Risou no Himo Seikatsu - Volume 9 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 — A Private Meeting

A monarch calling for a private meeting with royalty from another nation required a certain level of preparation. It was therefore two days later that the meeting between Prince Consort Zenjirou of the Kingdom of Capua and King Bruno III of the Twin Kingdoms of Sharou-Gilbelle was held.

He was escorted to the meeting by around a dozen people, but only five were permitted into the room. The five people in question were Ines and the young maid Kate. As for guards, there was his knight, Natalio, the supervisor of his guard force as a whole—General Pujol—along with a young battalion commander Zenjirou was not particularly familiar with.

With the five men and women at his back, Zenjirou seated himself on a sofa. The sofa opposite him was occupied by a white-haired old man—King Bruno—and a middle-aged man who looked in his forties to the king’s left.

So Crown Prince Josep is here too, then.

“Thank you for your invitation today, King Bruno, Prince Josep,” Zenjirou began.

“Not at all, thank you for taking the time, Your Majesty,” the king answered.

“Pardon our interruption, Your Majesty.”

“Not at all, Your Highness. I am honored to meet not just with His Majesty but yourself as well.”

The three royals finished exchanging their greetings. Crown Prince Josep’s attendance hadn’t been on the invitation but was expected nonetheless. The older man’s lips lifted into a smile at Zenjirou’s lack of surprise.

“Now, they always say that those with not long to live should avoid being rash, but that is just my nature. Despite the rudeness, I would like to start with the main topic, Your Majesty.”

“I do not mind,” Zenjirou answered with the best smile he could manage as the king dispensed with the bland pleasantries. “In fact, I would personally prefer that as well.”

He, too, would rather not sit through the pointless chatter. While the introductions could be indispensable for those with insight and negotiation abilities like Rafaello Márquez and the new Lady Guillén, it was not so for Zenjirou. With the level of observation those two had, the conversation before the negotiation served well for both information gathering and sharing. Zenjirou had only been a royal for three years, though, so he didn’t have the skills necessary for the delicate conversations.

The king seemed satisfied at the answer, nodding shortly before beginning to speak. “Before anything else, I wish to apologize for the incident during our initial audience.”

“I would also like to apologize for the lack of warning,” the crown prince added.

The two local royals lowered their heads—albeit only slightly. It went without saying that this was an exceptional rarity. Private though the meeting may be, Zenjirou was not the only one in attendance. The two maids were one thing, but the men there to guard him all had somewhat higher positions in Capua. There would likely be no hiding that both the current and next king of the Twin Kingdoms had lowered their head to the prince consort of Capua. Of course, it was a private meeting, so it wouldn’t form the basis of an actual hierarchy between the two nations. Still, it would have an undeniable influence.

I see. So it’s a genuine apology. They’re giving it as compensation so that I’ve got the achievement of receiving a full apology from the king and crown prince.

An apology in front of people, even ostensibly given in private, was not a thing that would be hidden. Fussing over the events even further would make things more complicated.

“I thank you both for saying so, Your Majesty, Your Highness.”

With Zenjirou’s main goal in negotiations not being an absolute maximum profit, but instead forestalling future problems, his answer was an agreement to not pursue the matter further. Though with that said, this wasn’t the end of it.

“I take it that we can consider this matter closed, then?” Zenjirou asked.

As he’d expected, the other two royals both gave rueful smiles and disagreed.

“No,” the king replied. “Revealing the circumstances only partially will simply cause further problems. I believe that at this point, we should lay things bare and explain.”

You could tell they were father and son as Josep picked up the thread with only a change in voice to indicate a different speaker.

“We would like to explain the position we are in to you here, Your Majesty.”

Right. The apology’s just for the surprise attack and getting me involved. The thing I’m involved in now, though, is still ongoing.

The realization that there would be no getting out of it actually strengthened Zenjirou’s resolve. He straightened himself in his seat and spoke firmly.

“Very well. I shall listen.”

It went without saying that a royal family would not completely open up about their internal affairs to a member of another royal family. King Bruno’s explanation—as much as he called it “laying things bare”—was primarily the official stance on things.

“The initial problem is that my reign has been too long. A single king on the throne for fifty years begins to make those around the throne see it as a given. Of course, they are no fools. Even a king is not undying and they are well aware that a single king cannot reign for eternity. However, when the situation develops well, people start to hope that the current situation—that is, my reign—will last just that little longer. Some even hope that it will last as long as they live.”

“I see.” King Bruno’s explanation was a relatively good public reason. It was by no means a lie either. Therefore, it was rather convincing even to Zenjirou’s ear. “I can certainly understand your subjects wishing for your reign to continue for even a day longer.”

“Indeed. I find myself unable to simply deny the feelings engendered by loyalty towards me. However, as I have always said, I am not immortal. When I consider passing away after my reign has become almost solidified, it seems prudent to pass on the crown while I still can. Even if it should cause some upheaval as it happens.”

Naturally, though, the flowery reason he had given was not the only one causing the nobility to balk. There were people hoping to defer it so that they could sit on the throne themselves. Others had built connections with Bruno but not with the crown prince, so they would not welcome a change of rule. Some may even be seditious enough to hope for unrest to break out across the country due to the succession.

With that said, a foreign royal like Zenjirou inquiring about it would have him stuck in the muck of the situation.

Then again, it already feels like I’ve got both feet firmly in the muck already, he mused to himself.

