Chapter 265 - Eighth Story: Primordia
The great noble of the highest authority, from the hereditary line of Prime Ministers of the Kingdom of Primordia, received word from the kingdom's scouts under his command that the Kingdom of Engrio's army had departed from their royal capital.
Immediately, he invited ten of those he regularly communicated with at the royal palace to his private villa in the royal capital. Among them was the Archbishop of the Royal Capital's Great Church.
They traveled to the outskirts of the royal capital in two two-horse carriages. Since the Prime Minister held territory on the southern coast and prospered from trade with the continent, even his villa's garden was a preserved primeval forest; though he showed some restraint with the buildings, the grounds were wider than those of the royal palace.
Deer kept roaming free watched the carriages from between the trees.
"It is as magnificent as ever."
"No, no, it is merely left to its own devices because I cannot attend to it all."
The Prime Minister nodded with satisfaction at the Archbishop's words, but in essence, he was implicitly boasting that it was so vast that maintenance was impossible.
They passed through the forest and arrived at the two-story villa. Entering through the door opened by a waiting servant, they found a grand hall with a magnificent chandelier. This was the place where he held dinner parties for nobles at least once a month. More than two-thirds of the nation's nobility attended every time. Naturally, the royal family was included among them.
He led everyone to the reception room next to the grand hall.
Surrounded by opulent furnishings, the guests were each offered a chair.
The Prime Minister, the master of the house, sat in front. The Archbishop sat beside him, and the others lined up to the left and right in order of family prestige. As soon as they sat, servants began efficiently distributing drinks. It was fine wine from the continent.
"As you have always said, Your Excellency, we wish to avoid a total war with Engrio."
One of the guests immediately flattered the Prime Minister.
"Umu. Now is not the time for mutual strife. It would be better to receive Engrio's protection as a good ally."
"Conflict only breeds hatred, after all."
The Archbishop chimed in with the Prime Minister's words.
"As you all know, our distant ancestors did not fight those who came from the continent, but rather achieved peace and prosperity in this land by welcoming them. Prospering together. This is precisely the teaching of the Goddess-sama."
"Indeed, indeed," the gathered men agreed.
"Regrettably, it seems the Royal Family does not understand this."
One of the guests let out an exaggerated sigh.
"It cannot be helped, I suppose. It was long ago that they came from the continent, pacified this land, and established the Royal Family. They mistakenly believe they acquired it by their own power."
"It should have been thanks to the cooperation of our ancestors."
"However, the current King, at least, does not seem to be rebelling against our opinions."
"Hmph, one cannot know his inner thoughts. After all, his father was a man who made a name for himself as a hero. And the previous King also enjoyed a reputation for bravery. As the younger brother, he must surely want to maintain the prestige of the Royal Family."
At the last person's remark, the Prime Minister's mood soured slightly. Naturally, his resentment was directed at the Royal Family.
"There is no meaning in chasing the fame of the dead forever. Archbishop. I see King Seldic as a masterpiece of a king. However, such a person is merciless to those who oppose him. We must achieve what our ancestors achieved against the current Royal Family."
"However, the Engrio Royal Capital's Great Church has no influence over King Seldic. I too wish to avoid war, but regrettably, I can only lament my lack of power."
This time, the Archbishop let out an exaggerated sigh.
"But is this country protected by something? There are rumors that the fortress mentioned was destroyed by the Demon Lord, and moreover, last year monsters even sank Engrio's fleet."
A noble invited as a guest said timidly. He could hardly thank the Demon Lord or monsters in front of the Archbishop.
The Prime Minister thought it was likely a plot by the Northwest Coast Treaty Nations. He didn't know how they did it, but he assumed it was something like the bond of the heroes.
However, he could not put it into words. He had to pretend to know nothing; if he were misunderstood as being involved, Seldic would not forgive him.
"Well, I wonder. I do not know what kind of things occurred, but one should not be involved with things like the Demon Lord or the Demon Race."
When he glared at them, they shrank back, saying, "As you say."
"It seems King Seldic is in communication with the people of the Ruined Town, but is that true?"
This time, the Archbishop asked the master of the house. Originally, they were the same. Before they knew it, conflict had arisen, and the Medioland Royal Capital's Great Church had become the authority of the island. It was said that the church in Primordia had tried to mediate between the two at the time. In other words, the priests of the Ruined Town should not be enemies. However, there were rumors that they were a group that had voluntarily become Revenants and used various Forbidden Magic, and had finally learned the art of controlling monsters.
"Archbishop. The people of the Ruined Town are those who have dabbled in darkness. We are those who serve the power of light. I have my own thoughts on the history of the Ruined Town, but it is of no concern to us. Besides, there is no need to fear what kind of people King Seldic is in communication with. We, the people of Primordia, have the protection of the Goddess-sama and the patronage of the legendary Priestess who protects the island."
The Archbishop, who usually only listened, offered an opinion to the master of the house for the first time on this occasion.
