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Book 16: Chapter 4
Book 16: Chapter 4
Book 16: Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Flowers Working Behind the Scenes
It had only been a few days since the Black Cats brought me the report saying that the Empires vassals, the Frakt Federation and the Kingdom of Meltonia, had switched sides to join the Fuuga Faction. The Kingdom of Meltonia, which had expelled its royal family, was dismantled and annexed, and the Frakt Federation was allowed to maintain nominal independence, but was effectively controlled by the Great Tiger Kingdom.
The Mankind Declaration did not allow the changing of borders by military force, but also recognized the right of peoples to self-determination. In the event that a countrys people decided they wanted to be ruled by Fuuga, the Empire had no choice but to accept it. Theyd fallen victim to the same hole in the Mankind Declaration that wed taken advantage of in the Amidonian War.
Its possible that Hashim, the instigator of all this, had been studying our methods. With their vassals leaving them, the Empire was still a great power, but the Mankind Declaration was no more. Meanwhile, if you included his allies in the equation, Fuuga had now expanded to the point where he had overwhelmingly more people and power than the Empire. His sphere of influence formed an ominous, warped crescent, and people said it looked like the maw of a wolf, ready to devour the Empire.
Even the common folk could see it was time for a showdown between the two.
With me in the governmental affairs office were Liscia, Hakuya, and Julius.
Things moved faster than we expected... I said, pressing a hand to my forehead.
Yeah... said Liscia with a nod, stroking her chin. I didnt expect such momentum from the Great Tiger Kingdom, nor how fast Maria would find herself pushed into a corner.
Part of that comes down to bad timing... They were shaken up by the sudden abolition of slavery, and then there were the natural disasters on top of that. It all piled up.
Will our country be all right? Wont they try the same slavery trick here? Julius asked.
We should be fine, Hakuya replied. The rights of our slaves are well protected. And if none of them are dissatisfied, there should be no one for them to stir up. They live better than the freed slaves in the Great Tiger Kingdom, and weve made that clear to the people using broadcast programs. Now, its just a matter of us moving together with the Republic and the Archipelago Kingdom to change what theyre called. At which point, the system will be no more.
Yeah, that sounds about right. Lets work with Kuu and Shabon to go forward with it, I said.
Julius crossed his arms and groaned. The ability to spread news with broadcast programs... Its a powerful tool. I could sense that even when I was in Amidonia. I hated it when I was up against you, but now its reassuring.
Ah ha ha... Ill take that as a compliment, I said with a wry smile at the frowning Julius. Anyway, if they were going to stir up trouble here, it would be with people in the Amidonia Region, not the slaves. But Roroa is still beloved by the people there, and Julius can keep the ones who dont care for her in line with the memory of Gaius. With you two on our side, I dont see the Amidonia Region getting out of hand.
That took the scowl off Juliuss face.
Heh! Its not bad, hearing you say that, he said.
For all your arguments, you two get along pretty well, Liscia said, sounding exasperated.
Julius and I both smiled wryly.
That said...Souma? I know Fuuga Haan seems to have his eyes set on the Empire, but what would have happened if hed come after us instead?
I had plans I was working on for if it came to that, but... Hakuyas read on the situation was, well... You tell her.
Liscia looked to Hakuya. He nodded.
We wouldnt lose, but it would be a quagmire.
Oh! Thats how itd be, huh?
In a defensive war, the terrain is on our side. Fuugas forces are powerful, but we hold a technological advantage. We have a number of weapons, such as our wyvern cavalry equipped with simplified propulsion devices, that they dont know about. Thats not something they would be able to deal with overnight. Their current strategy of lightning-fast advances wouldnt work here.
Having said this, Hakuya pointed to the world map behind the desk.
And given time, our Maritime Alliance allies in the Republic and the Archipelago Kingdom would attack the Great Tiger Kingdom and their allies. If our fleet moves with the Archipelago Kingdoms, we would be able to fight defensively on land while also attacking the Great Tiger Kingdom from both the east and west coasts. Fuugas forces would be forced to respond to this, further delaying their invasion. And if it dragged on for several years...something decisive would happen.
Something decisive? Liscia repeated, and Hakuya pointed to the upper area of the map.
The periodic release of large numbers of monsters from the Demon Lords Domain in the phenomenon we call a demon wave. As things stand now, the Great Tiger Kingdom is the sole nation keeping the domain in check. It will take some time still, but if things drag on for too long and a demon wave breaks out, the Great Tiger Kingdom will be forced to confront it alone. Theyve rendered the Mankind Declaration ineffective, and wed be under no obligation to help the people whod invaded us.