Diverting the negative train of thought, Zenjirou spoke. “I understand the depth of thought you have put into this, Your Majesty. I can only marvel in awe at the deliberation you have for the future of your country. As ashamed as I am to admit it, I find that when I consider my own beloved wife’s health, my mind is capable of little else,” he said with an exaggerated mopping of his brow. His implication was simple: “I came here for a healer for my wife. Until I can get a firm promise on that, I have no intention of furthering your goals” was the fundamental thrust of what he was saying.

The elderly king guffawed, easily inferring what Zenjirou meant. “I see the royal couple of Capua lives up to its reputation. Truly, I am jealous. You need not worry, though. We have already spoken to the Gilbelle Papacy. Preparations are in order for one of their healers to visit Capua for a month around Her Majesty’s expected delivery date.”

The good news was far from what he had expected.

“Truly?” Zenjirou asked. The unexpected windfall was such that confusion and wariness were first to the fore. There was no joy in his reaction. In a certain light, that was the correct response.

“Of course. However, all that can currently be promised is a month. They cannot respond to anything outside of that, or to an emergency summons. The latter would require someone to remain free for the entire period, and the healers of the Gilbelle Papacy are too high in demand.”

“I can understand that,” Zenjirou replied after letting out a breath.

The most dangerous period for both mother and child was undoubtedly the birth itself, but that didn’t mean the rest of the pregnancy was without issue. Ideally, Zenjirou would be able to fetch a healer if Aura’s condition suddenly changed. However, he had been pre-informed that would not happen.

The claim itself was understandable. Summoning a healer for an emergency was—to put it as poorly as possible—effectively queue-jumping. It went without saying that most of the Gilbelles’ patrons were the sick and infirm with no other hope of recovery. They were also all of a certain level of wealth and influence—royalty and nobility. Not waiting their turn would invite enmity that Capua did not need. Not only towards the country itself, but towards the Twin Kingdoms for allowing it.

“I, therefore, have a suggestion. If Her Majesty’s condition warrants it, you could employ a healer for half-yearly periods? It would naturally command quite the sum, but it should also keep any discord to a minimum.”

Using an emergency to interrupt the schedule as it stood would inevitably cause friction with those whose places were taken. In which case, a long-term contract keeping a single healer’s obligations focused on them would be fine. It would be a significant amount of money, but if they could manage it, that would be the best option.

Still, this was all too convenient.

“Is that possible?” Zenjirou asked, an expression of quizzical suspicion clear on his face.

The king smiled, deepening the wrinkles across his face as he nodded. “There is precedent, at the very least. However, if things progress to that extent, then all I can do is discuss it with Benedict. You will need to personally negotiate further.”

Benedict was the name of the current pope of the Gilbelle Papacy. The Twin Kingdoms was—as the name implied—a country with two royal families ruling side by side. King Bruno III of the Sharou family and Pope Benedict I of the Gilbelle family were fundamentally the same rank.

The healers, being part of the Gilbelle family, naturally counted as Pope Benedict’s subordinates. Even King Bruno could not arbitrarily command them.

“I see...” Zenjirou fell into thought. When he considered Aura’s health, he wanted to get a healer on-site as quickly as possible. The problem was the balance of risk and reward.

King Bruno bringing it up won’t be free. Plus, all he’ll actually do is bring up the topic. After that, I’ll need to convince the Gilbelles, led by Pope Benedict. If that takes too long, it’ll be better to take the aid they’ve already promised around the birth.

If he had the healer for the most dangerous period and left the rest of the pregnancy to Doctor Michel, it would still be quite the amount of extra security. There was also the possibility that Zenjirou spending too long here while Aura was pregnant could be another source of stress and he’d end up damning himself regardless.

“However, I have my own plans. While I discussed the possibility myself, I have to admit I will simply not be able to introduce you to Benedict until a path for my abdication and Josep’s ascension is in place.”

“I see,” Zenjirou repeated after a moment. He knew what the other man wanted to say and had to beat down the urge to sigh openly. Logic managed to win out over the impulse, and he kept any sign of it from his face. Still, though, the urge remained.

So that’s how he’s playing it. This sly old fox, he’s making it so I need to help him with the succession problems if I want a healer for a longer period.

The king didn’t want Zenjirou’s active participation or aid. In short, Zenjirou was to effectively be a living talisman.

The nobility of the Twin Kingdoms would find it hard to shun their positions as “the king’s subordinates” while they were in front of another country’s royalty like Zenjirou. In turn, that meant that things would go at the pace Bruno set.

“If you wish it, I will do my utmost to manage the situation and see that you may return as soon as possible with a healer in tow.”

The king’s addition could be translated as, “If you want a healer for a long period, you need to be around for some of the succession issues.”

“That will unavoidably lead to your stay being lengthened, but we shall accommodate you such that you do not feel restricted. You can ask your demands of Lucretia from the Broglie house. She will be able to authorize them.”

It seemed that the blonde girl mediating for Zenjirou was indeed the honeypot ordered by the king. Zenjirou gave a sigh purposefully loud enough to be heard before speaking.

“I thank you for your concern. However, I will be returning periodically to Capua as we initially agreed, so I do not believe I will feel excessively restricted.”

It was the strongest reminder he could give. This kind of situation was where the strength of Capua’s teleportation magic truly came into its own. Zenjirou could only cast it twice a day with his reserves. However, it allowed the journey between Capua and the Twin Kingdoms—which would take a month during the active season and was not practical in the other seasons—to be carried out in an instant.

