After the confusing night, finally the day of the Eastern Union conference arrived.
The Sirius Empire Embassy moved to some location following the guidance of the Arion Royal Family.
Apparently, there’s a large basin behind the Royal Palace where an ancient outdoor meeting hall has existed for ages.
“This place has a deep history from before the Eastern Union was even formed. It’s practically an ancient ruin.”
“Hmm. Incredible.”
At Earl’s explanation, I nodded.
Where on earth does this guy get all this information?
Is it because he’s a noble?
He responded with a nonchalant look.
“Noble my foot. At the end of the day, both the Commander and I spent our youth on the battlefield. I just happen to pick up stuff here and there.”
“Yeah, that much is true.”
With roughly this kind of conversation, we soon arrived at the conference venue.
“The air’s great. The atmosphere’s nice too.”
As I took in a deep breath, I could feel how refreshing and clean the air was.
“Ah, now I know why the carriage felt a bit bumpy. We’ve been climbing a mountain road.”
In the middle of a circular forest made up of blue coniferous trees lay a vast basin.
And at its center stood a grand meeting hall built entirely of pure white marble. It definitely had a mythical vibe.
Even someone as clueless as me could tell it had high historical value.
“That is…”
While checking out the terrain, I spotted a tree far off in the distance.
A mysterious tree boasting a size that seemed to reach the heavens.
It looked blurry due to either fog or clouds, but that only added to its mystique.
If a tree this massive could be seen from such a height, it had to be the World Tree.
“That thing’s ridiculously huge.”
“What thing?”
“Why, obviously that tree…”
I stopped mid-sentence as I blinked in surprise.
A girl had somehow appeared next to me, looking at the same spot with her head tilted.
“…Senna?”
“Ng?”
Deep reddish-brown wavy hair.
Shining blue eyes.
And that somewhat vacant smile belonged to none other than Senna Eos, my very familiar student.
But I couldn’t recognize her right away.
She was wearing an unusually pristine white dress—no, it was more like a tunic.
Typically worn by nuns, but Senna’s version wasn’t nearly as modest.
Moreover, the veil on her head was semi-transparent.
Still, despite appearing prim and proper, she exuded an inexplicable holiness.
Truly, she looked every bit the Holy Maiden.
Caught off guard by this sight, I awkwardly asked with a forced laugh.
“Eh… Never seen you in that outfit before?”
“Aww! This is the Holy Maiden Robe! Isn’t it cute? It used to be super boring, but I begged and pleaded until they let me change it!”
She spun around happily, jumping about.
“Hmph…”
Looks like Senna hasn’t changed one bit, no matter how different she looks.
Relieved by her Golden Retriever-like cheerfulness, I finally felt comfortable interacting with her again.
“You. Did you throw a tantrum to come along?”
“G-guess how you found out?!”
Her eyes darted nervously as I gave her a stern look.
She wobbled so much it felt like an earthquake.
Despite teaching her poker face techniques, her emotions were still completely transparent.
Was she really this pure, or did she lack learning ability?
“Sigh.”
“Ah! Hmm, what do you mean? I didn’t throw any tantrums!”
“Too late. Seriously.”
“Hng.”
Now trying to act like a noble lady would never work.
“Anyway, why are you really here? Do you understand the situation?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Even during summer break, our bond remains strong!”
“Do you seriously not want to answer seriously?”
“Joke, or actual ignorance?”
As I glared silently, Senna stuck out her lips.
“It’s the Eastern Union Conference, right? Anyway, we’re just here as ceremonial figures, aren’t we?”
Seemed like she didn’t know anything about the heretics.
All information should have been shared among them, yet why didn’t she know?
Were they hiding it from Senna?
But why? As the Holy Maiden, she held authority second only to the Pope.
This situation was incomprehensible…
“Hii~ Meeting you so early must make Professor happy, right?”
“Yeah. Happy enough to go insane.”
Looking at her cheerful expression, I started to understand.
Senna was still a novice Holy Maiden after all.
“Anyway, stay a little further away. It’d be troublesome if strange rumors start spreading.”
I wasn’t sure how widely known it was that I’m her teacher, but regardless, it’s better if the Holy Maiden isn’t seen clinging to a man.
Especially since in the Holy Country, the Holy Maiden is considered the reincarnation or proxy of the goddess.
