Wortenia Senki (WN)

Ten ships moored in the Great Plains.

This is on the sea, about 200 nautical miles north of Glentland, a trading city at the northern end of the Kingdom of Mist.

The sails of the ship are engraved with the emblem of the Mist kingdom, one of the three eastern nations, raised by powerful navy and maritime deals.

On the deck are sailors who boast strong flesh.

Many people start cleaning decks with mops, encourage strength training with instruments, and tend to their weapons.

There is, of course, a good reason for them to stop at sea like this.

You just said you were expecting a waiter to arrive.

In the meantime, the report rises from the sentry platform set up in the mast.

Shadow to the northwest!

The sailors on the deck began to move in haste.

Anyway, this is a sea away from an intercontinental route for trading.

Normally speaking, it is unlikely that a ship will pass through this area.

Then the possibilities are narrowed down to a few.

One is if the trading vessel gets off course.

Ships are easy to move depending on the weather.

In addition, there are sea monsters in the sea.

Depending on various factors, it is possible that the trading vessel may be diverted from the route.

But most likely a pirate ship.

The vast majority of the pirates who took the Waltenia Peninsula as their roots were destroyed when the Baron Goshiba took possession of the peninsula.

But that's not how all the pirates disappeared.

Some of the pirates were at work when Baron Goshiba's house was attacked.

Most of them disappeared from the surrounding waters in fear of Baron Goshiba.

But there are no pirates in the territorial waters of the Mist kingdom.

Therefore, it was impossible for the sailors who heard the report of the discovery of the ship to be alert to the pirates.

"Check the flag emblem on the ship!"

Did you notice that the deck was in a hurry? A woman who came up from the ship ordered confirmation toward the watchtower.

Pirate ships can be too trustworthy because they fly false flags to deceive them, but it is certainly an effective means of checking the ship's registry.

The words further tighten the surrounding air.

The order was given by a woman around the age of thirty with glossy black hair like black and white skin like snow.

Everyone will be satisfied if they are called princesses of some country because of their courtesy and elegant behavior.

A woman who boasts such beauty, but some of its beauty is as sharp as an ice blade.

I wonder if her essence is a warrior.

"Two-headed snake emblem wrapped around a sword!It's a Baron Goshiba ship! "

Eclesia Mariner, the general of the Mist kingdom, nicknamed [Storm], smiles with satisfaction.

We're on schedule.

Eclesia nodded slightly at the words of the lieutenant who rose to the deck following Eclesia.

Starting at the request of the Baron Goshiba, there is a secret meeting in the Kingdom of Roselia.

I chose the sea because I was afraid the information would leak.

The second report arrives from the sentinel crew shortly after the first report.

"The ship will dock soon!"

Together with the sentinel voice, the ecclesian retina reflects a red-eyed double-headed snake sewn with gold and silver threads.

(What's the speed in this headwind...)

It's a sunny day.

Sentinel vision is good.

Considering the height of the watchtower and the sight of the crew, a considerable distance can be seen.

And considering the time between the Sentinel's discovery of Baron Goshiba's ship and the Second Report, I was able to determine the speed of the ship myself.

And the result of the calculation was surprising.

(Pretty fast... faster than when I was chased by a sidesail... and the current wind direction...)

Eclesia quickly looks at the flag raised on the mast.

It was an impossible reality that the general of the Mist kingdom, however skilled in shipbuilding, could not but be surprised.

Because the wind is blowing headwinds against Baron Goshiba's ship.

(Jib, a triangular sail used in the Mist Kingdom to support the mast, is designed to maintain a certain speed even in the case of headwinds by ship maneuvering technology.But still, that speed.....)

The moment it passed, Eclesia's heart burst with joy.

It is proof of the correctness of Eclesia's decision to go to this meeting.

Eclesia quietly turns to the stairs leading to the ship.

It's a waiting visit.

I will prepare for that.

The lieutenant follows Eclasia down the stairs to her cabin.

And then he opened his mouth with a smile like a whistle.

"But, my lord... are you so excited to see me?"

Eclesia, nicknamed [Storm] for that question, laughs with joy.

"That's right... he's the man Elena admitted to."

That said, Eclesia returns to the office.

To prepare to welcome our long-awaited guests.

Arima, who boarded the Atalanta, a Galeon ship that had left the port of the city of Ceyrios, boarded a Mist Kingdom ship that had stopped in the waters of the rendezvous point and was taken to the waiting office of Eclesia Marinale.

Eclesia greets lightly and sits on the couch in the room, while Eclesia prepares the tea by herself after taking out the teapot she had prepared.

Apparently, the proud general of the Mist kingdom will be able to drink the tea he obtained himself.

Eclesia was very accustomed to pouring hot water into round teapots.

