This is a room in the royal castle built in the center of Peripheria.
　Ryoma Mikoshiba and the raiding party led by him had been told of the peace accord by Zaruda's emissary, who had suddenly visited them after capturing Fort Notis, and had led their troops to the royal capital, Peripheria.
(They're floating around, unaware of what's going on.)
　Ryoma turns his mocking gaze to the castle town outside the window.
　Ignorance is happiness. This very phrase was a wise saying.
(Pity.)
I don't think they realize how much danger they are in.
　They can only see and understand what's in front of them. They are like a child playing on a thin sheet of ice.
　At some point, they will surely fall into the abyss.
(But it's tough to see the future... ya know?)
　The face of Julianus, King of the Kingdom of Zaruda, flashed in Ryoma's mind.
　Being able to predict the future is not always a good thing.
　There are only a handful of people who can put together a number of events and predict the future.
　And just because we are able to predict the future does not mean that we can avoid disaster.
　Even if you make all the best preparations, unexpected events can happen at any time, and moreover, the current Zaruda does not have the spare time to prepare a perfect system.

　It seems that they have agreed to a ceasefire with a sliver of hope, but the Oltmere side should have already made the first move against Julianus' move. It's not likely to have much of an impact on the masses, regardless of what Julianus does now.
　Realistically speaking, Zaruda's national strength and situation is too bad, and there is far less time to improve it. And most importantly, Oltmere is already looking ahead to victory, which is why he has proposed to negotiate a ceasefire.
　In Ryouma's estimation, there are quite a few traitors among the nobles belonging to the Zaruda Kingdom. That's quite a few powerful people as well. Otherwise, there's no explanation for it.
(Depends on the upcoming negotiations, but whether we have a year to stick around until the edge of war is opened again...)
　Oltmere would lazily stretch out the negotiations that were about to begin in earnest and then break off the negotiations when they were ready for war again. Then they will invade the Kingdom of Zaruda again.
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it, but I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.
　When that happens, the people who are cheering in front of you will be able to return their hands in unison and raise their voices in resentment.
　They will expect it on their own, and if they don't get the results they expect, they will flip out and shout abuse. Since he wasn't a person he personally disliked, a hint of melancholy dwelt in Ryoma's eyes as he thought of Julianus' path.
(Well, it can't be helped. I've taken all the steps I could. Besides, now that my goal has been accomplished at the very least, I shouldn't be involved in the future of this country any more...)
The people are cheering for the end of the war, but things are not that simple.
　Ryoma's mind was racing with the future of this country.
　However, in the next moment, Ryoma's thoughts were blown away by a conversation from behind him.

I've never drunk anything like it before, but you have used very good tea leaves. Where does it come from?

Yes, sir. I was told it was from Lisnolus.

In the Central Continent?

　In response to Elena's question, Saara nodded quietly and held out the ceramic pot in her hand.

''It's a favorite of Ryoma-sama, so I had brought it over from Seilios. Would you like a refill?

　Elena was silent as she stared at the bottom of the empty cup, but a small smile lifted her lips.

''The faint astringency of the tea leaves combined with the aroma is indescribably good... yes, I'll take it.

　This time, Laura gently held out the plate in her hand to Elena.

''Oh?　This,

It's called a macaroon, which I made after hearing about it from Ryoma-sama. It's very delicious.

'Well, is it?　You have an interesting shape.

　With that, Elena picked one and looked at it sorrowfully, then slowly brought it to her mouth and chewed it as if she were savoring it.

''These........are you deliberately not using too much sugar in them?

Yes, I heard it's common in Ryoma-sama's hometown to make it that way.

　To be more precise, we are not forcing ourselves to reduce our sugar consumption.
　The most important thing is to keep the balance of sweetness intact.

''Heh ... not bad, Ryoma-kun.''

Yeah, I had to put in a lot of work to find the right ingredients.