Getting entangled with some random guy would likely bring various dangers.
Not that I am…
“What rumors? What are you talking about?”
“Stop pretending. Don’t cause trouble. Go over to the Holy Country side.”
“I’ll go if you tell me what rumors they are. Or should I guess?”
“Why, why are you doing this…!”
Taken aback by Senna’s relentless approach, I glanced around anxiously.
Regardless, she tiptoed closer and whispered into my ear.
“Are we maybe… dating?”
“Keep spouting nonsense?”
Just then…
Ding-
A distant bell rang, signaling the start of the conference.
“Hmph! Just wait and see.”
Watching Senna walk away with a huff, I could only respond with an exasperated expression.
“…What?”
***
The outdoor conference venue, Pamir Quinta, boasts a long history and tradition.
It had been handling the Eastern Union conferences for nine years since the union’s formation.
“This year’s already halfway through. Thankfully, everyone seems fine.”
An adult male with silver streaks in his graying hair began the proceedings. He was King Wolcher Imper of the Iron Nation, Imper Kingdom, renowned for its rich iron mines.
“How much longer must we endure this tiresome gathering…”
Responded a middle-aged woman with prominent frown lines. She was Queen Julitta Valennoth of the Fashion Capital, Valennoth Kingdom, famous for its silk and dye industries.
“Tsk. That’s hurtful. Some people look forward to this seat quite a lot.”
A stout man with a protruding belly smirked. He was King August Ricott of the Agricultural Nation, Ricott Kingdom, celebrated for its vast plains and renowned cuisine.
“Right. I assume you prepared today’s banquet, August?”
“Of course! Naturally!”
“That sounds delightful.”
Underneath dark eyebrows, blue eyes twinkled as their owner licked his lips. He was King Chandra Kaguru of the Mercenary Nation, Kaguru Kingdom, where most citizens were mercenaries due to their barren land.
Enjoying their light-hearted banter, Wolcher turned his gaze and spoke.
“However… Where might His Majesty Arion IV be? The Queen is present.”
At his words, all kings’ gazes converged on one place.
On the highest seat sat a woman who had remained silent until now: Queen Sara.
“Yes. His Majesty caught a cold from last night’s chill, it seems. Since Arigon, the host nation, couldn’t be absent, I’ve come in his stead.”
Her sunlit pink hair shimmered.
The yellow-tinted, seductive eyes caused involuntary coughs among the kings.
It wasn’t solely due to her eyes; Queen Sara’s revealing dress prominently showcased her assets.
“Surely you aren’t uncomfortable having me here?”
“Hmm, certainly not.”
King Wolcher shook his head, barely tearing his eyes away from Queen Sara’s cleavage.
“For His Majesty Arion IV, I shall send a remedy for his cold.”
Unlike Wolcher, August continued to stare at Queen Sara’s chest while smiling.
“Ah! Thank you, Your Majesty. With your help, His Majesty will surely recover quickly.”
“Cough, we’re allies, aren’t we? We should exchange what we can.”
“Nevertheless, this attire doesn’t seem appropriate for a conference.”
Julitta interjected with a glare.
“Perhaps something more formal would have been better?”
“Oh dear, forgive me. I ordered this dress imported from Valennoth Kingdom, but I mistakenly got the wrong size. Still, I loved it so much I just had to wear it…”
Helplessly explaining herself, Julitta shut her mouth upon recognizing the designer’s masterpiece she had praised earlier.
Hadn’t noticed it was so ill-fitting on the model back then.
“Hmm, well… I’ll send the correct size when I return.”
“Thank you so much. I always love wearing them.”
“We appreciate it. It’s an honor to have the queen favor our designs.”
Sara’s flirtatious glance made Julitta’s heart flutter involuntarily.
A charm irresistible even to women.
Breaking the awkward atmosphere, Chandra clapped softly and refreshed the surroundings.
“Well, how have everyone’s recent affairs been? It’s been months since the war with the barbarians ended. Surely things have improved?”
“Yep, breathing room has opened up a bit.”
“With the reconstruction progressing steadily.”
“True. Though those cursed devil worshippers are running rampant.”
Voices chimed in from all corners, making the conference hall lively in no time.
The long war against the barbarians had brought nothing good to the many nations involved.
During the Eastern Union’s discussions, two relatively isolated countries stood out:
Sirius Empire and the Holy Country.
