Chapter 439
(Kyle Calendar Year 515: Age 22)
Night in the Imperial Capital (Part 2)
Translator : PolterGlast
Looking at her, who suddenly appeared from the women's seats in the very back and was enveloped in a seemingly noble atmosphere, I was engulfed in an indescribable anxiety. As it had always been, whenever she moved with a smile covering her entire face, something was bound to begin. Even so... they should have been having a lively conversation about some topic just a moment ago. Miseri and Yoltia, who had been holding back, were also participating in the conversation, so I had been letting things flow with peace of mind.
「Are you done with the table over there?」
This Princess has an extraordinary antenna for 『military strategy』 and 『monsters』, after all. I deliberately placed women of the same standing together, but she must have sniffed something out.
「My? I recall saying 『we』. Naturally, my friends are together with me. We were having a lively discussion about domestic affairs at that table, and I thought we would like to hear some tactical discussions this time.」
Looking behind her, there were Alicia-denka with sparkling eyes, and Miseri and Yoltia, who were humbled at being called friends.
「Hahaha, you are most welcome, of course. By the way, what was this lively discussion about domestic affairs?」
「Alicia-san had a consultation regarding the reparations her country will pay and the treatment of prisoners, based on this meeting ceremony. So, we offered our opinions as friends, and the final content will be decided by the two of you—that's how the conversation went.」
It's true that we hadn't finalized that matter yet. First of all, approval from the Empire side was a major premise, the cession of territory also remained provisional, and we had planned to discuss everything, including those points, at a later date.
「And what was the result of everyone's consultation?」
When I asked, Alicia-denka began to speak slowly and somewhat reservedly.
「First, as a major premise, we believe it is necessary for the two of us to officially apologize. And as for the reparations proposal...」
· In accordance with previous arrangements, the four invading countries will each cede a portion of their territory to the Empire.
· The unified three countries will pay an equivalent of one hundred thousand Kyle Kingdom Gold Coins × three countries as war reparations.
· The remaining fifteen thousand prisoners will perform community service in the Demon Territory Dukedom for a period of two years, after which they will be returned.
· The prisoner return expenses shall be considered paid through the post-war reparations, and no separate additional expenses will be incurred.
· The expedition expenses regarding the recapture of the homeland, and the expenses for loaned warhorses and weapons, shall be paid in kind with provisions such as harvested grain.
It feels like Alicia-denka's proposal hasn't changed from what we had provisionally decided on, except for the amount of reparations... However, the amount of reparations, if per country, is the same amount the Istoria Imperial Kingdom paid in the past, but it feels like quite a heavy sum for the current three countries... As I was thinking that, Clarisse-denka laughed mischievously.
「From here on are the improvements everyone discussed. We pooled our wisdom to put together a form that would be beneficial to both countries, but what do you think?」
Proposed Change
1. The number of prisoners will be reduced by five thousand to ten thousand; in exchange, the period of community service will be three years.
2. Prisoners engaged in community service can be rotated in six-month intervals, taking the form of a volunteer dispatch unit.
3. Therefore, the salary of the volunteer dispatch unit will be paid by the Dispatching Source (Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom), but food, clothing, and shelter will be provided by the Dispatch Destination (Demon Territory Dukedom).
4. The dispatch destination will treat them not as prisoners, but as 『laborers』 capable of free action and receiving compensation without charge.
5. Because of this, the laborers will have freedom of action, and it will be possible to temporarily summon their families to live together at the dispatch destination.
6. Laborers who have completed their term can be accepted as new citizens of the dispatch destination if they so desire.
7. The grain for payment in kind will be provisions equivalent to thirty thousand people for the first year, and twenty thousand people for the subsequent two years.
Hahaha, there are certainly merits for both sides. King Crajyu will regain five thousand soldiers, and can prepare against the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy and other neighboring countries. Furthermore, the treatment of the remaining prisoners will change dramatically, and if they can be rotated as a dispatch unit, it's even more convenient. For me, it goes without saying that I'll take care of food, clothing, and shelter regardless of whether they are prisoners or dispatched laborers. Prisoners don't drop money in our country, but dispatched laborers will drop money on living expenses and amusement, so economic effects can be expected. Moreover, if they are laborers we don't have to pay salaries to, continued large-scale development is also possible.
