Chapter 53 (1/2)

Interlude: Bystanders of the Upheaval

A woman, wearing long-sleeved s.h.i.+rt, and cardigan that reached all the way to her knees, walked the halls. It was rare for women to wear tight pants in this world. Only a select few did - those in the army or engaged in manual labor - so they could move a lot easier.

But this lady donned tight pants because she was fond of them. Over a hundred and seventy centimeters tall, she wore high-heeled shoes simply because she liked doing so. She didn't care if her ample chest pushed her s.h.i.+rt outward, or that her big b.u.t.tocks were further emphasized by her tight pants.

Her bluish-gray thick hair, tied up on top of her head, fluttered in the wind as she walked. Each step of her heel made a sound on the polished tiles. Officials and servants bowed their heads deeply in respect as she pa.s.sed by. Soldiers, donning leather armor - if Ponsonian knights who were heavily equipped saw them, they'd most likely laugh - greeted her with a salute.

「Hey there. Is Her Majesty inside?」

「Yes, Ma'am!」

Her lighthearted manner of speaking made her easy to talk to, but the two bodyguards only blushed. Hidden behind her gla.s.ses were almond eyes the same color as her hair, undeniable seductiveness in them. She didn't put on lipstick, but her naturally red lips were more than enough to bring out her beauty. She was oblivious to it all, however.

「I'm going in.」she said, raising her hand slightly.

「Yes, Ma'am! Zofira Van Houtens has arrived!」The soldiers opened the wooden door.

The woman entered. Beyond it was the office of the ruler of the Allied Nations of Forestia.

While it was still early summer, being located north of Ponsonia meant it was chilly when under the shade of the sun.

Pillars were cut from large wood. The table and chairs for entertaining guests, as well as the office desk were all made of wood - specifically the kiwi tree, its beautiful wood-graining earning it the moniker ”lines drawn by the G.o.ds”.

Eight people were inside the room, seven standing and one seated. The one sitting behind the desk was a small girl. She would be around ten years old - if she was human.

「You're here.」

Beautiful blonde hair was not a rarity in these areas. Her red eyes, sparkling like jewels, indicated she was a member of a certain clan.

「I am glad to see you well, Queen Marquedo, ruler of the Allied Nations of Forestia and representative of the Spirit Elves.」

The queen, Marquedo, looked greatly irked as she watched Zofira kneeling down on one knee. On the other hand, the seven people in the room seemed pleased.

「No need for formalities. Rise. The rest of you may leave.」Marquedo ordered.

They smiled. That meant a ”no”. They were all from different nations; four of them looked like they'd fit in in Ponsonia. One had the same red eyes as Marquedo. There was a large, hairy man and then one with pale skin. They all wore what looked like native clothes with different designs; there was no uniformity at all.

「Your Majesty, we're delegates from the seven nations loved by the G.o.ds, and we're here to protect you…」

「Did you hear me? I said leave. Does my voice not reach your ears dangling with earrings?」

Indeed, the man who spoke had countless rings on his ears. He looked extremely displeased.

「I don't think you have the power to protect me when you let someone from another country so easily sneak into this room.」

「…I hope you don't regret this.」

All seven of them trailed out of the room, glaring at Zofira who was still on her knees, her head hung low. Perhaps she knew, but she didn't pay them any heed.

As soon as the door was closed, Marquedo walked from behind the desk to the visitors' chair. Although it looked simple, her dress was made from high-grade fabric. Her plain-looking bracelet and necklace were imbued with magic to protect herself, though she didn't see it.

「What do you think? Every year those people seem to make light of me. Even my fellow countryman from Kirihal.」the queen said.

「Well the fact that they get replaced every year and they all still act the same means the problem is with you.」

「What?!」

「You're too young.」

Zofira stood up, her tone suddenly informal, then prepared some tea and sat in front of Marquedo.

「Whaaat? I'm older than you, you know!」

「See, that's what I'm talking about. You act like a child. You want some?」