Chapter 112: Ambassador Candidate

I was unable to obtain permission to remain in Wa for an extended period as ambassador.

As a result, about half of the work I had been handling disappeared. All the preparations for leaving the Kingdom of Lunoa for a long time were no longer necessary.

“General Newsbeck and I’ve been racking our brains over who should serve as the long-term ambassador to Wa.”

“I see.”

After I had brought some of my work to a stopping point, Second Princess Emma came to visit me. It was the second time I had seen her that day.

“Can you think of anyone suitable? I don’t necessarily need a specific name. Even an idea of what sort of person would be good would help.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t know either.”

“What?”

“I’ve never been to Wa. Through a strange connection, I met someone from Wa and learned the language and a little of its culture from that person. I can’t claim to know much more than that.”

The Japan I knew was the Japan of Earth. I had no idea how closely it resembled Wa in this world.

Moreover, Wa in this world was still in the period before the First World War. It would be completely different from modern Japan, so I could say very little with certainty.

“You don’t know anything?”

“Well… there are a few things I can say. The most important isn’t to discriminate against them—not to look down on them because they’re Asian. That’s the absolute minimum.”

“Of course.”

“Which means you’re disqualified, Your Highness.”

“…I have reflected on that, so I would appreciate it if you forgave me.”

“It would also be best to choose someone with military knowledge. I’ve heard that the people of Wa are spirited, so someone with a warrior’s temperament who can speak their language would be suitable. They might look down on a civil official.”

“So they’re barbarians?”

“That’s a rather unflattering way to put it. Still, I suppose you could describe them that way. That’s about all I can tell you.”

“That was surprisingly conventional advice. Whether someone is prejudiced may sound easy to determine, but it isn’t. What should we do?”

“Hmm…”

Emma and I thought about it together.

“…Colonel Kernel?”

The name suddenly came to mind, and I said it aloud.

“Colonel Kernel… Wasn’t he your adjutant before you were even a soldier?”

“Yes.”

Colonel Kernel had fought beside me on the western front before I met General Newsbeck. When he learned that I was an earth mage, he showed little prejudice. He had shown some, but once he saw that my magic was useful, he immediately abandoned his assumptions.

He was gentle, courteous, and well-mannered. He was also the son of an earl. His standing might be a little low for the role, but his rank as colonel should make up for it.

“His prejudice against me was slight. He has the intelligence to evaluate others calmly, and he followed the orders of someone far younger than himself. His lack of pride, in the best sense, would make him a good candidate for ambassador.”

“If you recommend him, Noah, then I have no choice but to trust you. I’ll approach him as our first choice. Thank you for the advice!”

“I don’t think my opinion should take priority…”

I had only recently watched my own plans collapse. I was hardly someone whose judgment should be trusted without question.

“I trust you, Noah. You still have work left, don’t you? Do your best. I’ll quietly take my leave so I don’t get in your way.”

“Ah, yes.”

Unaware of my concern, Second Princess Emma cheerfully left my office.