The king stroked his white beard at Zenjirou’s answer. “Hm? Then can I assume that you will remain until we are in a position to accommodate you, Your Majesty?”

Zenjirou considered for a moment before agreeing. “You can. However, my wife Queen Aura’s health is my priority. My plans may therefore change depending on the situation in my homeland, so I cannot promise that I will be here until the very end.”

“That is sufficient. Although in that case, the healer will only be able to attend to you for a month around the birth.”

“Of course.”

There was now a verbal promise of the outline of how things would go. Zenjirou would remain in the Twin Kingdoms until the majority of the Sharou family’s succession issues were solved, doing his best to assist. Once Zenjirou’s assistance had reached a certain threshold, Bruno would speak with Benedict about dispatching a healer.

In and of itself, it might have sounded like the calculus of things was rather unbalanced. However, if you considered the unconditional offer of a healer for a month around the birth as an advance payment, there was indeed profit to be had.

In truth, the firm promise of a month of a healer’s time had fulfilled about ninety percent of Zenjirou’s goals in the country. Thus, Zenjirou’s response was clear.

“Very well. I do not know how much assistance I will be, nor can I guarantee that I will remain for the entirety of the affair, but I will do as much as I am able.”

“Indeed. I look forward to working with you, Your Majesty.” The king smiled in satisfaction.

Outside of general greetings, the crown prince had said nothing, but now that there was an agreement in place, he leaned forward. He still maintained good posture as he spoke, however.

“Then, Your Highness, if I may make a request? Though I apologize for how soon it is.”

The prince had been visible the entire time, but Zenjirou had almost forgotten about him during the conversation, so it came as something of a surprise.

“You may,” he replied, adjusting his position to face the prince more than the king.

First Prince Josep of the Sharou family. He was forty-nine years old and looked the part. His hair was a bright brown but peppered with gray. His eyes were a darker brown. They were slightly inclined to begin with, but coupled with his current smile, they made him look like an amiable gentleman. His features held many similarities to his father’s, but not as many to his own son, Francesco. Francesco was blond and had green eyes, so that alone made a massive difference.

Both of them were seated on opposite sofas so Zenjirou couldn’t quite judge his height accurately. Their eye lines were mostly level, though, so he was likely neither exceptionally tall nor short.

Altogether, he was the very image of a friendly, middle-aged gentleman. Of course, he was to be the next king, so he wouldn’t just be a nice person. It went without saying that Zenjirou could not let his guard down.

The man held Zenjirou’s gaze steadily as he began to speak. “If I may first confirm, you are aware of our country’s structure, no?”

“I am. With that said, only on a base level. I believe both the Sharou and Gilbelle families led emigrants from the Northern Continent and then worked together with the indigenous tribes to form the country.”

Josep nodded throughout Zenjirou’s explanation.

“Quite so. You also know that the descendants of those desert tribes are currently the four dukes.”

“I do.”

Zenjirou knew that much. On the Southern Continent, those without lineal magic would never be viewed as a royal house. It didn’t matter how much history they had or how many people followed their rule.

Therefore, historically, the newcomers in the form of the Sharou and Gilbelle families had become rulers, and the four tribe leaders who had accepted them became dukes underneath them.

“Due to the historical particulars, it is tradition that when a Sharou ascends to the throne, they give the four dukes a magic tool.”

“That seems a likely course of events,” Zenjirou agreed, accepting the prince’s explanation.

It was easy to imagine the conflict that it must have taken before the Four Tribes accepted the Sharou and Gilbelle families as their rulers. It followed that one of the points of compromise they had settled on would be that the king from the Sharou family would give the gift of a magic tool when they ascended.

“The new king offers a magic tool to the four dukes. They accept it and give a gift of their own in return. That is how the king is officially recognized, although they have no option of not accepting it and not offering their own gift, so it is nothing more than a formality in truth.”

The world was deep in the mire of politics. While there might only be the straight path of “accept the gift, give your own,” politicians were the type of creature who could do much with how they walked that path.

Accepting the gift immediately and giving an eye-watering gift of their own would display a heartfelt welcome to the new king. Conversely, they could keep up the pretense until just before it would become rude not to accept it and grant a gift that—while lavish—was just that little bit less so than the previous king’s, and that would show they didn’t want the ruler to change.

“I would like your assistance with that magic tool.”

“Would that be in the form of a jewel to use in it?” That was the only thing Zenjirou could think of that he could use to aid with making a magic tool. The marbles.

His wariness must have shown, as Josep smiled as if to dispel that concern as he spoke softly. “Not in the slightest. I want a consultation. If you would lend your wisdom to the selection of what the new king ought to offer as a gift.”

“Consultation, you say? I am not particularly adept at magic...” he admitted in confusion.

It was completely true. Lineal magic was what determined royalty on the Southern Continent, so many nobles and royals mastered their magic. Compared to them, Zenjirou had grown up in a world lacking magic until most of the way through his twenties. It was no surprise that his knowledge of magic didn’t amount to even a smattering.

“In which case, I shall show you the historical gifts from prior kings. I have several candidates and will include those as well.”

Zenjirou’s immediate instinct was to ask why the prince needed a consultation if he was already so close to a decision. He managed to just barely keep the question unspoken.

It’s the other way around. If he’s already almost decided, there must be a reason to ask me. In other words, he doesn’t need what comes from the consultation, but the consultation itself?