I get it. Youre saying they dont have time to attack us, right?
Yes, but we would also have trouble attacking them. So with neither side being able to win a decisive victory, the war would bog down. Thats why it would be a quagmire.
Im sure Fuuga and Hashim know as much too. Thats why they went after the Empire, Julius added helpfully.
If Fuuga was going to pick a fight with the Kingdom, it would have to be after hes built his forces up enough to overwhelm the Maritime Alliance. Hell need to be able to place units all over to respond to our attacks before hes able to come settle things with us.
Conversely, he doesnt want us to make a move until then.
Hakuya stroked his chin and grunted in agreement. Mmm. Hell do something to keep us in check, Im sure. To keep us from acting while he attacks the Empire.
I agree, Prime Minister. Id do the same.
You would, would you?
If Hakuya and Julius, my two great advisors, agreed on that, I had no choice but to believe it.
Some days later, I received word from Yuriga that Fuuga wanted to do a broadcast meeting with me.
It seemed Fuuga had gotten his hands on a number of dungeon cores in the process of expanding his territory. Theyd learned how to use them for communication and broadcasting from Yuriga, who had experience with that in the Kingdom. Now he was set up to hold broadcast meetings with us like the Empire did.
Tomoe and Yuriga were in the room with me, watching as we prepared for the broadcast.
Maybe I can make my reports to my brother over the broadcast instead of by letter from now on? Its been such a hassle, Yuriga said casually, earning a wry smile from Tomoe.
I dont think so. This country isnt allied with the Great Tiger Kingdom, and theres no telling what you might say.
But they havent been censoring my letters anyway, right?
Oh, well... I guess it might be fine then?
As Tomoe cocked her head to the side, Yuriga suddenly let out a sigh.
Tomoe blinked repeatedly. Are you feeling tense...?
Of course I am... I have no idea what my brother plans to say.
Fuuga hadnt told Yuriga what this broadcast would be about, only to get him a meeting with Souma. The lack of information made her think all sorts of things, and she felt uneasy.
Tomoe had a pensive look on her face, and she said, They say hes going to war with the Empire...
Yeah... Augh, I dont want anything that makes it hard for me to stay here...
Hee hee, so you want to stay in this country now, Tomoe said.
Yuriga turned her head away peevishly. Yeah, I do. Ive been talking with my teammates about how were going to win for sure.
Oh, this is about mage soccer, huh? I know youve been doing really well.
Me and this senior dragonewt girl on the team are the two top players... Thats why itd be tough being called back home so suddenly. The teams on a roll right now.
Yurigas expression clouded as she said that. Tomoe subtly moved closer to her.
...What? Yuriga asked.
Hm? Oh, I was just thinking if you went, Id miss you too.
Agh! Dont get cheeky with me, you little kid!
Were about the same height now.
Yuriga turned her head away, acting prickly. Meanwhile, Tomoe was grinning, her tail wagging back and forth.
While they were chatting, preparations for the broadcast meeting moved forward, and Souma and Fuuga were finally able to meet directly.
Its been a while, Fuuga.
Yeah. Long time no see, Souma.
After some meaningless pleasantries through the broadcast...
Fuuga suddenly looked around and called her name. Yuriga. Are you around?
Ah! Yes, Big Brother.
Despite her surprise, Yuriga stepped forward next to Souma.
Fuuga then told her, Yuriga. Im speaking to you as king of the Great Tiger Kingdom.
R-Right!
Yuriga stood at attention as Fuuga slowly opened his mouth.
I will have my sister, Yuriga Haan, marry into the family of Souma A. Elfrieden.
Fuuga! I exclaimed.
After hearing his words, I couldnt help but raise my voice. He wanted Yuriga to marry me. It was a clear demand for a strategic marriage.
Using his sister as a political pawn... For a king in this world, and in these times, it was common sense for him to do so. My relationship with Liscia had started out that way too. Despite understanding this, however, it upset me that he was doing it so naturally. Furthermore, Yuriga had been living here long enough that Id developed a familial affection for her.
I glared at him, and Fuuga looked straight back into my eyes.
Souma. Im considering an invasion of the Gran Chaos Empire.
I listened in alarmed silence.
