Chapter 88 (2/2)

“Are you saying that the riches and might of this Filsand are insufficient?”

“Let me put it another way. Are you satisfied with only what you can grab with that amount of strength?”

“...... Hou.”

When I speak almost provocatively, his glance sharpens even further.

I feel a s.h.i.+ver down my back.

“The amount of time that you and I have left is 30 years at best. The issue is how effectively we can use those 30 years.”

“Indeed.”

“I’m sure that you also know this, but in order to use time effectively, we would need talented people. And your children, all of them are talented in different ways. First of all, being tripped up by this problem of succession would only be a waste of time.”

“...... You are quite right.”

His expression has softened a bit. It seems he’s taken my words to mean that I will lend him a hand with his ambitions.

“In that case, first repair your relations.h.i.+ps with your children, and make them to want to work for you. That is my first condition.”

In other words, in order to make self-interested people do something, you simply need to explain to them how doing that thing would lead to their own benefit.

I know Elizabel’s problem with the Duke is more of an emotional one, but as I am but an outsider, this is the best I can do at the moment.

“...... I see. Very well. Seeing this squabble going on before my eyes would only be a distraction. I will speak to Agbeil and Elizabel tomorrow. However, what shall be done about Balzard?”

I didn’t expect him to agree so easily. I read his mind with the ESP Medal, but he is not lying. Or rather, it seems that the moment he decided to not retire, he’s already decided to put a stop to the internal fighting.

“As for Balzard-dono, how about retrieving him with an exchange of prisoners? If you use the Shulz princess that I brought back, would that be possible?”

“Fumu…… So that’s also within the range of your ‘condition’? In that case, I’ll use her as asked.”

As expected of him, still making sure to rephrase things so that he doesn’t incur a favor with me at this point in time. Well, not that I mind.

Which now brings us to the next problem.

The entire time I’ve been talking with the Duke, I’ve been thinking as fast as I can, but……

“So, what is the second condition?”

“Umu……”

I need a good idea to redirect the Duke’s ambition in a more constructive direction.

Somehow, a thought starts to take form inside my head.

Averting my eyes from the Duke’s powerful gaze, I notice the map of the Kingdom of Feldi and its surroundings hanging on the wall……

“Mu.”

With a flash, a lightbulb goes off in my head.

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