Chapter 86: Vestiges
It is the same in every country that wants to return to their own country as soon as possible after the contract with the heroes is over. However, more than a month has passed since the selection ceremony, yet many countries still remain in the capital. The reason for this is the occurrence of attacks on the heroes.
The first incident occurred a few days after the selection ceremony. The group headed for a small country in the south was attacked, and the hero was killed. It was unfortunate that they were in a country close to the church country, and because it was a small country, they were on their way back to their home country lightly. The group, which consisted of only four people including the hero, was attacked by bandits during the night camp, and the hero was killed without being able to resist.
This was still dismissed as an unfortunate incident. However, when another group of people was attacked by bandits, the countries sensed a clear intention.
The first to be suspected was, of course, the Anti-Hero Alliance. The Church was inundated with complaints from many countries. However, the Church maintained that it did not know anything about it. Moreover, if the problem was happening outside of the capital, continuing to complain would not solve anything.
The only thing each country could do was simply to provide a solid escort along the way. Some countries asked the Adventurers' Guild to do this, while others called in their own people. Either way, they were stuck in the capital until they could do something about it.
There were also countries that were able to put together a full escort force, but were unable to return to their home countries. The Luine Kingdom was one of them.
"I still haven't found any evidence that the Anti-Hero Alliance was involved."
"And what about the hideout of the bandits?"
"Not yet, either.
"And Ren Takashiro's whereabouts?"
"……I do not know."
"What do you mean you don't know?"
Thinking that Ren must be involved in the attack, he went to the trouble of staying in the capital to investigate, but was completely unable to obtain the desired information. Prince Albert is unable to hide his displeasure.
In the first place, his motivation for doing so stems from his dissatisfaction.
"Isn't there no doubt that the remnants of the Anti-Hero Alliance joined?"
More than fifty people accompanied Ren. From the moment he learned from their appearance that they were the remnants of the Anti-Hero Alliance, Crown Prince Albert was in a bad mood.
Then came the information about the attack to the heroes. He could no longer afford to show his displeasure with Ren, who was going beyond his imagination in every way.
"It is only from the clothing. Whether it actually is."
"Then where did those fifty people come from?"
"I don't know."
"...You don't know anything. What are you going to do about it?"
"I'm very sorry."
"Why don't you give up already?"
Princess Milianea called out to Prince Albert who was furious.
"...If I give up, I can't do anything"
"Pope Mikhail used to say that when Ren Takashiro comes out into the open, things are already over, or nearly over."
"So what?"
"Even if he's involved, he's only going to set things up and leave the rest to it. No amount of digging will turn up any evidence."
"But there must be someone who put it through."
"Those people probably disappeared at the time of the attack. That's the way he works. He has been carefully preparing for a long time, and when the time comes, his involvement is invisible. Perhaps that's what happened here. No matter how much evidence you look for, he's far enough north that there's nothing you can do."
"...I know that."
"If you understand, why don’t you calm down a little more? I feel sorry for your subjects who are blamed for tasks that will not yield results."
"...That's right. I'm sorry, Hank."
"Ah, no."
Hank was surprised when he apologized. Prince Albert has great ambition, but in proportion to that, he is confident and has high pride. It's not uncommon for him to apologize when he realizes his fault, but it's rare to see him apologizing when someone points it out.
"Is Ren Takashiro already in the north?"
"Lang guesses so."
"On what grounds?"
"You're the one who said there was an elf barrier in the [Forest of No Entry]."
"With the help of elves? But even if that were the case, the forest is still deep."
"I wonder? He's a man favored by spirits and magical beasts. The [Forest of No Entry] might as well be his garden."
"…………"
"I'm kidding. I'm pretty sure he left the forest, but Lang said he was looking for a way out."
"You think that's what it is?"
The information distracted Crown Prince Albert more than the teasing. It was also because he didn't care that he had been teased.
It also surprised Hank inwardly. Hank is beginning to understand the current situation.
"Even if it is not safe, there must be a way out. From the south, it's the [Forest of No Entry], but from the north, it's the [Forest of Confusion]. It is the southern edge of the Saint Miriam Kingdom."
"Are you saying the two forests are connected?"
It takes two months to travel from the Church to the Saint Miriam Kingdom. It is hard for Prince Albert to imagine that the forest stretches that far.
"That's how Lang sees it. The forest is mountainous to the east and west, north of the [Forest of No Entry]. It runs the length of the continent. So the only way to go north is to take a big detour to the west, or the same thing to the east.”
"I see. If there are no insurmountable mountains, you can get between them. It's obvious."
"The reason why we can't come up with that obvious idea is the mysteriousness of the forest."
"But it should be certain that it is a dangerous forest."
"Yes. But what about the outer edge of the forest? If the southern edge, which is said to be the entrance, is safe, isn't the eastern and western edges actually less dangerous?"
"......A hole in the thinking. The idea that the forest is dangerous is so strong that people assume that everything in the back and north is dangerous from the viewpoint of the capital."
