Chapter 591 - Chapter Ten: Sertoria Royal Palace at Year-End
By the time the frog gathering was over, I had become much more efficient, and I was able to gather more than ten a day. Since there were about two hundred in total, we added several icehouses and stored them. After having a wrap-up banquet with the Henry Party who came to pick me up, I returned to Sertoria. After finishing the report to the Royal Palace, I withdrew once, but I was called again. The Henry Party had disappeared, and Harris-sama was there instead. When I wondered what it was, I was introduced to two men. One was a bishop belonging to the Great Church of the Sertogne Royal Capital, and the other was a noble from the Kingdom of West Liber.
"Good day to you, Jeanne-bishop-sama. I have been longing for the day I could meet you. Meeting you like this today is surely a divine arrangement, one could even call it fate. For me, there is nothing more joyful than this."
The noble in front of me said something like that. Somehow, with the mumbling-style pronunciation of the mainland, there was too much rhetoric and exaggerated gestures, which was distracting, and I couldn't hear well.
From the look of him, he's likely a mid-ranking noble. He has that kind of feel. His age is around his forties. His black wavy hair reaches his shoulders, and he has a mustache. A dark green jacket over a pure white inner layer. It's glossy silk. He has a leather belt around his waist and is hanging a sword. His black trousers and the thick dark brown lace-up leather boots reaching his knees are rugged. He has three rings on his right hand which he offered for a greeting. Unlike the rugged White Island, people from the mainland are stylish.
"May the Goddess's protection be upon you during your stay on this island."
When I gave a safe blessing for people from the mainland that Sianya taught me, he swung his hands around exaggeratedly and gave a very grand bow.
Now, this old guy. What did he come for? It was to beg for magic water.
"I believe West Liber was being provided for by Northern Gram, wasn't it?"
The sale of magic water should be continuing even after the war. The great epidemic in the summer originated from the coastal areas of West Liber and its hinterland. They tried hard to stop it from spreading to the southern inland, and for that purpose, they even had a truce.
"That is a story of the Royal Family. My territory is a bit further to the southwest."
Hearing that, it's south of the Duchy of Germania and Sertogne. It's completely inland.
"Fortunately, the number of infected people within my territory was few. However, we do not know what will happen from next spring onward. If possible, if we don't take some measures during the winter when the spread weakens, I cannot predict what will happen."
I see. However, I don't know if magic water can be transported to the inland within its effective period. It's barely possible for coastal countries like the Duchy of Germania and Sertogne.
"Could you somehow lend us your strength? My territory is fortunately adjacent to Sertogne. If Jeanne-sama would come to the very edge of the land where magic can be used, after that, it's just crossing the border. If we gather as many infected people as possible near the border and treat them completely, we might be able to bring the spread to an end."
That's certainly true. However, currently, I'm not involved. It's Northern Gram. Moreover, treatment with magic water takes time. If transportation takes time, they might not be completely cured within the effective period.
"Then, could you cast magic directly on the patients?"
I see. It's faster to cast magic directly. When helping severely ill patients, that's faster. Since I'm over-ultra-high-level, I can use mid-level even if it drops two stages. If it's within the range where Sertogne magic can be used, even if the activation is unstable, at least basic level should be fine.
"As for the reward, I can prepare an amount you'll be satisfied with."
That's not the issue. Apparently, has this guy also come wanting to make a killing?
First of all, it's a country I've never been to. I don't speak the language. The King's permission is necessary, and it would also interfere with the monster extermination and Demon Lord sealing-related investigations I'm doing on the White Island. I can't just go easily.
"I am fully aware that you are busy. Therefore, regarding the schedule and such, I will make sufficient adjustments considering Jeanne-sama's plans. On top of that, if you could possibly pay a visit once before the summer when the spread becomes severe, after that, I am foolishly planning to receive guidance from Anri-sama in Primordia and Bishop Lloyd in the Duchy of Harmonia to consider measures such as herbs."
"Wouldn't it be fine to get magic water from Primordia or Sertogne? I think you should talk to Bishop Lloyd once."
"Currently, West Liber is at war with Sertogne. Even though it's during a truce, they won't deal with us."
"Then, how about dispatching a priest to Primordia once? I'll listen to your talk again after that."
After that, he kept rambling, but when the King urged him to withdraw and the Royal Guards stepped forward two or three paces, he gave up and exited.
