𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓𝟓: 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬
Our appearance as envoys of Demon King Ingral seemed to greatly surprise General Kytes, but his surprise didn’t last long.
“The Demon King must have been quite a character, right?”
His words might encapsulate his feelings.
He quickly scans the letter and nods heavily.
“If the Demon King is willing to make such concessions, the negotiations might go smoothly.”
“I don’t know the details, but are the terms favorable for the Lintrite Kingdom?”
“Not so much favorable as equal.”
It seems that he is offering conditions such as refugee relief and humanitarian aid.
In return, Lintrite doesn’t have to bear anything.
In other words, it’s a proposal to move forward as equal friends.
There’s no demand for territory or tribute, so it’s truly equal.
Considering the difference in national power, the terms could be considered extraordinary.
“Then, let’s go see His Majesty right away. It’s a good opportunity, so Lionel, you should come along. It will be a good learning experience.”
“As for me, I don’t particularly want to be remembered by His Majesty…”
“You’re still a young man who doesn’t have a shred of ambition.”
The general spread his hands with a sigh.
Don’t be so exasperated.
After all, I’m just the leader of an adventurer clan in the city.
I’m not in a position to have an audience with the king. Not originally.
“Why don’t you take this opportunity to curry favor with His Majesty and have your clan made into the royal guard?”
“That’s ridiculous…”
It’s probably impossible to become the royal guard, but it’s not unheard of for an adventurer clan or mercenary clan to be made into regular soldiers for their achievements.
And then, some of the leaders and others are knighted.
That’s especially popular in the epic poems sung by bards.
Such rags-to-riches stories.
But no matter how I think about it, it’s not a suit that suits me.
“Don’t be so stubborn and come along. I want to introduce you to His Majesty as my protege.”
So that’s your true intention.
“Fine…”
I sighed and agreed, then beckoned Miliaria and asked her to take care of things afterwards.
We can’t all go in a group.
The four girls and Salieri will stay at General Kytes’ mansion.
And Miliaria will be the stand-in while I’m gone.
She’s not good under pressure, but she’s thoughtful and has a broad perspective.
“If by any chance, the general and I don’t return by nightfall, you’ll have to escape from the royal capital.”
“Why? Is there such a danger?”
“No. I think the possibility is close to zero, but preparing for the worst is the basic of strategy.”
I pat her brown head.
At present, the most important thing to avoid is a breakdown in communication.
If the negotiations fail and the general and I are captured, we have to inform Demon King Ingral.
And the only ones who can do that are them.
So this is a plan assuming the worst case scenario.
It’s the same idea as disaster prevention.
If you’re prepared and nothing happens, it’s a laughing matter, but if something happens when you’re not prepared, you won’t have the luxury of laughing.
At my explanation, not only Miliaria, but also Asuka, Meisha, Meg, and Salieri nodded.
But Salieri, don’t you know this much without me teaching you?
You’re a member of a special unit.
Why are you on the same page as me?
Do you think you’re my daughter too?
And the audience with His Majesty the King was arranged immediately.
General Kytes is truly a pillar of the nation.
He has free pass all the way from the main gate of the royal castle. This guy.
The guards don’t even question him, they just salute and see him off.
And when the butler who came to greet us said, “May I have your permission for a direct performance,” we were led into the conference room in less than half an hour.
The only ones at the table are His Majesty King Morrison of Lintrite, His Excellency Gunzol, the Minister of State, and His Excellency Triani, the Chief Steward.
In other words, the only people above General Kytes are these people.
“Your Majesty, rejoice. My strategy has borne fruit.”
After introducing me, the general started off like that.
The king looks a bit taken aback.
I guess he didn’t understand what he was saying.
That’s a clever negotiation tactic.
First, he makes a strong impression that it’s good news, taking the initiative. General Kytes is good at exploiting human psychology.
He’s sharp, unlike what you’d expect from a warrior.
He uses the concessions from Demon King Ingral as a starting point for the negotiation.
Listening from the side, it doesn’t seem like an equal peace. Rather, it feels like the Lintrite Kingdom is the victor.
Even an amateur like me in politics can understand the usefulness of this proposal, so there’s no way the king and the minister of state can’t.
There’s no way they can’t, but the words that came out of King Morrison’s mouth were outside of my expectations.
“You traitor! You’ve been dealing with the Demon King!”
Oh no.
I don’t understand.
Insulting a person who has managed to secure a favorable peace agreement from an opponent who cannot be defeated in battle?
Is this king okay in the head?
“Peace before battle! I can’t believe these are the words of General Kytes, known for his bravery! Did you receive a bribe from the Demon King!!”
The minister of state is pounding on the table and shouting.
The door is violently thrown open, and soldiers pour in, surrounding me and the general.
Tenfold, twentyfold.
What’s this?
What’s the situation?
I hate to admit it, but are there only incompetents in the upper ranks of the Lintrite Kingdom?
As our hands are tied, General Kytes and I look at each other.
In each other’s eyes, our faces are filled with large question marks.
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