252 - Kingdom of Fanbayle
――Kingdom of Jampea.
Having secured a promise of cooperation there, Novem and the others were in discussions with Jule.
While the amount of military force they could provide was a concern, the primary issue was whether Jampea's soldiers could fight on flat plains.
Jampea's soldiers were capable of fighting in the mountains, where there were many, and on ships, as there was a sea. They could fully demonstrate their strength in special terrains. For that reason, whenever Banseime invaded Jampea, they continued to lose despite deploying several times the manpower.
They would lose forces before even crossing the mountains, and even after crossing, many soldiers would fall ill because the climate and environment were too different.
However, this time, it was the other way around; they were asking Jampea to send troops.
Novem, Miranda, and Jule, who was accompanied by guards, were talking while enjoying tea.
"My apologies. We spent quite a bit of time discussing various things. To put it simply, we will cooperate. However, the maximum number of troops we can provide is fifty thousand. Any more than that would be difficult. There is too little time."
Supplies, equipment, and training――simply gathering people is not enough. The number of troops that could actually be operated in Jampea was likely fifty thousand.
Novem spoke to Jule.
"That is more than I expected. Forgive me, but I had predicted Jampea could provide thirty thousand."
In previous battles with Banseime, Jampea had conducted defenses with fifty to sixty thousand. Therefore, Novem had thought that the scale they could deploy would be around thirty to forty thousand. Though plains were scarce, it was a rich land.
Banseime had once coveted it, and it had prospered through trade, possessing ports.
For Banseime, which had no sea, Jampea was a land they desperately wanted.
The country that had repelled them for many years was Jampea. However, in recent years, they had not been actively fighting. This was because Jampea was a country that defended itself but did not actively invade. Novem believed it was not so much that they were satisfied within their own borders, but rather that they harbored anxiety about invading.
Jule, making no effort to hide it, spoke while drinking tea.
"The situation with Banseime has been looking suspicious. I had been preparing my forces. Normally, I would have wanted to take more time to gather a hundred thousand."
Miranda looked at him with sharp eyes.
"I doubt that is a number you could sustain, is it?"
To Miranda, who had judged based on the size of the country, Jule laughed, saying, "You are quite sharp."
"We also want plains. Banseime was devastated by Celes, and the surrounding countries would join hands... I predicted that much. Though, I didn't think things would move this quickly."
Hearing Jule's words, Novem became certain that he had intended to prepare his forces by then and carve away at Banseime's territory.
"A hundred thousand is certainly a large number. But if that is the case, Jampea's goal is――"
"――territorial expansion. And gaining influence after the subjugation of Banseime. I shall leave that part to your leader's expectations. The price for our cooperation is territory and future influence."
Miranda nodded.
"That is certainly convincing. However, are you not anxious about fighting on the plains?"
Jule nodded without hiding it.
"True. If we fight in the mountains, I don't feel we can lose. I have confidence we could face an opponent three or five times our size. The mountains are like fortresses to us. But when it comes to fighting on the plains, I am indeed anxious. That is why I have increased my troops and been training them. We will not be a hindrance."
The soldiers of Jampea, who walked freely through the mountains, possessed strong legs and hips. However, they could not always fight in the places they excelled in.
Furthermore, because of the special environment, horses were few. There was no cavalry; they were centered on infantry. However, there was no doubt that those infantrymen were powerful.
After summarizing the information on the military force, Novem spoke to Jule.
"I understand. Next, regarding the chain of command. On this point, we cannot compromise. We ask that you recognize Lyell-sama――Lyell Wolt as the Commander-in-Chief."
Jule nodded, but raised an index finger to set one condition.
"I don't mind that. Since the four-nation alliance recognized it in Cartaphus, we cannot be the only ones not to recognize it. However, may I set just one condition?"
Miranda, while remaining cautious, asked.
"What is the condition?"
Jule spoke with a smile――.
"I want to drink alcohol with that Lyell Wolt. I became interested after hearing about him. That much should be fine, right?"
Novem thought for a moment and then accepted Jule's condition――.
――Novem and Miranda were checking the luggage they would have Mei carry.
