In the ambient confines of his room, where the air conditioning was set to a precisely comfortable temperature, Kazuya found himself sandwiched between Chitose and Karen, perspiration trickling down his brow.

 

"Duchess Rothrek, may I inquire as to why you are in the master's private chamber?" Chitose queried.

 

"Oh, must I not be in Kazuya's room?" Karen retorted with a playful air.

 

"Well, the master is currently engaged in his private time, so we would appreciate some discretion," Chitose responded firmly.

 

Karen had been staying at Parabellum for three days now. During this time, while awaiting responses from Maria and her entourage, whom they had dispatched to the capital by helicopter, there had been numerous clashes between Chitose and Karen over Kazuya, each encounter sapping Kazuya's resolve.

 

*Knock, knock.*

 

"Pardon the interruption, Sōtō. The modifications on the President's exclusive aircraft, the YF-23 Spider and the YF-23 Gray Ghost, as previously discussed, have been completed, and they have been deployed as the F-23. Additionally, there is a communication from those who went to the capital... Shall I leave?"

 

"No, no need for that!!" Kazuya exclaimed, relieved to have a break from the tension between the two women, and he led them both to the communications room.

 

"In addition, His Majesty has expressed his desire for Lady Karen to come to the capital," the soldier relayed.

 

"Understood. Then we shall go to the capital together with Kazuya's party," Karen acknowledged.

 

"Very well. We shall await your arrival in the capital," the soldier concluded before signing off.

 

After ending the conversation with Maria via the communicator, Karen marvelled anew.

 

"Indeed, communication devices are incredibly convenient. Being able to converse with someone hundreds of kilometres away."

 

"Indeed," Kazuya agreed.

 

According to the report from the envoy sent to the capital, the Kingdom of Canary was eager to welcome Kazuya's visit. Armed with this knowledge, Kazuya decided to lead a mechanised battalion and several other units to the capital.

Six days later, on the day of Kazuya and his comrades' arrival in the capital city, the metropolis bustled with an unprecedented fervor. The reason being, adventurers and merchants who had witnessed the battles in the fortress city were spreading the tale of Kazuya and his companions, who had effortlessly scattered the forces of the Elzas Magic Empire, thus saving the Kingdom of Canaria. Hearing of this, not only the residents of the capital but also dignitaries, spies from neighboring towns and villages, as well as those from nations antagonistic to the Empire, flocked to the royal capital of Canaria, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kazuya and his comrades.

As Kazuya and his entourage emerged before the awaiting crowd in the capital, a roar of applause erupted from the spectators outside the city walls, while simultaneously, within the city, there arose a cheer akin to a cry of relief.

Within the supposedly triple-walled capital, reminiscent of the fortress city, the reason for this cheer was the low-altitude flight of a large formation of F-22s and B-52 Stratofortresses, part of a demonstration, soaring through the skies above the capital.

"All vehicles halt. Stand by until further orders."

"Understood."

Upon reaching the front of the capital, Kazuya issued a standby order to the troops under his command.

Led by Canaria Kingdom's cavalry, Kazuya, Chitose, and Karen, aboard a Cadillac Presidential Limousine, passed through the gates of the capital, flanked by two striker armored vehicles and four Humvee escort vehicles.

As the limousine slowly traversed the main thoroughfare of the capital, Kazuya surveyed the diverse crowd of spectators from within the vehicle. The spectators, curious, watched the moving vehicles without the aid of horses or tamed magical creatures.

Meanwhile, within the confines of the car, a silent skirmish unfolded between Chitose and Karen.

"(Why are you even in this car?!)"

"(Oh, it doesn't matter, does it? Since our destination is the same.)"

"(Let's suppose for a moment!! Even if I permit your presence in this car, why do you need to cling to the master?!)"

"(That's my prerogative, isn't it? Besides, you're also sticking to Kazuya, aren't you?)"

"(I belong to the master, so it's different.)"

"(What childish reasoning is that?)"

"(Childish reasoning?! Hmph!! There are other reasons. Unlike you, I'm enjoying the sensation of the master's touch on my chest. Something impossible for you with your small breasts!!)"

"(...That's it!! How dare you talk about my chest like that!! You bitch!!)"

"(Ha!! If you can retort, go ahead, you vixen!!)"

Aware of the silent confrontation between the two, conducted solely through glances, Kazuya had been apprehensive about getting involved but had been thinking about something all along.

Being sandwiched between two beautiful women and feeling their chests against him was indeed delightful, but he couldn't fully enjoy it because of the intimidating aura surrounding both of them. Should he be happy or sad about it?

Leaving aside the atmosphere in the car, they had already arrived at the royal castle, located at the heart of the capital, without them noticing.

Upon realizing this, Kazuya and his companions hurriedly disembarked from the car, welcomed by the ceremonial guards of the Canaria Kingdom, accompanied by music.

Amidst the grand welcome, Kazuya, accompanied by his escorts wielding the IMI Tavor AR21 assault rifles developed by Israel, senior officers, and General Ibuki, who had a silver attache case handcuffed to his wrist, proceeded towards the audience chamber where Queen Isabella awaited.

Before the door of the audience chamber stood two sturdy soldiers, each wielding a spear. As Kazuya and his group approached, the soldiers silently opened the elaborately adorned heavy door.

