[SIDE: Diagio]
After the scheduled audiences and meetings concluded, I reviewed the petition letters and budget reports from last month. The budget had increased from the previous time due to magical research and strengthening of magic academies. Reading this line reminded me of Aoi Kornominato, who should currently be touring the Holy City.
Questioning the methods of my predecessor, who relied heavily on saints, I had commissioned investigations and research into other countries’ magic since becoming Emperor. Although I’ve received reports of various achievements, it’s hard to say we’ve caught up to the standards of other major countries. Even our healing magic, said to surpass other nations, relies on the presence of saints. Some, like Glenora, disliked being consumed within the country and disappeared.
I must change the current state of the country somehow.
That’s why I invited the rumored genius mage to the Holy City, but after meeting in person, I became somewhat anxious. Not just the ideology, but also the lack of restraint even when dealing with royalty felt quite unconventional. It’s similar to Crown, who often argues with other court mages. If only Crown could understand politics a little better, he would make an excellent court mage, but things rarely go smoothly.
Aoi had mentioned she would also visit the Magic Academy, so there was a possibility she might meet my daughter, Rose. Rose had become quite difficult in character after being mocked by her siblings for not being able to use healing magic. If Aoi and Rose were to clash, neither would back down, potentially causing some problems. If she had the sociability of my son Hiram, sending her to Fidic Academy might have been an option, but my hesitation only made her feel more out of place.
During a ceremony gathering potential successors from various countries, I had considered connecting her with exceptional individuals from other nations. Particularly, the Court-Highland Federation. Our country primarily conducts diplomacy with the Kingdom of Carvan and the Kingdom of Verted due to our shared borders. This means we rarely have diplomatic relations with the Bushmill Empire, which possesses valuable ores and resources, or the Kingdom of Grandsands, known for producing top-tier weapons and armor. Therefore, I wanted to build an alliance-like relationship with the Court-Highland Federation, which actively engages in diplomacy with all countries. The quickest way would have been through marriage, but Court and Rose didn’t seem to get along well, and we couldn’t create an atmosphere for them to converse properly. While he seemed to remember her, Rose might have forgotten about him. I regret not being able to create a time for them to have a pleasant conversation.
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“…Sigh.”
In this quiet moment, my mind keeps drifting to all these troubling issues.
As I was sighing while lost in these thoughts, someone came hurriedly to my office.
A royal guard received a document from someone outside and walked towards me.
“What is it?”
I called out to the guard who was standing, waiting so as not to disturb my work. He held up the document in front of his chest and answered.
“Gem Westmeath, the Vice Chief Magician of the Court Magicians, requests an audience. There are suspicions that Aoi Konominato, who has come from the Kingdom of Verted, might be a spy. Also, there’s a possibility that Crown Windsor is planning to defect with confidential information from the Holy Empire of Maple Leaf.”
“…A spy? Defection? Very well. Show him in.”
“Yes, sir!”
Upon granting permission for the meeting, the guard quickly turned and opened the door. The long corridor leading to the office came into view, and I could see Gem waiting, flanked by two guards.
If I remember correctly, that man didn’t get along well with Crown. Keeping this point in mind, I raised my hand.
Shortly after, Gem arrived at the office, still surrounded by guards. As per meeting protocol, the guards stood two steps behind and to either side of Gem.
In this position, Gem bowed and began to speak.
“Your Majesty, I am grateful for allowing this sudden audience.”
“Indeed. Now, it seems you’ve brought some rather unsettling news?”
Cutting short the pleasantries, I inquired about the matter at hand. Gem immediately tensed his expression and nodded deeply.
“Yes. Actually, the other day, I confirmed that Crown Windsor was accompanying a faculty member from Fidic Academy. Seeing that magic fanatic not only accept a simple guide role but also engage in enthusiastic conversation, I sensed something was amiss and conducted my own investigation.”
“Investigation? Did you tail them?”
I asked, wondering what he was suddenly talking about, but Gem, maintaining his serious expression, shook his head.
“I’ve heard that Your Majesty has granted special permission to this person named Aoi. I couldn’t make a half-baked report based solely on my own suspicions. Therefore, I contacted various departments and confirmed the contents of the tour. I’ve had reports submitted by those who accompanied them.”
Saying this, he produced four reports. He must have investigated energetically. All four reports had different handwriting, and each included details about the reporter.
“…At the Magic Academy, they showed and introduced magic circles currently under research, and at the Magic Research Lab, they’re allowing access to top-secret healing magic information at a later date? Absurd. I haven’t given permission for anything of that sort.”
As I looked back at him, shocked by the contents of the reports, Gem opened his mouth with a frustrated expression.
“Your Majesty would never give such reckless permission. It’s all the fault of the current Chief Magician and Academy Principal. They’re focused solely on the pursuit of magic, not on the interests or future of the Holy Empire. That’s why they were likely persuaded by this woman Aoi, and Crown.”
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