Chapter 211 - Episode 204: Yesterday's Enemy is Today's Friend
"...I see. I have a general grasp of the situation."
After hearing Baron Barthelemy's words, Count Marcel spoke following a few seconds of silence. The Count cast his gaze to both sides, and both the vice-commander and Noein nodded.
The general circumstances regarding the royal family of the neighboring Lancel Kingdom had reached the Kingdom of Lordberg, and Noein, as a royal noble, had studied them. Based on that knowledge, he could imagine a fair amount of the situation from that single sentence.
Originally, the current king, Cadne Lancel I, had two older brothers and one younger sister. Of these, the two older brothers—children of the previous king and his primary consort—were half-brothers to Cadne, while Princess Anrietta, the younger sister, was said to have been born from a concubine, just as Cadne was.
Then, approximately ten years ago, as the previous king's death approached, Cadne murdered his two older brothers. As a result, Cadne ascended to the throne.
However, because she was a child born late and was not yet five years old at the time, his younger sister Anrietta, who shared the same mother as Cadne, was spared from death and instead confined to the frontier. Whether Cadne felt affection for her as a brother, or simply wished to avoid the scandal of being feared and killing even a small child, remained unknown.
As the only direct royal family member other than Cadne, and currently the first in line for the throne, Princess Anrietta was the only person who could serve as a figurehead for the anti-Cadne faction of the Lancel Kingdom nobility. Considering that...
The princess grew to a suitable age, and taking advantage of the weakening of Cadne's power, the nobles outside the military cliques—and even some military nobles, like Baron Barthelemy before them—formed an alliance and rose up to transfer the throne from Cadne to Princess Anrietta. That was likely the case.
Noein and the others deduced this much in a matter of seconds.
"However, we cannot help but hear the details from the mouth of the envoy, sir. Please continue."
"Yes. Then, I shall explain in order. First, during the royal expedition last March, King Cadne suffered a crushing defeat, was severely injured, and was left with paralysis in both legs. Due to repeated defeats, the king's centripetal force plummeted, and many of the military nobles were weakened by the battles thus far. The nobles outside the military cliques, who had been harboring dissatisfaction with King Cadne for some time, formed an alliance to install Princess Anrietta as the new king."
Urged by Count Marcel, Baron Barthelemy continued his story.
"Some military nobles who defected from the king, such as myself, also joined that alliance. We secretly prepared for the uprising during the winter, and as winter ended, we took action as the Princess Faction Alliance, and are currently engaged in battle with the Cadne faction. The war situation is in our favor, and it is believed that the eradication of the Cadne faction is certain."
The actual state of the Lancel Kingdom as described by the Baron was roughly no different from what Noein and the others had predicted.
"...I see. And so, this so-called Princess Faction Alliance wishes to remove the worry of being attacked from behind by us, in order to concentrate on the battle against the Cadne faction."
"It is exactly as you say. The area of northeastern Lancel Kingdom... that is, from your perspective, the area beyond the road through the Bezel Great Forest. That place is already under the effective control of our Princess Faction Alliance. Therefore, if you would promise a ceasefire with our camp, we believe there will be no worry of either side receiving an invasion."
Having spoken this far, Baron Barthelemy showed a slight smile.
"What do you think? I believe this is a favorable proposal for you as well—"
"I would like you to tell me what profit we gain from this. We could use this opportunity to invade the Lancel Kingdom ourselves and achieve the expansion of the Kingdom of Lordberg's territory. Is there a reason for us not to do that? A reason to unilaterally conclude a ceasefire to suit your convenience?"
"...Of course, there are benefits for you as well."
To Count Marcel, who spoke as if pressing him, Baron Barthelemy continued his words while sweat formed on his forehead.
"Our Princess Faction Alliance will inherit the methods of the previous king in diplomacy and adopt a moderate system. Due to the reaction against recent events, we will likely take a more moderate stance than even the previous king. One could even say that is why we rose up. This is, of course, not only the will of us nobles, but also the will of Her Highness Princess Anrietta, who loves peace. Once Her Highness ascends the throne, the Lancel Kingdom will surely change greatly."
"...Are you saying you intend to establish a full friendly relationship with us, as before?"
"That is correct. We correctly understand the current state of the Lancel Kingdom. Territorial ambition is no longer meaningful, and the mission of the royal family and nobility is to rebuild the impoverished kingdom society and make it prosper once again. To deal with neighboring countries with friendship rather than hostility is the greatest benefit for the kingdom."
