3 bar menu

Vol 06 Chapter 178: Post-War Processing II

The third Southern expedition had finally concluded. As a result of this war, most of the Kirisian colonies in the South have become either part of our territory or part of our alliance.

I can’t help but wonder if we have expanded our territory too much.

There’s a possibility that countries like Faldam and King Gilbed’s Country might start scheming to hinder us, fearing our country’s growing power. Even if they don’t take direct action, they certainly won’t be happy about it.

While they are stuck dealing with the Rozel Kingdom, unable to make any moves, our country, which is the founding member of the Anti-Gallia Alliance, is steadily expanding its territory in the South.

We must prevent the formation of a second encirclement against us. At the same time, we need to tighten our internal affairs.

In other words, what I need to focus on now is diplomacy and strengthening our internal administration.

With that said, let’s move on to the full-scale post-war processing.

First and foremost, we need to establish the Rosais-Kirisia Alliance. Although we formed a temporary alliance before negotiating peace with Pofenian, the threat from Pofenian hasn’t completely disappeared. We need to finalize the details.

However, all countries agree on the principle that if Pofenian attacks, each country will contribute either their navy or army, depending on their strength, to jointly protect our interests. The contention wasn’t over the military alliance part…

…but rather the conflict of interests among the Kirisian city-states.

The thing is, just because they are all Kirisians doesn’t mean they get along. They hate the Pofenians, but they don’t necessarily like the neighboring Kirisian city either.

Fishing rights, port usage, territorial disputes… they were arguing over these complex issues endlessly.

I didn’t have the courage to add fuel to the fire by introducing tariffs.

However, these problems are beyond our country’s ability to resolve. If we side with one party, the other feels slighted, and if we choose a compromise, both sides are left dissatisfied. If we leave it unresolved, it will become a thorn in the alliance.

It’s such a hassle…

If their government was a monarchy, the king could make a decisive ruling, but most of the Kirisian city-states are direct democracies. This makes the disputes even more prolonged and contentious.

Sigh…

「Well, we’ll just have to keep an eye on things. For now, let’s have them sign the military alliance part first and leave the conflict resolution to the negotiations between the involved parties.」

「Are you sure about this?」

I nodded in response to Iarl’s question.

To be honest, I don’t expect much from the Kirisian city-states. Our new directly controlled territory Lezado, the allied city of Nemes, and our friendly country of Gehenna are enough to counter any naval threats.

What I seek from the Rosais-Kirisia Alliance is support for enhancing our country’s international status. For now, that is sufficient.

「In the worst case, we can decide the tariffs through individual negotiations between countries.」

「Understood. If that’s the case, I have no further objections.」

Iarl seemed to be convinced and withdrew his concerns. Diplomatic issues will have to be addressed as they arise.

「Now… the first problem we need to address is the former Lezado councilors who fled to Gehenna.」

Naturally, I have no intention of granting nobility or involving in Lezado’s governance those who fled at the first sign of a national crisis.

All the assets left in Lezado by those who fled—mansions, fields, slaves, large ships, and artworks too big to carry—were confiscated. On top of that, they have been captured.

If they held no hostility towards me, I would have simply exiled them… But unfortunately, they harbor deep resentment towards me.

Being former merchants, they have plenty of connections. Even if they lack money, leaving them unchecked is dangerous. However, they are too powerless to bother with a trial.

It’s frustrating.

「Does anyone have any suggestions?」

I posed the question to Iarl, Raymond, Ainz, and Alexios. Raymond answered.

「Those cowards deserve the death penalty. Is there a problem with executing them?」

「Well… What do you think, Ainz?」

I glanced at Ainz. He sighed deeply and nodded.

「Many Kirisians are sympathetic towards them. They have many friends in Nemes and Gehenna. For merchants, trust and connections are more important than reputation. In times of crisis, they help each other as much as possible, especially when lives are at stake.」

So, there are quite a few of their friends among the ruling classes of Nemes and Gehenna. Ignoring their sentiments would disrupt the governance of Nemes and damage our relationship with Gehenna.

「What about reducing their sentence to exile?」

The people would immediately protest that the punishment is too light.

I instantly rejected Iarl’s proposal. The Adernians despise those who turn their backs on the enemy.

The Adernians cannot forgive those who abandon their homeland and flee. This sentiment is shared by plebeians and nobles, the poor and the rich alike.

