Risou no Himo Seikatsu

In the western part of the southern continent lies the kingdom of Alve. A small country sandwiched between the kingdoms of Tucale to the north and Karpu 'a to the south.

The country is extremely long rectangular in shape from east to west. Although it is a very unnatural form, in the first place, what Alve Kingdom is in existence is unnatural in a sense, so it can't be helped.

Before the Great War, the two countries that survived the previous war were called the four countries in the western part of the Southern Continent. The Kingdom of Tucale and the Kingdom of Karpoua. A small country that survived because the two powers agreed that they did not want to cross borders with each other. That's the kingdom of Alve.

As a result, the head of the Kingdom of Alvear was forced to take a very difficult stand after the war. On the other hand, as the people and soldiers are unexpectedly beginning to adapt to the current situation, they can feel the certainty of the Alvear Kingdom's leadership and the strength of both powers.

If the Alvear Kingdom itself operates a solid state, it will keep the tightening to such a degree that the public will not feel a great dissatisfaction with the status quo.

By way of example, both the Kingdom of Tucale and the Kingdom of Karpva have prohibited the stationing of Alvear forces near the border between the Kingdom of Alvear and their own country. At the same time, however, with regard to the dragon species that are evil around the border, the Tucale Kingdom Army is responsible for the crusade to the north and the Karpuha Kingdom Army is responsible for the crusade to the south. Moreover, even though both armies are extremely well led and have been set foot in the Kingdom of Alve (unfortunately it is legal for both armies to step foot in the Kingdom of Alvear in an emergency due to the treaty), the Alvear kingdoms living near the border seem to be accepting the status quo because they do not work at all.

It goes without saying that the Head of the Kingdom of Alvé has lost his complexion.

There was no exaggeration in the port city of the Alvear kingdom today, and talks were about to take place that would determine the fate of the country.

"The first prince of the Alve Kingdom is Damien. This time, my father, His Majesty Sergio IV, entrusted me with full authority."

The deputy office of the port town of the Alve Kingdom. In the back room, it was the young royalty of the Alve Kingdom who declared it. Short black hair, dark brown skin. It is a typical southern continent figure with no distinguishing features. Strongly put, it is characterized by somehow sleepy black drooping eyes.

Around that time, it would probably be as good as the Good Governor. It looked like he was no different from Good Governor. In other words, the middle flesh is medium-backed. He is the first prince of a country, even if he is not distinctive in appearance. As a matter of course, the prince is the prince, he is the first to inherit the throne, and the next king is the designated person. Therefore, "superficiality" becomes the highest ranking person here.

Whether it should be called happiness in misfortune, or why it should be more hateful, the representatives of both major countries have a firm respect for their apparent positions.

"I know how frightening it is to have the opportunity to admire your face, Highness Damien. King Joan the Eighty-seventh of the Kingdom of Tucale has entrusted me with this matter, and I would like to congratulate you on your visit to Cobra. I would like to thank His Majesty Sergio for his willingness to accept our offer.”

In a refined way, it was King Joan Cobra's brother who bowed to the royal family of the Kingdom of Tucale.

When I was a kid, I was in my forties. Is the taller than the average in the southern continent, about half a hundred and seventy centimeters? However, it is very slender and unusually long in the hands, feet, and neck, which makes the image longer than the actual height.

In addition, the black eyes of the almond shape without emotion -- the black eyes are very large, so at first glance the white eyes are invisible -- are also confusing, giving the impression of being very inorganic.

"It's been a long time, Your Highness Cobra." I can't thank you enough. My country will not refuse the request of the Kingdom of Tucale. "

The First Prince of the Alvear Kingdom, saying that in view of the current situation, it can only be sarcastic, puts his heart to the royal opponent of the great kingdom, who is about ten years older than himself.

With such irony, Brother Cobra only replied "I'm sorry."

The representative of the Karpu 'a Kingdom opened his mouth.

