Chapter 67 – As Long As You Love Me (1/2)

The king of Horant, Suprangel, chose to calm down the uproar outside and within the castle. He declared peace and reconciliation because of the negotiations with the feudal lord Hifumi Tohno of the Fokalore territory within Orsongrande.

The details of those negotiations were:

“Monetary reparations concerning the damages done by Horant.”

“Initiation of direct magic tools trade with Fokalore as well as Orsongrande by Horant’s royal family without passing through Vichy.”

“The permission of Fokalore’s soldiers to be stationed within the domain of Horant.”

These three agreements were playing a leading role.

Especially the third point, not only was it unheard-of in history for a foreign army to be stationed within another country, but the opposing voices of the domestic nobles against Suprangel were strong. However, the king disregarded those.

“It will only be beneficial to Orsongrande”, Horant’s nobles ground their teeth out of vexation, but there was a problem of the other royal family members not having enough ability to oppose the king after Veldore’s death.

Of course that didn’t mean that Suprangel happily swallowed those terms.

Even now, while listening to the talks of the nobles, who insisted in their stinging dissenting views in the name of remonstrating him with 「What insolence」, he recalled the conversation with Hifumi.

“You are asking me to place your troops in my country… ?” (Suprangel)

With the audience hall being in a desolate state because of the terrible scene of corpses being scattered all over, the two carried out their negotiations in another room that had been prepared.

In normal cases, there is a lot of importance attached to formality such as seating order, but since it was a discussion between the king and a single noble it became a conversation of both sitting on an equal level this time.

“That’s only natural. Though we will teach you how to fight, it will be pointless if it’s only 1 or 2 soldiers.” (Hifumi)

“Though I think that the compensation and the direct trade can’t be avoided…” (Suprangel)

“At the beginning.” (Hifumi)

Not making himself quite clear, Hifumi muttered towards the king while entrusting his back to the chair and looking up to the ceiling.

“I’m curious, won’t it create a situation of different small warlords rivalling with each other within the noble’s consul, if the political centre of Horant is destroyed and a large amount of the populace becomes rootless? I wondered whether I should do such experiment, but…” (Hifumi)

He says an outrageous thing with a serious look.

“However it would be too wasteful to lose the technology of magic tools due to that. There is the problem with the sense of pain and ego vanishing, but the body enhancement was good. If that sort of technology spreads even more, the killing will become a lot more enjoyable. It should also cause an effect of thinking about war more deeply in various ways.” (Hifumi)

“We will arrive at that place in the end.” (Suprangel)

“Of course”, Hifumi laughs.

“I was transferred here from another world against my will by the idiots of Orsongrande. I planned to go on a rampage a little bit as I had to hold back so long, but there was a lot less resistance than I imagined.” (Hifumi)

“Another world… ?” (Suprangel)

“Imeraria called it summoning magic. It seems to be an ancient technique, however I don’t know about it quite well. I was forcibly summoned from another country by that spell. If you feel like it, it’s alright to exchange blows with the royal family of Orsongrande due to that.” (Hifumi)

“That is… I will pass on that. Even if I said something now, it wouldn’t amount to much more than a loser’s whining. However, aren’t you denying the possibility of Horant going to war against Orsongrande?” (Suprangel)

“No, it’s a standpoint of recommending the opposite. If it reaches the point that people use their heads, the battles will become as long and violent as possible. I didn’t tell you add the provision of being non-aggressive towards Orsongrade for a reason. That’s how it is.” (Hifumi)

There was no need for Suprangel to say anything else anymore. He doesn’t know how soon that man would devour the country once again if he doesn’t finish the conference quickly and settle down the internal affairs somehow.

While making a civil official take notes, they worked out the details of the drawn up official document. Both of them signed two versions each and kept one for themselves.

With this they concluded the unprecedented peace between a single noble’s territory and a whole country.

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“Somehow we were welcomed with an amazing vigour.” (Alyssa)

“It’s likely the king’s instigation. His soldiers probably decreased considerably. They might not want to risk even skirmishes, to say nothing of a war, until they have reorganised their army to some extent.” (Hifumi)

Incidentally, as he left the castle, he was joined by Alyssa who caught up.

Although the negotiations advanced at a considerable speed within their limitations, they mostly haven’t encountered any enemies, let alone even an outstanding opposition. On the contrary, once they got closer to the capital, a messenger welcomed them and told them the end result.

Alyssa’s group, which had intended to open hostilities upon coming into contact with the enemy, got completely discouraged.

“Origa already started the aforementioned strategy. As it had been decided that we will train the soldiers of this country for the time being, I will have you, together with the lot you brought along, stay here and drill them. The period is half a year.” (Hifumi)

“For half a year!?” (Alyssa)

“I plan to start the next step in around that time.” (Hifumi)

Hifumi says while scribbling on some kind of document. Alyssa tilted her head to the side.

“Next?” (Alyssa)

“Right, next. Because I will make sure to have Horant, Orsongrande and Vichy approach a pleasant standstill, soldiers of various places will be trained during that time. After that I will somehow give them a trigger.” (Hifumi)

Alyssa quietly sighed due to Hifumi laughing innocently.

“I leave the methods of drilling to you. Alyssa will occasionally return to the territory. While at it, we will also replace the lot stationed here. It’s also necessary to have similar training in Vichy and the other territories.” (Hifumi)

“It will become busy, eh?” (Alyssa)

“Yea, but it will also become a lot more fun. … Alyssa.” (Hifumi)

“What?” (Alyssa)

“There’s no particular necessity to continue doing the unreasonable. It’s also unnecessary to feel gratitude. I was able to enjoy Vichy plentifully.” (Hifumi)

“Do I seem to be that worn out?” After Alyssa inclines her head to the side, she laughs with her whole face.

“Gratitude, eh? I also followed Hifumi-san intending to repay the favour at the beginning, but now that’s not it. Seeing various cities in various countries, looking at an unknown world and talking with companions I’m getting along with is fun.” (Alyssa)

Alyssa’s eyes were suddenly filled with tears.

“That’s why I’m together with Hifumi-san. At the time of going through a bitter experience in Vichy, I thought about wanting to die, but since it’s this much fun right now, I consider it to be fine as it is.” (Alyssa)

“Please treat me well”, when Alyssa bowed, Hifumi tapped her shoulder while smiling as well.

“I see. It’s fine to do what you like as long as you enjoy it. It’s your life after all.” (Hifumi)

“Uh huh. It’s a blessing if you can do what you like.” (Alyssa)

“Yes, that’s right… Eep.” (Hifumi)

Once Hifumi raised his look, he saw the soldiers of Fokalore chewing their handkerchiefs behind Alyssa while spilling tears of gratitude. Their resounding, sobbing voices were similar to the wails reputed to be heard from the entrance to hell.

“Director! I will accompany you for the rest of my life as well!” (Soldier)

“Please tell us anything! We will do our utmost to fulfil your wishes!” (Soldier)

“Yea, best regards from now on too!” (Alyssa)

Watching the soldiers answer in one voice to call of Alyssa, Hifumi secretly left the place wondering since when those guys had become this disgusting. (T/N: Lol)

He hastened his return for the sake of creating the next place of conflict.

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