Once he’d followed the train of thought that far, the conclusion seemed obvious. It was simply the same reasoning as everything else so far. The change of kings was almost a surprise attack by Bruno and Josep. The longer it took, the stronger the opposition faction would grow. They therefore wanted to tie up the gifts for the four dukes as quickly as possible. Thus, Zenjirou’s name would be helpful. “Magic tools chosen by both the Twin Kingdoms’s crown prince and His Majesty Zenjirou of Capua,” would be much harder to find fault with.

It’s not like I didn’t already know, but it feels like my own skills barely matter past my position as Aura’s husband, he thought to himself with an internal self-deprecating smile.

Most of the people who had interacted with Zenjirou respected him as the queen’s consort and wished him to use that position and influence to do things for them. He was personally aware that his skills were nothing in the face of the position he held as consort to the monarch of a large country. Self-deprecating grin or not, he wasn’t unhappy about it. If anything, he was relieved to understand why the prince wanted a consultation that would actually be of no use to him.

“Very well. While I do not have so much wisdom that I can lend it away, I will do what I can.”

“Good. I look forward to it, Your Majesty,” Josep said with a bright smile. Then, he continued on like it was nothing. “I will inform the four dukes of that.” His tone was smooth and easy, but what he was actually saying was rather harsh.

Zenjirou had private meetings planned with their representatives. Telling the dukes preemptively that Zenjirou would be consulting on their gift would make negotiations much harder. It was honestly a bother for him.

Still, it’s easier with it all clear from the start, I guess.

Zenjirou had no chance of beating born royalty and nobility in terms of sounding them out. If his hand was shown from the start, it might be easier to work with in some ways. With his mood buoyed by that thought, he pasted a smile on his face.

“Then perhaps I should ask them directly what they would like? Though if that would harm matters, I will of course refrain.”

“Not at all. If you wish to ask them, then I shall not deny you. That reminds me, each of the families have sent individual invitations. It would be rather rude to repeatedly have you as a visitor for the same things. We will provide a location here, so please meet them all at once.”

“Are you sure?” Zenjirou asked after a moment.

The middle-aged prince laughed at his shock. “I am. Things may be different if it was the dukes themselves. Their representatives in the capital are another matter, though, and meeting them all at once would not be an issue. It would be better to avoid wasting your precious time with individual meetings.”

“I see...”

While he agreed verbally with the prince, Zenjirou couldn’t help but feel things were off slightly. It feels like he’s making light of the dukes. Or maybe alienating them? I haven’t heard any rumors about discord between the Sharous and the dukes, so is this a personal thing?

A glance at the king as he thought things through showed that the man was not going to gainsay his son, at least.

If King Bruno’s not refuting it either, are things not good between them and the dukes? Or is it just their representatives? I might be imagining things, but the way he spoke about them felt a lot like how Lucretia did.

It was just as that passed through his head that Josep interrupted his train of thought. “Incidentally, Your Majesty, how has Lucretia from the Broglie family been? I am personally acquainted with the family, so I find myself curious.”

Since the question was almost as if in answer to his thoughts, Zenjirou found himself responding. “She seems like an attentive girl. Things are going well. However, the Broglie family must be rather important if you would ask after her personally.”

“Indeed. Lucretia’s family name has been a distinguished one since our founding. You could very well call them a pillar of our country. The previous Lady Broglie was wet nurse to my younger brother—the second prince, that is. The current Marquis Broglie is practically his foster brother.”

While somewhat taken aback by the sudden mention of the second prince, Zenjirou made an impressed expression as he nodded. “She belongs to quite a family, then. I was not aware it was to that extent. I must thank you for the consideration behind her aid, then.”

As he ducked his head to hide his expression, the prince waved a hand negligently.

“Not at all. We would always show such consideration to a quest of your stature, Your Majesty. Lucretia may be young, but she knows her place as a noble, so you may ask of her what you will.”

The phrasing may well have had some intimation of a honeypot in it. The Sharou family wanted his lineage. They would welcome and be the last to condemn them for becoming involved. Lucretia herself would be well aware of that too.

The king had also said that he should use Lucretia for any business he required. The blonde-haired girl by that name seemed to have been almost certainly sent in by the Sharou family. Her overly young appearance made it hard to say that this was the case with any certainty, though.

At any rate, he could see that Lucretia clearly had strong ties to the Sharou family, and why she and the prince both wanted him to slight the four dukes’ representatives.

There might be a deep-rooted antagonism between the two groups, Zenjirou thought to himself. “Very well. This is an unknown land to me, and I am glad that I can rely on Lady Lucretia,” he answered with a smile, even as his wariness ratcheted up.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Three days later, Zenjirou was in a room of the Purple Egg Palace and meeting with people who called themselves the four dukes’ representatives.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Shuura, first daughter of Duke Elehalieucco,” said a beautiful girl with hair a similar shade to Aura’s but tied into a ponytail as she bowed. Her eyes were slightly slanted and she looked to be in her late teens. Back in Japan, he’d have called her a high schooler.

“I am Duke Reierfon’s third daughter, Nazeema. It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty,” said another beauty at the first’s side. She had gray hair with the slightest tinge of blue. Her eyes were the same shade and curved into a smile. She was about half a head shorter than the ponytailed girl but looked about the same age.

Standing next to the two was a beautiful woman, and she introduced herself as well. “I am here on behalf of Duke Elementaccato. My name is Talajeh and I am grateful for the chance to meet you.”

Elementaccato’s representative was the only one of the four who had a Western appearance. Her hair fell in soft waves of gold and her eyes were amber. Her skin was slightly darker, though, and it was hard to say that she looked completely Western. She was probably descended from both the natives and the emigrants. As far as her age went, she looked around twenty.

