Volume 7 Release
Commemorative Special Episode
The Beginning of a New
System
The day after Takuhir and his party visited, a grand marriage
ceremony was held in the Royal Capital of the former Vile Kingdom. The
domestic nobles attending for the sake of celebration (?) numbered roughly two
hundred houses, and others included those who had formerly held ministerial
positions in each country, people who had stepped away from public duties due
to this recent incident. And... the influential merchants who had inseparable
ties with the former three countries were naturally mingling among the nobles
as if it were a matter of course, occupying their own place in a corner of the
marriage ceremony venue. And then... the marriage ceremony concluded without a
hitch, and it reached the scene where the new King 『officially』 unified the three
countries and made his accession declaration. I myself had nothing in
particular to say, and after being introduced and offering a congratulatory
address, I sat next to the throne on the platform strictly as 『air』, but... There, seats were prepared for me,
with Yuka and Miseri one step behind, and in the same position Clarisse-denka, while the special envoys Sieghart
and Marquis Flame were seated one tier below.
「From here on anew, I declare the establishment of the Westlights
Federation, the Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom! In order to reclaim the
homeland governed by the late Great King Divide, I intend to push
forward.」
「「「Ooooh!」」」
Yeah, the ones who raised favorable voices were about half; the rest
sounded like they harbored some ulterior motives. Does making the three
countries into one meet with that much resistance after all?
「I would like to announce the governance system of the new country from
here on. The King will hold responsibility for military and diplomacy,
and will exercise full authority outwardly, but limited to domestic affairs, I
designate my wife as the Queen and transfer all authority to her.」
「「「???」」」
Hahaha, it seems they are taken aback. That's natural; that Princess,
just like a certain someone somewhere, is a sheltered young lady 『in appearance only』, after all. There are
probably many who don't know the episodes regarding the defense battle of the
Royal Capital in the Cain Kingdom and the subsequent handling of the
merchants.
「It seems everyone is surprised. I think that surprise cannot be helped,
but I will clearly state with confidence that this is the most suitable form
for the unification of the three countries. Therefore! Just for this occasion,
I permit you to state your unreserved, free opinions! No need to hold back.」
At these words, the entire venue stirred greatly. Now then... this is
the opening of the 『public execution』 Queen Alicia mentioned. Immediately, one of the nobles who had
been glaring at me the whole time since earlier raised his voice.
「To begin with, I would like to speak knowing it is impolite! There must
be great objections in various quarters to unifying the three countries without
any consultation with us! Why do you use such hardline methods to do this!」
「「「「「That's right!」」」」」
Hahaha, isn't that the biggest chorus today. In response, Queen Alicia
floated an innocent smile that wouldn't be out of place calling her a young
girl.
「My? By the way, which quarters are these various quarters? In the three
countries, with one single exception, there are no surviving royalty other than
us, you know? Or... is someone from the former three countries newly claiming
to be royalty and saying they will succeed the throne? Or are you saying you
oppose the successor to the throne succeeding it, and the three countries
should have all perished?」
「......」
Hahaha, it's a common expression. Even if they say various quarters, in
the end it's strictly for their own convenience; they're just making it look
pleasantly like the overall opinion. Queen Alicia's retort to that is
also biting.
「To begin with, we are saying it is too hasty!」
「If we did not deal with it hastily, I believe our country would have
become a hunting ground for neighboring countries, no? The national territory
would have been divided and governed by various countries, and it wouldn't have
been a matter of the original three countries anymore. Are you saying you would
have been fine with that?」
「......」
This time the noble who raised his voice was silenced by King Crajyu's
retort. I mean, both of the ones who raised their voices sank with a single
blow.
「It has already become a hunting ground, has it not! The three countries
have each ceded vast territories, and not only are we paying reparations, but a
massive number of soldiers are engaged in forced labor as prisoners. What do
you think of this current situation!」
「My? Would soldiers engaged in forced labor come rushing over to
celebrate our marriage ceremony? To begin with, the three countries invaded
another country and lost the war, you know? I think just not having the entire
national territory occupied was a response overflowing with compassion. Could
it be that the inside of your head is filled with a 『very gentle world』?」
「......」
Hahaha, this is also a critical hit. It was just by chance, but because
the laborers desired to participate in the marriage ceremony. Well, it can be
said that this is the flip side of how much the soldiers revere the current
King and General Golpa.