「But you know, I think the burden of three hundred thousand gold coins is large, isn't it? It's necessary for the unification and reconstruction of the three countries too, right? And I think the burden of grain is also considerable.」
「There is no need for worry. In accordance with the 『reform proposal』 newly established as a result of our consultation, we plan to have the major merchants of the Cain Kingdom invest an appropriate amount. We also heard about the advanced initiatives of the Demon Territory Dukedom from Miseri-sama and Yoltia-sama, so we plan to newly adopt those as well.」
Saying so, the contents Alicia-denka spoke of were astonishing. Including things that felt nasty in a certain sense...
Reform Proposal
1. Nobles, merchants, and others who cooperated with the invading army will be given appropriate punishments, including abolition of their houses.
2. Nobles who assumed a wait-and-see attitude or merely attempted to flee even without cooperating with the invading army will be treated similarly to the above.
3. A bidding system will be newly adopted for domestic procurement of supplies and transactions with other countries (primarily the Demon Territory Dukedom).
4. Participation qualifications will be established and screening conducted for these bids, and individuals targeted by 1 and 2 will be disqualified from participating.
5. For merchants disqualified under 4, special measures will be established as relief, and participation may be permitted if they invest a 『participation fee』 according to their scale and situation.
I see, so she intends to snipe those major merchants with this?
「To begin with, the provisions that should originally be consumed by the three countries have decreased. In addition, harvests from the territories of abolished nobles are up in the air. So the first year will be tough, but domestic demand will not be strained from the second year onwards.」
That's true. Just the war dead alone amount to over ten thousand in the three countries (including from the time of the invasion to the recapture of the homeland), and ten thousand are abroad as prisoners (laborers). In total, provisions for over twenty thousand people who would originally consume them domestically are freed up. On top of that, apart from the abolished territories, there are also harvests from the three southern counties of the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy. They should be able to manage this somehow. Well, conversely, there are a fair number of prisoners from the Istoria Orthodox Theocracy, though.
「Hearing about domestic affairs from Miseri-sama and Yoltia-sama, an idea came to mind to prepare an escape route for the major merchants of the Cain Kingdom as well. If they all 『invest』, combined with the wealth owned by the royal families of the former three countries, reparations should be possible...」
Hahaha, she's pointing to the merchants I met in the Cain Kingdom as well. She'll strip them of their power, which has been nothing but harmful, and control them through the bidding system I started. Moreover, using the concessions obtainable through transactions with the Demon Territory Dukedom, which will likely be booming with development from here on out, as bait.
「Hahaha, you are quite a terrifying person.」
「For the new world everyone is creating, having people who try to suppress the country with such old evils would be an obstacle. This is a part of...」
Yeah, I thought this Princess, who says things foreseeing that far ahead, is terrifying despite her appearance. Well... the bidding and such are probably advice from Miseri and Yoltia. Especially when dealing with merchants, Yoltia has gone through various hardships and survived carnage, after all.
「I have no problem with it, but what about you as the King?」
「Yes, I am an unrefined person who is ignorant of politics and political strategies and only knows martial arts. Regarding domestic affairs, I intend to follow the words of the talented her. We have reached this point, and the number of royalty has also decreased...」
Yeah, I think it's certain you'll be henpecked by the still innocent Princess, though. If the person himself wishes for it, well, I'll let it slide. Moreover, the number of royalty in the new country has also decreased dramatically. Because the number of Kings has also become 1+1+1 = 1. Somehow... it's like a merger of financial institutions in that other world. No... that's different. Looking at the entire royal family, the impact is even greater. 10+10+10 = 2 (remaining royalty) There might be about this much impact. If that happens, the expenses for the royal family will also decrease dramatically, and just consolidating the Royal Capital into the single Royal Palace of the former Vile Kingdom will lower necessary expenses considerably.
「Well then, assuming the consultation on domestic affairs is settled, there are two things I would also like to ask and request. Would that be alright?」
Sieghart, who had been listening to the conversation with a smile the whole time, entered the conversation as if waiting for this moment. Requests... two of them? Sounds kind of scary.
「Go easy on me.」
「Yes, first starting with the requests, there are things the Empire would like to order from both of you respectively. First, to Takuhir-dono , we would like to order about ten thousand of the crossbows that demonstrated their power on the southern front.」
「!!!」
「T-That is the same for us. Until now, we had no means to deal with Longbow soldiers, and we were focusing on the development of ballistae as our only countermeasure. Could we also order about five thousand of those crossbows boasting that effective range?」
Regarding this, King Crajyu also bit before my reply. That's certainly true. If fought normally, Longbow soldiers are a threat, and he likely knows that hardship to his bones.