“I am Fiqriya from the Animeeum household. Thank you for making time for us today, Your Majesty.”

In contrast, the girl calling herself Fiqriya was wholly descended from the natives, judging by her appearance. Her hair, eyes, and skin were all dark. She seemed older than twenty, and while she was the shortest of the group, she was also seemingly the eldest. Her glossy black hair was cut short to the nape of her neck. It was almost a waste of its beauty. Her onyx eyes were large but had no real emotion present in them. It mitigated her charms somewhat, but in terms of her appearance, she was certainly beautiful.

The red-haired Shuura, gray-haired Nazeema, blonde Talajeh, and black-haired Fiqriya... All four were beautiful in their own right. Zenjirou was sharp enough that he understood the implication when they all arrived and he saw they were of marriageable age.

I get why Lucretia was dismissive now. It’s nothing incredibly deep; she just views them as rivals.

Realizing that, Zenjirou looked at Lucretia out of the corner of his eye. She still had an innocent smile on her youthful face, but there was a certain stiffness to it that hadn’t been present until now, and it didn’t waver at all. It was the very picture of a forced smile, unnatural in the extreme.

Just as Lucretia Broglie seemed to be a honeypot from the Sharou family, these women were the same, but from the four dukes. Their goals were fundamentally opposed, so of course Lucretia and her backer Josep weren’t fond of them.

With that said, whatever their goals were, Zenjirou had no obligation to follow them.

“I am Zenjirou, husband to Queen Aura I of the Kingdom of Capua. I greet you all.”

He gestured for the four women to sit. Once they had gracefully seated themselves, he continued.

“I was quite surprised to discover that the four dukes of the Twin Kingdoms have such fair and young women as their representatives.”

Zenjirou’s professed shock rode over the top of an implication that he had not come here with any intention of building that kind of relationship. Young or not, though, representatives of the four dukes would not show any disturbance at that.

“I was also shocked,” Shuura said, smiling coolly as her red ponytail shifted. “I am aware that I am not quite skilled enough to take my father’s place, but I shall do my utmost to bring no shame upon the clan.”

“Is that so? Then I shall do my best to ensure that the surprise of our meeting is considered a pleasant one,” Nazeema said with a smile, her gray hair falling dead straight.

“I apologize for the surprise, Your Majesty. Duke Elementaccato wishes to form a good relationship with Capua, so I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to put it right,” said Talajeh with a sweet smile hiding none of the flattery, her hair falling in golden waves around her shoulders.

“I was also deeply shocked when Duke Animeeum suggested I be his representative. However, it was an unmissable chance, so I gladly took on the role. Your Majesty, would you be willing to tell us of your own country?”

Fiqriya’s hair was glossy enough that it formed rings of light as she tilted her head with a smile.

While each of their smiles sprang from differing emotions, Zenjirou had to admit that they were all charming expressions. Certainly more than the blatantly forced smile on the blonde girl at his side.

Maybe Lucretia’s not quite got the knack yet. Guess it’s not surprising given her age.

As the somewhat rude thought went through his head, Zenjirou started talking with the four. It started with innocent topics: the weather, things they liked, and their hobbies. Through the ensuing conversation, he classified them into two groups.

Well, strictly speaking, he’d done so as soon as they’d met. Now, though, it was based on more than just their appearance.

“Out of interest, I’ve noticed that Shuura and Nazeema are both wearing traditional clothing, but Talajeh and Fiqriya, you are both wearing clothes from the Northern Continent. Is that a case of personal preference?”

Shuura and Nazeema both had more tribal clothing while Talajeh and Fiqriya both had more Western dresses. His conversation had let him infer that it wasn’t just personal taste, but he kept a curious expression on his face as he asked the question.

The youngest—Shuura—was the first to react. “Well, I certainly do prefer it, but it also comes down to attitude. As the tribe leader’s daughter, I could never choose clothing I could not ride a dash drake while wearing.”

As she spoke, she puffed out her rather flat chest. While the tribal clothing had the decoration and accessories that clearly showed them as women, the bottom half of both Shuura and Nazeema’s outfits were more like pants. They certainly wouldn’t get in the way of riding a dash drake.

“The Elementaccato family have settled, so our clothing and lifestyle as a whole is like the royal family’s. Women use carriages to travel, so these dresses are the norm,” Talajeh said, her words running contrary to Shuura even as she lifted her contrastingly well-endowed chest.

Shuura’s brown almond eyes met Talajeh’s rounder amber ones for a brief moment and Zenjirou could almost see sparks flying between them. The other two simply smiled ruefully. It seemed that Shuura and Talajeh’s animosity towards each other was well-known.

“Oh, so despite being tied together as the four dukes and tribes, there is such a difference in the culture between them. That is rather interesting,” Zenjirou said evenly while his thoughts ran in another direction.

Right, so the Elehalieucco and Reierfon families have kept the lifestyle they had before the country was founded. On the other hand, the Elementaccato and Animeeum families have accepted the royal families’ influence and stopped their nomadic lifestyle to settle. There’ve got to be a bunch of customs that are different between them.

A forceful distinction would be that the Elehalieucco and Reierfon families were still proud of their self-reliant nomadic lifestyle. On the other hand, the Elementaccato and Animeeum families had clearly subordinated themselves to the royal family and abandoned the nomadic lifestyle on dash drake back.

