Unrewarded Suggestion
The royal castle of the Izrim Magic Kingdom. A meeting was being held in a room in the castle. The participants in the meeting were not the courtiers of the kingdom. It was a meeting conducted by people who had nothing to do with national politics.
"They approached us about an alliance. It came later than I expected."
"Did you expect it?"
"There was talk of an alliance when I was in the church capital."
"I see."
"Well, not really, but what do you think? What is Father going to do?"
"You. Is that how you talk to your brother?"
The person to whom Princess Milianea is speaking is her brother, Prince Charles Yu Frencia. He is not only the elder brother, but also the most likely candidate for the next elected king of Izrim. He is the son of the current elected king.
"We haven't really had any brother-sister interactions."
"That's true. Even so, why are you suddenly calling me to a place like this?"
"Because no matter how much time passes, my brother won’t be active in national affairs."
"……It's none of your business"
Prince Charles' face contorts.
In the Izrim Magic Kingdom, where the system is not hereditary, being a prince alone does not confer any authority. If one wants to be involved in national politics, he or she must obtain that position through personal acumen. Prince Charles has not been able to do so.
"That's why we do these rehearsals before the real thing."
"Why?"
"To make sure you have the right skills to be the next Elected Candidate."
"...So why all of a sudden?"
Until now, there has been little interaction between the two. In fact, they have even been at odds with each other as elected candidates, albeit only slightly. Prince Charles was puzzled by the sudden change in Princess Milianea's attitude.
"I found out when I went to the church capital. This country is greatly inferior to other countries. It's not just about national power. Human resources involved in national affairs."
"Because there are many people who think only of their own interests."
"If you know that, do something about it."
"Don't be unreasonable. I have no power in this country, which is not hereditary."
"That's a mistake."
"There is nothing wrong with the idea that a good person becomes a king."
The elected king system sounds like a good system when one hears it. But it is not. There are many problems. Princess Milianea learned this from her experience in the church capital.
"You wish you could become a king at a young age. In fact, it is only when you are old that you are chosen as king. Until then, you have no experience in the government of the country. No matter how good you are, you can't do anything. And by the time you are ready, you will be dead."
"A bit radical, but not a mistake."
"With this, the real power of national affairs will continue to be held by the Elected House."
This is what Princess Milianea wants to convey. The problem of the Izrim Magic Kingdom that she recognized in the church capital. This is one of the conclusions she came to while thinking about it.
"……You"
"Am I wrong?"
"No, it's just like you said."
"Father got involved in national affairs at a young age because grandfather passed away early, but what will happen to brother?"
"…………"
"So, this is how you train."
"What's the point of training?"
"You'll get a high position in the bureaucracy. Then you'll know the affairs of the state."
If you don't have the position of a Crown Prince, you can take a high position in the bureaucracy. A simple idea, but one that had never been attempted before by anyone in a position to eventually become king.
"......That's a great idea."
"All right, let's get on with it."
"Yeah."
"An alliance with the Lemberg Empire. What do you think we should do?"
"Considering the threat from the Luine Kingdom, an alliance is a viable option."
"Yes. So?"
"So?"
Prince Charles' answer is one that anyone can answer. Princess Milianea cannot be satisfied with that. Because this is a study to become king.
"What are you going to do after you make the alliance?"
"What to do..."
"Think"
"...I can't think of it right away."
"Well, you can't do it all of a sudden. Lang, explain."
"Yes"
At Princess Milianea's instruction, Lang stood up and began to explain. Princess Milianea immediately dumped it on Lang with the intention of making her brother aware of Lang's abilities. It was a result of her consideration of Lang's future.
"First of all, I will explain the disadvantages of forming an alliance."
"Disadvantage?"
"Because there is little profit"
"Is that so?"
Lang's words surprised Prince Charles. This is the first time he has heard words that deny the alliance.
“If we conclude an alliance, I believe the Lemberg Empire will begin its invasion to the west."
"That is what our country hopes for. We would be grateful if we could have the Lemberg Empire advance west to fight the Luine Kingdom."
The alliance is to fight jointly with the Luine Kingdom. If that is the case, it is not a bad thing for the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
"Yes, but there is a problem. The Lemberg Empire will expand its power to the west, but our country cannot move east in the same way."
