Chapter 112
Chapter 112 – Istrea Diplomat part 2
A year had passed since Ares began governing Grants .
The Grants territory had undergone great development, mainly on the capital Heinz . In response, the other three former countries… Trevoir, Brittany, and Redgear also put their efforts in development .
The four former countries which are now parts of 『Schwarzer Frontier Territory』had entered a great revolutionary period .
[A messenger from Istrea?]
That was the case . Ares was told that a messenger from Istrea wanted to meet him .
He thus stopped signing the documents .
[Yes . He left Redgear earlier today, so he should arrive at Heinz by next week . ]
The Secretary of the States George said as he flipped through the materials .
[Hmm… isn’t this a bit abrupt? I think… if a messenger is already coming to us… Doesn’t it only mean that the eastern countries are on the move?]
[Most likely . We should first listen to what the messenger has to say so that we can ascertain the movements of the eastern countries…]
[You’re right . As for the personnel from our side… Shion, George and I should go meet messenger . Now that I mentioned it, where is Shion?]
[… . immersing himself in the library as usual . ]
[… . just call him right away… It felt like my brain was about to explode for a second there… haaa . ]
George bowed in response to Ares’ order and left . After watching his retainer left, Ares scratched his head and resumed his struggle against the mountain of documents .
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A week after arriving in Redgear, Alfredo finally reached Heinz .
[Honestly, I didn’t expect it to be changed this much… . . ]
The scene before his eyes was a far cry to what he knew .
Alfredo entered Grants from Redgear to have a negotiation with the lord . At that time… the Grants in his impression was still that of an undeveloped land .
The road wasn’t well maintained, and monsters freely roamed around the suburb area . Although surrounded by a heavy fortress, Heinz itself looked more like a small barbarian town .
And what about now?
The road he passed from Redgear to Heinz was extremely well maintained, and he barely encountered any monster along the way .
Entering Grants’ territory through the southern area… there were many towns that weren’t there the last time he visited . Most of them seemed to be industrial towns, vibrant and lively .
(Not to mention that… Heinz itself has also changed so much…)
The very first thing that drew his attention was the enormous gate built as the entrance to the city . Decorated with intricate and artistic sculptures, it’s certainly an attractive view of a gate .
But more than that, was the sight that lay beyond the gate .
Road paved with cobblestone, stone and brick houses . Well maintained waterways . And not only the market looked lively, the scene of a safe and sanitary city was also widespread .
(This… the cityscape is probably steps above Istrea . )
Istrea boasted a beautiful cityscape that earned the nickname of “Land of Beauty” among the eastern countries . But the sight in front of him was enough to make Alfredo felt hazy .
(Just what kind of sorcery is used… this is interesting…)
And more than anything .
When Alfredo looked at the passersby,
He saw that demihumans like beastkins, long-eared elves, dwarves, and even demonkins could live here without discrimination . In addition to that, golems and skeletons could be seen working tirelessly everywhere, and the citizens seemed to already be used to it .
Children played around the golem, and some playfully tried to mimic a skeleton .
It’s something that Arcadia culture, as well as the teaching of the church wouldn’t allow to happen, yet it is common thing on here .
Interest in a country would lead to an interest in the leader . After Alfredo saw the cityscape and the liveliness of its citizens… he couldn’t help but wonder just what kind of man that he’s about to meet .
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[Welcome, and make yourself comfortable . I’m Ares Schwarzer, the lord of this Schwarzer Frontier Territory which consisted of Grants, Trevoir, Brittany, and Redgear . ]
[Thank you for the hospitality . My name is Alfredo, an ambassador from Istrea . ]
After finishing the formal greetings, Ares offered Alfredo to sit .
Alfredo took a look at the man before him . Sitting at the forefront was the lord himself, Ares Schwarzer . He’s a young man with black hair and eyes .
『Gentle and no flattery . Doesn’t seem to be too aggressive . 』
The young man was exactly like that at first glance . But behind his gentle smile, there was an unmistakable pressure that is impossible to ignore, urging you to involuntarily correct yourself .
Having met many people as an ambassador, Alfredo could easily tell .
That this young man is 『more than meets the eye』 .
(He should be around his twenties… but what is this pressure? What kind of experience could bring about such a person?)
