Volume 2 Chapter 25 Adultery vs. Adultery
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Apocalypse Empire, which is located next to the Zerlant Kingdom ruled by Queen Asuka of Elf, is ruled by a demon tribe, and although there have been occasional minor disputes between the two kingdoms throughout their long history, there have been no major conflicts and they have continued to respect each other in their own way as neighbors.
About five hundred years ago, when the current emperor, Balmstra, ascended to the throne, the Empire was at war with the country of the Spirit Race, which shares a border with the opposite side of Zerlant.
The Spirit Race had originally been the native inhabitants of the continent, but over time, they were pushed to the edges of the land by the Elves and Demons.
They had long hoped to reclaim the lands they lost.
The war was initially evenly matched, but the Zerlant Kingdom, fearing the Empire might lose and their borders would be shared with the Spirit Race, formed a military alliance with the Empire.
They established a joint military research facility as a symbol of their alliance.
Based on the research results there, the Empire gained the upper hand in the battle and eventually reached a ceasefire with the Spirit Race.
As research at the military facility advanced, the existence of alternate worlds became clearer.
It was inevitable that some would attempt to use these discoveries for military purposes.
In the small fortress in the mountains of the Empire, a middle-aged Elf and a short demon man are discussing.
”So, what’s the situation over there?”
”Yes. I stirred things up with the nobles using Queen Asuka’s adultery as a topic, and it seems there are quite a few nobles dissatisfied with her. We should be able to win over some influential nobles soon. If that happens, it won’t be a dream for you to impeach the queen and make a comeback, Lord Asunabal.”
”Hahaha. I hope it goes that smoothly… It’s annoying, but Bear failed to deal with Aaron. However, Aaron no longer has the power or ambition he once had. Let’s proceed without worry. But slowly.”
”Also, about the gate… it’s not going too well on our side, but we dealt significant damage to theirs, so our technological advantage won’t waver for a while.”
”What? The domestic travel gate was successful, right? It doesn’t seem that different from the one for other worlds…”
”No, no. The energy and mana used are on a different level. While there’s plenty of mana available here in this world, it’s not the same in that other world… We lost several decent researchers in the accident during the experiment 2 years ago.”
”Hmm. However, the weapons and technology of those humans, as well as military cooperation with them, are essential to our goals. Please complete the interdimensional gate as soon as possible, General Peacock.”
”I understand. Leave it to me.”
* * *
When I left Kashiwagi Manor with the alchemy team and arrived at the Royal Capital, I thought the protest against the queen would have calmed down, but the reality was the opposite.
As soon as we passed through the gates of the Royal Capital, there were flyers everywhere, loudly proclaiming the queen’s adultery.
I thought, “This is bad,” and hurried to the Royal Palace to speak with Puruun.
When Puruun came out, I saw her face…
oh no.
She looked quite worn out.
There were dark circles under her eyes, and her hair wasn’t neatly done.
”Ellulu… thank you for your hard work coming from so far. So, how was it?”
”How was it? What is going on? The whole town is covered in protest flyers!”
”Oh, that? No matter how many we take down, it feels endless, and if we get too aggressive about removing them, they say the Royal Palace is trying to cover up the truth… It’s a mess, and we’ve pretty much given up on it for now. So… what happened over there? How’s Mama Akari? Karin?”
”They were sad… but they won’t give up. Lord Aaron is also offering support.”
”I see. I’m sorry for putting you in such a tough position. And what about Melon?”
”Her belly was already quite noticeable. The other mages came back with me, but MelMel is still at the manor continuing her research… She hasn’t given up hope.”
”That’s good to hear.”
”Still, Puruun, you look terrible. You should at least fix your makeup once during the day.”
”Ah, that’s true, but… some lords are coming out who aren’t following the queen’s decree, and the Senate is even suggesting putting the queen on leave temporarily and having Sir Yōmo step in. I’m running around trying to manage all that with the big shots.”
”Wow, thanks for your hard work. Ah, and here, a letter I received from everyone.”
”Thanks! I’ll read it when I have some free time.”
”Take care of yourself then.”
I said that and left the Royal Palace, but feeling so sorry for Puruun, I started tearing down the rude flyers I noticed on my way back to my shop.
* * *
”So, about the decree, Lord Mihail went to persuade them as an imperial envoy, right?”
”Yes. He managed to get them to listen directly. But if we keep dealing with each one individually like this, everyone will be worn out.”
