Chapter 211 A Man and Woman Who Seem to be Aiming for Friendship
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Just as I thought… the ones in the Keibel territorial capital were Listarte and her group,” I muttered.
I was currently holed up in a strategy meeting with Emerald and Sardonyx. Word had reached us that an Imperial Princess had made a sudden appearance, and I was trying to wrap my head around it.
During the briefing, I mentioned that several armed beastmen had been confirmed in the Keibel capital yesterday. I’d used teleportation to slip in and scout the area undercover, discovering that the Purple Dragon Knights¹—one of the Empire’s elite beastman orders—were indeed stationed there.
And that brings us to now. I’d just finished a whirlwind “Imperial Bullet Tour” and made it back to the Dominion.
”The two of them are currently eating,” Emerald said. “Shoichi, what’s the plan? Are you going to meet them?”
”I suppose I have to…” I replied.
If I don’t meet them now, they’ll probably just keep knocking on my door from here on out. But we’re talking about the Princess of the continent’s supreme superpower. Even among the sprawling Imperial family, she’s one of the few with a legitimate claim to the throne.
In other words, no matter how you look at it, this is a massive diplomatic headache.
Wait, is it possible that a single wrong word from me could turn the entire world into my enemy…?!
”I’ll be right there at the table with you,” Sardonyx added. “There’s no need to be so wound up~desuwa.”
”Sardonyx…”
She looked like she was actually going to enjoy this kind of political maneuvering. I also knew from our time in the Republic that Emerald was no slouch when it came to hard bargaining either.
”The real question is… what are they actually here for?” I mused.
”Given the circumstances, it’s hard to believe they just came to ‘make friends,’” Sardonyx replied.
”I knew it!” I exclaimed.
”Indeed. They’re already aware of your flight sorcery²… and that’s a skill the Empire would want at any cost,” Emerald said.
Beyond just establishing friendship, they were likely looking for a way to get their hands on that magic—or secure a monopoly on our crops. That was the consensus between the two of them.
But as far as the crops go, I don’t intend to sell to anyone but Lambdaine-san for now. I owe the man, and I did technically receive two of his granddaughters. Until our cultivation techniques are fully established, I want to keep things exclusive to Lambdaine-san.
By the time we’d finished aligning our stories, a good chunk of time had passed. The Princess and her companion had likely finished their meal ages ago.
”Alright… let’s do this!”
On the advice of my two companions, I decided to put on a mask—a simple, unadorned thing. Since my features are clearly that of a foreigner and quite distinctive, they suggested it was better to hide my face just in case.
My official title for the meeting was decided: **The Magic Labyrinth King.**
I already use the name “Vulcain” in the Holy City. Given the trade ties between the Empire and the Holy City, I really couldn’t risk my identity being exposed.
But a strange thing happened. The moment I slipped that mask on, I felt I could actually act the part of the Magic Labyrinth King.
I remember hearing somewhere that a mask can change a person’s personality. That’s right… this is no time to be getting cold feet!
To protect our life here, didn’t I decide to become a Magic Labyrinth King feared by other nations?!
With a heart full of resolve, I finally approached the guest room. Vectra-san opened the door, and I stepped inside.
”The Magic Labyrinth King has arrived,” Vectra-san announced.
The two women immediately came into view. They both stood up and offered a formal greeting.
”It is an honor to meet you for the first time. I am the daughter of Emperor Regdahl of the Egdia Empire, Listarte Lora Egdia. I have come today as a goodwill ambassador for the Empire. This is the ambassador’s assistant, Clary. We are grateful that you have granted us your time despite our sudden visit,” Listarte said.
Whoa… seeing her up close, she really is *cute*! I made the right call with the mask. If my face were bare, I’d probably be looking like a total mess right now.
I mean, come on! She has *beast ears!*
Listarte was a refined young lady with inky black hair flowing down to her waist, with perfectly styled bangs and incredible luster. Her tail was… cat-like. Yeah, that was it. She had the vibe of a noble black cat. She was quite petite, with a modest chest.
Then there was Clary. She was a total contrast—her chest was quite large. Her light purple hair was parted down the middle, giving her a strong “big sister” aura. Her tail was thick and fluffy.
I couldn’t just stand there staring. Thanks to the mask, they couldn’t see me looking them over, so I’d have to save the “detailed inspection” for later.
