“So, what happened to that foolish Baron?”
“Yes. He seems to be hospitalized in the military hospital with bruises all over his body and a fractured right leg from the impact of the landing. The minutes have also been circulated to the Army, so they won’t be able to push us too hard.”
“Hmph. If times were different, he’d be hanged. A member of the Royal Family, of all people?”
“Yes. According to the report, undoubtedly. Whether or not to believe the other party is another matter, but if we take their word for it, it was such a rude act that they could have declared war on the spot.”
“In the first place, can’t he even manage the bare minimum of courtesy as a human being, the fool? How much groundwork and coordination do you think we’ve done?”
Naval Chief Admiral Alban Blayais sighed as he read the report.
It concerned an Army Colonel who had forced his way into the meeting with ＜Paraiso＞. He belonged to the Royal Capital Defense Bureau and was a well-established noble with the title of Baron.
However, the aristocracy had been virtually abolished in the Repuytari Kingdom for a long time. Aristocratic privileges were recognized, and a minimum annual stipend was paid, but that was about it.
The political system of the House of Lords had collapsed due to a coup, but the aristocracy was retained to avoid chaos. He could probably get away with some unreasonable demands against commoners without any official position, but senior government officials and military leaders had powers equivalent to those of nobles, and even a Baron could not make unreasonable demands.
However, if the request came from someone with the title of Colonel, it would be difficult for subordinates to argue back in the hierarchical military.
It would be a bad move to push the blame for this blunder onto the negotiator.
“We will lodge a formal protest with the Army, but in this case, we have no choice but to report to the Royal Palace. We may need to have a member of the Royal Family make an appearance.”
Even if they were reluctant, since the other party had identified themselves as royalty, the Repuytari Kingdom should also have a member of the Royal Family to meet them.
It would be best to clarify their position in the ＜Paraiso＞ homeland first.
Were they a legitimate heir to the throne, or simply a collateral line with a blood relationship?
It was necessary to consult with the Royal Family on the Repuytari Kingdom side, according to their status.
If the status of both parties was too far apart, even a meeting could be considered rude.
“Also, I will attend from now on.”
And finally, the naval leadership was beginning to stir.
They had intentionally kept it at the field level, but that was becoming difficult.
The other party had disclosed a corresponding status. They could no longer continue to send only a Lieutenant Commander.
Chief Admiral Alban Blayais, who was considered to be the highest-ranking noble in the Repuytari Kingdom, equivalent to the Duke, made a decision.
He wanted to go through the administrative channels as much as possible and consult with the parliament, but at this point, a forceful reorganization by power was necessary. If, by any chance, they committed another blunder, the immense power of that ＜Paraiso＞ might be directed at the capital, Moor.
“I feel bad for Lieutenant Commander Estainka, but I will be in charge of everything from now on. Ah, of course, please ensure that his career is not affected. I will have the Army take responsibility.”
“Yes, sir. Understood. I will arrange it accordingly.”
This time, that fool’s actions were a personal rampage, but the future movements of the Army were frankly unpredictable. They were fat, ugly masses of flesh who moved only according to their own desires. They moved on emotion rather than reason, and they were troublemakers who had secured the power and money to suppress any problems they caused.
“…Perhaps it’s time to get serious about dealing with them. It just so happens that our foreign policy has stalled. This could be used as an excuse to redistribute our surplus energy domestically.”
The endless expansionist policy had come to a screeching halt due to the appearance of ＜Paraiso＞.
The fools still seemed to be doing whatever they wanted, but they wouldn’t be allowed to do so in the future.
Negotiations with ＜Paraiso＞ were troublesome, but fortunately, the other party was friendly. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to clean up the country during this time and tackle the reforms that had been put on the back burner.
“Should we have the old man come back to the forefront…?”
“Yes. Are you going to summon that person?”
“Yes. He’s probably getting tired of retirement by now. Could you send a messenger?”