Ill defeat the declining Empire and show the world that the Great Tiger Kingdom is the one to lead the nations of mankind. With you married to Yuriga, youll be family. If the leader of the Maritime Alliance is with me, mankind will be unified. The Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom and whats left of the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan will have no choice but to obey. We can just ignore the Star Dragon Mountain Range. With mankind unified, well liberate the Demon Lords Domain. Im going to unify the worldsomething no ones ever been able to do.
Hes talking nonsense... I thought, but there was a certain amount of logic to it.
If the Great Tiger Kingdom was able to take all of the Empires land, not even the Maritime Alliance would be able to oppose him. If he sent Imperial troops to contain the Republic, Kuu wouldnt be able to act. Meanwhile, hed invade us with his main forces from the north, and Zem and the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State to the west. Even if we had control of the seas, wed be slowly ground down on land. Wed be left with little choice but to seek asylum in the Archipelago Union. And if it was going to come to that...Id likely surrender early on. With all this in mind, Fuugas read on the situation wasnt necessarily wrong.
Is that your plan, Fuuga?
Yeah. So, while we settle things with the Empire, I want you to stay put. In exchange, Ill give you Yuriga.
Youll give her to me? Shes your family... Youd do that so easily?
I glanced at Yuriga. She was standing up straight, looking at Fuuga.
I couldnt read any emotion in her expression. Her eyes werent dead, at least, but there was no great emotion. She was just calmly, intentionally, looking at Fuuga. What does she think of all this?
Im not doing this lightly, Fuuga said. Shes my darling sister, cheeky as she can be sometimes.
He didnt show even a hint of guilt.
Ive been running around with my buddies, working towards this grand ambition of unifying the continent, and the countrys grown this big. The soldiers and the people lend me their strength in order to chase that dream. But...once it comes true, Ill probably be satisfied. I think I have the strength to take over the world. But I also know I dont have the talent to hold on to it once I do.
What are you trying to say?
Im thinking youre more fit to rule the world after I unify it. Once the world is all mine, I figure Ill hand it over to you.
...?! Everyone in the room gulped.
Hes going to give me the world... Is he serious? In an old game, the Dragonlord said, Ill give you half the world, but Fuuga was offering me the whole thing once hed unified it.
Dont say that so easily. Your subordinates and the people wont accept it.
Thats why youre marrying Yuriga. The kid shell have with you can inherit the Great Tiger Kingdom. You can handle the rest of the personnel assignments. Youre good at that stuff, right?
Ive got a whole mountain of things to say about this, but... What if you have a kid with Mutsumi?
Hmm... I guess well go back to the steppes, or maybe become adventurers. Neither Mutsumi or I want to manage a sprawling empire. And even if we do have kids, I wouldnt want them to inherit it.
I had no reply to this. And he probably wasnt lying. This man is genuinely just interested in taking over the world... Damn it!
Gathering myself, I then said, Is this why you showed no sign of calling Yuriga back home?
I was leaving her with you until she was of age. My subordinates knew that was with a future marriage in mind.
But Yuriga came to this country to study because she wanted to be of use to you.
It was reading her letters that convinced me I shouldnt fight with you or the Kingdom. If she can stop our countries from getting into a war thats bound to turn into a total quagmire, shell already have done more than enough.
When Fuuga said that, Yuriga stepped forward.
Brother. You took my letters seriously then?
Of course. Thats why I decided I should join hands with the Kingdom and subjugate the Empire.
I see... Yuriga spun around to face me. Im sorry to interrupt during an important talk between kings, but could I speak to my brother for a moment?
S-Sure...
Thank you. Now then, Brother...
Yuriga looked directly into Fuugas eyes.
In the time Ive lived in this country, Ive been thinking about it. If you fought them, what would happen? Could you defeat Souma? Could Souma defeat you?
Oh, yeah? And how do you see it?
Fuuga urged her to continue, seemingly interested. Yuriga quietly shook her head.
I couldnt imagine Sir Souma being able to achieve victory.
Mmm.
But at the same time, I could never fully convince myself that youd be able to conquer this country.
Fuugas eyes widened. Yuriga continued, choosing her words carefully.
As I wrote in my letters...this countrys values are too diverse. Even if youre unmatched in martial prowess, that wont be enough to rule here. Your power comes from having the respect of all your people, but in a country with such diverse values like the Kingdom, one man couldnt possibly earn the respect of the entire country.
Fuuga looked at Yuriga, showing no sign of interrupting her.
