Maou No Utsuwa

After the Kamuis had left the king's capital of the Kingdom of Ruthua, an imperial mission came to the king's capital in such a way as to replace it.

The head of the mission is Kalk administrative adviser. Now I can say a substantial Imperial Chancellor. In fact, Calc's political adviser named himself that way in introducing himself to Vasily.

"Has your country changed its prime minister?

"Yeah. The former prime minister broke his body in intense duty, and I took his place. I'm busy preparing to visit your country, and I haven't had a formal appointment yet, but as soon as I get back, that's what I'm planning to do."

"I see. Are you feeling ill? The Empire is in a lot of trouble."

Gently disgusted, Vasily returns.

"Thank you for your concern. Well, I would like to enter into negotiations as soon as I can, but when can I see His Majesty Alexandros II?

I don't know if Vasily's aversion didn't make sense or if he knew and ignored it, but he didn't seem to care, and Calc's political adviser has been trying to rush the negotiations.

"That's the hatred and the sire, too. He was ill. I want to speak to His Majesty."

"It is...... Well, say hello to him with a word of sympathy."

"That care is useless. It's a cure if you're resting heavily. But doctors are telling me to rest now."

"Really...... So, are you sure you want me to stay in the negotiations?

"Yes."

"Bye."

"Then I'd like to hear it."

Vasily tries to cut the story out first, blocking the words of Counsellor Kalk. To take the lead in the negotiations.

"... go ahead"

Counsellor Kalk easily forgives it.

"When will Her Highness Lady Hildegand, a condition of harmony, be sent to the kingdom?

"I wanted to talk to you about it."

"Consultation?"

"Her Royal Highness Lady Hildegand is now in Northende."

"Nort Ende?"

As for Vasily, it was a question of what to call now, Nort Ende, etc., but that didn't go through with Calc's administrative advisor.

"Yes, this is Northende, in the northern part of the Oriental Uncle family."

"Really? So?"

I know it's conscious, but I don't know what it's meant to be. Vasily decided to get on with the story of Calc's political adviser for now.

"Kamui Kreutz has been abducted by one party and cannot be delivered to your country."

"Yes."

I was wondering if you could help me recapture Her Royal Highness Lady Hildegand.

"Why should our country exchange it?

"It's embarrassing, but we can't go as far as we think in our country alone. Her Royal Highness Lady Hildegand is the bridge of friendship between our country and yours. Can you help us somehow?

At least, Calc seems to have remembered to get out poorly.

"But Lord Calc was told earlier that it was the Nort End that had Her Royal Highness Lady Hildegand."

"Yes."

"Wasn't Nort Ende your country's territory in my memory?

If Kalk's political adviser calls the Republic only the Nort End, he can point out this.

"That's right. It will be under the direct authority of the emperor of our country."

"I mean, are you sure you understand there's a civil unrest going on?

"It will."

This is convenient for the imperial side. If Nort Ende is imperial territory, it will cause the kingdom to recognize it.

"Seek foreign intervention in civil unrest. It's something I haven't heard much about."

"Yes. It's up to you to do me a favor with shame."

"I see. But if you just ask me to do you a favor, I can't tell His Majesty that as it is. And what good does it do our country to help?

"You want a reward?

"Of course, right? It costs military money to move the army. Are you asking me to bear that on my country?

"… so do you mind if I pay the expenses?

Counsellor Kalk, from the lowest possible terms, intended to start negotiations, but this is a failure. Vasily told me about the military burden because he wanted me to.

"How far does that refer to expenses?

"How far?

"For example, if there are war victims, I would also like to ask you to pay compensation for their survivors. And compensation for those who have been seriously injured and are no longer in military service. And please tell me that you will pay for this every month. I'm not putting off compensation."

…………

Counsellor Kalk is unaware that this condition was previously blown to the Empire by the Republic. It is obvious that not knowing it will reveal a lack of information-sharing to the Kingdom.

"Later also pay for knights, etc. They have a family, too, so they don't know when they're going to get paid."

"Yes, no, that's because your country was replaced first."

"Why does our country have to do that? Doesn't that sound like you're lending it to your country?"