"It's a shame, Your Highness Damien." King Aura I of the Kingdom of Karpu 'a has entrusted this matter to Fernando Lara. As an aristocrat of the Karpu 'a Kingdom, I am grateful for the good fortune of having your friendly country, the Kingdom of Alvear, in a neighbouring country. ”

Having said that, it is Marquis Fernando Lara, the representative of the Karpu 'a Kingdom, who shows such a beautiful example of gratitude. The Marquis of Lara in his fifties is the oldest of the people in this room, but it is not a negative factor of old age, even though it is a positive factor of getting older. There is something about this junior nobleman that only makes me think that, like a unique pressure.

“It would be an honor for the Marquis of Lara to say so, as he is known to the kingdom of Karpu 'a.”

The First Prince of the Alvear Kingdom, Damien, raises his hand in a small manner and takes the words of the Marquis of Lara with a good smile.

"Now, all we can do is give this place a chance." After that, we can discuss it fully with them. "

Prince Damien stays completely silent as he declares that his role has really come to an end.

The lead of the conversation now shifted to the representatives of both powers, Brother Cobra of the Kingdom of Tucale and Marquis Lara of the Kingdom of Karpuha.

In the previous war, the two powers remained hostile even though there was no apparent war. Brother Cobra and Marquis Lara have been at the forefront. There are countless karma. Indirectly, each other is a kind of avenger of subordinates and relatives, and at the same time a favorite enemy who recognizes their strength.

And we understand each other's policies, values, and humanity through our interactions during the war, for better or worse. Therefore, the discussion became frank and undeclared, to the extent that it did not seem like diplomacy between the great powers.

"I want to officially conclude a peace settlement and normalize the national relations. After that, we need to talk to our alliance. First, I'll explain it."

“Okay, please explain.”

Suddenly, the inorganic voice of Cobra's brother began to speak from the conclusion, and Marquis Lara urged him to go ahead with a calm voice.

"A large ship has arrived in our country from the Northern Continent. The name of the ship is The Golden Leaf. The state is the kingdom of Uppsala. It was the biggest ship in the North China continent. Captain Magnus is in charge of the ship."

After receiving the words of Brother Kobra, the big man who had been standing silently behind him stepped forward and opened his mouth.

"This is Captain Magnus of the 'Golden Leaf' belonging to the Navy of the Kingdom of Uppsala. As you can see, since you were born and raised in the sea, please forgive some rudeness."

The man who called himself Captain Magnus was a big, muscular man. His hair and eyes are certainly pale, and he has the characteristics of a Northerner, but his skin, which has been exposed to the sun of the sea for many years, is darker than the average of a Northerner, and at first glance he cannot be considered a Northerner.

I try my best to take care of the words, but it is difficult to say that the words of the opponent are on the board. As he said, there is no doubt in my mind that he is a man of the sea who has only sailed as a sailor and climbed up to the captain of an intercontinental voyage ship.

"It is a pleasure to meet a great man who has accomplished intercontinental navigation."

That being said, the Marquis of Lara will make a small statement. Now, the Marquis of Lara has admitted the presence of Captain Magnus here. With that, Captain Magnus takes a step back and shuts his mouth.

Only, the center of the negotiation is the one-on-one relationship between Brother Cobra and Marquis Lara.

"The source of the information I'm about to share is Captain Magnus, but [King Joan] is behind it." If you have any questions along the way, don't hesitate to ask. "

"I understand." In that case, is it His Highness the Cobra that you ask? Or to Captain Magnus? "

"Either way, it doesn't matter."

In spite of the slightly confusing question of Marquis Lara, Brother Cobra replied without hesitation. The black, almond-shaped binoculars, with extremely little blinking, are spooky enough to be sucked in without seeing any wobble.

But it wasn't Lara, the Marquis, who was screaming.

“Okay, go ahead.”

"In recent years, the number of ships arriving in the southern continent from the northern continent has been increasing. What cannot be overlooked is not just the increase, but the rapid increase in the performance and size of intercontinental navigation vessels, and the increasing safety and certainty of intercontinental navigation."

Even in the southern continent, the Midwest is rarely the kingdom of Karpu 'a, but traders from the northern continent used to sail to the country north of the kingdom of Karpu 'a. Therefore, the arrival of ships from the Northern Continent is not new, even if it is unusual.

However, this is not the case if there are more new types of ships and their performance has improved dramatically.

