Chapter 36 Interlude – At The Round Table Meeting ②
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Surely, one of the heroes has committed a crime…”
King Albrecht XVI of the Holy Kingdom of Alyurein spoke with a bitter expression.
”Is it certain? Grain?”
Albrecht’s full name was Albrecht Grain Vie Alyurein, but most referred to him simply as King Albrecht XVI. The only person who could speak to him so familiarly was…
”The Caesaran Empire has been saying so… Goddess Viness.”
The goddess Viness placed her hand thoughtfully against her cheek, adopting a theatrical pose. “Oh? This is troubling~.” Since Albrecht’s childhood, Viness’s appearance had remained unchanged. As a member of the Divine Race, who lived through eternal time, she was revered by mortals who sought answers from her vast experience—far beyond that of thousands of humans.
Everyone fears failure… That is why they seek indicators that show the correct path…
If one did not fail, they could obtain more efficiently. Success bred opportunity for even greater gains.
This was no exception for King Albrecht. No—because of his position, he could not afford to fail. For a ruler, failure meant, at best, his own death; at worst, the deaths of many citizens, or even the erasure of his country from the map. Failure was unacceptable.
He does not want to be remembered as incompetent by posterity…
Whether aware of Albrecht’s solitary torment or not, Viness spoke again.
”It has come together… Now, the hero’s actions are undesirable for us, but that does not mean we can reduce our fighting strength. If we punish the summoned hero, it will affect troop morale and lead the common people to blame us for summoning such a hero.”
”Fortunately, from the messenger’s report, the hero’s crimes were limited to sexual assault and the killing of guards… This is a minor matter compared to greater issues. Our perception that this isn’t a major incident aligns with the empire’s view.”
”However, the Caesaran Empire is our ally… Doing nothing is not an option, but we cannot simply apologize. The empire may see this as an opportunity to exploit us, which is why they reported petty crimes occurring in regions they usually ignore.”
”Therefore, I believe the best course is to ‘pay a substantial amount without apologizing.’ Is that acceptable to everyone…?”
Viness cast a challenging glance around the room, seeking consensus.
The room held the leaders of the respective nations:
* King Jack Seron III of the Northern Fallen Nation
* King Albrecht XVI of the Central Holy Nation Alyurein
* Mayor Claret of the Central Eastern Gelene Industrial Nation
* Representative Rufred of the Central Southern Laine Federation
* Chief Melve of the Southern Great Magnus Magic Nation
* Pope Hedrick of the Northern and Southern Holy Nation Salane
* Dictator Yunvaros of the Southwestern Military Power Sylas Strong Nation
* Grand Duke Clarett of the Eastern Great Dukedom of Karanas
* Knight Order Commander Claudius of the Northeastern Great Nation Nainas Dragon Knight Nation
* Mayor Ibraad of the Southeastern Agricultural Nation Lumone
”Even though the Caesaran Empire is an ally, they dominate the Birene Mountains region, which separates the subcontinent… Will they accept our proposal without reservation?”
”Isn’t there no need to worry, Mayor Ibraad? The Caesaran Empire is currently at war with the Kingdom of Elandric, another foolish human kingdom. They could use all the money they can get. Caesar is so weakened he’s resorted to Slave Troopers, and I heard Viscount Eksban’s army recently suffered a devastating defeat against the Elandric Knight Order.”
Knight Order Commander Claudius calmly dismissed Mayor Ibraad’s concerns.
”Is that so? I’m not a military officer, so I don’t understand matters like crop harvesting or planting new seeds… but…”
”Hahaha! Is your country really okay with you in charge?! No worries—a country that loses to a Knight Order is nothing to fear! Our Dragon Knights will chase them away in no time. Gahahaha!”
Claudius thumped Mayor Ibraad hard on the back. “I’m counting on you… but that hurts, doesn’t it?”
Claudius then watched as Mayor Claret of Gelene Industrial Nation and Representative Rufred of Laine Federation glared sharply at each other.
”Normally, neighboring countries are supposed to be on bad terms…” Claret muttered.
”Hmm…” Rufred replied.
It was as if sparks flew between them.
”Are you all right? …Just leave it to those two…”
No one but the goddess Viness noticed the slight unease flickering in King Albrecht’s eyes as he observed the interaction.
Notes:
• King Albrecht XVI – King of the Holy Kingdom of Alyurein.
• Viness – Goddess in the Holy Kingdom of Alyurein.
• King Jack Seron III – King of the neighboring Union Kingdom.
• Gelene Industrial Nation – A nation represented by the city mayor Claret.
• Claret – The mayor of Gelene Industrial Nation.
• Laine Federation – Represented by Rufred, a delegate from the southern region.
• Magnus Magic Nation – A major nation led by Premier Melvey from the south.
• Sylas Strong Nation – A military power led by Dictator Yunvaros.
• Dukedom of Karanas – A great dukedom represented by Grand Duke Claret.
• Nainas Dragon Knight Nation – Led by Knight Order Commander Claudius, from the northeast.
• Ibraad – The mayor of Lumone Agricultural Nation, concerned about military matters.
• Kingdom of Elandric – The human kingdom currently at war with the Caesaran Empire.
• Eksban – A leader of forces who suffered defeat against Kingdom of Elandric.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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