"Sorry, Jeanne. Lately, there have been many such inquiries from the West Liber Royal Family and nobles. I had been refusing them all. I didn't think he would come in person, but I thought it would be a good opportunity to hear Jeanne's thoughts. I decided to leave it to you."
"Yes. Thank you for your trouble."
Near the end of the year, I was told to come to the Royal Palace again. Apparently, that noble is serious and went to Anri-sama's place.
Anri-sama's view was that it would be interesting to go as an experiment. Honestly, he's so carefree. On top of that, perhaps they had taken measures in advance, as the Sertogne Royal Capital Great Church is also in the mood for it. They must be planning to promote missionary activities. They apparently suggested that they dispatch a bishop and have me use a church near the border as a base. They had even politely laid the groundwork with the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church. Price-sama, who had given in to repeated requests, sent a letter saying "Sorry, but just go once, even if it's only once."
"Jeanne. The Church has gotten serious. The Archbishop of our country's Royal Capital Great Church also says that since Price-sama has given in, he cannot resist. Sorry, but could you go? I'll attach Harris and, uh, I think it was Priest Hermit. I'll also have Bonnie and Wilhelmina accompany you."
As a result of various consultations, since large-scale infection has not been confirmed at present, it was decided to go in early spring when the epidemic begins. After the restoration of the Northeastern Forest in March is over, I'll set out on the Henry Party's bowl, go to the Duchy of Harmonia via Primordia with Sianya, join Bishop Lloyd, and then head south to enter the site. The fee was set to be the same as a basic-level scroll, and the client will bear the expenses. I refused the reward money. Because it's not monster extermination.
"Is that acceptable?"
The bishop from the Sertogne Royal Capital Great Church and the noble from West Liber, who were called after the conclusion was reached, both had looks of joy. Even though it's during a truce, they should be from warring nations, yet they are rejoicing hand in hand. Why are they even having a war?
"However, there are conditions."
"What are the conditions?"
"Since the purpose is strictly to prevent the spread within your territory, taking money from patients is prohibited."
"Please rest assured. Including expenses, my family will pay for it."
Hmm. It doesn't seem to be a lie.
"There is one more. To avoid becoming a trigger for war, please ensure that armed soldiers do not approach the border."
"Please rest assured on that point as well. My family has not participated in this war with East Liber."
Apparently, from the beginning of the war, with the argument that it's better not to expand the front, they have been holed up in their fortress and concentrating on defense. The Sertogne side is similar, and they are completely connected behind the scenes. No wonder battles only occur on the coastline. I heard that West Liber has many nobles who don't listen to the Royal Family. They must be doing their own diplomacy and choosing whether to go to war or not on their own.
"Originally, our country had no intention of having a war. The King of East Liber got excited on his own and started it. Since there is face to maintain, our King is also fighting back, but we nobles are all leaning toward anti-war. Besides, regarding the territory lost this time, the land occupied by the East Liber main army is one thing, but the territories of the two Duchies are lands of other tribes. They have been a source of trouble even until now, starting rebellions and such. There is no need to forcibly take them back. In any case, we want to somehow prevent the war itself."
Hmm. They'll just have to work hard on diplomacy for that. Well, I have to do bear hunting and wolf hunting until the end of February, and I'm not involved in such difficult things.
◆◆◆◆
The Sertoria Royal Palace during the year-end and New Year holidays is busy with guests. Henry and Eleanor, who usually go out here and there behind the King's back, are staying quietly in the Royal Palace at this time. It's also rare for the couple's children and grandchildren, such as Princess Anne and Roberts who are usually in Sertoria, to spend time together except during the year-end and New Year holidays. They were enjoying a brief moment of family time in between greetings to guests.
This year's year-end and New Year holidays had a difference from usual years. It was the nationality of the guests. West Liber had sent multiple nobles as envoys. And that was the case in all the countries participating in the Northwest Coast Treaty of the White Island.
In the waiting room of the Audience Chamber, as if it were already an annual occurrence, the King's companions had gathered. The Royal Palace during the year-end and New Year holidays basically consists of greetings to guests from beginning to end. During that time, it was customary for them to stay in the Royal Palace. It was just lunchtime now, and they were eating the food brought into the waiting room. Since the King's family is having a meal together in a separate building, those gathered now are the members excluding the King and Queen and Roberts.
"This year, unlike usual, West Liber sent as many as three envoys."
