The situation in King's Landing was the same as usual. However, it was the day that Iris and I, along with a few knights, welcomed the inspection team from the Empire.
The "Orenso" section - located on the side of the Empire, this section has a strong defense by the "Holy Armor Knights".
　Even though they are ostensibly a friendly nation, in the end, it is obvious that they are always on guard.

Are you feeling nervous?
...... A little. But I'm fine.

　My question is answered by Iris.
　He was dressed in a slightly overdressed knightly attire. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　In the background are several people, including the Kuro Wolf Knights--Iris and I will be standing by the side of Ena Baudel, the daughter of the Imperial Marshal.
　From the Imperial side, there will be several other nobles coming.
　Knights from various parts of the world will be guarding her, but the biggest name of all will be Aena.
　After all, she is the daughter of the head of the military--if anything happens to her, it could become a diplomatic issue.

(I guess I should be a little more enthusiastic...!)

　As I was thinking about this, I suddenly felt a presence approaching me.
　I didn't expect anyone to come towards me while the knights were waiting.

I'm not sure what to make of this.　I'm sure there was no such information.

　At least, there is no report of any suspicious activity.
　Of course, the investigation in the kingdom was carried out more carefully because of the arrival of the imperial inspection team.
　How could someone come here when the inspection team had not yet arrived?
　It seems that Iris has also noticed this, and quickly takes a precautionary stance.

"Sir, ......!
I don't think he's sending a message.

　I'm not sure what to make of this. You can't see her face because she's wearing a hat.
　The knights who were waiting behind her took a stance at once.

I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm not sure what to do.
You are .　You are .......

　Iris seemed to have noticed something.
　It's a good idea to take a look at the web site of the company you're working for.
　The girl stood up quickly, looked at us, and declared clearly.

"That's right. I am Ensign Aena Baudel of the Falmea Imperial Army...!
"......?

　I'm a member of the Falmea Imperial Army, Ensign Aena Bodle!
　You can't hide your surprise at the suddenness of it all.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　Aena, for some reason, remained rigid and seemed to be at a loss for words.

"What, what, what ......?
"Uh, ......?
What's wrong?
No, it's ......
(...... Are you saying that you tried to appear cool and forgot your lines?

　Aena's overly theatrical appearance made me think of such a thing.
　As we were puzzled, another presence approached us.
　The one who came late was a girl also wearing the uniform of the Imperial Army.

I'm sorry. This is Ensign Aena Baudel. I am Mercier Altina, Master Aena's bodyguard and direct subordinate. My rank is Adjutant. Please make my acquaintance.

　This is a polite, normal greeting.
　This is a polite and normal greeting, and Iris is surprised by the gap between this and the previous one, but she continues with an aghast expression.

I am ...... Iris Reinfell. I will be your guide this time.
"You must be Iris. You must be Iris, the daughter of the Reinfels - I've heard so much about you. And you are?
Alta Schweizer. The Schweizer family is a local noble family, but I'm here to serve as your valet. I was wondering if you would allow me to accompany you.

　After Iris, I also greeted her.
　The girl who appeared in place of the frozen Aena, Mercier, nodded.

I understand, Master Alta. And please wait a moment.

　Mercier then approached Aena.
　She whispered something in Aena's ear, and as if Aena had regained consciousness.

I'm a little surprised. I'm a little surprised by something.
"Surprised about what?
"Never mind, Iris.
Master Aena, you are dealing with one of the most respected families in the kingdom. You can't behave like that. ......
"Mmm, you're going to show me around. I'm going to ask you to show me around. Wouldn't it be easier to talk to him if you were a little less formal?

　As if asking a question, Aena looks at Iris.
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.



"...... Well. If that's okay with you, I'll call you Aena.
"Well, thank you for being so adaptable. Well, let's find a place to settle down and have a chat first.
It seems that the rest of the delegation hasn't arrived yet. It seems that the other inspectors haven't arrived yet. ...... Or rather, they've been here for quite a while.

　I couldn't help but let my true feelings leak out.
　At any rate, from here you can see the carriages even if they are some distance away.
　The fact that you can't even see them means that they probably arrived in the kingdom earlier than they were supposed to.
　I don't know what their purpose was, but I don't think they did it just to make a grand appearance.

(......) He even came unnoticed by the other knights. I'm sure you're very skilled.

　The information from the Imperial side has reached my ears as well.
　Aena Baudel is the daughter of the Imperial Marshal, but because she is his daughter, she is not a member of the military.
　It is said that she herself is a skilled soldier.
　She has emerged at a young age, and even though she is a woman, it is said that she will undoubtedly stand at the center of the imperial military in the future - if she and Iris, who is in an important position in the kingdom, can be successfully connected, it will have a great impact on the friendship between the two countries.
　In that sense, it was meaningful for Iris and Aena to meet like this. I'm not sure why ....... I'm not sure why Aena doesn't look at me as much as she should.

...... Don't worry about the rest of them. You'll be separated from them anyway.
As you can see, we're the only ones coming ahead of you. ...... I'm sorry, but I was wondering if you could show us the way.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
　I signaled to the knights in the back.
　There are several knights who belong to the same Kuro Wolf Knights as me who will be guarding Aena.
　The ones closest to Aena will be me and Iris.
　For now, if that's what Aena wants, I'll just go along with it.

"Well, Iris and I will show you the way. This way.
...... Oh, thank you very much.

　It turned out differently than expected, but Iris and I began our work.
　For about three days we would be accompanying Aena on her inspection tour.