110 - The feelings that reach, the feelings that do not reach
Knights stood in formation, clad in armor and helmets polished to a mirror shine. They were the expeditionary force of the Laurel Kingdom, the knights of the first wave where Fumiya was stationed. In front of them stood a line of knights wearing armor and helmets that could hardly be called polished. The military flags they held belonged to the Aria Kingdom.
As a tense atmosphere flowed through the armies, a mounted knight advanced from the Aria Kingdom's side. He wore a deep crimson cloak. From his attire, it was clear he was a high-ranking official. From the Laurel Kingdom's side, Fumiya and a woman dressed in a luxurious gown stepped forward.
"Be more dignified."
Fumiya spoke to the woman, who looked nervous.
"Y-yes..."
The woman was Princess Lianna of the Aria Kingdom. She was the princess whom Fumiya had toyed with mercilessly, and continued to do.
"If you do it properly, I'll make you feel good again. If you fail, it's punishment."
"..."
Regardless of the outcome, the treatment she received was the same. For Princess Lianna, it was torture.
"It would be better if it didn't turn into a fight, right? Or do you want to kill many people?"
"...No."
"Then do your best. Here, he's come."
While they were talking, the knight who had advanced from the Aria Kingdom's army had drawn near. Upon confirming Princess Lianna's presence, the knight dismounted and knelt on the spot.
"...General Patterson, thank you for coming. I am grateful."
"...If it is the Princess's command."
If he had simply been summoned, even by the Princess's orders, he likely would not have appeared here. General Patterson, who guarded the border, was not permitted to leave his post.
"Have you heard the news from the messenger?"
"Yes. I have heard."
"...What did you think?"
After a brief pause, Princess Lianna asked for General Patterson's thoughts.
"Is it a fact that surrender is His Majesty's will?"
"...It is a fact that His Majesty himself has surrendered."
There was no need to obey the will of a King who was a prisoner. Princess Lianna infused that thought into her words.
"...If we surrender, His Majesty will continue to rule this country. Is this a fact?"
"I cannot answer that. All I know is that even if His Majesty remains the King of this country, the Laurel Kingdom exists above him. That is all."
"...Naturally, that is how it would be."
The Aria Kingdom would swear fealty to the Laurel Kingdom. Even if the King did not change, an entity with superior power would be established above him.
"Autonomy will be granted. It shouldn't change that much."
Seeing that the conversation wasn't going the way he wanted, Fumiya cut in.
"And what would that entail?"
Even when told "autonomy," the specifics were unclear. General Patterson asked Fumiya for clarification.
"Nothing changes from before. You are free to handle domestic politics as you wish."
"...Then may I ask what the obligations are?"
There was no way such a sweet deal existed. There had to be some benefit for the Laurel Kingdom. Thinking this, General Patterson decided to confirm what would be required of them.
"Let's see... there is military cooperation. You will need to fight alongside the Laurel Kingdom for the conquest of the continent."
"That is only natural. Anything else?"
Military authority would be stripped. That was not surprising. It was a natural demand.
"...I suppose that's about it?"
"That's all?"
"Eh? Is there something else?"
"...I wish to confirm, are the conditions you just mentioned official for the Laurel Kingdom?"
General Patterson noticed this from Fumiya's reaction. He didn't need an answer. Princess Lianna, standing beside Fumiya, was shaking her head slightly.
"It's okay. I will definitely make the Laurel Kingdom accept these conditions."
"If that is the case, should you not first persuade the Laurel Kingdom and make it official before beginning negotiations?"
"The fact that you accepted surrender under these conditions is what's important."
"What?"
Fumiya wasn't conducting these negotiations without any thought at all. He intended to obtain the Aria Kingdom's promise first to use as leverage to persuade the Laurel Kingdom's home country.
"If you accept surrender, it becomes my achievement. As a reward for that, I will request the Laurel Kingdom to accept these conditions."
"...I cannot believe they would accept."
Lenient treatment of a conquered nation sounded good, but if the Laurel Kingdom gained nothing from it, the conquest would be meaningless. If it became meaningless, Fumiya's achievement would also vanish. General Patterson could not imagine the Laurel Kingdom accepting this.
"If that happens, I will fight on your side."
"...What did you say?"
"This is a promise between me and you. I must do everything in my power to keep that promise."
"Why would you go that far?"
Betraying his country to fight. General Patterson could not understand why Fumiya would do such a thing.
"It's for Lianna."
"Hah?"
"I love her. She loves me too. We love each other every night."
As he spoke, Fumiya wrapped his arm around Princess Lianna's waist and pulled her body close. Princess Lianna's white skin flushed red. It was not from shame, but from humiliation.
"...I see. So that's how it is."
General Patterson correctly understood Princess Lianna's reaction. To speak of nighttime activities to a subordinate. He judged that if there were any respect for Princess Lianna, such a thing could not be done.
