Chapter 312 - Episode 304: An Unexpected Reward ③
"When we speak of such things, the political aspect of independence inevitably becomes the focus... but this is, first and foremost, a reward. Without a doubt, there are many benefits for you. After all, you will have your own country. Many restrictions will vanish, and it is promised that you will become increasingly prosperous geographically. You can create an ideal land exactly as you envision it."
And so, Oscar continued his explanation.
The granting of the title of Grand Duke was close in meaning to "The Rhodeberg Royal Family acknowledges the head of the Arqvist family as Grand Duke and permits them to rule a nation." No matter how deep the connection to the Kingdom of Rhodeberg remained, the Grand Duchy of Arqvist would be a single independent state.
As long as Noein did not act against the Kingdom of Rhodeberg or cause detriment to his own country by extremely deteriorating relations with the Kingdom of Lancel, he could build his nation exactly as he desired as the head of state, without anyone interfering.
Industry, education, social order—he could govern the country as he pleased, aiming for the forms he idealized. Compared to until now, when he lived within a complex aristocratic society as a nobleman of the kingdom, his degree of freedom would increase significantly.
Once independent, Noein would no longer be a nobleman of the kingdom, and thus those obligations would vanish. Of course, in an event that concerned the survival of his own territory, such as the Betumia War, he would likely assist the Kingdom of Rhodeberg, but he would not be bound by the logic of the kingdom or the logic of aristocratic factions on a daily basis.
Furthermore, the worry of the Arqvist family being harmed by other nobles would almost disappear. Once he became a Grand Duke and the head of state of a nation, it would not matter if there were kingdom nobles who hated Noein in their hearts. Unless they had lost their sanity, they would not attack a high official of a country that maintained friendly relations with their own royal family.
The same applied to the commoners, including the members of the Skinner Merchant Guild. Acts of harm against citizens of a friendly nation could become international incidents, and thus the crimes would be treated more severely. The teaching that "one must not harm foreigners" had permeated the city streets.
And the Grand Duchy of Arqvist, possessing the Bezel Great Forest Road, would undoubtedly prosper through trade from here on. Simply by letting exports flow from east to west and west to east, great profits could be made through transit taxes and customs duties. Since various goods from the Kingdom of Rhodeberg and the Kingdom of Lancel would pass through the country, it would become materially wealthy.
In many respects, independence offered great merits.
"Considering our circumstances as well, this independence will bring you various benefits. I believe it is sufficient as a reward for you, who saved the Kingdom of Rhodeberg, but what do you think?"
"...Indeed, it is as you say."
Noein paused for a moment to think, then nodded.
Since he existed within a complex society, it was inevitable that politically complicated circumstances would be involved. If he became independent, he would be more liberated from those complex entanglements than he was now. Within his own country, Noein could freely, as he idealized, create a society full of happiness and a life full of love.
He had been angered by the beginning of this meeting—the talk of the royal family simultaneously spreading both Noein's fame and his notoriety—but looking at it comprehensively, this was indeed a tremendous reward.
It was sufficient compensation for racking his brain to produce unorthodox strategies, straining his strength to fight, and saving the Kingdom of Rhodeberg.
"Then, as for the specifics, we shall finalize the details at a later date in a meeting including the ministers and high-ranking bureaucrats... but as for the founding of the Grand Duchy of Arqvist, I may assume I have your consent?"
"Yes. I shall devote myself to meeting the expectations Your Majesty places in me and showing results worthy of the honor I receive. Furthermore, even after I become the one ruling the Grand Duchy, I will strive to maintain a good relationship with the Rhodeberg Royal Family."
For this moment alone, Noein straightened his posture, refined his tone, and answered.
"Well said. I, as the King ruling the Kingdom of Rhodeberg, solemnly swear that I will strive to walk the path of co-prosperity with the newly born neighboring country and nurture friendship with its head of state. Please, continue to be a good friend to me."
Then, Oscar extended his right hand to Noein.
A king does not shake hands with a subject. A king only shakes hands with the head of state of another country, or a very small number of personal friends.
Noein was slightly surprised, then smiled, and extended his own right hand. He then exchanged a handshake with Oscar Rhodeberg III.
Just as he stood up and attempted to leave the room—he was called upon again.
"Ah, wait. There was one thing I forgot to mention."
"Huh?"
At that, Noein spoke while letting his wariness show blatantly on his face. Was he planning to throw in some additional conditions now that a fait accompli had been created regarding his agreement? His voice was one of suspicion.
The atmosphere of the meeting, which had almost ended on a peaceful note, collapsed due to Noein's expression and voice. In response, Oscar let out a wry smile.
"I understand the feeling of becoming cautious, but do not make such a face. I truly just forgot to tell you. It is not a conversation about forcing anything... I simply wish to consult with you regarding creating a kinship relationship between our royal family and the Arqvist family."
Even for those with titles containing "Duke," such as Grand Duke or Duke, it was not necessarily required that they be kin to the royal family. Among the current ducal houses of the kingdom, there were houses that were not originally kin to the royal family. Looking at the past history of the continent, there were many examples of Grand Ducal or Ducal titles existing simply as "very high ranks."
However, if possible, it was better to establish a kinship relationship. The rulers of friendly nations being relatives led to the stability of that friendly relationship.
Having this logic explained by Oscar, Noein—showed even more wariness.
