5. welcome·to·merica！oh·yeah！
In a situation where it’s inappropriate to take sides, the phrase “You are all my wings” is clearly the most effective… or so one might think.
Even I believed that the profound and clever words I uttered, which I thought were perfect, would suffice. However, even so, it only managed to make the two big shots, Kephir and Nilu, happy for a brief moment of peace. After that, they would always find some strange reason to start bickering again.
It was in this bittersweet experience that I spent the time it took to travel, even with the improved vehicles from the Prussian Kingdom, and finally arrived at the mysterious land of the Far East— the United Kingdom of Meri— about which we knew very little aside from some “trade” related matters.
It wasn’t exactly a shock, but when our group entered the territory of the United Kingdom of Meri, we were indeed surprised by everything here. Setting aside the unfamiliarity of the place, everything in the kingdom felt fresh and peculiar to us.
First of all, the environment of the United Kingdom of Meri was unlike what was rumored by the people of the Western kingdoms and empires. There were no endless stretches of yellow sand and wasteland, nor was there any tumbleweed blowing across the only main road. Although the weather was indeed a bit warmer than what we had experienced on our journey, it was still well within the acceptable range for living.
Next, we didn’t encounter any outlaws who would “stand by the roadside, cloaked and smoking, stopping carriages to demand a robbery.” On the contrary, this place boasted bustling cities that could rival any kingdom. Perhaps due to the less developed state of magic and technology, it certainly couldn’t compare to the old powers of the Great Ying Empire, but it was still sufficiently “prosperous.”
As Nilu said: the United Kingdom of Meri is a place that values “trade” above all. From the moment we stepped onto its territory and into the towns, whether in suburban small towns or the city center, the most common sight was “shops.” These places were likely the sources of the “made in XXX” labels we often saw on the products we bought.
Setting aside all factors of history, heritage, and culture, without needing to focus on the intangible aspects, the simple and straightforward point remained: trade. This is the true essence of the United Kingdom of Meri in the Far East.
If possible, I would certainly like to take Kephir and Nilu to experience the local culture firsthand, hoping to prevent these two big shots from constantly throwing barbs at each other. But we weren’t here for tourism; my life was still at stake, and there were important objectives to fulfill.
We didn’t linger at all; the first thing we did was follow the address provided to us to find the seller who had invited us— Miss Lin Ke, the current leader of the United Kingdom of Meri. She hoped we would purchase the so-called “relics unearthed” from somewhere in the kingdom, and these so-called “relics” were related to the “main storyline” of Kephir and Nilu. If possible, I certainly wanted to meet her as soon as possible.
The address for Miss Lin Ke was in the “wealthy district,” and at that moment, while I was still marveling at the “residence” pieced together from what looked like ancient “castles,” Miss Lin Ke, whom I had already somewhat known from the Rodma Empire, was already stepping out to greet us, speaking her usual broken foreign language.
“Hello! My guests!”
With indigo braids and dressed in a black suit, the girl made exaggerated gestures as she took off her sunglasses and stepped outside. Naturally, her signature “broken foreign language” was not left out.
However, could it be my illusion? Compared to our previous encounter in the Rodma Empire, I felt that Miss Lin Ke seemed a bit… different this time? Uh, for instance… there were too few people with her? Last time, she had a whole squad of men in black sunglasses as bodyguards, but this time, it was just her who came out to greet us.
“Not just my buyer, Miss Nilu, wow! We also have two guests from the Great Ying Empire! Welcome to the United Kingdom of Meri! Oh! Yeah!”
Was it because we were the buyers, the “golden patrons”? Miss Lin Ke’s welcome was quite “extravagant and enthusiastic.” However, Nilu, who usually handled such situations well, didn’t seem quite normal at that moment. Even without any visible behavior, I could sense it through my keen intuition.
“Nilu?”
Taking advantage of Miss Lin’s flamboyant performance, Nilu quietly leaned in to whisper in my ear: “Your Majesty, don’t you think her welcome lacks sincerity? We are purchasing in the name of the Empire, yet she appears alone at her private residence, as if she
“Miss Lin Ke, we came here together with Nilu, so the three of us are the same buyer. Since we all know each other, I won’t be too polite. Where are the so-called ‘relics’ you unearthed in your kingdom, and how well are they being preserved? If possible, when can you take us to see them on-site?”
The script had already made it clear how the “relics” that appeared in the Meri United Kingdom were related to the main storyline, and of course, I didn’t want to delay too long to avoid any issues. As for Lin Ke, being a pure businesswoman, she should only be interested in the transaction. Given our straightforwardness, she should agree readily.
That’s what I thought, but the next moment, Lin Ke’s reaction made me chuckle.
“Eh!? Ah… the relics~ Ahahaha~”
The girl was momentarily taken aback, then laughed heartily while putting her sunglasses back on, dramatically explaining to us, “The relics are, of course, well-preserved~ So you three guests don’t need to be in such a hurry~ We all know each other, right? So it’s fine to play in the kingdom for a few days! I can provide currency exchange services for you! And no fees! For·free!”
Kefir and Nilu had a good relationship, and it was a rare opportunity; if we could rest and have fun in a foreign land, I certainly had no objections. However…
This Lin Ke didn’t mention anything about the ‘relics’ at all. Clearly, this should be a top priority for her, someone who was eager to do business.
The next moment, looking at the script, I indeed found this content—[Lin Ke is lying.]
This was just a confirmation after my suspicion, while Kefir and Nilu had already sensed something was off. To try to deceive the protagonists and the boss in the script, Lin Ke really had some nerve.
If I exposed her, I could probably force out a reason, but since we were in a foreign land, on someone else’s turf, and only Lin Ke knew the specifics about the relics, it would be safer to…
“Then I’ll gladly accept your offer, Miss Lin Ke.”
Before Kefir and Nilu could voice their suspicions, I took their hands and hid their movements behind me.
“Wonderful! Then it’s no problem for the three of you to stay in my castle! There are plenty of rooms, choose any! And for·free! After all, you are important guests! Aha~”
With this cover-up, Lin Ke seemed genuinely pleased and didn’t notice anything amiss, happily leading the way for us, as if some “thought” of hers had succeeded.
Phew~ This is good. This unfamiliar continent hides too many secrets related to Kefir and Nilu in the script. Before quietly figuring out what’s going on with Lin Ke through peaceful means, we should keep a low profile and not be too rough, lest we ruin the “main storyline” that has finally reappeared.
If that happens, it would be a loss, and I can’t recklessly gamble with Kefir and Nilu’s ‘future.’
Illustration: ???