In the end, I decided to put King Maintia's proposal on hold. After all, I am still strongly inclined to let Piatrice find a lifelong companion on her own.
So far the only one of our daughters who is engaged is our eldest daughter Eryl. I have accepted the offer at His Majesty's request, but I have no doubt that it is causing Eryl to suffer.
She is the eldest daughter, and since she is engaged to the Crown Prince of the Heedata Empire, she is being strictly educated by Rico. So far, she has not rebelled against Rico and has grown up to be a very strong big sister who listens to Rico's words and behaves very well. I can proudly say that she is a daughter I would not be ashamed to show anywhere.
On the other hand, if you look at Alyria who was born in the same year, she has grown up to be a very innocent girl. I think she is a child with a very good memory and inborn intelligence in a sense, but above all, she expresses her joy, anger, sorrow, and joy in a very honest way. As a parent, I am not in favor of raising a child in a mold, though I am not sure which one is better. I think children should be innocent. If Erile doesn't like the Crown Prince and I don't like him either, I'm willing to break off the engagement. If Rico hears this, we will have endless discussions, not to mention the whole night, so please keep this a secret.
After the discussion with King Maintia, I go to my office. When I entered the room, I saw Sadakichi and some other faerie dragons waiting outside the window. I quickly open the window to let them in and listen to their report.
"...... the nations that follow the Faithful have begun to mobilize their armies in various places. They are going to ...... Aphrodite."
I close my eyes, cross my arms, and mutter to no one in particular. Then, I say a few words of thanks to Sadakichi and the others, open the window, let them back up, close my eyes, and concentrate on my telepathic speech.
He was immediately transferred. As soon as he received my instructions, he said, "Yes, sir," and immediately disappeared.
"Not a moment to lose. ......"
I turn my gaze to the window of my office. The view from there is ironically beautiful.
"I'm really sorry to call you all of a sudden, sir.
A few hours later, when the sun was already setting and it was almost midnight, I bowed my head to the people gathered there.
The conference room of the guest house. There was an unusual lineup of people there. First of all, seated above me was the Emperor of the Hereditary Empire, next to him was the Prime Minister of Gremont, and next to him was the Duke of Weiras. Moving my eyes downward, I saw General Caries of the Lamaron Empire and Prime Minister Madeline, and next to them, Prime Minister Yury of the Principality of Niza. And in front of me were the Emperor of Miedai, King Maintia of Hladime, and next to them, ...... Vieille.
As I looked around at all these distinguished faces, I was amazed at how so many people had gathered. At that moment, my eyes met with those of Vieille. She was still wearing a thin smile. I could see the sagacity in her expression, and I came back to myself.
"Well, there is a reason for our sudden gathering here today. It is about the Kingdom of Tana.
Everyone nodded at my words. They already know what that country is going to do, and by extension, what Klimiana, who is behind it, is going to do.
"The army of Thana has already advanced to the borders of Sandanj, where King Nike is located. The speed of their march is slow. It has been a month since they left the capital, but they have not yet made any move to invade Sandanj.
"The one who wavers is the one who loses."
General Callies muttered to no one in particular. I nodded slowly at his words.
"There is already hesitation on the Sandanji side. There seem to be two factions: those who believe that the invasion is certain and those who think that they are seeking peace.
"......This is exactly what the enemy has ordered, isn't it?"
It is Prime Minister Gremont who is speaking. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Then, King Nike of Sandange sent me a request for reinforcements. That is to say, he wants to dismantle his current position and break through the border to attack and defeat the army of Tana. For this purpose, he asked for Agartha's help. The reason we are here today is to request reinforcements for Sandanj. No, it's not just about sending troops. We would like to ask the Duchy of Niza to help us with weapons and armor. If there is anything that each of you can do to help, we would be most grateful. Of course, Agartha will also send troops. However, since we are an elite few, 10,000 men is our limit. .......
"We, the Kingdom of Ramallon, would be happy to lend you our troops. Our sovereign nation, Agartha, will provide the troops. Of course. We will send 20,000 men.
"Not too much? I thought your entire army was 150,000 strong."
It is Vizier Gremont of Heedata who is interrupting. Madeline contradicts him, shaking her huge body.
"General Caries is talking about sending out our best troops. Bringing in too many soldiers will only cost us more money. That is why we are sending an elite force. Please be assured that we are not in any way trying to check the Heedata Empire.
Something is sparking between the two of them. His Majesty, next to him, looks cool and unconcerned. Then, Prime Minister Yury of Niza opens his mouth.
"The Principality of Niza will provide you with weapons and armor. We have already succeeded in miniaturizing the new weapons we have been developing. We have already begun production, but we are limited to about 3,000 people.
"Enough, Prime Minister Yury. Then I will send Posehay to pick them up.
"Yes, sir. My king also said that you may take as many weapons and armor from the duchy as you like.
"Yes. ....... Agartha has newer weapons and armor, and Lamaron has that prized armor that resists ...... that magic, right? As for weapons ...... have you already developed new ones? I see, you don't need any particular assistance. ......"
"The Midei nation of Maro, unfortunately, is unable to assist you. ....... There is a secret group of OWARA who are guarding Maro. Can you take the chieftain Ikkaku and a few others with you? They will be of great use.
The emperor makes a surprising proposal. It is certainly reassuring to have the narwhal and his men here. In a way, it is more valuable than a bad army.
"But, my lord, your protection is ........."
No problem. By leaving Cure Light and the others behind, that should be enough for Maro and the others. All that matters is that Maro stays with Oku and the child until you return.
His words make me smile. But I quickly return my expression to a serious one and look at King Maintia. He is smiling with his eyes narrowed, but there is a hint of disinterest in this meeting.
"I'm not sure I can help you with that. ....... After all, I am about to die. I'm ...... kidding. Well, I'll be your brother Poseidon's liaison. That's you. You will ask for Brother Poseidon's help, right? Then it will be better if I go myself. I'll take care of that."
...... is rather air-headed. I exhale slowly as I think of this. Suddenly, I hear a voice calling me.
"Brother-in-law!"
I turned toward the voice and saw His Majesty of the Heedata Empire looking at me. His expression was the same as usual, but I couldn't help but freeze for a moment at the words that came out of his mouth.
To my surprise, the Heedata Empire said that they would not participate in this war. .......