「To begin with, it's equivalent to being occupied, is it not! You just
said earlier that the new country looks up to the Westlights Demon Territory
Dukedom as a suzerain state, did you not!」
「That is a matter of course. Who was it that liberated our homeland that
was trampled by violent soldiers? Who was it that saved the people suffering
from misrule and restored our national territory? It is natural to be grateful
for that. I believe you yourselves are in a position where your lives, wealth,
and territories were saved; with what do you intend to show your gratitude?」
「......」
This time the statement came back to stab him like a boomerang. To
begin with, they tend to look down on the emerging Demon Territory Dukedom.
Saying things like, 『It's a country raised
by a mere Baron riding the times.』 It seems there are
also those who speak ill of the expedition that recaptured the national
territory, saying, 『They snatched it by
striking at the opening when both armies were exhausted.』
「However, some say their wealth was stolen by the advancing Demon
Territory Dukedom army...」
「Who are you pointing to, and whose words are you speaking on behalf of?
The territory residents whose lives were saved? Or the merchants who were the
origin of the war? To begin with, do you consider it correct to say, give back
the property you offered yourself to buy favor knowing they were thieves, just
because the thieves are gone?」
「......」
Yeah, you are definitely confirmed 『Guilty』. Because you publicly declared from your
own mouth that you are the spokesperson for the merchants. Even so... despite
her adorable face, Queen Alicia's retorts are biting too.
「To begin with, what we invaded in this war was Imperial
territory. Moreover, following the intentions of the Empire. Yet this
time, aren't you proceeding with things on your own without even obtaining
approval from the Empire?」
Hahaha, these guys probably don't know about the incident in the Imperial
Capital. That's exactly why they're trying to somehow open a breakthrough
by relying on the authority of the Empire, is that it?
「Then what if the Empire... what if the Emperor
acknowledges it?」
A loud voice echoed from out of nowhere, but of course it wasn't anyone
present in this venue. I myself almost burst out laughing at the familiar
voice, though.
「Wh-Who is it! To interject in our discussion, your arrogance knows no
bounds!」
In response to this voice, when a figure who raised his voice from the
wings stepped forward onto the platform where the throne was, King Crajyu
and Queen Alicia stepped down one tier and bowed deeply, and I shook
hands with him.
「Hahaha, I thought you weren't coming this time. Could it be... you were
waiting for the right timing to make your appearance?」
「Of course! I heard the story and had the script changed a little. I
myself had my hands full with the opposing faction within the Empire,
after all.」
「「「「「???」」」」」
The venue was enveloped in a great stir. To begin with, the people who
are treated as equals with me in this venue are limited. But... their 『common sense』 hindered that
assumption.
「N-No way...」
「Impossible! The Emperor himself...」
「Th-Then... how do you explain this!」
「As the Emperor of the Griffonia Empire, I declare here!」
「「「「「!!!」」」」」
Yeah, with this, the ancestral heirloom sword is going to be swung
down. I feel sorry for them who have turned pale, though.
「The two who have happily succeeded the three countries and become King
and Queen this time, ventured alone into the Imperial Capital and
offered to apologize for this invasion with 『their own lives』. In response to that
graceful act, I, as the Emperor of the Empire, forgave and
acknowledged them. If there is anyone who objects, you should similarly go
alone to the Imperial Capital and apologize 『with your life』. Although...」
Saying so, the Emperor smiled fearlessly with a menacing
expression. And he looked down upon the nobles who had been making a fuss since
earlier.
「It is not guaranteed that you will be similarly forgiven, and rather,
depending on your words, I will have you take responsibility for the crimes
committed by the country with your lives 『as you wish』.」
「「「「「!!!」」」」」
After saying so, the Emperor began to corner them even further.
Floating a venomous smile...
「If you have objections to the 『punishment』 my sworn ally Takuhir-dono
gave you, I wouldn't mind giving you a new 『punishment』 as the Empire.