"Why is it so?"
"If we concentrate our forces to invade, we will be less prepared for the north."
"Luine?"
"If the Luine Kingdom invades with all its strength, the countries in between will surrender without much resistance. Then our country will be in direct contact with the Luine Kingdom."
"...It's not the time to send an army to another country."
"That's what I mean. If that happens, most of the eastern part will be in the power of the Lemberg Empire. Now, can we be on an equal footing with Lemberg?"
"No."
The first of the three countries' struggles will be a competition for control of the smaller countries. And how much territory they can expand will determine the outcome. In that first battle, the Izrim Magic Kingdom is at a disadvantage.
Lang's explanation made Prince Charles understand.
"Just forming an alliance will only make our country poorer."
"What then?"
"Our country must also expand its power."
"I understand that. But as just explained, our country cannot move."
"If we can't move, we will make it so."
Prince Charles' question was easily answered by Lang. Princess Milianea was pleased to see this. Prince Charles now knows what Lang is capable of. This should pave the way for Lang to become a future member of the king's entourage.
"……How?"
"Our country will expand its power either to the east or to the north. However, from the north, we will soon collide with the Luine Kingdom."
"There is also Lemberg in the east."
"Even so, there is enough land to share between the two countries."
"...But the invasion of the Luine Kingdom"
It was Lang who said it could not be done. Prince Charles looks a little disgruntled.
"We just need to stop the invasion."
"Can we do it?"
"I don’t think it can be done, but I think it has already stopped?"
"What?"
"The Kingdom of Luine is not moving even though the Iliad Treaty has expired. The reason for this is that there are small rebellions going on in the country or in countries under its control. The army has been dispatched to suppress it, and they can't move."
"...You know very well. But won't it subside soon?"
The rebellion of a small country poses no threat to the Luine Kingdom. Prince Charles thinks so.
"Yes. Individual rebellions are small and quickly put down."
"See."
"But there have already been four. If ten or twenty more continue, it will be too late to invade other countries, and their national power will be weakened little by little."
"…Is the Luine Kingdom in such chaos?"
"Confusion, I think, is the right word."
"Are you saying the rebellion is a plot?"
"Rebellion is a conspiracy"
"It's not. I'm saying that someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes?"
"There's no proof."
"Is it Lemberg?"
"Maybe so."
"I see. That would allow us to invade the east."
"If the rebellion continues in the Luine Kingdom"
"Isn't it going to continue?"
"I don't know. It depends on who is behind it."
"...Will Lemberg continue?"
"Will they?"
"I don't know. What do you mean?"
Lang's response becomes a little ambiguous. Princess Milianea doesn't notice. That this will also be an opportunity for Lang to get to know Prince Charles.
She doesn't realize that this leads to comparisons between Ren and Prince Charles.
"Why did Lemberg apply for an alliance with our country? Do you know the reason?"
"...To oppose the Luine Kingdom"
"Yes, but that's not the case."
"Then explain. Your words are difficult to understand."
Prince Charles' mind gradually became irritated. He did not understand why Lang was giving him such an answer. If he understood, he would be grumpy if he would know he was being tested.
"...Because a need has arisen to form an alliance with our country. What is that necessity? The Lemberg Empire has two choices. Either to extend its power to the north or to the west. If they want to ally with our country, they have chosen to extend their power to the west. Why is that?"
"I don't know. Alright, proceed with the explanation."
"...Yes. It is because of the problems that have arisen in moving north. We are supposed to be heading north, where it is more expansive and unencumbered. There is Mercenary, but Mercenary cannot compete with Lemberg. On the other hand, if they can successfully absorb the Mercenary, Lemberg will have more power than Luine."
"Why can't we continue north?"
"Because there are other nations that we must be more wary of than the Mercenary."
"There is no such country"
"I believe there is. That is why the Lemberg Empire dared to look to the west. Ignoring the risk of Luine's growing power in the north."
"...Speak clearly. What are you saying?"
"The Lemberg Empire is wary of the Nord Empire, and perhaps it is the Nord Empire that is causing the revolt in the Kingdom of Luine."
"Nonsense. How can that country have such power?"
"Maybe so. What I just said is just my imagination."
