Volume 4 Chapter 20 The Tragic ‘Compensation’ Of Lesta Kingdom
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
We arrived at Bakdu Fortress. The Seron Duchy and Lesta Kingdom are nations on the peninsula, and because the two islands are connected in such a way, the border line is not very long. Bakdu Fortress exists to block it, a natural stronghold. Upon our arrival, we were assaulted by a fierce odor.
”This is the smell of death,” Neige-san whispered. “Once you understand, a wave of nausea surges up.”
”Takumi-sama, we have been waiting for you. From here on, I will accompany you and guide you,” Neige-san said as we approached the slightly burnt remains of the fortress’s watchtower.
”It’s a terrible smell, isn’t it?” I asked, wrinkling my nose.
”Yes,” Neige-san replied gravely. “Tens of thousands have died here. Because the burials could not keep up, Scaya-dono has just cremated them.”
”I see… So many died, even in such a narrow place,” I murmured.
Dalcur-san added quietly, “They made a slope out of the bodies of fallen comrades to get over this high wall. That alone shows how desperate Lesta Kingdom was.”
As soon as we passed beyond the fortress, the reason for that desperation became clear.
Unlike the Seron Duchy, which had many flat and fertile fields, the Lesta Kingdom was mountainous. We saw terraced fields laboriously carved out of the rocky slopes, existing sporadically. The land had many jagged outcrops and little greenery. It would be difficult for crops to grow here.
”It’s poorer than I thought,” Neige-san observed.
”Yes,” Dalcur-san said. “Hunting isn’t very promising, and because of the steep cliffs, there’s limited access to fishing waters.”
I frowned. “With this, it’s unlikely there’s any surplus to store. No wonder a great famine occurred. Seeing this reality, I understand why noble daughters, including Ms. Natalie, had to work as prostitutes.”
We followed what could barely be called a mountain path, staying overnight on the way to the royal capital. We met up with Weed-san and the others. The next day, we began descending the mountain. The journey was exhausting.
”However, even if you say you’re governing this country, there’s nothing here, right?” I asked.
”Yes, I think there’s nothing,” Dalcur-san replied.
”I think so too. This poor country is a great burden, Takumi-dono. Even now, why not go against Weed’s intentions and let Lesta Kingdom survive?” Neige-san inquired.
”No, that’s not possible. I’ve promised Princess Naje,” I said firmly.
”I see. Weed says you’re too soft immediately, but I, Takumi-dono, do not dislike that softness of yours,” Dalcur-san said with a nod.
Neige-san and Dalcur-san agreed, but it seems Ranka-san wants to lightly improve the road and make the royal capital a secret base for maritime trade. When I asked if that meant smuggling, he politely avoided the question with a smile. As expected from someone with the “Business Acumen” skill — sharp and thorough.
After another full day, we arrived at the royal capital. During this time, there were no battles. Even the villages along the way let us pass without incident. I did see some former soldiers who seemed to have returned to farming, carrying loot, but since they were valuable laborers, they were overlooked. Although we sent out scouts, there were no signs of war preparations. The possibility of unconditional surrender seemed increasingly likely.
Finally, the royal capital came into view. The stone walls were sturdy, but the gates stood wide open. An aristocratic-looking man stood at the front to greet us.
”I take it you are Takumi-sama. I am Henry Barklem, the Prime Minister of Lesta Kingdom,” he said with a formal bow.
Barklem…? I was pretty sure Ms. Natalie had the same surname.
”Is it Duke Barklem?” I asked cautiously.
”As you have deduced, yes. My daughter Natalie spoke of you… Thank you for your care,” he said without embarrassment.
He didn’t even try to hide that his daughter was a prostitute. She didn’t look much like him, but perhaps Ms. Natalie took after her mother?
”As you can see, Lesta Kingdom will surrender. Please come this way… I have been given full authority over the future.”
I had already suspected, but it seemed the king and queen had already committed suicide. Dalcur-san examined the bodies in the coffin and confirmed they were indeed them. The bodies had been properly preserved, then immediately taken away. They were to be exposed alongside Naje and the others in the public capital of Seron Duchy. It was a harsh reality, but since they were dead, I wanted to believe they no longer knew anything. When the time is right, I will bury their family in the same place—that will be the only way I can offer them any peace.
