140 The Visit of a New Storm





 The seasons are flying by. As Madame Magnom had predicted, the Red Rose Faction and the Peony Faction had their own quarrels about the new order of precedence in the palace, but the reality was that the treatment was not so different. However, it did not develop into a big fuss as I was prepared for.
 When the entourage returned to the inner palace, there was a heated debate going on day and night in the outer palace over the letter from the Stanza Empire. However, considering the current state of affairs in the Kingdom of Ergeland, it would not be wise to refuse the Stanza Empire's goodwill mission.
 In the end, it was decided that the Marquis of Stresia, who had studied in the Empire, would act as a go-between and accept the Stanza delegation at the start of the social period (season), although this was unheard of.
 While the outer court was in an uproar preparing for the first ever reception of a state guest, the inner court quietly began educating Shayla as a full-fledged queen - and the light moon, as the name implies, left at the speed of light.

(The light moon is already over. ...... The social season will come again.)

 As she gazed out over the gardens of the Inner Palace, Diana thought back to this time last year, and felt anew the intensity of the past year.
 --Incidentally, the Inner Palace and the Outer Palace were busy in their own ways, but Diana was not involved in any of them. After returning to the inner palace, she calmed down the Red Roses' concubines who were confused by the new order, but after that, she had almost nothing to do. The only thing she did was report, communicate, and consult, but whether it was the matter with the Stanza Empire or Shayla's education as a queen, Diana had little to do. The most she could do was to invite Shayla to tea from time to time so that Shayla would not work too hard. Although she has been asked to be a lecturer when Shayla's education course finishes the basics of behavior and enters the real field of classroom learning.
 As such, Deanna has been taking frequent walks in the name of patrolling the palace, which has become her habit when she has free time. Since Madame Magnom had put in a rather serious renovation, the structure of the lower floors, if not the upper ones, had changed quite a bit. In order to understand the structure of the building, I have been looking around here and there with Rita as my companion whenever I find time.
 It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life and what you can do to help. ...... I remember doing the same thing last year and laughing a little, and Rita, who was standing behind me, tilted her head and asked me a question.

You're laughing all of a sudden, what's wrong?
It's nothing. I was just remembering that last year, I went on an adventure like this in the palace and was found everywhere, and every time there was a strange rumor.
"Oh, yes, there were. There were a lot of bad and scary rumors going around for nothing.
I was impressed with the imagination of the person who thought up the rumor that he was going to train a little bird with an injured wing to be a messenger bird.

 In this world, there is a right and wrong way to do everything. Even though Deanna can interact with all life, it doesn't mean that everyone will do anything for her if she asks. Birds do not have a long-lasting short-term memory, so they are not suitable for a request such as "I want you to deliver this letter to where I am. In fact, birds are not very good at asking you to deliver a letter to a certain place, unless you have trained them from the time they were chicks, using their imprinting instincts, like the Ex-bird.
 I think it's because I was thinking back to ....... I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. I'm sure you've been thinking about it for a while.

It just fell, didn't it?
It did.

 When I turned my attention to it, I heard a voice crying "Maa! When I turned my attention to the scene, I could hear her crying from around the spot where she fell. I laughed and walked up to the base of the tree. I walked through the grass and looked for the owner of the voice that had fallen.
 It didn't take her long to find a newborn bird chick, its fluffy fur quivering, and she looked up at Rita, who was searching with her.

There she is. It must have fallen out of the nest.
Does she look okay?
"I think it was just the fur and the grass underneath that cushioned me. Wings and legs are fine.
I'm glad to hear that. ...... How are we going to get her back? It's hard for me to climb a tree like this, let alone you, Deanna.

 I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. It's not a big deal if you climb up a tree and get a few stains or tears, because the dress you always wear at Cresta has no decoration at all. It's also important to note that Rita's maidservant uniform was loaned to her by the royal palace, so she couldn't treat it poorly.
 I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

(Can you hear my voice? One of the chicks fell out of your nest. It's going to be hard to get it back, so if you hear my voice, could you please come down?

 There was no sign of the chicks in the nest, but the parents were not far away. She hoped that if Deanna "called" them, they might notice her.
 She stroked her feathers to soothe the chicks in her hands as they chirped.

(Don't worry. Your mother and father will be here soon.
Mom, Dad, are you coming?
Yeah, they're coming. --Here.

 There's the sound of wings flapping. Get up and look up.
 Two small birds of the kaga species, whose fur is brown and only the feathers and tail feathers are white, and which are widespread throughout the kingdom of Ergeland, descend together, and I hold out my arm to catch them.

