Chapter 337
(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)
A New Comrade: The Beginning
Translator : PolterGlast
The general meeting,
held with all key figures gathering for the first time in half a year, ended
without a hitch. Afterwards, in the innermost part of the city of Kusanagi,
where construction is still progressing in various places, there was a lord's
manor still halfway through construction in the center. Normally this should be
called a royal palace, but for some reason Takuhir did not call it so,
calling it a lord's manor. Its scale was also modest compared to the royal
palace in Kylar, with a simple yet
robust build suitable for the fortress city of Kusanagi.
The general meeting
ended, and there were those gathering privately in a room of that lord's manor.
「So Raphael,
what is the matter you hesitated to speak about at that venue and still cannot
share?」
「Yes,
regarding the Imperial Kingdom... no, the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy,
the rough information is as I reported at the meeting, but it doesn't quite sit
right with me. Hypothetically, their current military force is about 6,000;
even if they conscript from the territory residents, it's around 10,000 at
most.」
「But
when winter comes, they'll use food as a shield to expand their power within
the country, right?」
「As you
say, but even so, with their current national power, it would be around 20,000
to 30,000 at most. Unless they completely unify the country, they must leave at
least 10,000 behind to face the Imperial Kingdom. Thinking that way,
their invasion army is a mere 10,000 to 20,000 at most. Do they really think
they can invade with this?」
「Certainly.
But our position has changed too. To think the day would come when we can say
'a mere 10,000 or 20,000'...」
「Ah, my
apologies. I shall take care to guard against such complacency.」
「No, I
didn't mean it in that sense. I'm just afraid of my own senses gradually
becoming paralyzed, and I still can't quite get used to the fact that we've
stepped onto such a large stage before I knew it.」
「It is
certainly as you say. But returning to the previous topic—taking this point
into consideration, I intend to continue the investigation. I have left Reim behind for that very purpose...」
Reim... A
former Imperial Kingdom soldier who became a prisoner of war in the
battle on the eastern border and became Raphael's drinking buddy. His
fellow comrades Glen, Geese, and Alan became commanders of
the Special Fire Corps, but only Reim, an eccentric who loves alcohol,
joined the espionage unit under Raphael. When the first group of the espionage
unit departed along with Handler, Raphael sent Reim, an Imperial
Kingdom native with knowledge of the land, as a spy.
「What
are the specific investigation methods?」
「First,
I intend to continue sending out the diverted goods in small batches.」
「Raphael-san,
wouldn't it be dangerous to get too deeply involved?」
Here Yoltia
voiced her opinion. In this place, besides me and Raphael, are the
Minister of Internal Affairs (Raymond), Yoltia, Miseri, Yuka, the
Commander, and Alexis.
「Yes, I
won't deny that. While staying over there, I myself was under suspicion of
being a spy, after all. From next time onwards, I intend to use that to my
advantage.」
「Meaning?
Throwing gold coins around in that city was also part of that?」
「Hahaha,
I'm ashamed. But it is exactly as the Minister of Internal Affairs perceptively
observed. We were acting as small fry buoyant and squandering over business
success over there, but it seems there are some with a sharp eye. They shrewdly
made us carry souvenirs (tails/spies).」
「Isn't
it somewhat dangerous to come here in that state?」
「Minister
of Internal Affairs, there is no problem on that point. Handler is
staying at a certain Empire noble's
place to arrange goods in order to participate in the next bidding. Along with
the tails...」
「I see,
so this time you will involve that person? Using a noble of the First Prince's
faction as a smokescreen...」
「I'm no
match for Raymond-sama. My actions are completely seen through by you.
However, I haven't obtained consent on that matter yet, though.」
「That's
true, but I think it's a good choice of personnel. Takuhir-sama,
Viscount Kamin is a person we want to draw to our side if possible. He
is somewhat detached from the world, but I believe he is an honest and
reasonable gentleman.」
「Yeah,
if Raymond's evaluation of his character has no problems, let's proceed
with that.」 (I mean, I still don't see where this conversation is
going, though...)
「Then,
in the fourth bidding taking place next week, let us move to bring the Viscount
to our side. Ultimately, I ask Takuhir-sama to persuade the Viscount.」
「I
understand that, but... what if the persuasion fails?」
「That
in itself will serve to keep them in check. From the investigations so far, it
is clear that the Empire, the First Prince's camp, is communicating with Castro.
If so, if they learn that we know of the joint struggle between these two
parties and are prepared for an emergency, movements in the northern Empire territory will slow
down.」
I see, a two-stage approach.