"It is as you say. However, the people of the Ruined Town were once people who shared the same blood as us. If we talk, might we not be able to understand each other and even make them our allies?"
"Hoho. Since you go that far, you must have some sort of connection?"
To the unusually persistent Archbishop, the master of the house asked with a smirk and a somewhat ill-natured tone.
"Your Excellency must also know of a person named Servetus from the Ruined Town."
"I believe he was the head of something called the Council, which is a gathering of high-ranking priests of the Ruined Town. Surely, not with him?"
He involuntarily widened his eyes. If there was a connection, there could be no greater one. He knew from information brought by scouts that Servetus was close to King Seldic of Engrio.
"Actually, through a messenger from Servetus, I received a confidential letter from the man himself."
"Wh-what? Is... is that true? That..."
At the words of the calmly smiling Archbishop, not only the Prime Minister but everyone in the room was so surprised they nearly recoiled.
"Just what are the contents?"
"Well, it is quite interesting. I wonder how I should put it."
Perhaps feeling a bit of superiority from knowing something the others didn't, the Archbishop, who usually just listened, looked at those around him with his chin slightly raised.
"There is no need to be so coy."
With a triumphant "Ho-ho-ho," the Archbishop pulled a piece of parchment from his robe and displayed it to everyone.
The Prime Minister, who snatched it away, looked at the written characters and then at the smiling Archbishop, his lips trembling. He seemed to want to say something, but the words wouldn't come.
After taking a sip of wine, he was finally able to find his voice.
"'It would be painful to annihilate you as enemies, you who once showed a certain understanding of the Great Southern Church's views and worked for reconciliation between North and South. If possible, I wish to take a path of cooperation between those who have lived on this island since ancient times...' Th-this is... without a doubt, the official seal of the Ruined Town—no, the Great Southern Church!"
The guests, who were passed the document in turn, widened their eyes, and joy gradually appeared on their faces. Engrio was powerful and an extremely bellicose nation. If coexistence and co-prosperity with such a nation were possible, nothing could be better.
"However, Archbishop. While it is fine to join hands with Engrio through the people of the Ruined Town, if we blatantly betray the Northwest Coast nations, the country will be split in two."
That was likely true. Even if the King and the surrounding nobles were at the Prime Minister's beck and call, if it came to betraying allies, it didn't seem like they would unite so easily.
"I have a good idea."
The Archbishop looked around at everyone's eyes.
"Years ago, the Royal Family, having quickly grasped the information that the Eastern Fortress had been fallen, promptly offered their surrender to Engrio's invading army. This time, there is no fortress to be fallen, but if an overwhelming military force that we cannot possibly match appears, is there any need to engage in battle? To avoid war and protect the lives of the people, would it not be better to show our submission early on? If there is an opportunity, I intend to speak to the Royal Family in that manner as the Church. What do you all think?"
The master of the house's eyes gleamed. A malicious smile spread across his face.
"As expected. In other words, the Royal Family will desire submission of their own accord. To protect the lives of the people."
Everyone clapped their hands in agreement.
Submission meant, in other words, coming under Engrio's rule.
The Royal Family might be recognized as the royal house of a subordinate small kingdom if they were lucky, but there was also the possibility they would be demoted to mere Engrio nobility. However, it was better than being destroyed. Even the nobles who sided with the Royal Family would become traitors if they opposed the Royal Family's own expression of intent to submit.
"However, if our country submits to Engrio, setting aside the Royal Family, will we be safe?"
One of the guests timidly looked at the master of the house's face.
Usually, someone like a governor would be sent in, and a redistribution of territory would take place. Naturally, Engrio's nobles would benefit the most. Those who opposed would be regarded as rebels against Engrio.
"Then, we must make a request to King Seldic in advance."
"How about doing so under our joint signatures?"
"Umu. That is good. However, we must ensure it does not come to light."
After various consultations, the nobles decided to have a letter sent through the Archbishop to Servetus, asking him to arrange for them to establish ties with King Seldic.
Hearing this, the Archbishop smiled proudly and accepted the joint letter.
"It is likely that Engrio will attack from the sea. It is not desirable for the military forces to be concentrated in the royal capital. First, we must disperse them. I shall make a proposal to His Majesty immediately."
Once everything was decided, the master of the house spoke solemnly.
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The Kingdom of Primordia is a country located at the edge of an island that stretches stoutly from northeast to southwest; being close to the continent, mines and trade are the center of its industry. Partly because there is much wasteland and little land suitable for cultivation, livestock farming is popular, but partly because its self-sufficiency in grains is low, its population is the smallest among the nations on the island.
The previous King had been a brave warrior who inherited the qualities of his father, one of the Seven Heroes who defeated the Demon Lord along with Henry and the others, but he died easily from an epidemic. The current King is his younger brother. The King, who had been compared to his brave older brother since childhood, did not have bad qualities themselves, but he lacked confidence and conducted government affairs exactly as the great nobles told him.
