Well then.
Now that we have agreed to cooperate, let's begin.
"Getting Orsted-sama to help Ariel-sama win the throne is possible, but... he has little influence inside Asura Kingdom, so there's not much that he can do."
After that brazen talk, I start off this time with a preface.
"That's why, I think gaining Perugius-sama's support is still vital."
"Indeed."
Ariel with a serious expression, settles herself.
Maybe it's just me, but Sylphy and Luke look more serious as well.
Convince Perugius.
Orsted also mentioned how important that was.
Because Perugius wields enormous influence inside the Asura Kingdom.
But, how?
Probably it comes down to what Perugius said.
Let me try bringing that topic up again.
"[What is the most important factor of a king, Ariel-sama. If you know, you'll have my support.]"
And...
Ariel's eyes twitched.
It's the question she worries over the most, but the answer won't come to her.
"The most important factor for a king, what the hell is it?"
I was asked as well, and my answer wasn't good enough.
Anyways, I don't think I have the right answer either.
If what Orsted said was to be believed, an individual named Derrick Redbat would have helped her find her answer.
But history has changed, so the question might have been different.
Asking about this Derrick person might be a good idea.
But, how do I approach this?
I am not supposed to know this Derrick person.
"Ah, well, before we discuss this topic..."
Ariel bends over and glances at Sylvaril.
"Perugius-sama will hear everything, is that okay?"
"... I'm sure he doesn't mind."
"But that kingship question, is it alright to discuss it with others..."
Ah, of course.
Since it's about becoming king, maybe only that person can think it over?
Then what?
Taking a glance at Sylvaril, she gently shakes the wings at her back.
"Perugius-sama has said to Ariel-sama that no matter how she works out her answer, if her answer is correct, he'll lend you his strength."
Because he is generous.
She said it in a matter-of-fact attitude. [8]
"So I could have consulted others from the start?"
"Rather, Perugius-sama has been wondering why you haven't."
Ariel can only cast a wry smile to that response.
"I was too narrow minded."
Ariel murmurs, but she looks suddenly refreshed.
With her hands she begins to comb her blond hair, after it's straightened, she stretches out her hand.
She then turns her head left and right until it crackles and slaps her cheek.
Behavior unbecoming of a princess.
"Got it. Then, Sylphy, Luke, sit down."
"Yes!"
"Understood."
Happily those two sat down, but Nanahoshi's uncomfortableness doubles.
"Well, let's begin the meeting."
A voice of confidence from Ariel, like in our first meeting.
Should I applaud?
No, probably not.
But I probably should raise my hand to speak.
"Before we begin, let's reach a common understanding?"
"Understanding?"
"What I mean is, I don't know anything about Ariel-sama."
"Eh... What do you want to know?"
Ariel blushes slightly, and I can feel Sylphy glaring.
It's not like I'm asking for her three sizes.
No, stick with serious talk.
"First, I want to know why Ariel-sama wants to be king, if you please."
Why Ariel wants to be king.
I might have heard of that before.
Something about those that died for her sake.
Along the way, maybe the name Derrick will pop up.
"Haven't I mentioned this to you before?"
"Huh, did you?"
"Yes, at Rudeus-sama's and Sylphy's wedding."
"If possible, please tell me again."
Hearing that, Ariel says nonchalantly.
"If I failed to be king, I won't able to face those that died placing their trust in me."
"So, trust, of those that died... Can you tell me the details about them?"
Ariel smiles slightly hearing that, but I also feel some concern.
"Does this have to do with our topic at hand?"
Ah, that's a rejection.
She doesn't want to talk about it?
"I don't know if it will, but I think Perugius-sama is giving Ariel-sama a test. If we look into Ariel-sama's personal relationships, maybe we can find some clues."
"I see."
Good enough, actually, that actually sounds plausible.
But, I was honest too.
I really have no idea what a true king is about.
I remember reading in a light novel from my past life,
[King lives for his people, no, to lead his people] and junk like that before.
But as much as I try, I can't find a serious answer.
"Well. Those that died are many. Especially during my escape from Asura Kingdom, 13 died then... Four knights: Alistar, Callum, Dominic, Cedric. Three magicians: Calvin, Johann, Babette. Six attendants: Viktor, Marcelin, Bernadette, Edwina, Florence, Corinne. The names of these 13 people, I will never forget during this lifetime. The painful journey together, fought together, and overcame hardships together. In hopes of me becoming King, they died."
Huh?
One name did not come up, Derrick's.
Strange...
According to Orsted, he also died, but...
Perhaps he wasn't anyone important to Ariel?
There's a possibility I find a hint if Derrick survived from these thirteen.
"Do you mind talking about each of them in detail?"
"Understood. But it'll be a little long. Is that okay?"
"That's fine, as there's not a single person who isn't important."
With that said, somehow the mood became more relaxed.
Ariel smiles, while Luke looks somewhat surprised.
Sylphy glows with a sense of pride.
Only Nanahoshi looks somewhat peeved.
"Well then.."
Ariel, slowly but surely, talks about those thirteen.
Their origins, where they grew up, the circumstances of how Ariel met them.
Their personalities, their likes, their dislikes.
What they took pride in.
The way they talk, what made them smile, what made them angry, what made them cry.
Who got along with who, who liked who, who hated who.
And how they met their ends.