Chapter 305 International Relations in the Wake of the ”Stampede” ②
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”So… uh, is that everything?” I asked. “The conclusion is basically… watch out for women?”
”No,” Queen Cecile-sama said. “Actually, four more letters have arrived, making five in total. Though the conclusion of every single one is indeed ‘watch out for women.’”
As I asked my timid question, Cecile-sama pulled out four fresh envelopes. Wow, Kento-kun, you’re quite a hit. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it, though.
”Does that mean… four other countries are sending women after us?” I asked.
”Not necessarily. But it’s a warning to stay on your toes. Just like with Ferguson, their target might be Roland, or perhaps both of you. And they won’t necessarily rely on simple honey traps,” Cecile-sama replied.
”Ah, well… I suppose that makes sense,” I said.
”Yes. But if there is one thing this proves, it’s that our nation has been promoted. We are no longer merely a ‘country with utility,’ but a ‘country everyone is desperate to form an alliance with.’ You have my thanks, Lord Harvest,” Cecile-sama said.
I was taken aback by how remarkably candid Cecile-sama’s words were. She had expressed gratitude before, but this time, her expression was soft. Until now, she’d always had a predatory glint in her eyes.
”Back when I first ascended the throne, we were nothing more than a ‘weakling to be devoured.’ Forget honey traps for Roland; I received nothing but letters saying they’d ‘take me off our hands’ if I bowed my head low enough. I had to keep myself wound tight just to prove them all wrong,” Cecile-sama said quietly.
She added with a playful glint, “Of course, I’m only halfway to my goal. I have no intention of relaxing while I still wear the crown.”
I felt a sudden, impulsive urge to pull her into a hug and pat her head, but I settled for a formal reply. “My heartiest congratulations, Cecile-sama.”
”Indeed. It’s not a bad feeling,” she murmured.
I have to protect this smile.
In that moment, I finally understood why the maid Muse, the Captain of the Guard Merluza, and the others stood so firmly by her side. She was a natural-born charmer-probably even better at it than I was.
”Now then, let’s get back to business,” Cecile-sama said, her face returning to that of a cool, composed monarch. She lined the letters up on the desk. “Of these four, the first is from the Kingdom of Sylvaol to the southwest. The second is from the ‘Saint,’ Loire-Rose of the Holy City. The third is from the Willowp Empire¹ to the east, and the last is from the Ivory Kingdom even further east.”
With Ferguson to the west and Coalmine to the north-where Crown Prince Ierse’s wife had been staying-that meant every major power surrounding us was now on the move.
”The letters from Sylvaol and the Holy City aren’t much to worry about. We’re on friendly terms with both. They mostly just want details on the ‘Ddo-Buddy Cannon’² and to reaffirm our continued friendship,” Cecile-sama explained.
”So, they might poke their noses in, but they won’t do anything drastic enough to blow the relationship?” I asked.
The Kingdom of Sylvaol was already a key player in the ‘Great Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ concept. It was the home of Her Highness, the wife of Crown Prince Ierse from Coalmine; she’d visited recently to secure their cooperation. Now that the ‘Stampede’³ was over and we were finally ramping up ‘Ddo-Buddy’ trade, they wouldn’t risk anything stupid-especially not after hearing what the ‘Ddo-Buddy Cannon’ could do.
As for the ‘Saint’ Loire-Rose and the Church, our ties were already deep. Sister Amelia-san was working at my shop, and the Canarias Convent was handling the bulk of our production. If there was a problem, it would likely be some internal Church power struggle. Besides, I owed the Saint for helping me during that whole Inquisition mess, and she was a personal friend of Cecile-sama’s. As long as the letter was from her, there was no cause for alarm.
”Yes. Regardless, if you are the one who makes a move on them, it makes it very difficult for me to complain. Be wary of beautiful strangers, Kento-kun,” Cecile-sama said.
”Understood,” I replied.
Beautiful strangers, huh… I couldn’t exactly argue. I’d made a move on Tina when she appeared incognito and ended up getting her pregnant. I mean, it wasn’t a one-night stand or anything, but still.
Anyway, the real issues were the Willowp Empire and the Ivory Kingdom.
”The Empire…” I muttered.
”Yes. They still insist on calling themselves that,” Cecile-sama said with a trace of disdain.
In my old world, an ‘Empire’ was usually a state that unified multiple ethnic groups. It was similar here. Decades ago, the Willowp Kingdom swallowed up several smaller nations and declared itself an Empire. That was back when Cecile-sama’s father had just taken the throne.
Naturally, after her parents passed, the Willowp Empire tried to wrap its tentacles around the Canaria Kingdom. But they were met with fierce resistance, and a domestic rebellion eventually forced them to retreat. That domestic force was the Ivory Kingdom-the authors of the fifth letter. They’d achieved independence by rallying behind a princess of a fallen nation.
Since then, the Willowp Empire has been playing a dangerous game-trying to fight the Ivory Kingdom while keeping its other occupied territories from revolting.
”If they drop the ‘Empire’ title now, they’re admitting defeat,” I noted. “They won’t give that up easily.”
”Precisely. And they have no intention of fixing their arrogant attitude. They’ve suggested a marriage between Roland or myself and one of their princes or princesses. Believe it or not, this is them being ‘civil,’” Cecile-sama said.