"Maybe, but anyway, if you're doing it,"

A huge amount of clerical work will occur every month. I tried to use this as an excuse to say no, but it didn't work for Vasily.

"Then let's get an interest rate. How about paying the interest rate for the period our country is replacing each time?

"What about each time?

"Every month."

"Isn't that the same then?

In addition, interest rate calculations will be added to the calculation of military expenses, compensation, etc.

"We don't know when it's going to end. It's a war of repression. My country is in trouble when people say they can't pay because they have to."

"My country doesn't do that!

"But if you fight two or three years, that's all your military spending will be. Afterwards, can you afford to pay our country in lump sum?

"Two, three years?

"It's for example. In that case, military spending and interest rates would be equivalent to that. As a country, it's a big deal when it comes to lending down."

Here finally, Counsellor Kalk realised the problem of this condition. This kind of bluntness in the negotiations is the weakness of Kalk's political advisers. And the fact that I don't realize my weaknesses is even more problematic.

"... are there any other conditions?

"And."

"And?"

"Isn't that what you mean?

Vasily is trying to add more conditions, he's just pretending. upset Kalk's political advisers and deprive them of room to think. Besides, Kalk's political advisor is embedded.

"I said in the sense of replacing it."

"Really? Well, let's hear it."

"From there?

"Isn't it possible that if you give us any terms from here, we won't know if your country can accept that? I think it would be quicker to hear what your country can offer."

"Really?... So, on the eastern border territory?

The Kalk administrative adviser will present the conditions he has prepared in advance. This may be natural, but the conditions that the kingdom can anticipate will also give it room to think ahead and respond.

"Again, are you saying it's your territory?

"Yes, it is."

"First, then, I ask you to eliminate those who stand in the way of our country entering its territory. Even if it's still your territory, you'll admit there's a rebellion going on there, right?

Vasily returned the answers she had prepared to Calc's political adviser.

"Yep..."

"We will make sure that your country has done so, and if that is indeed where it belongs, we will consider it."

"Consider?"

"Yes. Consideration."

"Then that's what your country tells me you don't know after you give them the eastern border territory. Doesn't it mean that our country just gave away territory?"

"But already, once, your country has been made to stretch the terms of harmony. Also, where is the guarantee that you won't?

"... is Lord Vasily willing to proceed with the negotiations?

It is not a condition acceptable as an empire. For the Empire, the kingdom is not a trustworthy opponent.

"Doesn't that make it seem like I'm trying to plug the challenge and break the negotiations?

"But"

Counsellor Kalk can't even say that he's actually doing that.

"In the first place, I'm not the only one on this scene. If you do that on your own, you will be punished. That would be the same for Lord Calc, wouldn't it?

"Yes, sir."

That is if, contrary to the will of his own country, the messenger negotiates at will. If you negotiate according to your country's intentions, you will not be punished.

"Now let me also say this: Is your country willing to wrap up the negotiations? Aren't all your country's proposals just hard to accept?

"I don't mean that"

"Now, I'd like you to tell me a story where we can move forward with the negotiations."

"… then the offer of cooperation will be lowered. On top of that, I'd like some more time to get Her Royal Highness Lady Hildegand back."

"That's also a convenient story for your country."

In fact, the kingdom has no advantage whatsoever. This can't bring the negotiations together. The imperial side is not trying to negotiate, but, in extremis, is just trying to fool the kingdom.

But in reality, Her Highness Ladyship Hildegand is not in the Empire.

"Is Nort Ende not in the territory of the Empire?

"... in the hands of the rebels."

"That alone can't tell His Majesty anything. At least I want you to expire."

"In a year?

"Do something stupid. Can you make a treaty with a country that will spend a year cracking down on domestic insurgency?"

Ten months, then.

There is no basis for this. I was told that a year was no good, so I just shrunk a little bit.

"That's fine. Can't you say six months?

"When I returned to the Empire, and then I marched. That's all it takes, almost six months."

"That means you're not ready to leave yet, is it?

"That's because we wanted cooperation with your country. That depends on the number of marches."

"... what do you think?

Here Vasily once spoke to the civilian present. The Imperial side can't tell that this is the beginning of your play.