Victor drinks beer. He had been standing by the throne for almost half a day in preparation for greetings. Finally, a glass. After doing the same in the afternoon, there will be a banquet. And he'll keep drinking until late at night. Tomorrow will be a repetition of the same thing, with only the wording of the greetings changing.
"It's a diplomatic offensive in preparation for war. Although it was expected, I didn't think they would send three."
The one who replied was Evans. He finally finished cooling the beer for everyone and was able to pour it into his own mouth.
"Out of the three, one is related to Jeanne. The West Liber trip we mentioned. A bishop has also come to the Church."
Harris, who was the only one mostly stuck in the waiting room, is on the side coming to give greetings this time. Tomorrow, he will accompany the Archbishop's New Year's greetings.
"Out of the remaining two, one is the commercial attache who's been here for a while, right? What did the other one come for?"
It's Jones. He's usually in Nakanohara, but he returns to the Royal Capital for the year-end and New Year holidays.
"He's an ambassador candidate. Apparently, the commercial attache alone isn't enough."
Evans answers. He is the only one who can see all official documents along with the Royal Family.
"Ambassador? Are we placing one?"
"No, we won't. The other side probably isn't serious anyway. We'll leave that kind of thing to Medioland."
"Then, is it just business?"
"Yes. It'll be like that. Let's circulate some dried octopus."
"Isn't their target silver?"
"Probably. But that's a no-go. If we do that, the East Liber side will declare war."
"Then, is the Northwest Coast Treaty just a threat after all?"
"No, it seems there are exceptions."
"Exceptions?"
"Yes."
Here, Evans placed the beer he was holding on the table. Seeing that, the other companions all looked at Evans at once.
"It's a different story if East Liber invades West Liber while West Liber has not signed a non-aggression treaty with the Duchy of Germania."
"In that case?"
"The treaty member nations will form a military alliance with West Liber. At that time, Primordia and Sertogne will maintain complete neutrality toward East and West Liber."
It's something for East Liber to think about. They would have to give up either the army and military base at the position closest to the enemy's Royal Capital, or the reinforcements from the allied nations.
"M-meaning, if the war resumes as it is, our country will also invade Engrio?"
"That's how it will be."
Everyone gasped.
For Sertoria, a full-scale foreign expedition would be the first since the rising period up to the third King. Everyone thought that Medioland had chosen an unexpectedly hardline measure.
"However, currently, negotiations with the Duchy of Roland are proceeding."
"Even though we haven't officially established diplomatic relations with Engrio?"
"Yes. Because it's a different country. The Duchy of Roland is a vassal state of East Liber, right?"
It's a vassal state, but the lord of the Duchy is the Crown Prince of Engrio.
"What kind of negotiations are proceeding?"
Harris asked. He thought that probably not only Evans, but also Hughes and Jones would know.
"Transactions of wool. As you know, the Duchy of Roland territory is a major production area for woolen fabrics. And it is thought that they can increase production even more."
Harris looks at Hughes. The Captain of the Royal Guard nodded lightly. The Duchy of Roland territory was once divided between East and West Liber. It was united into one. Accordingly, efficiency was improved and an increase in the production of woolen fabrics became foreseeable. However, the production of wool has slumped due to the influence of the war. Even if it recovers in two or three years, in order to increase the production of woolen fabrics, it is necessary to import wool from other countries and engage in processing trade to process it into woolen fabrics.
"Currently, they plan to import wool not only from their own territory but also from Engrio and Morandine, but that's the same as before. Therefore, it's expected that the countries of the White Island will also participate."
Sheep grazing is popular in each country of the White Island. They will export that wool and have it processed in the Duchy of Roland. This was applied for by the lord of the Duchy, Richard.
"If that talk is successfully concluded, not only the war situation, but the power map itself might change."
The Duchy of Roland is a vassal state of the Kingdom of East Liber. However, it is also a country entrusted with complete autonomy. If that country becomes a friendly nation to the countries of the White Island, will East Liber start a war with West Liber?
"If a war starts, transactions will stop. If that happens, the Duchy of Roland will likely fall into a shortage of materials. Also, depending on the case, the Northwest Coast Treaty member nations will ally with West Liber. The Duchy of Roland might refuse to participate in the war using that as a reason. Perhaps Duke Roland Richard wants to build a nation that is not influenced by the will of East Liber."
Is such a thing possible?
Victor could not readily believe Evans's words.