Previously, intercontinental trade was close to gambling. If they succeed, they will make a fortune, if they fail, the sailors will lose their lives and the investors will go bankrupt. Such a dangerous match.

If its success rate increases dramatically, it is no longer gambling. To be precise, for the captains and other crew members who actually board the ship, it remains more of a "probability gamble" than a life-threatening gamble, but for the shipowners and contributors, it is not a gamble. If the success rate is stable at a high point, the revenue and expenses will be positive unless you keep sending out ships in a row and they are not very unlucky.

In other words, the race of merchants and politicians is the eye of the hawk for profit. The upsurge in intercontinental trade is no longer a fixed route.

After hearing the explanation, Marquis Lara nodded tinyly without breaking his sober expression.

"I see. You can't just expand intercontinental trade." We need peace and alliances as soon as possible to respond to you. "

The bigger the ship, the better its performance, and the larger the number, the more invasive the trade will be. Brother Cobra expressed his concern for the future, and Marquis Lara understood it.

Moreover, in order to fight back, the Kingdom of Tucale has been in a state of cold war since the last war, and it wants not only to improve its relations with the Kingdom of Karp 'a, but also its alliances. Only then can we see how seriously the Kingdom of Tucale is watching over the invasion of the Northern Continent.

Therefore, the first thing to check is the position of the captain of the [Northern Continent] who is standing behind King Cobra's brother. I dared to bring you to this meeting, so you may not be an enemy, but you will need to confirm the details.

"I'd like to confirm one thing, Captain Magnus." If His Highness the Cobra's concerns had been met to the fullest, what would be the place of your kingdom of Uppsala? ”

Marquis Lara's question was a matter of course. It is a matter of concern that the countries of the North have invaded the South. With Brother Cobra here, it is unlikely that the Kingdom of Uppsala, the homeland of Captain Magnus, will turn against the enemy, but we need to know some details.

However, Captain Magnus was unable to answer Marquis Lara's question immediately.

The battle-scarred captain often thinks about it and then opens his mouth as if he had thought about it.

"I don't know. Honestly, it's more than I can say for myself, it's just a captain." If we crush them, we'll be talking about what kind of decision our king will make. However, to be clear, my country is a minority spiritual country on the Northern Continent. Currently, all other countries that are active in intercontinental trade are the "church" forces of the dragon faith. The Church and its forces have hardly kept pace in the past. ”

"Oh, I didn't know that."

Marquis Lara may not be very bright about the situation in the North.

The Marquis of Lara praises Brother Cobra and Captain Magnus equally.

"Unfortunately, I'm not bright enough about the Northern Continent. With all due respect, I didn't even know the name of the Kingdom of Uppsala. If I were to come to know the names of countries like the Kingdom of Denhagen and the Kingdom of Liguria, would it be possible that His Highness the Cobra would be concerned about those countries?”

The Kingdom of Den Haag and the Kingdom of Liguria. Both are currently the leading countries on the North Continent in intercontinental trade. The brother of King Cobra, who had given his name, affirms the words of the Marquis of Lara by making a small bow.

“That's for sure. If I may add, the Red Dragon Kingdom may join us there, but if a truce is made with the White Dragon Kingdom, that's a story. For our part, we only hope that the struggle between the two countries will prolong for a day. Zwota Vornosych, the aristocratic republic. According to King Joan, the trend is still fluid.”

I see.

In the words of King Cobra's brother, Marquis Lara narrowed his grey eyes. This trend is still fluid, and if you read the back of the word, it means that the trends in the two countries mentioned earlier, the Kingdom of Denhagen and the Kingdom of Liguria, have already been confirmed. At least that's what the Kingdom of Tucale has decided.

The Marquis of Lara, to the extent that he was not concerned about the possibility that the Tucale Kingdom's judgment was wrong, had assessed the Tucale Kingdom's ability to gather and analyze information.

"Okay, now let's officially end the war and try to normalize diplomatic relations." Do you have the documents? "

"Oh, here it is."

After receiving the words of the Marquis of Lara, Brother Cobra took out three letters from his pocket and pushed them to the Marquis of Lara, who sat face to face.

