Upon returning from hunting in the Ideal Mountain Range, I found myself facing quite an interesting situation.
“One of Count Donato’s wives is pregnant? Well, that’s certainly a joyous occasion, but from what I’ve heard, isn’t his current heir, Miss Carol, about to leave with Raus?”
That’s right. Miss Carol Bernstein, the daughter of Count Donato Bernstein, whom Raus had recently saved, had fallen for Raus and agreed to accompany him if certain conditions were met.
The conditions were her father, Count Donato’s, permission and Raus’s promotion to an S-rank Healer. I had spoken with Count Donato briefly at a standing buffet party after the ceremony.
He had the aura of a seasoned warrior, an S-rank Order member, but he was surprisingly humorous. He mentioned that while Retisencia was more than capable of handling things on their own, there was a possibility of their citizens being harmed, so he asked for my cooperation if necessary. That was the end of our conversation. He didn’t convey any intention to forge a connection with me by any means, nor did he show any signs of trying to push his daughter onto me. I could understand that now, as he apparently doted on his only daughter.
Count Bernstein’s Territory, located on the border with Retisencia, was in a state where it could be attacked at any moment. Because of this, the Order’s Guild was on high alert and was prioritizing the distribution of equipment made with Jade Silver. Therefore, Count Donato should have returned to his territory immediately. However, one of his wives’ pregnancies was discovered, and shortly after, Miss Carol was kidnapped. Fortunately, we were able to rescue her safely. It seemed that Miss Carol had fallen for Raus after being encouraged by him. Count Donato was extremely grateful, and his pregnant wife was also unharmed. However, given the circumstances, he couldn’t take his pregnant wife and daughter back to his territory. Moreover, since Retisencia’s targeting had been revealed, the Royal Family couldn’t remain silent. Thus, the pregnant Mrs. Melissa Bernstein and Miss Carol are scheduled to stay at Amagi Castle starting tomorrow.
“A normal noble would surely be overjoyed to have their daughter forge a connection with both Raus, who is close to High Class, and Yamato, an Ancient Human, all at once. I can’t predict how Count Donato will judge this situation.”
“Indeed. He’s so proud of his daughter, spoiling her to no end. Even if Mrs. Melissa is pregnant, it’s still uncertain whether he’ll allow Miss Carol to accompany Raus…”
So say Maruca and Elis. I had the same impression, so it’s difficult to determine if Count Donato will agree.
“Another condition is the promotion to S-rank Healer, but as his great-grandmother will be her instructor, that should be no problem.”
Yuri, who greeted us upon our return to Amagi Castle, said something similar. Yuri himself had recently been promoted to G-rank Healer and could now use Noble Healing, so unless something extraordinary happens, Miss Carol should be able to become an S-rank Healer.
“Given Count Donato’s indulgence towards his daughter, I have a feeling he might eventually give in. I understand the situation. Since it concerns Raus’s future, it’s desirable for me to have a noble’s daughter nearby, but ultimately, it’s their decision. If you all agree, I have no objections.”
“Is that so? Well, Rebecca seems to be fine with it, and if they are, then I don’t have any objections either.”
As Emperor Reinhardt said, it’s ultimately their own matter.
“That’s true. If Yamato is okay with it, then we don’t have any objections either.”
Prim and the others responded similarly. Flamm looked a bit unsure of what to say, but he seemed to respect their decision due to it concerning his younger brother’s future.
“So, Rai, after all this, what are your plans regarding Retisencia?”
Sayuri, who had been listening quietly, interjected once the conversation reached a pause. That was something I was also curious about.
“Naturally, the border will be completely sealed. We will allow passage to those coming from Retisencia who are not Retisencian citizens. However, not a single Retisencian person will be allowed through. Retisencians currently in Amister will be apprehended and interrogated. If they’ve committed no crimes, they’ll be deported. If crimes are discovered, they’ll be punished according to their offenses. Furthermore, all trade with Retisencia will cease immediately. We will not hesitate to sever diplomatic relations.”
Wow, he declared it so definitively. Retisencia receives a lot of rain, making it difficult for crops to grow. Therefore, they imported much of their produce from Amister. Halting this trade will likely cause turmoil within Retisencia. They might be able to cope by importing from Liberte, their neighboring country, but Liberte, which also shares a border with Solemne, might not be able to strongly oppose them. The outcome remains uncertain.
However, Liberte is home to the headquarters of the Trader’s Guild. The Trader’s Guild also manages farms, and traders have always been looked down upon by Retisencia, suffering the most damage. After all, traders rarely enter Retisencia unless absolutely necessary. This time, with the intervention of the Grand Hunter’s Master, the Grand Trader’s Master decided it was a good opportunity and scaled back operations in Retisencia, leading to many farms being abandoned.
Moreover, Retisencia provoked Amister, and Amister accepted the challenge. This means Retisencia will likely have to dedicate significant resources to guarding against Amister, leaving them with little ability to interfere with Liberte.
