Chapter 115 - Taiki’s motives and Catherine’s predictions (1/2)

「As for Heavenly Country’s position, we have no intention of going out of our way to stick our neck into the internal strife of other countries. As such, even if a revolution were to happen, we would continue to operate the store as if nothing happened.」

「……If it turned into a civil war, the capital of that kingdom would be plunged into the utmost chaos.」

「No problem. According to our investigation, there is no direct threat to Karluk Kingdom. Currently, we are in the middle of rebuilding the road bit by bit to allow residents, merchants, and travelers, that lost their place, to evacuate.」

「Karluk’s King gave you permission……?」

「I’ve received permission to freely use the vacant land on that road. Putting a few shops there wouldn’t go against that. My intentions are to expand it to the size of a small town.」

「……! That could be seen as an act of hostility towards the kingdom……」

「No, no, even if it becomes the size of a town, stores are still stores. Of course, if I decide to expand the store even further, I would consult with the King. Well, though during that time he might be too busy with revolts and all that.」

For the most part, no one but Taiki and Catherine took part in the conversation, everyone else just listened attentively to it.

For several minutes Taiki kept faithfully replying to every question Catherine asked. Eventually, as if she was finally convinced, she went silent and cast down her eyes.

Confirming that there are no more questions, Taiki took a nearby glass in his hand.

Grey vigilantly observed how Taiki drank water, and then spoke up.

「……Hearing all this confused me even further. This country already came to shake the very foundation of Karluk Kingdom…… Why would you need our help? Saying this myself is depressing, but we don’t have great influence or money. If what I’ve heard at the beginning is true, we might be dead literally tomorrow.」

Grey muttered, frustrated, but Taiki raised his eyebrows and smiled.

「We shared information, now we can get to business. First, let me get rid of some of the misunderstandings, I have no intentions of ruining Karluk Kingdom or taking down the King from the throne. As I mentioned at the very beginning, I merely want to change how slaves are treated.」

To those words, Grey blinked with a blank stare.

「But, no matter how you look at it, it all points to Heavenly Country trying to undermine Karluk Kingdom from the shadows. The royalty of Karluk Kingdom would naturally see it that way, and surely so would other realms. In that case, the revolt is inevitable, and Karluk Kingdom would……」

Catherine stopped, then frowned.

「……No matter if Karluk Kingdom or the rebels would prevail…… You will put it under your jurisdiction, so the weakened country wouldn’t be attacked by neighbors……? 」

Only Grey, who sat right next to her, could somehow hear what she muttered, almost inaudibly.