Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Discussion - Part 1

A knight from the Holy Knight Nation entered the office.

"It seems we were able to stop the empire's atrocities! Now that I, Familis Terestajiredd, have arrived, you can leave everything to me!" With a slender silhouette clad in full-body armor and a cape fluttering behind, Familis swung his hand forward, leaving everyone in the room speechless.

Although I was also shocked, as the highest authority in this fortress, I couldn't remain silent.

"Um, I am Milimos Nonette. I hold the highest rank within this fortress. So, may I ask why a knight from the Sacred Knight Nation of Mudou Beniornatal has come to this small country's fortress?"

I asked the question as if speaking on behalf of everyone, but the knight named Familis stared at me intently through his helmet.

"Pardon the impolite remark, but is it true that someone as young as you is the highest-ranked individual?"

"Well, yes. I am the youngest prince of this country and have been granted the rank of Marshal."

"I see. More like a decoration, huh?"

Familis nodded in agreement.

"That was my business. It's a simple matter. I came here to crush the empire's ambitions of committing atrocities!"

With a gesture that seemed like it should be accompanied by a sound effect like "Baam!" Familis pointed his finger at the representatives of the empire.

On the other hand, Funsleroya, the representative of the empire, responded with an attitude that showed he found dealing with this troublesome.

"My, my, you went all the way to a distant land on horseback. And you call our actions atrocities, but we had clearly given notice that there were proper reasons for them."

"Of course, I've heard it! However, that was directed towards Mendasium, the country that used the empire's resources improperly and started an invasion war. It has nothing to do with entering the country of Nonette! Is that not clear?"

So, Mendasium used the empire's resources improperly?

The only item that comes to mind when thinking about the resources mentioned in the story is the empire's staff that they possessed.

I thought it was something the empire had sold, but was it stolen instead?

Or perhaps, when it was sold, it was forbidden to be used in warfare?

In any case, it seems certain that the empire used that staff as a legitimate reason to occupy Mendasium.

While I was sinking into my thoughts, Funsleroya and Familis continued to exchange words.

"I want to make it clear, we came here to have discussions and greet the people of the newly neighboring country. We have no intention of invading."

"It is a common tactic of the Empire to establish a way to dominate the neighboring country through these discussions. I won't allow such evil deeds!"

"Conversation is the most respected method among humans. Are you, Sir Knight, some kind of primitive who doesn't understand words?"

"The Empire, who has fallen into magic and does not believe in God, is the barbarian. Ah, because they are barbarians, they cannot comprehend the divine grace that shines upon us."

"...You said it. The boar knight who unnecessarily pokes his nose into discussions."

"Use that silver tongue of yours for nothing but licking salt, you donkey's mouth."

The two of them insulted each other with incomprehensible expressions and glared at each other as sworn enemies. Although I couldn't see the expression under Famiris's helmet, I could tell from the pressure of the holy magic emanating from his body that he was angry.

Well, this wasn't the time to be watching like a spectator.

"Both of you, please don't start a fight here. If this small fortress becomes a battlefield between the knight country and the Empire, it will be reduced to rubble."

As I intervened with a joking tone, Funselloria changed his attitude and turned towards me.

"I apologize for that. A boar that doesn't understand reason appeared. I became emotional."

"You! Trying to make me the villain--"

"Sir Knight Famiris. I think it's admirable that you rushed here out of concern for the country of Nonette. However, the people of the Empire say they came for discussions. Can you leave it to me here?"

As I spoke quickly, interrupting his words, Famiris reluctantly calmed down with a frustrated expression.

"In consideration of Prince Milimos, I will let the previous nonsense slide. Be grateful, you donkey."

After grumbling, Famiris moved to the side of the wall and assumed a posture of observing the discussion between me and Hunselloria.

"Now then, can I ask what kind of story the Empire has brought to the country of Nonette?"

When I directed my attention to Funselloria, he responded.

"We have several topics, but first is about compensation."

"Compensation? I don't recall Nonette country doing anything that would require payment to the Empire."

When I looked at Alekthem beside me, he shook his head.

If Alekthem doesn't know either, it must not be related to military matters.

"If it's a diplomatic issue, it falls within the jurisdiction of my father and siblings, so you'll have to go to the royal castle."

Or rather, I don't have to handle the Empire's response, do I?

Alright, I'll leave it to my father and siblings.