“You won’t hesitate to sever diplomatic relations? I support that decision, but you won’t try to conquer them?”
“We may have to consider that eventually, but we don’t know how Abaricia is involved. Of course, Amister’s response will remain the same no matter how Abaricia acts. However, until we know when Retisencia became a vassal state of Abaricia, and how far Abaricia’s influence extends across the Philia Continent, simply destroying Retisencia won’t be enough. We need to investigate.”
Information. I understand that, but I have a feeling it will become a bigger problem if we don’t deal with Abaricia sooner.
“That concern is valid, and if it were true, I would want to do the same. However, we are currently in the process of re-equipping the Order’s Guild, and Valente’s movements are also a concern. I just received a letter from the Valente ambassador, from the Beast King.”
A letter from the Beast King? It’s sooner than I expected… Ah, perhaps they used a Wyvern. A few days have passed since the ceremony, so there’s enough time for travel.
“From the Beast King?”
“Yes. I’ve already read it. The Beast King himself will attend my Coronation Ceremony, which is to be held in the spring.”
The Beast King himself will attend Emperor Reinhardt’s Coronation Ceremony? Emperor Reinhardt handed me the letter from the Beast King.
“May I read it?”
“It concerns you as well, so I’ll leave the decision of how to respond to you.”
Since they reported Prim’s survival and my marriage, it’s unlikely to be unrelated, but is it really acceptable for me to read a letter addressed from one king to another? No, I’m too curious not to read it.
“Yamato, what does it say?”
“Wait a moment. Let’s see…”
Urged by Mana, I scanned the letter. To my surprise, the Beast King not only acknowledged Primrose Hydrangea’s survival but even congratulated us on our marriage. He also apologized to Mana and Princess Yuriana for failing to verify the facts.
” ‘The death of Primrose Hydrangea was reported by my subordinates. However, as the content was not entirely clear, some parts were withheld when informing Princess Manalies and Princess Yuriana. I apologize for this here.’ Is it true or not, I’m not sure, but the content did seem a bit disjointed, so I suppose I can accept that.”
“That’s right. However, not only has she acknowledged Princess Prim’s survival, but she’s also congratulating her marriage to Lord Yamato. What could this possibly mean?”
That’s what I don’t understand. The Beast King falsely accused Duke Hydrangea and had him executed. The charge was treason, so naturally, the responsibility extended to his family, making Apricot and Prim targets for execution as well. But now he’s not only permitting their defection but also congratulating their marriage, which makes no sense.
“There’s no request for their extradition, and she’s even congratulating Prim’s evolution into a High Fox. Why is that?”
Lydia’s question is valid, but I’d like to know that too. Prim herself is very bewildered.
“I don’t know, but the Beast King is scheduled to come to Amister in the spring. We might be able to ask then. Prim, I know you have your thoughts, but until then…”
“I know. I’m curious too. Why, after unjustly accusing my father and having him executed, is he so easily allowing my mother and me to defect and even celebrating my marriage to Yamato? I have so many questions I want to ask directly.”
The strongest possibility is that it’s to avoid conflict with me, an Ancient Human, but I don’t think that’s all there is to it. The wording in the letter did suggest concern for Prim.
“It also mentioned to be careful of Leonas. Prim’s marriage to an O-rank Order of Amister seems to have been announced in Valente as well, so I don’t think Leonas can do anything. I wonder what he wants us to be careful of?”
I can understand that. Leonas, the former second prince, known for his womanizing and promiscuity, had been persistently pursuing Prim. Of course, Prim had thwarted him each time, and the outcome remained the same even after Leonas evolved into a Dragonewt half-High Tigari. Therefore, if Leonas learned of Prim’s survival, he would have inevitably tried to forcefully announce their engagement, thus obtaining both justification against the Beast King and Prim at once.
However, Prim is now publicly engaged to me, an O-rank Order in Amister, and if the Beast King’s words are to be believed, it has also been publicized in Valente. It is said that high-ranking officials in the country are aware that O-rank Orders have evolved into Ancient Classes. So, even if Leonas were to become enraged and try to resist, those around him would surely stop him. However, I don’t think that will make Leonas give up. He is the leader of the Anti-Beast King Organization, but I’ve heard they haven’t been very active. In fact, there are even rumors that wherever the Anti-Beast King Organization operates, a significant number of women disappear.
“I don’t quite understand, but is the Beast King wary of Lord Yamato, and because he’s marrying Yamato, he’s not demanding Prim’s extradition?”
“That’s probably part of it, but I don’t think it’s the entire reason. Firstly, Duke Hydrangea, whether innocent or not, has been executed as a traitor to the state. Even if Prim’s fiancé is an Ancient Human, it would be normal to initially demand extradition.”
