"—That's how it went."

  Feridelia Royal Palace, ministerial meeting.

  The ministers—who'd spent the early morning issuing orders to track that flying island-turned-floating-landmass that had appeared above the capital causing an emergency, relieved it was merely hovering doing nothing then began moving somewhere—heard the full account from the king and Military Affairs Minister who'd returned following their report, and were so exasperated they'd reached a state of 'whatever happens, happens.'

  "I thought he was unconventional, but..."

  "Someone of unknown origin 'gifted' him something like that?

  Does he think that passes for an explanation?"

  "I understand your feelings, but complaining to me won't help, Interior Minister."

  "No, I'm certainly not expressing dissatisfaction with Your Majesty."

  "I know.

  But... don't you think he's quite the personage? Lord Royal Father."

  "You mean 'quite the problem'?"

  At the Prime Minister's retort, seeing the other ministers nod in agreement, the king smiled wryly.

  Their thinking wasn't unreasonable. Rather, it might be natural.

  Suddenly descending(?) from another world, wielding mysterious powers, seemingly winning over each minister with benefits, somehow becoming 'friends' who address each other informally with the Military Affairs Minister he'd had friction with, and now receiving from some 'unknown even to himself' sender something that picks a direct fight with natural law...

  "...Thinking normally, he's quite the suspicious character, isn't he?"

  "You're only now realizing?"

  The Prime Minister answering thus wore a face that would say 'don't be daft' if not addressing the king—but the king didn't particularly mind.

  "Prime Minister, for all you say, you don't seem very wary of Lord Royal Father either."

  "That one—oh, pardon. I don't believe Lord Royal Father harbors ill intent.

  Though he may pull pranks like a brat, at minimum he won't harm this nation where Your Majesty reigns as king—I believe so.

  Surely I'm not alone in thinking thus?"

  Hearing the Prime Minister's words, Justice and Finance—already devoted to Celeste—nodded vigorously. Interior seemed reluctant to agree with the Prime Minister but appeared to consent nonetheless. Commerce and Foreign Affairs had also found aspects useful for their work, projecting an atmosphere of no intention to antagonize from their side.

  And the Military Affairs Minister who'd been most wary of him until last...

  "Da-chan, was it..."

  "...Your Majesty, that was his nonsense, so please..."

  "No, I think it quite excellent that you two get along?

  Eventually, you'll likely come to rely on his power as well."

  "That may be so, but..."

  "Enough. Let's return to the main issue.

  How should we handle that 'floating landmass'?

  First, Interior Minister—are you planning measures to stabilize and reassure public sentiment throughout the capital?"

  "Yes, we're currently preparing proclamations and announcements.

  Regarding the announcement content..."

  "State it as it is.

  Something like that can hardly be hidden.

  No need to invite unnecessary suspicion."

  "Understood."

  "And Foreign Affairs, you as well.

  While I don't think we need inform foreign nations, the ambassadors have surely noticed?"

  "Yes. Questions pour in rapid-fire—what is that, is the capital safe, and so forth.

  After this meeting, I plan to gather the ambassadors and make an announcement.

  ...Whatever the truth, I can picture the ambassadors' faces when they hear it belongs to our nation. Heh heh."

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "...Ah, yes.

  In moderation, yes?"

  Though not unconcerned about what the decidedly villainous-faced Foreign Minister might do, the king chose to trust him—results-wise, he did his job properly.

  "And so.

  As the Foreign Minister mentioned earlier—would there be any problem declaring it 'our national territory'?"

  "No. If I recall correctly, Kingdom Law Article 3 states 'lands to which royal command reaches and islands appurtenant thereto'—therefore if that is 'land' and the property of Regis Celeste who is Your Majesty's subject, by Kingdom Law and the laws of neighboring nations that recognize it, there would be no problem whatsoever declaring it our territory."

  Hearing the Justice Minister's explanation, a satisfied smile appeared on the king's lips, shifting to a slightly roguish expression.

  "Then.

  I intend to 'bestow' that upon Lord Royal Father."

  Though it seemed a strange statement—already 'something someone gifted Celeste'—the ministers present immediately grasped its meaning.

  "That is... an excellent plan."

  "Come to think of it, Lord Royal Father still lacked a fief."

  "He was whining that just managing the estate was overwhelming—but that was lies.

  He simply wants to reduce responsibilities because they're bothersome...

  But now that he'll possess 'his own land' within the realm, I won't let him escape."

  "Your Majesty... you've acquired a villainous expression."

  "Not as much as yours, Prime Minister."

  "Ho ho ho."

  Watching the two seemingly enjoying(?) themselves, the Foreign Minister spoke up.

  "Regarding that matter, I too have something to propose."

  "What is it?"

  "If it's an island floating in the sky that can move anywhere by Regis Celeste's will...

  Couldn't we properly consider it our nation's 'border'?"

  "Border with the sky?"

  "That too, but... it can also 'move to border regions.'"

  "Can't rule it out."

  "Therefore, I believe we could also grant Lord Royal Father the rank of Marc."