"That seems to be the case. But if there is a way out, I don't think there are many people who know about it. Adventurers are suspicious. And those who are in the business of doing something shady."
"...The country just doesn't know"
They wouldn't bother to tell the country about a secret loophole. The goal is to move around under the radar of the state.
"There should be a lot of things like that. Don't you think?"
“There seems to be plenty of loopholes in the borders.”
"I think the forest is one of them. And it wouldn't be strange for Ren Takashiro to know about it. Even if he doesn't, he has the ability to find out."
"I agree. But your subordinate, Lang, is very good at finding that out. I can see why Ren Takashiro would ask her to join him."
"Yes..."
Even though her subordinate was praised, it was sorrow that appeared on Princess Milianea's face.
"What's wrong?"
"I can't make the best use of Lang. Ren Takashiro told me."
"That's very rude of him."
"It's true. As long as she's close to me, Lang's work will never be recognized."
"…How about recommending her to your father, Elected King Selim?"
"He won't accept it."
"Why?"
"Lang is an orphan. Izrim will not have the audacity to let a person of unknown origin into the government of the country."
"...It's similar in our country. But isn't it a bold move to put an orphan in the princess's inner circle?"
"I don't know. I thought so, too, but apparently not."
"What do you mean?"
"Father was the one who picked up Lang. He came across her lying in the street and brought her straight to the castle. As soon as she was well enough, she became my confidant and has been with me everywhere I go ever since."
"Does he do that often?"
"No, just Lang. It seems that he was not trying to be kind, but to gain popularity. A kind king who cares for his people. A dream country where even an orphan can become a member of the princess's entourage. Something like that?"
"It's possible, but..."
"Lang seems to have understood. She told me when I questioned her about the meaning of what Ren Takashiro had said to her. She told me that no matter how hard she tried, all she will become was to be next to me and be a spectacle."
"I see. Maybe that's why you didn't accompany Elected King Selim?"
"That's not the only reason. I've been disillusioned with a lot of things this time around."
"If that's the case, then you're being used to gain popularity."
"That's my duty as a princess. But Lang is different. If I were to take her in, she would have no place to go. I feel sorry about that."
"...Do you want us to take her in?"
"You already have many vassals. And if she was to go to another country, Lang would certainly choose the Nord Federation."
"Why is it so?"
Princess Milianea's words were much to the displeasure of Crown Prince Albert. He prides himself on his ability to attract his subjects in his own way.
"She's having fun. Ren Takashiro gives her ten answers with one piece of information she bring him. When she can't give an answer, he shows her what she's missing. She knows what he wants and what she needs to do."
"...I see. That means she already acknowledges him as Lord."
"That's right."
"If you judge as a princess, I don't think you should hand her over."
"I know that too."
As royalty, Princess Milianea can take the words of Crown Prince Albert as the right thing to do. Nevertheless, her sympathy for Lang, who is ignored by her country, does not disappear.
With a sorrowful expression, Princess Milianea let out a small sigh.
"...Are you going to carry it?"
"Huh?"
Prince Albert splendidly blew those feelings away.
"No, earlier, you said so"
"Someday I will. That's what I meant."
"Have you decided?"
"What?"
"No, I wonder if the marriage destination has already been decided."
"...It's not decided."
"I see"
"What's this all about?"
"No, I came up with a way to make use of Lang."
"How can I do that?"
"You will marry me"
"Yes!?"
"No, like I said, it's a plan for the person named Lang."
"...Keep going"
With a rather suspicious look, Princess Milianea urged him to continue.
"You will marry me, and Lang will follow you. You, as queen, will pass on Lang's thoughts to me as advice. If it is useful advice, I will follow it. This will not give her a position, but it will put her work to good use."
It sounds like a plan, but it is too forceful to be a plan. The only person who did not understand this was Crown Prince Albert. Princess Milianea and even Hank were taken aback.
"...Um. I don't suppose you want to use Lang as an excuse to marry me?"
"No way that's the case. It's just for Lang."
"I see. I thought you had fallen for my charms."
"...I think you're attractive."
"I was just joking..."
"I'm joking too."
"I see……"
Hank, who is listening to the exchange between the two, is struggling to hold back his laughter. It was so different from the way Prince Albert usually does things, so clumsy, that he couldn't help but find it hilarious.
"...What? Is something strange?"
Prince Albert, who noticed the situation, asked a question.
"No. Hypothetically, I think it would be a big deal if the two of you were to be married."
"Is that so?"
"Because it's a marriage between two great powers. It's enough to change the world."
"Yes. So, of course, it's impossible."
"Why!?"
"A marriage between two royal families is diplomacy. What kind of diplomacy would Luine and Izrim have? You don't mean to say that they will deepen their friendship, do you?"
"That's……"
"Izrim won't even obey me. It's a strange thing to say to you, but if I were to marry into another country, I think it would be Lemberg."
"...The crown prince there is sickly and weak. Isn't he still in bed?"