"Your Majesty, I believe it has already reached your ears, but Engrio is advancing toward Regnentes. It appears King Seldic himself is leading them. I believe our country should honor our long-standing alliance and fulfill our friendship toward the Northwest Coast nations. What shall we do?"
Upon receiving news of the outbreak of war with Engrio, the Prime Minister had called for a meeting.
More than a month had passed since the Engrio army departed from their royal capital.
Nobles were lined up around the King sitting on the throne. The first to speak was the greatest noble in the country, but as far as the King was concerned, the groundwork had already been laid, and there was no need to go out of his way to hold a meeting.
"That is a reasonable argument. Do you have any thoughts?"
"Then, if I may be so bold, if Engrio were to attack our country, it would likely be with their navy. I estimate a scale of five thousand men at most. In preparation for that, I suggest we move the soldiers currently stationed at the royal palace, who were intended for the Eastern Fortress, to the Central Fortress. That way, wherever they land, a flank attack will be possible. It is also to respond quickly to requests for reinforcements from Regnentes. Of course, we must not let Engrio notice."
"Umu. A good plan. Do so."
If the Engrio navy were coming, they would come to the port and join the garrison. If that happened, the royal capital would be the target of attack. So what would happen if they were dispersed?
The King did not say that. Since reinforcements from Regnentes could not be expected, they wouldn't be able to win wherever the enemy landed if five thousand troops came anyway. As the Archbishop said the other day, he had to show a posture of submission early and protect at least his older brother's son. Even as a puppet would be fine. As long as the house survived.
The faint-hearted King thought so.
"Also, there is one thing I must say."
"What might that be?"
"Next year, my older brother's son will come of age. When that happens, I intend to cede the throne."
"I see. Then around when will the coronation ceremony be?"
They didn't even try to stop him; it was a coronation based on the premise of a puppet. These fellows would surely disregard the new King's authority and try to manipulate him as they pleased.
"That depends on the outcome of this battle between Engrio and Regnentes. Our country is an ally of Regnentes. There is no need to announce it now."
"Indeed, that is so."
"Then, we shall adjourn."
The nobles left the room. The great noble who led the nobles, after glancing at the King along with the Archbishop, laughed with several other nobles.
The King told the guards in front of his room not to let anyone in until he came out, and entered his own study.
He withdrew like this once a day. The guards knew the drill; after responding, they moved slightly away from the front of the door.
The King is tired.
According to rumors in the royal palace, the main nobles are in communication with Engrio and are receiving bribes.
This kind of thing didn't happen during the time of the previous King.
The current King is too kind.
The guards implicitly let the King know by changing their standing positions that there was absolutely no need to worry about them peeking or eavesdropping.
That was how much he was worried about.
After locking the door, the King took a key from his desk and opened a hidden shelf in the back of the chest.
In the back of the shelf was a magic circle for sending letters.
It was something one of the messengers sent from Sertoria had secretly handed to him before.
His name was Jones, if I recall. It is heartening to be able to contact a scout directly under the King of Sertoria in a time of national crisis. Before, they took back the fortress occupied by Engrio for us. Although the fortress and the highway were destroyed, thanks to the rumors of the Demon Lord, I was able to feel at ease. Furthermore, the garrison that was about to be reinforced became foam on the sea. What will they do for me this time?
The King opened the lid of the box while suppressing his racing heart.
A single letter sat atop the magic circle. The seal was the crest of the King of Sertoria.
He was overcome by an urge to scream, but he managed to endure it and, with trembling hands, broke the seal and read the text written on the parchment inside. The signature was that of the King of Sertoria.
After carefully reading the contents, the King read it over three times, then set fire to the letter and threw it into the fireplace. After confirming it was completely burned out, he went out onto the terrace and took a deep breath of the outside air. The refreshing scent of the tide filled his chest. No, perhaps it was the King's heart that was refreshed. The scent of the tide was the same as always.
The royal palace of Primordia is at the end of a cape jutting into the sea. A cliff separates it in the middle, and one cannot go to the main enclosure where the royal family lives without crossing a bridge. Of course, one could also go up and down the steep stairs that scale the cliff.
The King's study was in the main tower of the main enclosure, and from the terrace facing east, the royal capital could be seen on the right and the open sea on the left.
In the middle of the open sea, a deserted island like a lump of rock could be seen all alone. No fishing boats approached the island, and its rocky area was washed by the waves.
It was the usual scenery. Day by day, the King had been overlapping his own situation with that of the island isolated in the middle of the open sea.
Turning his gaze to the west, he could see the port and the royal capital that had developed following it. Five ships were anchored in the port. They were the ships of the Engrio garrison.
Father, please forgive your unworthy son. And I thank you for the bond of the heroes who fought alongside you.
The King knelt, offered a prayer toward the heavens, and returned to his room.
He looked in the mirror many times, adjusting his expression so his face looked tired, and finally stepped out of the room.