The Marquis of Lara quickly read the petition. The written contents are exactly the same on all three sheets. What Brother Kobra just said--- The end of the war between the kingdoms of Tucale and Karpuha and the normalization of diplomatic relations are only politely described in an expression that leaves no room for misunderstanding. All three pictures bear the name of King Cobra's brother in the column representing the Kingdom of Tucale.

The document I brought from my own country, but it wasn't signed by King Joan, but by King Cobra's brother, probably because I was going to sign the treaty here from the beginning. With the signature of King Joan, the kingdom of Karpu 'a must also be the signature of Queen Aura, due to the specific gravity of both countries. However, if it's the signature of King Cobra's brother, the signature of the Marquis of Lara is perfect.

Of course, no matter how much full powers are delegated, there is a problem that the official documents of the end of the war and the normalization of diplomatic relations will be substituted by the signatures of royalty and high nobility rather than the top signatures of both countries. It is a triumvirate to solve the problem.

Your Highness Damian, I'm sorry to bother you, but can you sign for me as a witness?

In the words of King Cobra's brother, King Alvear's Prince Damien, who had remained silent ever since his first greeting, took a small breath and put out his hand.

"Give it to me."

Prepare three copies of the same letter instead of two, and have them stored not only in the two countries that conclude the treaty, but also in a third country that is a witness. By doing so, we make up for the lightness of the people who make the treaty.

In addition, we plan to form a more advanced military and economic alliance after this, and you will be asked to sign the Rock with the autograph of the King of the two countries. The signature of Brother Cobra and Marquis Lara was judged to be sufficient as a "link" until then.

The autographs of the Marquis of Lara and the Prince of Damien were signed, and the letters with the same contents were handed over one by one to the three factions of the Kingdom of Tucale, the Kingdom of Karpuja and the Kingdom of Alve.

Now that the main purpose has been successfully fulfilled, the threads of tension will be somewhat loosened while the people of the two countries are the same, but there can be no other person who accepts the diplomacy of both countries.

“Then we need to have a conversation about the alliance. Do you have any abdominal plans for the specific schedule?"

The moment he finished signing the Historic End of War Treaty, Marquis Lara asked Brother Cobra, who sat face to face, in an unchanging tone.

And king Cobra's brother was no less losing, and no less pale,

"The timing is unknown. There's not a lot of grace, but there's not no grace at all. I'll leave the date and time to you. Let's try to match this one. However, I have only one request."

I'd like to ask you something.

"I would like to ask His Highness Francesco and His Majesty Zenjirow to be present at least once during this conversation."

According to the words of King Cobra's brother, for the first time on this day, the eyebrows of the Marquis of Lara moved small, as if they had been struck by surprise.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Only the host of the Alvear Kingdom remains inside the chamber where the missions of both powers have left.

"............ Hmm, it's the most important document." Please keep it secure. "

Prince Damien, King Alvear, turns his head with a squeak as he presents the letter in his hand to his men.

"Yes, I understand"

Prince Damian speaks to his subordinates in order to sum up his thoughts, watching one of his subordinates politely wrap up his letters.

"This is ridiculous."

Yes.

Although it was endless and abstract, it was a feeling that had no choice but to agree, and so did the heartfelt knight who was resting on the side.

"Is the Northern Continent invading beyond the ocean?" To do that, the Kingdom of Tucale and the Kingdom of Karpu 'a make peace? Or even an economic and military alliance? You know what I mean? The Kingdom of Tucale and the Kingdom of Karpu 'a have no borders to forge an alliance!? "

This is where the Alve Kingdom sits between the two nations.

I understand, but I don't think you're paying attention to it.

In a calm voice, Prince Damian sighed for a long time.

"My country is not a road."

"It's a road for them, isn't it?"

…………

The Prince of Damien slowly weakened in his chair.

Ahh, why am I caught in such a monster, both north and south?

During the meeting, Prince Damien, who was displaying considerable majesty, pushed his right cheek against the table and continued to leak his foolishness.

It's true that compared to them, the dragon species in the east of the land that has not been trampled on look cute.

“And from the western ocean comes the ferocity of the northern continent, which needs to be joined by its northern and southern powers.”