You wanted to see us, sir?
Yes. She's your child, isn't she?
Yes, sir.
You fell from the nest. Thank you for saving him.
I just happened to see it fall. We were able to find it, but we couldn't get it back to the nest.
That's why you called us. Thank you for your kindness, princess.

 ...... If I were to describe the conversation in human terms, it would probably go something like this. Perhaps it's because the "lives" of King's Landing have been living on the side of humans for a long time, but it's still easier to communicate with them than in other areas. Compared to the people of Cresta, they're a bit more rigid.
 Two of the mating pair worked together with their legs and beaks to hold the chicks, and then slowly climbed back up to the nest. Deanna breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the three birds arrive at the nest without falling.

"Well, that went well, didn't it?
"Did you call for me at ......?
I wasn't sure if you could hear me or not, but just in case. I wasn't sure if you could hear me, but I figured you wouldn't be too far away, considering how small Kaga's territory is.
You're as insane as ever, .......
But still, it's not as loud as Crestor Woods. If I wanted to, I could reach all the forests in that area.


"Well, ......, Diana, you were born and raised in this place, and familiarity is a big part of it, isn't it?
Yes, indeed.

 It's not only that Deanna is accustomed to it, but the fact that the Cresta itself is accustomed to the "voice" of the Princess of the Forest may be a big factor. Deanna is the first Princess of the Forest to be born into this world in hundreds of years, but to the trees living in the forest, hundreds of years ago seems like only a short time ago. They don't forget her voice just because they haven't heard it for a while.
 After confirming the safety of their chicks, the pair of kaga fly away from the nest again. As they were leaving, two of them flew in a circle above Diana's head to express their gratitude. Deanna waved in response and stretched lightly.

It's been a longer walk than I expected. Rita, it's time to--

 You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

(Look at ......?)

 Rita must have noticed the same thing at about the same time that Deanna did. We both look towards the corridors of the palace.

 Until the chicks fell, the corridor was indeed empty.
 Now, however, we see several figures in the corridor, and they are all approaching us.
 This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing.
 Because...

I'm sorry to interrupt your walk.

 I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it.
 They were all men that Diana had never seen before, except for one: .......

"Hello, Mrs. Magnum. Hello, Mrs. Magnum. It's quite a lively day again.

 Deanna smiled her "red rose" smile at Madame Magnom as she led the group in. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea. Who are those people behind you?
 Mrs. Magnom responded with a much more cheerful smile than usual, which was very unusual for ...... her.

Yes, that's right. I'm sorry to have disturbed you.
It's okay, don't worry about it.

 While smiling, Deanna's nerves jumped up and down. Mrs. Magnum, whose personality is known for not moving her facial expressions much, speaks cheerfully all the way through. This meant that she needed to speak cheerfully.
 For example, when there is a troublesome "guest" who makes a fuss about the rudeness of a person's facial expression. A person as good as Mrs. Magnom would be able to sense the degree of annoyance of the other person in an instant without being told anything, and would be able to minimize the flaws that might be exploited. Not with words, but with attitude, Madame Magnom urged caution in response to Diana's question.
 That's how careful Madame Magnom was when she was "guiding" the group.

"Good day to you, sir. Please forgive me for disturbing you so unexpectedly during your walk.
"Please raise your head, Lord Strasia. You don't need to apologize to me, my lord.

 A distinctive voice that sounds beautiful even when spoken normally. Although the pitches are different, the owner of the voice that resembles my daughter's is none other than the current Marquis of Stresia - Riah's father. He is the only person in this group that Diana knows by name and face.
Without losing the smile of the Red Rose, Diana spoke to the Marquis of Stresia.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had to deal with this. I am grateful to you, Miss ......, for all the care you have given me.
It's a shame. I'm sure I've caused you a lot of trouble because I'm not a very good daughter. ......
No way. I'm the one who's always been helped by you.

 I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"By the way, Marquis of Stresia. By the way, my Lord Stracia, is there something you wish to see me about today?
"No, sir. I'm in the process of showing you all around the palace as a liaison.
"Well, ......

 For the first time, Diana expressed a slight surprise and glanced "knowingly" at the group behind her that the Marquis of Stresia had indicated. She had been observing them without looking at them before, but this was the first time that Diana had turned her gaze towards them.

This is the first time that Deanna turned to them. This is the Stanza Empire Goodwill Mission that entered the capital today. The one in the center is the representative of the delegation, His Imperial Highness the 18th Prince of the Stanza Empire.

