ran into the Second Prince.

Even Nee-san, thankfully, didn't seem inclined to resort to violence in front of so many important imperial figures.

Suddenly, the Second Prince's gaze turned toward me.

“Hm? That boy in the exceedingly enviable state over there is… if I recall correctly, Fran-sama's younger brother?”

“…Yes, he is. Is there a problem?”

Nee-san shot the Second Prince a sharp glare.

“No, I was simply thinking how alike you are. And you give off an air of someone extraordinary. It makes sense that you supported the hero Lidiel from behind the scenes.”

“Oh? You've got a good eye.”

“Fufufu, of course, of course. I pride myself on my ability to judge people.”

Perhaps pleased that I was being praised, Nee-san—who had been giving him the cold shoulder until now—suddenly started chatting with the Second Prince in the middle of the corridor.

She's as easy as ever.

“This is our first proper conversation, little brother. I am Sidin Bell Belhart. A pleasure.”

“Oh, uh, nice to meet you. I'm Ask Medicus.”

“Hmm, Ask-kun, is it? Please, feel free to call me your brother-in-law.”

“Eh. I kind of hate that.”

You don't normally call someone you just met “brother-in-law.”

“Ohhh, just as expected of Fran-sama's brother. That response really struck my heart. Changing the subject, then—may I call you my dear little brother-in-law?”

“Nothing changed at all, did it? Well, do whatever you like.”

“Shaah!!”

The Second Prince struck a triumphant double fist pump.

I think I finally understand what it feels like to have your escape routes slowly buried.

Looks like Duke A**l's son can't afford to dawdle either.

“Ah, pardon me. I would love to chat longer with Fran-sama and my dear brother-in-law, but I have business to attend to. Please excuse me here.”

“No, not at all. Let's talk again if the opportunity arises.”

“Oh!! That would make me very happy!!”

The Second Prince ran off with a beaming smile.

“…Nee-san, he seemed to leave in a pretty good mood.”

“Yes. It seems I had misunderstood Prince Sidin. He's a good man who can be reasoned with.”

So easy. Seriously, way too easy.

After parting with the Second Prince, we finally reached the audience chamber where the Emperor awaited us.

The Emperor greeted us cheerfully.

Beside him stood the imperial chancellor, wearing a face that looked like he might die at any moment.

He was so gaunt I almost thought a skeleton was standing there.

“Oh, you've arrived. The famed Saint—wait, why is Ask tied up?”

“He resisted.”

“Y-you seem quite practiced at this… Still, hmm. That knot—things have been getting a bit stale with my wives lately, so I may take notes.”

What on earth is this Emperor talking about?

“More importantly, is the Chancellor all right? He looks like he's about to collapse.”

“Ah, he's fine. He's just been working nonstop for about a week without food, drink, or sleep to carry out my order to revise the law.”

“It's honestly impressive he's still alive. Please let him rest immediately before he dies.”

“Our chancellor is capable. This much is still well within toler—”

“Please. Let. Him. Rest.”

“U-um, very well. Chancellor, I grant you three days of leave.”

Perhaps frightened by Nee-san's fully dilated pupils, the Emperor nodded in a fluster.

Seeing that, the Chancellor staggered over to Nee-san, dropped to one knee, and began thanking her in a trembling voice.

“Goddess…”

“…Huh?”

“The Goddess is here…”

Leaving those words behind, the Chancellor collapsed into unconscious sleep on the spot.

“…He's out.”

“…With all due respect, allow me to offer my greetings to His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Nee-san, are you really just going to continue like this?”

“If we don't, nothing will move forward. …Now then, Your Majesty, what is this personal request you wished to make of us?”

“Saint. I know time is limited, and getting straight to the point is commendable. But even so, is that not a bit rude toward the Emperor?”

The Emperor spoke with a pout, clearly annoyed by Nee-san's impatience.

He wasn't wrong.

Considering Nee-san usually understands proper etiquette toward her elders, this was unusually disrespectful.

Was she in a bad mood… or actually angry?

“There are only two things I prioritize above all else in this world: saving my patients, and protecting my brother. Anyone who pushes an engagement on my brother against his will—even if they are an emperor of another nation, or a god—I will protest with everything I have.”

“…Fufufu. Hahahaha!! What eyes those are!! Hahahaha!! I like that very much!!”

The Emperor burst into laughter, clearly delighted.

“Nee-san, for someone who says that, you didn't object to my engagement with Princess Victoria.”

“I couldn't. Father had leverage held over him.”

“Hmph. Any man will have one or two secrets he keeps from his wives.”

For some reason, the Emperor nodded knowingly.

Setting that aside, he cleared his throat and moved on to the main topic.

“Fran. Could you stay in the Empire a little longer?”

“Why?”

“We've confirmed a large-scale movement of monsters. They may invade from the demon territory soon. There could be many casualties.”

“I see. Understood.”

“I know I'm asking a lot. But now, you are cherished by the people of the Empire as much as the Saint of legend. If you personally heal the soldiers—wait. You're agreeing?”

“As I said earlier, my priorities are saving patients and protecting my brother. If many injured are likely to appear, then going there is simply my duty.”

I'm bad enough, but Nee-san really is a healing fanatic too.

“Ask, were you thinking something just now?”

“That there probably isn't a healing mage in the world with ideals as high as yours.”

“Fufu. You do understand.”

She smiled proudly.

Seriously, she's so easy. All day long, way too easy.

“You have my gratitude, Saint Fran!!”

“…By the way, Your Majesty. Why was I summoned too?”

“Ah, well, I intended to persuade you once more about an engagement with my daughter, but… I'd rather not upset Fran-sama right now.”

“Oh. I see.”

And so, Nee-san staying behind in the Empire was decided.

Yes!! Now I won't get scolded for staying up all night casting roadside heals!!

“Oh, right. Your Majesty, I have one small request.”

“Hm? What is it, Ask? Go on.”

“May I take Eri-chan home with me? Lately, I can't wake up in the morning unless I drink her tea.”

“!?”

For some reason, both Nee-san and the Emperor looked shocked.

Did I say something strange?

“You idiot…”

“Fufufu, hahaha!! I don't mind at all!! Take her with you and make her your personal maid if you like!! Hahahaha!!”

The Emperor agreed with a beaming smile, in stark contrast to Nee-san holding her head in her hands.

I wonder if something good happened.

I don't really get it, but seeing someone enjoy themselves kind of makes you happy too.

---

Night.

“Mm. Today's our last day in the Empire. Let's go on a healing date.”

“A healing… date?”

After the detective-play date, Victoria had once again invited me on a rather unusual date.