(Looks like you usually prepare it yourself)

Eclesia, whose mother is the King and sister of the Mist kingdom, is bled with royal blood and has the right to inherit the throne with lower priority.

Even in aristocratic societies, it can be said to be quite noble.

When such a woman prepared tea herself, Ryo was slightly surprised.

And I'm even touched by the beauty of the work.

"Go ahead."

That said, Eclesia put the teacup in front of Bright True.

(Do you mean guess?)

Seeing Eclesia's intention to laugh joyfully, Ryo took the teacup silently.

(It smells like mint menthol... and it feels like uba tea, but it also feels like it's from the southern continent...?)

Even though it is possible to judge the taste, it is impossible to determine the origin or brand as if it were some kind of appetizer in a boulder.

Of course, it is possible to get acquainted.

However, it is inevitable that subtle air is brewed when it comes off.

That will have an impact on the negotiations that we are going to have.

Therefore, Shining True raises the white flag honestly.

"Excellent taste with moderate tannins.It has a rich aroma and a core.And with a sip, it's a wonderful tea that feels refreshing like a thin mint through your nose. "

Speaking of which, it's a simple answer.

Eclesia gives back a soft smile because she perceived such a bright true intent.

"Yeah, that's what makes tea in the Balua region."

Shining True slightly tilts his neck to a place name he can't hear.

In such a bright and true state, Eclesia gracefully concealed her mouth and raised a bell-like laugh.

"It is one of the regions of the Turkana Empire in the Central Continent.It is a mountainous area with high mountain altitudes, and the tea made there is characteristic of this.The Baron is also home to the white wine used in the evening club the other day. "

That said, Eclesia smiles like a murmur.

Bright and true laugh at such ecclesia.

And I changed the rating of the woman who had a smile in front of her.

"This was a bit of a study."

It's a friendly conversation on the surface.

However, they had already begun a battle with words as weapons.

(So... you're holding my information...)

Many of the ingredients and alcohol used in the other night's party were collected by the Christoph Chamber of Commerce under orders from Simone.

Many of them are purchased directly from the source on Galeon ships owned by the Christoph Chamber of Commerce.

In other words, in the Western continent, it does not pass through the Mist Kingdom, which is the gateway to transactions between other continents.

Nevertheless, it seems that the Mist kingdom knew the origin of the liquor used in the evening club.

And Eclesia used a weapon called tea to make it look bright and truly implicit.

The intent of the action will be one thing.

(It is unlikely that a Mist Kingdom spy will get involved in the city of Cyrios, so perhaps the Earl of Salzburg's residence in King's Landing, the supplier of the Christoph Chamber of Commerce... or any of the nobles who participated in the night club leaked it?Either way, you seem to be watching me a lot.)

Access to information is not so difficult by itself, provided that appropriate means are used.

Especially this time, most information will be available unless it is important information such as military confidentiality.

However, it is also an indication that the Mist Kingdom is interested in the existence of Ryo Okoshiba.

Because no one is trying to gather information about the existence of anything.

"Looks like you're causing a lot of trouble...."

"No, it's business, so don't worry about it... but we think we can help each other a little bit more."

That said, Eclesia slightly clouds her face and cuts her words.

And I kept talking, hesitating.

"For example, I often hear rumours of the existence of subhuman settlements on the Waltenia Peninsula, but I hear that their techniques for granting magic are really excellent, and that there are unique monsters on the Waltenia Peninsula that only inhabit his land, many of which are very valuable as ingredients for armor and medicine.It seems to be sold through the Christoph Chamber of Commerce headed by Simone and the Mistol Chamber of Commerce, the home of Countess Julia Salzberg, but I wonder if there is anything we can do to help sell these specialties in Japan. "

Bright and true smiled at the words.

Because I read exactly what Eclesia meant from the edge of the word.

(Help me... hey...)

I did help you on the surface.

But the essence of that would be a share rather than a helping hand.

Baron Goshiba is the only one who wants to keep the delicious pie to herself.

(I do have a monopoly on what Nelsios and the others got... and I don't know if you want me to bite one...)

Transactions underpin the Mist kingdom's finances.

In other words, it is a commercial state.

And commerce is about controlling the flow of people and things.

And the Mist kingdom has dominated the flow for many years.

At least, when it comes to other intercontinental transactions, it's almost exclusive.

However, the existence of waiting for such a monopoly has recently emerged.

(As for the Mist Kingdom, it won't calm down.....)

But you can still say that the Mist Kingdom is courteous.

Because I'm a business enemy, and I'm not trying to crush Baron Goshiba by direct means.

(Even for us, it's a ship to cross.....)

I intend to keep the monopoly on equipment that has been granted magic, but Ryo herself thinks it is time to increase the sales channels for the materials of monsters that live on the Waltenia Peninsula.

The development of the Waltenia Peninsula will cost a fortune.