For the time being... ceding one-fourth of the national territory equally with
the Turncoat Kingdom, in addition, war reparations will be double the
current amount, and furthermore, I will newly impose an annual security tax. If
that is what you wish, that is.」
「「「「S-Such a...」」」」
This is also a matter of course. Because the Empire had given a
harsher punishment to the Turncoat Kingdom, which deliberately
participated in the rebellion aiming to profit while others fought, than to the
Principality of Sura, which was a long-time rival.
「Oh, I had forgotten. Of course, the responsibility for the invasion
extends not only to royalty but also to those in important posts in national
politics, and the merchants who incited it, no? The Turncoat Kingdom
sent about ten heads as 『those responsible for
the invasion』 in exchange for begging for the King's
life, but... who here will take on that role?」
「「「「Hiii!」」」」
When the Emperor glared at them, some of the nobles who had been
raising their voices loudly until a moment ago let out screams and fell to
their waists ungracefully. Of course, there are behind-the-scenes circumstances
to this story too. The panicked Turncoat Kingdom hurriedly sending the
heads of 『those responsible for the war』 happened at a later date. After hearing the story of the royalty of a 『certain country』 who came to celebrate
the Emperor's accession and apologize with their own heads...
「Then it seems the discussions are exhausted, aren't they? If there are
any who object to the ruling of Archduke-heika Takuhir and Emperor-heika Grat, could you please step forward here?」
「「「「......」」」」
Of course, there is no way anyone with the spirit to raise an objection
is here. Even the merchants I know shrank back and were just trembling ungracefully.
「If there is no one... I would like to introduce 『one more』 guest to everyone, who came from afar to
celebrate our marriage ceremony. This time we are further graced with the
attendance of Krugel-heika
from the Fearalt Principality.」
Hahaha, the final guest introduced by the new King himself also
stepped onto the platform, and the three of us exchanged firm handshakes again.
「I heard you were coming this time, but I thought you wouldn't make it
in time.」 「Krugel-dono
met up with our army on the way and accompanied us.」
「I also thought of going to greet my friend at his camp immediately upon
arrival, but I heard from Flame that the Archduke was busy.」
Ah... that matter? It's true that I was dispatching people all over the
Royal Capital under the pretext of securing food, and gathering merchants,
racking my brains over negotiations... pretending to, anyway. Ignoring the
dumbfounded people, we were pleasantly celebrating our reunion. However, this
must have been the final blow for some of the people.
「Now then... the Emperor and Kings of the three
neighboring countries gathered here pledge a new peace and desire the stability
of neighboring countries. Even here, in the Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom.」
King Krugel, who took the stage last,
glared at the nobles assembled from the platform with those words, possessing
the majestic physique of a fierce general who has fought many battles, and the
dignity of a King.
「Upon the accession of the new King and Queen who desire
peace and unified the three countries in response to our wishes, all the people
present here before us pledged 『no objection』, right? I will not accept going back on your word. Harboring
treasonous intent toward the new system—understand that it is synonymous with
publicly declaring hostility toward our three countries.」
At King Krugel's words, everyone fell to their knees all
at once. Those sincerely submitting from the bottom of their hearts, those
trembling with gratitude, those trembling with a different meaning—the
reactions were varied, though. Thus, the venue of the 『public execution』 ended, and the new
system was settled. But still... I feel like the two state guests took all the
good parts while I was just air the whole time, though...
※
The first act Queen Alicia drew proceeded exactly according to
the expectations of the Queen who drew the scenario, and the scenario
drawn by the merchants failed spectacularly. And the next act, expecting their
revival, will open in the Royal Capital. The merchants, dispirited by the 『public execution』 carried out at the
marriage ceremony, gathered again in a corner of the Royal Capital and
repeatedly held secret meetings. With their eyes burning with anger...
「I didn't hear that the heads of state of each country would appear like
that!」
「Hmph, the Emperor and the Kings of each country are also
eccentric. To support such a notorious ruffian and a woman frowned upon for
behavior unbecoming of a Princess.」
「Even so... the ones we are manipulating won't be able to make any
conspicuous moves for the time being, will they? We can no longer rely on the Empire
either.」
Here the three men grandly held their heads in their hands. This was
because they were made to realize that the intervention of the Empire
they desired was actually the result they least desired. There, another man
joined the conversation.
