The intense sound of magic cannons ceased, and I woke up.
When I went up to the deck, the battle was already over.
It seemed that Leo and the others were looking for any remaining monsters.
"If it's over, come back quickly. I want to sleep in the castle."
"Haa... Let's go back."
I received a look of exasperation from all the crew members as I returned to the port, setting foot on Rondine's land for the first time.
The port itself wasn't much different from Albatro. Perhaps the other side was more prosperous.
While I was thinking this, Elna jumped from roof to roof and came over.
"Al!"
"Hey, Elna. Good work."
I waved my hand to praise Elna.
Judging from the situation, it seemed that Elna had probably eliminated most of the monsters that had come ashore.
The monsters scattered around had mostly been taken down with a single blow, which was a good indication.
"I didn't really work hard. Did you work hard?"
"Yeah, I'm tired."
Sure enough, as childhood friends, she could tell it was the real Arno.
To be recognized so easily, Elna's eyes were quite discerning.
While thinking this, I looked up, and I could see the hem of Elna's skirt.
Of course, she was wearing black spats, so there was no way to see her underwear. Leo would probably say it was improper even so.
"Hey, Elna. I don't think you should climb up high places like that."
"What? Trying to act like Leo? That won't work."
"Well, if you don't mind, it's fine."
Elna didn't lose her composed expression.
She must have been very confident.
When someone shows such confidence, you just want to break it.
"So it's useless! I'm wearing them properly!"
"Ah, yeah... They're torn, though?"
For a moment, Elna's face lost all expression.
Then, she turned slightly red and protested to me.
"I, I won't fall for such a trick!?"
"I said it's fine if you don't mind. But, black spats make light-colored underwear stand out, you know?"
"!!??"
That was the deciding factor.
Elna turned around and carefully checked inside her skirt.
Elna generally preferred white or light-colored underwear. I thought she would misunderstand if I just said "light-colored," and she fell for it perfectly.
"Where? Where is it torn? Al~...?"
"It's a lie, of course. Pay attention."
While saying this, I leisurely headed towards the castle.
After this, Leo would probably greet the Duke, and likely say that he wanted to talk to his brother due to the emergency. For Leo, that was the only option.
Until then, I had nothing to do, so I decided to sleep in the castle.
"Al...? Where are you going?"
"To the castle."
"Do you think I'll let you go?"
"Rather, I should be the one who needs to go, right?"
This place had just been a battlefield.
Monsters could appear at any time.
While Leo might be fine, I needed to evacuate quickly.
"My side is safe, so stay by me."
"Put your hand on your chest and think about it. Has your side ever been safe? You've almost died a few times, haven't you?"
"It's always because Al says unnecessary things! Seriously! Why do you tell such a ridiculous lie about them being torn!?"
"That's because you looked so relaxed, I thought I'd play a trick on you."
"You're just like His Majesty in that respect... He often says he doesn't like it when people are too relaxed."
"Because we're family. Well, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. But, you should try wearing adventurous underwear sometimes."
"Mind your own business!"
I was shaken violently by the collar.
Oh, the world is spinning...
Just when I thought I might lose consciousness, I was finally released.
In the end, I couldn't move from that spot for a while, so I ended up riding in the carriage that came to pick up Leo.
***
"What, what!? The sea dragon has awakened!?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Three of the latest warships from the Duchy of Albatro have already sunk. The recent monster attacks could also be related to the sea dragon."
"Such a thing has happened... If there's a sea dragon, it's not just someone else's problem for our country...?"
I sighed inwardly as I watched the flustered Duke of Rondine.
I thought I could have taken a break, but Elna started saying that it would be better if we switched back once more, so here I am, standing before the Duke of Rondine as Leo.
While it's true that it's faster for me to pretend to be Leo rather than explain everything to Leo, I still can't quite accept it.
"Yes. Therefore, the Duke of Albatro has requested the Empire to mediate an alliance with the Duchy of Rondine. Your Majesty, as the Empire's plenipotentiary, I urge you to set aside past grievances and form a dragon-fighting alliance with the Duchy of Albatro. The Empire promises to support this alliance."
"Umm... But..."
"Is there a problem?"
"Will our country really be affected?"
"I see. Indeed, there is no concrete evidence. However, on the way to Rondine, we encountered a sea dragon moving towards Rondine. We managed to avoid it, but the appearance of a sea serpent, which rarely approaches land, suggests that the recent monster attacks are due to the sea dragon entering Rondine's waters."
"But..."
"The important thing is that Rondine's waters are within the sea dragon's range. Your Majesty, the southern route is effectively blocked by the sea dragon. Don't you see how this situation is disadvantageous for the Duchy of Rondine?"
I didn't want to have to persuade him, but I was frustrated by the Duke of Rondine's indecisiveness and pressed on about the disadvantages to Rondine.
"If the route is blocked, trade will have to be conducted by land. The Duchy of Rondine controls about two-thirds of the peninsula, but most of the entrances to the central region are within the territory of the Duchy of Albatro. If land transport becomes the main method, the Duchy of Rondine will be at a disadvantage."
"Is, is that true!?"
"The Empire cannot provide aid if the route is blocked. Do you understand? Accepting the situation without defeating the sea dragon is the same as accepting the status quo. Of course, if you have the confidence to fight the Duchy of Albatro in that situation, I won't stop you, but I can't predict which side the Empire will take."
The Duke of Rondine's face turned pale at my standard closing remarks.
The Empire is a great power. Just hinting at its movements is enough to make most small and medium-sized countries panic.
Especially since the Duchy of Rondine was trying to seek the Empire's help, my words must have been more effective than I imagined.
"Alright! I will accept the alliance proposal. Our country will not hesitate to cooperate with the Duchy of Albatro in the fight against the sea dragon."
Finally, he made a decision.
With this, the Duchy of Albatro can request the Adventurers' Guild.
They probably already have, as they wouldn't expect the Empire's mediation to fail.
Well, that's the end of my work as Arno.
I had already told Elna and Leo that I would persuade the Duke but would act freely after that.
The Duchy of Rondine will likely send a fleet to the Duchy of Albatro to counter the sea dragon, but I won't join them.