Now that Queen Lupis' Northern Conquest is imminent, we will need more armaments.

It was honest that no matter how much money was there, it was not enough.

However, Ryo has received reports from Simone and Mrs. Julia that they are doing their best to maintain the status quo for a while.

Of course, it will be possible to expand the sales channels in a primary manner.

But we don't have the people to maintain it.

If you don't, you won't even be able to maintain the status quo.

For such bright truths, Eclesia's proposal is by no means bad.

Is it like a business partnership in a modern way?

(Probably a suggestion based on our insights.....)

He seems to be a very strong negotiator.

(I'd like to be apprenticed by a Lupis who knows how to do business with the general's habits... but what's the matter...?)

But I can't help but be impressed.

The bright true brain moves fast and leads to one suggestion.

"As it turns out... it certainly seems to be in the interest of both of us to help you... just..."

"Just what?"

"No, I heard King Roselia asked us not to interfere and accepted it… and if the Northern Conquest is activated, we will be forced to disadvantage.I want to expand my business in the mountains, but honestly, what about it? "

That said, Ryo laughs hard at the truth.

It's a stunning counterpunch.

However, ecclesia is not sweet enough to accommodate such a contradiction.

I affirm the true and bright words without any appearance of evil.

"Of course, the story is true.Given the history of our country and the Kingdom of Roselia, there is no reason to reject His Majesty's request.What I just said is that it was only after the Northern Crusade was settled.Of course, we will spare some assistance for that. "

It's, in a sense, a contradictory word.

(While accepting Lupis's request, I'll help you end the Northern Crusade...)I don't know what to say.)

It's like a fox and a fox.

But this is politics.

(From the standpoint of the Mist kingdom, you must be worried about a woman named Lupis Roselianus.)

In fact, that would be a very natural assessment.

Unable to suppress the tyranny of the aristocracy, domestic governance has always been unstable.

As a result, even when the Ortomeal Empire invaded the kingdom of Zaluda, which is related to lip gear, it was unable to send a busy rescue force.

The Kingdom of Zaruda is an important line of defense against the Ottoman Empire.

Of course, it's a one-time mistake.

If we can be sure that the same thing will not happen next, the Mist Kingdom will be convinced.

But if you can't be sure, the story will change.

(That's why they agreed to this meeting.....)

It's a matter of national security.

The mystery of Eclesia just now must have been a way to find out how we reacted.

They are hanging on a balance.

Should we hold hands with Ryo Okoshiba or Lupis Roselianus?

That's why Ryo asked me straight away.

"Is it okay to send reinforcements?"

What Eclesia said about assistance was, of course, to help in negotiations with the Kingdom of Roseria.

But Ryo truly understood it and asked if he could send out an army of the Mist kingdom.

In a sense, it will be close to a stepping stone.

Silence dominates the room.

And Eclesia slowly opened her mouth.

"It's not impossible to send reinforcements."

That way, Eclesia sticks her mouth to the teacup placed in front of her.

Then, he turned his gaze to light and true.

Evidence of the true intentions of Bright Words.

And with a small sigh, she continued her words.

"That said, the land route is probably blocked.Queen Lupis will not be foolish enough to believe fully in our country.So you're going to use the sea lane.And you have to hide your affiliation, so it's impossible to send so many soldiers. "

It's a prediction that's close to reality.

The details will vary slightly, but if you really want reinforcements, you'll have to use the sea lane.

And, on the face of it, the Kingdom of Roseria has accepted the request, so if the Mist Kingdom is sending troops, it will have to do it informally.

Naturally, the number is limited.

A march of at least 10,000 units is impossible.

However, we cannot compete against the Northern Conquest Army, which has a nominal value of 200,000.

It must be water on a burnt stone.

However, even though you should know that, Ryogen-san Okoshiba nodded deeply in Eclesian's words.

They don't just want reinforcements.

"May I ask why...?With the power of our country, I think we have another option..... "

I wonder why you don't want a negotiated settlement.

However, to such ecclesia, Ryo tells her sincerity without breaking down her laid-back attitude.

"The reason is simple… if that woman continues to reign over the Kingdom of Roselia, we are doomed to die.On the contrary, what if Lupis Roselianus ruled the kingdom of Roselia as it is? "

The word was full of conviction.

And he's asking Eclesia that you know that.

(Well, you don't want to admit it.)

The Mist kingdom and the Roseria kingdom have been together for a long time.

Sometimes they are enemies and sometimes they are allies.

There is a history of cooperation between the three eastern countries outside the southern kingdoms and the Ortomean Empire, which were regularly engaged in skirmishes in the border zone.

But that relationship is about to change dramatically.

"Still...?"

It was a conclusion that everyone had assumed to be thin.

In fact, Eclesia had the same anxiety as the Mist kingdom's leaders.