………

Prince Damien's eyes twitched firmly as he refused the words of his close friends, who were relentlessly implicated in reality.

"Ahh, the horns miraculously survived the previous war, but then this." I want a little more peace. "

"Isn't there a fundamental conflict between the birth of royalty in a small country sandwiched between great powers and the desire for a peaceful life?"

"Strongly put, the days from the end of the war to today, when both powers have been deprived of diplomatic and military rights, were relatively speaking 'days of peace'?"

………………

In pursuit of his relentless closest associates, Prince Damien pressed his forehead against the table. Of course, that doesn't make the reality disappear.

Eventually, Prince Damian, who managed to regain his temper, lifted his torso.

"Alright, I've made up my mind." We need to quickly build a road that stretches from the capital to the north-south border. At least a thousand troops can march without any problems. I'll try to convince my father somehow. Give me your wisdom, too. "

Yes, I will give instructions to my close associates.

Maintain a north-south stretch of road from King Alvear's capital. No one here can understand what that means.

“Are you willing to voluntarily become a road between the two powers?”

In response to the words of a close friend who could not conceal his surprise, King Damien answered with a loud, abandoned voice, but at the same time with a tone that made him feel confident.

“Exactly, but at the same time, we'll look into the countries of the North. I wonder if I can incorporate it well or if there is any room for my country to join the Northern Continent Faction."

Is there such room?

With a skeptical gaze, Prince Damian shrugged his shoulders.

"There is no way." Even so, the North is looking down at the South. Besides, if Brother Cobra is right, the invaders are coming. If you're going to go under such people, you'll have to do 10,000 times more road work between the two powers. "

The North-South powers are very rational whether they should be called lucky in misfortune or unhappy for that reason. I use small neighboring countries conveniently for my own country, but I take care not to cause an explosion. It would no longer be close to a dream that the treatment of church forces in the North, who are fundamentally looking down at the South Continent, would hope for something better than that.

“Then why?”

As he leaned his neck closer, Prince Damien looked abhorrent in his heart.

"To protect my country from the unknown." There is no way my Alvear Kingdom can resist the forces that make it so necessary for the Kingdom of T'Kare to forge an economic and military alliance with the Kingdom of Karp 'a as soon as possible. In that case, we need both powers to protect us. "

That's true, isn't it?

Prince Damian explains to those close to him who still don't understand what I want to say.

"A road is not a one-way street." What would happen if we were conquered by the Northern Continent, even if there was a road that would allow troops to march from our country to both major powers? "

"Oh, I see."

A road through the Alvear Kingdom, through the Tucale Kingdom and the Karpuha Kingdom. If it is completed, the Alvear Kingdom will be conquered, which means that not only will the land routes of the Tucale Kingdom and the Karpu 'a Kingdom be cut off, but the Alvear Kingdom can easily invade the Tucale Kingdom and the Karpu 'a Kingdom from the bridgehead.

If not, the Kingdom of Tucale and the Kingdom of Karpuja must defend the Kingdom of Alvear on their own initiative.

“Just building a road is a good chance for them to use it in a good way. At the same time, by showing us the possibility of joining hands with the forces of the North Continent, we will suppress them."

I said, "All right, I'll make it your own road. So, you must protect the road from the outside world. Be careful how you use the road. If you want to use it in a careless way, I will draw forces from the North and blow myself up."

"Is it okay?" If you do it badly, will you try to secure the road by building strength? "

After the road is completed, it will be invaded by both North and South powers before it can be invaded by the forces of the North Continent. The Prince of Damien shook his head to the side with confidence, suggesting the possibility.

"There is no need to consider that possibility. King Cobra's brother in the Kingdom of Tucale, and the Marquis of Lara in the Kingdom of Karpu 'a, is a master of reason and intentions. Roads taken by force and roads officially made usable by contract. It's okay to say that there's no chance that those creatures will make a clear decision about which is better or cheaper in the short term.”

In the long run, it may be better to destroy the Kingdom of Alvé and secure the road directly, but in the short run, it is definitely better to keep the Kingdom alive. How much time and effort will it take to level the country that was destroyed?

The victors of the previous war, the Kingdom of Tucale and the Kingdom of Kapua, could not have been unaware.