260th day of summoning other worlds [Those who dare to dare in the dark]:

　Your Highness.

Sudo sat down on the chair in front of him and asked the Princess Shardina who was listening to his report intently.

This is Shardina's private quarters in the imperial capital.
It's a very good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

It's a good thing that you're doing so well for now... Although there are a lot of things that weren't planned, I can say that the weakening of the Roserian Kingdom is not a problem... Saito, there are some things that I'm concerned about in what we've been talking about so far. Is it?

Shardina speaks to Saito, who stands beside her.

The fact that the modifications to the plan were minimal thanks to Sudo-san's help is a good thing. It's a good thing that we've been able to find a solution to this problem. The fact that he managed to get the two of them to survive in that situation is what Sudo-san is all about. It's not just Gerhardt, but Ladine's is a doll that we spent a lot of money tailoring.

Sudo's face broke out at Saito's compliment.

''No, no, it's not my power. Whatever the case, it's good that that woman is an idiot! Even though he's a trusted aide, he's still stupid enough to have weighed the life of a single knight in the balance.

Sudo showed his humility, but in his eyes there was a strong sense of pride in his intelligence.
It's the Japanese's characteristic modesty.
But that was just a formality.
I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who are very proud and arrogant, but Shardina and the others are well aware of the fact that he is arrogant.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

It's a good thing that he's smart in his own way, but he lacks the ability to make decisions.

Sudo's criticism of Lupis had no mercy whatsoever.
He despised Lupis from the bottom of his heart.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that they are stupid. But if they're too stupid, you'll get tired of dealing with them.

Shardina cowered her shoulders as she said that, her lips twisted into a smile.
To Sudo, who nodded at her words, Saito said back with a slight frown.

''But Your Highness. It's also troubling to say that you are an enemy with too much teeth, isn't it?

That guy.... you know... never! You're a man who gets in my way all the time. It really disgusts me!

At Saito's words, Shardina spat out as she spat out.
Hearing his words, her mood instantly turned bad.
The face of that old-faced, well-built young man appeared in her mind and she shook her head irritably.
That would be just as well.
It's the subject of the man she least wants to hear about.



That makes you even more angry!　Totally! I just wondered where he'd run off to and joined Roselia's civil war!　And by accident? He nearly caused our whole operation to collapse.　How much of a pestilence you are! That guy!

At Saito's point, Shardina tightened her words.

''Well, fate?　The man who killed Gaies-sama was the one who interfered with the plan that Gaies-sama planned................

Karma....

Looking at Sudo's chuckle, Shardina sighed.


The current civil war in the Roserian Kingdom is a ploy of the Oltmere Empire that the late Jesus had set up when he invaded the eastern region.
The Oltmere Empire, which was dominant in the central part of the western continent, was now planning an invasion of the east while enduring pressure from the Kingdom of Ernest Gura in the north and the Kirtantyre Empire in the west.
The national military strength of the two countries and the Oltmere Empire are almost evenly matched.
The three-way battle has been going on for more than twenty years.
If two countries fight each other, one of them will benefit from the other.
Because everyone understands this, the war between the three countries will never end.
They will continue to stare at each other in the borderlands, looking for an opening to exploit each other.
But this will not be a war.
We can see that the third remaining nation will intervene.

The court jester and warlord of the Oltmere Empire, Ghaeses, has a plan to break the deadlock.
Whether it was Ernesgula in the north or Kirtantyre in the west, it would be difficult to defeat them with the power of the current empire.
But that doesn't mean it's practically impossible to form an alliance with one side and attack the remaining countries.
There was no room for an alliance between the three countries because of their long-standing resentment and complicated interests.
So he turned his attention to the eastern and southern parts of the western continent.
He wanted to invade either the east or the south, in order to make a difference in national power between the two countries.
Then he turned his attention to the East.
The South was a fierce battleground divided into fifteen smaller nations.
Inevitably, there were many skirmishes, and the soldiers had a lot of practical experience.
In other words, it is a country of strong armies.
On the other hand, the eastern part of the country was ruled by the three kingdoms of Zaruda, Roseria, and Mist for a long time and did not have much experience in warfare, and the class system was strict.

