Chapter 99 - Sudden Declaration
“For now, is this good enough?”
Yes. I think it’ll be fine as long as rain doesn’t blow in.
I temporarily repaired the broken front door and the western wooden window. I searched for the detached hinges and the nails that held them, and somehow managed to reattach them to their original form.
I don’t think a storm will suddenly hit, so it should last until I can properly rebuild the second floor.
“Alright, I’ll head back for now.”
“Woof.”
It’s probably still before 10 PM, so I should be able to do a little more.
Going back to check the traps?
“I’ll do that during club activities tomorrow. More importantly, there’s something I want to prepare…”
I had vaguely thought of a log house, but nails, hinges, L-shaped brackets—I wonder if that’s what they’re called? I hadn’t thought about any of those at all.
I see. Shou-kun, have you acquired the [Carpentry] skill yet?
“No, not yet?”
Shouldn’t you acquire it before making nails and such? There was also the matter of the [Stone Kiln].
“Ah…”
Oh, right, that’s true. In this game, whether you have the skill to use something when crafting makes a difference in the outcome.
“Seriously, I should’ve realized this before making carpentry tools!”
Now, now, you had [Woodcraft] skill, so just remember it before you make the next thing.
“You’re right. Actually, I’ll get it now.”
I stopped, opened my skill list, and searched for [Carpentry]… found it. I clicked it and acquired [Carpentry: Lv1].
I should probably tell Nat about this too. He said he acquired the [Carpentry] skill as well.
“Woof?”
“Sorry, sorry. Shall we go back?”
Alright, I’ve got to work hard to make nails and other things.
…
Shou-kun, it’s almost 11.
“Okay. And that’s it for now.”
[Crafting skill level increased!]
It seems that fine details like nails and metal fittings are also affected by the [Crafting Skill], so it leveled up twice today, reaching level 3.
First, I steadily made three types of nails—large, medium, and small—and other simple things like L-shaped brackets. When I rebuild that [Mountain Cabin], I’d like a back door…
I neatly put away my tools and placed the finished items in my backpack. Leaving the blacksmithing forge, I headed towards the cave plaza. Has Lupi already fallen asleep?
[Paltheim Principality has been founded!]
“Wha—?!”
I unconsciously harmonized with Mion and looked at the camera.
“That’s not Bell-buchou and her group, is it?”
It was her live stream today, so I don’t think it’s them…
Oh, right. If they were serious about something like that, they’d have consulted before the stream.
“I’m logging out and heading to the club room.”
Okay.
I dashed back to the cave and found Lupi sound asleep on the bed. I quietly set down my backpack and lay down next to her so as not to wake her…
Woof…
Good night.
“You’re back.”
Welcome back, Shou-kun.
“Ah, yeah, I’m back.”
It feels a little awkward, but…
Mion seemed to be researching various things on the [Official Forum], taking notes. As for me… I didn’t have much to do, so maybe I’d check the comments on the video? No, probably, any moment now…
“Oh, good. You’re here.”
“I’m back, Aniki.”
“Ah, welcome back.”
Welcome back, Seth-chan, Bell-buchou.
As expected, Bell-buchou and Seth (Miki) arrived. Normally, everyone logs out directly from IRO, but that ‘nation-founding declaration’ must have been a concern.
“So, do you know anything?”
“I was going to ask you that.”
“You didn’t declare nation-founding, did you, Aniki?”
“Of course not.”
And so, no one understood the situation, making me wonder if there was any point in gathering…
It seems that the [Paltheim Territory], which was on the side of the [Second Imperial Prince Burklest] in the [Grania Empire]’s civil war, has declared independence.
Yeah. Mion gave us the most sensible information.
“Does this mean the Second Imperial Prince gave up on inheriting the throne?”
I don’t know. It doesn’t seem like there was a major battle in the first place, though…
Seth also seemed to be looking at the [Official Forum]. Well, for now, it doesn’t seem to concern me, and…
“Are there any problems that might affect Bell-buchou or [Silver Manor]?”
“It’s hard to say. The worst scenario would be if the [First Imperial Prince Sigmund]’s side acknowledges it and a ceasefire is declared…”
Why is that?
“Because the [Wolkelst Kingdom]’s development efforts for refugee relief include a southeastern, unaligned territory. There’s a possibility that the areas they painstakingly developed could be easily taken.”
“Whoa…”
So, just when the [Wolkelst Kingdom] finishes its hard work developing, someone else just swoops in and says, “Thank you for the delicious meal,” huh.
Are your guild members alright?
“Yes, all of us are active in the [Amiera Territory], and even if we leave, it would only be to transport materials or finished products to the Royal Capital.
However, the southeastern side, depending on the nation’s policy, might be abandoned in the worst case…”
That’s what she said. The southeastern side was apparently where the nation had put the most effort into development, and most of the goods they supplied were bought up by that area.
But if the [Grania Empire] and [Paltheim Principality], who suddenly declared a ceasefire, were to team up and attack us next, that wouldn’t be funny… Hm?
What’s wrong?
“No, it’s a simple question, but were the [First Imperial Prince Sigmund] and [Second Imperial Prince Burklest] really on bad terms?”
Not just Mion, but Seth and Bell-buchou all froze at that question. Huh? Did I say something weird? No, I guess I did…
“Sorry. Please forget I said that.”
“No, no, that perspective is important, Aniki!”
“That’s right. I thought it was just a common development, but nothing of the sort was ever written!”
That’s why I said not to stand on the chair.
Bell-buchou was also getting excited looking at the official page.
But they actually went through a civil war, and the citizens fled…
“Right. A nation means nothing if its people are gone. And besides, wouldn’t it have been bad if other countries attacked, taking advantage of the civil war?”
In real life, there are many historical examples of splintered nations being attacked from behind by other major powers.
“Surely that was taken into consideration? Neither the Kingdom’s nor the Republic’s border cities participated in the civil war, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. They’ve become havens for refugees.”
I see. So both sides were prepared to defend even if attacked… But we’re just piling speculation on top of speculation. Besides, after a civil war, would they really just become friends again and say “It was all a plan”?
“Seth, isn’t the Viscount knowledgeable about that sort of thing? I think it’d be better to ask someone who knows, rather than us letting our imaginations run wild with strange ideas.”
“Oh, yes! I shall ask him first thing tomorrow!”
Okay, I get it, but don’t stand on the chair. And don’t bounce…