Yuri Empire

After the knight Gothos confirmed that she was safe, Ilorina began to frequently challenge the “Labyrinth” with her escort knights.

Her level has grown from a mere 3 to 9 in just 3 days, so you can see how dedicated she is.

It's very noticeable that Ilorina is a frequent visitor to the labyrinth with several knights.

That's why the rumor that the daughter of the lord of another country was going to the Labyrinth spread quickly through the mouths of the explorers. Although she was still a low-level explorer, the broadcast showing Ilorina's challenge to the Labyrinth attracted a lot of attention from the people of the Yuri Empire and its allies.

The bravery of the girl, who fought alongside adult knights but didn't get buried, and who used her small frame to run around with agility and dexterity, and who used both a short bow and a short spear to fight with, was very exciting to watch.

It was no wonder she was so popular.

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It was not only Ilorina who became popular, but also Gothos.

As the captain of the escort knights, Gothos stands at the front of the party and does an excellent job as a shield tank, taking care of all the demon attacks.

For those who are watching the battle on air, it is very easy to see who is playing what important role in the battle.

In particular, the citizens of the Yuri Empire and its allies usually enjoy watching the broadcasts, and they are even more discerning.

As if embodying the loyalty of a knight, Gothos' fighting style, though not flashy, was solid and respectable, and had enough charm to grab the hearts of the viewers.

Yuri invited Ilorina and Gothos to dinner.

Unintentionally gaining popularity through [Broadcast] is like suddenly becoming a celebrity in the modern world.

Basically, it's a good thing, but it's not without its bad sides.

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“It seems that you have become a celebrity. I wonder if you've had to take on a lot of unwanted hardships and troubles.”

Yuri asked, genuinely concerned.

Ilorina and Gothos looked at each other for a moment, and then smiled, but with a slightly annoyed expression.

“It's not so much hardship. I've been talked to by many people just walking around town, and when I go to a restaurant, I've been offered a meal or a drink by a customer I've never met before… 

Even in my home country, I have never had the opportunity to talk to so many different people in such a friendly manner, so I am a little at a loss as to what to do."

“Ah… I'm sorry my people of the Yuri Empire are so familiar with you.”

“No! It's not that I don't like it. It's just that it's very flattering…”

“We are citizens of the Republic of Aneka and will have to return to our country in a few days. We are both happy and sorry for the kindness you have shown us in treating us so warmly and without distinction.”

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“I see…”

Somehow, Yuri felt that she could understand their feelings.

Both Ilorina and Gothos seemed to have sincere personalities. Whenever they received hospitality from the citizens, they would think of themselves having to leave this place without being able to give anything back, and they would be more than a little worried.

(I don't think there's any need to worry about it, though…)

I'm sure the citizens are not looking for anything in return for their hospitality.

It's just that they saw the broadcast and thought it was cool or admired it. I think they just want to support Ilorina and Gothos with a simple heart and are treating them with friendliness.

There is no selfishness there, so I don't think there is any need to be concerned.

―――However, it was a good thing for Yuri that they didn't feel bad about the popularity they had gained by challenging the labyrinth.

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“As you may already know. In the Yuri Empire, we have set up【 Transfer Gate 】in all the cities of the allied countries of the Holy Land of Nimun, the Principality of Selsia, and the Kingdom of Rapier, so that we can have citizen-based ‘connections’ with each country.”

In reality, we are in a subordinate relationship rather than an ‘alliance’ with the Duchy of Selsia. I don't think I need to say that correctly.

“It's wonderful, isn't it? To be able to communicate with people from far away, and to share our culture rather than imposing it.

I've heard that the【 Transfer Gate 】was set up by Yuri-sama herself, and I think it's wonderful.”

“Thank you, Ilorina. I'm glad to hear that.

By the way, I would like to invite the Republic of Aneka to join us in this circle, if possible. I think it would be beneficial to you as well, since you can continue to use the【 Transfer Gate 】to access the labyrinth in the future.”

When Yuri said this, Ilorina showed her surprise.

“I-It's… Are you asking for an alliance?”

“Yes. But it's not a formal proposal. You can't just decide on an alliance between two countries on your own, can you?”

“Of course not. I think it should be discussed and decided by my mother and the other cardinals.”

“So while this is not a formal proposal, I'm just asking for your personal opinion on the matter. What are the chances that the Republic of Aneka will accept our offer of an alliance?”

In response to Yuri's question, Ilorina made a thoughtful face.

In contrast to Ilorina, Gothos answered almost immediately.

“I'm afraid to say that Yuri-sama, who is one of the pillars of the Main God, has asked for an alliance. I'm sure no one would object, so I'm sure she'll accept right away.”

“If that's the case, I'll be happy to hear it.”

“Hmmm… I agree with you. It is already well known that the Yuri Empire and the Holy Land of Nimun have a close relationship. There is probably no one in the country who can claim to be against it. Just…”

“…Just・・?”

“There may be a few people who think it's too hasty. Until recently, there were no diplomatic relations between our country and the Yuri Empire. If we were to suddenly conclude an alliance, we would be skipping too many steps.”

“Hmmm…”

Indeed, if you ask me, I feel that Ilorina's words are very true.

They were strangers until yesterday, and suddenly one of them says,『 Let's be best friends from today! 』There was no way it would go well.

No, it's not impossible. The people who saw it from the side would definitely wonder about it.

“It's not that it can't be done, but I think it would be easier to gain an understanding of the public and private sectors if there was a clear rationale.”

“What do you mean by ‘rationale’? What kind of reasoning?”

“Generally speaking, it's a marriage…”

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“That's too much to ask.”

Yuri couldn't help but chuckle.

As a homosexual, Yuri couldn't possibly be related to anyone else.

“I have no wish to be related to you. But if Ilorina is willing to come to my side, she is welcome to do so.”

“Huh? You mean me?”

“Yes. As you know, I'm a homosexual, so I have a weakness for girls. I especially love pretty, clever, and brave girls like Ilorina.

―――What do you think? Estoa, the “saint” of the Holy Land of Nimun, has already become my wife. If you can come to me and we can conclude an alliance without any problems, I think we can build a good co-prosperity sphere through the three countries.”

“Ah, uuu…”

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Her face turned bright red and she suddenly stiffened.

I waited slowly for about five minutes. At last, Irorina began,『 Y-Yes, let me think about it a little bit… 』, she replied in a thin but cute voice.

―――Incidentally, Gothos, who was supposed to be her protector, was quietly savoring his tea as if he had nothing to do with it.

Perhaps this was one of the situations that the Republic of Aneka had originally envisioned when they sent Yuri's favorite woman as a messenger.

I feel like I'm dancing in the palm of their hand, but―――If that's what it takes to make friends with a pretty girl, Yuri will be happy to dance with you.