With these final words, Lang sat down. Secretly insisting that she had nothing more to say. Anyone can simply ask for information. What Lang was looking for was someone who could make use of the information, and Prince Charles was not the man Lang was looking for.
In that respect, Princess Milianea shows a better reaction.
"...Wait. Lang, what did you just say?"
"I said that it is the Nord Empire that is causing the revolt."
"The Nord Empire? Not the Nord Federation?"
"Yes. It's the Nord Empire. The Nord Empire calls itself an empire with Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz as its emperor."
"What!?"
Jin, who had been looking grumpy and silent for a long time, spoke up for the first time here. When it came to Ren, he could not remain unresponsive.
"Did you know his current name?"
"No, I've never heard it before."
"It seems to be his real name. Takashiro is his mother's family name, and I heard that it was better if he lived in the country of Japan. I don't know the details."
"I understand the circumstances. It is true that such a real name would be conspicuous."
Jin was satisfied with Lang's explanation. At this point, Jin, or even Princess Milianea did not question. Where did Lang get this information from?
"I see. But that explanation doesn't make sense to me."
"Japanese distinguish between themselves and others. That's the kind of people they are."
"So the Emperor Kaiser is not a Japanese?"
"Ah, no, I think he's Japanese, but he's half and looks different."
"…Those who don’t have black eyes and black hair aren’t treated as Japanese, are they?"
Black eyes and black hair is a common appearance of heroes. Ren was the only exception. Lang, who was in the church capital, knows that.
"No, not necessarily... let's stop talking about this. It's hard to explain. But why did Ren call himself the emperor?"
"Because he's the emperor, I assume?"
"…Could you explain in an easy-to-understand manner?"
Needless to say, Jin is also not what Lang is looking for. Jin was just a warrior and did not have the qualities of a politician.
"The Nord Federation is called a federation because it is an aggregation of several countries. Each country has a king. The emperor rules over those kings, so he is the emperor."
"I see."
"That's not how it was. A country, that's not a human's country, is it?"
"Yes. That's my understanding."
"Are you saying he subjugated the demons?"
"I don't know. Nord called itself a federation even before it conquered the demons."
"What do you think?"
"I think that they have conquered some of them. Otherwise, it would be impossible to manipulate the Luine Kingdom. I believe that they are doing what the Nord Empire did during the Great War."
"...That's right. That's why the Lemberg Empire avoided heading north. When it comes to fighting the demons, even if they don't lose, they'll make a lot of sacrifices."
She proceeds with her thoughts on the information from Lang. Princess Milianea is much closer to the master Lang seeks than Prince Charles.
"I think they want us to crush each other, if possible, with the Luine Kingdom."
"I never thought the Nord Federation would have such ambitions. Is this a revenge for what happened last time?"
"No, I think it's the ambition of Emperor Kaiser, not the Nord Federation."
"……No way, are you saying that the country is moving according to his intentions?"
Unfortunately, this is where Princess Milianea is inferior to Ren. She has not been able to match, let alone surpass, Lang in the results of her thinking.
"Didn't you notice yet? The Nord Federation made a contract with Ren Takashiro. Not Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz."
"...Was the pledge invalid?"
"I think so. The pact is a powerful magic, but I think the conditions are just as demanding."
"For example?"
"Ren-dono kept denying the surname Takashiro. And many of us recognized it. This weakened his own connection to the name Ren Takashiro. It allowed him to admit that he was Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz without people around him realizing that he was Kaiser Ren Breitkreuz."
"...Thinking such a thing."
"He also refused to be a hero candidate. In other words, it is a contract without his consent. Wouldn't it still be less effective? I'm sure there are many other things, but I can't go into detail. I think he probably did everything he could think of. I think that's about it."
"Did he know from the beginning?"
"That's what I've been saying for a long time."
"Don't joke around!"
It was Jin who interrupted their conversation and yelled.
"What is it?"
"He knew the truth, but he hid it. It means he was just trying to save himself."
"What's wrong with that?"
"What?"
"Why would Ren-dono have to tell you? He was under no such obligation."
Lang looked at Jin with cold eyes. Jin's naiveness is a quality that Lang despises. She is dismayed that Jin doesn't understand that this naivety is one of the reasons why he can't reach Ren.
