Chapter 133: A Brief Interlude (A Certain Maritime Nation 5)
“So, what has become of that foolish Baron?”
“Well, it seems he is hospitalized due to bruises all over his body and a fractured right leg from the impact upon landing. The minutes of the meeting have been forwarded to the Army, so he won’t be able to act too aggressively against us.”
“Hmph. In another era, he would have faced the gallows for such insolence. And of all things, to act so brazenly against royalty?”
“Indeed. According to the report, there is no doubt about it. Whether we choose to believe him or not is another matter, but from the standpoint of believing, his behavior was so disrespectful that it wouldn’t be surprising if a declaration of war were issued.”
“Can he not even muster the basic courtesy expected of a human being? What do you think we have been doing all this time, laying the groundwork and making adjustments?”
Admiral Alban Breias of the Navy sighed as he read the report.
The Colonel from the Army had forced his way into the meeting with the Paraiso. He belonged to the Capital Defense Bureau and was a nobleman of reputable lineage, holding the title of Baron. However, the nobility system in the Kingdom of Repuitari had been effectively abolished for quite some time. While noble privileges were still recognized, and a minimum annual salary was provided, that was the extent of it.
The political system established by the Noble Assembly had collapsed due to a coup d’état, but the nobility remained in place to avoid chaos. While they could get away with some excesses against commoners with no official positions, government officials and military leaders held equal authority to the nobility, and even a Baron could not make unreasonable demands.
That said, when a person with the title of Colonel made a request, it would be difficult for those of lower rank in the hierarchical military structure to voice their objections. It would be a poor strategy to place the blame for this blunder on the negotiator.
“We will formally lodge a protest with the Army, but at this point, we must report to the royal palace. It may be necessary to have one of the royals step in.”
Even if it was against their wishes, now that it had been explicitly stated that they were dealing with royalty, it was only fitting that a royal should address the matter. It would be wise to clarify the status of the Paraiso in their home country. Were they of legitimate royal lineage, or merely collateral relatives with no claim to the throne?
Depending on their status, it would be necessary to consult with the royalty of the Kingdom of Repuitari. If the disparity in status was too great, even a mere meeting could be seen as an affront.
“And from now on, I will take the lead.”
Finally, the Navy’s leadership was beginning to take action. They had intentionally kept things at the operational level, but that was becoming increasingly difficult.
The other side had revealed their appropriate status. It would no longer be feasible to continue sending someone of merely the rank of Colonel.
Admiral Alban Breias, who held the highest noble title in the Kingdom of Repuitari, equivalent to that of a Duke, made his decision.
He had hoped to handle matters through the administrative channels and consult with the council, but at this point, a forceful restructuring was necessary. If they were to make another blunder, the formidable power of the Paraiso could very well be directed toward the capital, Moar.
“I feel bad for Colonel Estainka, but from now on, I will oversee everything. Ah, of course, ensure that his position remains unaffected. The responsibility will fall on the Army.”
“Understood. I will make the necessary arrangements.”
While the folly of that individual was likely a personal overreach, the future movements of the Army were, to be honest, unpredictable. They were a group of bloated, ugly masses, loyal only to their own desires. They acted not on reason but on emotion, wielding the power and wealth to suppress any issues they caused.
“…Perhaps this is the opportunity to take decisive action. The foreign policy has stagnated as well. This could serve as an excuse to redirect our efforts domestically.”
The limitless expansion policy had come to a screeching halt with the emergence of the Paraiso. While those fools continued to act as they pleased, they would not be allowed to do so any longer. Negotiations with the Paraiso would be troublesome, but fortunately, they were friendly. This would be a good time to clean up the domestic situation and finally address the reforms that had been put off.
“Perhaps I should call the old man back into action…”
“Yes. Are you summoning that gentleman?”
“Indeed. He must be getting bored of retirement by now. Could you send someone to fetch him?”
