I'm so, so sorry.
Oh, no, I don't need to apologize to you...

　A girl bows her head deeply across the table. She is about my age, dressed in a seemingly simple, light green dress, but with a small tiara shining on her head.
　We are in the Azumaya, which is surrounded by a rose garden in the royal palace of the Holy Kingdom of Arendt. Princess Aliati of Arendt asked us to meet someone there, so we came with Yumina and Sue.
　And the person who was waiting for them at the Shiar was her, Cordelia Terra Gandiris, the second princess of the Steel Kingdom of Gandiris.
　
　Unlike the Galdio Empire, which has suffered many wars of aggression, it is said that we have a relatively quiet relationship with the Holy Kingdom of Arendt.
　It's not surprising that the royalty of neighboring countries have a certain degree of familiarity with each other, but I didn't expect them to come directly into the country.
　And why is the princess apologizing to me?

''I really didn't mean to do that!　Because I leaked something unnecessary, this is the reason why we are in such a big trouble...!

　The pseudo-Golem disguised as that Miss Imelda. She herself confessed that she........Princess Cordelia was the mastermind behind the ruckus.
　No, it's not exactly correct to call her the mastermind. The real mastermind is behind her.........

''Look, Parrelle!　You should apologize too!
I'm sorry.

　A maid with no expression of malice at all, but with her head bowed deeply. She was a woman of about twenty years of age, seemingly intelligent, with flaxen hair in a short ponytail and glasses.
　According to Princess Cordelia's story, this maid named Parrelle is the one who imprisoned Miss Imelda and made that pseudo-golem infiltrate into Leafs....

''In the end, what was your purpose?''
"To protect Emperor Galdio, Your Majesty.

　Hmm?　Emperor Galdio?　As I say, His Majesty the Emperor had a few knights to protect him, and I don't think having a pseudo-golem with no combat power would be of much use to him.
　More to the point, why would Gandiris protect the Emperor of the Galdio Empire, who isn't very close to him either?

More precisely, to protect you from the women who come near His Majesty Emperor Galdio.
What?

　As I was twisting my head, Princess Ariati, who was next to me, gave me an answer with a wry smile.
　Princess Cordelia, sitting in front of me, turned over with a bright red face. Eh, no way.

''Well........for several years now, Lancelet-sama has been invited to several parties at Gandiris 《home》.... At that time, he was not yet an emperor, but a mere nobleman, but as we spoke intimately with him, well.......

　I couldn't make out the last part of the sentence, but I understood it somehow. Even I, who am often called dull, could understand this indeed.
　The current Emperor Galdio's Majesty was formerly Lancelet Olcott, the eldest son of the previous emperor's pocketbook, Lancelet Olcott the Prime Minister.
　As a result of Lucretion, the Crown Prince, relinquishing his claim to the throne, Lancelet's mother was the sister of the previous emperor, so the bowl was turned and he became emperor.
　The former emperor was trying to repair his relationship with Gandiris, so the current emperor Lancelet must have visited Gandiris many times before he became emperor. It was in the midst of all this that the two of them met, he said.
　Sue, who was standing next to me, snorted softly, "I see.

I see. But how did we get into all this trouble?
You see, I've heard that he's throwing a blind date party in Leafy's, with the royal children. And I understand that Miss Lancelot will be attending the party.
No, I mean, His Majesty Emperor Galdio was present, but he didn't take part in the matchmaking, did he?

　Yumina corrected Princess Cordelia's words. In the case of Princess Liliel, it was compulsory, but it was basically free participation. It was the same with royalty. His Majesty Emperor Galdio did not participate. Well, since he was already the king of a country, I don't think he could participate so lightly.

''Yes......... I heard from Ariati-sama. It seems that I misunderstood her........ It was a mistake in the first place that I inadvertently leaked it to Parrelle, wondering what would happen if Lancelet-sama's partner was decided in that matchmaking.......

