kscans

Chapter 80 - A Foreign Palace and the Little One

"A large army is heading this way?"

"Yes. We had reports that forces were gathering on the Flowers side, and the reconnaissance we sent out confirmed that many more knights have joined them."

"Whose are they?"

"...Crimson with a golden six-pointed star. It is the banner of Frontier."

"..............."

This was the royal palace of Donautil. The heads of various departments, led by the general in charge of national defense, had gathered for a secret meeting.

"Are they planning to wage war on us?"

The reported army numbered around twenty thousand, not including the forces from Flowers. It was said that numerous cavalry units had assembled to form a single army. At this rate, it would only be a matter of time before they crossed the desert and brought Donautil within their range.

"Could this be related to the envoy from Frontier currently staying at the palace?"

"I hear she is a small child. According to a lady-in-waiting who saw her, she was wearing a red sash with gold thread embroidery."

"Is that not one of Frontier’s noble colors?!"

The general had heard that story as well.

She had come to Donautil to act as guardian to the princes. Had she not also sharply told the First Consort not to lay a hand on them?

The bearded general let out a soft laugh.

Everyone had been forced to swallow their pride because of that consort. She flaunted the fact that she was the mother of the legitimate heir, meddled in politics she knew nothing about, and did as she pleased under the protection of the king’s authority. The king, too, had been at her beck and call, as he had no other princes. It took ten years for the second prince to be born, and with no time to wait for him to grow, the first prince became the Crown Prince. He was of frail health but had a gentle personality and was a good listener. He was blessed with children, and it seemed there were no problems.

That is, until the second prince began to distinguish himself.

Prince Masahad rapidly displayed his rare talents, handling difficult civil engineering projects and state affairs in Donautil. Unlike the mediocre Dīvadatta-sama, who diligently carried out his duties, Masahad’s energetic presence as he traversed the country captivated the people. He also gained the support of many nobles, becoming a force that divided the nation.

Considering the future, losing Prince Masahad would be a great blow.

No one had expected His Majesty the King to pass away like this. The king himself had been torn between Dīvadatta-sama and Masahad-sama.

It was obvious at a glance which was more suited to be Crown Prince. Only the insurmountable factor of age had decided their fates.

Dīvadatta-sama, being neither good nor bad, could probably manage as king.

However, no one could resist the brilliance of Masahad-sama, who made one feel that a new era was dawning.

If only the two of them could work together, the nation’s governance would be rock solid. The inward-facing Dīvadatta-sama. The outward-facing Masahad-sama.

But it was also crucial to unify the royal line. That was the best way to prevent others from harboring treacherous ambitions.

How vexing.

The general heaved a deep sigh.

"I will try to speak with the envoy-dono. Arrange for a preliminary notice."

According to what he had heard, the issue was the fourth prince. His country had sent an escort to protect him during his studies in Frontier. They were aware of Donautil’s laws and were here to prevent Prince Marrow from being executed.

It could be considered interference in domestic affairs, but many lives were at stake. If this became known to other countries, Donautil would not escape criticism.

Most nations were indifferent, as Donautil had little interaction with others, but if Frontier were to speak up, many countries would take notice.

That was the kind of country Frontier was.

A nation that had saved many countries from starvation in the past and openly declared its policy of non-aggression. A tolerant nation that maintained a unique magical civilization and willingly shared the benefits of its various magical tools with others. A country with a superior culture, elegant and refined.

If Donautil were to make an enemy of Frontier, which every country respected, the consequences would be dire. Flowers, which had friendly relations with Frontier, would be the first to turn its back on them. It would be a huge blow to our nation, which depends on technology from Flowers. Our carriages, water wheels, and many other things rely on their parts. The same goes for our weapons and armor.

Donautil, with its rudimentary ironworking skills, was a fragile country among the nations of the world. If Arcadia were not a continent of independent states, it would surely have been destroyed by another country long ago.

He had heard that the Crown Prince had apologized to the envoy-dono for the First Consort’s rudeness. That was the reality of Donautil’s situation.

The First Consort, with her elitist mindset, could not see reality. The nobles who followed her were the same.

The world is constantly changing.

"From what I’ve heard, the envoy-dono seems to be a sensible person. ...We might receive some good advice."

Donautil was being left behind by the rest of the world. Prince Masahad had also been terribly worried about that.

‘The world is moving forward! We are the only country that can only provide its soldiers with light armor! How many soldiers could have been saved with proper equipment?! A country where the people rebel has no future!’

The rebellions started by the starving populace were countless. It was not uncommon for many soldiers sent to suppress them to die. It was a normal occurrence. It was just another day in Donautil.

Prince Masahad said that this was what was wrong.

The general, being an old-fashioned warrior, had not understood Masahad’s words.

He understood the meaning.

If the people did not starve, they would not rebel. But how? The harvest depended on the weather. The weather was the domain of the gods. There was nothing humans could do.

With iron armor, the soldiers sent to suppress rebellions would likely not die. However, iron armor was expensive. Almost all of it had to be imported from Flowers. It was impossible to purchase enough for all the soldiers.

None of it was realistic.

The general, looking up at the sky with a melancholic expression, asked an attendant to prepare a letter of notice.

"The envoy-sama is a child, so perhaps we should send some sweets."

At those words, the general blinked his eyes.

That’s right, that was what he had heard. That she was a small child.

Such a child had come representing her country? Could such a thing be possible in other lands?

If so, it was a terrifying thought.

The general, who secretly felt a shiver run down his spine, would soon have his rigid way of thinking shattered to pieces by the Little One.

All was well in the world.

No matter where she was, the Little One is the Little One♪