Entering the audience chamber, Kazuya found himself amidst a crowd eagerly awaiting their arrival.

At both ends of the chamber, many nobles and knights stood in attendance, while at the back, seated upon a throne placed on a raised dais, was Queen Isabella. On either side of the throne sat what appeared to be the first princess, accompanied by a young girl who seemed to be Iris, eagerly awaiting Kazuya with an excited expression.

...Iris's gaze was unsettling.

Walking through the audience chamber under the scrutiny of countless piercing gazes, Kazuya felt an inexplicable fear under Iris's unwavering stare.

As Kazuya and his group reached before the throne, and Karen knelt down with bowed head, Queen Isabella spoke.

"This marks our second meeting and the second time you've come to our aid, General Nagato. How can we possibly express our gratitude?"

"Do not trouble yourself. We have—"

Such pleasantries marked the beginning of this encounter, which was solely for formalities. After exchanging a few words, the audience swiftly concluded, with plans for substantive discussions to be held in another chamber.

Upon concluding his greetings, Kazuya bid farewell to Karen, leaving her alone as he departed the audience chamber with Chitose and the others in tow.

"Ah, weary," he sighed, finding a moment's respite amidst the lavish accommodations provided for Kazuya and his companions during their stay in the kingdom.

...However, ascending to the helm of a nation may be commendable, yet it seems to bring forth naught but a plethora of vexations. I find myself at a loss on how to articulate as a leader burdened with the weight of a nation... Moreover, the fatigue incurred from minding each and every word is substantial... Truly, the mantle upon this former ordinary high school student turned national figure is a ponderous one.

While it seemed a feat to establish a nation and assume the role of its leader, Kazuya couldn't help but entertain some regret upon realizing the overwhelming demands of governing a country, especially with the unforeseen busyness of state affairs. Furthermore, the necessity to cultivate diplomatic relations with other nations ahead only added to his rueful contemplation.

"Master, are you prepared for the forthcoming audience with Queen Isabella?" Chitose inquired, her concern evident as she delicately placed a beverage on the table within arm's reach of Kazuya, who was slouched upon an opulent sofa adorned with intricate embellishments, appearing visibly fatigued.

"Hmm? Ah, I shall manage," he reassured.

Just as Chitose attended to Kazuya's needs, a sudden commotion erupted with the abrupt opening of the door, accompanied by hurried footsteps and a frantic voice.

"Please wait!! Your Highness!! Kindly return to the audience chamber immediately!! Ah! What audacity to intrude--"

Before the voice could finish, the door swung open, and a petite figure dashed towards Kazuya with eager enthusiasm.

"Big brother!!"

"Whoa!?"

The one barging into the room was Iris, her face adorned with a beaming smile. Kazuya instinctively caught her as she lunged towards him, followed closely by a distressed-looking Phyllis and Beretta, their expressions turning pale as they stepped into the room.

"We... were tardy..." they murmured softly, their faces drained of colour.

 

"Apologies..."

Phyllis and Beretta both apologized to Kazuya for their inability to stop Iris.

"Kaz... Your Excellency Nagato, despite being acquainted with the princess, please forgive her outrageous behavior."

"Oh well, it doesn't bother me, so don't worry about it. And there's no need for formalities either."

While Kazuya uttered these words, Chitose, standing beside him, glared at Iris, who was eagerly burying her face in Kazuya's chest, inhaling deeply and savouring his scent with fervor, her expression akin to that of a fierce warrior.

Meanwhile, Iris showed no signs of moving away from Kazuya; instead, she pressed her face against his chest even more firmly. As Kazuya gently stroked her head, Iris relaxed with pleasure, trembling with excitement.

Observing Iris's demeanor, Beretta, noticing the increasing tension in Chitose's forehead, attempted to change the atmosphere.

"Um, excuse me!! I would like to express my gratitude to Lord Kazuya—"

"Oh, about your sister?"

"Yes, thank you so much. Thanks to Lord Kazuya, I was able to reunite with my sister. I will definitely express my gratitude later."

"It's fine. Don't worry about it."

"No, that's not acceptable, Master."

"Master, it's time."

As Kazuya and Beretta conversed, Chitose interjected, informing them that it was time for the meeting with Queen Isabella.

"Oh, is it that time already... Sorry, but we'll have to continue this conversation later."

"Understood."

As Beretta nodded, Kazuya shifted his gaze downwards and called out to Iris.

"Iris? Iris!!"

"...Hmm?"

Only after Kazuya called her name and shook her shoulders did Iris finally realize that he was calling for her.

However, when Iris lifted her face from Kazuya's chest, she appeared flushed with joy, as if intoxicated by alcohol.

"Well, we have a meeting with Queen Isabella coming up, so we have to go... And did you have something to tell me, Iris?"

"...I came to see you, big brother!! Because you tricked me into coming with you!! But I forgive you. After all, you came to pick me up like this!!"

"...Huh? What are you talking about, Iris?"

Ignoring Kazuya's question, Iris continued, her excitement mounting.

"After all, big brother, you're my knight in shining armor!!"

"No, wait... Um, Iris?"

As Iris gradually became more heated, she uttered something astonishing.

"Now that there are no obstacles to being with big brother anymore, let's get married soon, shall we, big brother!!"

"What!?"

"Huh!?"

Everyone in the room, except Iris, was taken aback by her proposal to marry Kazuya.