「For the time being... shall we blow bubbles at them on our specialty
field, the battlefield of business, this time?」
「That's right... an unplanned fifteen thousand army is staying in the
Royal Capital. Eventually, they will eat through their food.」
「Oh, that's it! It's quick, but I hear the Demon Territory Dukedom's
Archduke himself is desperately buying up non-existent food.」
「Fufufu, what a pitiful story. We are originally buying it up at two to
three times the price, after all. Now that we have instructed the merchants of
the Royal Capital to sell at five times the price, no matter how much they try
to buy up, it's useless.」
The four men reaffirmed that there was a ray of hope on their
battlefield, and let their desire for revenge boil over all at once. Since
their victory in this battle is already guaranteed, it's natural if you think
about it.
「Besides, there's also an interesting story. It seems some of the
prisoners led by the Demon Territory Dukedom are blinded by immediate
money, and are selfishly stealing and selling off the already scarce food.」
「Foolish people. Soldiers are just like that in the end. We just have to
buy it at a high price. If we do that, the greedy soldiers will come like an
avalanche to sell it. Are the arrangements for the merchants... ready?」
「Yeah, since we guarantee to ultimately buy it, they haven't put any
food up for sale at all yet. We're desperately proceeding only with buying. To
begin with, there are no merchants in the three countries who would defy our
intentions.」
「Then we will advance our moves even further from here. We will
temporarily withdraw food from the Royal Capital, and stop all transportation
saying it's the 『influence of the rebellion』. Since they were destitute to begin with, they will probably fall into
severe food shortage by tomorrow.」
Yes, this was also a move in accordance with the plan they had laid out
beforehand, and from this day, the transportation of food sent daily to the
Royal Capital stopped, and the stockpiles prepared in each district also
disappeared all at once. As a result, food prices in the Royal Capital
skyrocketed abnormally, and voices of resentment began to emerge from the
territory residents, but Queen Alicia released her meager food supplies
and tided over the emergency. However... that only served as temporary comfort.
By the hands of the merchants who intentionally obstructed distribution, the
prices of food items, which had skyrocketed to nearly five times due to
scarcity, jumped up even further greatly. Behind the scenes, the provisions
held by the Demon Territory Dukedom army continued to be secretly
diverted, and a large amount of food continued to be bought by the merchants at
ridiculously high prices that couldn't be considered with common sense. But...
nothing happened after that. Reaching this point, Imperial merchant
caravans fully loaded with food began arriving in the Royal Capital one after
another. Of course, the one who directed that was Sieghart, who had
received a private request from Queen Alicia at the New Year's banquet,
and a caravan centered on the Kempurna Trading Company and the Bottakurina Trading
Company continued endlessly into the Royal Capital.
Furthermore... the Demon Territory Dukedom army, which had been
impoverished and running around negotiating food purchases in various places,
ultimately flipped their palms all at once saying 『the prices are too high,』 and not a single
purchase was made. On the contrary, before anyone knew it, their packhorses,
which had been emptied due to diversion and such, were fully loaded with food.
Furthermore! General Golpa, Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies, had
suddenly recalled the supply units from the front lines all at once. Of course,
it goes without saying that the supply units were accompanied by packhorses
fully loaded with food. At this turn of events, the merchants were dumbfounded.
While resentfully gazing at the mountain of massive amounts of food they had
bought up at impossibly high prices, they were overwhelmed with handling the
rush of complaints from the merchants who had been moving under their
instructions. In the end, they lost a massive amount of wealth and trust due to
this cornering of the market, and finally, they were left with no path other
than to release—no, sell at fire-sale prices—the massive amount of surplus food
at below its original list price. Exactly according to the script Queen Alicia
had planned...
For Takuhir, who had no 『good parts』 on stage, of course, a 『good part』 was properly prepared behind the scenes. He always paid the most
attention to food supplies, and partly because he also held many Space-Time
Mages, a massive amount of food always accompanied the army's movements,
and this time was no exception. He too succeeded in recovering the unexpected
necessary expenses incurred this time by selling off the massive amount of
surplus food to the merchants at high prices several times over. Thus, the
newly born Lute-Vile-Cain Kingdom solidified its new system, and
consolidated its system as a strong nation. Through the cooperation and backing
of the neighboring countries that supported them...
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