A letter detailing the internal affairs of Jampea. Then, dipping a pen into a bottle of liquid that looked like water, Novem wrote something on the paper. The letters dried instantly and became unreadable.
After confirming this, Novem folded the letter and put it in the luggage.
Near Mei, who was in the form of a kirin, Eva tilted her head.
"Hey, is that really necessary? Wouldn't it be faster to ask these children to deliver the message?"
The liquid was something like water infused with magical power. Novem, who had written invisible letters with it, explained to Eva.
"This is a strategic move. Besides, I have to make sure it can be used properly."
Valkyrie No. 1, who was accompanying Novem and the others, looked frustrated upon seeing the letter. No. 1 alone had the same hairstyle as Monica, with blonde twin-tails. The difference was that her chest was very modest.
"Kuh, we would be far more useful than some letter..."
Miranda was also writing something on a blank piece of paper with special ink. Mei put it into the luggage pouch hanging from her neck.
"This is important, so be patient. Also, did you inform Lyell that Mei is heading his way?"
No. 1 struck a pose and spoke expressionlessly.
"Leave it to me. He has already entered Fanbayle, and it seems the hostages for the Margrave have been secured and preparations for negotiations are complete. I have also informed him of the rendezvous point."
Mei shook her head.
"No, once she gets close, he'll be able to tell from the reaction, right? He just needs to look for the reaction of the Jewel he possesses."
When Mei mentioned the Jewel, Novem looked down slightly.
Why... do the successive heads of the family reject me? Even though I want to meet them.
Deciding that there must be some meaning to it, Novem looked up and began preparations――.
Entering Fanbayle from Banseime, we entered a town near the border and contacted the lord in charge of the border.
This was to request an audience with the King of Fanbayle, preparing Cartaphus, the four-nation alliance, and several letters.
Under the lord's surveillance, we spent several days in the town waiting for a reply.
Looking at the castle town visible from the room I was given in the lord's castle, I muttered to myself.
"The Margrave's territory was like this, but this area is also somewhat similar."
Should I call it the atmosphere? The atmosphere of the Margrave's territory and the town on the border of Fanbayle were similar.
It was an atmosphere different from my hometown or Central. Many of the buildings were similar; not everything was the same, but it felt that way.
Then, the Seventh Generation explained.
Just because the ruler changes doesn't mean everything changes. Many things remain unchanged even after several decades. Let's see... after fifty or a hundred years, it might start to be dyed by Banseime.
The Third Generation held a similar opinion.
Since they snatched the territory from Fanbayle, it's natural that they are similar. Things don't change suddenly just because the ruler or governor changed. If you force it, there is a lot of backlash.
The Fifth Generation spoke nostalgically.
That's right. There are things like the rules of the land, or various other things. There are reasons why you can't change them by force, so it's difficult.
Mireia-san spoke of her own experience.
When I married in, I was troubled because the rules within the mansion were different in various ways. My memory is vague, but my mother-in-law said various things to me. Like, 'this is why country folk are like this,' or various things about my eyes...
The Seventh Generation laughed.
She did say things like that. I won't say anything because I know the conclusion, but it ended in a result typical of my aunt. ...It really was a result typical of my aunt.
I wanted to ask what the result was. However, I felt like I shouldn't ask, so I decided to stay silent.
When a knock sounded at my door, Monica and the others entered the room. Since I had used a skill to confirm who was coming before they arrived, I didn't say anything in particular.
Monica informed me of the report from the Valkyries.
"Chicken coward, it seems Mei is heading this way. They say they've also prepared a letter to confirm that certain matter."
Everyone's gaze gathered on Shannon, who was sitting on the sofa in the room. Shannon was reaching for the baked sweets on the table.
Aria looked worried.
"Shannon-chan, you're okay with reading and writing, right?"
Clara looked a bit anxious.
"There are various concerns, but she has been very enthusiastic lately. So, I think we can trust her."
Her usual behavior stirred anxiety at this moment. I looked at Shannon.
"Shannon, I'm counting on you. I'm relying on you."
