Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite

Four years have passed since the battle with the demon ended. For King Granfram, it was like four years of walking on thin ice. That's why fighting the demon left deep scars in the Grand Flam Kingdom.

In fact, the king had to deal with a number of issues.

The first thing I faced was a surprisingly diplomatic issue. The post-war negotiations between the Kingdom of Granfram and the Kingdom of the Merica were interrupted in a busy situation, including some uproar over Lion and the final battle with the demon. It's not just the Grand Flam Kingdom. Leon also pointed out that the Devil could be sneaking into his own country, and the response was overwhelmed. It's not a situation where we can think of a war or a ceasefire with each other, and we know that our opponents are. It was a common understanding between the two countries that post-war processing would be postponed.

However, once the case of the demon is cleared, it cannot be left forever. The negotiations had finally begun, but the abandonment overwhelmingly worked against the kingdom of Granfram.

The Grand Flam Kingdom is the winning side. Naturally, in the negotiations, we had an advantage, and we thought that finding the place of reparations was the center of the negotiations, but this plan was far off. The negotiations have been bullish, with the Kingdom of the United States continuing to war.

There were two reasons why the Kingdom of the United States came up with this attitude. One is the fact that the Battle of the Demon has greatly reduced the strength of the Kingdom of Granfram, significantly outpacing the defeat of the Kingdom of Merica. Although the Kingdom of the United States was militaryly damaging, it wasn't destroyed. The difference in resilience was great.

And it was Rion's absence that further strengthened the Kingdom of Merika on this premise. If Leon were to be on the battlefield, even if he had twice as many troops, there would be no relief. The Merika Kingdom would not have considered a rematch. But there is no lion. The kingdom of the Merica thought it would be possible to win even in the rematch.

This seriousness makes the Grand Flam kingdom bearish. The battle with the Demon has just ended, and if it were to be a war against the Kingdom of Merica, you might really lose. Both the intelligence and the Knight Corps have yet to reorganize.

As a result, the kingdom of Grandefra ceases a war with the kingdom of Merika without receiving compensation. This blunder of the Grand Flam kingdom severely undermines its authority and weakens its influence on neighboring countries.

The king was far away from the dream champion.

But the King has no time to mourn it. Domestic issues were also piled up.

Reconstruction of desolated land. Farmland needs to be regenerated, but there are not enough farmers to do so. Many were victims of the demon, but comparable or more lost their land and could not pay taxes, leaving the land. The one who can get the job done is good. But new jobs are not so easy to find, and they end up with criminals, such as bandits.

The security situation in each region has deteriorated, and the suffering of the people has increased. It is also a vicious circle that some people abandon the land and fall into bandits.

This problem did not converge. The renewal of farmland and the defeat of bandits, which are part of the lord's aristocracy, did not have the power to govern many of them.

Not all aristocrats are rich. There are many noble homes that are full of nobles, as they will have a minimalist appearance.

There is no money to recover the land. They do not have the military power that seems to be a military force, and the defeat of bandits remains. These aristocratic territories were on the verge of recovery rather than on the way to recovery.

Of course, the kingdom tried to reach out to such a noble family. Although she was able to respond to requests as much as possible, such as financial assistance and dispatching bandits, the number of requests was overwhelmingly small.

Many aristocrats did not want the kingdom to know what they were doing. Many noble homes have chronic debt, some do not have the military power that is the duty of noble homes, and many know that if they are known to the kingdom, they may be demolished. Aristocratic family feared.

There was groundwork for nobles to think this way. During the crisis in Band ド ゥ territory, the noble family in the vicinity did not reach out. The reason was that they didn't have an army to fight hundreds of thousands of demon opponents to reach out.

This was a problem. It is an aristocracy's duty to lead his army in an emergency. The aristocrats had not fulfilled their duties, and the king, who knew it, was furious. The frustration of losing Rion exploded the king's feelings.

In fact, this anger subsided quickly. Even if they have military power, they are at most a thousand or two thousand for small lords. If they gathered together, they would not be able to fight a herd of 500,000 or more demons. The problem lies in the generations of kings who have abundantly awarded, created useless aristocrats, fragmented their territory, and neglected the borders towards Bandhu, placing only such aristocrats.