"I am your ally. Therefore, I will strive to ensure the best possible outcome for you. Please believe me."
"...Princess."
Fumiya's words didn't matter. General Patterson was agonized over what to do, thinking of Princess Lianna's feelings. Receiving that gaze, Princess Lianna escaped Fumiya's arm and knelt before General Patterson.
"Patterson. We have lost the battle. However, that does not mean all our pride has been stripped away. As citizens of the Aria Kingdom, how should we be? We must think about that together with everyone."
Even if she was covered in shame, she had not lost her pride as the Princess of the Aria Kingdom. She told him to choose the right path for the Aria Kingdom, regardless of what happened to her personally. Princess Lianna spoke this while looking straight into General Patterson's eyes. She had no reason to be told to "be dignified" by Fumiya. Princess Lianna was still the Princess of the Aria Kingdom.
"Princess... I understand. I would like some time to return and consult with everyone."
"Yes. That would be best."
Before Fumiya could answer, Princess Lianna gave her response to General Patterson. Having received it, General Patterson also returned, completely ignoring Fumiya's presence.
"...It seems your training was still insufficient. I'll stop spoiling you from now on."
"I don't recall ever being spoiled, but feel free if you wish."
"...Yeah, I will."
Fumiya glared at Princess Lianna, his face twisting. It wasn't just words. In reality, he intended to make Princess Lianna taste even greater humiliation from now on. Princess Lianna was also prepared. She had been thinking about this ever since this matter was decided. How should she be as the Princess of the Aria Kingdom? Was it right to simply obey Fumiya to protect her family's safety?
But as a result, things proceeded exactly as Fumiya desired. General Patterson decided to accept the surrender, believing it to be the best for the Aria Kingdom, as Princess Lianna had said.
◇◇◇
The Aria Kingdom, more accurately, the Aria Kingdom's army led by General Patterson, promised to surrender. Consequently, Fumiya had to negotiate with the Laurel Kingdom as promised. Of course, this was exactly what Fumiya wanted. Securing the Aria Kingdom's autonomy was absolutely necessary for when he eventually became the King of the Aria Kingdom himself. However, the problem was how to make the Laurel Kingdom accept the conditions. Even if he told Sieg, the commander-in-chief, he would be ignored, or worse, receive a harsh reprimand. It was counterproductive. In that case, the negotiating partner was the home country. The best option would be direct negotiations with the King. Whether "best" was the right word was debatable, but if he succeeded in persuading the King, it would not be easy to overturn. Immediately, a negotiating messenger was sent to the capital of the Laurel Kingdom. The negotiating partner was...
"You want to see Father? For what purpose?"
"I want you to listen to Fumiya's request. So, could you create an opportunity for us to meet alone? Please."
On the bed, Akemi directed a spoiled expression toward Crown Prince Neil. It was a masterful display of a villainess, but regarding this matter, there was no merit for Akemi. If any, it was simply that she had a reason to return to the capital.
"And what is the content of that request?"
"...Well. It would be better if the Crown Prince heard it too. The Aria Kingdom has surrendered."
"...I didn't know. That was quite fast, wasn't it?"
Crown Prince Neil was surprised to hear the news of the surrender. Naturally so. The information delivered by Sieg and that from Akemi differed greatly. More accurately, the Aria Kingdom had promised to surrender if conditions were met, they had not yet surrendered.
"But there are conditions for the surrender, and those conditions need to be accepted."
"What conditions?"
"To recognize autonomy without changing the current system."
"...Does that even count as surrendering?"
If political freedom was allowed while keeping the national system unchanged, the Laurel Kingdom's influence would be practically non-existent. Crown Prince Neil wondered if that could be called an occupation.
"Of course, they will obey the Laurel Kingdom's orders. If told to attack another country, they will attack, and if told to pay taxes, they will pay. It's just that they can handle politics within their territory freely."
"...And the guarantee that they will obey orders?"
"A person from the Laurel Kingdom with authority separate from the King will be placed there."
"Then wouldn't that mean autonomy isn't being recognized?"
In reality, that authorized person would replace the King and conduct politics. Crown Prince Neil thought this was a possible form. However, if that happened, the Aria Kingdom's side would surely be dissatisfied.
"Except for orders from the Laurel Kingdom, that person will also conduct politics with the Aria Kingdom's interests in mind. If so, there's no problem."
"It seems like there would be a problem... what position would that be?"
If they were a subject of the Laurel Kingdom, they should act for the sake of the Laurel Kingdom. If not, that was a problem in its own right. If they became too much of an Aria Kingdom citizen, they might stop listening.
"The Princess's husband. Connected to the royalty, but a subject of the Laurel Kingdom."
"...Hey, is Fumiya perhaps trying to become that?"
"Yes."
"...Does he want a country?"
In Crown Prince Neil's heart, his wariness toward Fumiya intensified instantly. Excessive ambition in a subject is harmful to the royal family. That was how he thought.
