第１１７１堀：処罰としての対応 (Part1)
**Chapter 1171: A Response as Punishment**
Side: Kirika
"Compose yourself, Fiora. This is, first and foremost, a 'political marriage.' It is for the sake of Dafaio; there is no need for your personal feelings to be consulted."
"Oh—ah, yes! My apologies!"
After being proposed to so abruptly and then seemingly treated with such callousness by her own father, the princess appeared confused and startled. However, she bowed her head in apology, properly chastened by the King of Dafaio.
Hmm. I had thought her to be dignified and intellectual, but perhaps she is not as resilient when it comes to sudden, unforeseen developments?
Still, I had calculated that the probability of my Master discarding the plan to take Princess Fiora—even at this late stage—was by no means low. Yet, he made the demand with surprising ease.
No, looking at my Master’s face now, it is clear he merely spoke as a matter of "business" for the sake of this occasion. He will likely agonize over it deeply later. That, I suppose, is my Master’s greatest flaw.
He could simply maintain a distance that avoids any real complications, as this is, after all, a political marriage. But because my Master is Japanese, he seems to loathe the idea of doing so. Since this world is different from his own, being so bound by such "common sense" or "moral standards" is, in my opinion, a point of concern. It only serves to increase his own burden.
More than that, I find it difficult to imagine that Princess Fiora could truly act as a shield against the requests pouring in from the minor nations. She will certainly serve as a point of contact, yes. But the requests that *must* be fulfilled—the ones that cannot be refused—will inevitably end up on my Master’s desk regardless.
In the end, does that not amount to the same thing?
Ah, I see. No, it is different. If Princess Fiora takes on the entire process of filtering through the work to determine what absolutely must be done, that would indeed be a reduction of his burden. Since my Master has been personally reading through every incoming request and making those judgments himself, the presence of a capable individual like Princess Fiora would certainly be useful.
Above all, it will lead to a decrease in the number of people trying to force marriages upon him for their own selfish gain. If nothing else, that alone makes this worthwhile. She may lack a certain… physical presence, but her face is acceptable, and more importantly, she is competent. She will be perfect for turning away the other idiots.
While I was lost in such thoughts, the conversation had already progressed.
"I apologize to Princess Fiora, but we cannot hold a grand wedding ceremony this time."
"That is indeed true. By doing so, we can lead others to believe she is being treated with misfortune. It would be problematic in many ways to send her off if it were known that she would be unhappy. However, what will become of Weed's reputation?"
"The current view is that we can manage, as this whole affair was essentially a breach of protocol by Dafaio to begin with. Naturally, we will have the Great Powers cooperate as well. They seem keen to avoid any more minor nations making direct requests to Weed."
"Indeed, there were quite a few violations of protocol this time. It is a stroke of fortune for our kingdom that we have reached this conclusion."
As the King of Dafaio says, the reason the Kingdom of Dafaio is not currently being reprimanded by the Great Powers is that it has already been decided that Princess Fiora will be sent to Weed in a position outwardly akin to a servant or a maid, as a form of restitution.
This serves as a public declaration that direct orders and requests to Weed, bypassing the Great Powers, will no longer be tolerated. Should any issues arise in the future, they must first consult the Great Powers, and depending on the situation, they may then seek Weed’s cooperation through their mediation. In such cases, Princess Fiora will act as the consultant for the minor nations.
"External appearances, then. Though I cannot say that Roschur has been of much help to our country, is such a thing really necessary?"
"Do not speak of such things. Above all, the wife of Lord Yuki, the Queen of Weed, is the Second Princess of Roschur."
"I am aware of that. But it is precisely because they could not solve the problem that they left us to our own devices, which resulted in us having to rely on Weed, is it not?"
Well, Princess Fiora is certainly correct. The problem this time arose because a dragon named Coral had monopolized the river's water source. Even if Roschur had stepped in, it is doubtful they could have resolved it. Nevertheless, it is difficult to openly declare that "the Great Powers are useless." That is why, while not exactly abandonment, Roschur tacitly allowed Dafaio to rely on Weed without reprimanding them.
"I understand Princess Fiora's dissatisfaction deeply, but this will, in a sense, allow other nations to officially rely on Weed. That is of great significance. The fact that you have come forward, disregarding your own self, is what matters."
"…I say this as the one involved, but perhaps because I have achieved something unprecedented, those who follow will be saved."
"Is that so? Am I a human sacrifice, then? No, I knew that from the beginning. Yes, that is right. If my body alone can save my people, then there is no problem. If it can even go so far as to help those living in other countries, then I shall accept this marriage."
The expression on Princess Fiora’s face as she replied seemed as if she were forcibly suppressing a surge of intense emotion. Well, given the phrasing, it certainly sounded that way. But in this setting, that is exactly how she must convey it. She must act the part; after all, it would be inconvenient if she appeared too happy.
"Then, as there are preparations to be made, I shall take my leave."
Princess Fiora exited the room. She will likely vent her frustrations somewhere. After all, the content of the meeting held here looks like nothing more than a rude young girl being sold off.
"…Lord Yuki. Could you grant the wish of an incompetent monarch who could not save his own country with his own hands?"
"If it is within my power."
"Please, I entrust Princess Fiora to you. I could not make her happy. Because she was capable, I relied on her too much and forced the responsibilities of a ruler upon her. So, please… I beg you to make my daughter happy."
The King of Dafaio, bowing his head deeply, was nothing more than a father thinking of his child. To an outsider, it might sound like he is merely pushing the burden of his daughter’s unhappiness—caused by his own incompetence—onto someone else.
Yet, I cannot bring myself to despise that King. The King was willing to sacrifice his beloved daughter to protect his country and his people. And even then, he cast aside his status to bow his head for the sake of her future. I felt that he was doing everything he possibly could.
And that sentiment was, of course, conveyed directly to my Master, who was listening to his request.
"Yes. I swear I will do everything in my power to make her happy. And, I would like to find a way to handle the public perception as well."
…Wait, Master. While the first vow is only natural for you, what are you thinking when you say you will "find a way" regarding the public perception?
"That will be quite difficult. If you do that, the reason for sending her off in the first place will be lost. Would that not also be a problem for Weed? Considering the burden on you, Lord Yuki."
The King of Dafaio is correct. The reason for receiving Princess Fiora under the guise of "misfortune" is to inform the surrounding nations that this is, strictly speaking, a punishment. If this is not seen as a punishment, other countries will misunderstand and think that if they send women to my Master, they too can utilize Weed’s power. That is exactly what we want to avoid, which is why we are taking this approach.
I do not believe he fails to understand this, but…