But this fact somehow spread among the nobility. It is now clear that some intention worked, but it doesn't make sense to pinpoint it. The aristocracy already knew.

As a result, the impoverished aristocracy chose to rely on leading aristocrats, not the kingdom, but the lords. The influence of the influential aristocracy, which has been sold, will increase, and the royal family's centripetal force will be proportionally lost.

The royal family, which has weakened the influence on neighboring countries outside the country and the aristocracy inside the country, is still in a difficult situation. Nevertheless, for the entire Grand Flam Kingdom, four years was enough time to restore national power.

The king's ball, which had been held for a while, was being held.

A Kingdom Ball for the first time in almost five years. The aristocratic wife and daughters who were waiting for the event were dressed up here and there, and their gorgeousness is good in that it makes them feel revived.

The king and queen are lined up on the throne in front, and Prince Arnold sits down one step down the side. Charlotte should be the partner in such a place unless there is a regular room, but he himself stubbornly refuses to do so, and instead of sitting next to him, he has not attended a ball.

Many aristocrats gather around the throne, but the situation has changed a little from the previous time.

The three Marquises are not approaching. And don't be afraid to move the subordinate aristocrats of the Hou family. The feuds between the royal family and the three princes have never been so clearly visible. Many people are worried about this situation during a festive feast.

Now, the throne is surrounded by powerful nobles who are not under the influence of the Sanhou family. For those with ambitions, this situation is a great opportunity that may be replaced by the Three Houses. Desperate to buy the king's joy.

"... I don't think we're fighting on the inside."

Prince Arnold muttered Potri, lamenting his surroundings. As Prince Arnold puts it, it's not the case of rubbing on the inner ring. Foreign threats are by no means negligible.

"What happened to the Kingdom of Merica?"

It is Keel who responded to the mutter. Kiel was also invited to the ball.

Kiel's current position is the deputy of Prince Arnold, the lord of Bandhu. He is also a baron. The baron rank is a reward for his success in defeating the demon, and there is no other qualified person in his position. Suspicion of Bandu's royal kingdom is persistent. You won't hear anything from the center. Even if it is Prince Arnold himself.

The kingdom thought that the only thing left to Bandeau was the Bandeau. At that time, the only suitable person is the keel. All other leaders are dead. Even though white and black remain, they are not visible. They also want to be in the shadows.

As a result, Keel was appointed by the kingdom. It is natural to improve the land where we were born and raised. Kiel has not forgotten the words that were once told to Leon.

"... There is no movement against Japan."

"In other words, is there anything else?"

"There is a sign that a significant number of troops have disappeared from the north, but we do not know where they have gone."

The intelligence department has not yet fully recovered as an organization. No one knew all of them to find out who they were. Probably the intelligence chief, who had probably held all of that, Golan had left no information. Before the trustworthiness, the connection with a considerable number of intermediaries has been broken, but the kingdom does not know how much it is.

"... Is there no possibility of demon suppression?"

Defeating a demon or genie did not mean that the demon died or disappeared. Conversely, demons released from bondage have moved freely and have settled throughout the continent. On the contrary, the destruction of the demons of the kingdom of Granfram spread to other countries.

The current demons do not actively attack villages and towns. Nevertheless, when things happened, the damage was much greater than in the past, and each nation was being forced to defeat the monsters that had settled in their own country.

"Too many. Now I wonder if the Kingdom of Merika is fighting the demon."

"Isn't it true? Then ... War somewhere?"

"Perhaps, senior management believes that before the threat of our country recovers, the kingdom of the United States is taking control of neighboring countries."

"... I hope it's over."

The idea of the United Kingdom is clear. Before the decisive battle against the Grand Flam Kingdom, we intend to remove other threats. If there is an all-out war with the Grand Flam Kingdom, even if it wins, the damage will be enormous. If a third country pushes you there, you have no element or child.

The battle against the Grand Flam Kingdom should be the last battle for continental supremacy, so the diplomatic bulls, while the Merika Kingdom chose a truce.

However, there is one thing that has overlooked the Grand Flam Kingdom. The question is where the nations have to fight until the Kingdom of the United States diminishes its preparations for the Kingdom of Granfram.

