「I see. It seems the dragons’ forces have grown considerably in the north.」
「Yes. While small ones can still be contained somehow, the medium and large ones… their numbers are increasing, and they are rampaging freely.」
「And what exactly is the Republic plotting?」
「Yes. We are currently considering a joint military operation among the nations to exterminate the dragons.」
At the guest of honor’s request, only a very small number of people have gathered for this meeting.
From the Republic: the witch Marisan and her two escort knights.
From Univance: the king, the prime minister, and the royal guard commander as escort, three in total.
Even the formidable witch shows a faint hint of surprise at the king’s personal welcome, but she sets aside her own staff as if to say she harbors no ill intent, and proceeds with the discussion.
「A joint force among nations… I suppose the Empire will refuse, no?」
「Indeed. That is why we plan to begin negotiations with the surrounding countries first, fill in the outer moat, and create a situation where the Empire finds it difficult to refuse before approaching them.」
「I understand. And so you come to our kingdom first?」
「Yes. We earnestly hope for the participation of your nation’s dragon slayer… Noie von Draguknight-sama.」
「However, sending Noie out of this country is…」
At the king’s deliberately drawn-out words, the witch offers a gentle smile.
「Are you worried she might be taken by another nation? Unless that concern is dispelled, talks cannot proceed. Therefore, the Republic proposes including a clause that 『prohibits any participant in the joint force from being detained for any reason whatsoever』.」
「Hmm. In that case, 『all participants in the joint force must be returned to their home country』 would be better.」
「Yes. However, the battlefield is unpredictable.」
「Indeed. Then how about 『return them even if only as corpses』?」
The witch laughs softly at the king’s repeated sharp jabs.
「Do countries without a dragon slayer lack credibility?」
「Even countries that possess one cannot be fully trusted. You must have heard about the Empire’s dragon slayer.」
「Yes. We have grasped that one exists, albeit only faintly… but we know nothing of their true identity.」
The witch frankly admits the lack of information.
The king gives a quiet signal to his son seated beside him.
Without a word, the son stands and walks toward the witch.
For a brief moment, one of the knights behind her starts to react, but she stops him with a single raised hand.
「A little early, but this is tonight’s dinner menu. If there is anything you would like in particular, please feel free to say so.」
「……I see. The rumors that the King of Univance is exceedingly kind to women appear to be true.」
「Ahaha. You forgot to include the word 『beautiful』.」
「Ara? Have I caught your eye, then?」
「More than sufficiently… enough that I would want you for my own country.」
The menu was a meticulously detailed account of the Empire’s dragon slayer.
It was an exceedingly rare “dish”. So valuable that some form of reciprocation would surely be expected.
「There is no hidden agenda behind the very proposal of this joint military force. It is true that our Republic, lacking a dragon slayer of our own, covets your nation’s Noie-sama so desperately that we can almost taste it. Especially after being so thoroughly humiliated at the wedding, Hartzen-sama is said to be particularly eager… though in his case, his particular tastes make him quite unsuitable. Please, under no circumstances entrust Noie-sama to him.」
Ignoring the flustered knight behind her, the witch lets out a soft chuckle.
Information of this level is perfectly safe to share. Having judged as much, she continues.
「Regarding the terms of the joint force, I will take them back with me and send a formal document later. When that time comes, I will do my utmost to present terms you can accept without reservation.」
「I see. That would be appreciated.」
「Yes. Now then…」
With deliberate slowness, the witch turns her gaze toward his two sons.
The young prime minister, renowned as the heir, stands without the slightest change in expression.
The second son, outstanding in martial prowess, stares straight at her chest.
His unwavering, heated gaze is so steady that she finds herself both impressed and exasperated, do as you please, she thinks.
「The Prince Argusta… former prince… whom I requested?」
「Ah. He is currently buried under accumulated work after my sudden nomination caught him off guard.」
「Ara ara. I seem to have caused quite the inconvenience.」
After a brief moment of thought, the witch claps her hands lightly in front of her chest.
「Then, as an apology of sorts, allow me to share one piece of information concerning him.」
「……What is it?」
「Yes. You are aware of the story that he made a verbal promise to marry a certain noble daughter?」
「So, I’ve heard.」
That rumor, brought from the Republic, has been investigated thoroughly by Halfren, yet the other party cannot be located.
Her identity is known, but she herself has vanished. Likely she is no longer within the country.
「What if I told you that young lady is currently under protection in the Republic?」
「Oh?」
「And… what if I further told you that she has become pregnant and given birth?」
「Wh… what?」
Even the seasoned king drew in a sharp breath.
This news was worse than the worst he had anticipated.
「There is no way to confirm it directly, but according to her own words, 『the father is Prince Argusta』. However, from my own observation, I judge her statement to be 『a lie』. Yet the Minister of Internal Affairs who is protecting her is treating it as 『fact』 and preparing to act accordingly.」
「……」
The witch chuckles softly and sings the words like a melody.
「Right now, those two ministers appear to be pushing themselves quite hard in their eagerness to claim credit. They likely intend to extract some concessions from Univance and gain an advantage for themselves.」
「In other words… the next visitor to this country will be…?」
「Yes. I believe it will undoubtedly be Minister of Internal Affairs Usheltzen-sama. Regarding the joint force… I sincerely hope you will consider it favorably.」
With a bewitching smile gracing her beautiful face, the witch stood quietly in place.
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