The pressure on me is also minimal.
Afterwards, we had a
specific meeting regarding this matter, and we dispersed.
※
One week after Raphael's
proposal. Toward the fourth bidding, merchants were beginning to gather in Kusanagi
from various places in the Empire. The Bottakuri-na Trading Company,
arriving there, as they passed through the checkpoint they had already become
familiar with, they received a message stating there was a matter that needed
to be communicated to them individually, and thus they headed toward the
administrative office.
「Have
we made some blunder?」
Muttering so
quietly, Viscount Kamin hastened his pace as the head of the trading
company while feeling a tinge of anxiety. Originally, there is no need for him,
the head of a Viscounty, to lead the trading company. However, this time, he
accompanied them because he personally wanted to express his gratitude for the
circumstances thus far.
However, that was
merely an excuse to convince himself. The biggest reason might have been that
ever since seeing Kusanagi for the first time, he was surprised by its
overly dramatic transformation and looked forward to seeing it every time.
「It has
changed greatly this time as well. The external defense network seems almost
complete, but how on earth did they do it in this short period? If my territory
could also undergo a transformation following this example...」
This was Kamin's
true feeling. Becoming involved with the Demon Territory Dukedom, he
honestly put the teachings he received from Bart into practice. Partly
thanks to that, he was able to handle the harvest festival, subsequent
deliveries, and everything without delay. Because of that, he has been able to
obtain proper revenue through trade.
Regarding the
highways within his territory as well, he improved them exactly as pointed out,
and recently began to receive various benefits. At the directly managed store
set up on the highway, he sells products procured in the Demon Territory
Dukedom, and those sales are also strong. Partly thanks to those things,
his territory, which had sunk into debt, is now rebounding.
Within him, the
initial hostility and contempt he had toward the Demon Territory Dukedom
had all vanished. The current prosperity of his territory is entirely generated
by the involvement with the Demon Territory Dukedom. That is precisely
why it could be said that the anxiety regarding any potential inconveniences
has only increased.
※
Upon arriving at the
government office and entering the designated room as guided, he was first met
with a shock. This was because the figures who could be called the leadership
of the Dukedom were there, waiting for him.
「Ah,
I've been waiting. Head of the Bottakuri-na Trading Company, no, perhaps
I should have called you Viscount Kamin?」
「Y-Your Majesty the Archduke, I
am honored to have the unexpected pleasure of meeting you.」 (Truly,
I am always surprised. It's bad for my heart. Someone of royal status doesn't
usually just appear in a place like this.)
「When I
am allowed to visit Kusanagi, I am merely the head of a trading company.
I would be honored if you would call upon me for any service without
hesitation.」
「Hahaha,
somehow in the short time I haven't seen you, you've completely settled into
the role of the head of a trading company.」
「I am
very grateful that this too is thanks to Your Majesty the Archduke, Lord Bart, and everyone else.」
「I see,
then first is a business proposal
for the Bottakuri-na Trading Company. Actually, I would like the trading
company to take about 200 swords owned by the Dukedom at a price lower than the
market price.」
「The
demand for swords is currently rising throughout the Empire, and the number
appearing on the market is extremely tight. As for us, we would be delighted to
accept, but... are you certain this is alright?」
「In
exchange, I want you to accept two conditions. The first point is that out of
those 200 swords, I want you to sell 100 to a destination I specify. Of course,
with a price bumped up by about 20% to secure your profit. You are free to sell
the other 100 swords however you like.」
What is the meaning
of this? He didn't understand the meaning of taking such trouble, but...
Viscount Kamin was slightly bewildered.
「Well,
this is because in exchange for yielding the swords, I want you to listen to my
second request. Of course, it's not an unreasonable request, nor is it a
troublesome matter.」
After that, upon
hearing the second request, Viscount Kamin became increasingly confused.
It was a strange deal
no matter who listened. Because while calling it a business negotiation, it
seemed like a deal with
no profit whatsoever for the Archduke's side.
「Fufufu,
it's a strange deal,
isn't it. But the crucial part of the deal starts from here... I want to speak privately from here on
out, just between the Archduke of Westlights and Viscount Kamin,
an Imperial noble.」
「Yes...」
Although he answered
briefly, Viscount Kamin couldn't understand the reason. In the first
place, even though it's another country, there's no way a mere Viscount could
converse properly with the King of a nation.