If you don't know or understand it, you may just haven't minded because there is no direct connection to the Grand Flam at this time.

"How is Bandhu doing?"

"It's fine. The flow of merchants is the same, and we are doing various things without worrying about it."

Indeed, immediately after the battle with the genie, Kamark disappeared, but the flow of merchants soon returned. It did not flow to the south as before.

A detour to ensure that tariff elimination with the Kingdom of Ox remains unchanged, if so, the desire to stop by the fun-filled Kamark, and that you do not want to be known to the Kingdom of Merika as trading with the Grand Flam Kingdom There are various reasons, such as the use as a.

"It's a big deal. It's a good recovery from that situation."

"For the Band バ ン s, this is the second time they have recovered from the devastation, because everyone knew what to do."

"... I see."

It is Rion that achieved the first recovery. The Lion learned what Bandou's folks were doing, not how to recover, but how they can do it if they do their best. With this, you can handle any situation.

"Did you get any clues?"

What he cares about is A Prince of Arnold, but he doesn't talk, but it's Rion. Rion may be alive. With this information, Prince Arnold was looking for him.

"It's like you're stretching your legs quite far, but not at all. And ..."

He said something, but Keel closed his mouth.

"Do you have anything?"

"... The other party is the other party.

The Black Party is moving to search for Leon. The order comes from the current lord, Prince Arnold, but it does not seem like a keel that the Black Party is moving accordingly. Possibly, the Black Party is looking for Lion, the only partner to turn their loyalty on their own. Even if you find it, you'll keep it secret if he doesn't talk.

This idea is hard to say to Prince Arnold.

"That's right. Do you have to work hard without giving up?"

"Yes. The rest is the territory, but the numbers are manageable."

"In that way, is the quality still better?"

"Some volunteers have no recruiting experience, and it would be three years short to learn the skills of equestrians."

"Really……"

The band ド ゥ s troops have increased their numbers three years ago, at the command of Prince Arnold. Prince Arnold thought he needed power to regain the lost king.

Nourish the soldiers in Band ド ゥ and incorporate them into the Guard when their skills are improved. Just like Bandou's army for Lion, Prince Arnold wanted elite troops to be his limbs. That's why we've greatly increased the number of Bandu troops, but things don't go so easily.

Even after rigorous discipline, it does not look like the Bandhu Party, which has been familiar with martial arts since childhood. Most of the guard knights ahead are hereditary and have been trained as warriors since childhood. It is not easy to catch up.

Nevertheless, Prince Arnold has continued to strengthen his territory. In fact, the only troops he directly manages are content with troops centered on the Bandu Four Party. The newly recruited troops are in charge of defending their elite units if they move out of territory.

Why Prince Arnold is so enthusiastic about strengthening his military, there are those who have to protect it.

"When to Bandeau?"

"... I haven't decided anything concrete yet.

It's not about when Prince Arnold will go to Bandeau. A story of Airiel and his child.

"I see. I don't know my feelings."

The first grandchild of the queen. The Queen believes that he also made himself unhappy, a child of Rion. I don't want to let go.

"Even so, I think it's better to leave the capital as soon as possible."

"... Please ask your Majesty."

"The Majesty is the problem."

"eh?"

"... Wang Wei is in great decline. On the contrary, the momentum of the Three Houses is increasing."

With a slight drop in tone, Prince Arnold began talking. It's not a good story to tell around. Recognizing that, Konoe Lambert, who was behind him, came out and was checking to keep people away. It is clear that he is telling a secret story, but it is a judgment that he is better than being asked.

"Now His Majesty has no power to keep the Hou's offer open."

"... What are you asking?"

"One is Charlotte. The House of Fatilas has told me again that he should be a Princess. There is no problem in that matter ..."

Prince Arnold has no reason to change Charlotte's position to the Princess. It's still only a matter of form, but we've been together for four years. Prince Arnold believes that even with Charlotte's age, you should wear a kejime.

But the problem is Eriel's child. Because she is a Charlotte child, she will not be able to leave the castle if Charlotte becomes a Princess. Neither Charlotte nor Airiel can forgive it.

"... I don't know what His Majesty knows?"

"I can improve my relationship with the House of Fathiras, and maybe even more."

