第５２２堀：公爵との会談 (Part2)
So, they aren't actually aiming for hegemony, then?
"If I may, Duke. In that case, how do you intend to explain the Queen being kept under house arrest?"
"Lady Catherine, that, too, is a misunderstanding of sorts. It was because that reckless movement began to emerge that we had to evacuate the Queen."
Ah, I see. The order of events was reversed.
She wasn't locked away because she was a nuisance; she was hidden away because danger was approaching. They simply used the guise of house arrest to do it.
"As part of that, we decided that the daughter, Princess Carrie, should—well, be kept from acting rashly, and that she shouldn't be given any unnecessary knowledge. But I never imagined it would go that far..."
So, they figured that locking up the daughter would cause problems, so they gave her a "special" education, and she ended up like that.
She basically maxed out her stats in "airheadedness."
Come to think of it, she might have intentionally become a ditz as a form of self-defense.
Throughout history, there have been quite a few people who acted like complete fools just to survive.
『However, I hear she has been in that state for over ten years, has she not? Is it not strange to claim that nothing could be done about it?』
"We have been trying. We have been maneuvering to prevent the old royalist faction and the current royalist faction from clashing. To begin with, the start of all this ten years ago was just a minor proposal to strengthen the military a little. But before we knew it, it had escalated to conquering other nations and aiming for hegemony..."
"So, it just sort of spiraled into that direction before anyone noticed?"
"Yes. That is exactly it. His Majesty realized this was a bad turn of events and has been investigating the source, but since no actual hostile actions have been taken yet, he hasn't been able to speak out strongly against it."
Well, that makes sense.
Up until now, it was just a difference of opinion within the country.
Wait, hold on a second.
"The other side claims they have distrust because many of the magic student candidates sent from the Empire and other nations never returned."
"...That is the first I have heard of it. It is safe to assume that information is being suppressed somewhere. However, is it not reckless to mobilize the military over that?"
"I can't argue with that, but it was Hayden that sowed the seeds of this fire."
Still, it was the Empire that crossed the border and attacked, after all.
It’s also true that they could have continued negotiating with more patience, but since there are two sides to every story, it’s hard to say for sure.
『Hmm. I still do not understand what their goal is. Even if their goal was to provoke a conflict with the Empire, it is obvious that other nations would intervene, and it is clear that they would be overwhelmed and fall. The current King of Hayden is aware of this. Yet, it sounds as if his subordinates are not listening to him. It is truly mysterious.』
"Perhaps they believe they can win?"
"The warmongers aren't *that* stupid. If they were that foolish, they wouldn't have attained the rank of General in the first place. Besides, there are many generals who aren't even mages."
"..."
The conversation isn't coming together—or rather, the situation is becoming increasingly incomprehensible.
"For now, if the King hasn't lost his mind, can't we just go and talk to him about this?"
"Indeed. As for me, since the Princess, my daughter, and the students of the Magic Academy are all involved, I see no issue with going to ask why things have turned out this way."
"...Isn't that dangerous?"
Catherine has been through hell and back, so it’s no wonder she doesn't want to go to the palace.
"If that is the case, then so be it. It is clear that if it comes to that, the current King can no longer control his subordinates. I have been told that I should step up in his stead."
『I see. So you have not just been sitting by and watching, have you, Sou?』
"Yes. If one of the Three Houses loses its way, it is our duty to correct them, or if that fails, to guide them to their end. That has been our covenant since the time of the First Founder... I believe that such a thing will not be necessary. But..."
"...Father."
I get it now.
Duke Kamishiro had been watching over things until now, and this incident was the catalyst that finally forced his hand.
It seems we didn't even need to do the persuading ourselves.
"That being said, I intend to head to the palace now. What will you all do? Honestly, with those warmongering fools around, it is dangerous, just as Lady Catherine says. If things go poorly, you will be dragged into the commotion."
"We were here to support Duke Kamishiro from the start. We will accompany you to ensure your safety."
That was the plan from the beginning.
The outcome is still uncertain, but at least we’ve avoided the worst-case scenario where we have to crush Hayden and take over the mess ourselves.
Since Duke Kamishiro is saying he’ll take over Hayden if it comes to the worst, that’s fine.
There are still many questions, but I’m sure they’ll be answered once we get to the palace.
I just hope we can get them to recognize Bayde’s peace and reconcile with the Empire as soon as possible.
Well, I suppose you could say things are moving faster than expected, so that’s a good sign.
Thanks to that, the "Eoid and Kagura get closer at their parents' home!!" event probably won't happen, though.
Tch.
Yuki and Taiki won't give up!!
We believe Eoid will get it done!!
Wait? This feels like a cancellation notice.
No, we can still keep going. Right?