This plan was immediately implemented by the emperor's order.
The first thing that was done was to conspire against the neighboring kingdom of Zaruda and Roseria.
The reason why he did not directly plot against the kingdom of Zaruda is because he was known to be a madman.
The national strength of each of the three eastern countries is low, not to mention compared to the Oltmere Empire.
However, if the three eastern nations are united, even the Oltmere Empire will not be able to easily gain victory.
Therefore, the civil war in the Kingdom of Roselia was brought about as a plot to divide the eastern part of the country.

"Two years ago, Sudo found Ladine at the behest of Gaies. After that, he killed the former King of Roseria, Falst II, by poisoning him and pretending he was sick, and just when he was ready, that man showed up, and because of that, he killed Ghaesus, and this time he almost destroyed everything. .........it's definitely karma.......

You could say that the whole plan went crazy due to the fact that Gaius called out that man, Mikoshiba Ryoma.

Indeed....

Saito nodded deeply at Shardina's words.

''So? What's going on with him?

.....

Sudo cut off his words at this point.
I could see from his expression that he was lost in judgment.

''What do you mean?'' You've decided to impose on the Worthenian Peninsula, haven't you?

Yes that's how it came to be, but that guy ... that guy ... he made some conditions at the last minute.

Yeah? What do you mean? The baronetcy and the Worthenian peninsula - you mean you've put other conditions on this?

Sudo nodded with a straight face to Shardina, who had a surprised expression on her face.

It's a good thing that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away from the fact that you can't get away with it. ...

Sudo prefaced this by saying that, and then began to recount what happened in the audience room that day.


That day, as soon as Ryoma heard that Lupis would be entering the audience room, he immediately requested a meeting.

''You're awfully quick.......Mikoshiba. Does that mean we have an answer?

Lupis asks Ryoma with a strained expression.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect.

At this point, Ryouma cut off his words and turned his gaze to Lupis.
There is not a trace of the passion of the previous day left in his eyes.
It's not a good idea to be able to have a good time.

I'm not sure if that means you want to refuse it?　Mikoshiba...?

Lupis' voice goes low and cold.
The king is offering to make a commoner a nobleman.
I should crawl over to him and thank him, but the man in front of me says no?
Even if she doesn't say it in words, her mood tells me that her heart is Ryojin.
(Hmm ... the fool.)
Ryouma hides the abuse to Lupis that rises up in his heart and starts to say with an apologetic lowering.

''Such a fearful thing.......For my part, Your Majesty's warmth is the height of my admiration, but.......''

What is it?

Before I accept this offer, I would like to make certain of one thing for Your Highness, and until you tell me what it is, I cannot say.

Ryoma's languid words caused irritation to rise within Lupis.

"Your Majesty........why don't you ask this man what he wants to say......I think it's better than to just let him get away with it.... ...

Mertina, standing by the throne, gave an earful to Lupis.

''Fine ... Oshiba. What do you want to ask me?''

With Lupis' permission, Ryoma reverently bows his head to show his gratitude and then cuts to the chase.

''Your Majesty........first of all, let me ask you to confirm, to what extent do you know the current situation on the Woltenia Peninsula?

What do you mean?

A questioning look appeared on Lupis' face.
The same is true for Mertina, who is by my side.

The actuality of this is that this Woltenia peninsula seems to have quite a few problems, although of course I don't know much about it.

'What?　........is that so?

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.
Of course, it is to be expected that Ryoma would fall in love with her like that.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

At this point, Ryoma turns his probing gaze to Lupis.

has a few problems...

With that said, the problems on the peninsula that Ryoushin mentioned are as follows.

1: Because it has been used as a penal colony for the exile of criminals of the Roserian Kingdom, the number of people who pay taxes is zero in the Woltenia Peninsula.
2: The area is home to many powerful "monsters" that make it difficult for ordinary people to live.
3: There are sub-race communities that are hostile to humans.
4: There is a problem of pirates who are based in the coastal area.
5 : The border with the neighboring Kingdom of Zaruda is close, and it is an area of constant conflict.

Particularly, 1 and 2 are very big problems.
They are directly related to the tax revenue of the aristocracy.
In other words, Lupis was trying to give them land that had no tax revenue.
Considering the fact that the revenue of the nobles comes from the taxation of the people of the land, you can understand how vicious this story is.
In the first place, this land is not within the territory of the Roselia Kingdom.
Although the country's documents show that it is the territory of the Roseria Kingdom, there is no evidence that this country controls the peninsula.
After all, it has zero citizens.
The look on Ryojin's face when he learned of this fact from the documents in the archives after staying up all night.
It was exactly the face of a demon.
It could be said to be clear evidence of Lupis' malice.
However, Ryoma would not show it in front of Lupis.
You should only show it when your anger and hatred are stronger than your opponent.