The king is trying to prioritize politics because the royal family is unable to endure the painful situation of isolation. There is no mistake as a governor. But Prince Arnold is not convinced of the imitation that involves children. This wasn't the case if Rion was recognized as a royal family in the first place.

"Can't you stop?"

"Charlotte himself has managed to hold back by opposing it. That is, His Majesty is an enemy in this matter."

"that is……"

Despite being a prince, it is still a problem to call the king an enemy. Even more, Prince Arnold is no longer a child. Even in the case of heirs, he is in a position to demand kejime as a minister.

"It's not just the case of Charlotte. Even with the House of Winheels, His Majesty can accept the request."

"Is it true?"

If Marquis Winheel asked for it, it would be only Airiel.

"If you return to the House of Winheels, you will be able to regain the integrity of the Marquis. If you get the support of the House of Two Houses, you will be relieved."

"Is that cornered?"

You can tell what is being cornered by subtracting three from two.

"... I haven't been told the details, but there may be something that makes her feel a sense of crisis."

"Is that so"

"The rumors I hear are all bad, especially to irritate me ..."

"Is it frustrating?"

"That woman"

In the sight of Prince Arnold, there was a woman happily conversing, surrounded by many women. A beautiful shape that everyone looks back on. Thanks to wearing a clean dress with a small amount of cloth, you can easily understand the goodness of style.

Arguably the most beautiful woman at the venue was Maria, who Prince Prince Arnold has seen for a long time.

◇◇◇

Surrounded by many surroundings, Maria is really happy. The surroundings do not mean that the men are samurai as in the school days. Surrounding Mary are the noble wives and daughters, dressed in clothes similar to Mary.

"Well, Maria. Did you get some nice jewelry again?-It looks great."

Speaking of a slightly exaggerated praise is Countess Simon, a woman who is famous for having an aesthetic in social circles.

"Thank you, it was worth making it to praise Countess Simon."

Mary seems to be satisfied when she is praised by Countess Simon.

"Is this another world trend?"

"Yes. I tried to imitate the design of a famous jeweler in another world. I am impressed that I was able to reproduce well."

"Yeah, it looks strange at first glance, but the delicate work is so sophisticated and elegant.

"How about?-Jewelery like in this world may be popular now, because the fashion goes on and off at regular intervals."

"Well, is that so?"

"But it's changing little by little, so I don't think it's old."

Implicitly, the jewelry design in this world is like saying it's old.

"Yes. Looking at Maria's jewelry, I'm sorry but I know it's true. I can feel the unique sensibilities of Maria's jewelry that can never be thought of by craftsmen in this world."

Count Simon agrees with Mary. Now no one can complain to Maria. For connoisseurs, Countess Simon has that much credit.

"If Countess Simon praises so much, I want me too."

This is Sherry, the daughter of the Oakley Viscount.

"I don't have the exact same thing, but I have made some similar designs."

"Well, I'm glad it did.

"It's good. I'll get on."

Another daughter agrees with Sherry's proposal. And another daughter. When this happens, I don't want to be a friend, and I'll come to myself one after another.

"... Oh, I'm this time"

Some people hesitate, though.

"Oh? You don't want to wear the same thing as me?"

You will be told such a hard line.

"But I just bought it during this time."

I'm ashamed, I can't speak clearly, but I have no money. But even if I say this.

"Okay, I'll ask you, so don't worry."

Maria says this. I don't know what to worry about, but it's hard to refuse.

"Well, that's the rule. I'm looking forward to it."

Further push from social cast cast superiors. The opportunity to refuse is lost. For those who buy by force, it's almost as if they're in oppression. And it's not just bullying. The debts owed in this stack are surprising.

"I'll get ready now. I'll be there in time for the next meeting."

And next time, Maria will come up with new jewelry or dresses. There is no such thing as matching with everyone. Maria does this in a variety of social situations.

This is by no means a pocket money earner. Maria is thinking about something bigger.

"... I'll see you for the first time in a while, so let's say hello?"

At the end of a paragraph, Maria finally noticed Prince Arnold staring at herself. I originally wanted to talk.

I haven't seen Prince Arnold for the first time in four years, and I don't know when to meet next. Maria is not going to miss this opportunity.