And so we began discussions on governance moving forward. The mass starvation caused by the great famine had been avoided thanks to plunder. However, the country had lost much labor due to war, and it was clear another famine would strike next year. Many war orphans had been created. This country was not just a burden but a ticking time bomb. The Duke knew this, so he actively offered annexation.
”For now, let’s focus on contingency measures. In the meantime, the Duke will govern as viceroy. We will consider appointing a new viceroy later,” Barklem said.
Anyway, I have no choice but to provide food aid and move the population and orphans that are not worth the production to Seron Duchy or McGaref. No, this is an impossible game. It is completely beyond my ability. Ah, I need more brains. (T/N: 無ゲー – impossible game, referring to a no-win scenario)
As the discussion neared its end and we moved to reparations, the Duke’s face tightened with tension.
”Takumi-sama, you are aware of our country’s ‘migrant labor,’ correct?”
”Yes, I am,” I replied.
”There are issues of aptitude and inheritance, but all noble-born women receive ‘education’ without exception.”
I knew that too. Raising noble daughters as high-class prostitutes was a powerful means for Lesta Kingdom to earn foreign currency. Their education even included sex education.
”Come in.”
The Duke called, and a maid standing by opened the door with tears streaming down her cheeks. The meaning of those tears was clear the moment the door opened.
Completely naked women, connected by collars and chains, entered quietly. They lined up along the walls of the spacious conference room.
”This is the ‘reparation’ Lesta Kingdom offers. First, 34 virgins. All who have reached menarche have been prepared.”
Among them were girls whose breasts hadn’t begun to develop. Still, every woman walked proudly without showing tears.
”Next, there are eight non-virgins who have not given birth. Then, 21 women who have borne children. We gathered those under 30 years old. Pregnant women and commoners were excluded, with our apologies.”
In short, these women were the daughters and young wives of noble families. In such a small and poor country, the number of noble families was probably limited.
”Additionally, about 30 women are currently working abroad but are being instructed to return. This is the ‘reparation’ we have prepared,” the Duke finished.
In other words, these girls were to be sold as slaves or made to earn money as prostitutes to cover reparations. Although expected, the reality was overwhelming. They were already naked, showing their readiness to act as slaves.
I approached one woman from the group of mothers.
”Do you understand what will happen to you here?” I asked quietly.
”Answer honestly,” I urged.
”Of course. This body is no longer mine. All profits will be submitted to Takumi-sama’s treasury,” she replied.
”You have children, don’t you? Doesn’t it hurt?”
”It does. But more than that, it pleases me. By opening ourselves as slaves and prostitutes, no more blood will be shed, and surely, under Your Excellency’s power, our children will not starve.”
”Most of us 21 mothers have experience working as prostitutes,” she added.
The group nodded in agreement. For nobles to be reduced to this… it was truly a terrible country. Frankly, the weight of such expectations was painful too.
I looked over the faces of the women lined along the wall. My gaze stopped at one girl. That green hair… As I stepped closer, she showed a slight expression of fear.
”Duke, who is this child?”
”Yes, she is my daughter… To be precise, she is the second princess of Lesta Kingdom, Eileen Lesta.”
This marked my encounter with the forgotten remnant of the Fallen Kingdom, Eileen.
Notes:
• Bakdu Fortress – A key fortress of the Seron Dukedom; its unexpected fall prompts concern in McGaref.
• Lesta Kingdom – A kingdom neighboring the Quvarian Empire; currently at war with the Seron Dukedom and potentially the Empire.
• Scaya – The ‘Flame Witch,’ employed by the Dark Elves; captured after the battle where the Celon Dukedom army was defeated.
• Dalcur – Mercenary leader; defects to the protagonist’s clan; physically imposing, known as ‘The Strong’.
• Natalie – A famous courtesan and former noblewoman; platinum blonde, busty, and elegant; known as Natalie Barklem, daughter of the Duke of Lesta Kingdom.
• Weed – He is a retired knight and martial arts master, appeared as a sword seller, known for his bloodthirsty grin and elite ‘Sword Master’ skill.
• Naje – First princess of the Lesta Kingdom and deputy commander. The tragic princess of the Lesta Kingdom who was executed for her country.
• Ranka – She’s a guild shop assistant with a friendly demeanor and a practical mindset. Ranka’s recommendations are based on logical, merchant-minded suggestions, catering to the buyer’s needs.
• Henry – The Prime Minister of Lesta Kingdom, father of Natalie.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Eileen – The second princess of Lesta Kingdom, encountered as part of reparations.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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