''I see!　That's what you did, Mikoshiba-dono........you have managed to grasp the situation on the peninsula in such a short period of time! And is that why Mikoshiba-dono wishes to decline the offer? Fail your Majesty!

Mertina raised her voice to cover Lupis, who had fallen silent when Ryoma pointed out to her.

''Mikoshiba-dono!　You have performed brilliantly in the defeat of Hodram and Gerhardt　That is why His Highness is willing to break with convention to make you a nobleman!　...the Worthenian peninsula is not rich indeed! But the peninsula is Roserian territory! It's a land almost as vast as the Duchy. It's just too good to be left alone!　Wouldn't you agree?

"So... his Majesty wishes to develop the Woltenia peninsula into a civilian colony?

'Exactly! It's a difficult land, to be sure, but a man of your caliber can live up to your highness' expectations!　...how about it?

"Am I right in understanding that Lord Mertina's words are the will of Your Majesty?

I can say that you have been very good at putting it all together for Mertina.
It's because you're so good at giving them difficult territory.
He lifted her up by saying so.
But Ryouma wouldn't be fooled by such words.

Ryoma took his gaze off Mertina and asked Lupis, who was sitting on the throne, his face stiffening.
Lupis could only nod silently at his question.
In front of the person in question, there's no way I can say that I'm going to give you an uncivilized land to contain you.

Granted, Mertina's turnaround was also to be expected for Ryoma.

''No, I see! .... then it's easier for me to ask Your Majesty to do the same!

What do you mean?　...Isn't it your wish to confirm my intentions?

Hearing Ryoma's words, Lupis' face changed.
She interpreted it as Ryojin's wish to hear her thoughts.
Of course, there was no way that Ryoma would wish for such a trivial thing.
It's all a stepping stone.
To hunt down both Lupis and Mertina........

'No, Your Majesty!　To call it a wish would be a simple matter... but I would hesitate to speak of it unless I was certain of His Majesty's intentions, and I am sure that His Majesty is adamant that the peninsula should be developed in a way that is consistent with his wishes. If you are willing....

They felt a bad feeling at Ryouma's words.

''What........?''

''No... we would like to borrow some money to develop the peninsula... but the amount of money is so great that we need to hear His Majesty's will before we can do anything else. Wow. I'm honored that His Majesty has such high expectations for me. I too will crush myself to meet His Majesty's expectations!

When he said that, Ryoma bowed deeply to Lupis.

''Wait! Funding? What are you talking about? The Worthenian Peninsula is your domain. There's no way the royal family would fund that!

Mertina raised her voice in anger.
Likewise, Ryoma's expression didn't change.

''Huh?　This is very unusual!　His Majesty is aware of the situation on the Worthenian Peninsula and has asked me to help develop it and make it prosperous.

'That's right! That's why you must use your wits to develop the peninsula!

But as you know, I'm just a commoner. I have no property. Isn't that what Lord Mertina and His Majesty know?

That's true, but...

'As I have no money myself, I must borrow money from someone else to meet Your Majesty's expectations but first of all, no merchant would lend money to develop the peninsula or anything else.

Merchants are risk averse.
They don't see the merits of developing a peninsula where monsters and sub-race people live because of all the risks.
The merchants wouldn't invest in such a risky proposition.

"That's your talent...

Mertina is desperate to bite off more than she can chew.
If she can be talked down here, it will all be for naught.
He would not be able to contain Mikoshiba Ryoma, and only Lupis' mentality would be crushed.
That much was absolutely necessary to avoid.

''Of course! I have a certain amount of talent. But I am not a god either! We can't just develop this place without any money! ...which, of course, I'm sure His Majesty would understand as well as a wise man would understand on this point?

Ryouma's point of view was directed at Lupis.
Her expression turned pale.
I'm not going to be able to get rid of it.
I'm sure you'll be able to see through that to this point, so there's no way for her to do that.
In the end, she said the words that Ryoma wanted to hear.

'How much do you need?'

Your Majesty!

Lupis silenced Mertina's cries.
They are not alone in this place.
There are nobles from the sidelines, and there are also knights on guard.
It was impossible to show any more haplessness in front of them.
It is necessary to make them believe that he is a wise monarch who respects the common people.

''Your Majesty!


boo!

