Chapter 103 (1/2)

Some awkward phrasing, but oh well.

P.S. Next ”chapter” is about ill.u.s.trations of the main characters. Might as well jump right to chapter 105.

The ”right” thing

Elisabel and Diane joined as my new staff members. The next day I was drinking with Damond, the duke of Fillsand

We were in his own private room.

The liquor was high quality, but that didn’t prevent the tension between the two of us.

As far as I’m concerned, I want an answer regarding the alliance with Fillsand. Naturally, I’m not going to let the Duke involve me with his invasion of the Felde kingdom.

On the other hand, the duke wants to win me over and take over the territory of the Felde kingdom together.

On our last reunion,  as a prerequisite to form the alliance I imposed him some conditions.

The first was, to quell the disputes between his children in order to consolidate his own power.

There are other conditions, but I’m reserving them for the time being.

[... Elisabel is going with you, right? Well, please take care of her]

[Now, I’m the one that’s grateful, still is it fine to let her go?]

[It’s not a problem]

Strictly speaking, this was contrary to the condition of “Having the duke cooperate to mend the relations.h.i.+p of his three children”.

But I intend to let it pa.s.s.

In the first place, it was a condition for protecting Elisabel, so he should be aware of that.

[If she’s useful to you, she’s useful to me, besides having her at hand, would put us on good terms indefinitely]

[I see...]

The duke seemed relieved.

He’s not the kind of evil person to take pleasure in hurting others, but having said that, as a father his love for his daughter is appalling.

Elisabel clearly understands that, so she herself chose to come to Jiiteas.

He’s the same age as me, still I said such arrogant things despite not having children of my own.  It’s depressing but I’ll have to make do with it.

[How are Balzade and Agbeil doing?]

The duke poured more wine on my empty cup, he’s timing was like we are already used to each other.

[I already proclaimed Balzade as my official successor. He’s always been an uninteresting guy, but he’ll do fine. For some reason he’s quite capable when it comes to the Felde kingdom and the Schultz.]

[That’s good to hear, I also think he’s quite capable]

It’s a shame he didn’t go into much detail about his two sons.

Still, Balzade manage to win the trust of the Schultz tribe, so I know what kind of man he is. The duke really doesn’t seem to think much about his sons.

There’s a limit to how generous he can be as a ruler.

[Agbeil also seems to be more relaxed around his brother. I also don’t intend to do anything more than deciding the order of succession]

[Is that so, I think he seems promising too]

Contrary to his brother, Agbeil resembles his father, he’s calculating and cunning. And can also think from the perspective of the weak.

He has already acknowledge his brother as the ruler, if they cover each other’s weaknesses ruling over Fillsand will go smoothly.

Incidentally, he said...

[That reminds me, didn’t Agbeil told you something?]

The duke was pouring more wine on my cup while smiling. Be d.a.m.ned this father and son.

Certainly, Agbeil has been secretly reporting to me.

[Ah yes, it was something like: “In the future, if my father wants to betray you, I’ll let you know in advance”]

[Grrr, that’s so like him. It’s because he’s like that I didn’t say anything to him, please don’t think I want to betray you]

[Will do, let me say this just in case... don’t lay your hands on them]

[These brats have been prowling at my feet, don’t worry about it]

Well, for the duke and his children, that much is fine I guess.