 In response to the formal introduction, Diana simply kept silent and performed the highest form of royal courtesy. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.
 In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. The decorative strings were braided with gold and silver threads, and I thought they would look beautiful in the strong sunlight.
 Among the similar white long robes, it was obvious who the group was, with the tall man in the center wearing the most gorgeous costume. Their clothes, their skin color, everything is different from the people of El Grande.
 While bowing quietly on the surface, Diana's brain was spinning at high speed.

(A delegation from the Stanza Empire? (The Stanza Empire's delegation was reported to be approaching the capital, but according to the ...... schedule, they were supposed to enter the capital in time for the opening night of the social season next week.

 In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. It's a great way to get to know the people you're working with.

 --It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. The Marquis of Strelia immediately added, "You may fix it, sir. The Marquis of Strelia immediately adds, "You may fix it." He returns to his posture, averts his gaze, and waits for the next reaction.

I am Exiga Athar Stanzaum, the Eighteenth Prince of the Stanza Empire. State your name.
"My Master Red Rose. As I said before, let me introduce myself again. This is Prince Exiga Athar Stanzaum the 18th of the Stanza Empire. His Highness wishes to know the name of the Red Rose.


Thank you, Marquis of Stresia.

 I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been so impressed with your work. ...... Being a liaison is an incredibly hard job, Deanna thought, feeling deeply, deeply pained by this exchange alone.
 It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

Welcome to the Kingdom of Elgrand. His Royal Highness Prince Exiga Athar Stanzaum. My name is Deanna Crester. I am in the Red Rose Room at the palace of His Majesty King Juke of Elgrand.

 Flowing and gliding. For the first time in my life, I'm speaking stanza to a local. The Marquis of Stresia, who was in between us, and Master Magnum, who was standing behind him, rolled their eyes, held their breath, and stared at Diana.
 I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm sure you'll be able to remember at least a few of the words, since you knew two months ago that the Stanza Empire was coming. If you have other things to do, you can still do them, but you were basically free during the "homecoming" and after returning to the palace.

 The secret of smooth communication depends on how much you can be yourself to the other person. Just as you can change the way you dress, act, and speak to the people, Diana doesn't have the option of not changing her language when dealing with the people of the Stanza Empire.
 And this time, she had almost two months to prepare. Since she had distant relatives living in the Stanza Empire, the basement of the Cresters' house was well stocked with materials for learning the Stanza language. Deanna, whose desire for knowledge is 'in the realm of the bewildered', thinks that it would be impossible not to learn in this environment.
 There are a number of reasons why Deanna showed off her stanza language at the beginning of her speech.

I'm sorry about that. I didn't think that a princess from the Kingdom of Ergeland, and in a place like the Inner Palace, would have a deep knowledge of the Stanza language. Are you self-taught? Your pronunciation is quite beautiful.
"It is a great honor to be recognized by His Imperial Highness the Prince of Stanza. Your Highness speaks Elgrand very well, doesn't he?
"Yes. As the eighteenth prince, most of the important jobs have been taken by my older brothers. There's nothing for him to do but study.
That's wonderful. Learning is what enriches your life and expands your world. It must be reassuring for you and your brothers to know that you are studious.

 The prince spoke smoothly in Elgrande, and Diana responded by switching her words to Elgrande. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm not sure what to do.

I'm sure you'll agree. ...... As per the prior information, it seems that the 18th prince of Stanza is quite a sharp man.

 --In the Stanza Empire, there are distant relatives of the Crester family who still gather information about the empire and regularly deliver it to the Crester family in the Kingdom of Ergeland. Ostensibly traders, they maintain broad and shallow connections with merchant families in the Stanza Empire, and are always on the lookout for a wide range of information. Some of the merchants they deal with supply goods to the Imperial Palace in Stanza. From there, they receive some information about the current situation of the Imperial Family of Stanza.
 According to this information, the current Emperor of the Stanza Empire has twenty princes and twenty-five princesses, and among the princes and princesses who have been called outstanding, there is the name of the eighteenth prince, Exiga. Although he does not hold any important position in the imperial palace, his enthusiasm for study is outstanding among the princes and princesses, and he is overwhelmingly supported by scholars, research institutions, and engineers in Japan. It is said that he has a deep knowledge of all academic fields, and is especially gifted in languages, and can speak all the languages of the surrounding countries. He is said to have a deep knowledge of all academic fields, and is especially gifted in languages, and can speak all the languages of neighboring countries. ...... If he is such a person, he would be the perfect representative for a goodwill mission to other countries.
 However. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that it was worth the trip all the way to the Ergeland Kingdom to meet a princess like you.
"Well... Your Highness not only speaks Elgrand, but is also very good with women.