"It's not that he wants a country, he wants to create a harem."
"A harem?"
"He wants to live surrounded by many beautiful women. The Princess alone isn't enough, I think he wants to take every beautiful woman in the Aria Kingdom indiscriminately."
Malice toward Fumiya. That was what made Akemi tell this story, but in this case, Fumiya should be grateful.
"...He did seem that way even when he was in the capital."
She had succeeded in easing Crown Prince Neil's wariness.
"He's already completely set on it, so I think persuading him will be a pain."
"How selfish. The expedition isn't something he can just do as he pleases."
Using war to satisfy his own desires. Crown Prince Neil wasn't without ambition himself, so he had no intention of condemning that in itself, but when the object of desire was women, it was a different story.
"But... it would be troublesome if Fumiya stopped listening to you."
"Hm?"
"Moreover, it would be terrible if he became an enemy."
"...Are you saying you feel that way?"
Crown Prince Neil's eyes narrowed. Akemi's words were a threat. That was how he took it.
"N-no, I'm not thinking that. But Fumiya is an idiot, so he's capable of doing something like that."
Sensing the ominous atmosphere from Crown Prince Neil, Akemi immediately glossed over the conversation. Akemi had no need to threaten Crown Prince Neil. She absolutely had to avoid being hated over something like this.
"...What a troublesome personality."
"Right? He's a hopeless man."
"But if the conditions are right, the Aria Kingdom will surrender. That's not bad."
"R-right? If the opponent surrenders without fighting, it's a good thing."
Crown Prince Neil took it positively. This was a happy result for Akemi. Whether she could persuade the King or not didn't matter, it seemed she could avoid making him angry.
"...I'll try talking to Father myself. If I find there's room for negotiation, then you can give the detailed story."
"That would be a great help. Thank you, Crown Prince-denka."
For now, it seemed she had fulfilled her role. Thinking this, Akemi thanked him while leaning against Crown Prince Neil. She believed she had to move her own goals forward a bit as well.
"...If the Aria Kingdom surrenders, it'll be a milestone."
"True. But the war will still continue."
Even if negotiations with the Aria Kingdom were settled, it was only one country. Continental conquest was still far off.
"Crown Prince-denka. How much longer must I go to the battlefield?"
"Do you hate fighting?"
"It's not the fighting, it's that I hate being apart from you. If possible, I want to be like this... every day."
She reached her hand toward Crown Prince Neil's lower body and slowly stimulated it. A reaction appeared immediately. Upon confirming this, Akemi trailed her tongue across Crown Prince Neil's body, slowly moving down toward his lower body.
"...Do you love me?"
"...Yes, I love you."
It was the first time she had said this so clearly. Akemi was nervous, anxious about how Crown Prince Neil would react.
"I see... then, I'll think about it."
"Really!?"
"Really. I want to grant Akemi's wishes if I can."
"...Thank you."
It was almost exactly the answer she had expected. Having obtained it, Akemi's heart danced. All that remained was what those around them would think. Anxiety still remained regarding that, but confirming Crown Prince Neil's intention was enough. Without that, nothing could begin.
"Aren't you going to continue?"
"Eh? Ah... right."
Akemi had stopped her movements, whether by hand or mouth. Prompted by Crown Prince Neil, she brought her mouth closer.
"Do you like it when I do this?"
"Eh... nnh, nnn..."
Crown Prince Neil pushed his lower body into Akemi's mouth. This was the first time Akemi had been treated this way by him, and she was surprised by the action. That said, she simply let it happen. While looking slightly pained, she merely took Crown Prince Neil's lower body into her mouth.
"Women are strange. I can't tell if it's painful or if you're happy."
"Nn... nnn..."
"I can understand the mouth, but it's the same over here, isn't it?"
Roughly pushing Akemi away, Crown Prince Neil layered his body over her as she lay on her back.
"Ah... n-no... more... gently..."
Akemi asked Crown Prince Neil to be gentle as he inserted himself roughly.
"But it feels good. Isn't it?"
"D-don't ask that. It's embarrassing."
"...And here I wanted you to teach me various things."
Crown Prince Neil looked dissatisfied with Akemi's reaction.
"T-there's... nothing left... to teach. You're a... fine... m-man."
Akemi intended to praise him to resolve Crown Prince Neil's dissatisfaction. However, to him, it didn't sound like praise.
(...In other words, she's already useless. Well, I knew that.)
Crown Prince Neil looked down at Akemi, who was gasping beneath him, with cold eyes. However, Akemi, already dominated by pleasure, did not notice.
(A fine man? This girl really doesn't understand me at all. All she sees is my title.)
Crown Prince Neil's inner voice. This would never reach Akemi. It couldn't. Just as Crown Prince Neil thought, she was not facing him. What she saw was the image of herself as the Crown Princess. That was all.