  Among Feridelia's noble ranks, the highest was Regis.

  This rank was granted to royal blood relatives or nobles holding equivalent status. Among them, the king's direct line additionally received the designation 'Basi.' What Celeste currently held was this 'Regis-Basi,' and the Prime Minister and Interior Minister attending this meeting also held the Regis rank.

  Below that came 'Comis' for great lords—the three ministers besides Interior and Military Affairs held this rank.

  Only Military Affairs Minister Daharat held 'Marc'—equivalent in standing to Comis, but designating lords of 'border territories' qualified to mobilize troops in emergencies. In Daharat's case, though a central noble, he held the Marc rank due to his position overseeing national military affairs.

  The Foreign Minister was now recommending granting Celeste that 'Marc' rank.

  "I can hardly imagine Lord Royal Father possessing military talent..."

  "No, I've no intention of burdening him to that extent.

  Simply that by chance, 'troops might happen to be aboard' that floating landmass, and it 'might move to combat zones'—merely a 'hypothetical' matter.

  What say you, Marc Mengen?"

  Suddenly called upon, Daharat wore a somewhat displeased expression.

  "Certainly, from a military operations perspective, it's an attractive proposal.

  However, I don't believe this is something we should proceed with at our convenience without asking his intent."

  "Of course we must confirm Regis Celeste's wishes.

  But this is also for Lord Royal Father's sake.

  Currently he holds the Regis-Basi rank, but... that's ultimately an honorary rank only. Without land, the basis for claiming nobility is solely Your Majesty's family declaration.

  Though most difficult to say... that lacks sufficient authority.

  There will be nobles who think 'that unknown otherworlder and nothing more.'"

  A bitter silence flowed through the conference room.

  Actually displaying such an attitude would be taken as challenging royal authority, so such feelings would likely never be openly expressed.

  But those who think that way inwardly and despise him—they couldn't rule out their existence.

  "Precisely why I say Regis Celeste needs a position with actual power.

  Not as a decorative noble who gained rank by His Majesty's whim."

  "That..."

  Even for Daharat, reluctant to exploit his dear friend for their convenience, this was an undeniable valid point.

  "Indeed...

  I'd like to say I won't permit those challenging my authority, but... reality is reality.

  Foreign Minister, I've heard you well.

  Other opinions?"

  "As Commerce Minister, I submit:

  For the monopoly business we're about to undertake as well, it would be useful if Regis Celeste possessed firm actual authority.

  Of course he already holds the unparalleled honor and authority of Regis-Basi, but when profit discussions arise, there will be those who lose self-control...

  Therefore we must publicize that island's existence and its contribution to the kingdom, making thoroughly known what manner of power Regis Celeste possesses."

  At the Commerce Minister's statement, the Finance Minister struck concordantly.

  "Precisely so.

  As Finance Minister, I too believe empowering Regis Celeste is inevitable.

  The vast wealth that gentleman and his monopoly business will bring the treasury must absolutely be protected. We cannot permit interference from miscreants."

  Three of six ministers in what seemed an inadvertent alliance.

  Military Affairs Minister Daharat hesitated considering Celeste, but regarding increased freedom in troop deployment, it was a tantalizing prospect.

  As for the remaining Justice and Interior...

  "Kingdom Law contains no provision forbidding holding multiple ranks.

  I also agree."

  "That's all?"

  "What further reason is needed?"

  At the Interior Minister's question, the Justice Minister stated flatly.

  As Celeste Devotee Number One, he had no intention of opposing anything that benefited(?) him.

  "Good grief—this situation has four of six ministers in seeming alliance.

  No, even the Military Affairs Minister doesn't seem entirely opposed...

  Your Majesty, I too find this not a bad proposal."

  "Oh, Interior as well?"

  "Yes.

  As the Foreign Minister stated, Regis Celeste needs actual power beyond mere honor.

  For that, first he requires land as a foundation, but this...

  Could become a source of trouble—friction with adjacent territories and such.

  Just then a territory with no adjacencies flies in, one that could serve as borderland and is all-weather capable... it's a perfect fit."

  "I see...

  Then may I consider all six ministers in agreement?"

  "Yes."

  "What of you, Prime Minister?"

  "That brat—ahem. I do think it may be too heavy a burden for such an unconventional one... but conversely, it might serve as good shackles.

  This humble servant does not oppose."

  Hearing the Prime Minister's response, a smile spread across the king's face.

  "I've heard everyone well.

  It's rare for seven opinions to align so thoroughly.

  Excellent! Accepting your counsel, I shall bestow that as Regis Celeste's fief and grant him the Marc rank.

  Interior and Justice, begin preparations immediately.

  Make it a fait accompli before Regis Celeste notices and tries to flee!"

  "Yes!"

  "ACHOO!"

  Celeste, in the island's bridge, suddenly sneezed.

  "My lord, have you caught something?"

  "Hm? No, doesn't seem like a cold.

  ...Is someone badmouthing me?"

  "More more!

  Tell me more details about that 'dimension' talk!"

  Nairan was thoroughly excited before new knowledge.