All the soldiers who had fallen in the imperial city were captured and put in a dungeon. They were said to be stripped of their military service and then examined for their crimes. I thought that all but a few of the instigators would not be guilty of serious crimes, but it seems that they will be punished accordingly (which is not surprising, since they kicked the recommendation to surrender and became traitors to the emperor of their own volition). It would be better if it wasn't the death penalty, though.
　The emperor immediately ordered soldiers from cities all over the empire to be sent to the imperial capital, bit by bit. At this rate, there would be no one to crack down on crime in the imperial capital. There would be some people who would commit crimes in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
　It seems that the chief ministers who were being held captive have also been released. The Crown Prince, who had been holed up with General Romero, also arrived at the castle. He was surprised to see me. I knew he was the knight of the hour.
　Disguising himself, he got separated from his guards while escaping from the castle and was attacked by soldiers.
　It's hard to say, but I don't have a strong impression of this guy. He doesn't have any presence. He seems to be a good person and has some talent, but

I'm really indebted to you. Fuyu-dono is not only a benefactor of my life, but also a benefactor of the princess, the crown prince... no, the empire. I would like to thank you for something, is there any hope?
No, this time it's just a flow of events, or rather, a random turn of events. Don't worry about it.

　I softly decline the offer of His Majesty the Emperor to meet him in the noble guest room. To be honest, I don't have anything in particular that I want. Hearing that, the King of Belfast, who was present at the meeting, smiles a small smile.

You're still the same, Fuyao-dono. I've been trying to confer a knighthood on Fuyoru-dono in Belfast as well, but he refused to do so. In the end, they only received the money and the house. Well, it was best that he received my daughter, though.
"Hohoho. I see. The marriage of a princess to both Belfast and Regulus could not be more symbolic of the alliance between our two countries.
You see....

　I was about to call attention to the fact that the conversation was about to go in a strange direction, but Yumina raised her hand from the side and interrupted the conversation. Eh? What?

''I agree that Princess Lucia will be Fuyao-san's fiancé, just like us. I have confirmed it with her, and she wants it too. Above all, for the sake of the friendship between our two countries, I think this is a good match.

　Huh? What are you talking about, Yumina!

Yeah, I agree.
...me too, sir.
I don't mind, that I don't mind.

　One by one, the other fiancés show their approval. Brutus, you too! I mean, how is it that my intentions are not taken into account at all!

Wait, wait! How did that happen!

　I couldn't keep up with the conversation and couldn't help but shout out, to which Rion-san replied with a wry smile.

''To put it bluntly, it's because of Fuyao-dono's power.
'What? What do you mean?
''As I've learned from this time, Fuyao-dono's power is substandard in every way. If the owner of such power only put his shoulder to one country, he is only a threat to other countries. On the contrary, there is a risk that Belfast will be considered dangerous. But if he also engaged the princess of the empire, he can at least make an excuse to other countries that Belfast is not the only one.......well, this one thinks.
''An empire is an empire, and we can form an alliance of equals without having Fuyu-dono used as a political dealmaker for some strange reason, right?

　The one-eyed Imperial Knight Commander, Gaspar-san, takes over Leon-san's words. No, I don't understand what you're saying, but come on!
　When I glanced at Lou, she was squirming and glancing at me with a red face. Nuh-uh.....

''Four or five people haven't changed already. What need to worry about now!
You say that, but...

　General Leon slaps me on the back with a bang with the same force as ever. There's certainly no reason to disagree with him........ It's only been two days since we met! It's going to happen too fast!
　....Huh? When you met Eumina, was that the day you met her? So it's not a problem... or isn't it?

How is the princess? You don't want to marry into Lord Wintery Night?
'No, father. I'm so happy I'm going to faint! I couldn't be happier! I'll gladly marry you to Winter Night-sama!

　Snorting, she turns her sparkling eyes towards me while combining her hands in front of her chest. Ah......... I have a feeling that this is useless no matter what I say.
　I don't know, people in this world have an easy view of marriage....... I don't think they take it lightly. This is the part that makes me realize that this is a different world....

''I don't know. Would you be willing to take Lucia?
'Huh ... you'll have to wait until I turn eighteen to get married, but if that's okay with you ...'

　Well, we don't have to wait until 18, but that's where the slightest resistance comes in, or something like that.
　The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you can't get along with them. They get along so fast.....

Of course, I'll give you some money as a gratuity. In any case, this will allow us to form an alliance between Belfast and the Empire as equals.

　It's amazing to think about the Emperor's words again. Does this mean that Belfast, Mismid, Lefries, Regulus, and most of the western countries on the continent have formed an alliance?

