Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 95: A Meeting Between An Emperor and an Empress

Rikuto signs various documents. Some are logistics dispositions organizing the distribution of food, water, and other consumable supplies needed by the military. He has to make sure the borders are secure and the Royal Capital of Mornistae is safe, but he is preparing for his make-or-break mission. He has burned through a great deal of the resources he recuperated since arriving on Zenkon in order to afford the enhanced magic crystals he needs from Aramellianna. In spite of several attempts to summon her, Wenlianna has been absent. Aramellianna insists that Wenlianna refuses to help in the war effort, especially now that they all know that Daniel is the leader of the Citadel and the self-proclaimed 'Fievegal'.

It's understandable, since Wenlianna had gotten close to Daniel, but it's not acceptable. Daniel is officially a traitor to the Kingdom of Mornistae, and Rikuto can't afford to hesitate or show mercy. No one else in this world can truly appreciate the danger Daniel's atom bombs present, and he hasn't been able to convince anyone other than his orders are absolute as king.

Aramellianna should know better either way. No matter her own feelings on Daniel, she should know the threat he represents as an upstart. Individual treachery aside, he's an insurrectionist at this point, rallying forces that can stand against the might of the Empire and the allied kingdoms.

Something doesn't sit right, though. Aramellianna's sudden neutrality in regards to the Fievegal, and Wenlianna's disappearance can only mean a limited number of things, but Rikuto can't afford to accuse Aramellianna of treachery or double-dealing. She still retains enough influence to be able to overturn Rikuto's efforts and cripple the defensive campaign against Daniel and his forces.

Rikuto's only chance to reign in Aramellianna will be to demonstrate the power of the void artillery, and then remind the Grand Duchess where her loyalties are sworn to lie.

While he's finishing his documents, the door bursts open. "Rikuto!" Heralesse jogs in, panic-stricken as she seems out of sorts.

He stands up, surprised by her sudden entrance and the tears in her eyes. "Heralesse!? What's wrong?"

"It's Erimaya! She hasn't returned from her tour of the eastern towns!"
"Wh-What!?" asks Rikuto. "Are you sure they aren't just running late?"

Heralesse's voice starts to waver as she chokes up, "She disappeared after turning in at the inn in Ullton. No one has seen her since. A messenger was sent as soon as it was discovered!"

Rikuto racks his brain as he sinks into his seat. As if he needed any other problems. Erimaya had plenty of guards with her, as well as serving staff and several knights, including the two who were involved with her fall from the castle ramparts.

It would take a considerable force to not only identify her, but also kidnap her and get away with it.

Unless...

Rikuto turns pale as the thought enters his mind. Once upon a time, he tried to give people the benefit of the doubt, including Daniel when he first went west. Daniel swore he wouldn't bring Earth weapons to this world, and he promptly broke that promise, building the worst one.

And later, Erimaya snuck away from Mornistae while the rest of the royal family were in the Imperial Capital to meet with Empress Sundenelle for a war briefing.

The place she went to was the worst possible place she could go to; the place where the present enemy of the world could easily hold her hostage.

"The Citadel..."

"What?" asks Heralesse.

"She went to the Citadel again. I would bet money on it."

"That's insane! Erimaya would never...!"