"You know indeed. But it's just a form of marriage. It doesn't matter if he's sick or not."
"Are you happy with that?"
With these words, Princess Milianea stiffened again.
"...Erm. He's the crown prince, right?"
"That's right"
"Perhaps He is not good at this kind of thing?"
Princess Milianea's question was directed at Hank. Because she knows that if she asks Prince Albert, he will deny it.
"He's not good at it, or maybe he's not used to it."
"Surprisingly. I can't speak for others either, but I know you can't expect happiness from a royal marriage."
"It's better to be happy"
"That's right. But as a princess, I have to do my best for my country."
"Why is it that it's not good for me and Lemberg is for the sake of the country?"
"You want the Luine Kingdom to conquer the continent, don't you?"
"That's right."
"I want to protect my country. To do so, I must prevent the Luine Kingdom from conquering the continent."
"…Are you saying that Izrim will rule the continent?"
"We don't have the power to do that."
"I don't understand. If that is the case, why are you interfering with my kingdom?"
"How could you not know unless you ask?"
Prince Albert is frustrated by the lack of understanding, and Princess Milianea is equally frustrated by the incomprehensible questions being piled on top of each other. The air between the two of them began to grow tense.
"Um, both of you."
Hank can't just leave it alone.
"What is it?" "What?"
"Shall I explain the reason for the disagreement between you two?"
"Disagreement ... I don't know, but speak"
"Yes. Then I'll explain it."
"Yes"
"The continental domination that His Highness the Crown Prince is talking about does not mean destroying all other countries and turning them into the Luine Kingdom."
"Then what does it mean?"
"There are several kingdoms, each with its own king, and above them there is an empire, and there is an emperor. I mean it will be an empire like that of Lemberg over the entire continent."
"...Why such a form of governance?"
"The continent is too large. There are many different cultures and customs in each country. It is impossible to dye them into that of one country. Therefore, each region should have its own uniqueness in governing. If you are going to entrust someone to rule, it should be someone who is trusted by the people of that region. In other words, it is best to leave it to the current royal family."
Hank explained part of the reason. The other reason is that if the conquered countries were incorporated one by one, it would not be possible to conquer the continent during the reign of Crown Prince Albert alone.
"But that still means we must be subservient."
"I do not deny that. However, please think about it this way. Even now, a hierarchy based on national power is already established. Each country will only officially recognize it."
"…I understand what you are saying. But it is not easy to allow a royal family to descend to its subjects."
"No problem with that either."
Before Hank could open his mouth, Prince Albert interrupted.
"Why?"
"If you marry me, you will become the empress. It does not mean that you will descend to a vassal."
"…………"
This is the third time. Hank is also holding his head this time.
"What's wrong?"
"…Are those words, a marriage proposal?"
"What?"
"I feel out of sorts. I'm not in my usual self today."
"Is something strange?"
"It's not strange... or bad, but I'm still out of tune. I'm sorry. I'm going back now."
Princess Milianea is also a novice when it comes to love affairs. The words coming from the mouth of the Crown Prince Albert are tantamount to a confession, although he himself is unconscious of it.
Princess Milianea had never received such a straight favor, so she was actually confused. Princess Milianea gets up from her seat and leaves the room, her face reddening.
Prince Albert, staring at her back, is clearly dejected.
"......Have I offended her?"
"No. She said she didn't feel bad about it, so I thought it was all right."
"I see."
"May I make a suggestion?"
"What is it?"
"I think His Highness the Crown Prince should gain more experience with women."
"Aren't I talking to her normally?"
"There's no normal to it when you suddenly confessed to her."
"…………"
"And it's obvious to the other party. Princess Milianea is confused by that. It's a clumsiness that is too different from the usual Crown Prince."
"Obvious..."
"As a matter of fact, it is not possible at this stage, as Princess Milianea said. Our country has no interest in forming an alliance with Izrim at this time."
"...Would it be a strategic disadvantage to have an ally?"
"The positional relationship alone will hinder our country's advance to the east."
"I see..."
"If you want Princess Milianea, you must obtain the world. You must obtain power that no one can interfere with."
"Fumu. That's true, too. I will rule the world. After all, that's what I have to do."
It is amusing to see him behaving in a manner so unlike the Crown Prince Albert, but it is a problem that he will always have. And if he is distracted by women, it will be detrimental to his political affairs. Thinking this, Hank said this in order to turn his attention to his hegemony.
As expected, Prince Albert has a strong desire to conquer the continent.
However, Hank is unaware of the fact that the Izrim Magic Kingdom is now positioned a little differently. Nor will he notice it in the future. There is no change in the path that Crown Prince Albert is on.
A few days later, the group from the Luine Kingdom was on its way back home. The stage for the heroes' activities shifted to their respective countries and eventually spread to the entire continent.
The expiration of the Iliad Agreement was near. This would signal the beginning of a new continental upheaval.
thanks for the chapter!
ReplyDelete