「Ah, that's it! The other request is an order for ballistae. Because the Empire received ceded territory from the Principality of Sura and the Turncoat Kingdom, we have our hands full with building bases, and the deployment of defensive weapons won't make it in time. So, if we could obtain the long-range ones and mobile ballistae mentioned in the report...」
I see. I haven't seen them in actual operation either, but the Vile Kingdom and the Lute Kingdom have an advantage with ballistae. Just because the Empire newly acquired territory doesn't mean the number of soldiers they can allocate to defense has increased; rather, it's the opposite. To defend with few soldiers, defensive weapons would be indispensable. We are also proceeding with improvements referencing captured items, and Administrator Carl was groaning at the mechanism, after all. I feel a bit bad that we're cheating a little, but...
「That is a welcome story for us. We will proceed with increasing production as soon as we return, but how many will be needed?」
「Hmm, let's see. For the time being, what I can order under my authority is perhaps two hundred long-range cannons and five hundred mobile types?」
「A t-total of seven hundred! Is it?」
「Yes, we are also proceeding with orders within the Empire and hurrying the deployment, but if we deploy them on two borders and also install them as bases at the Big Bridge, we would like another two thousand units.」
That's true. When it comes to the new national borders the Empire holds, it's incomparable to ours. To cover an enormous national border line, they would need about that much.
「Understood. We will try to handle it as quickly as possible.」
Hahaha, this too must feel like a scream of joy. Oops, I can't just treat it as someone else's problem.
「Is it fine to understand that the order to us is for the enhanced type prioritizing range? Of course I'd like to accept it unconditionally, but the problem is the monster parts used for materials...」
Yes, if it's the latest Estol Bow instead of a regular crossbow, it would easily satisfy the requirements. But Estol Bows are basically kept strictly within the family. Then I can only meet their wishes with the latest limited edition crossbow, what we currently call the enhanced version. But we're short on monster materials...
「We are constantly subjugating monsters, but meeting a demand of fifteen thousand in total might be a bit tough.」
「What, a monster subjugation story? I would certainly like you to add me to the group. The monsters in my country have also increased a bit too much in recent years. We were just troubled on how to deal with them...」
「Sieghart, I cannot let it pass that you are discussing monster subjugation without me.」
I mean, these two... weren't you having a lively time over there until just a moment ago? To think you'd react to the word 『monster』...
「No, no, I was discussing weapons orders that someone dumped entirely on me. And because the monster parts that serve as materials are insufficient...」
「Then it's decided. We just have to hunt them ourselves.」
Hey! Why is the tomboy happily sticking her neck in! It's not a matter that can be settled easily by hunting the required amount of applicable monsters.
「Indeed, we need to subjugate them here too, so it would be good to hunt together with my friend.」
「Umu, for the sake of our demands, we have no choice but to hunt.」
「Crajyu-sama, by all means, let us join you!」
「Umu, if permitted, we too...」
No... what's with this encirclement! It only looks like I'm the only one being cornered, you know? Moreover, Alicia-san? Are you speaking from the same mouth as the tomboy? The two who are supposed to be my allies sitting at the next table, Marquis Flame and Knight Commander Gouras, are... just shaking their heads grandly with pale faces... 『Say something! At least show that you're my allies...』
「Then, conceding a hundred steps, if we're going hunting, at least you'll have to follow my command! To begin with, with your (Fearalt's) methods, even if you subjugate them, they'll turn to a crisp and be useless. Also, naturally this applies to those who are inexperienced!」
After letting out a large sigh, I had no choice but to say that. Since going to the Demon Territory was finalized last night anyway. Then we might as well go with a purpose.
「However... the Demon Territory on the outskirts of Salaam is inefficient. Because the vast majority are aquatic monsters.」
「I see, so it becomes necessary to visit two locations. We need to tell Sieghart and adjust the schedule.」
Hey! When did it become a story about visiting two locations! Is it okay for the Emperor to be absent from his country for a long period!
