abcnovels
Chapter 158: (Self Edited) Secret Talk in the Grand Lecture Hall
Chapter 158: (Self Edited) Secret Talk in the Grand Lecture Hall
Myaro’s tightened expression somewhat dissipated.
‘I guess she feels that she has found the right place to stay.’
“Well then, shall we return?” (Myaro)
As she said that, she stood up.
“No, I still have something to talk about. It’s something I want you to do.” (Yuri)
“Right now? Sure, what is it?” (Myaro)
The reply was prompt.
‘It seems she has recovered.’
“What I’m about to tell you is something that I can’t tell Carol or anyone else, not even my parents.” (Yuri)
“Alright.” (Myaro)“For that reason, there are many people who know it. Many people already know it. It’s very dangerous and we have to do something about it.” (Yuri)
“Got it. What is it about…?” (Myaro)
‘It doesn’t seem she is aware of it. That’s obvious.’
While sitting in the chair, I turned around and checked the surroundings for the time being. I was conscious, so the door shouldn’t have opened after we entered.
“I found a new continent.” (Yuri)
And I said it.
“It’s probably bigger than this country and Kilghina combined. That’s for sure.” (Yuri)
“Eh…?” (Myaro)
“It may be larger than the whole Isus region. People don’t seem to live there, and there’s nothing like a country. I’m thinking of building a country there.” (Yuri)
“Wha…” (Myaro)
When I looked at Myaro, her mouth left open.
‘If I want to draw a picture with the title ‘Stunned’, sketching Myaro at this time would be a good picture.’
The expression on her face made me think of that.
‘Shall I wait for a good thirty seconds?’
“U-uhmm… where is that?” (Myaro)
Myaro, who finally recovered from the confusion, opened her mouth.
“It’s beyond the Aisa Island. It’s about twice as far across the Aisa Island. It requires advanced nautical skills, and for now, that technology is monopolized by me.” (Yuri)
“It’s not a joke… is it? If that’s true, it’s a tremendous discovery.” (Myaro)
“Yes, it is. Perhaps, it will be named with the name of the captain who discovered it. It’s going to be much more famous than names such as… Simone, Carol, and Telor. Or Captain Harol. I don’t know how to name it yet.” (Yuri)
“Could the captain be Harold Harel-san?” (Myaro)
‘Why would you know that?’
I thought for a moment, but then, I remembered. There had been a time when Myaro had been with Harold in the Kura language lecture. For the whole of the first year, we were taking the lecture together.
“Yes, that guy. His name will be in a textbook. He would be as famous as Kanjar Khan and Kalghinion Pest Padre.” (Yuri)
“That is… a remarkable story, isn’t it?” (Myaro)
‘Yes, it is. He was a man, who had been abandoned at the Suomi’s wharf until a while ago, and had his head shaved from having a head full of hair.
“I will explain my thoughts in order. First of all, I haven’t decided to create a country in the New World yet, but I’m going to make it separate from the Shaalta Kingdom. So, we will call it a separate country for convenience. Depending on how things go, I can let the royal family rule, but it’s not good to bring the structure of this country as it is. You understand why. It’s because we would also be bringing in the plague of Witches. Of course, it won’t be the Hou Household either. That one is full of hurdles.” (Yuri)
“…That’s amazing.” (Myaro)
Myaro muttered with a captivated look on her face, as if she shared my thoughts.
“If you could do that and if you really do that, you could turn the whole traditional system upside down. You can upset the system. A dream like that… eh?” (Myaro)
Myaro suddenly began to think with her eyebrows lifted.
‘Did she think of anything?’
“What is it? Is there a problem?” (Yuri)
“Yes… but… it can’t be… eh?” (Myaro)
After mumbling to herself for a while, Myaro looked at me. She had a complicated expression that I had never seen before. It was a mixture of amazement, admiration and awe.
“Yuri-kun, did you start the company to create this situation? So that neither the royal family, nor the Witches, nor even your own parents would get in the way.” (Myaro)
Myaro seemed to reach that conclusion in an instant.
