Volume 10: Orline Empire

Chapter 136: Louvre

Louvre, the imperial capital of the Orline Empire.

The Orline Empire belonged to a different cultural and religious sphere from the western nations. Its streets, buildings, clothing, and customs were all unfamiliar, and Louvre was famous as a tourist destination.

Unfortunately, I had no opportunity to enjoy any of it.

I sat in a room in the imperial palace and finished a report addressed to Wa. For the moment, I only explained that unforeseen circumstances had delayed our arrival. What we would do next could wait until the immediate problems had been settled.

“…I have nothing to do.”

Captain Yurick was inspecting the two surviving battleships and supervising their repairs. Emma was making the formal visits required of a member of the Lunoa royal family.

I had neither naval duties nor diplomatic ceremonies to attend. All I could do was wait for the person whose workload had increased after forcing the Orline fleet to intervene in the battle.

“It should be about time.”

I checked my pocket watch. Almost immediately, someone knocked on the door.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting, Major General Willard.”

General Tokel entered the room.

“Not at all. Have you finished dealing with your work?”

“Yes. I have finally dealt with the consequences of pushing matters rather forcefully.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Please, have a seat.”

General Tokel outranked me, so I remained standing and offered him the chair first.

“No.”

He shook his head and walked toward me instead.

“General Tokel?”

Without warning, he dropped to his knees, placed both hands on the floor, and bowed his head deeply.

“I sincerely apologize!”

A general of the Orline Empire was prostrating himself before me.

Whatever explanation he had brought, it was clearly not going to be a pleasant one.