”Welcome, thank you for coming from so far away. I am the ruler of these lands… the Magic Labyrinth King. A pleasure,” I said.
As I gave the greeting, Listarte tilted her head with an adorable, curious look.
”…? Is ‘Magic Labyrinth King’ a title, and not your name?” Listarte asked.
”For my name, the Magic Labyrinth King is sufficient,” I replied.
I decided to just push through. A name like *Shimizu Shoichi* looks like a foreigner’s no matter how you see it, and I didn’t want to use ‘Vulcain.’ No matter what, I was going to go by *the Magic Labyrinth King!*
I moved to the sofa and sat beside Sardonyx, facing the two visitors.
”First, allow me to thank you for that magnificent meal,” Listarte said.
”It was our pride and joy… was it to your liking?” I asked.
”Oh, very much so. I fully enjoyed the blessings of the many crops grown in this land,” Listarte replied.
The conversation with Listarte heated up, centered around the meal. Sardonyx had predicted they’d lead with praise for the cooking, and she was spot on. Amazing.
I continued the conversation, chipping in appropriately as we talked.
During that, Listarte changed the subject.
”The name of the Magic Labyrinth King has now reached the Empire as well,” Listarte said.
”I am honored,” I replied.
”By the way… you are selling crops to the Republic, aren’t you? Why the Republic? Do you have some kind of connection there?” Listarte asked.
I figured she’d probe into my origins eventually. Trusting Sardonyx to follow up if I made a bad response, I shook my head.
”No. Actually, at first, I debated whether to go sell to the Empire,” I said.
”My! Is that so…?” Listarte asked.
”Yes. But in the Empire, the beastman race is dominant, right? Even if I brought my prized crops, I thought they might be bought at a low price… that’s what I thought,” I explained.
”I see. So you felt the Republic—a nation of merchants—would offer a fairer price,” Listarte said.
The real reason was just that I had a connection through Lambdaine-san… but that was enough for now. No need to explain in detail.
”Actually, the Empire is wary of you, King-dono,” Listarte said.
”Eh…?” I muttered.
”Well, look at the facts. You’ve obtained flight sorcery² and successfully took Princess Liliarette from the Emmeld Kingdom. Now, you have immense financial power. As a neighboring Empire, we are anxious about when that power might be turned toward us,” Listarte explained.
Ah, right. Sardonyx mentioned that since the Demon Forest is my territory, we share a border with them. They were flipping the script—saying they are a neighboring country and that *we* are a threat.
Sardonyx might be able to read the true intent behind these words, but since I didn’t know, I opted for honesty.
”Hahaha… that’s ridiculous. I don’t think relations with the Empire are particularly bad,” I said.
”For now… that is. But from the Empire’s perspective, are you aware that the Magic Labyrinth King-dono is becoming an indirect threat?” Listarte asked.
”What do you mean?” I asked.
”By the Magic Labyrinth King-dono supplying crops to the Republic, that country now gains immense wealth. A part of that capital flows into the Kingdom, influencing the war with the Empire. Besides, there’s also the concern of when those who learned flight sorcery² from you will be deployed in the Republican Army~desuwa,” Listarte explained.
I see… so that’s how the “King” looks from the outside. Cleonora and the others probably realized this, but I didn’t understand until I was told like this.
No matter how much I say “I want to get along with the Empire,” as long as I’m giving profits to the Republic, it’s difficult for them to see me as a true ally. And yeah—there’s also the whole *flight magic paranoia.*
I figured I should at least clear that up.
”I see. However, I have no intention of teaching flight… sorcery to the Republic. It is strictly a skill only for those who live in this land,” I said.
”Can you prove that?” Listarte asked.
”You’ll have to take my word for it. Or would you feel at ease if there was a document?” I replied.
The mask was working wonders. Words I’d never normally say were just flowing out! It felt like I’d actually become the *Magic Labyrinth King!*
”Hehe… I suppose so. Besides, it was a slightly dark topic for a first meeting. To change the subject, Magic Labyrinth King-dono. Won’t you sell crops to the Empire?” Listarte asked.
There it was. The big ask we all knew was coming.
”If you would sell to the Empire, we would buy them for a price even higher than what the Republic offers,” Listarte said.