‘I’m more surprised, you know.’
“Did you come this far, thinking it alone… alone? You think about how to make more money, build a ship and cross the sea… in order to find a new continent….” (Myaro)
“Yes, that’s right.” (Yuri)
“It would have been many times easier if you had consulted with the royal family and the Hou Household, but… you didn’t do that…” (Myaro)
“Do you think I’m foolish?” (Yuri)
“I don’t think so. It’s just a bit scary…” (Myaro)
Myaro’s hands were quivering. I wondered what the cause was.
“Do you understand it? I mean the gravity of this matter. Only you and I can understand this. The rest of us are… well, they aren’t incompetent, but they don’t have a highly political perspective. So they can’t deal with the situation accurately.” (Yuri)
‘After all, that’s the problem. As expected, the future is beyond my control. I’m not confident that I can do everything well.’
“Earlier, you said that I had a lot of people on my side.” (Yuri)
I brought up the conversation we had earlier. I just wanted her to understand.
“Cuff Ornette, Harold Harell. No. They can’t take your place. Carol Full Chartress. Of course, I can speak about her that way. That’s because even a single drop of blood is engraved with the pride of the royal family.” (Yuri)
‘They are many others, but it’s hard to say that any of them are the right person for the job.’
“Myaro Gudanvier. Do you understand it? You’re the only one.” (Yuri)
“Yes, I understand. It’s something that only I can do.” (Myaro)
The reply was encouraging.
—
“Then, I will explain the current situation.” (Yuri)
“Alright.” (Myaro)
“I received word of the discovery of the New World about a week ago. It wasn’t long before I came back here. The only people who know about it are me, Cuffe Ornette, Harold and his sailors. The sailors are particularly my concern. There’s more than one of them and they are unable to keep a secret.” (Yuri)
“…That’s not very good. Indeed.” (Myaro)
Myaro gave her impression in a straightforward manner.
“But we can’t just kill the man who made the discovery to shut their mouth. It’s simply because skilled sailors are valuable, and we need them to be there next time.” (Yuri)
“That’s true. We can’t afford to delay the plan…” (Myaro)
“Fortunately, they’re being held at Suomi in the Hou Household territory. The house arrest was lifted a few days ago, but they haven’t been to the royal capital yet.” (Yuri)
‘When I think about it, it was a good call by Harold to not let them go wild before he left them.’
“There’s no way to stop their mouth.” (Myaro)
“Of course. But we can’t put our foot in their mouths. They’re the kind of people who drink so much when they land, and they will lose all memory of the day. They won’t even remember what they’ve said.” (Yuri)
“I can imagine.” (Myaro)
“Either way, the bigger the number of people, the more mouths we will have to cover. It won’t last long.” (Yuri)
Myaro hummed in agreement.
“It’s difficult.” (Myaro)
“I can handle the Hou Household. The center is my father. I’m sure I can get away with it. The problem is the royal capital.” (Yuri)
“Yes, it is. What’s more, it’s the center of information. The General households will often pick up information in the royal capital. It’s more efficient than keeping the secret in the other party’s territory.” (Myaro)
As expected, she seemed to be aware of what was going on.
“Well, the General households are constitutionally uninformed, and they’re not a big deal on this matter. The problem is the Witches and the royal family.” (Yuri)
‘In the first place, the Noza Household, which is in contact with the Hou Household, is much less powerful than the Hou Household. They can’t pick up fights with us. It’s difficult to intervene here because we don’t border any territory except the Nozza family.’
“The royal family is clearly an enemy on this matter. They are the ones who want the New World the most, and Queen Simone is in dire need of it. They’re going to try to take it even if they cut me off. In the worst-case scenario, they won’t hesitate to have a fight with the Hou Household. The royal family has the power to rally the General households. And that’s a big problem.’
“I understand. Those Queen’s Swords are really bad for this situation.” (Myaro)
“Aah, yes, they’ll be enemies too. My head hurts.” (Yuri)
‘Even though they are enemies, some of them have conflicting interests. But in other parts, they are still companions. However, I feel that they are the most dangerous if the news leaked. Plus, the queen seems to be a little sick lately.’