Shannon glanced around and puffed out her cheeks.
"Then trust me more!"
It was before an important plan. No matter what, Shannon's strength would be necessary. Then, the lord himself visited the room. The look in his eyes as he saw me was very subtle. Since I am a member of the Wolt family, the great enemy of Fanbayle, it might be unavoidable.
"Messengers, contact has been made. He says he will see you immediately. I can prepare a carriage... shall I prepare one?"
Since we didn't have a baggage wagon or a carriage, the lord was being considerate. However, he also seemed wary of the fact that our luggage was too small for people who didn't have such things.
I declined with a smile.
"Thank you. Your kindness is enough. If you could just prepare the travel permits and documents, that will be sufficient."
The lord nodded.
"...I see. Then, I shall have them prepared immediately."
As if he didn't want to talk to me much, the lord immediately left the room.
Inside the Jewel.
We were traveling toward the capital of Fanbayle.
Moving along the highway with a porter, we inevitably attracted attention. It seemed that rumors about porters had reached Fanbayle. However, just like in Banseime, no one had seen a real one.
I, who was sleeping on the bed of the porter, had sent my consciousness into the Jewel.
Today, I was looking at the memories of the Fifth Generation.
The era of the Fifth Generation, when he became a Baron. In the mansion's office, the Fifth Generation sat in a chair, looking at four women lined up across the desk.
Beside the Fifth Generation, the woman who was his legal wife stood with her back straight.
The Fifth Generation scratched his cheek with his fingertip.
...There is a limit to the number of children one woman can bear. At most, it exceeds ten, but frankly, it wasn't enough. The Wolt family had no branch families, nor did they have dependents in relative relationships.
The solution was simply to increase the number of women bearing children. The Fifth Generation's conclusion held many problems, but it was necessary to break through the current situation.
I couldn't afford to be leisurely. At that time, I intended to crush the surrounding lords in my own generation. I got her to agree to it... but looking back now, I should have looked for a different way.
The one the Fifth Generation was looking at was the woman who was his legal wife. He had met Fredricks through an arranged marriage and then married her.
At that time, the Fifth Generation had lost someone he loved and seemed to be at his limit in various ways. Vowing revenge and acting to efficiently consolidate the territory, he seemed to have dabbled in everything. The Fifth Generation, who prepared the foundation of the Wolt family's military, also fought against the units of lords who called themselves bandits to solidify the foundation of war.
In other words, he had no leeway. His gaze was not the gentle one from his childhood, but sharp and with dark circles. He gave a stronger impression of coldness.
That Fifth Generation――Fredricks, spoke before the four women.
I will choose the heir from her child. What I require from you, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, is to bear children. Once they are born and educated, I will use them to solidify the surrounding foundation.
What a cruel way of putting it. If I were told to say such a thing to Novem and the others, I would refuse.
However, the women nodded. When I looked at the Fifth Generation to ask for an explanation, he was scratching his hair vigorously. He was likely embarrassed.
...There was money saved up by the Fourth Generation. So, I used that to widely seek excellent women. Thanks to that, I was treated as a womanizer, but at the time, I didn't care. The families of these four ranged from court nobles to territorial nobles, but the common point was that they had no money. There were various reasons, but I looked for families in such circumstances and sought excellent daughters from them. Well, to put it bluntly, it was human trafficking.
The relationships, where they seemed to have given up on a happy married life, were lonely to watch. The four women, perhaps understanding this, did not ask for much.
However, when the scene changed, it wasn't quite like that.
One of the women who was a concubine was showing a letter from her family to Fredricks. Facing the shrinking woman, Fredricks checked the contents of the letter.
...Attend at the Wolt house, they say? Your relationship with me should be known. Should we both participate?
The woman was looking down, but she looked up in surprise at Fredricks' reaction.
Y-Yes! It seems my family wants to show that they have a connection with the Wolt family. They... want to show their strength to other court nobles using the military power of the Wolt family.
The concubine must have been the daughter of a court noble, as it was written for Fredricks, a territorial noble, to come to Central leading troops.
The Fifth Generation explained.