"It's the same thing as unconditional. My country is already waiting scattered. Besides, if you ask His Majesty for respite, our necks will fly."

The job of the spoken civilian is simply to keep the prepared dialogue in the mouth.

"Right. That's not enough. For more than ten months, we would like you to present the terms and conditions in the event that your commitment is not fulfilled."

"... you don't mind revoking the matter of Her Highness Lady Hildegand, do you?

"Yes, I can't help but make promises that won't be fulfilled forever"

"So that's when, on the eastern border territory?

"... after your country has ruled the rebellion, will it offer?

"Then again, it will take time"

"If you can confirm that your country has attacked, that's fine."

"If that's the case"

Turn around, favorable conditions. Counsellor Kalk, who does not question this, is, after all, unsuitable for negotiating matters.

Vasily, wait a minute.

The work of the other civilian is not yet done. From now on it was the real deal.

"Yes. What is it?

"Under these conditions"

"But if we can't pull out any more conditions,"

"That's true, though. Then the rapprochement with the Empire is discarded…, all the time"

"Wait a minute, please. What does that mean?

Another civilian responded brilliantly to the leaked word, Counsellor Kark.

"... Lord Isaac, that's silent."

Now that's a good act inside, but it's a word in Vasily's heart.

"Sorry."

The first act of the play is over. Two acts are about to begin.

"Can you explain?

The first line came from Kalk's political adviser. You're not supposed to know the muscles, but you're mouthing the right dialogue.

"To be honest, I'm not in the mood to negotiate with your country."

"Again."

"Instead, Isaac is a moderationist with your country."

"Lord Isaac? So how about that? Could you explain this suggestion to King Ruthua?

Knowing that Isaac is on his side, Kalk's political adviser will immediately seek help.

"I can't. To His Majesty, that is what Vasily wants."

Isaac's reply, however, is not what Calc's political adviser asks.

"Why?

"Your proposal is too bad a condition compared to that of the Republic"

"... republic?

The Republic is negotiating with the Kingdom. The Kingdom calls it the Republic. In two ways, Counsellor Kalk is surprised.

"That's right. It was the other day. A Republic envoy visited our country."

"For what purpose?

"I am sending a messenger from my country on the occasion of King Kamui's marriage ritual. It's payback for that."

"Marriage?"

"You don't know? The marriage of King Kamui and Queen Hildegand."

"... stupid"

"I thought you knew and you were in love. Don't get a little nervous."

This is also a lie. I'm telling this story knowing what the Empire doesn't know. Besides, the kingdom also explored the movement of the Conservatives and only finally found out.

"Did your country acknowledge that?

"Naturally. You sent out a celebratory messenger."

"So what do you mean, give me Her Royal Highness Lady Hildegand?

"It's a matter of your country and ours, and it has nothing to do with the Republic and ours. If your country takes Queen Hildegand and sends her to my country, I will gladly receive it. Depending on what you negotiate with the Republic, you may return it to the Republic."

"... to imitate such a scale."

"That's not right. I am a man who wishes to reconcile with your country, but under the present conditions, I cannot oppose Vasily's intentions. You're right to say it's not even on the scale."

"I'd like to explain why"

It has not even been compared to the Republic. This is quite an insult to Counsellor Kalk. The colour of anger is on my face.

"The Republic has said that it intends to exchange our new territory with what your country calls the Eastern Border Territory"

"Such an idiot"

"Instead"

"Isn't it unfair to say, Lord Isaac, that we will expose all the terms of the Republic's negotiations?

Here Vasily took control of Isaac. It's a decision that works well enough already.

"... right"

"Well, Lord Calc. I do not deny any harmony with your country. I just believe that the Republic's proposal is very beneficial to our country."

"But"

"Lord Calc, you know what I mean? The central eastern border territory offered by your country will be rough territory due to the fighting. The same territory offered by the Republic, on the other hand, is in the process of being rebuilt and tax revenues can be expected immediately. It's obvious which way to choose."

"But your country will let go of the North."

"There is also the possibility that you will have more territory"

"... does that mean fighting our country again?

