第１１７０堀：正しい政略結婚 (Part2)
The military units assigned to the construction work have been racking up achievements by clearing out monsters, and their morale is soaring as they realize their own utility. More importantly, the villagers, who had been on the verge of a violent outburst, have regained their composure now that a steady water supply is guaranteed. It seems highly unlikely they will attempt to wage war on their neighboring country now.
In other words, the initial objective has been achieved. The water crisis in the Kingdom of Dafaio has been resolved.
That said...
"Well then, can we consider this case closed?"
As Agil confirmed this, Princess Fiora wore a slightly bitter smile.
"The issue with the neighboring country over water has indeed been resolved thanks to the efforts of everyone from Weed, but that has given rise to a different problem."
It was not Princess Fiora who answered, but the King of Dafaio himself, who had just stepped through the door.
"Father."
I started to rise at the sound of his voice, but the King of Dafaio stopped me.
"Please, stay as you are. This is hardly an audience chamber. If we are to consider our respective positions, it is I who should be kneeling."
"I could not allow that. You are the head of a nation, King of Dafaio. Size matters not. I respect that position. Or, if you would permit it, should I call you a comrade?"
"Hahaha. Perhaps you should. We both run ourselves ragged, left and right, for the sake of our countries. While the scale of what we can achieve differs, our intentions are the same. Comrades, indeed."
"Indeed."
The head of a nation always has the development of their country at their core. Even if the forms differ, the underlying sentiment is a desire for the country to prosper and for its people to be happy. Even a tyrant feels this to some extent. A king who simply wants to slaughter his own subjects would be ousted in an instant, and there is nothing more ridiculous than a king without a kingdom. Therefore, it might be best to view even a tyrant as someone who protects the happiness of their people, albeit with a limited scope of who qualifies.
And this King of Dafaio is by no means a tyrant. His actions in this matter were merely a desperate reach for the power to cope, leading him to send Princess Fiora to Weed. There is no issue there. In fact, he is a good man at heart—the type who can swallow both the clear and the muddy waters of life. The only difference between us was the power we had at our disposal.
"However, the fact that I could not handle this within my own borders is problematic in the eyes of the world. Especially to the Kingdom of Roschur."
"So, it seems we cannot avoid some form of censure, then?"
"Fortunately, Roschur itself is watching from the sidelines, but the surrounding nations are becoming restless. They are calling it unfair that I could have my country's problems solved simply by lending out an experimental site."
"...In normal circumstances, handing over land to the consort of another nation's ruler is unheard of."
Indeed. Under normal logic, this would be an official admission of invasion—in a sense, an act equivalent to ceding territory. And in this case, it was the land that served as the primary industry supporting Dafaio. Usually, people would say, "If it's just an 'experiment,' do it in your own country."
"Normally, yes. But you and the people of Weed are different. You have a track record of solving the problems of great powers. That is precisely why there is such pressure. And Dafaio cannot ignore it. And, in all likelihood, neither can Weed."
"Sigh. I suppose the world doesn't run on good intentions alone."
"It would have been fine had it been a minor matter. But this time, the scale was simply too great. That said, I do not regret my decision or this outcome in the slightest. War was averted. Many lives were saved. I judge that to be enough."
"I see. In that case, may I present my demands?"
"Indeed. I only hope it is something within my power to grant."
He is already prepared for me to make a demand, and he knows it will not be a light one. Ah, that is exactly why I hate having to say it. Still, Agil and Kirika just look at me and nod, as if to say, "Get on with it."
"Then, I would like to take Princess Fiora as my wife."
"Huh?"
Beside me, Princess Fiora’s eyes went wide. Meanwhile, the King of Dafaio understood perfectly, though he wore a troubled expression.
"Hmm. That is... to be the compensation? Is there some other motive? Are you saying, 'Let me have her as a bride, and I will come to your aid'? I am grateful for the offer, but will that truly resolve the situation?"
"Wait, Father!?"
Princess Fiora, unable to keep up with the conversation, seemed to think her father was saying she wasn't worth enough to be compensation, and she was furious. Well, if you don't understand the context, it certainly sounds like an insult.
"That alone will be sufficient. She is capable, so I intend to have her serve as a negotiator for smaller nations from here on out."
"Ah, I see. You mean to use her as a vanguard. But won't that just invite more jealousy toward the Kingdom of Dafaio?"
"I will handle the adjustments on my end. In any case, please maintain the stance that the 'Princess was taken.' Otherwise, as you said, it will be a problem."
"Hmm, hmm. Indeed. Then, let us discuss the details..."
"Excuse me!? We are talking about who I am to marry, aren't we!?"
If it feels like Princess Fiora’s personality is beginning to crumble, I am sure it is just my imagination.
Love is unnecessary. This is a political marriage. No, it’s even worse than that. Still, this sort of thing was common in the medieval era. One must face reality!