𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟖: 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

“After all, there’s no reason to refuse. Our ancestors hated war and holed up in Piran Castle.”

Zachalant spreads his arms wide.

He’s taking this lightly.

At the final stage of the Human-Demon War, the Demon King’s army was on the verge of defeat, but they rallied their remaining forces and challenged the humans to a final battle.

It sounds cool to put it that way, but the reality seems to be more like they were desperate.

Perhaps they were looking for a place to die.

Most of the people had already evacuated to the south. There was no reason to fight, but they challenged the humans to a final battle out of pride.

Like, they couldn’t stand losing all the time?

From my modern perspective, it seems foolish, but maybe there were things they couldn’t give up at that time.

Anyway, there were people in the Demon King’s army who didn’t want to die, and they fled to Piran Castle.

And they were protected by Zachalant’s father, who was the Lord of Piran at the time.

“In other words, we just hate pointless fighting, we didn’t rebel against the Demon King himself.”

If the current Demon King, Ingral, advocates a peaceful path with humans, we would rather actively support it.

But, of course, the power of Piran Castle is nowhere near that of the Masrur Kingdom.

“So it makes sense to become a vassal, right? Was there anything wrong with my argument?”

“No, your wisdom is greatly appreciated.”

Milene bowed deeply.

Honestly, I’m impressed too.

I knew Zachalant wasn’t just a casual old man, but I didn’t realize he was acting on such firm beliefs.

He doesn’t think about dragging out negotiations to get even a little advantage.

He has a solid set of values and doesn’t waver.

He wants to get along with humans without fighting. He supports the Masrur Kingdom because this major policy aligns.

If the Demon King changes his policy, Zachalant would undoubtedly defect without hesitation.

Without any calculation, right is right, wrong is wrong.

He’s as hard and unshakeable as granite.

That’s why Milene, probably withdrew all the various political strategies she had brought with her.

Such things are unnecessary when discussing the future with a person like this.

“I came here to arrange the conditions to invite Lord Zachalant to the royal capital. But now, I want to forget all those preconditions and introduce you to His Majesty Ingral myself. I am convinced that the two of you can undoubtedly become friends. You can join hands to weave the future.”

Milene said this long line as if savoring each word, and then she knelt on one knee in front of Zachalant.

It’s a salute of utmost respect.

It’s the pose we did in front of General Kytes a while ago.

“Good, good. There’s no need for such formalities with a country castle lord like me, Milene.”

Zachalant, laughing, helped the beautiful dark elf to her feet.

“When you look at him like this, he’s just a nice old man.”

Salieri’s muttered words slip into my ear.

Yeah.

I totally agree.

But you’re not one to talk, hiding your abilities behind a mask of incompetence.

That’s what they call hypocrisy.

The fact that Piran Castle is becoming a vassal of the Masrur Kingdom is not very interesting for the Lintrite Kingdom.

If they knew.

In reality, they don’t even know that the demon race lives in Piran Castle, they probably think it’s just a ruined castle that has fallen apart.

There’s no way to complain.

Also, there’s the painful part for a country when the right of first settlement is claimed.

They’ve been living here for over five hundred years, which is much, much longer than the one hundred and twenty years since the Lintrite Kingdom was founded.

If they try to force them out saying this is human land, it will definitely lead to war.

And from now on, starting a war with Piran Castle will be synonymous with starting a war with the Masrur Kingdom.

It won’t end with a minor border skirmish.

“So, does this mean that Piran’s safety is guaranteed? Mother Nel.”

“If the upper echelons of the Lintrite Kingdom have brains.”

I nodded in response to Miliaria’s confirmation.

After dinner, for some reason, the four girls came to my room to hang out, and we’re idly chatting.

Only Miliaria and I are discussing complex topics like politics and military affairs, while Asuka, Meisha, and Meg seem to have no interest at all.

We’re excitedly discussing the kingdom of the demon race, Masrur, which we’ve decided to visit.

“I’m looking forward to what delicious food they have. I’m drooling already.”

“I wish I had brought more pocket money. I can’t rely on pickpocketing along the way.”

“Let’s attack a band of thieves! They might have a stash of treasures!”

From a dreamy food tour, it’s quickly escalating to a raid plan.

Should I stop them soon?

Don’t cause trouble in another country, okay?

Really, I’m begging you, you guys.

“Do you have a brain? Our country.”

Miliaria tilts her head in confusion.

Her gesture is cute, but her words are sharp.

Well, rebellions are happening here and there. It can’t be helped.

The Lintrite Kingdom itself was founded by overthrowing the previous kingdom in a rebellion. History repeats itself.

If dissatisfaction accumulates, there will be an armed uprising.

It’s like a traditional culture in the human world.

But, the kingdom has respectable people like General Kytes, so I don’t think anything drastic will happen.

“You guys should go back to your rooms soon.”

I tell them, stifling a yawn.

I have to help with the castle wall repairs tomorrow.

It’s a test of physical strength.

The four girls stare at me.

No, no. Even if you look at me like that, I won’t sleep with you.

“You’re not children. Sleep on your own.”

I waved my hand dismissively.

・・・

『”𝔸𝕨𝕖𝕓𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤.𝕔𝕠𝕞” – 𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕒 𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖, 𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔a𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕦𝕝𝕘𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 “𝕕𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕪 𝕦𝕡𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤” 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕖𝕩𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕥𝕠 “𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕕 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤”.』

・・・

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