 No matter how harmonious the conversation, there is always an unseen battle going on.

 --There are several reasons why the prince, who is fluent in Elgrande, has dared to interact with the Elgrandeans through the Marquis of Stresia, but his main goal must be to catch us off guard. If we let the Stanza Empire's delegation think that we don't understand Ergeland, someone might reveal some important information in front of them. Just by hiding the fact that you understand the language, you can gain an overwhelming advantage in intelligence warfare.
 And, at the same time, by acting pompously in stanzas in Elgrande, he would give the impression of "foreign royalty. Taking advantage of the fact that the Marquis of Stresia had softened his pompous tone, he tried to establish the fact that the Stanza Empire was superior to the Kingdom of Ergeland by his behavior alone. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

 It's a good idea to have a good friend who can help you. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
 There's no way I can be so foolish as to just sit back and watch.
 As long as the existence of the Marquis of Stresia is known to the Stanza Empire, it is pointless to use the same kind of covert warfare to hide the fact that you can understand the language. If that's the case, it would be better to let them know at first sight that there is someone on the royal side of the Kingdom of Ergeland who is fluent in the Stanza language, and silently attack the "goodwill ambassador" to the utmost degree of rudeness. If you're dealing with the Marquis of Stresia or other nobles, you can be forgiven for behaving like a royal vassal (although you should be criticized for your lack of consideration for the royal families of other countries). She is a person who is instantly recognizable as a member of the royal family or a member of the royal family. It was clearly the prince's fault for treating such a person as a "vassal.
 Yes. Diana had just stabbed the Stanza Empire's side with a smile of the highest order. Don't underestimate the Kingdom of Elgrand too much. At the same time, she also informed them that Diana could understand the Stanza language and that she would not allow them to do anything in the palace. I can speak your language, but you can't speak a single word of Elgrand, even though you're goodwill ambassadors? I can speak your language.
 He was also trying to measure the prince's ability by seeing how he would respond to his attack.

"King Elgrande has a good eye when it comes to marrying a woman of your caliber.
I'm not even close to being a match for you. There are many in this court who are better than I am. --Of course, I can't shake the fact that His Majesty the King is a wonderful man who has earned the respect and love of all of them.

 He immediately switched to Elgrande and began to lift up Diana and Juke, leaving no doubt that he was a man with a sense of balance in politics. The prince is trying to protect his position as a "goodwill ambassador" even though he has abandoned his overwhelming advantage in intelligence warfare by hiding the fact that he understands Elgrand. In short, he is trying to get Diana to concede, saying, "I've shown you my cards, so don't attack me any more. If Diana reports to Juke the truth about Prince ......'s rudeness, it will be enough reason for him to immediately send the group back to the stanza, so it is understandable that he is desperate.
 Diana smiles back at the prince as he lays out his rhetoric, and she simply passes it on. Even though she is smiling, there is no "fruit" in her words. I understand what you're trying to do, and what you're trying to do to my country. I know what you want and what you're doing to my country.

"Princess Diana. You are a very wise woman. I would like to talk with you again during my stay.


"It is an honor, Your Highness. I am honored, Your Highness, to receive such consideration from someone like me. As the representative of the first goodwill mission in the history of our two countries, I am sure that Your Highness will have many busy days ahead of you. From this corner of the palace, I pray that your stay will be a meaningful one for both countries.

 At the last moment, he clung to me until we were about to part, but I refused him as politely and firmly as ever.
 After they had completely disappeared, I looked back at Rita, who had kept her mouth shut like a shell behind me.

Let's go back to our room, Rita. I have to ask Mia to get some information from the outer court.
"Right. I'm sure you'll be able to find a place to talk to His Excellency the Marquis of Stresia. I knew there was more to it than that, but that delegation is even more blatant than I thought. The fact that they came into the palace, which is technically forbidden to men except for the King, makes me think that it would be dangerous for the entire palace to leave them alone. I think we should ask the Marquis of Stresia, who has been by our side for a long time, for details about the envoys and take countermeasures.
"Right. I think we should go back to our rooms and ask Mia and Lurie to communicate with them.

 Deanna's perception of the danger and Rita's opinion seemed to be in agreement.
 It's a good idea to take a look at the latest news on the web to see what's going on.