　Haha. So you thought that Emperor Galdio was also trying to find a marriage partner at that party? It's true that a few members of the royal family, including Princess Liliel and Xenoas' brothers, were also participating in the party, though.
　Considering the feelings of their lovesick master?　It's said that Parrel-san made the move on her own.......but is a single maid able to do such a grandiose thing?

''Well, Parrelle's parents, husband and wife have a large guild of golem engineers called the 'Searching Engineers' Seekers'....... I think they used that transmission...

　There was a familiar name in Princess Cornelia's words as she spoke apologetically.
　It's the "Searching Engineer Corps [Seekers]".......that's what it is, right? One of the best golem engineers that Engineer Elka had mentioned. In this case, it's a husband and wife, so there are two of them?

The Seekers are a group of engineers who travel around the world, discovering ruins, excavating golems, repairing and rebuilding them, without belonging to any country. They are not just a group of engineers, but also a group of mercenaries who defeat the magical beasts that inhabit the ruins by themselves, as well as a group of merchants who sell the reclaimed golems.

　Mr. Parrelle explained it to me. ........What is that martial arts group you're talking about?
　Are you saying you want to be self-sufficient, or are you saying that you want to do everything from excavation to repairing and selling by yourselves? In a sense, it's the most rational thing to do.

"What's the boss and his wife's daughter doing in the Gandiris?
The Seekers have been scouring the ruins of Gandiris for several years now. Your father has taken care of Parrelle during this time, and at his request, she has become my maid of honor as an apprentice, as he does not want to leave her among the ruffians. I suppose it's his parents' parental love for him, not wanting to leave him among the ruffians.

　And, Princess Cordelia. Hmm, it seems that the "Searching Engineer Corps [Seekers]" has a close relationship with Gandiris. A country that produces a lot of ores and a group of engineers who need steel. Well, it's understandable.

I asked my father to repair (restore) and refurbish the "Cattleya" and make its appearance, but I never told my parents about any of the details, and I did everything on my own. Of course Himeisama is not responsible for this. I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you. I am willing to accept any and all punishment.

　Parrel-san looks straight at me and says so. Hmm. To be honest, even if you say so, I don't actually have the right to do so. And I'm not the direct victim.
　The biggest victim is Miss Imelda who was locked up, then the Galdio Empire who was suspected to be a spy, and then there's Leafyce who had her face crushed.

'No, it's my fault for being a wimp for so long!　Your Majesty, please give me an opportunity to apologize to you all.　Please!　By all means...!

　Princess Cordelia bows her head down to the ground. Behind her, Parrelle bowed deeply as well. Hmm, I thought it was a horrible state conspiracy, but I didn't realize it was a completely unrelated story.
　
　........That's a scary story, though.

'What are you going to do, Fuyao-san?
'What?　... well, now that I know what's going on, I'm going to be honest with the people involved...
"So I suppose I'll have to tell you about Lady Cordelia's love interest. To the gentleman I love?　I wonder what they'll think of that...

　Ugh.
　
　Hmm, what should I do? Ignoring me, who is looking up at the sky and groaning, Yumina closes in on Princess Cordelia.

''You were on good terms with the Emperor, weren't you?
'What?　Oh, uh, well......... We were close, or rather, Lancelet-sama was so kind that she often spoke to me, or even went out of her way to give me a present for my birthday.......
'You've been curious about it, haven't you, rather than giving me a gift?　Isn't the emperor not too far behind?
Well, I'm glad to hear it, but...

　You're listening intently, Yumina. Sue, who was beside her, also joins the conversation.

'Then why didn't you tell me your feelings earlier?　You've had plenty of opportunities, haven't you?
"Well..... It was difficult for me to speak out about it, given my position at the time........ In the meantime, Miss Lancellet became the emperor. The problem of her position has been solved, but I'm afraid that this time, she might think I'm trying to make a move on the queen's position.
I think you care about it too much. I think you care too much about her, but you know her well enough to give her a present for her birthday, don't you?　I think Sister Yumina is right about the pulse, though.
Well, I don't know...

