165 [3-22] 朝まで手のひらダンシング (2/2)

Jivarmaguza seemed to have some doubts when he heard René's introduction, but he did not show it in his attitude.

However, he was genuinely surprised by René's next words.

I have only one wish. Let us join hands and face the threat of the Empire.

”...... What?

I just want to find some peace here.

However, the Blue Army of the Empire of Caenis is currently invading, and it is only a matter of time before they threaten our territory.

Therefore, it would be in our mutual interest to work together to resist the invasion.

Jivarmaguza immediately returned to his hard poker face and looked at Rene with a glare.

He seemed to be intimidated, but René did not care.

I don't want to take your forest.

I don't want to take your forest. I just want to have a sincere military alliance there.

If we can have each other's backs on the battlefield, I will ask for nothing more.

”...... Before we talk about that, we need to make one thing clear.

The help you just gave us was not ours to give.

It was not something we asked for, and there was no reason to ask for it, you just jumped into the battlefield on your own and fought on your own.

What are you doing at ......?

”Miaranze.

In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

The exiled Ciel-Teirah aided the defeated elves and took the Imperial Blue Army by surprise.

They killed their soldiers, took their corpses, captured their artillery, and by the time the blue army had regained their position, they had disappeared.

This forced the Blue Army to retreat temporarily, and the elves were able to save their lives.

However, Jivarmaguza's position was that even if it was a big lie, he had to insist that he not be underestimated.

In the world of politics, pretense is the most important thing.

That's why Rene is not upset about this.

You're right. But I think that battle showed you the power of our nation.

...... No matter how strong the elven warriors are, it will be difficult for the elves of the forest alone to continue fighting against the west. That is why you allied with the human nations to fight against the west.

I think you should join forces with a new ally to replace the two nations that have fallen to the forces of the Caenis Empire.

”I'm afraid you're mistaken, ....... No, I think you're conveniently forgetting something.

We are a human race and you are a demon.

It was a premise that was all too obvious.

Any nation of humans that allies with demons or engages in evil laws will be condemned as evil.

If they lose the recognition from the temple as a legitimate nation, they will have a good reason to invade that nation. It would be devoured from all sides, and there would be nothing left of it.

But Rene had seen it coming. He saw his inner turmoil. His doubts.

Even though he was not here, he was within range of René's ”emotional detection”.

He is trapped to the point that he is considering a proposal that should be kicked out, such as forming an alliance with the undead.

Objectively speaking, of course, this is the situation, but even the hard-headed leadership has lost its way.

People.

Human beings.

...... That's what I used to be called until a few months ago. And I never questioned it.

But then those same people killed me and I was no longer a person.

By a pretender recognized by the temple as the rightful monarchy.

Rene smiles.

Jivarmaguza's face was hard, but he was flinching inwardly.

It is said that the Empire of Caenis is pursuing a war of aggression under the pretense that a nation's strength is necessary for the war against the evil gods.

Are you going to martyr yourselves to that preconceived notion?　Are you willing to give up the forest to die in order to feed the Caenis Empire?

Or do you want to ......

Or are you willing to join forces with the undead?

You know what I mean. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

You know what I mean.

'Of course, I understand your position.

You don't want to make a big show of friendship and fight against the world.

”Of course!

”So, this is an unspoken alliance.

I'm not asking you to give me an answer here. Please discuss it with the people of your village.

Jibarmaguza fell silent. He did not say ”yes” or ”no”.

It would have been too tempting to refuse, too wicked a proposal to jump at. I put everything on hold in silence.

A drowning man grasps at straws. The power of Ciel-Teira's exile is not a straw, but a reliable helper.

But what would they pay for it?

It was natural to be wary.

”Then ......

Rene lowered his eyes a little, as if in sorrow.

”We believe that there may be some unfortunate misunderstanding, not malice, but ...... please stop attacking us.

”What?

Rene's modest request was met with a puzzled look from Jivarmaguza.

It didn't seem like an act.

--Pattern B.

Rene gave some instructions to the undead under his command by thought.

It was right after that.

”Princess, it's coming!

At that moment, Rene's caller received an urgent message from Everis.

Rene and his vassals were suddenly on alert.

Shortly after.

A white explosion blew away the tent.