"But……"
"You guys are complete strangers to Ren-dono. No, he hates people. He shouldn't be doing you any favors."
"...You think you can just stand by and watch others be enslaved?"
"Slave... you live in large mansions surrounded by servants, wear luxury items, eat luxurious meals, and even receive a large amount of wages. Is that a slave?"
Jin's treatment is also what he was promised. It is only natural. If they were to treat him differently, it would be a violation of the contract. There is no way that a contracting country would do that.
And even other subjects would be charged with serious crimes if they disobeyed the king's orders. The position of a hero is nothing to worry about. Except for one thing.
"...We have no mental freedom. That's the most important thing as a person."
And Jin is still oblivious to the actual problem. What he says is just a complaint.
"What are you going to do with it? With all due respect, I don't think you, no, I don't think all the heroes had any hopes of what they wanted to do after graduation."
"That's……"
"Did you want to live a luxurious life? Isn't that good? Your wish has been fulfilled."
"…………"
Ever since he learned the truth about the Hero, Jin has been resentful of those around him, saying that he was deceived. But he couldn't say anything back to Lang's words.
"Lang, stop it already."
"Yes"
"How do you think Nord will come out?"
"…They want to buy time for the time being?"
Lang answered, after a short pause. She wasn't thinking of an answer. Lang didn't have the confidence to read through Ren's thoughts. Even so, she wondered if she would give an answer.
"Buying time?"
"There is no doubt that Nord is a poor country. No matter how strong its military is, it cannot win a war by itself. They need time to build up their national strength to support the war."
"One of them is the operation to the Luine Kingdom, isn't it?"
"The first to make a move would be the Luine Kingdom."
"...That means"
"If the Lemberg Empire learns of this and tries to make a move, they may try something against Lemberg. As long as they turn west, they have the option of leaving them alone."
"What about our country?"
"Probably nothing"
"Nothing?"
"Even if they do nothing, our country cannot move."
"...That's right. But then the future of our country will be dark."
Their country is not a threat even from the Nord Empire's point of view. Princess Millianea knows that the Izrim Magic Kingdom is actually far inferior to the other two countries, even though it is called one of the three great powers. Even so, it was still a humiliation.
"It will be."
"What's the solution?"
"Alliance with the Nord Empire"
"That's……"
An unexpected proposal. Princess Milianea hesitated to even think about its significance.
"I think our country is aiming for a balance among the three countries, but that doesn't make sense. The balance of the three countries can only be achieved in the form of a coalition of one power and two other powers. And our country cannot be one power in position."
A clear criticism of national policy. However, there is no one here to blame it.
"If it's two to two, are you saying we can balance it? But the alliance Lang is talking about is an alliance of two weak countries."
"Now it is. But it is the only way for our country to survive. I think we have to choose it, even if it is the least likely."
"...Impossible."
"Yes. Our country will never make this choice."
Even Lang knows. The Izrim Magic Kingdom would never ally with the Nord Empire.
"It's a risky bet."
"It is not right to bet on someone who will lose. You don't understand. You think the Great War will last for decades to come. No, it may continue. But you don't think it will be settled in our generation. So it's somewhat of a stranger to me."
"No, that's not true."
"No, it's not about the people here, it's about the older people."
"......That may well be true."
It takes a long time to settle the war. Because they thought so, they're slow to deal with anything. This is the current state of the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
"His Majesty the Elected King is still young. I believe that it is not unlikely that the matter will be settled in this generation."
"...Are you saying that what we're doing now is useless?"
"No. You never know when something will happen."
"That is."
"I don't think you need to worry. If I were in Ren-dono's shoes, I would never wish to harm His Majesty."
"……I see."
Lang says it is better for the enemy to let him live. That is a scathing criticism of the elected king, a statement that could be charged with disrespect.
However, Princess Milianea will not blame her for that. Princess Milianea has the same opinion. That is why she was trying to train her brother, Prince Charles.
"Luine and Lemberg. It would be nice if both of them could not move. That's what Ren is trying to do, right?"
Jin opened his mouth while Princess Milianea was silent.
"By my guess."
"Then, we should expand our power in the meantime."