That's why we're having this meeting today.

(Of course, Queen Lupis is not the only one responsible)

I also understand such a thing.

That's why I was going to help Queen Lupis reign as much as I could.

However, such a bright and true feeling was not conveyed to a woman named Lupis Roselianus.

That's why Queen Rupis simply kept ridding herself of the fear of truth.

Enemies are nations.

If it were true, there would be no chance of winning.

But even if you know that, if you still want to live, there is only one way.

It is, in other words, a surgery that saves the body from being eroded by cancer.

Naturally, there is a risk.

The side effects will also be great.

Everyone would want to avoid it if they could.

But if there's no other way, we have to make a decision.

Eclesia was just staring at the bright truth.

It would be a ruthless calculation to swirl around in that chest.

After all, the decision to be made by Eclesia will determine the fate of a country called the Mist Kingdom.

(But it seems that the Mist Kingdom was thinking about the possibility of this.....)

Eclesia is indeed a noble man who draws royal blood and is one of the proud generals of the Mist kingdom, but not the king who governs it.

Naturally, we wouldn't be able to make a decision here.

However, judging by Eclasia's expression, it seems that she intends to make a decision here.

Silence dominates the room.

How much time has passed?

Eventually Eclesia's tightly bound mouth collapsed.

Apparently a conclusion has been reached.

"Now, let me ask you about Eclesia's terms."

Eclesia answers the true question in a clear tone.

"After the Northern Crusade, the Mist kingdom will form an alliance with the Baron Goshiba against the Ortomean Empire.And I hope to revitalize economic exchanges with Japan more than ever before.Instead, my kingdom of Mist lends its elite troops to the Baron Goshiba against the upcoming Northern Crusade.Of course, I will take the form of an unidentified mercenary, so I won't be able to give you that much... but I'll also help you with supplies. "

It was never a bad story considering the position of the Mist kingdom.

Although informal, Eclesia Mariner, the general of the Mist kingdom, let go of the promise of non-interference made with the Kingdom of Roseria.

The meaning of the word is heavy.

(Certainly Eclesia is not the king, but it seems to be entrusted with full powers.....)

Had the words now been leaked to the Kingdom of Roseria, the Mist kingdom would have been pushed into trouble by a country that did not defend its faith.

(Well, it could be a lie to fit us... because they don't mean to cheat on me until they risk it.)

Anyway, from the side, the Baron Goshiba family, which preceded the nominal Northern Conquest Army of 200,000, is overwhelmingly disadvantaged.

Indeed, Ryo, there is a way to defeat the Northern Conquest led by Queen Lupis.

Ryogen-kun negotiated with the Mist kingdom only because he was looking to deal with it after the war, and defeating the Northern Conquest Army itself was possible without the help of other countries.

However, only a limited number of Baron Goshiba executives know the existence of the plan.

No, even those people don't really understand the true aim of the light.

Only Laura and Sarah know the whole story.

So, if the Mist Kingdom is thinking of eliminating Ryo Okoshiba, there is no need for Eclesia to play with lies in such a meeting.

Just follow the request of the Kingdom of Roselia and protect yourself from interference.

(But... I want you to take a little more risk...)

I understand the position of the Mist Kingdom.

But that's why we don't have to make the negotiations easier.

"The conditions themselves are not bad.However, I will add two conditions. "

"What do you mean?"

"For one thing, marching troops are the proud Bow Cavalry of the Kingdom of Mist.I would also like to borrow Eclesia Marinale, alias [Storm], from the Commander. "

The moment the word shines through the true mouth, their gaze is intertwined and sparks scatter.

"Do you understand what that means?"

"Of course. It's just that some of the unidentified soldiers occasionally resembled Lord Eclesia."

In response to that question, Ryo nodded flatly without any appearance of evil.

But Eclesia must have understood exactly what bright and true words meant.

Eclesia thinks again.

Eventually, Eclesia reached out to the tea cup placed on the table and took a cup of tea.

Then, turn your gaze toward the bright truth.

"It's going to be good... but I'm going to add one more condition.I would like to ask Baron Goshiba to mediate between my country and the fish tribe. "

The moment you hear the words, your true eyebrows glitter.

Because that was an unexpected request.

(In the process... I will investigate this situation for a long time... I can understand the reason why the Kingdom of Roselia is trying to approach me by defying my request... Well, as a commercial state that has built enormous wealth through dealings with other continents, is it a natural request...?)

The question is whether to accept the request.

Of course, it was easy to say no.

But if you refuse, Bright and True's request to dispatch Eclesia Marinale will also be rejected.

(Well, monopoly and cooperation. Which is the best...)

The question is, how ready are you?

The two of them staring at each other.

After a long silence, they both reached out.

Because I understood that it was just one path...