With that in mind, I tried to arrange for a carriage to transport the people from the Empire to Alectem. However, before I could say a word, Funceloria interrupted me.

"Regarding compensation, it is not something that the Nonette Kingdom will provide to the Empire. It's the other way around."

Curiously, Familis, who was observing the situation, tilted his head.

I couldn't understand the strange statement and found myself suspicious.

"If it's the other way around, then it means the Empire will pay something to the Nonette Kingdom. I don't recall that happening. Why is that?"

"Unfortunately, due to the Empire's 'Magic Staff' that was illegally used, the Nonette Kingdom suffered considerable damage. Normally, we should put pressure on Mendashium to provide compensation. However, that country no longer exists."

"Because the Empire occupied it."

"That's right. The Mendashium 'region' is now part of our country. If there are debts in that region, it's only natural for the Empire to pay, isn't it?"

The logic of the argument made sense.

"I understand the reason. So, how do you intend to make the compensation?"

"It will be in the form of land. We are considering transferring half of the Mendashium region we acquired to the Nonette Kingdom."

It sounded like a generous offer, and I couldn't help but think of it as someone else's business.

However, Alectem didn't see it that way.

"Milimos-sama, I believe it would be better to accept this offer."

"Why is that?"

"You must be aware of the history of this country. Returning to the land from which we were driven out is the Nonette Royal Family's long-cherished wish."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

If that's the case, then this is not a decision I can make.

"As you have heard, the acquisition of the Mendashium region seems to be a long-cherished wish of my family, so please discuss it with my father."

As I was about to move on to the next topic and make my request, Funceloria interrupted.

"The Empire is also busy after the war, and we are not free either. Since Milimos-sama, the prince of the country and a marshal, is here, we must decide whether this compensation is acceptable or not."

"...So, is it my decision to make?"

As I instinctively asked Alectem, he nodded.

"You have sufficient qualifications. This is a discussion about post-war compensation, so as a marshal, you can summarize the discussion on the front lines and report it to the king later."

The king rarely appears on the battlefield. That's why the person with the highest rank within the military usually becomes the representative and negotiates the treaty with the enemy they fought in the war. In this world, travel takes time, so if the ruler of the defeated country were to travel to the capital of the victorious country, it would take too long to negotiate the treaty. The longer it takes, the more the tension between the two parties continues, so it makes sense to resolve the tension by signing the treaty on the frontlines.

For now, it seems I have to judge at least the pros and cons of the proposal presented by the Empire in this situation.

"I understand. So, about the offer to compensate half of the Mendashium region, where will they hand it over from and to?"

"Half means half. We'll split it straight down the middle from the center and hand over the side closer to the Nonette Kingdom."

Quite a straightforward offer. I thought they would say something like "This region is valuable, so give it to us" or "This land is barren, so we'll give it to you."

As I was struggling with my response, Famiris, who was standing by the wall, interjected.

"As always, the Empire's methods are rough. But if there's a town on the border, it will be divided between the countries."

"If that happens, we will discuss it. Whether to assign that town to one side, or to jointly manage it, or leave it divided."

"You really don't consider the feelings of the residents, you barbarians."

"Were you not listening? I just said the treatment of the residents will be discussed between the parties involved, didn't I?"

The atmosphere is becoming tense once again, but I don't have time to pay attention to that.

If I can receive half of the Mendashium region, there's a possibility that the cuisine consisting solely of beans, which I have been suffering from, will improve.

After all, the Mendashium region is a place with gentle hills and plains. Although there are few rivers, I've heard that it's a land where wheat grows well.

Ah, wheat. Noodles, bread, sweets. Okonomiyaki, taiyaki.

Wheat is such an ingredient that fills one with dreams.

If I can acquire the land, wheat flour will undoubtedly come to the royal castle as a form of tribute. Our dining table is likely to become richer.

Interrupting such daydreams, my response was decided.

I turned a smile towards Funsaroya and said,

"I have made my decision. I decline the offer to compensate us with half of the Mendashium region."

So, I firmly refused.

(TL Note...)

I am struggling with whether to address Famiris as "he" or "she." She is a woman knight, but this information is only revealed through Alektem's point of view. I'm unsure if Milimos is aware of it, and he often refers to her as "male" in his narration and dialogue. Since the story is written in first person's POV, I don't have much choice but to leave it as it is.