The differences between them had grown clear over the centuries. The clearest difference was the native tribal wear and dresses, but there were others. Shuura and Nazeema had both referred to their families as tribes, while Talajeh and Fiqriya had referred to them with terms like ducal family, and so on. Neither form of address was wrong, but the former could be taken as a declaration of pride in their independence, while the latter showed an understanding of the importance of their position within the country of the Twin Kingdoms.

He started to parse through what he knew.

Right, so when the families arrived from the Northern Continent, there were two types of tribes living here from the start. The passage of time has made things more peaceful, but there’s still some level of conflict. After all, the two families that are supposed to have been leading the migrants are both technically exactly on par but against each other in some ways that are hidden from view. 

On the other hand, the tribes that lived here to begin with each had the tribe leader’s family become one of the four dukes. The Elehalieucco and Reierfon families kept their distance from the royal family and lifestyle while the Elementaccato and Animeeum families grew closer to them. There was obviously some level of estrangement between the two pairs. There are visible signs of conflict between the legitimate heir to the throne and his younger brother now as well. The whole country’s built on conflict.

He’d heard that the relationships between various influential groups were complicated and labyrinthine, but the Twin Kingdoms must have been the most knotted among all the countries on the Southern Continent by his estimation.

He was at least certain that if he stuck his nose in without being careful, he might well get burned. Once more, he vowed to do his best not to be associated with any camp. Rather than trying to keep up the small talk and build better relations, he would be served best by finishing their business as soon as he could.

“I believe you have heard from Crown Prince Josep that he will be consulting with me in regard to the magic tool gifted to your four families.”

“I have indeed,” Shuura answered, but her smile had now vanished to be replaced with an intent look. The other three were much the same. It went without saying that it would be a matter that would make all involved tense up.

“I am not particularly well-informed on either magic or the four dukes and their families. So while I understand the rudeness of my question, I decided to ask you all directly. What would the four dukes wish for from a magic tool?”

The women paused in thought, an air of tension in the room. While each of them may have had magic tools they desired, it was hard to judge whether that should be revealed to an outsider.

The silence continued as they gave each other warning looks. The first to speak was as on the earlier occasion, the girl with the red ponytail: Shuura from the Elehalieucco family.

“In that case, Your Majesty, I would like a flame fence.”

It seemed that her personality was more than a match for her strong appearance. Zenjirou himself had heard of a flame fence. It was one of the names on the list of magic tools that had been gifted to the dukes in the past. It did exactly as the name implied, encircling a defined area in a wall of flames. It was useful both for protecting the reared drakes from wild carnivores and for hunting and trapping wild drakes. As the Elehalieucco family hunted primarily on wide-open sands, it certainly seemed advantageous.

Now that Shuura had set the ball rolling, the other three voiced their own desires.

“I would like several sheets of dual burn parchment, to have as many forms of contact as possible between the capital and my own town as it moves,” Nazeema said. The Reierfon family maintained their nomadic lifestyle, so “her town” referred to the tribe’s tents under the duke.

Contact was difficult even for members of the tribe, as the town could move by different routes depending on what was appropriate at any given time based on watering holes, the amount of water available, and the availability of grazing land.

In that respect, several sheets of the parchment allowing them to directly ask where the town was was by no means excessive, however many sheets there were.

“I believe that we would most prefer a tool for water purification,” Fiqriya commented on behalf of the Animeeum family, her short hair swishing as she moved. “Much of our lands are desert, so water is the most valuable resource of all.”

This, too, was an easily understandable desire. The land the tribe had settled contained the only lake in the country. However, it was a lake of strong brine.

Naturally, the only creatures that could stand the salt concentration twice that of seawater were specially adapted aquatic drakes. The excess salt made it impossible to use for either drinking or agriculture. Fortunately, there was the ever-convenient presence of magic in this world.

If you could cast a spell to purify the water, you could turn it into fresh water suitable for humans and drake alike. You also gained salt as a byproduct. The magic tool would increase their capacity for freshwater even further.

Of course, the family already had several such tools through past negotiations with the Sharou family, but taking advantage of the situation to gain another would be safer.

Now that the three women had voiced their desires, all gazes inevitably turned to the final representative. As everyone stared at the blonde, she pushed her shoulders back and straightened up, speaking slowly with a sweet smile.

“Your Majesty, I would like a space isolation barrier.”

It was, to put it mildly, an awfully shocking statement. Perhaps as was to be expected, Shuura’s face had gone as red as her hair as she shouted at the woman.

“Talajeh?! Do you understand exactly what you are asking?!”

“Talajeh?” Nazeema asked, her gray eyes wide in shock.

“Talajeh, I can see your aim, but I believe that to be an excessive request,” Fiqriya chided her, her dark eyes narrowing.

The three of them were right. The magic tool that Talajeh wanted was—as the name made very clear—one that used space-time magic. Of course, the users of that were restricted to the Kingdom of Capua. In other words, she was asking that Zenjirou give his assistance in the magic tool’s creation.

Making a magic tool ordinarily took several months or even years. With his wife currently being pregnant, that was out of the question. Still, as he had personally asked for her thoughts, he was hesitant to completely refuse it.

“That would be rather difficult. However, I would like to know why you would want such an item.”

The barrier spell was one of only three spells that Zenjirou could currently use. It did as the name implied, cutting off the interior of the designated space from the exterior and protecting it with an awfully strong barrier. The barrier was as short-lived as it was strong, though, so it had no real purpose as a spell on its own.