Sudo's explanation caused Saito to blurt out without covering it.
It is an unusual act for him to be calm and polite.
Of course, Shardina also did not feel that she could blame him for his rudeness.
It's not just a matter of time before you're ready to go.

If it was a cheap hotel in town, it would be 100 baht per night.
If you take your lunch and dinner at the town's restaurant, it's about 100 baht a night.
Each person would need about 200 baht to live for a day.
Then I might understand the size of his offer.



Shardina also made a dumbfounded face at Saito's words.

''Even the Empire can't give out that much money at once...''

It's not that we can't pay out.
However, there is no country in the western continent that can produce this amount of money on demand.
The use of the country's income is fixed in advance.
Most of them are important and cannot be neglected, such as salaries for officials and capital investment in the military.
If the Empire was to raise this amount of money, they would have to work out a budget that would take many years to complete.
This is an amount that even the Empire will take a long time to raise.
There is no way that Roselia Kingdom, which has a smaller land area than the Empire, can afford it.

Sudo nodded silently at Shardina's words.

''It's as you say.......but it's also true that if we're going to develop that peninsula, we won't be able to do anything about it without investing that amount of money.

We will cut through the forest and make our way through.
Hire a standing army of pirates and other sub-humans to defend against raids.
It costs money to move people to the area.
If you really want to develop the peninsula, you can't blame them for spending that much money.

''That may be true, but........that amount of money.......ah! So ... that's what I'm talking about!

Your Highness you've noticed.

Sudo's eyes narrowed at Shardina's words, and he smiled.

''He didn't think he was going to get that amount in the first place, did he?　 Isn't that right?

Sudo took out a sheet of paper from his inner pocket and held it out to Shardina.

''What's this?''

''Here's a list of the terms that Mikoshiba Ryoma offered to Queen Lupis, which I've confirmed are quite troubling, as it seems he intends to become completely independent of the Roserian Kingdom.

The clauses on this paper were detailed and the items were quite numerous.

Shardina skimmed through each condition from top to bottom.
Her expression clouded over.
Ryoma was looking for two things, broadly speaking.
To entrust all legal, military, diplomatic, and economic matters to Mikoshiba Ryoma.
And exemption from taxes that the nobility should pay to the kingdom.
In other words, despite his status as a baron, Ryoma would be claiming his rights as a duchy.

''This ... did you really approve of this? Queen Lupis....

Sudo nodded silently at Shardina's question with a dumbfounded face.

''I heard you were stupid but.......you do it. It's like giving freedom to a viper........

"I guess you were so blinded by the amount of money they offered you that you didn't think twice before giving it a go.

But that doesn't mean... this is not...

It's like giving a dangerous man a free pass.
And it comes with land.

Well, it's a relief to know that no matter how many rights you have, that peninsula is a savage land with no tax revenue at all. Even that man can't make something out of nothing...

Saito do you really think so?

Saito's mouth dropped in response to Shardina's question.
A land without tax revenue.
A roaming monster 《monster》.
There is no support from the Roselia Kingdom.
What can they do in such circumstances?

But Saito could not speak of it.
It's a good thing that you're able to do this, because you yourself are afraid of something about this Mikoshiba Ryoma man.
It is a very good thing that you are not the only one.
Everyone here was feeling the same anxiety.

''Sudo... your plan... it won't backfire, will it?

Sudo replied silently.
It was Sudo himself who took advantage of Lupis' anxiety and suggested that Ryoma become a nobleman.
That was a stepping stone to ensure that Mikoshiba Ryoma's whereabouts were in his grasp.
Shardina, too, did not like the idea of Ryoma being appointed to another country.
Especially to the great powers that exist in the north and west.
But it might backfire on them....
Such anxiety binds the three of them.

'Okay Sudo but don't take your eyes off him, okay?

Sudo nodded at Shardina's words that commanded few words.

''Then Your Highness would it be correct to say that our next report will be after the Zaruda invasion begins?

'Yes ... we'll begin the invasion next month as planned ... Sudo! Do you know what to do?

''Don't worry. This civil war has caused widespread unrest among the nobility and knights alike. There's plenty of room for maneuvering, so I doubt Roselia will be sending any reinforcements to Zaruda.

'Yes! Then good! I'll leave it to you to keep Roselia in check!

Sudo and Saito, both nodded silently at Shardina's words.

Now, the Altomere Empire has bared its sharp fangs.