◇◇◇◇
“Amagio-dono! Amagio-dono!”
The sound of knocking echoed as the daughter of the village chief pounded on the door.
“Ugh…”
The man, sprawled face down on the floor, jolted awake at the raucous noise and sluggishly lifted his head.
“Amagio-dono!! Are you still sleeping?!”
“…The way you say that makes it sound like I shouldn’t be sleeping at all…”
He muttered softly, shook his head once, and then stood up from the floor, stretching his back.
“Amagio-dono! Amagio-dono!!”
“Sarya. I’m opening it now. Stop knocking so hard; you’ll break the door.”
“Oh, Amagio-dono! You’re awake!”
After the knocking, the sound of the doorknob being twisted followed. It seemed this girl had quite the impatient personality. The man sighed and clicked the lock open.
The moment he did, the door swung wide open.
“Amagio-dono!!”
He caught the girl who leaped at him with a firm grip.
“Sarya, I’ve told you to stop jumping on me.”
“I’m fine!”
Her energetic response made him chuckle as he gently patted her head and eased her off his shoulder.
“So, what brings you here so early in the morning, Sarya? This is quite unusual.”
“Oh, right!”
The girl hurriedly stepped back, rummaging through her pockets, and pulled out a letter.
“Here! A letter for you, Amagio-dono, from the capital! Father received it yesterday!”
“Hm, from the capital?”
Taking the letter from her, he flipped it over to check the back.
“…Hmm?”
“What does it say, Amagio-dono? Father said he didn’t know the sender!”
“Ah, it’s from an old friend of mine. It’s been quite a while.”
“……”
Seeing the girl fall silent, he smiled again and placed his hand on her head.
“Don’t make that face, Sarya. This is my home. I always come back, you know.”
“…Last time, you said that and didn’t return for a whole year.”
“Ah… well, that’s true. I’m sorry; my sense of time has been a bit off lately.”
He grumbled, glancing back. A large crystal hung from the chest of his wrinkled shirt, an odd sight for a man with unkempt facial hair. The room was cluttered with various metal contraptions of unknown purpose.
“Sigh… I’m stuck here too. I’ve heard the capital has developed to some extent, so maybe it’s time I show my face…”
“…Amagio-dono!”
At his words, the girl puffed out her cheeks in protest.
“Ah, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Sarya, I understand. I can’t say much since I don’t know the details, but I promise to come back at least once a month. That should be good enough, right?”
“Ugh… That’s a promise!”
“Yes, yes. A promise.”
“Understood, Amagio-dono. I have plans to send out a carriage tomorrow, so why not join me?”
“Ah, that would be helpful. I’ll also pick up some supplies, so I’ll send them along as well.”
“Thank you as always, Amagio-dono.”
The man had come to the village with just a single bag from his estate.
Ultimately, the letter contained an invitation from a friend.
Once again, the country’s system was about to undergo significant changes. The purpose was to assist with that.
“A foreign giant battleship, huh…”
Long ago, before the reforms in this country, he had spoken with his friend about the large, mechanical ships that sailed the seas. Perhaps that very thing was approaching this nation from beyond the waves.
“Well, I suppose I should confirm that.”
Unconsciously, he murmured as he reached for the crystal hanging at his chest.
“And I need to settle things with those I left unresolved last time.”
About thirty years ago, he had made a name for himself as a national hero. Among those was a Duke who had ostensibly retired in peace. That was the title he held.
“However, Village Chief, Sarya has grown into quite the remarkable young woman.”
“Please don’t say foolish things, Amagio-dono. She still runs around the mountains without a care.”
“As the next female village chief, she is quite dependable.”
Perhaps he should help her find a husband in the capital, he mused.
“Amagio-dono, if you were to take her, I would feel at ease.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. The age difference is far too great, and I’m not so twisted as to marry a child I once changed diapers for.”
The man, who looked no older than his twenties, retorted to the village chief, watching the girl chase after the village children.