However, if you made it into a magic tool, things were different. A longer-lived barrier would be immensely useful.

The blonde’s smile took on an even sweeter look as her voice grew slightly breathy. “For mining. It shames me to admit it, but we lose several miners to accidents each year in our territory. Mining is considered simple manual labor, but it is a skilled profession in its own right. We constantly seek to mitigate any losses to the best of our abilities.”

It was a more respectable answer than he had expected.

“Would those mines be gold mines?” Zenjirou asked. It was more rhetorical than an actual question.

The woman’s smile remained in place as she answered him. “Indeed.”

The Twin Kingdoms of Sharou-Gilbelle was one of only two countries on the Southern Continent that minted gold coins. However, the gold mine was not owned by either the Sharou or Gilbelle families. It was under the control of the Elementaccato family that Talajeh belonged to.

The vein of gold their mines tapped into was a large one, showing no signs of depletion even after centuries. However, mining it for so long meant that the part currently in use would be deep underground.

It was also located in the midst of a vast desert, the worst place for such a mine. They could use earth magic to create walls and ceilings, but the ground itself was weak, so cave-ins were practically a daily occurrence.

Any noxious gasses or ground from sand to pebbles could be warded off by wind magic, but against a full cave-in, the spells would be futile. A barrier magic tool would shrug off the weight of the whole ceiling. It was completely enclosed, so the air would need purifying at fixed intervals, but it would be highly significant in terms of miner safety.

“I see. I can certainly understand the reasoning. However, I would say that would be impossible on this occasion,” Zenjirou said, showing his understanding of the family’s position but being clear in his refusal.

She had likely expected the response, as her smile didn’t waver while she nodded. “I understand. Incidentally, though, Your Majesty, I have heard that Prince Francesco and Princess Bona are currently staying in your country. Are you close with them?” she asked, shifting the topic slightly.

“I am unsure whether I would class it as ‘close,’ but I have a good relationship with both of Their Highnesses,” he replied honestly, not seeing her goal with the question.

She then leaned slightly forward. “Is that so? In which case, perhaps my family will commission one of them to create a magic tool for us while they stay there. I look forward to your assistance should that happen.”

That was when Zenjirou understood. Right, it’s not like this gift is the only way for them to get one. They can just buy one from the Sharou family like normal.

There was not necessarily a requirement for Zenjirou to remain in the Twin Kingdoms for longer in that case. There were two enchanters currently within the capital of Capua in the forms of Francesco and Bona. Once Zenjirou returned, they could take their time and make it with him there.

Naturally, it would not be a gift and would therefore command a considerable sum. The Elementaccato family held a gold mine, though, so it would not be unattainable.

“I do understand the impossibility of it at present, though. In which case, I would hope for an earth-hardening tool.”

Perhaps expectedly, the initial request was to show their desire for it. Therefore, she withdrew it easily and offered her next idea.

I mean, it’s obvious, but these girls aren’t just a honeypot. They’re all negotiators for their families first and foremost.

Intertwining their bloodline with his, and using that entanglement to get the lineal magic for themselves, if possible, might have been their main objective. However, that did not make it their only objective. Talajeh of the Elementaccato family certainly seemed to be angling more for direct negotiations between her own family and the Capuan royal family as she flaunted her voluptuous body.

That was close, Zenjirou thought to himself. I let my guard down since they’re young and good-looking. They’re still better negotiators than I am.

“Very well, I shall convey your opinions to Prince Josep. I will also personally put what knowledge I have towards the matter’s consideration as well,” Zenjirou said to them all, bringing the topic to an end.

“Please do.”

“We leave it to you, Your Majesty.”

“I have no doubt that it will be for the best of all of us.”

“If you are willing, I would like to meet at a future date to discuss things further, Your Majesty.”

The four beauties graciously lowered their heads as they answered.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Once the meeting with the beautiful representatives was over, Zenjirou returned to the Purple Egg Palace’s annex. He was surrounded by his guards and soldiers as he traveled between the two locations.

While it was effectively his house for the duration of his stay, it did not feel like home. Entering it brought none of the relief and relaxation that coming home after a long day did.

The blonde-haired girl at his side made that all the more evident. Lucretia Broglie. The mediator assigned to Zenjirou by the Sharous, and primarily a honeypot.

She was considered to have just become an adult, so by Zenjirou’s reckoning she would probably be fifteen. However, she looked a good two or three years younger. Her adorable looks and small stature were certainly charming. However, they were charming in a way that made you want to protect her, not in any way that would help a honeypot or for her to be seen as a woman.

That was why Zenjirou couldn’t see her as a real danger, nor could he simply keep his distance.

“Good work, Your Majesty.”

“Likewise, Lucretia. Sit down and we can have some tea,” he said, gesturing to the sofa opposite.

“Thank you for the offer,” she replied, following the gesture.

“Ines, for two.”

“Yes, sir.”

Once the nicely brewed tea was placed in front of both of them, Zenjirou began to speak.

“The representatives certainly were a surprise. Are you friendly with any of them?”

Still holding her porcelain teacup, Lucretia inclined her head before answering. “I am. We all have at least a certain level of familiarity due to social events. However, Lady Shuura and Lady Nazeema spent much of their time in their own towns so I have almost never met them before.”

The Elehalieucco and Reierfon families that Shuura and Nazeema belonged to respectively still continued their traditional nomadic lifestyles. Living in those “towns” meant that their day-to-day life was spent riding dash drakes through the sand.