◇◇◇◇
“Lord Amadio! Lord Amadio!”
The one banging on the door was the daughter of the village chief of the nearest village.
“Ngh, ungh…”
The man, who had been sleeping face down on the floor, trembled at the violent sound and slowly raised his face.
“Lord Amadio!! Are you sleeping again!”
“…The way you say it makes it sound like I’m not allowed to sleep…”
He muttered, shook his head once, and then stood up from the floor. Then, he stretched himself out.
“Lord Amadio! Lord Amadio!!”
“Saarya. I’m opening it now. Don’t bang on it anymore, the door will break.”
“Oh, Lord Amadio! You’re awake!”
After the banging, there was the sound of the doorknob being twisted. Apparently, this girl had a very impatient personality.
The man sighed and clicked open the door.
The moment he did, the door was flung open.
“Lord Amadio!!”
The man caught the girl who jumped at him firmly.
“Saarya. I’ve told you to stop jumping on me.”
“It’s okay!”
The man smiled at her energetic reply, stroked her head, pushed her shoulders, and gently pulled her away.
“So. What’s up so early in the morning, Saarya? That’s unusual.”
“Oh, that’s right!”
The girl hurriedly moved away and rummaged through her pockets, pulling out a letter.
“This! A letter for Lord Amadio, from the Royal Capital! My father received it yesterday!”
“Hmm, the Royal Capital?”
The man took the letter and checked the back.
“…Hmm?”
“Lord Amadio, what kind of letter is it? My father said he didn’t know the sender either!”
“Oh. It’s from an old friend. It’s been a while.”
“……”
The man smiled again at the silent girl and placed his hand on her head.
“Don’t make that face, Saarya. My home is here. I always come back, right?”
“…Last time, you said that and didn’t come back for a year.”
“Ah… well, yes, that’s true. Sorry, I’ve been losing track of time lately.”
The man grumbled and turned around.
On the chest of the crumpled shirt, there was a large Crystal that seemed out of place for the unshaven man.
Inside the room, there were a large number of metal machines of unknown purpose scattered around.
“Haa… I’m at a dead end here too. I heard the Royal Capital has developed to some extent, so maybe it’s time to show my face…”
“…Lord Amadio!”
At those words, the girl puffed out her cheeks in protest.
“Ah, sorry, sorry. Saarya, I understand. I don’t know what the business is, so I can’t say for sure, but I’ll come back once a month. Okay? Is that good enough?”
“Uuuu… Promise!”
“Yeah, yeah. Promise.”
“Understood, Lord Amadio. We have a carriage scheduled to leave tomorrow, so why don’t you ride along?”
“Ah, that would be helpful. I’ll buy some things while I’m there and send them back.”
“Thank you as always, Lord Amadio.”
The man had come to the village with only one bag from his mansion.
In the end, the letter was an invitation from a friend.
Also, the country’s system was about to change drastically. The gist of it was to help with that.
“A foreign Great Battleship, huh…”
A long time ago, before the reform of this country.
He had talked with his friend about a mechanical large ship that would run on the sea.
Or rather, it was approaching this country from beyond the sea.
“Well, I have to check it out.”
Unconsciously, the man muttered as he touched the Crystal on his chest.
“And those guys I failed to clean up, I need to settle things properly this time.”
About 30 years ago, generals who made a name for themselves as heroes of national salvation.
One of them was the eternally Duke, who had retired peacefully on the surface. That was the title this man held.
“But Village Chief, Saarya has become a fine woman.”
“…Don’t say such foolish things, Lord Amadio. She still can’t settle down at all and runs around the mountains.”
“As the next female village chief, she’s as reliable as they come.”
I wonder if I should find her a husband in the Royal Capital, the man muttered.
“Lord Amadio, I would be relieved if you would take her.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re too far apart in age, and I’m not so perverted as to marry a child I changed diapers for.”
The man, who looked no older than 20, replied to the village chief and watched the girl chasing after the village children.