At the same time, the people of Lezado would also be dissatisfied. They faced the threat of being killed by the Pofenian army or taken away as slaves.

「How about this, Your Majesty?」

Alexios spoke up. The four of us turned our attention to him.

「Let the people of Lezado decide their fate. Elect a judge from among them, appoint lawyers, and hold a proper trial. Since they will be making the decision themselves, the people of Lezado won’t harbor any resentment. The Adernians will also be satisfied with the decision made by the actual parties involved. Furthermore, the councilors of Nemes won’t direct any discontent towards Your Majesty, thus avoiding any deterioration in relations.」

Hmm… That’s a viable option. However, there’s one issue with implementing it.

「Lezado has a two-tiered citizen system with first-class and second-class citizens, doesn’t it? …Well, I intend to accept both classes as subjects with the same rights and obligations.」

Lezado has a rather unique tax and class system, which differs significantly from ours.

We need to reconcile these differences.

Specifically, we need to decide whether to grant second-class citizens the right to elect and run for the position of judge. This could lead to backlash from the first-class citizens.

「I’ll handle it. After all, I’m considered a hero in Lezado.」

Currently, Alexios enjoys high popularity in Lezado. It’s thanks to him that Lezado still exists.

If Alexios can persuade them, there shouldn’t be a problem.

「Simultaneously, we’ll introduce our country’s tax system in Lezado—property tax and sales tax, while abolishing the poll tax. This will also likely face resistance from the first-class citizens… Can you handle that?」

「Leave it to me.」

Alexios smiled slyly. Good, I can leave the Lezado issue to him without any worries.

The remaining councilors and the dispatched officials can handle the administrative work. Alexios will serve as the ‘face’ of the government.

…

After the political reforms are completed, there’s still the matter of Lezado’s future governance—whether to maintain rule through appointed governors or grant them autonomy. But that’s not something to decide right now.

For now, the Lezado issue seems settled. However, there’s another significant problem to address.

「What should we do about Nemes?」

As Raymond indicated, the issue of Nemes is still unresolved. Normally, with a small allied city-state, post-war processing would involve stripping them of their military and diplomatic rights and, after some discussion, modifying any laws that are incompatible with our own, but Nemes isn’t just any city-state.

Nemes has been the leader of other city-states, and its population exceeds 70,000.

It has strong economic power, with an annual revenue comparable to ours, and has a formidable navy and army. There are small but high-quality iron ore mines within its territory, and Nemes’ ironworking technology is the best on the Adernia Peninsula.

It’s too dangerous to simply absorb them into our country.

Additionally, our country has never directly engaged in battle with Nemes. From their perspective, they don’t feel they’ve ‘lost’ to us.

「What if we establish a colony of Adernians within Nemes?」

「By taking land from their citizens? That would only provoke hostility,」

I rejected Raymond’s idea.

In truth, while I am wary of Nemes’ navy and army, I also have high expectations for them.

I don’t want to weaken Nemes excessively.

「For now, we will confiscate their iron ore mines. We will also aggressively recruit their blacksmiths by offering them favorable conditions.」

This move will enhance our country’s overall ironworking technology while simultaneously reducing Nemes’ weapon manufacturing capabilities.

「Additionally, we can station troops in Lezado to keep a constant watch… but that might not be good enough.」

Is there a more effective strategy?

「Your Majesty, how about implementing the same policy you’ve been using with other city-states in Nemes?」

「What do you mean?」

「Divide and rule.」

Raymond’s plan was to divide the people of Nemes into three classes.

First, the councilors of Nemes would be given the rank of quasi-nobles and granted subject rights. The wealthy, intellectuals, and military personnel of Nemes would also be granted subject rights. The rest would receive the same treatment as the citizens of other allied cities.

This way, the three factions would be left to contend with each other internally, and their dissatisfaction wouldn’t be directed at me…

I see, it is a good idea.

「Alright, let’s go with Raymond’s plan.」

Raymond’s proposal wouldn’t significantly weaken Nemes and wouldn’t be costly. While this alone might not be enough, combined with other policies, it should create a solid foundation.

「Let’s get started immediately.」

With the overall strategy decided, we can finally move into the final stage of post-war processing.

It is worth noting that the former Lezado councilors were all sentenced to death by a trial conducted by the citizens of Lezado.