第５３７堀：女王の苦労 (Part1)
**Chapter 537: The Queen’s Toil**
**Side: Seraria**
Though I had told my husband I would handle this gently, there are lines that cannot be crossed. If I do not speak firmly when it is required, it will not be seen as kindness or mercy, but as a sign of weakness.
Regardless of the circumstances, leaving the fact that a member of our royalty was abducted unaddressed would only sow the seeds of chaos in Weed’s future diplomacy. This conversation is a necessity.
"Hyden has been using my spouse like a common servant while we haven't even established formal diplomatic relations. What kind of compensation does Hyden intend to offer Weed for this?"
I draw my sword from its scabbard, point the tip toward Princess Carrie, and continue.
If we had diplomatic ties, I might have been willing to overlook it as support provided during my husband’s inspection. But since we do not, they have put my husband in danger and treated him like a mere foot soldier. They must pay the appropriate price, or Weed will lose face, and we ourselves will not be satisfied.
...My husband is not some convenient tool.
"Depending on your answer, I will take your head here and now, and Weed will declare war on your country, Hyden. Think carefully before you speak."
In truth, I have no intention of actually taking her head. However, depending on how this goes, it might be better to install that girl standing beside her—Kagura, who is currently turning pale—as the leader of Hyden instead.
She has Japanese ancestry, and our relationship with her has been good so far. I don’t know if it’s a trait unique to the Japanese, but much like Yuki, Taiki, and Taizo, she seems to have the temperament of someone who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.
As I am thinking this, Princess Carrie steels herself and opens her mouth.
"…With all due respect, Your Majesty…"
There is no fear in her gaze. She is looking straight at me.
…She has guts, I’ll give her that. As expected of someone who has endured while keeping her desire for revenge locked deep within her heart. She seems willing to dirty her own hands, and in a sense, as Yuki once said, she might be the version of me that would have existed had I never met him.
"Regarding this matter, I am fully aware that it is a result of Hyden’s own moral failings. Furthermore, thanks to Yuki-sama’s efforts, we are scheduled to hold talks with the Empire, and he has been cooperating with us to root out the subversive elements within Hyden."
The princess speaks without reservation, admitting that they are relying heavily on my husband.
"…I am aware. And in exchange for that, what will your country offer? You know better than anyone how capable my husband is. Do you have any idea how much Weed has been stagnating in his absence?"
It’s true. Do you know how hard it has been for us to manage intercontinental exchange alone for the past half-month? The Zilba Empire and the Holy Kingdom of Enaria have sent Magic Sword Users to discuss Yuki’s right of succession, and there are even orders for Jessica to return to the Zilba royal palace for that very reason.
Letters have arrived from Cleena’s homeland of August and Samantha’s homeland of Roday, asking to send envoys to Betan now that word of the intercontinental exchange has reached them. Meanwhile, on the Rogari continent, we are holding daily grand meetings on how to form an I-Continent language analysis team and how to manage relations with other continents.
Do you have any idea how busy I am mediating and explaining all of this?!
That is why you need to return my husband!! Do you have any idea how much damage Weed is suffering?!
Honestly, it would be better if these things were handled by us. Relying solely on a single individual named Yuki is not ideal. If something were to happen to him, everything would collapse instantly. Yuki likely understands this, which is why he only offers advice, but his past achievements are simply too immense.
…In that sense, we are also completely dependent on Yuki, but since we are husband and wife, that’s not a problem!! I help with the major work he and Luna handle, so it’s fine!!
As I am internally justifying this to myself, the princess responds to my question. Now, let’s see what kind of compensation and apology she intends to offer.
"…I ask for your understanding that this is all predicated on Hyden first finding stability."
"That goes without saying."
"Thank you. At that time, we intend to offer 80% of the assets confiscated from the subversive elements, and instead of the lease Yuki-sama proposed, we offer the complete transfer of Baide, as well as the transfer of several other territories."
Hmm. Well, that is a reasonable line. She canceled the lease agreement because she accurately grasped our national power. Her judgment is not bad. However…
"Is there any guarantee that this will be fulfilled? With all due respect, you are merely a princess. Changing land ownership is the work of a King. Do you think you can just say this here and expect those around you to agree?"
I believe the princess’s judgment is sound, but there is no guarantee it will be carried out. In fact, it is highly likely to be reneged upon. For a nation, land is a treasure trove that generates wealth; it is rare for them to let it go. Forcing it away could lead to domestic instability. In the worst case, a civil war could break out, and we would lose everything.
However, Princess Carrie shows no hesitation and answers immediately.
"Certainly, under normal circumstances, Your Majesty is correct. However, fortunately—if I may call it that—Yuki-sama is a savior of our nation, a reincarnation of our first King. To transfer land to someone who has achieved such great feats is an honor, not a disgrace."
"…I see. So, the precedent for that is Duke Kamishiro and his kin?"
"Yes."
I see. She is pushing the fact that there is a precedent, so there is no need to worry.
"In the unlikely event that others express disapproval, I am prepared to offer the Kamishiro Duchy itself at that time. Is that correct, Duke Kamishiro?"
"Yes. If our country were to commit such an injustice, the House of Kamishiro will sever ties with Hyden and swear allegiance to Weed."
Kagura, standing to the side, has a look of shock on her face, so she clearly hadn't heard of this. But the two who are speaking show no signs of panic, so I must assume they discussed this beforehand.
Still, she is offering not just land, but the entire Kamishiro Duchy.
…She is thinking further ahead than I expected. If they oppose this, the three great families that form the core of Hyden will split. In that case, she will likely hold those who opposed it responsible for the consequences. That makes it difficult to object.
Moreover, since he is called the reincarnation of the first King, it would be bad form to deny actions that follow that legacy. And since the owner of the duchy has agreed on the spot, this promise is as good as sealed.
Even if the Hyden royal family were to fall in the future, one of the three great families would effectively be under Weed’s umbrella, and they are likely counting on our protection. They understand that we don’t need more territory, which is why they offered the Kamishiro Duchy itself.
I see why my husband calls this princess a fox. She is sharper than I thought. If anything, she doesn't resemble me; she resembles my older sister.
"Very well. Then we shall put this in writing and have you sign it. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. That is fine."
"…When Hyden has settled down, I would like to hold talks with your King as well."
"Yes. I will devote my entire being to ensuring that day comes as soon as possible."
"By using my husband, I presume?"
"…For that, I am truly sorry."
There is no point in tormenting her any further. I have secured the promise, so this should suffice for now.