There are people who respect Souma for rebuilding this country with his policies, and those who love and respect Queen Liscia. There are people charmed by the songs of the Prima Lorelei, Queen Juna Domawarriors who aspire to have the strength of Queen Aisha. There are those of Amidonia, who love Queen Roroa, and the common people of Parnam who are friends with Queen Naden. Even with just the current king and his wives, there are all these different reasons...different views...
Yuriga took a long breath before continuing.
And despite all these groups, they dont form factions. Because this house is unified in their desire to keep the country together. Thats why a system of rule like yours or Empress Marias, where all of that respect is concentrated on one person, wouldnt work in this country. Even with your great majesty, it wouldnt be easy to capture the hearts of all this countrys people. And thats why...
Finally, Yuriga came straight out and said it.
I accept your command to marry Souma.
Come again? I blurted out despite myself. Huh? Is it really okay for her to accept so easily?
Even Fuuga looked a little thrown off by this.
I was ready for you to pitch a fit... he said.
I wont be doing that. I more or less saw this coming. Although, I want to complain a bit about you bringing this up so suddenly.
Right... Sorry.
Youd better be. Still, if Im going to marry Souma, you should understand that Ill be working on behalf of the Kingdom of Friedonia from here on. Because that will benefit you too.
Hmm... What do you mean? Fuuga asked dubiously.
Yuriga put her hands on her hips and thrust her chest out towards him.
Im not convinced youre going to win. So I cant say for certain that youre not going to end up dragged before Sir Souma bound in ropes someday. When that happens, Im the one wholl have to beg him to spare your life.
Fuuga was speechless.
Whether Sir Souma listens to my pleas or not is going to hinge entirely on whether he loves me. I need to become a queen Souma will love and the people of this country will feel sympathy for. In order to do that, Ill serve this country with all my heart.
Heh, heh... Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Fuuga roared with laughter. So you decided to marry him on your own, not because I said to?!
Yes, Brother.
I like it! Youve really grown up in the short time I havent seen you! Youre not letting yourself be swept along by eventsyoure carving your own path! I regret letting Souma have you now!
Uh... I didnt even know what was happening at this point.
After a hearty laugh, Fuuga looked at me.
Well, there you have it. Look after Yuriga for me, all right?
You cant just lay this on me...
There isnt a single lie in what I just said. This shouldnt be a bad deal for you people. You should talk it over with the Black-robed Prime Minister and Julius Lastania. So...I want you to stay out of this one.
War between the Empire and the Great Tiger Kingdom seemed inevitable. I had just one thing to say about that.
Are you sure youre not taking Maria Euphoria too lightly?
Im not taking her lightly at all. I intend to throw everything I have at her.
With that, Fuugas image vanished.
We hadnt formally accepted the marriage yet, but they were probably going to announce it as an established fact. If I tried to drive Yuriga off and get out of it, Id only be giving them an excuse I didnt have to.
As I was wondering what to do, I noticed Yuriga trembling next to me.
Um... You okay, Yuriga?
...won.
Huh?
Yuriga was mumbling so I cupped my ear...
I won!!! she shouted out loud right next to me.
Whoa?! I stumbled backwards.
The others were looking at us, wondering what was up. But Yuriga paid no mind to them; instead, she thrust her right fist into the air.
She was like a new champion whod just taken the throne. And as if that wasnt enough for her, she thrust her left fist up too, holding both arms up in jubilation.
I won my bet!!!
Huh? Bet? Has she gone crazy? As I was thinking that, Tomoe ran over and tackle-hugged her.
Congratulations, Yuriga!
Tomoe! Thank you!
Yuriga and Tomoe jumped up and down, holding one another.
Seriously... What?
She really pulled it off, Liscia said as she walked over to us.
Do you know something about this? I asked.
Shes been talking to me about it for a while. Come on, Yuriga. We have to explain to Souma.
Oh! Sure thing, Lady Liscia.
Yuriga seemed to come back to reality when Liscia called for her. She let go of Tomoe and cleared her throat before slowly approaching.
Erm... Uh... Where do I start?
How about with what you said about winning a bet?
Of all the potential futures for me, I was able to win close to the best one.
Close to the best one? You mean getting married to me?
I mean, in my position. It was always a given that I was going to be thrust to someone for a strategic marriage.
Yuriga shrugged her shoulders and sighed.
I mean, the Great Tiger Kingdom is rising rapidly, and Im the younger sister of their king, right? People were going to want to marry me to get closer to my brother, and he was going to want to wed me to someone influential who could help him on his quest for dominance.