Exactly what Vasily meant by this word can also be read by Councillor Kalk. Otherwise, Vasily will be in trouble.

"You forgot? My country and yours are only in a truce. If the terms of harmony are not fulfilled, it would be natural to rematch, wouldn't it?

"Nort Ende would be happy to do that."

"What's the problem with that? This is what my country thinks. No matter how strong its troops are, the Republic has no power to control the entire continent. That's all you'll need to be talented to rule a vast area of land. It's number, not quality. The Republic does not have it."

"That's..., sure it is"

The lack of numbers is the weakness of the Republic. Counsellor Kalk also knew that there was no shortage of numbers outside the military.

"And my country is not going to jerk off and fight with the Republic to hurt the army. The republics in polar warfare are good and mutually reinforcing to double their strength, and if the soldiers are of poor quality, they will lose. Oh, this isn't my country, it's my idea."

"... what do you want? Would that be enough? I'd like you to offer me the conditions you want."

As it is now, we lose to the Republic in negotiations. Counsellor Kalk stopped considering his country's advantages and disadvantages.

"We want a territory comparable to the central part of the eastern border"

"For example?"

"Uncle Oriental. At least give us half of it."

"... I can't do that."

At least, it's not something I can promise at the discretion of Calc's political advisor.

"Think about it. If you assign the northern half of the Oriental House to our country, your country will no longer be bordered by the Republic. I assume that will lessen the threat a lot?

"Admit it, what's the accord with our country?

"I can't make an appointment. But if that's the condition, the balance of the condition will be caught. After that, it depends on whether your country really wants friendship with our country."

Vasily is not going to give the definitive words to Kalk's advisor.

"... I want to take it back"

"I have no choice. So that's it for today's negotiations. Let me show you to your room."

The Imperial Negotiating Corps leaving the room with disappointing shoulder drops. In the end, Counsellor Kalk failed to negotiate.

"He's unpunished. I'm trying to repeat the same mistake"

"But didn't we overdo it?

Looking at the condition of Calc's political adviser, Isaac had the feeling that he might have overrun him.

"I seriously think I should fight the Empire. Even if not, I'd like to sharpen the power of the Empire a little bit right now."

"What would you do if you really offered me the Oriental Uncle? Isn't that going to block the way of the Republic?

"That has nothing to do with the Republic. The exit of the Republic should not be one place. The situation shows that."

"You did."

It's not just the Demons. The footsteps of the former Knights of Divinity, which should have headed towards Nort Ende, are also, in some places, completely interrupted. The kingdom knew this.

"We're tightly cementing the border, probably to hide it. You realize that my country has found out, but I wonder if the Empire is certain that they haven't found out."

"Why?

"I imagine this, but isn't there a pretty republican hand in the empire? Too much of the Empire, and I know too much about the facts that would probably have been decided in quite a few meetings."

"Grass?

"We don't have that much history, so it would be that we're holding some kind of weakness and letting the information flow. Our country might want to be careful."

"Right."

◇ ◇ ◇

Reconciliation negotiations between the Kingdom and the Empire are under way, all the way in the east, and, again, different negotiations were under way. Alto was visiting the kingdom of Altena, one of the Eastern Alliances.

"I'm sorry I couldn't send a messenger to the matrimonial ritual."

"No, such an apology is useless. Talk about the impossibility of crossing the territory of the kingdom from your country, visiting our country, etc. I've known that since the beginning."

"It makes me feel easier if you say so"

"I appreciate that, but if we can, we would like you to think about taking our relationship with our country a step further. That's why I came here today."

"What does that mean?

"Until now, our country has only unilaterally allowed us to purchase food from your country. Then our country just depends on you. I don't think the relationship between the two countries will deepen."

"Saying?

"We would like you to consider purchasing products from our country."

"Hmm...... What's that?"

The expansion of the deal is where King Altena wants it too. conditional that if it were to enrich one's own country,

"Iron"

"What?"

"If you want, you can sell anything processed into a weapon."

"... that is"

Assemble the weapons. That is war preparedness. King Artena caught the Republic urging war.

"No, I think it's premature. Now it's time to get ready."

"Oh well."

A relieved look appears on the king's face. Now I know that I'm not ready yet.