The Chancellor Rainsheyn looked at me (Puruun) sympathetically as I complained.
”That head secretary… I’m really sorry to ask this, but just between us… there’s nothing about the queen suddenly having a miscarriage, right?”
”?? Chancellor. What on earth are you… no, no, that’s not possible. Elves can’t terminate a pregnancy for religious reasons! Besides, it’s illegal.”
”Well, it’s just an accident, but… once the situation with the baby is settled, this matter might become easier to handle…”
”What are you saying? At the very least, the queen and Yuuta genuinely love each other and conceived a child. I absolutely won’t accept calling it an accident!!”
”That’s true… I mean, that was a slip of the tongue. Please forget it.”
Saying that, the Chancellor awkwardly excused himself.
That night, just as the date was about to change, I finally made it to my room.
Ah, I have to wake up early again tomorrow…
I thought that, but I was so tired my body wouldn’t listen.
But I have to at least take a shower…
if the head secretary smelled bad, it would affect the royal family’s dignity.
I somehow managed to take off my jacket and throw it on the table… oh, this.
Everyone’s letters… I’ll read them after I shower.
I left the letters on the table and took a shower, then, with my hair still wet and just in my shorts, I sat down on a chair next to the table and read everyone’s letters.
This is Karin. Haha, even though she’s supposed to be left-handed, she’s pretty good.
I see. Believing that her dad will come back someday, she’ll wait nicely with Sir Aaron until then…
I wonder if she could be a good wife for him. And this is Melon.
What’s up with her? She hasn’t told Karin about the father of her baby yet… but I guess it can’t be helped.
Will Karin understand when she grows up? And finally, this is Mama Akari…
it’s quite thick.
I opened the envelope and looked through it, but… what is this!?
There were harmless updates about Kashiwagi manor, Sir Aaron, Karin, and Melon, but at the end, something outrageous was written.
’…PurPur. I don’t even know when Yuuta will come back. In this situation where I don’t even know if he’s alive or dead, I feel so lonely that I might die. So, I willingly want to be with Sir Aaron. I truly feel sorry for Karin, but I’m just an old lady, and I think Sir Aaron will get tired of me soon, so it would be good for Karin to get along with him afterward.’
Wait!? Mama Akari. Did she go crazy over Yuuta?
The letter continued, so I read on.
’If that’s the case, this is also a proper affair, right? With this, Yuuta and I are even, but if Yuuta were here, he would definitely get angry and divorce me. If that happens… it wouldn’t be a problem if Yuuta and the queen got married, right?’
The part about “if that happens…” was clearly wet with tears.
Mama Akari, what is this… I could feel my hand holding Mama Akari’s letter getting sweaty.
No way… Mama Akari.
”You don’t have to go that far!!”
I stood up from my chair and shouted loudly.
But… ah. It’s that person.
They must have already taken action…
Knowing them, they would be more concerned about the people around them than themselves…
Damn it! What should I do?
Ah, but… to respond to Mama Akari’s feelings, who sacrificed so much for me…
”Alright, got it! I’m going to brace myself too. Mama Akari, I’ll take advantage of your kindness!!”
I can’t just sleep now.
The drowsiness has completely vanished.
I need to prepare materials so I can persuade everyone at the Royal Palace first thing in the morning.
I put on my clothes and headed to the Royal Palace.
* * *
”So, Chief Secretary. You look quite intense… Did you finish this overnight?”
Chancellor Rainsheyn stared at my face in surprise. Ah, stop it. I didn’t put on any makeup after my shower last night, I’m completely bare-faced…
”Yes, Chancellor. I’m really sorry to Mama Akari, but I’m going to make this widely known.”
”But won’t Sir Aaron be angry? And Mr. Yuuta too…”
”It’ll be fine, right? Even if Sir Aaron gets mad, he doesn’t have much power. And Yuuta… he’ll probably praise me for doing well. Anyway, I don’t want to waste Mama Akari’s feelings!!”
”…Understood. I’ll quickly duplicate this and distribute it to all the lords and territories.”
Saying that, Chancellor Rainsheyn held up the homemade materials from Puruun, which had bold text stating,
’The Yuuta couple of Kashiwagi Manor have already broken up! The wife, who had been having an affair with the lord, and Yuuta have already finalized their divorce, and the Senate has recognized that the relationship between Yuuta and the queen does not constitute adultery!!’.
”Ah, Chancellor. Make sure to put the royal seal on it, okay?”
I said as I slumped down on the spot.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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