”It’s a generous offer, but I am indebted to Council Member Lambdaine-dono. For a while longer, I intend to supply only to the Merchant Guild Kelna,” I replied.
”Is that so…” Listarte said.
I wasn’t budging on that line. Thank goodness I’m not hurting for money!
”Regrettable as it is, we have only just met. If I make unreasonable requests from the start, I fear I might be disliked… so I shall take my leave for today,” Listarte said.
”Very well,” I replied.
Thank goodness! I didn’t know what the right response was. I was *more than happy* to see them go.
”However… I had a truly wonderful lunch. Would you mind if I returned tomorrow to express my thanks properly?” Listarte asked.
”Eh…?” I muttered.
Sardonyx was right again—they’d try to secure another appointment. I followed the script we’d prepared.
”…Of course. I’m not always here, but regardless of whether I am present or not, please aim for the noon hour when you come,” I said.
”Oh? Why is that?” Listarte asked.
”This is the Demon Forest. There are no lights, so traveling after dark would be difficult, wouldn’t it? Besides… if you come at noon, I can treat you to lunch again. I want Listarte-sama to enjoy the food of this land too,” I said.
”My…!” Listarte exclaimed.
She looked genuinely thrilled. I guess she really loved the food. Cleonora and Aris always said the food here is better than what royalty and nobility get. When you mix Japanese seasonings with ingredients from another world, the possibilities are endless.
And with that, they left quietly that day.
Next time they come, I wonder if I should prepare some meat for the magic birds…
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Summary:
Shoichi meets Princess Listarte of the Egdia Empire while disguised as the Magic Labyrinth King. The Princess attempts to negotiate for the purchase of his high-quality crops and expresses concern over his flight sorcery. Shoichi maintains his exclusivity with the Republic but agrees to a follow-up meeting after Listarte is charmed by the local cuisine.
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Character Insight:
Shoichi experiences a psychological shift when wearing his mask, finding the confidence to speak as a ruler. Listarte demonstrates political cunning by framing the Empire’s interest as a matter of security, while simultaneously revealing a more genuine side through her love of food.
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Behind the Scenes:
The ‘mask effect’ discussed by the protagonist is a common trope in fiction exploring identity and persona, highlighting how external appearances can influence internal confidence.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Listarte – Judiette’s younger half-sister. A fox beastman sorceress and the only Imperial citizen capable of riding the Skygoon. Have long dark hair. Wearing ornate Imperial princess robes with gold trim.
• Emerald – Magical Girl version of Cleonora. Smaller, side-tailed, green-and-white mini-skirted girl.
• Sard – Magical Girl version of Liliarette. A-cup, wolf cut hair, class guardian knight. Yellowish-red vibe.
• Lambdaine – A powerful Councilor of the Shital Republic and a successful merchant who built his fortune from nothing. He is the grandfather of Iris and Aris.
• Vulcain – Mc’s other name.
• Vectra – A Unique Individual maid with white skin and white hair. Height 170cm, Bust Size D. Class: Duelist. Attribute: Darkness. Weapon: Star-Strike Battle Axe Volkein
• Regdahl – The Emperor of the Egdia Empire. A large beastman with a face reminiscent of a lion-headed demon monster (Gardan) found in the Demon Forest. Features white fur, sharp fangs, and a powerful gaze. Known for a disciplined schedule but also for intentionally releasing his ‘beast nature’ to maintain calm.
• Clary – A rare beastman sorceress and follower of Judiette. Older than Judiette, she speaks bluntly despite the princess’s status. She has light purple hair split in the middle and reaching down to her waist. She is described as having a large bust and wears dresses with loose necklines.
• Shimizu Shoichi – A plain, middle-aged Japanese man with short black hair and brown eyes. He looks worn-out and ordinary. Average build, average height, standing looks like Satoru Mikami from certain series.
• Liliarette – The other Princess, who sacrificed her ability to walk and her sorcery talent to save her sister, Cleonora. She is imprisoned in the East Tower and is being used as a political and monetary pawn by Viorga. C-cup, true golden hair, waist-length hair, the fringe was a slightly blunt, hair on her left side was braided to the chest.
• Cleonora – The second princess. Have a yellow blonde hair. Usually styled as hairbun. D-cup.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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