“Long time no see, Pope Alberto.”
Theron greeted warmly first, as even the crown prince of an empire needed to show respect to this old man.
“Well, I’ve always lived comfortably thanks to the efforts of devout individuals. Isn’t it simply due to this old man enjoying luxury?”
Pope Saint Alberto, the supreme ruler of the Holy Country dedicated solely to serving God, bore an unassuming presence contrary to his renown.
His warm smile, nearly bald head, and deeply wrinkled face resembled a farmer from the countryside rather than a pope.
Yet Theron bowed respectfully, sensing the subtle divine power emanating from him.
“It’s been a long time since I saw you as a child. Thanks to you, I’ve remained healthy.”
“Hehe, how could that be my doing? It’s thanks to your own efforts, Crown Prince. Living soundly must be the grace of the Goddess.”
“I keep striving, but it’s not easy. By the way, it’s been quite a while since you left. Wouldn’t it be nice to see you more often?”
“What good would it do for an old man like me to venture out frequently? These days, I find it frightening to go outside. My joints ache terribly with age. Perhaps the world runs smoother while I remain confined within the Vatican.”
Though spoken casually, Theron understood the hidden meaning in the Pope’s words.
When the world is peaceful, he doesn’t leave.
In other words, he’s come now because it’s not peaceful.
Meaning, something is about to happen.
Changing the subject with a still-smiling face, Theron asked,
“I hear the Holy Maiden put in a lot of effort to come here. Was there a particular reason you insisted on bringing her?”
“Hehe, how could I stop such a charming child from being playful? You’ll understand when you have children someday, Crown Prince.”
At this playful remark, Alberto’s Holy Maiden standing behind him hurriedly whispered,
“A-ah! When did I ever…!”
“Aww, calling me ‘Grandpa’ was all fine and dandy, huh?”
“I-I’ve never done that! Really!”
“Denying it won’t help. The footage is all there.”
“When did…!”
“How can one suppress the fiery passion of youth? Back when I was your age, I too experienced such ardent love.”
“Aaaah!”
Seeing Senna throwing a tantrum to block Alberto’s words, Theron chuckled.
“You have a very adorable disciple. Must have been fun at the Academy.”
“…Cough.”
Allen merely cleared his throat.
Summoning him with a finger flick, Theron quietly whispered,
“So Lux is still your main squeeze, right?”
“…What nonsense are you spouting?”
“Hahaha.”
Laughing at Allen’s shocked reaction, Theron sighed softly.
“Phew, it’d be great if everything ends without incident.”
The High Priest of Lust or whatever, once the empire finishes reorganization, fighting later would be more advantageous.
However, Theron’s hopes weren’t easily fulfilled.
Far off, sitting somewhere, Queen Sara dropped a troubling statement.
“Let’s consider evolving into something deeper, shall we?”
“Hmm? What do you mean, Queen Sara?”
Wolcher tilted his head in confusion while other kings also looked puzzled.
“Instead of meeting only once a year as we do now… If all our allied nations unite our strength…”
“…Dangerous.”
Allen muttered under his breath.
Theron focused seriously on Queen Sara.
“Can’t our empire handle it sufficiently?”
“What…”
“Hooh…”
“…”
Some were flustered, others showed interested expressions, and some remained silent.
Julitta frowned and questioned Sara,
“Could you clarify what exactly you mean by that?”
Queen Sara… No, High Priestess of Lust, Libido Urtica, emitted a seductive gaze.
“How long will we keep living under the empire’s watch? Now that external enemies are gone… Isn’t it time to unleash our ambitions?”
Upon finishing her sentence, Libido’s eyes transformed.
They split horizontally like a goat’s.
Simultaneously, an unusual aura swept through the conference hall.
“Uh oh…! Close your eyes!”
Allen urgently shouted, but it was too late for the kings already fixated on Libido.
“Too late. Singularities. So you knew my true identity, huh?”
Smiling seductively, Libido’s dress turned crimson red.
Allen bit his lip and stepped in front of Theron.
“What have you done, High Priestess?”
“My name is Libido Urtica. High Priestess of Lust.”
Libido rose from her seat and snapped her fingers.
The Arigon royal guards surrounding the conference hall aimed their spears at her.
“Let’s play together, shall we?”
Her blood-red lips curved into a wicked smile.
