Editing Zero no Tsukaima:Volume8 Chapter6 - MTL

It was just the second moon of January since the end of the war… on the first week of the moon of Hagar,on Freyja's week, one by one nobles from all countries gathered up in Albion’s capital Londonium.

Londonium.

Compared to all other cities of Halkeginia, had a new atmosphere around it. To the central portion of the town was made from skillfully handled stones, which was continued to build up due to constant ruling.

One hundred years ago, Londonium was hit with conflagration, and because the town outlines were made of wood it almost burned down completely. By the order of that time Albion’s king, wooden constructions of buildings were forbidden in Londonium since then.

It was also a mean to increase Albion air force power that would roar over Halkeginia, as it protected the timber resources needed. It had the powerful fleet established with abundant timber, and looked down at all Halkeginia from above the clouds…

However, now it was only a fairy tale of the past. 

At present – Albion was a poultry placed on the table. Wings and nails were taken off and put on the plate – burn poultry. Helkeginia’s most powerful were staring at the meat like starving wolves.

Havirand palace of Londonium, was filled with people like in a party. 

Galia, Germania, Romalia… kings and the emperors of each country came on their will with many vassals as waiters just to fight over the share of this poultry.

Queen Kingdom of Tristain, Henrietta’s name was also listed in the ‘Nations conference’, as she was invited to attend the part two weeks ago.

Henrietta sat at the round table of Whitehall.

Next to her Cardinal Mazarini could be seen. Near them was Germania’s emperor, whom Henrietta was about to have married before, Albrecht the IIIrd. In the duel for power between 40 men he won emperor's seat and now was looking at Henrietta with dirty-minded eyes

When Henrietta glared back courageously, he gave a broad grin.

“Nice to meet you, Your Highness Princess Henrietta.”

“I’m afraid, I am a queen now, Your Excellency.”

The nose of Albrecht the IIIrd turned pale.

He looked grateful at the Romalia’s ambassador who sat in front of Henrietta. Romalia who had a small militia participation, had very little to say in this conference. 

Therefore only the ambassador was participating.

Nearside, General Hawkins was fulfilling his duty as plenipotentiary Albion ambassador. Dauntless features were on this man in his prime years face. Despite kings were sitting in row before him, he had no fear. The chest was put out in a dignified manner, not showing the pathos of the defeated army general. Germania’s emperor who sat next him, didn’t like such attitude at all. 

“But…that guy is late.”

Albrecht the IIIrd muttered to Henrietta.

“You mean king Joseph?”

Joseph, the king Galia, has not showed up yet.

“Yes. Incapable lady-killer. No one else from the country suited to be Galia’s king.Do you know? It is said that he got the throne by killing younger brother. Such a very shameless person.”

Such were the rumors…

Loud steps were heard behind the door, then it opened. 

There stood a beautiful looking blue haired man. 

The announcer called in a perplexed tone. 

“His Majesty King of Galia!”

He seemed to have a charming figure. Visible back muscles were like one of ancient gladiator’s. The neatly tightened face, framed by a blue beard. 

It was Joseph, king of Galia.

King of Galia watched everyone who gathered, with a broad smile on his face.

“This, this! Everyone are here! All Helkeginia’s kings meeting in this place, unbelievable! A happy day! A happy day!”

Joseph notices the Albrecht the IIIrd and tapped his shoulder.

“Dear emperor, Your Excellency! I am sorry for not attending the coronation! Are your relatives doing fine? I mean the ones that you lent your castle, so that you may hold that crown.”

Albrecht the IIIrd turned pale. This castle ‘lending’ - scathing sarcasm.  Joseph was making fun of the Albrecht the IIIrd, who imprisoned his rivals in the castle tower.

“ A hard door and splendid chains were used for their own protection! Moreover they are even given food. One bread crust, one glass of water and firewood when after two weeks their bodies become cold. The purpose is to keep them healthy. The luxury is bad for the body. You are really a kind emperor! I would like to learn that too!”

 “Aye, thank you.” Albrecht the IIIrd muttered, loosing his composure. Then Joseph turned his face and this time took Henrietta’s hand.

“Oh. Princess Henrietta. You have grown. I wonder if you still remember me? We met at the end of a certain garden party at Langdorian lake. At that time you were beautiful like a flower, that made all Halkeginia’s flower hung their heads in shame. And now you are a beautiful queen of peaceful Trsitain. Aye. Peaceful.”

Without looking at Hawkins and the ambassador in Romalia, king Joseph sat at the head of the table. As if it was most natural thing.

Though Albrecht the IIIrd made a face as if wanting to say something… Joseph waved it off.   Then, as if still in his royal palace, he cracked his finger joints.

Then the servants brought trays with various dishes – like Howai, Toho etc were brought in.

Before Henrietta and Albrecht the IIIrd, a large amount of food were placed. Henrietta and others looked at it in astonishment. It generously included even abundantly gorgeous ingredients. For such one plate some people would not be able to earn even working one full year.

“The dish and the wine I obtained from Galia. I am sorry for the shoddiness, but this dish is nothing compared to the treat from the whole country, so enjoy yourselves!”  
The waiter poured wine into the cup, which king Joseph hung.

Henrietta’s and others cups were filled with bloodred wine as well.

“Leaders of all Halkeginia. Though it is small, first of all, let's hold the feast of the celebration. The war ended. Peacefully, let’s take a toast for us!“


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