"To do this, we need to assemble our weapons and train our soldiers. I was wondering if I could help you with one of those."

"... will that be the time?

"The kingdom will surely advance its army west. On the same scale as last time. At that time, no, I was wondering if it would be a great opportunity for the war to go on so much that the kingdom could not pull off precisely."

"Right. Now that I think about it, that was a great opportunity."

I can tell you now. At the time, King Altena could not have had it, such as the courage to attack the Kingdom of Ruthua.

"As I just said, again, the opportunity comes. Wait for it."

"Oh, okay"

"Well, on a business matter, I'll send you a prototype first, so try that. If you're satisfied, there you go for your first specific business meeting."

"Is that good?

"Far away your country and my country must have strong trust. For this reason, my country wants to be honest. That's what I'm thinking."

Being honest, Alto doesn't even think of fine dust when everything goes the way he wants. But now it's time to make soil.

"Okay. If that's the case, there's nothing to open up to. I'll have the arrangements made right away."

"Yes, I understand."

"Anything else?

"No, that's all from me. We have to get around to people in other countries, so if you'll excuse us."

"... what are the reactions of other countries?

The Kingdom of Altena is but one of the countries of the Eastern Alliance of Nations. After all, the dynamics of other countries concern me.

"In general, we think we have a good relationship. It is ultimately up to you to make decisions within your alliance, so please don't hesitate to do so."

"Oh, I know. But as for territorial division,"

"I'll take care of that. I won't treat your country as a favor, but I'll be fair to you."

"Right. Please."

"Now, if you'll excuse me"

And Alto and the others will travel to the next country.

"Do you do this in all countries..."

Thinking of going around all allies, a weak sound leaks unexpectedly from the civilian accompanying Alto.

"Huh? That's not why, is it?

"What?"

"Look, we don't need to convince the coalition of everything. The point is, all you have to do is make the three countries that border the kingdom concerned."

"Why not?

"If the three countries expand their territory to the west, the other countries will have to follow suit. The three countries will be pulled out of the Union. If the equilibrium breaks down and it becomes a feud within the Union, then naturally the three countries, whose national power exceeds that of the Union, will be in their favour. No other country can forgive that."

"I see."

"The problem is the division of territory after we've busted the kingdom's territory. We have to be careful with this. As a result of the spread of the territory, the Union is divided. Then you will work for the kingdom."

It may take the persuasion of the Three Kingdoms to draw them into the war. But only then will the alliance collapse. Because each country is in the same line, the Alliance can act together. We have a common enemy, the kingdom, so we can say that we can stay together.

"That's hard, isn't it?

"Sort of. But we have to."

"Right."

"... you, don't say it like any other HR"

"Yes?"

"I brought you here to make you wear the land exploration of the East. Reconnaissance of the kingdom when it comes to it. What products are there in the land and what are the tax expectations? Find out all that."

"... I'm getting distracted"

It is not a place to go around the countries of the Alliance. They tell me to grasp all the land in the East.

"Whether that works or not is the last key to this measure. Don't forget that."

"Yes, but how long will it take"

"Take ten years to do it."

"So much?"

The custom of thinking ten years ahead is not yet found in this civilian. This is not a limited story for this civilian, but it is also the job of the alts to change and nurture the consciousness of these people.

"You know. Our country has just been made. But I have to make it last a hundred years, a thousand years, a thousand years. With that in mind, it's only a few years."

"Yes, I can see that."

"Even if it's a fruit ten years away, if it's possible to take it, we have to sprinkle the seeds. Even if it doesn't work now, I'm sure ten years away will help, believe me."

"... right"

My work now serves a country ten years away. It's a distraction, but it's also a job that feels magnificent.

"And ten years is not long. Think about what has happened to the king in the last decade. From the nobility of the Empire, demon kings, brave men, and kings. I've been watching it on my side for a long time, and I'm just as scared."

"... well, I'm the king"

"Sort of. Because it's a camouflage."

The Republic's measures look ten years away. It is not uncommon for the state's totality, but the Republic intends to plant this consciousness in all the literary officers and, in some cases, the people. This is what makes the Republic strong.