Alfredo thought to himself .
It’s like I’m sitting right in front of a great king… Alfredo involuntarily gulped down his saliva .
And there were also the two men standing beside Ares . those two must be [Shion Tristan] and {George Walter], the brains behind the Schwarzer .
The black haired man with glasses and unmotivated face must be Shion Tristan, while the blond haired man with stiff expression seemed to be George Walter .
At first glance, these two seemed like eccentric people . But Alfredo saw otherwise .
(They too are more than meets the eye… the Lord of Frontier must be a one of a kind hero for these two to serve under him…)
[Your Excellency… pardon me, I was too surprised . Heinz has changed so much since my last visit…]
As soon as he took his seat, Alfredo spoke out his impression straightforwardly .
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[It’s all thanks to everyone’s effort . They are the one who worked on it after all…]
Right after he said so, Ares glanced at Shion and added .
[Ah, except for one person . ]
[I can hear you, Milord]
[Then go do some work if you heard that]
[… . . I guess I could use some exercise . ]
Shion had a sour look on his face, which caused Ares to laugh .
Hearing the conversation, Alfredo also chuckled .
[Well then, taking the small talk aside, let’s get on to the main topic . ]
George who stood at the other side of Ares suddenly spoke with a grumpy face .
[What reason has brought Istrea’s ambassador to go as far as visiting Grants?]
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[An alliance…? You mean, with the Arcadia Empire?]
Ares asked Alfredo with a suspicious face .
What Alfredo proposed to Ares was a military alliance with Istrea .
After conveying the current situation on the east, he then explained that Istrea is in need of assistance .
[When it comes to that, Arcadia Empire would prefer to conquer rather than to sign an equal Military Alliance . ]
After hearing Ares said so, Alfredo looked at the young man intently…and said,
[No… I’m not trying to forge an alliance with Arcadia]
[Then, what do you want?]
[If it’s possible… I would like to forge an alliance… with Your Excellency and this Schwarzer Frontier Territory . ]
Hearing that response, Ares was speechless . Shion seemed intrigued, while George frowned .
Alfredo continued on .
[We do want military aid in order to defend against Dormadia and Byzerd . Certainly if we capitulate to the Empire, they will post an army to protect the new territory . However, the safety of the Istrea Royal Clan will be in peril . Also, I fear that the land that the royal clan has tended to and developed with utmost care for generations would deteriorate under the newly appointed lord . ]
Seeing Ares simply listened silently, Alfredo resumed .
[Certainly, Redgear, and Trevoir were lucky enough to have their royal clan be spared . However, that was only the case… because of you, Your Excellency]
[I see what you mean there . Then, do you want me to persuade the Emperor to do the same to you?]
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Alfredo shook his head .
[I’m grateful for Your Excellency’s assistance… but as a matter of fact, Istrea cannot trust the Arcadia Empire itself . Therefore… I would like to forge a secret alliance with Your Excellency as an 『individual』]
[………………]
Ares felt that he has to think this through . But Shion spoke first .
[Such a strange idea . This time, you’re most likely here… to make a countermeasure against the growing aggression of Dormadia and Byzerd . In that case, it’ll be more profitable to go directly to Arcadia instead . The Empire would appreciate it if they don’t have to cross swords with Istrea to obtain it . And if Milord speaks for you, the Emperor will not treat you bad . The status as a kingdom might be gone, but the essence will still remain . ]
Scratching his head, Shion then turned to Alfredo .
[In this kind of secret alliance you want, Arcadia wouldn’t be involved in it . Thus they will eventually march to conquer your country . By then, Istrea won’t be left intact . If what you 『truly』 want is to keep Istrea safe 『as it is』… . then such an alliance is worthless . 『What』 do you actually want?]
[…………… . ]
Now it was Alfredo’s turn to be speechless . Right . His intention was easily seen through by those three .
Alfredo’s original intention was indeed to capitulate to Arcadia . If Ares, whom the Emperor placed a lot of favor on, also put some words for him, then he might obtain the best possible concessions .
However… . his goal changed halfway there . It became… . .
[…………… . . I understand . I will not try to cover it up anymore . You are right . I planned to use Your Excellency . ]
Alfredo closed his eyes for a short while, before finally speaks with determination on his face .
