Chapter 4: Part 2

Two days to circle around the continent by boat, and over a week by carriage from there, and the Marlon King and Queen and their troupe arrived in Rukolbeni, the capital city of the Beelzenian Empire.

Emperor Jupitaire Beelzenia governs the Beelzenian Empire, a massive nation that controls two-thirds of the land on the western half of the continent, the so-called Evillious region.

Emperor Jupitaire has little ambition for territorial expansion, putting more importance on stabilizing the internal affairs within his vast territory and dealing with the riots caused by barbarians scattered about the eastern nations (not part of the Evillious region).

The Emperor is already fairly old, and since hes often confined to his bed, he hasnt shown himself to the public much in recent years. For that reason, even when Yufina and company went to the imperial palace, it wasnt Emperor Jupitaire that gave them an audience but the crown prince, Janus.

Martius, it mustve been difficult coming all this way. Well, you can relax now.

When Prince Janus sunk his huge body in the throne, he looked down upon his brother, Martius, the King of Marlon, and said such.

A lots happened since you were adopted into your wifes family in Marlon. How is it? Being back in your homeland after so long?

Well, for better or worse, it appears it hasnt really changed much.

The King of Marlon didnt even show any frustration toward Crown Prince Janus arrogant attitude; he just smiled and laughed while rubbing his belly, which wasnt much bigger than his brothers.

If it hasnt changed as you say, then, to me, its evidence that Beelzenias at peace.

Thats only because of your magnificent rule, Lord Brother.

Oh! Its just because Im acting as Fathers proxy.

However, even if Father were to meet his demise, therewouldbe peace in Beelzenia.

Dont speak so carelessly. They say Fathers going to live for a while longer.

Is that so, ha ha ha.

Hahahah

The pompous brother and the subservient brother.

While watching the two converse from behind, Yufina felt her husbands subservient behavior again.

Marlon was currently in the midst of battling Lioness to its west over the seat of ruling the entire Marlon Island. In order for Marlon to surmount this dispute, the country worked to strengthen its ties to the great empire on the continent, Beelzenia.

As part of these efforts, the previous King of Marlon married his eldest daughter, Yufina, to the second prince of Beelzenia, Martius.

Because the former King was not blessed with any boys, Marlon lacked a King in the wake of his death. But, it was decided Martius, having married into the Marlon royal family through his wife, would inherit the throne.

Marlon is currently still permitted its independence but will likely become a vassal state to the Beelzenian Empire sooner or later. Still, her late father and the senior statesmen decided it was better than the Marlon Island being unified under Lioness. Still, Yufina felt sorry deep down that Marlons history would end within her own generation.

Though it was a political marriage, Martius was kind and a good husband.

But that gentility meant he could never be a person who could be a strong King. Unlike his brother, he lacked the strong spirit to get him to promise that Marlon would keep its independence.

Incidentally, because of Martius tenderness, he never pleasured her as a woman. He cared about Yufina and always tried not to hurt her whenever he touched her. As a woman, she may have been blessed with him. But there was also a feeling of dissatisfaction smoldering at the bottom of Yufinas heart.

Oh, so youve arrived, Martius.

The one who joined them and said that was was the second child of the Emperor, Martius elder sister and Crown Prince Janus younger sister: the first princess of the Beelzenian Empire, Febria.

And then two more dressed up women followed behind her.

Heheh, Lord Brother Martius even your face is the same as ever.

The one who spatted something rude to Martius first thing was the fourth child of the Emperor: the second princess, Aprilis.

Ah, Lady Sister Yufina. Its been a while.

The one now ignoring Martius and going ahead to greet Yufina was the youngest child of the Emperor: the third princess, Maylis.

With this, all five siblings of the Beelzenian imperial family were in attendance.

(The pig siblings are in full force. huh?)

Even if she was the Queen of Marlon, Yufina wouldve likely been behead immediately if she had blurted that aloud, so she just murmured it in her mind.

Despite Janus, Febria, Martius, and Aprilis being different sizes, they were all completely fat.

(I guess the gifts sent to them from their vast territory are exceptional delicacies)

The only exception was Maylis. She had a slender body that wasnt even close to her brothers and sisters. And yet, she stood out firmly wherever they appeared; it could be said that her figure was ideal for a woman. When Yufina saw the five siblings for the first time, Maylis was the only one she doubted could have been anything but adopted from somewhere else.

Lady Sister, since youve gone to all the trouble, let me guide you around the palace. Leeets gooo!

Saying that, Maylis clung to Yufinas arm.

No, but Im still in the midst of an audience

Its all right. No need to keep the pig conference company.

(In the name of this girl called them pigs just now)

When the confused Yufina looked toward her husband, he nodded with a smile and told her such.

Its all right, you may go. This audience will just be me speaking with my siblings after all. No need to pay it any mind. Do you mind, Lord Brother Janus?