Court nobles also have merits in teaming up with us. Military power. Court nobles can live in the royal capital, but their income comes from the royal palace. They can hire people with that, but basically, there is a limit. Every house of the same rank has roughly the same power. Though there are some differences.
It varies by position, but there is still no great difference. This is because the amount of money they can use is the same. However, if they team up with a powerful lord, the story changes.
To intimidate those around them, it's simply a matter of having more soldiers. If they show that they can gather and move this many people, the opponent will be wary.
"Did the Fifth Generation... go to Central with her?"
Yeah, I headed there with troops. Territory management had been smooth for the Wolt family since the Fourth Generation. There seemed to be traitors, but it was still growing steadily, so I could spare some people. I had also cultivated talent, so I had commander-class personnel.
Returning my gaze to Fredricks, he had stood up from his chair.
I'll make preparations. Tell your family that I'll provide a thousand. However, it's bad to leave the territory for a long time. The stay will be short.
The woman seemed a bit surprised, but she nodded repeatedly.
"That's unexpected. I thought he would be colder."
The Fifth Generation looked at me with judging eyes.
I was reflecting on the fact that various things were bad around that time. But I had already taken concubines; do you think I could just stop the revenge now? I have a responsibility for the concubines I took in. I responded to various wishes as much as I could.
I learned that he was surprisingly attentive to his wife and concubines. Or rather, I think the Fifth Generation should have taught this attentiveness to the Sixth Generation.
The Fifth Generation sighed.
...Once you have over thirty children, it's impossible to treat them equally. That's why I worked hard for these women who took care of the children. Despite fulfilling her role, she even worked on her family's behalf for my sake to help with the promotion of rank. That's why I only thought about making sure my children didn't have to feel the same way I did.
Feeling the same as the Fifth Generation meant breaking through the situation where the surroundings were full of enemies. Sending sons and daughters who carried the blood of true nobles to families that became dependents was to increase allies.
And to prevent dissatisfaction from being directed at Fines――the Sixth Generation, the Fifth Generation apparently thoroughly avoided interacting with the children.
Truthfully, one wife would have been enough for me too. Because she supported me. She bore a boy, and then bore more children. I wondered how many times I wanted to stop... Still, I was afraid that Fines would end up in the same situation as me. That's why I... and, I was afraid.
The Fifth Generation, who said he was afraid, looked down.
I thought only about using children for revenge. For someone like me to do it now... My parents cried looking at me. It was painful. It was truly painful. Even Mama cried for me. But I didn't know what to do.
The Fifth Generation, who started moving out of a desire for revenge, found he couldn't stop. Listening to the words of the Fifth Generation, who had many cruel stories, I wondered what I would have done. Solidify the surrounding foundation slowly, even if it takes time?
If Novem and the others were killed, could I think about revenge calmly like the Fifth Generation? I might have picked fights with everyone around me and exhausted the territory.
Did Mireia-san notice those feelings of the Fifth Generation? That's why... just as I thought that far, the image switched.
The Fifth Generation's sad expression changed instantly, and he began to panic.
L-Lyell! Please leave the room immediately!
"Eh? But, some memory is... wait!!"
The surrounding scenery changed, regaining color from gray, and there were the legal wife and Fredricks talking in a room.
Husband, it will be a problem if you provide things that are too expensive. How many daughters do you think we have? If you show off because the first one is marrying, the daughters who marry after her will be dissatisfied if there is a difference in treatment――
The Fifth Generation, ignoring the woman's opinion while speaking to a merchant who had come to the mansion.
Provide a full set of this. I'll prepare the payment in gold coins. You can ask her and the daughter for the fine details.
The merchant was overjoyed when the most expensive item among the samples he had brought was chosen. Moreover, with the payment being in gold coins and immediate, his happiness seemed to double.
I will speak with the craftsmen immediately. Please tell me any preferences regarding the design. Also, Madam, there are various samples, so could you please check them?
As Fredricks tried to leave the spot immediately, the woman grabbed his arm.
Husband, no matter how you look at it, this is too expensive. It's fine with our income, but with items of this quality, the burden――
It's fine. No problem. I'll use the portion I have.