　I can't help but feel indecisive when I hear the love stories of all the royals, with the exception of Mr. Parrelle. Lately, there's been a lot of talk about this kind of thing....
　It's not often that a love affair starts out as a mutual love. Most of the time it's a one-sided love, but once the other person realizes that you have a crush on them, there's a chance that it will develop into a double love....
　In that sense, Princess Cordelia's love life is just beginning....

The question is what would the emperor think if he found out that the cause of this mess was Princess Cordelia....
Ugh!

　Princess Cordelia writhed as if she had been stabbed in the chest by my mumbled words. Jirori and Yumina stared at me. No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend.

The problem is with Miss Imelda too. It's no wonder she won't remain silent.
...No, it's a plan that Imelda-sama and I are very happy about. I don't know from your family, the Trios family, but I don't know if there will be any protests from him.
... what?

　Mr. Parrelle quickly revealed a terrible truth. Convincing?　So, does that mean Master Imelda is in on it with Mr. Parrel and the others?

'Master Imelda has someone in mind. Her parents encouraged her to attend the party, and when they found out that she was in trouble, they asked her to help them. Originally I would have ended up as the unfortunate one who was attacked by the mysterious spies and could not attend the party.
I didn't hear that!

　Princess Cordelia hadn't heard of it before either, and she expressed her surprise at Parrelle-san. Hadn't it been explained to that extent?
　I mean, by what kind of transmission, with Miss Imelda, a nobleman from another country?

"There are retired members of the 'Search Engineers Seekers' and business partners all over the world, so at least that much. I was kept quiet about it, but I heard that things went well over there this time. I'm sorry that I put him in a drug-induced coma so that he wouldn't be suspected.

　 The reason why Miss Imelda doesn't like to socialize is because she had that partner. It's troublesome because you wouldn't be able to disrespect a high ranking nobleman if he proposed to you at a party.
　But still, the Searching Engineers Seekers..... It seems that they are doing quite an extensive business. If you work with Orba-san from the Strand Trading Company, I'm sure they can spread Golem across the Eastern Continent in the blink of an eye.
　

'When you say it worked out, do you mean with that person?
Yes. Yes. Your partner is the family doctor of the Trios family. Now that he's been in a coma, they've been able to reassure each other and confide in your parents.

　Everyone present at Parrel-san's talk gave off an air of, that's good.......but no, no, that's not what I meant.

''As I said before, everything was planned and executed by me on my own. The princess is not responsible for anything. Please, all the punishments are mine.
'So it can't be that way!　Originally, it was me...!
''No, I shouldn't have been so numb to the badass princess who was bothered by my niggling and not acting at all. I should have known that she was a cowardly princess with little experience in love.......
Wait, is that all you have to say?
There's a real complication.

　I agree. When love is involved, many things are troublesome. .........Speaking of involving, Hanakoi sister really isn't getting involved this time....... I haven't been able to contact her for a few days now. Morobane said she's not worried about it, though.

''Anyway, there's no point in us talking to each other alone. I'm going to talk to His Majesty King Lefries and Emperor Gardio. Then you can apologize or atone for your sins. Is that all right with you?
Yes.
I understand.

　Princess Cordelia and Miss Parrelle both gave me a small nod.
　If Miss Imelda was okay, it wouldn't be that serious of a crime, but depending on how they took it, it would make them look bad. Especially to His Majesty Emperor Galdio.
　I don't know how to convey Princess Cordelia's thoughts and feelings or anything else.......
　Why do I have to be the messenger of love?
　This is a big responsibility. Hmmm, I guess I'll just have to be honest for now....


　　　　　　　　　　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


''Well, ostensibly, as Lefries, we didn't suffer any damage, and if we think we can create a debt to Gandiris, we might as well accept the apology here and leave the punishment to the other side. If the gorem is going to spread to our world, it's not a bad idea to stay close to that important country. It's also possible to communicate with the Seekers.

　.........His Majesty Leafyreth easily says what I had been hesitating to say. I'd like to be able to make decisions like this with a bang.

''That's fine for Liefries, but as for Galdio........''
"..............