"That's right"
Lang agrees with Jin's words.
"...Is there a problem?"
However, this reaction makes Jin uneasy.
"I didn't say anything."
"You're answering lightly because you have a problem, don't you?"
"If our country alone expands its power, we will be attacked by both the Luine Kingdom and the Lemberg Empire. Our country will be destroyed, and the lands that follow will become a battleground for supremacy between the two nations.
"Then, in the end, nothing can be done, can it?"
The Izrim Magic Kingdom has no chance at all. To Jin, it sounds as if Lang is saying so.
"That's why it's an alliance. The two countries are going to attack and have their backs poked. Then the two countries will be unable to attack us with all their might because they will be concerned about their rear. That is the equilibrium. We need an alliance with the Nord Empire to expand our power and protect it."
Lang is not saying that there is no way to win at all. She is simply saying that the only way forward is to form an alliance with the Nord Empire.
"The Mercenary should be fine."
Jin refuses to accept it.
"That's an option, if the Mercenary can survive."
"What do you mean?"
"It doesn't make much sense. It's just that the Mercenary doesn't have enough actors. That's all I'm saying."
"......You sound like Ren. You talk a lot of nonsense, but you won't talk about the important stuff."
"Is that a compliment?"
"......Take it as you will."
"Yes. I will."
"In the end, what will the country do?"
"We will form an alliance with the Lemberg Empire. The condition is that the princess will be brought from the kingdom. The royal blood of the Izrim Magic Kingdom will be introduced into Lemberg. As long as it is not hereditary, it should not matter, but I am sure they do not care about such a thing."
"So you don't mind being annexed."
The blood of the Izrim Magic Kingdom will be injected into the Lemberg Empire. This is to maintain a minimum of appearances even when it is annexed to the Lemberg Empire. The Imperial family of the Lemberg Empire will also become the bloodline of the royal family of the Izrim Magic Kingdom.
"If that's how we can maintain our position. As long as we are not treated any differently, then what does it matter what country they are in?"
"...Father won't accept it."
"I wonder about that. In the first place, does His Majesty the Elected King have any ambition to conquer the continent?"
"…………"
"That was indeed a mistake. I apologize for being rude to His Majesty."
Lang, who had repeatedly criticized the national government, seemed to think that naming the elected king was a bad idea when he heard Princess Milianea's silence. But Princess Milianea's reply was different.
"No. I'm not angry. I'm just convinced that it might be so."
"I see."
"There may be no alliance"
"Why do you think so?"
"An alliance with Lemberg?"
"You mean an alliance with Luine?"
If that were to happen, the Luine Kingdom would almost certainly gain control of the continent. Lang believes that this is less likely than an alliance with the Lemberg Empire.
"If we obey, the Luine Kingdom will accept the continuation of the current system."
"Is that so?"
"That's what Crown Prince Albert told me."
The words of Prince Albert when they spoke in the church capital. Princess Milianea remembered that.
"......That is if it is Crown Prince Albert, isn't it?
"Might be so"
"Then I think it's better not to talk to anyone. If the current King of Luine does not approve, it will be troublesome if he hears about it and thinks of negotiations with the Luine Kingdom."
"Do you think the Luine Kingdom will not accept it?"
"At this point, no. They will want to take this land, which is close to Luine and the richest in the area, and put it under their jurisdiction."
"...That's right"
For the Luine Kingdom, if they could incorporate the Izrim Magic Kingdom into their territory, it would be as if they had almost conquered the continent. It is too early to give up now that the battle has not yet begun in earnest.
"And if Lemberg knows about it, they will no longer trust our country, which attempted to play both sides."
"We will not be able to ally ourselves with either side."
"It will."
"I understand. I won't tell anyone. Not even you, brother."
"I know"
"His Highness the Prince cannot speak. And if he were to revere Lemberg, there would be no place for him."
"...I won't talk. Never."
If his father is no longer king, Prince Charles is just a man. Lang showed him this, and this time Prince Charles spoke the words of his promise with a serious face. With this, the Izrim Magic Kingdom would go in the direction that Lang had in mind.
A few days after this day, an envoy from the Izrim Magic Kingdom would leave for the Lemberg Empire to negotiate an alliance.
thanks for the chapter!
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