"I see, that is a very reasonable logic... So, specifically, in what form would the kinship be?"
Seeing Noein like this, Oscar smiled wryly once more.
The reason for Noein's wariness lay with Oscar's current family.
Besides his younger brother Alexander, Oscar had one younger sister who had already married into another country, and one older sister who remained unmarried in the royal palace.
That royal elder sister's age was forty-one this year. It was a famous story in aristocratic society that the reason she was unmarried was that "her personality was far too difficult, and every aristocratic house and royal family of neighboring countries loathed the idea of welcoming her."
Thinking that he might be asked if he wouldn't welcome that princess as a second wife, Noein could not help but stiffen his face.
A political marriage with a woman separated from him by a generation—who likely had a personality that would not mesh with his—would only result in unhappiness for both parties.
Furthermore, as for the legitimate children of Oscar Rhodeberg III, the heir, Crown Prince Lucas Rhodeberg, was fourteen, followed by sons of eleven and seven, and the youngest child, Princess Margarete, who was five.
This was a generational age gap in the opposite direction. If he were told to marry this princess, that too would be unhappy for the parties involved.
"I suspect you are imagining several bad scenarios, but you can rest easy as they are incorrect. What I wish to propose is a marriage between my daughter Margarete and your son... Eleos, was it? Since both are still young, it would be an engagement first."
"...Ah, so that is it."
Upon being told this, Noein finally relaxed his shoulders.
Now that it was mentioned, it was a reasonable proposal. Since Noein already had a son who would be his heir, there was no need for Noein himself to enter a marital relationship with a member of the royal family.
Rather, establishing kinship in the next generation, where the personal friendship and trust between Noein and Oscar might fade, would make the relationship between the two countries stable for longer.
"Have you seen Margarete?"
"No. Forgive me, but of Your Majesty's children, the only one I have met is Crown Prince Lucas, who attended the previous banquet."
"I see. Well, besides Lucas, they hardly appear at ceremonies or social gatherings yet. But rest assured. Margarete is well-featured, resembling my wife and me. Her personality is honest as well, and if she is to be engaged to your son, I shall educate her toward that end. She should become a good wife."
"That... will be a story of ten-some years from now, but my son is a lucky man to be blessed with a good partner."
Oscar was a handsome man fitting for his position as King, and Queen Ingrid could be called a beauty without hesitation. Their daughter would surely be cute and would likely grow up beautiful in the future.
If she received an education on the premise of marrying into the Arqvist family and grew up while maintaining exchanges with the Arqvist family, the possibility of her values and personality becoming extremely incompatible with Eleos was low.
"Hahaha, I must raise her so that you can say that ten-some years from now... Besides, in your house, even one who marries in through a political marriage would not be treated poorly. Thinking as a father, you are beyond reproach as a partner to marry off my cute daughter to."
As he spoke, Oscar showed a gentle expression. It was the face of a mere parent.
"...Forgive me, but as for Your Majesty's view on my relationships with women..."
"Ah, I am aware of your taste in pet slaves. Even so, I hear that you love your wife and have built a harmonious marital relationship. Among nobles who immerse themselves in mistresses and concubines and cannot even speak properly to their legal wives, that is admirable. I may expect the same from your son, yes?"
That was Oscar's generous declaration that as long as Princess Margarete was treated with care as the wife of the next Grand Duke, he would not interfere with Eleos's unofficial relationships with women. At the same time, it was a demand as a father: "If you welcome my daughter, you must cherish her."
"Of course. I shall educate my son so that ten-some years from now, Your Majesty will feel that this became a good connection for both families."
"Then it is well... That said, Margarete aside, your son was still two years old, was he not? He likely cannot understand the meaning of marriage or engagement. As for the engagement, let us consider it an internal decision for now, and how about making the formal announcement a few years later? When it comes to a marriage proposal between two nations, a fair amount of preparation is required before the announcement."
"I have no objection. I am grateful for your consideration toward my son."
"Good, then we shall speak of this matter again at a later date... shall we end for today? You must be tired from this sudden talk, and there must be much you wish to think about. You may leave."
.....
Having been granted permission to leave by Oscar, Noein left the royal castle under the guidance of a bureaucrat.
Then, he reunited with Matilda and Pence, who had been waiting outside.
"I'm back... I'm exhausted."
"Thank you for your hard work, Noein-sama."
"It was quite long. Just what kind of reward were you talking about?"
Looking at the faces of the two, Noein wore a complex smile that could not be called either a smile or a wry grin.
"Well... for now, shall we talk while we head back? You'll surely be very surprised."
Since Arnold would arrive in the royal capital in a few days, he would have to tell him, inform close nobles including Marquis Bechtolsheim, and then send a messenger via the Guard escorts to give a report to Clara, Yuri, and the others waiting in the territory.
After all, it was a de facto founding of a nation. Until they actually became independent, there would likely be a mountain of preparations to be made. Even at this moment, there were many things that must be done and things that should be done.
But for today alone, he wanted to settle down without thinking of difficult things. And he wanted to be a little flighty. He wanted to think about the future and enjoy various convenient delusions about building an ideal country.
At night, he wanted to shut himself in his room alone with Matilda and have her "celebrate" the acquisition of the right to independence thoroughly.
That much play should be permitted. Thinking this, Noein boarded the carriage.