I do not. What we speak of is only between siblings. Theyll certainly be of stories that have piled up. Queen Yufina, look after Maylis.

See, we have their permission to go. So lets go.

I see well, maybe I should then.

In truth, Yufina lacked experience in this lands audiences and had just been somewhat uncomfortable. She decided to leave this place on account of Maylis generous favor.

All right now, where would you like to go first~?

With a tap to her nimble step, Maylis walked in front of Yufina.

Maylis thank you.

When Yufina thanked her, Maylis looked back with a blank look on her face.

Hm? What for?

You noticed it, didnt you?

Aaaah Well, I had a feeling, I suppose?

Maylis approached Yufina and asked this straight to her face.

Lady Sister Yufina, you dont look happy when youre with my Lord Brother Martius.

Its not that I hate him, by any means. But-

Ha ha, now, now, you shouldnt say that to just anyone! Political marriages theyre our lot in life for women like us, it cant be helped!

Once more, Maylis went ahead and put her back to Yufina.

Aaaaah, even I will one day be forced to marry some nobody someday, somewhere, wont I?

Maylis, um is there someone? Someone you like or something

Karchess waiting for her return in Marlon crossed Yufinas mind.

Oh noooo, no!!

With a smile, Maylis waved her arms in an exaggerated fashion to mess with the tips of her neatly combed hair, saying that with embarrassment.

Even if I did, Im not at all popular.

( No way. There couldnt be anyonemorepopular)

From Yufinas perspective as a woman, Maylis was an attractive woman. While she was still young at twenty-two years old, she was blessed with a sex appeal that no lady could compete with.

On top of that, the Beelzenian imperial family was an impeccable pedigree-if she were so inclined, she could have her pick of any man.

Now then, thats done. Lets-

Princess Maylis!

Once more, Maylis began walking when a man in a long, black ceremonial dress called out to her.

This was where you were, huh?

What is it, Baron Conchita?

Its about the usual matter, a report from-

Baron Conchita stopped speaking and looked toward Yufina.

She doesnt matter. Continue.

Yes, your Highness.

At Maylis prompting, Baron Conchita resumed his report.

Marquis Glassred has gone mad.

Whaaat!?

His household was massacred, and his daughter has gone missing Since he had a weak temper to begin with, he probably couldnt bear what happened.

So, about the usual matter-

Itll likely be difficult for him to continue the investigation. If thats the case, well need to find someone wholl cooperate in his place.

Marquis Glassred was entrusted with being the active governor of Asmodean, wasnt he? Whats happening with the people there?

About that, wasnt he appointed in someones stead? If Duke Venomania has recovered, he will want to govern Asmodean. Itwashis original duty.

Hmmm

Their conversation wasnt something that Yufina could understand. With all the disturbing words being thrown about, and not wanting to interrupt the atmosphere, she just kept quiet and watched the two converse.

Princess Maylis. Is there something wrong? Given the situation, shouldnt we try to rely on Duke Venomania? From the start, this incident has been occurring within his territory. I believe theres a strong possibility hell cooperate.

Duke Venomanias family was murdered as well, correct? He appears to have been in good health recently, but the motives too-

Do you think these series of events are connected after all?

I believe so. At least,Ithink so.

Maylis put a hand on her cheek and seemed to be thinking about something with a serious look on her face.

Then, there are possibly other collaborators what about Marquis Ferdinand of Mystica?

That creepy old man? I have no love for him. He ogles me every time we meet.

However, he would promise to do it in secret from your other siblings, correct?

I suppose It cant be helped. Well then, I entrust you to make the arrangements.

As you wish, your Highness. Then, if youll excuse me.

Once he bowed his head twice to both Maylis and Yufina, Baron Conchita left.

Lady Sister Yufina.

Maylis still had a straight face while looking back at Yufina.

What do you have planned from tomorrow onward?

Uuuh after staying in Rukolbeni for two to three days, I was under the impression my husband-the King of Marlon, and I would be going around touring Beelzenia for three weeks? It would also serve as a means to greet the Five Dukes.

There were five families of Dukes under the Beelzenian imperial family known as the Five Dukes, each governing their own province such as Asmodean or Lucifenia as its feudal lord. When Yufina and Martius were to have their wedding, they all rushed to take over arranging the ceremonys set up and it was a grand celebration. Going around now also served as thanks for then.

Then youll be going to Asmodean as well?

Yes, of course. Its the dominion of Duke Venomania.

As I thought you cant afford to cancel it.

There was no reason she could. Not visiting the Five Dukes homes alone would be far too rude.

With a worried face, Maylis gave Yufina this advice.

If its feasible, it may be best you make your stay there as short as possible. It looks like that area is going to continue being dangerous

I understand. Ill try consulting the King of Marlon about it too.

Excellent! Well then, where shall we be off to now!

Yufina then decided to have Maylis take her to look around the Beelzenian Imperial Palace, which was much larger than the one in Marlon.