When the vice-commander asked from the side, Baron Barthelemy nodded.
"The reason the content of the proposal is a 'ceasefire' is because we are currently merely one faction within the Lancel Kingdom. Once the dawn comes when Her Highness Anrietta formally ascends the throne, we hope to conclude a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Lordberg and bring the war to an end. This will be a benefit to both us and you."
As he spoke, Baron Barthelemy shifted his gaze among Noein and the others.
"If the Kingdom of Lordberg agrees to a ceasefire and then an end to the war with us, trade with a friendly Lancel Kingdom will resume. The movement of people and goods will become active, society will become increasingly revitalized, and we will be able to reap great profits from each other. Just as in the past."
While receiving the Baron's gaze, Noein thought. Certainly, for the Kingdom of Lordberg, it would be a significant matter if the society of the Lancel Kingdom, which possessed a population of 1.5 million, were opened as a trade market.
He had heard that in the era up until the previous Lancel king, active exchange actually took place in such a way, and enormous profits were generated. Rather, the original form of the relationship between the two countries was to trade friendly and prosper together. The last ten years under Cadne's reign were the anomaly.
Even if they ignored the proposal and invaded, he didn't think they would gain more profit than trade while continuing to fight and defending new borderlines obtained like exclaves within enemy territory.
The endless continuation of war, or the revitalization of trade through the revival of friendly exchange. It didn't even require thought to determine which was more profitable.
"I understand what you wish to say."
To the inquiring Baron Barthelemy, Count Marcel answered only that, without his expression breaking. The Count likely also considered the opponent's argument to be reasonable.
"However, we cannot, of course, decide the answer to the proposal on our own. This is a matter upon which we must seek the instructions of His Majesty King Oscar Lordberg III. Most likely, we will respond as the victorious nation. Please be prepared."
When Count Marcel spoke in a tone that allowed no room for argument, Baron Barthelemy nodded, still sweating on his forehead.
"Of course, I am aware... this is..."
As he spoke, Baron Barthelemy presented a slender box with exquisite decorations. Inside was a letter made of parchment, sealed with wax. The Baron's hand as he presented it was shaking slightly.
"This is a personal letter from Her Highness Anrietta addressed to the King of Lordberg. Content similar to what I have just explained is written within... Because Her Highness is very young at thirteen years of age, much of the text was ghostwritten by a civil official, but what is here is undoubtedly Her Highness's intention, and the signature at the end is Her Highness's own. Also, you should be able to confirm that the crest on the seal is that of the Lancel royal family. I ask that you deliver it."
"I have received it. I shall certainly deliver it to His Majesty."
Count Marcel received the politely presented personal letter with polite movements.
"That is all I have to convey as an envoy. Despite having been in a hostile relationship for nearly ten years, I thank you for responding so politely."
"I have only done what was natural. For we are the proud nobles of the Kingdom of Lordberg."
The discussion ended peacefully for the time being, and the three of them, including Noein, exchanged handshakes with the opponent's envoy, Baron Barthelemy. The Baron, who had finally finished his work while bathed in Count Marcel's intensity, looked clearly relieved.
.....
To deliver the personal letter from Princess Anrietta Lancel from the Arqvist territory to the royal palace and receive a reply letter, it would take nearly two weeks even if an excellent courier ran at full speed while changing horses.
Therefore, they told Baron Barthelemy that they would deliver the royal family's answer to the Lancel Kingdom as soon as it arrived, and sent him back for today. The one tasked with seeing him off was Noein, who hadn't had many good scenes today.
"Until next time. I am happy not only that I could fulfill my role as an envoy today, but also that I could have an unexpected reunion with a personal benefactor. Let us meet again, Lord Arqvist."
"...Lord Barthelemy. If it is not an inconvenience, may I ask you one personal question?"
When Noein asked Baron Barthelemy, who was about to head toward his own horse after finishing the greetings, the Baron raised an eyebrow as if slightly surprised, but nodded.
"...Of course. If it is something I can answer, please ask anything."
"I thank you. Then... in the Battle of Barrel Fort three years ago, despite being a high-ranking noble, you stood on the front lines and fought. Even as an enemy, I thought you were a brave warrior. But now, you stand here as an envoy for a faction opposing the military clique you once belonged to. What change in mindset occurred?"
