第１４８４堀：紛れて入り込む (Part2)
"If it’s revealed that my noble status is a fabrication, it’ll be a massive scandal. Weed doesn't have a nobility system, and while establishing myself as Yuki’s wife is one thing..."
"That wouldn't work, would it? Even if we actually established a Weed nobility, it would only attract all sorts of troublesome people."
Even I understand that much. Weed is now the heart of the alliance. If anyone could establish a connection with its nobility, the name value alone would draw people in like flies. That’s exactly why the diplomatic team, along with Yuki’s subordinates like Orelia, are currently buried under a mountain of inquiries from nobles and commoners alike. If I were to step forward and declare myself a noble of Weed, those seeking to bypass the royal families would swarm me in a heartbeat. Given the military situation, that’s simply impossible.
"I suppose you're right. That leaves us with no choice but to borrow the name of a noble from one of the great powers. And we can't just go around doing that without permission."
"Well, that’s true."
To claim a noble title without authorization is tantamount to declaring war on that nation. That is precisely why Yuki and Seraria are suggesting I ask for their support, I suppose...
"But I don’t have those kinds of connections, do I?"
It’s true that as Yuki’s wife, I’ve met the kings of the great powers and discussed matters like military deployment, but I’m hardly in a position to ask them to grant me a noble title. Furthermore, if I were to rely on one nation personally, it would look like I’m showing favoritism, which would create its own set of problems.
Just as I was thinking this, Yuki looked at me with a surprised expression.
"No, there’s someone who would be delighted to grant you a noble title, Dressa."
"Eh?"
Was there someone like that? Is this about political interests? But was there anyone I was that deeply involved with? As I searched my memory, Yuki provided the answer.
"Noble. Noble of the Kingdom of Ex."
"Noble would be happy to?"
Although I reconciled with Noble over the incident with the Nassa Kingdom, I stepped back from the public eye to ensure the stability of the land. If someone like me—a former princess who was once an ungrateful burden—were suddenly made a noble, the backlash would be inevitable. Some might still harbor affection for me, but if those who cling to the present and those who yearn for the past were to clash, it would only lead to chaos. I do not desire such turmoil. That is why I am here, by Yuki’s side, with everyone in Weed. Surely, they must understand that?
"Ah, Noble understands your feelings, Dressa. That’s why he’d make you a noble in a place where it wouldn't cause a stir. You might dislike the idea of it being 'atonement' for the Nassa Kingdom, but he’s always mentioned wanting to lend you a hand."
"Haa..."
I rubbed the bridge of my nose and sighed. I understand what he’s saying. That man, Noble, is still feeling responsible for the collapse of the Nassa Kingdom. Well, I suppose if I had caused Yuki that level of trouble, I would be haunted by it forever, too. Still...
"I can’t manage a territory, you know? There are people living there, aren't there? Besides, I am Yuki’s wife. The idea of me leaving to govern some foreign land is out of the question."
Yes, I am Yuki’s wife. And my purpose is to cooperate in resolving the magical depletion phenomenon that Yuki has taken upon his shoulders. To become a noble of another land and lose my freedom of movement would be completely counterproductive. As for territory management... truthfully, I think I could do it. I have the experience of running Weed alongside Yuki and Seraria, and I’ve handled plenty of practical work, so it’s not that I *can’t*. It’s just that when I think about the sheer volume of work, I have no desire to do it.
"You’ll need to discuss the specifics with Noble. That said, there are plenty of nobles who never even set foot in their own territories, aren't there?"
"There are countless nobles who appoint deputies and spend their time in the royal capital or working as diplomats."
"In other words, you don’t need to worry too much about the residents."
"Is it absolutely necessary for me to become a noble of Ex?"
"If you want to participate in the auction and gather information from the other nobles, it’s going to be difficult without it. I’m planning to have Micos act in the same capacity. Using the name of her family’s house, the Baron Jarma family, shouldn't be a problem."
"Understood! Leave it to Micos-chan."
Hmm. So Micos can just use her family name as is.
"Fine. I’ll hear what Noble has to say. When can I speak with him?"
"Let’s see... he seems to be in Weed right now, so let me ask him. Just wait a moment."
...I wonder. Is it really okay for us to be in such casual contact with the head of a nation?
"He says it’s fine. He wants to meet around noon."
"...Understood."
And to think, we can even arrange a meeting on the same day. Is this really acceptable? Then again, I am a key figure in Weed, so perhaps it is. Beyond just the maids, there is a genuine need to infiltrate the noble circles as a small nation. In that sense, Dressa is an incredibly convenient asset.