''By the way, since this is the time to do so, why don't you formally announce both your engagement to Yumina and Princess Lucia at home and abroad, but then you'll need the status of Lord Winter Night. Therefore, after discussing with Emperor Regulus, we have decided to transfer the territory from both countries to Fuyao-dono.
...What do you mean?

　I don't understand what you're saying. Does it mean that they are going to give us the territory? To be honest, you can't rule even if you get something like that, but.......

''It's not a worship, it's a transfer. In other words, I will establish a small country on the border between Regulus and Belfast. And you will be enthroned by Lord Fuyu as the king of that country.
What?

　The founding of the country is what makes it a nation! I'm the king?

''Well, even though it's a country, its citizens are only Fuyao-dono's relatives. But as a small but independent country, it is not bound by the laws of Belfast or Regulus. Both countries will be behind its founding, and of course it will be inviolate. No matter what happens in that country, we will not interfere in any way. Fuyao-dono is free to do so. It's not a problem for me to be in a position to marry a princess from both countries.

　It's like Vatican City? Or is it like some duchy? Either way, can I get one of the countries?

'Fuyu-dono, could you show me a map?
'What? Ah, yes. Map View
Copy that. Copy that.

　Unable to grasp the situation at the king's words, I do as I'm told and display the map in the air.
　Belfast is on my left and Regulus is on my right. The king points to the border between them.

Two thirds of the Melicia Mountains stretch between the two countries from the north, and below that is a vast area of forests and plains. Although the land is rich, there are many magical beasts here. So we avoided this place and went further south to find a trade route between the two countries. This plain area will be divided from both countries and established as an independent country.

　Hey, didn't you say there are a lot of hexenbiests there?

You want me to live in such a dangerous place?
You don't have to live here, though. "We don't have to live here, but this area will be treated as an independent country from now on. And if that happens, our country can't do anything about it. In the extreme, we can only watch with our fingers crossed that a gang of thieves will build a stronghold here and do as they please. The only thing we can do is protest to the king, Fuyao-dono,

　The king and the emperor grinning. It's dirty, it's like they've been sent out to eliminate the dangers of trade routes. If an alliance is formed, there will be frequent traffic between the two countries. So this is what they want us to do about the danger zone for security purposes.

I feel like I'm being cheated...
'No, no, no. The land is rich, it's true, and as a country, it's big enough. If this is a safe zone, people can use the trade routes without worry, and Lord Fuyao will have land and status. Isn't that a good thing?

　I know, but.... I feel like I'm being used for a good cause. They are not the monarch of a country either. Smart. Both of them are getting killed by their subjects.
　Hmm, I wonder if it's not a bad thing. It's true that if you get two princesses, you have to be of a certain status. It's not as much of a hassle to have a citizen or anything, so it's not as much of a hassle. You'll be able to do what you want with the land.

I understand. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the land safe, right? I'll do it.
I'm sorry. Then we can declare the establishment of the new state in a formal statement with the backing of both countries. I'm sure our allies in both countries would approve.

　The establishment of a nation, yeah. It doesn't make sense to me, but... Well, we don't have anything yet. Maybe I'll build a castle when I'm done.

'You are the king at last, that you are........ My master is amazing, that he is.
'Hey. I never thought it would get this far.

　Yae and Else look at each other. I didn't expect it either.... You're drifting.

'...What are you going to do about the name of the country or something?

　Linse asks me. Hmm, the name of the country.... Like Mochizuki Country? Ugh, how embarrassing! I'd dismiss that one. Like the Duchy of Japan? Is it a bad word? Japan, Zipangu.... Hmmm. I don't have anything like this. Oh.

Brunhild.... Principality of Brunhild.
''Brunhild is the name of the weapon that Fuyao-san has, right?
''Yeah. I think it was probably based on the name War Maiden originally.

　The Duchy of Brunhild. I think it doesn't sound bad. Well, it's a country where there's nothing to call it a duchy, and it's just like the name of a land, so you may not care that much about it.

"Duchy of Brunhild, right. It's not bad. The Kingdom of Belfast supports the establishment of the Duchy of Brunhild and recognizes it as an ally.
"And the Regulus Empire.
Approval is what you get when you secure this place, right?

　 How big is this place? I'm going to check it on my phone so that people don't know. I instructed them to specify a range and figure out the area.

'Approximately 410 square kilometers.'

　...I honestly don't know much about it. For example, how big is Tokyo's 23 wards? Search search search........er......621 square kilometers....
　Huh! That's about two-thirds of the 23 wards of Tokyo! It's wide open!