Chapter 232

Yuri, led by Ilorina, entered the governor's office of the Republic of Aneka and was led to a reception room on the first floor of the building.

The room was quite luxurious.

The room was filled with expensive-looking furnishings adorned with jewels and gold, and the workmanship on each item seemed to be technically excellent.

Judging from this room alone, the Republic of Aneka seems to be financially well off. I've heard from Partita, the captain of <Nadeshiko>, that it's the other way around, that the Aneka Republic is not a very rich country.

If that's the case, then the jewels and gold used in the furnishings probably came from within the country, as they were not bought from somewhere else.

I've heard that the reason why the Aneka Republic has built cities such as Harakio and Scion in the badlands is because of the rare ore that can be extracted from the mines in the vicinity.

The “rare ores” are probably gems and gold.

When Yuri was left alone in the reception room because Ilorina had gone to call the governor, she was killing time by observing the situation in the room like this.

After two knocks on the door, two girls dressed as maids came in and made a cup of tea for the waiting Yuri.

The two maids looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, according to Yuri's senses.

Like Ilorina, they were healthy-looking kids with brown skin. It seemed to me that I could kill a lot of time just sneaking a peek at them without them noticing.

(It really seems that the other side understands my tastes very well…)

Yuri secretly smiled at the blatant treatment.

However, Yuri's homosexuality is well known to the people of her country and allies who watch the broadcast, and it's not something she's hiding.

“…My.”

Yuri sipped from her teacup, her surprise evident in her voice.

The two maids had just poured it out of the teapot in front of her. She had expected the tea to be freshly brewed and still hot. Contrary to Yuri's expectations, the tea was cooler than room temperature.

The taste was also distinctive, with a distinct coolness in the mouth that was refreshing.

(My, I haven't had this in a while…)

I didn't expect to taste mint tea in a foreign country, as I hadn't had many chances to drink it in the country.

Since I usually enjoy bitter tea as an accompaniment to my work, the taste of mint tea, which is more sweet than bitter, was quite refreshing.

“I wonder if this tea is a specialty of the Republic of Aneka.”

Yuri asked, and one of the maids answered.

“Yes, it is one of the few plants that can be gathered in the badlands.”

“Oh, I see.”

I've heard that badlands are harsh places where no crops can grow. The only herb used in this mint tea is said to be a species that originally grows naturally in the badlands.

When we start trading with the cities in the badlands using dragons, we might want to ask for some of these herbs in exchange for food.

The taste is a bit peculiar, so it may not be to everyone's taste. The cool, refreshing taste will help you feel refreshed, so it's good for office work.

―――That's what Yuri was thinking.

Eventually, Ilorina walked into the reception room with the person she wanted.

“Nice to meet you, Your Majesty, Yuri. It's an honor to meet you.”

The first person to say so was an elderly woman with a soft smile that suited her well.

Just by looking at her―――I could already tell that she was a good person. She has such a calm atmosphere.

There is not much that Yuri knows about the Aneka Republic. If this woman is governing the country―――then it must be a good country.

“Nice to meet you, Viceroy Fleur. I've always wanted to meet you.”

“My, for an old lady like me?”

“Yes. I've always been in awe of the fact that you're a woman like me and have served as the head of state for so many years.”

“Oh, my! Well, thank you very much.”

As she replied, Governor Fleur bowed to her.

As if caught up in the moment, Yuri's bowed naturally as well.