”Really?” I asked.
”Yes. Before, they were trying to pawn off some low-ranked noble of unknown lineage. From their perspective, offering royalty is a massive compromise,” Cecile-sama said, laughing only with her mouth while her eyes remained cold.
It was clear the Willowp Empire was circling the drain. Watching her lifelong enemy weaken like this was clearly the highlight of her day.
”So, did the Ivory Kingdom send a marriage proposal too? Don’t tell me the Queen wants to marry Roland-sama…?” I asked.
”Quite the opposite,” Cecile-sama said, smiling.
”The opposite?” I asked.
”It’s simple, really. Up until now, they’ve been demanding we hand Roland over. Now, they’re saying they want to ‘rescind’ that request-though they added, quite begrudgingly, that they’re still available if we want it,” Cecile-sama explained.
”So they’re respecting your wishes now? Or did they find someone better?” I asked.
”Given the timing, it’s the former. ‘The enemy of my enemy is my friend,’ as they say. Our relationship hasn’t been terrible, but now they’re actively trying to stay in my good graces,” Cecile-sama said.
I ran through the checklist in my head. Low risk: Coalmine and the Church. Moderate risk: Ferguson and Sylvaol, and maybe the Ivory Kingdom. High risk: The Willowp Empire. Even if they were acting softer, they were still pushy. As the creator of the ‘Ddo-Buddy Cannon,’ I was probably in physical danger regardless of any honey traps. To an Empire constantly at war, a weapon that could take down a Dragon was something they’d kill for.
I’d learned a lot, and I appreciated the warning. I definitely needed to be more careful. But there was one thing I had to ask.
”I think I have a handle on the situation. But Cecile-sama, was it really okay to tell me all this? This sounds like top-tier state secrets,” I said.
”Yes, you’re right. Normally, I would never share this with a mere Viscount. Even the developer of the ‘Ddo-Buddy Cannon’ wouldn’t be privy to this,” Cecile-sama replied.
”Then why?” I asked.
”Isn’t it obvious? Because for the future of this country, I’ve decided to officially drag you into the deep end,” Cecile-sama said with a ferocious grin.
The two guards flanking her moved. No-they vanished. Before I could even process it, they were at my sides, their grip on my arms like iron shackles. I was completely trapped.
—
Summary:
Kento discusses the post-Stampede geopolitical landscape with Queen Cecile. He learns that multiple nations are interested in his magic technology and the kingdom’s newfound power. The chapter ends with Cecile literally ‘restraining’ Kento to ensure his forced cooperation with the state.
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Trivia:
- The Willowp Empire is a decades-old aggressor that absorbed small nations.
- The Ivory Kingdom is a breakaway state from the Willowp Empire.
- The Church (Saint Loire-Rose) is a close ally because of Kento’s shop and production ties.
- Kento is officially a Viscount now, though he feels out of place.
- The guards Muse and Merluza are physically capable of moving faster than Kento’s eyes can track
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Character Insight:
Cecile shows a vulnerable side regarding her early days as a queen in a weak country, explaining her current ruthlessness. Kento recognizes her charisma but is blindsided by her willingness to physically coerce him.
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Behind the Scenes:
The ‘Ddo-Buddy’ brand name is an intentional juxtaposition of adult-goods humor against high-stakes political drama.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Cecile – A queen in the capital who possesses the authority to regulate business and commerce, particularly concerning moral or public order issues. She is currently investigating Kento’s shop, ‘Harvest.’ Have long golden hair, elegant, and wearing expensive white dress with gold accesories.
• Kento – The owner of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’ which discretely sells adult goods. He’s a former overworked, ordinary salaryman from modern Japan who was suddenly transported (isekai’d) to this fantasy world. He has dark hair and an unremarkable appearance, typically wearing a plain, slightly suspicious-looking shop owner’s clothes looks like Kazuma Satou from certain series. He has a minimal amount of magic power, enough to craft his specialty items.
• Roland – he younger brother of Queen Cecile and the heir apparent to the Canaria throne. Clean, golden-blonde hair, same color as the Queen, innocent, beautiful face that could be mistaken for a girl but dressed in a boy’s formal wear.
• Merluza – The Captain of the Royal Guard, a veteran soldier and Lion Beast-person. She testifies to the military necessity and effectiveness of the ‘Tremble Ddo-Buddy’ (which she calls ‘Bob’) for female beast-person soldiers, ensuring job performance isn’t compromised by ‘heat’. Have dull yellow hair, large feline ears, wearing armor, and large scar over the right eye.
• Muse – Cecile’s trusted attendant and chief maid, Muse handles sensitive, discreet tasks like espionage and product acquisition. Have sharp, black eyes, wearing maid uniform, and have expressionless face.
• Loire-Rose – The current Saintess, possessing a divine appearance yet a modern, playful, and irreverent attitude that clashes with Church tradition. She has white hair, pale skin, blue eyes, and wears clergy robes.
• Ierse – The Crown Princess and wife of Gilliam, originally from a foreign land. She is described as lively and healthy with a unique charm. She wants to cheer up her husband. Has long haired hair.
• Amelia – The Sister of the Church of Demon-Subjugating, who usually buys from Kento, has light blue hair.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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