Oukoku e Tsuzuku Michi

Goldonia: Capital - Palace Reception Hall.

「Military Commissioner Marquess Radhalde and Margrave Hardlett, enter!!」

A soldier dressed in an elegant uniform yells in a loud voice.

He might look awe-inspiring and dignified, but he's probably pretty weak in an actual fight compared to a blood-stained soldier on the battlefield.

Nobles are gathered in a line and the king is already seated on the throne.

It is to be expected as today is the day where we declare the end of the war and our victory over the South Yuguria Empire.

We slowly advance forward, bathed in everyone's gazes……or should I say, we are carried forward.

The nobles visibly show their confusion.

「How pathetic.」

「It can't be helped, since we can't stand on our own.」

Erich and I are being pushed in a chair with wheels attached by our adjutants……Celia is pushing me.

Thick bandages are wrapped from my chest to my legs to hide the ugly wounds on my body.

It's not the coolest way to make an appearance, but it's pretty relaxing.

After travelling to the front of the king, Erich lifts his body with a pained grimace.

「Your Majesty, please forgive us for making you wait and for arriving in such an unsightly manner. Suffering a wound in the very last moment is due to my carelessness and incompetence. I am burning with shame.」

I also say a similar statement, reading off the memo given to me by Celia.

「I was the one who summoned you when you should be recuperating. It would not be a victory ceremony without you, after all. You should be forgiving me.」

「I am deeply grateful.」

Erich forces his body up and bows his head, and I also do something resembling a bow.

…