“…Is this about checking the status quo?” (Myaro)
“Yes…. aah, the people used for colonization will be secretly gathered around the Hou Household territory. I’m going to try to get them to settle down there.” (Yuri)
“I think that’s a good idea. It’s not good to gather directly in the royal capital. Even if you gather them, it would be better to inform them that there is work in the Hou Household territory and lure them in.” (Myaro)
“Let’s do that. Well, since the Hou Household territory is overflowing with people, it won’t be a problem for the time being.” (Yuri)
‘Now, the confirmation of the current situation is almost over.’
“So, how long do you think it will last?” (Yuri)
“I don’t know. In the worst case, the news might leak in a month or so, and if the plan works well, it can be held for five or ten years.” (Myaro)
“Yeah…” (Yuri)
“The point in our favor is that this is a story that sounds like a vague rumor. I heard it directly from You and I’ve known you very well. So, I don’t think it’s absurd. But people are different. They hear about it through hearsay. They usually don’t believe it.” (Myaro)
‘That’s true. The unreality of the situation is probably the greatest weapon of my side.’
“But the reality is that people and things flow.” (Yuri)
‘That’s what makes it different from a lie. I can create a sham to deceive everyone, but you can still distinguish it from a sham because the real thing cannot remain motionless.’
“This is where I can show off my skills. When it comes to the flow of people, I can distract information such as sending people to the isolated Aisa Island or… when the time comes, we can sell surplus people to the Albio Republic as slaves. This is much more certain than the ridiculous story of a new continent being discovered and sending people there as colonists. People will subconsciously believe the first one.” (Myaro)
I was inwardly surprised to hear something like normalcy bias coming out of Myaro’s mouth.
‘It may not have been named as an academic discipline, but it may be known as a trend in the world of conspiracy.’
“The point is, it’s whether the important people want to believe it or not.” (Yuri)
“Yes, that’s right.” (Myaro)
“However, Queen Simone will believe it.” (Yuri)
“Aah… that’s certainly true.” (Myaro)
‘Those Witches may ignore it. They may dismiss such an absurd hearsay. However, I have a feeling that Queen Simone will start investigating as a last hope.’
“I’ll see what I can do.” (Myaro)
‘What will come out if I squeeze the wisdom from Myaro’s brain? I’m curious.’
“Is there anything I should be doing in the meantime?” (Yuri)
“Please don’t let the sailors come to the royal capital. The credibility of a story told by the person himself and that told by hearsay will be completely different. Besides, if the royal family becomes suspicious, the Queen’s Swords may come and abduct them. If that happens, they will give them definite information.” (Myaro)
‘As expected, it was good to bring Myaro in. Such an idea comes out smoothly.’
“Got it. I’ll do that. Is there anything else?” (Yuri)
“…Hmm, not at the moment I guess.” (Myaro)
“Alright. Here.” (Yuri)
I put a bag of gold coins on my desk.
“Use it to pay for your immediate operations.” (Yuri)
It contained 150 gold coins, so it was quite heavy. In fact, it was heavy because it was gold. The weight was about two kilograms, so it was hard to carry more than this amount.
“…It can’t be. I can’t accept it.” (Myaro)
“No, I need you to take it. I mean, you don’t have that much money at your disposal.” (Yuri)
‘Myaro had easily declined fifty gold coins reward money, but since that old lady of Gudanvier, her household, she shouldn’t have any money. Since Myaro is one of the top officers, she may have declined it because the other three people declined, but Carol and Liao, including me, are about a hundred coins, so it’s fine if Myaro accepts it.’
“As a matter of fact… you’re right. Well then, I’ll take it. I’m sure I’ll do my best to make the investment worthwhile.” (Myaro)
“It’s also your salary for the time being. You can use it for personal matters. If you keep a ledger, I’ll be very angry.” (Yuri)
‘If I don’t tell her, she will write a ledger even if she spends only one Ruga.’