“Impressive. Considering I cannot even ride a dash drake myself, I can only respect that.”

While his tone was joking, he really felt that way. He had a slight aspiration to ride a beast right out of fantasy like the dash drakes as if they were horses. Simply imagining not just one or two people but hundreds or thousands of them simultaneously on drakeback as they rode through the sand made his heart rate pick up. So much so that if it hadn’t been for his wife’s pregnant state, he might have asked to join one of those towns for a period.

“I suppose in that case you must not know too much about them.” he shrugged regretfully.

Lucretia’s big blue eyes shifted as she hurriedly started talking as if in sudden realization. “Even without directly interacting, they are famous in their own right, so I am not entirely unacquainted with them.”

“Oh?”

The brief question and look from him let Lucretia know he wanted to hear more. She briskly kept on talking.

“Lady Shuura is the eldest daughter of the current Duke Elehalieucco and his wife. I have heard that she is a proud individual. She feels more strongly about the Elehalieucco lineage and history from when the four dukes were still the Four Tribes. She holds herself to a standard such that she does not disgrace either of them.”

“I see. I certainly got that impression,” he agreed, though internally something felt off. If she felt so strongly about the four dukes’—or Four Tribes’—history, shouldn’t she be reluctant to tie herself to another country’s royalty?

Even as that doubt made itself at home in Zenjirou’s mind, Lucretia continued her explanation.

“Lady Nazeema is the third daughter of Duke Reierfon. She was born to his second wife and is—from what I have heard—a pleasant and sociable person. She is also oddly fond of drakes for a young girl and takes the initiative in the dash drakes’ care. So much so that she has been known to spend her nights with them when the eggs are close to hatching.”

“Oh, the dash drakes?”

That was also interesting information but made him feel like there was something off as well. Dash drakes were livestock in the truest sense of the word. Caring for them would never be considered a glamorous job. Even the idea of a duke’s daughter spending a night with livestock would be taken as a scandal.

“Lady Talajeh is Duke Elementaccato’s niece. Her mother is a noble descended from the Northern Continent’s refugees, so she looks the most similar to us. She is very progressive for nobility and is willing to speak with all kinds of people, such as merchants, to benefit her family.”

“That is indeed rare for a woman.”

At this point, Zenjirou’s slight sense of something being off had grown into near-certainty. In his estimation, being willing to personally engage with merchants for your family’s and land’s benefit was a real virtue. However, by the values of the Southern Continent as a whole, it was not particularly encouraged.

She’s probably not lying, but is she purposefully focusing on the negatives?

His belief became utterly certain with her next statement.

“Finally, Lady Fiqriya is from a branch of the Animeeum family. She was adopted by the duke. She was apparently famous in her youth for her intelligence and curiosity and is the most well-known of the four. She knows an astonishing variety of magic and focuses on water magic specifically. She has, it seems, also created several original spells. In terms of her lineage, though, her descent from a close branch family means she has little mana for someone of the duke’s line. The small mana pool she has means that while she knows strong spells, she cannot cast them.”

A small mana pool was a huge negative for a royal concubine. This was particularly true for someone like Zenjirou, as it was hard to call him particularly endowed in that respect for a royal. If his partner’s capacity was too low, any children they had would be unlikely to inherit the lineal magic of his line.

Yup, it’s definitely on purpose. She’s trying to make sure I don’t have any interest in the four of them.

In Lucretia’s position, it was perhaps to be expected. He could consider it as firm evidence that she was truly there to tempt him. He couldn’t prevent a rueful smile, though. He didn’t intend to gain any concubines. The Uppasalan breaching of his defenses had required surrender, but it was an exception. He wasn’t going to take a concubine because a woman was charming or alluring.

Those faults don’t feel much like faults to me, though. If anything, the biggest “fault” in this conversation is Lucretia being so happy to disclose the others’ downsides.

It had no real bearing because of Zenjirou’s lack of desire in that vein, but he still wondered how Lucretia would react to finding out that she had harmed her own chances the most.

“I see. That will be useful to know. My thanks, Lucretia,” he said nonchalantly with that somewhat mean thought still in his mind.

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” she said, bowing and making her side-tail bounce.

Zenjirou raised his hand slightly in acknowledgment before he continued. “Incidentally, I was able to hear what they would desire in their positions but I wish to ask you the same question. What would you see as appropriate gifts for the four dukes?” he asked, moving the topic on without actually changing the thrust of the discussion.

Her blue eyes widened and she thought for a moment before answering quietly. “Well, I am closer to the Sharou family and therefore have their interests more in mind with my answer. I would say that an unwavering fireball for illumination would be the most suitable.”

It was exactly as the name implied, a spell that created a globe of fire that maintained its shape. The amount of extra mana that was required versus a spell that created ordinary fire to just make it static meant that it saw little general use. However, while it was of little use as a short-lived spell, things were different if it were to be made into a magic tool and was usable for longer periods.

A steady light source was less fatiguing for the eyes, and the spherical shape made the light more even. Naturally, it was still fire even if it was in an unnatural shape, so it could also be used as a fire lighter. It therefore made a useful gift to whoever it was given to.

Due to how many such tools had been made over the years, there were plenty of enchanters who knew the spell, and several could be fashioned in a relatively short period. He could certainly see its value with respect to the king and crown prince’s desire to get the succession completed in short order.

Yup, she’s definitely on their side of things, he thought, speaking at the same time. “That was indeed helpful. My thanks.”

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Lucretia repeated with another wide smile and bow of her head.