[On the way here, I saw how developed this country has become . Such a massive development, I don’t think a comparable feat has been recorded anywhere in history . Also…]
Alfredo glanced out of the window .
[It’s a country where humans, demihumans, and even demonkins live together . Not to mention the golems and skeletons working on the road . All that sounds good when speaking about race equality, but in reality, both the Empire and the church would scrutinize over it . ]
[…………… . ]
[When it comes to that, there is only one thing to consider . Now, as long as His Majesty Sephiros reign over the Empire, this won’t become a problem for Your Excellency . But if something happened to His Majesty Sephiros… probably Arcadia will fall into great turmoil . According to what I heard… Your Excellency has taken His Majesty’s daughter to be your wife . Then it’ll be inevitable that you’ll also be caught in the turmoil . ]
Seeing neither Ares, Shion, or George responded, Alfredo decided to push forth .
[…… . here is my personal idea . To protect Istrea Kingdom, capitulating to the empire now… will be less profitable . What I intend to do is to formally announce our alliance… once you’ve obtained 『independence』, Your Excellency . ]
[………you really spoke of something radical there . ]
[The most important thing for me is to get the greatest benefit for Istrea . If I decide to join Arcadia now, then when they break down… Istrea will also catch the sparks . However, if we ally ourselves with Your Excellency . ]
[Well, it’s not like we’ll treat your country bad, correct? At the same time, we can also use them as a smoke screen so that other eastern countries become blind to what happened at the center . When Arcadia breaks apart… another great power will take its place . I see this as a mutually beneficial relation . ]
Shion finally spoke in a follow up to Alfredo’s statement .
After listening silently so far, Ares finally spoke up .
[But… isn’t this the same as if you have sold your own country to me?]
[This might be an unforgivable act for a retainer of a country . But… I’ve resolved myself . The only way to protect my Queen and my homeland… is to rely on you as an individual . ]
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[It became more than we expected . ]
After Alfredo left, George involuntarily groaned .
[It was very obvious, but anyone would want to gain benefit from a negotiation . ]
Shion also added .
[Perhaps…that’s why we must consider what benefits we’ll get out of this . If… If we truly seek to become independent later on, the eastern countries will also become a threat for us . In that case, having Istrea on our side will be very beneficial . If… we decided to decline the alliance, that man could still go directly to Royal Capital and announce their intention to capitulate . Best case scenario, their country will also become part of the frontier… perhaps that’s why he chose to visit us first . That’s a great calculation on his part . ]
Shion rarely praises other people, which shows how good Alfredo is . The silence returned for a while afterward .
[Shall we take the bait?]
Ares’ muttering broke the silence .
[Either way, we do need to have a foothold in the eastern countries . According to the information, it will still be in another one or two years before Dormadia and Byzerd make a move . We should settle the problem with the barbarians first before turning toward the east . ]
[But… a secret alliance, huh?]
Shion also muttered .
[That means we’ll have to secretly protect Istrea as well . When the time comes… we can announce it formally . By then, the eastern countries should be ours already . ]
[And that way… we can safely advance to the successor war that will come soon… right?]
George added .
[Istrea… is indeed an attractive offer . But that man, Alfredo… he’s also an interesting fellow . I’d like to recruit him if possible . ]
Ares chuckled after saying so .
Perhaps he had judged the situation himself, before deciding to go ahead with the negotiation . That calculation, and judgment… simply superb .
[After Istrea’s ambassador returned to his country, we should start dealing with our most urgent problem . We’ve spent a year in developments . It’s time for us to move earnestly . ]
[It’s also time for Milord’s fiancees to come over . What a perfect timing . ]
[………… . . I can’t say anything against that… . ]
Ares chuckled afterward .
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As soon as he arrived back at the inn, Alfredo immediately wrote a letter to Istrea .
After writing about the current state of Grants and Schwarzer Frontier Territory, as well as the result of the negotiation in the letter… . he fell on his bed and pondered .
Never had he spent so much mental strength before .
To think he would be so tired from negotiating with someone younger than him .
[Perhaps, the eastern countries will see a great change with him in charge… then Istrea will support him so that he can play as the central character…]
Alfredo muttered to himself .