　At Elena's words, Ryouma gave a bitter smile.
　In the land world where fruits and dried fruits are the most common sweet foods, confectionery made with sugar by chefs is a luxury food that only people of the upper class can enjoy.
　And those who belonged to the upper class ordered the chefs to use sugar sparingly in order to gain their own authority.
　It's the same with everyday meals.
　Rather than taste and balance, it has become a tool to show off one's wealth and political power.
　The result is a lump of sugar that tastes dull, dull, and uncouth in the eyes of the Japanese.
　The first bite is edible, but after two or three bites, you get tired of it.
　For Ryoma, who can drink but doesn't dislike sweets, this was a really frustrating experience.　
(Thank God for Asuka...)
　When I was forced to go along with the cooking, I felt nothing but frustration, but now that it's come to this, I can only be grateful to that cousin.
　Ryoma receives a cup of tea from Saara and sits down deeply on the sofa in front of Elena.

''The war is over for now.......right?

　With her eyes down, Elena slowly opened her mouth.

'Yes, that's satisfactory enough.'

Well....

　Elena shuts down at Ryoma's words.
　For now, she let the Oltmere army be drawn to the border. You can say that you've achieved enough as a reinforcement general.
　Even if it is only a temporary stall.

''After the truce envoy came to explain the situation, I had a few conversations with Ecclesia as well...''

Did he say anything?

She said she'll be in touch with her country and see what happens. Well, she seems to know what Oltmere's side is thinking but honestly, there's nothing we can do about it.

Any reinforcements?

　Elena quietly shook her head at Ryouma's question.



　Zaruda, Roselia, and Mist. The most stable and powerful of these three eastern countries, known as the three eastern countries, is Mist, which trades heavily with the central continent.
　However, as rich as they are, they have many enemies.
　Its borders with the south are always in a state of constant tension, and considering that Mist's greatest strength is its navy, the number of troops that can be sent to Zaruda is not large.
　On top of that, it's a battle in a foreign country far away from the home country.
　It is because they are aware of the need for reinforcements that they have sent their troops to the site, but they are by no means a fan of warfare.
　It's not a bad thing that this ceasefire is not a bad thing for Mist.　

''In that case, it's still........''

''Yes, I'm going to hurry back to Roselia as well we need to hurry to replenish our troops and prepare for the next battle. The question is how far His Majesty Lupis's reforms have progressed, though.

　More than a year has passed since the reinforcements went to Zaruda.
　It shouldn't be surprising that Lupis would have gained some kind of achievement if he could buy that much time.

''Well, as far as I'm concerned, I don't think it's going to be a good thing.

　Elena smiled bitterly at Ryoma's curt words, remaining silent.
　Elena herself probably didn't think that the reform was progressing.

''How much of a reprieve depends on His Majesty Julian's skill........''

'I'll leave the rest to you all. I've done my part well enough, and we can't afford to leave the Worthenian Peninsula any longer.

　Don't involve yourself any more.
　Elena turned a probing look at Ryoma's words of trying to foreshadow that.　
''You seem to have more room than I thought, though?''

'I hate it, there's no way I can afford it. I'm on the edge. Honestly.

　While saying that, Ryoma smiles lightly.
　There is no room for it. There was no lie in those words. However, it's not the truth either. That's what I'm saying.
　If all goes according to plan, the initial development of the city of Seireos, its home base, should already be coming to an end.
　All that is left is to take time to rule the entire peninsula under their power, little by little.
　In that sense, Ryojin had plenty of time to spare.
　But if possible, he wants to use that margin for the development of his territory, the Woltenia Peninsula.
　Besides.....
(There's not much to be gained by being involved in this war any longer...)
　This thought existed strongly within Liangzhen.
　With this widow's army reinforcement, I was able to gain a reputation as a benevolent general, and I was able to sell my name as a strategist to the surrounding countries.
　More importantly, he was able to establish connections with influential countries such as Ernesgula and Mist, which was a great achievement.
(Reputation, connections, practicality...)
　It's not that he can't aim higher.
　In the extreme, it's not that Ryoma can't come up with a way to truly make Zaruda win the war.
　But Ryoma doesn't want to do that.
　The problem is time and effort and practicality. The problem is the effort and practicality, and an uncertain future that can be predicted, but not foretold.
　What kind of pitfalls lie ahead of us, it's impossible to foresee where the gods will be waiting for us.
(Well, it would be greedy to aim any further.)
　Now that we have achieved what we originally planned to achieve, any more interest would be detrimental to the opposite. Profit is the biggest reason for people to be jealous.
　From that point of view, it would be better to put an end to it now.
　Speaking only of personal feelings, Ryoma feels a stronger sense of affinity for Julianus than for Lupis and others, but.......