「Well... if we make it seem like you are inspecting the new southern territories, and set up a body double again this time, it should suffice. Of course I will go to both locations too.」
I mean... object as a vassal! Besides, weren't you originally taking the appearance of not being absent because you are visiting us? Before I knew it, hasn't the story turned into the Emperor warping to the new Empire territories in the exact opposite direction? To begin with, the Empire still harbors elements of instability, right? Aren't you considering that point!
「Fufufu, being able to visit two locations is a delightful story. I too must devote myself to sword training.」
Tomboy, you don't need to get any stronger! Because if you blow unnecessary things into their ears, the one who will be complained to by the King-heika and the old raccoon dog is me!
「Umm, those whose countries don't have a Demon Territory, at least send the people who will be your attendants to us first. Because we'll have them train at Aegis for a month! Let me tell you, you might die; it's training more dangerous than a battlefield! Because our Commander (Ogre) is truly merciless.」
In the end... the Griffonia Empire, Kyle Kingdom (Royal Capital Knights), and Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom each agreed to send two hundred elites to us, conduct combat training at the Demon Territory of Aegis, mercilessly weed out those without aptitude in the process, and ultimately narrow it down to under a hundred per country. Well, only the Royal Capital Knights have a fair number of people who were previously dispatched to the Demon Territory Knights, so that's relatively safe, but to begin with, it's already a VIP party, so we don't have the luxury of bringing first-timers. Especially combat with Klimt, he's an opponent you can't win against with normal methods. It's impossible unless each individual can understand the situation and move instantaneously.
「Hahaha, as expected, my friend the Chairman was the right choice. He excels in coordination to fulfill our desires.」
That's wrong! To begin with, I was just used to the unreasonable demands of the old raccoon dog... no, I was just used to the unreasonable demands of the company from when I was 『Nishida』. Because... the motto of the company I worked for in Japan was 『The answer is always YES.』 I used to long for a company where you could 『say NO』 to unreasonable things or things that were physically impossible.
「That is true. No matter the situation, Archduke-heika is a person who makes cool-headed judgments without worrying about status or politics. When I, inexperienced as I was, wished to go to the Demon Territory, he was strict enough to 『kick me away』 in front of the soldiers to make me realize my lack of strength.」
「「Eh?」」
Hey! Tomboy, are you still holding a grudge over that time? King Crajyu and Alicia-denka, who don't know the truth, have frozen in surprise, haven't they! In front of those two, I'm at least acting as a sensible person of character! Somehow... things have become completely chaotic... However... the true chaos was after this.
Sieghart, regarding the 『things he wanted to ask』, relentlessly grilled me and King Crajyu about the battle results on the northern front and the expeditionary force, and Clarisse-denka and Alicia-denka, who took an interest in that, also bit onto it. On the other hand, the Emperor, who had become even more jovial, and the King of the Fearalt Principality, involved the entire tavern and began exchanging cups of sake... Great confusion—no, it livened up to a bizarre degree, resulting in drinking contests and tests of strength involving everyone present in the tavern... In the end, it became such a massive uproar that onlookers spilled out around the tavern. Well, those two were originally adored even by common soldiers because of their 『frankness』, after all. They were displaying their true worth greatly. That wasn't all. Afterward, those two dashed off to an 『unplanned』 second round bar-hopping. Even Sieghart, who had been enjoying himself cracking jokes until then, changed his expression and ran around frantically on security duty, and Marquis Flame and Knight Commander Gouras, who were originally guardians, were also breaking out in a cold sweat. And in the end... we finished who knows how many rounds of bar-hopping, and ended up drinking until near dawn.
※
The next day, a certain rumor ran through the Imperial Capital Griffin. On the night of the previous day (~that day), perhaps to celebrate the accession of the new Emperor, a man whose figure closely resembled a certain noble personage and robust men from foreign lands exchanged cups of sake with the people present at taverns in the Imperial Capital. A massive splurge of free sake took place in various locations, and the people of the Imperial Capital were greatly enlivened by their generosity. Of course, the accession ceremony of the new Emperor was also greatly enlivened, and the assembled people raised grand cheers to celebrate the accession. However, the Emperor-heika himself and the state guests who had rushed over were reportedly uniformly pale-faced, perhaps tired from something (= hungover)... After the accession ceremony concluded, scenes of foreign tourists 『bulk buying』 were seen at shops throughout the Imperial Capital. What particularly stood out in the bulk buying were four couples. It seems that among them, the men of two of the couples were enjoying shopping in a state of having 『flowers in both hands』 that anyone watching would envy...
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