　Something about His Majesty Emperor Galdio stopping without blinking.
　The Leve Frontier Count sitting next to him calls out to the young emperor of the Galdio Empire who is pouting.

''........Your Majesty. ........Your Majesty, Your Majesty.
What?　Oh, oh!　What, what?!
'Not what. Protesting against Gandiris, for example...
'Oh, no I'll leave it to them this time, as His Majesty King Lefries said. In the meantime, I'll ask Miss Imelda about it, but I don't think it's a problem. After all the time we've spent getting to know each other so well, I wouldn't dare to make waves with Gandiris.

　Oh, just in case you were listening.
　Huh. So I guess it's settled then....
　I've tried to express Princess Cordelia's feelings, but I wonder how the emperor's side is really doing?　As expected, he was surprised........

''........What does His Majesty Emperor Galdio think of Princess Cordelia?''
What?

　What I had difficulty hearing, His Majesty King Lefries asked for me. Hey, the years are numbered!
　In a room in Brunhild's castle, there is only me, Emperor Galdio, Count Leve Frontier, Emperor Liefries, and the knights of the guard here. Yumina, Su and the others also wanted to know where this love affair was going, but this time they refrained from doing so. There are things we can only talk about if we're men........

''Ah......... To be honest, I'm happy to say that I'm happy about it. However, it's a fact that our country has been inconvenienced by her initiation. In light of that, I can't reply so easily........
'No, not like that. Do you love it or hate it?
I love it, but...

　His Majesty the Emperor turns bright red and looks up at an angle. Right? Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to give a gift to the princess of a country.
　The young emperor looked at the grinning King Lefries and me, and as if to break a dam, the young emperor spoke up.

I'm very happy to say that I'm upset because it's so sudden.　But I have my own position, and I'm not the son of a mere nobleman like I used to be, so I can't just reply to you without permission!　Hey, what can I do about this!　Oh, Your Majesty!　His Majesty the King has taken nine wives, but what to do in these cases!
Go with the flow...
What a mess!

　A young emperor who is kind of shocked. No, in fact, that's pretty much it for me. If we like each other, I think that those ties can be dealt with, right?　Maybe.

I think it's not a bad way to get to know Gandiris, who was not a good friend to me, I think. As the ruler of a country, don't you think you should be more proactive about this?

　If King Lefries was right, if the princess of Gandiris and the emperor of Galdio were to be attached to each other, this would be another symbol of friendship. And that's what a king's marriage is originally.
　In the case of me, Yumina, Lou and Hilda, that's also true in a way. When I got engaged to Yumina, I wasn't the king yet, so it's a little different.

''But this kind of incident has happened, and it can't be like that...''
That's none of your business. You have to deal with it. Don't think you can take on the responsibility of a woman's life, not just a princess, but a country.　Look at the king. I'm carrying nine of them.

　King Liefries laughs as he laughs with a buahaha. You know......... I don't want you to use people as an excuse.

I'm not going to use it as an excuse.
'Oh, no, that's not exactly...'
Haha. Just kidding, just kidding.

　His Majesty the King was laughing, but I couldn't laugh. Your daughter also has a rather troublesome love affair at the moment!
　In terms of pushing His Majesty Emperor Galdio's back, I also agree with Emperor Liefries.

''Well, aside from me, this could indeed be an opportunity in many ways. According to the Goddess of Love, these things are all about timing.''
Huh..... Goddess of love, huh?

　His Majesty the Emperor gives you a quizzical look. You've met her too, though, that goddess.
　Parrel-san's actions were not complimentary, but I think it was one opportunity. Is this the kind of timing you're talking about, sister Hanakoi?
　I'm still struggling with the Emperor, but I think I can handle the pseudo-golems. I guess we'll have to deal with Princess Liriel.
　Who the hell is the mysterious black mask, already?
　I've interviewed all the men from different countries who wore black masks, and I've heard of others.

　Suddenly, a hypothesis comes to my mind.
　I've interviewed the men in the black masks. I've heard from the "men".
　Eh...... Don't tell me that's what happened...?