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Vol 03 Chapter 79: Diplomacy II

For now, I was able to confirm the continuation of friendly relations with the Equus Tribe. Now, the issue is with the King Belvedere’s Country and the King Evile’s Country.

These two countries have a history of allying with King Ferme to attack our country. In other words, we’re not exactly on good terms.

Both countries are likely wary of me, the new king who conducted an extensive purge immediately upon ascending to the throne. I must go personally and confirm our friendship.

First, I headed to King Evile’s Country. This time, Iarl, Bartolo, and Tetra came with me as my assistants. Ron and Gram came as well as the escorts.

「Long time no see, King Evile.」

I greeted King Evile. He appears to be in his mid-forties, arguably in the prime time for a king. Though shorter than me, his robust physique is evident even through his clothes. A warrior king… that is the impression he gives.

「Umu, I am also pleased to meet you, King Rosais.」

First, we engaged in harmless small talk. Topics ranged from the battle with King Ferme, and the war against Domorgal, to the suppression of the civil war.

「Well, well, it was remarkable. Civil wars are usually long and problematic affairs, yet you ended it in just two days.」

What a sly old man he is.

Weren’t you in a hurry to gather your soldiers when the civil war started? Besides, some patricians from the Dibel faction even tried to seek asylum in your country…

Well, I would probably do the same if my neighboring country split right before my eyes.

Gradually, the conversation shifted from small talk to our respective industries. King Evile’s Country has fewer plains, so their wheat harvest is smaller compared to our country.

Instead, they make use of the slopes for growing grapes and olives. They also engage in herding of sheep and goats.

The agricultural production of our country far exceeds that of King Evile’s Country, and there’s still room for growth. Consequently, there isn’t a pressing need for trade between our two countries. If anything, perhaps wool could be an exception? In our country, we prioritize agriculture over herding, making pigs our main livestock for meat and cows and horses for labor.

「With the threat of King Domorgal gone, the southern part of the South Adernian peninsula should remain peaceful for a while.」

「Yes, we also wish to enjoy peace as much as possible. After all, we have a mountain of domestic affairs to attend to.」

These words reflect my true feelings. Currently, I have no intention of starting a war.

For now at least.

「Let’s continue to get along from now on.」

「Yes, I would like to continue being good neighbors.」

We shook hands with each other.

◇

「My king, how was your meeting with King Rosais?」

「Well, for now, he doesn’t seem to be a threat. I didn’t detect any clear hostility. However, it’s hard to imagine that a youngster like that will be satisfied with a small country like King Rosais’ Country. Strengthening our military would be prudent.」

At the moment, there was no hostile intent from the enemy. So, it stood to reason to prepare for the worst without unnecessarily provocating them. If the two countries were to collide head-on, King Evile’s Country’s defeat would be inevitable.

「However, we lack sufficient information. Continue the surveillance. If there’s any sign of unsettling movements, we must be ready to coordinate with the neighboring countries immediately.」

◇

「So this is the capital of King Belvedire’s Country… The defenses are quite solid.」

I came directly here from King Evile’s Country. My companions remain the same.

「King Belvedire’s country, being the closest to the Kirisian city-states, has absorbed much of their culture. This is why, in terms of architectural technology, they are likely the most advanced among the Adernian countries,」 Raymond explained.

But still, isn’t this an excessive level of fortification?

If King Ferme’s capital defenses were rated a one and my country’s capital a ten, then this place would be a hundred.

「It is rumored that the current King Belvedire is a very timid person. Hence, such massive walls have been constructed. There’s a well-known story related to his accession to the throne…」

According to Raymond, about ten years ago, after the former king passed away, a succession dispute arose. During this, King Belvedire, who was the second son, fearing for his life, sequestered himself in a mountain temple and renounced his claim to the throne.

Then, in a twist of fate, the eldest and the third sons killed each other, which led to King Belvedire, the second son, being hastily summoned to take the crown.

So, the one who won in the end was the one who kept fleeing…

「Hey, Bartolo, how many troops and how much time would you need to conquer this city?」

「Well… at least ten thousand troops. Six months at the shortest? If I receive permission to use the secret medicine of fire, maybe it could be reduced to four months.」

So, even for Bartolo, it would require that much effort, huh? We’ll need to consider a different strategy.

◇

「It’s been a while, King Belvedire.」

「Indeed, I am pleased to see you again, King Rosais.」

King Belvedire is a man in his late forties. He’s taller than me, but he doesn’t seem particularly strong.

He is not particularly muscular and, more notably, his expression seems to lack confidence. His eyes are shifting nervously.

The conversation didn’t differ much from the one with King Evile.

Incidentally, the industries in King Belvedire’s Country are not much different from those in my country, as both have many plains and a warm climate.