Have... you don't mean...
The woman looked exasperated. Fredricks turned around, looking a bit bashful.
A-At least for the preparations when she becomes independent, I want to provide the money. Never tell her that I prepared this. Do you understand? Absolutely!
The woman watched Fredricks leave as if fleeing, looking exasperated. However, she also seemed a little happy. Then, she spoke to the male merchant.
Forget the husband's statement just now. Understood?
Y-Yes!!
When intimidated by her sharp eyes, the merchant nodded repeatedly with tremendous force.
The woman sighed, and while looking down, she seemed a little happy.
Honestly, he should just be happy. He's so clumsy...
Once Fredricks had completely left the spot, the surrounding scenery turned gray. I looked at the Fifth Generation, and the Fifth Generation was hiding his face with both hands.
"What, you actually were quite considerate in various ways."
...Armor and horses for boys. Dowry for girls. It's important. And hey, have you forgotten that in the beginning, you provided various things with the money from selling Novem's dowry? As a parent sending off a daughter, I'm a failure, but even I was completely put off by that.
Told by the Fifth Generation, my gaze wandered.
"T-That is something I intend to return no matter what... but since it's an important period now, Novem won't accept it..."
For some reason, a subtle atmosphere formed between me and the Fifth Generation.
...So, what are you going to do?
"About what?"
When I tilted my head, the Fifth Generation covered his face with his right hand. Then, he spoke to me.
I'm asking who you're going to make your legal wife! Listen, equality doesn't exist in this world. It's natural for there to be a number one. Will you choose Novem, Aria, or Miranda, whom you've known from the start? Or Eliza or Glacia, who possess a fair amount of power? I'm telling you, if you only think about national power, Ludmila is the only choice.
"...Um, people like Clara haven't had their names mentioned?"
Are you an idiot! Clara isn't a noble! Besides, do you think you can manage that crowd? Shannon is no good either. A feud will develop between her and Miranda. Eva and Mei are out of the question. Vera's position as a merchant's daughter is also difficult. It's not just those girls. The families backing them, and the nations! It's not just about the individual!
Being told about the parts I had kept vague until now, I was troubled. Who should I make my legal wife?
To be honest, if I only think about national power, it's Ludmila-san. But if I do that, I feel like the conflict will continue even after the war ends.
"Why don't we just decide who is number one inside the Jewel?"
When I made the joke, the Fifth Generation shouted in earnest.
There's no way that's okay! A harem isn't a game, you idiot!!
――The Round Table Room.
Mireia was peeking into the memory room from the outside.
Honestly, both the Fifth Generation and Lyell are hopeless.
The Seventh Generation, with his hand on his chin, felt the Fifth Generation was unexpected.
So he wasn't as cold as he claimed to be. I see, it makes sense that the Sixth Generation would follow the Fifth.
The Third Generation shook his head.
Good grief. The responsibility on me and Marks was heavy. Perhaps if there had been one or two younger brothers or sisters, it might have been different.
Mireia, seeing the Fifth Generation earnestly explaining about the harem, chuckled and erased the image.
You can say as much as you want after the fact. Since it's impossible to change the past, there's nothing to do but work hard in the present. Now, even though I intentionally leaked the Fifth Generation's memories, the conversation went in a strange direction.
It seemed that the intentional leaking of the Fifth Generation's memories was Mireia's doing. And the three of them spoke happily.
I'm looking forward to seeing who becomes the legal wife! I think it'll be Novem-chan after all. After all, she even sold her dowry to make money for him!
No, no, the power of a great nation cannot be underestimated. Ludmila is the safest bet.
What are you talking about? Miranda is the only choice. She is my great-granddaughter. Anyone else is out of the question.
The three of them continued to discuss several predictions. Then, the Third Generation smiled a bit sadly.
...Well, since we can't confirm it until the end, I want Lyell to tell us the result soon. Though looking at him, that seems difficult.
Considering their roles, they could not know all the conclusions. At the Third Generation's mutter, the Seventh Generation and Mireia also nodded a bit sadly――.