The man who, three years ago, had cursed Noein while becoming a prisoner alone, and the silver-tongued man before him had the same face, but the impression was far too different. While feeling it was slightly eerie, curiosity welled up in Noein about what this man was thinking.
"Hmm, as an envoy, I wonder if it is alright to speak of myself..."
"This is a personal conversation, so I will not tell others. As it was three years ago, I am a person who keeps promises. If you are willing, would you let me hear it?"
When Noein spoke, Baron Barthelemy lifted the corner of his mouth. He seemed to have remembered that Noein had released the Baron, who had spat out information at the Battle of Barrel Fort, as promised.
"If that is the case... I shall answer. It is because I have set making my family name known to the world as the greatest goal of my life. The name of the Baron House of Barthelemy."
"...And by that, you mean?"
"My Barthelemy house, as a military noble without territory, has sent generals and soldiers to the Lancel Kingdom army since the founding of the nation. However, in terms of position, we were merely one of the many small-to-medium noble houses. That is why I thought. By achieving merit myself, I want to leave my family name as a part of history, and pass the enlarged family name down to my descendants."
Baron Barthelemy spoke passionately, clenching his fist.
"Therefore, in the great war three years ago, I personally entered the vanguard group. I thought that if I were the first to enter the enemy's fort through my own command and martial arts, my family name would spread along with my own... In the end, that intention was achieved thanks to Viscount Arqvist. I cannot thank you enough."
"...Hahaha, you're welcome."
Noein responded to Baron Barthelemy's joke with a dry laugh. Certainly, at that time, Baron Barthelemy had technically been the first to enter Barrel Fort, and it seemed he had gained some honor within the Lancel Kingdom because of it.
"However, it is still not enough. A noble house that has only achieved a nominal military feat once will soon be forgotten by society. Moreover, King Cadne went too far. It would be counterproductive if not only the Barthelemy house, but the country itself, were destroyed at this rate. That is why I decided to serve Her Highness Anrietta and volunteered for the great role of envoy to the neighboring country."
"...I wonder why you, a former military noble, were chosen as the envoy?"
"If it is known that even a former military noble is valued by the Princess Faction Alliance, the number of nobles leaving King Cadne will increase further. I was likely chosen to demonstrate that. Since I work certainly and seriously if it is for the sake of the family name, it seems the Alliance saw me as having a reasonable use... well, since this is my first job, I am as you see, under surveillance."
When Baron Barthelemy indicated behind him with his gaze, the figures of the civil and military officials who had attended the meeting were there. I see, those two were not only the Baron's assistants but also served the role of monitors for the Princess Faction Alliance. They were likely anti-Cadne nobles from the start.
Certainly, a man who moves with such an easy-to-understand conviction could be said to be easy to trust, in a roundabout way.
"...Spreading the family name and leaving fame for descendants. That is the happiness you seek in life, then."
"Happiness... yes. That is exactly it. To obtain this happiness, I can become a brave warrior, or a politician who manipulates words in the field of diplomacy. Some may find it unsightly to see me go along with the prevailing wind like this... but since I am a person who can only live this way, it cannot be helped."
To the grinning Baron Barthelemy, Noein also gave a short laugh back.
Having heard his inner thoughts like this, he was a truly easy-to-understand man. He couldn't say he liked the envoy of an enemy nation, but he didn't dislike him. To be devoted to the happiness one has chosen is how a human should be.
"I see, I understand. I thank you."
"That is good. I am glad you are satisfied... until next time."
"Yes, please be careful on your way back."
The first dialogue between the Kingdom of Lordberg and the Lancel Kingdom, who had continued their opposition for approximately ten years, ended peacefully, at least at the level of the parties standing there.
A world where "Yesterday's enemy is today's friend" normally happens.
Regarding the title "Princess" for Princess Anrietta Lancel, I received a point; it seems the title of Princess does not necessarily refer only to the current king's daughter, but is used for royal women in general. Since it varies by country and era, it seems there isn't necessarily one correct answer.
"Royal Sister," "Elder Royal Sister," or "Hime" are often not official titles, and the designation for royal women other than the Queen or Queen Consort generally becomes "Princess."
Therefore, following that, I will write Her Highness Princess for Anrietta, the current king's younger sister. In terms of bloodline, she is currently the first in line for the Lancel Kingdom's throne.