「It seems that your country has been profiting greatly from trade with the Kirisian merchants.」

「Yes, we have been in their care, but what of it?」

What’s the problem with this guy?

「Our country has also seen an increase in customs revenue, thanks to your country. …I would like for our relationship to continue unchanged.」

「…Yes, indeed.」

King Belvedire’s country lies between ours and the Kirisian city-states, meaning that if they were to raise tariffs or close their borders, the Kirisian merchants would be unable to enter our country.

This guy has been hinting at that for a while. So he’s not a simple coward…

「King Domorgal’s Country has been significantly weakened. There should be no war for a while. Peace is indeed the best… don’t you think?」

「Absolutely… though it’s difficult to agree completely. After all, our country is dealing with border issues with Lezado.」

King Belvedire’s Country and Lezado, one of the Kirisian city-states, are at odds. The reason is simple: there are several small to medium-sized city-states inhabited by mixed Adernian and Kirisian populations along their border, and both countries are vying to be the dominant power over these states.

「Your country is one of the Seven Countries, the same as ours. Naturally…」

「My country will remain neutral.」

What did you expect? There’s no way I’m getting involved in your problems. Besides, did you forget we are trading with Lezado?

It seems my response was within King Belvedire’s expectations, as there was no significant change in his expression. He didn’t appear to be upset either.

「Well, that’s unfortunate. But I’m pleased to hear that you’ll maintain a neutral stance. Should there be an emergency, I’d like to request your mediation.」

「Our country desires peace. Naturally, assisting in maintaining that peace is our duty as fellow humans.」

I replied, uttering words far from my true intentions. My strategy in warfare is to form distant alliances while attacking nearby enemies. In a potential conflict, the plan would be to pincer the enemy.

Regardless, I was able to reconfirm our friendship with both countries and agreed to enjoy mutual peace… at least on the surface.

◇

「That brat undoubtedly harbors ambitions for our country.」

King Belvedire murmured to himself. He had four reasons to believe so.

First, Almus’ reaction when he subtly threatened to increase tariffs. His expression didn’t show much concern, which was peculiar given the importance of trade with the Kirisians for his country. Perhaps he was thinking that if he could annex this country, tariffs and all other concerns would become irrelevant.

Second, his repeated emphasis on peace raised suspicions.

Third, if he truly wanted to deepen peaceful relations, he would have suggested exchanging hostages. His failure to do so suggested that peace was not his true intention.

Fourth, the look in his eyes. There was a hint of ambition in his gaze, reminiscent of that seen in his own siblings who perished by each other’s hands.

He might think he’s concealing his motives well, but…

In the first place, the new King Rosais was just a teenager. Teenagers are inclined toward bold actions and often lack prudence. Also, with the significant victory over King Domorgal’s Country under his belt, it was unlikely he would refrain from military action. However, his desire to maintain peace at the moment was probably genuine. Being newly appointed, he likely hadn’t fully consolidated his control over the country yet. The extensive purges he had to carry out were indicative of this. It was likely that he would not engage in military actions for at least two years. Conversely, after two years, King Belvedire’s Country would face destruction.

Thus, the challenge lay within these two years. During this period, it was imperative to diminish the power of his country.

「For starters, I should reach out to King Evile and King Domorgal…」

King Belvedire decided on his next diplomatic strategy, essentially planning an encirclement against King Rosais’ Country.

Chapter 79.5 Bra II

「Hey, Almus?」

「What is it?」

「That thing Tetra is wearing, could you make one for me too?」

Julia pointed at Tetra’s bra. It appears she noticed it after we slept together last night.

「That’s underwear for breast support, right? Isn’t something like that more necessary for me than Tetra?」

Julia puffed out her chest.

Her beautiful breasts, a size larger than Tetra’s jiggled.

True it would be a waste to let these beautiful breasts sag.

「The ‘more than Tetra’ part is unnecessary!!」

「 Aah… what are you doing?!」

Tetra grabbed Julia’s chest, causing it to distort.

「These impudent… lumps of fat.」

「You have them too, don’t you? Take this!」

「Aaah… let go, or I’ll pinch them.」

「Hey! Almus, help me!!」

「No, no, please feel free to continue.」

This is quite good… But still… I didn’t realize I liked woman-on-woman action. A new discovery.

While watching the two of them wrestle naked, I pondered.

Aren’t they enjoying this a bit too much? Well, it’s good they’re close, but…

Is my wife going to steal my other wife? What should I do about that? As a man and as a husband.

Well, maybe I should just join in.

「Hey, let me join in. You’re having all the fun.」

「Wait… we just did it…」

「Oh no, not now, not…」

By the way, the next day, I made a bra as Julia requested. Tetra, seeing the difference in size, was swallowing her tears of frustration.

It’s not like yours are small or anything, so it’s fine. Think of all the Lulu’s in the world.