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Chapter 49: The Invitation

The business talk with Karanos, merchant of the Kingdom of Algeas, had concluded.

He then shifted topics and began asking about our activities at sea.

「By the way, I’ve heard that Gaia-sama and the other Barbar ships have been coming and going from the trade city of Livonia?」

「Ah. We stopped by a few times for trade near the end of summer.」

「I was surprised! How did you manage it?」

I told Karanos how we had expanded our territory northeast from the Blumunt Tribe’s main village, finally reaching the sea.

Karanos was visibly stunned.

「So it was true… When I heard Barbar ships were docking in Livonia, I couldn’t believe my ears. You should’ve told me sooner! I could’ve smoothed things over for you.」

Karanos pulled out two rolled parchments.

「What are these?」

「One is a letter of identification, personally written by Crown Prince Alex of the Kingdom of Algeas. It certifies Gaia-dono’s identity under the Crown Prince’s name. I thought it might aid your dealings in Livonia.」

Trade in Livonia wasn’t going smoothly.

It was a harsh environment for newcomers.

But with a letter of endorsement from Crown Prince Alex, things would change dramatically.
It meant we had the Crown Prince’s backing.

I reverently accepted the parchment handwritten by Prince Alex.

「I’ll gladly take it. Thank you.」

I opened the other parchment.

It was written in the Algeas Kingdom language… a formal government document!

「This one is an invitation. Prince Alex is requesting your presence at the royal capital.」

「What!?」

「As chieftain of Barbar, you are formally invited.」

I carefully read the invitation from Prince Alex.

Then I showed it to Uncle Athos and translated its contents aloud.

Uncle Athos tilted his head.

「We once fought against the Kingdom of Algeas. Could this be a trap? A forged letter, perhaps?」

「It is genuine. It bears the royal seal of the Crown Prince, this is official state correspondence. If it were a trap, they wouldn’t bother with such formalities.」

「True enough. If it were a trap, they wouldn’t go through the trouble of sending a government document.」

The real question wasn’t whether it was a trap.

Merchant Karanos had said it, he wanted me to visit as chieftain of Barbar.

That meant the Kingdom of Algeas was preparing to recognize Barbar as a nation, or at least as a unified entity.

I turned back to Karanos.

「Karanos. This invitation is an official document of the Kingdom of Algeas, yes?」

「That is correct.」

「It comes from the Crown Prince, but can I assume the King is also aware?」

「Yes. His Majesty the King has expressed a desire to invite Gaia-sama as well. However, since Crown Prince Alex has already met you on the battlefield, it was decided he would be the one to extend the invitation.」

So the King of Algeas was in on it too.

「In other words, they’re not holding a grudge over our past conflict?」

「Exactly. On the contrary, Prince Alex was deeply impressed by Gaia-sama and your forces’ performance in battle. Do you yourself harbor any resentment?」

「No, not at all.」

We were just mercenaries hired for a job.

Barbar holds no grudge against the Kingdom of Algeas.

「In that case, would you accept the invitation?」

「As chieftain of Barbar?」

「Precisely.」

「Understood. I’ll go to the royal capital of the Kingdom of Algeas.」

The Emperor of the Vaffancrow Empire was in failing health.
Physicians claimed he had about a year left.

And now, at just this time, the Kingdom of Algeas had invited me, as chieftain of Barbar.

These events were connected.

The Kingdom of Algeas was preparing.
When the Empire plunged into a succession crisis, they wanted to be allied with us, Barbar, on the opposite front.

It was wise to think ahead.

「How do we get to the capital?」

「Please sail up the Dalba River from the trade city of Livonia. It’s a major river, fully navigable by ship.」

Our longships had shallow drafts and could sail upriver with ease.

No problem.

「When would you like us to arrive?」

「We’d be grateful if you could depart soon.」