Yeah...I get that.
So, at that point, the only difference is who I get married off to. Having lived in this country for a few years now, Im used to living here. I didnt even want to think about getting sent elsewhere. I want to keep playing with my mage soccer team. And as for having to leave behind my friends like Tomoe, Ichiha, Lucy, and Velza, well, um...I didnt want that either.
Aww, Yuriga, Tomoe cooed, a huge grin on her face.
Yuriga turned her head away, refusing to look at Tomoe.
Um, thats why I wanted to marry someone whod let me stay in this country, and hopefully continue playing mage soccer a while longer. But when it came to who my brother would be willing to accept, you were about the only person who came to mind. Ichiha meets the first two criteria, but my brother wasnt going to settle for me marrying a vassal of yours. And besides...
Yuriga? Tomoe called to her, still smiling.
...Your little sister kind of scares me.
Ah ha ha...
Given these events, I was going to have to get Tomoe and Ichiha formally engaged too. They each seemed interested in the other, and a lot of other people were aiming for both of them, so making it official would nip that in the bud.
Yuriga looked at Liscia. Thats why I went to talk to Lady Liscia and the others. I needed to know if she could accept me as one of your wives, and I wanted help convincing my brother to give me the order.
Wait... The other queens were in on this too? I asked, looking at Liscia.
Well, you could say our interests were aligned. Right, Yuriga?
Yep!
Liscia and Yuriga high-fived one another, looking smugly satisfied.
You said you wanted to avoid a war with the Great Tiger Kingdom now, right? And that we needed to convince Sir Fuuga not to fight with us. Thats why when Yuriga came to me for advice, I said Id accept her as one of your queens if shed use her letters to make Fuuga less likely to attack us. We wanted to convince him to win us over instead of opposing. Juna was in charge of overseeing the letters, by the way.
Oh... Well, damn...
If she was getting tips from Juna, whod learned from the experienced Excelthen yeah, of course shed be able to make Fuuga cautious of this country. And since Yuriga was writing the letters of her own accord, he was unlikely to notice it. Well, that didnt guarantee Fuuga would make the decision they wanted, but... Oh! So thats why it was a bet.
I stared at Yuriga.
So you had him dancing in the palm of your hand?
Ah... What I said in my letters and what he told you just now were all true, you know? If a mighty warrior like my brother was going to fall, I think it would be to this country. And honestly, I do plan to beg for his life if it comes to that.
Thats some determination... But are you really satisfied with this? Having to marry me.
Well, I do like you. Up until now, I would have been more into someone like Sir Shuukin, whos like another big brother to me. But I respect you, and I could see myself loving you.
Y-You could...? Youre being awfully pragmatic about this.
Shes like a past version of me, isnt she? I just couldnt leave her alone, Liscia said with a wry smile as I stared at them in awe.
Oh, and one other thing... Yuriga looked at Tomoe. If I marry you, that makes Tomoe my little sister, right? I like the idea of that.
Ah! But Im the adopted daughter of the former royal couple, so this wont make me your little sister, Yuriga.
Huh? It wont?
I only call Big Sister Liscia my big sister. I just call Big Brother Souma that because hes married to her. I dont call Aisha, Juna, Roroa, and Naden Big Sister.
W-Well, when Im queen, youd better show me respect! Youre just a princess!
Okaaay, Tomoe said with a chuckle. Ive applied to be chamberlain, by the way. Ill do a good job scheduling your nights with Big Brother.
Bwuh?! Oh, I cant stand you!
Ah ha ha ha ha ha.
Tomoe and Yuriga bantered back and forth.
Yuriga probably came up with this plot and found the determination to carry it out because she didnt want to lose this sort of interaction.
Hakuya and Julius were no doubt listening somewhere nearby, so I said, A question for the brilliant minds that help run this country...
May we help you? asked Hakuya.
What is it? followed up Julius.
Did you two see this coming?
When I asked that, they looked at one another and shrugged.
No. I never anticipated the queens were backing her...
I doubt Fuuga or Hashim imagined this either. They might have expected you, me, or the prime minister to be planning something, but...they wouldnt have counted on having to consider the intentions of the queens as well. What a terrifying country.
Tell me about it, I said with a nod.
These reliable, frightening women were working as a team. We were no match for them. If you looked at just the result, theyd pulled one over on both Fuuga and me.