“Uhh… is that so? I understand. I’ll use it at my discretion.” (Myaro)
“Good… then, we’re done talking.” (Yuri)
‘I don’t have anything else to talk about, so I guess I’ll go home as it is.’
“You seem to be going back to the dorm… so, let’s go together.” (Yuri)
“Yuri-kun.” (Myaro)
She said with a stinging voice.
‘What?’
“What is it? Do you have something else?” (Yuri)
“Would you have told me this story if I had accepted Liao-san’s offer?” (Myaro)
‘What… is that the thing you worry about?’
“Maybe I wouldn’t have done it if you were in love with him and ready to be his wife. But that’s not going to happen. I was going to talk about it anyway.” (Yuri)
“Why is that? I may be lying. I could be actually dating Liao-san.” (Myaro)
‘What the… It’s actually the truth that I don’t understand women’s hearts. I don’t understand the meaning of bringing up such a story. What I can barely understand is that she wants to confirm something. That’s about it.’
“Even if that were true, you would quit the relationship now. Even if you’ve been deceiving me up until now, humans have their own destiny. We can’t go against that destiny.” (Yuri)
“Destiny…?” (Myaro)
“For example, you sell this news to Witches and ruin everything. Such a thing is the exact opposite of you as a person. It’s already clear to me. You can’t do it.” (Yuri)
“How can you be so sure?” (Myaro)
Apparently, the look on Myaro’s face as she turned to look at me showed that she was anxious about something.
‘I don’t get it. What are you trying to say? Do you think if your personality is taken over by your blood as a Witch and you become like the old lady of your household at the last minute? That’s impossible. This is not a fantasy or fairy tale.’
“How long has it been since you’ve been together with me? Eight years, isn’t it? If I can’t believe what I’ve seen and heard, I can’t make any decisions anymore. Yeah… for example, I know that Dolla was in love with Carol.” (Yuri)
“Alright.” (Myaro)
“On top of that, I’ve heard rumors that Dolla has started dating a man. They say he’s been doing something suspicious in his dorm bed at night. He is said to be a pervert. Do you think I believe that? I thought he had a crush on Carol, but maybe I was wrong… Hmm. No, no, that’s not it. Dolla is really in love with Carol. I can be sure of that.” (Yuri)
“Am I also like that?” (Myaro)
‘Haah… I’ve thought I’ve given an easy example…’
“Rather than you to be that way, you will not be doing so. That’s what I believe.” (Yuri)
“Is that so… then, that’s fine.” (Myaro)
‘It seems I’m able to convince her somehow. What in the world was that shaking that happened earlier? Suddenly, there is a bewilderment as if the body has been shaken by a ghost. Does that make sense? Is she satisfied? Or is it some kind of hesitation?’
“Well, I’ve declined him properly. So please don’t worry about it.” (Myaro)
As I knew from the flow of conversation, it seemed that the relationship wasn’t progressing.
“In the meantime, may I know how you turned it down?” (Yuri)
‘Well, it’s hard to ask Liao about that.’
“It was at the dinner table that I mentioned earlier. I thought that it would be hard to break up with him if I went along since he’s been flirty. I said that I couldn’t do it and left the table.” (Myaro)
“Eh, in the middle of dinner?” (Yuri)
‘If so, that’s harsh.’
“Got it. Aah, but… I’ve used the mildest language possible.” (Myaro)
‘Since it was Myaro, she would have used the wordings that would cause the least disturbance, but harsh things are still harsh. However, there may be a problem with Liao who tried to flirt and have intercourse while dating. Well, but…’
“It can’t be helped. It’s about love anyway.” (Yuri)
“Yes, it is. Next time, please do it right. I wish you had declined him, you know.” (Myaro)
‘It seems that she’s not going to give up on that. Is it my fault? I feel a bit unconvinced, but I feel something like silent pressure to break me here. Saying that it’s my fault, it’s my fault… Let’s just accept the blame.’