Oops I didn't even offer our guest a cup of tea. Sarah, bring me a cup of tea.

Yes, Your Majesty, Your Majesty.

　At Feliana's words, a woman who is probably a female officer bows her head reverently.
　Well, I'm certainly a little thirsty too. If you're offering me tea here, there's no reason to refuse.
　Feliana seems to value my country as a military force, and I don't think I'll be able to serve a smoke here. She treats me amicably, so I can trust her on that front.

'Well. I've told you a few things, but this is what I have to say about our situation. You said earlier that it is in our interest, but there is no harm in associating with Grandisier in our kingdom of Orleans. It is only the Empire that does not look good, and we have been enemies of the Empire for a hundred years. I'm sure that if Grandizia were to join forces with the Draukos Empire, they would be in a lot of trouble.

I see. I understand.

For this reason, we would like to start the process of establishing a national identity and military alliance with our country at once. I think this is also a good deal for the Grandizia side to consider.

....

　I stopped trying to nod honestly at Feliana's words.
　Certainly, it's a good story. It's a good thing that the Kingdom of Olvance, one of the three largest countries on the continent, will be the backbone of my country. I'm sure the surrounding countries won't take me for a fool.
　But is it really true?
　I'm also human. Some may say, "No, you're a demon king," but I'm human. At least in human society, I've never once heard of a story that never hurts anyone. If there is a story that uses that word as a pillow, I even think it's just a common phrase for fraud.
　So, it bothers me. I wonder if I should really be here to nod my head honestly.
　Hmm.
　The only reason why the kingdom of Olvance wants to form a friendship with me is in order to gain military strength against the avenging enemy of the Draukos Empire. The current battle between the Kingdom of Olvance and the Draukos Empire, which is currently taking place on the border, is one in which Grandizia takes the brunt of the battle on behalf of the Kingdom of Olvance.
　But in return for that, all the support for the founding of the country, monetary assistance and the dispatch of troops. In short, if you're willing to fight on the front lines, we'll do our best to help you.
　And for my country, which is full of demons, which is probably only suited for rough stuff, fighting is my specialty. It's also a great way to relieve the stress of the demons.
　Think of it this way, there's no harm in it.

"Your Majesty, Feliana.

How can I help you?

After all, this is a matter between countries. I don't think it's hasty to decide right now...

It is said that soldiers respect the speed of God. "A soldier respects the speed of God.
History has also taught us that it is better to make a quick decision with a Our country's power has grown to this point, and we have slain many such indecisive monarchs.

Yeah. I don't want you to wait too long. I just wanted to have a quick word with you.

I'm not that trustworthy?　By no means do I believe that I have made any proposals that would be detrimental to Master Noah.

....

　I knew it.
　I had a hunch. I'm not very well versed in the art of negotiation, and I'm not very smart, but I can still guess.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make a decision here and now.

　You will be able to find a lot of people who will be able to help you with your own personal needs. It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it.
　Hence, they ducked and ducked the suggestion that I bring it back once.
　There must be an underlying reason for this.
　And I'm not smart enough to figure that out.
　I'm sure you've seen through my bargaining power, and this is what Feliana is trying to get me to make a decision in a hurry.

''Hypothetically, though,''

Yeah.

What are you going to do if I say no to you here?

....

　And.
　If you can't guess the other side of the story, then we can only make it look like we can somehow afford it.
　I can't let them think that I'm wagging my tail at Feliana's proposal. It's true that I'm grateful to have the Kingdom of Orvance behind me, as it is a great power, and the support it provides in founding the country is a great help.
　But I'm not going to get in the mud. If there is a disadvantage there for us, then we should say no. I am a king.
　I'm a king. I'm not aware of it at the moment.

It's just a matter of resigning yourself to the fact that you didn't make the right choice.

'But we are a nation that exists between the Kingdom of Orvance and the Draukos Empire. Do you think we would be a hindrance in invading the Empire?

''To begin with, the forest that Grandizia started to build is not our territory to begin with. There are too many powerful demons in the forest, and it will take too much time to cultivate it. It's true that we can't give unilateral support to someone who doesn't have a pact with us, but... well, I think it's safe to say that nothing has changed for us.

'I see. It's a place that's been neglected up until now, so there's no problem with it being settled on its own.

Yes. Yes, but I don't know what the Empire will think. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. If the country is founded there without permission, it could lead to war, considering the Empire's self-esteem.

'And that in the event of a war of its own accord, the Kingdom of Olvance will not assist.

Yes, I suppose so. That's why I'm proposing a military alliance. If a military alliance can be formed, the Kingdom of Orleans will be able to assist Grandizia without any hesitation.

I see.

　I expanded on the story, but I still don't know.
　I don't know what Feliana's goal is. I'm not sure what she's trying to do, but she seems to think that our country is just a military force that can defend itself against the Empire.
　There is nothing in there that is that inconvenient for us.
　That's why I'm troubled. Is this really the right thing to do? Should we really accept this proposal?
　Oh, God.
　Mom, why didn't you give me a smarter child?

''Of course, you can say no. This is just a meeting place between private citizens and private citizens. We can't use any coercive force here, and Noah is the king of our neighboring country. No matter how much power I wield, I can't tie up Master Noah.

Yes....

I just don't think it would be wise to make a connection with the Empire. Not only for our own reasons, but for Master Noah's as well.

...What do you mean by that?

　The Empire has turned me away from the Ken and its surroundings, and I probably won't be able to form a friendship with them.
　I don't intend to aggressively attack them. The reason why I founded the country in the first place is because I wanted to live a quiet life.
　But there, Feliana looked sedated and made a small face, as if in pain.

'Hal Whitefield, Noel Whitefield. And Marissa Whitefield.

What--?

You know it, don't you?

No, no, that's...

　Three names were suddenly given to me by Feliana.
　Of course that name sounds familiar.
　Noel Whitefield is my own father, the former head of the Baroness Whitefield family. And my brother Hal is the current head of the family. Lastly, Marissa is my mother's name.
　Even if you tell me the names of my family members all of a sudden--''

'These three were executed the other day.

　Feliana's last words were.
　The family that shared my blood - has died. She spoke of that fact in a matter-of-fact way.