''Well, fine I certainly can't put any more pressure on Ryoma-kun.

　Perhaps sensing Ryoma's thoughts, Elena gave a small sigh.
　Elena personally, she really wants to keep a few usable pawns on hand before another war occurs.
　But considering the burden of Ryoma, whose possession of the Woltenia peninsula hadn't even been completely finished, it was impossible to say anything more impossible.　
(That boy would have been a good general if he understood politics a little better, like Ryojin-kun...)
　The face of the blond young man she was raising as her own aide flashed in Elena's mind.

''What's wrong?''

Yeah it's a little bit about Chris...

Chris?　Oh, that's Elena's close associate, isn't it?

　A bitter smile appeared on Ryoma's face.
　He guessed why Elena's face was clouded.

''They must have been furious when they heard about this ceasefire, right?

　Ryozena showed her shoulders cowering in a mocking tone, and Elena gave a small nod.

''Yeah, he bit me a lot.

Oh, well you must be very angry.

　A young man with good looks that could be mistaken for a woman.
　The image of Chris contorting his beautiful face into a hannya-like shape as he ate at Elena came to mind, and Ryoma lifted his lips and smiled.

''Well, I guess it can't be helped. I think you're right as a field commander, right?　Elena doesn't seem to be happy about it.

　It's an undeniable fact that Ryoma's plan for annihilation of the siege and annihilation of the city was a huge, time-consuming, one-strike, secret strategy.
　How much blood flowed in order to carry out this plan?
　And this was a one-time opportunity to win a war that would not work a second time.
　The king of Zaruda, a party to this battle, arbitrarily called a truce without the approval of the countries that came to support him. Just as they were about to narrow down their siege network and destroy the invading army of Oltmere....
　If I were to say whether it was natural or not, it would be natural for Chris to be furious.
　However, that's just the standard of judgment for a field commander.
　The right choice can be made in any number of ways, depending on your position.　
　Just as the view from the top of a mountain is different from the one at the foot of the mountain.......

Of course. That doesn't make any difference to those two...

　It's a sign that he has high hopes for Chris.
　Elena even wants to leave Roselia's military in charge as her future successor.
　After her own daughter was killed, Elena may feel that the grandson left behind by her painful entourage is like a son to her.
　That's why I want you to find your own answers.

'Well, it can't be helped, after all, Chris-san seems to have had a long period of unhappiness. You know what I mean.

　The late General Arleberg was the head of the knightly faction of the Kingdom of Roselia.
　Chris, who has been neglected by him for a long time and has been forced to live in poverty, is starving for his rightful reputation and credit.　
　Because he has an inherent intelligence, he can't stand the fact that the people around him have a low opinion of him.
　This, combined with his good looks, makes him a complex.
　He does not want to be reckoned with by those around him. He doesn't want the people around him to recognize him. This is the thought that is swirling around in Chris' mind.
　Ryoma doesn't think Chris is an ambitious man.
　Everyone wants to be judged fairly by others.

Yeah, well, I guess.

　Elena knows well enough to know that she shouldn't compare Ryouma and Chris.
　On Chris' sword, he's one of the ten fingers in the Order, and he's not bad with his head. If I were to say whether he's excellent or not, I would say that Chris is exactly one of the elites who will be the next generation of the Roselia Kingdom.
　But perhaps because of his youth, he has a noticeable roughness to him.
　In particular, he doesn't read human minds very well. And his understanding of the country is also.....
(Yes, and I can't help but compare this boy to Chris. I understand that this is one of the reasons why I'm making Chris even more impatient...)
　However, considering the situation Roselia was in, she couldn't help but think about it.
　If only a young man with an ordinary face who smiles thinly in front of this eyes could be by his own side....　
　With one deep sigh, Elena drank the cup in her hand.