Emperor Reinhardt replied to Fram’s question with a hint of bewilderment. It seems even His Majesty didn’t expect the Beast King to so readily permit the defection of Prim and Apricot. I had prepared myself for that, and I thought it was natural for any country. If Valente were to raise an army for that reason, it would be a different story, but the idea of marching to Centro in Valente and demanding the Beast King’s head over such a matter is unthinkable.
“In other words, as of now, we still don’t understand anything. However, we don’t know what Leonas will do upon learning of Prim’s survival and marriage, so we definitely need to be cautious. While we need to be wary of the Beast King as well, if we believe the content of this letter, he doesn’t seem to require as much caution as Leonas.”
Prim finds this unpleasant, but I agree with Mana.
“Both situations are troublesome. It feels easier to just destroy them. Retisencia, I mean.”
“I won’t deny that. If I sent you alone to the Imperial Capital, Retisencia would be destroyed. I won’t do that, of course, but there’s a possibility of sending you as an envoy to the Imperial Capital.”
Wait, sending me alone to the Imperial Capital of Retisencia, Kobaldia? That’s too reckless! Besides, an envoy? This is the first I’m hearing of it.
“Of course. If we send an envoy to the Imperial Capital now, they’ll likely be executed. If we send Yamato, who absolutely won’t be executed and can even devastate the Imperial Capital alone, as an envoy or as an escort, it’s a natural consideration for someone in charge of a country, isn’t it?”
Ah, I see. Indeed, we captured Retisencian envoys and executed their ambassador, so from Retisencia’s perspective, this would serve as retaliation. Of course, Amister captured their envoys because the kidnapping of Miss Carol was revealed. If that hadn’t happened, they would have likely fulfilled their duties as envoys and returned home.
“Regarding those envoys, we decided to send a few back to their home country. We need to inform the Emperor King that diplomatic relations are severed and the border is sealed. However, if we send our own envoy, they will surely be executed. There’s no need to lose one’s life for Retisencia, and it will convey our intentions more effectively.”
He said he wouldn’t hesitate to sever ties, but have the diplomatic relations already been severed in His Majesty’s mind? Well, I have no desire to visit a country like that, and besides, trade has resulted in more losses than benefits, so it’s likely what Amister wants.
“I don’t mind that, but will it be alright for us to go to Valente?”
Mana tilted her head, and I was also thinking about that.
“It’s an invitation from the Holy Mother Dragon, Gaia. Even if Retisencia were to mobilize, we can adequately respond. The Demon Crystals are a cause for concern, but since there are few users of Inn in Retisencia, they likely won’t have many tamed beasts evolved. Of course, I’m not being complacent, but we plan to dispatch the Royal Order and also have the Trial Hearts head there.”
If Retisencia were to mobilize, the biggest concern would be them using Anomalies evolved by Demon Crystals as tamed beasts or summoned beasts. Although there are few users of Inn, they are not non-existent, so the possibility of them using Anomalies by employing such individuals is not low. It would be a significant issue, especially if someone could use Summoning Magic. After all, unlike pet magic, which can only contract with one monster, summoning magic has no upper limit to the number of creatures.
“It only takes two days to reach Dragunia by Wyvern, so if Retisencia mobilizes, you’ll let me know, right?”
“That’s the plan, but from the Royal Capital to Dragunia, and then to Count Bernstein’s Territory, it will take at least five days. I still think we’d make it in time, but is that alright?”
Emperor Reinhardt answered Mana’s question, but I’m perfectly fine with it.
“I told the ambassador that I would be the first to counter them, and the fact that I belong to Amister will likely be transmitted to Valente, so there’s a chance it might deter Leonas.”
Even though I’ve become an O-rank Order, I still consider myself a Hunter at heart. I believe it’s necessary to demonstrate my affiliation with Amister through my actions.
“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought the same way, but are you sure that’s okay?”
“Of course.”
Everyone else nodded in agreement. I’m not the only one furious with Retisencia.
“Alright. If Retisencia mobilizes, we will send out messengers, including the Wyvern that will serve as Wing Crest’s transport. I will also draft a letter to the Dragon King and ask you to hand it over during your audience.”
I have Jade, Prim has Fluorite, and Mana has Sirius, but we can’t transport everyone in the Union. So, the Wyvern being made available is a great help. At that time, should the non-combatants Yuri, Rika, Ed, Marina, and Fiana wait in the Royal Capital, or should they be sent back to Feel first? However, considering Yuri is a G-rank Healer, he might be useful as a recovery specialist if brought along. Rika is a C-rank Outside Order, and since I and Meena are also Outside Orders, she might want to follow for that reason. I think Ed and the others will be fine, but they are the most skilled in handling Jade Silver, and with two Fairy halves and a Harpy, they have a lot of Magic Power. Deciding for them is difficult. I’d rather not have them all taken to the battlefield.
Well, that’s if Retisencia mobilizes, and I don’t need to think about it right now.