「First,
I want to share just the major premise. What I desire is for the current peace
to continue, and for the people of the Empire and the people of the Dukedom to
join hands and live peacefully and prosperously together.」
「Yes,
my opinion is the same.」
「But
there are those within the Empire who do not desire that.」
「...」
Being told that,
Viscount Kamin felt it hit close to home. What his lord desires—a lord
by whom he himself might have already been abandoned—is not the future the Archduke
spoke of earlier. He is fully aware of that much himself.
「I am
hoping... that if they know the current
prosperity of Kusanagi and Izumo, if they know the development
and prosperity of neighboring territories, they will understand that there is
greater profit than obtaining new territories through battle. If only they
could take one look at this land...」
「But an
obsession with power erodes the human heart. Much less, for those who consider
it natural to be served, they probably consider not only their subordinates but
even the people as disposable.」
「That
is... but however...」
Viscount Kamin
could not argue back. Because he himself had once been treated as disposable,
and regarding the destitution until just the other day, it was handled as a
matter of course, and absolutely no helping hand was extended.
「My
wish is not a complicated one. You are free to remain part of the faction
supporting the First Prince, just as you have been. I have no intention of
interfering with the Empire’s internal affairs, after all. I simply want you to help me
investigate the dangers looming over the Empire.」
「The
dangers looming over the Empire... what do you mean by that?」
「What I
fear is the sheer recklessness of the plan he intends to execute as his
'all-or-nothing' gamble. In exchange for borrowing the strength of other
nations, he would sell out the subjects of the Empire and allow the people of
territories that do not align with his will to be trampled. As someone who has
entered into a security treaty with the Empire, this is something even I cannot
overlook.」
「S-such
a thing is actually happening...?」
「According
to our espionage, he is moving in that way. And the precursors to that have
already begun. Have you heard the story that a rebellion has occurred in the Istoria
Imperial Kingdom, dividing the national land in two?」
「Yes,
we have also heard such stories through merchants...」
「Then
hypothetically, what if it was the First Prince's camp that instigated that? In
order to advance his own succession to the throne advantageously, what if it
was a calculation to draw in the military forces of another country as part of
his plot?」
「While
such a story is unthinkable, should the worst come to pass, I will prioritize
my pride as a man of the Empire. We are proud Imperial Nobles before we are
supporters of Glorious-sama. If Empire's
territory is to be unjustly trampled upon, then factional disputes are nothing
more than a trivial matter in the face of such a crisis.」
「That
answer alone is sufficient. Therefore, to verify that suspicion as well, won't
you cooperate with me? There is also one unshakable fact here.」
·
The
First Prince’s camp is secretly supporting Archbishop Castro, who has raised the banner of rebellion against the Istoria
Imperial Kingdom.
·
The
rebel army led by him has brought the southern regions bordering the Empire
under its control and is expanding its influence.
·
The
rebel army is in need of a massive quantity of weapons and is moving to sink
its fangs into some territory or another.
「In
light of these three points, I wish to confirm exactly where those fangs are
aimed. We are those who concluded a peace treaty with the Empire and pledged to
walk hand-in-hand toward prosperity. Furthermore, concluding a mutual security
pact, I wish to save the citizens of the Empire from crisis as if it were my
own affair. On this point, I can swear that there is not a single speck of
guilt, nor any political maneuvering or trickery involved.」
「If
that is the truth, it is a truly grave situation. But what I can say right now
is that I will only cooperate in investigating whether those fangs will be
directed at the Empire or not. That is all.」
「That
is sufficient. I have
no intention of trying to subvert you or win you over with schemes. I want you
to fully uphold your pride as an Imperial noble. I only reached out because I believed that was something I
could expect from you.」
「I
shall respond to those expectations with my whole heart and soul. And let us
keep this conversation between us—lest it become an unnecessary calamity for
either side.」
「That's
right. With this, we are comrades in not permitting aggression against the
Empire and protecting the lives of the Imperial people. Does that sound
acceptable?」
At the Archduke's
words, Viscount Kamin merely bowed his head in silence. While shedding tears
of gratitude in his heart...
Afterwards, he received a detailed explanation of the 'investigation' requested of him, and after the bidding, the Bottakuri-na Trading Company returned to their territory carrying the contract concluded separately from the accepted bid contents.
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
-
[Gold]
B random
Nepheos
[Silver]
Corey Hicks
Creris
Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon
Jake Seagraves
Matthew Fraser
Tbaum56
Xavier O'Donoghue
Anton Lim
Austin Lorenzo
Baelee
Bloodyemperor
Ctdela
Curious Panda
David Bankole
Enrique Miranda
nick nasca
SD Fox
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----
