Reconstruction of the port in the Arzer Republic is proceeding with great urgency.

　The area around the port in the territory of the Respinus family had to be prioritized for maintenance because the embassies of the neighboring countries were gathered there.

　The reason?

　Because diplomatic negotiations will be more necessary than ever before.

　However, the position has changed from before - the Republic will have to bow out, though.

　Angier grabs my face between his hands.

'Rion, there's no indication that you've found another woman while we've been gone, is there?

　I don't trust you either.

'None, sir. I've been really busy for a month.

　Livia was hugging me and looking up at me.

Are you sure?　I'll check with Mr. Luc.

Stop it. He's always trying to mislead you by implicating you in something. He's an a**h*le who creates a rage because he thinks I need a jolt.

　My dad was at my side when I said that, "You're not even close to convincing me that you're the one who put my parents in a shambles. I'm sorry.

　Sorry. I don't know what that means.

　Angel takes his hand away from his cheek and smiles at me.

'I think it's time. I'm not saying you shouldn't have an affair. But if you ever have a girl, you have to report it. You'll be in big trouble for your successor.

　A fight for succession?

No, who wants to inherit a county house in name only?　I don't have any fiefdoms or possessions?

　It's official, though.

　Any wealth we had was spread out over the Republic's reconstruction efforts. I've also paid the kingdom a lot of things in lieu of an apology. It seems that the palace is very busy, and I heard that Roland is having a hard time too, so I paid it off with a refreshing feeling.

　It's a good thing that I'm not the only one. -- ostensibly!

　Livia looked like she'd just huffed and puffed.

Angel, I haven't told them what happened.

That's right. I don't even know where to begin.

　Huh?　What's going on?

　I look disgusted, and my dad calls out to me.

'Hey, didn't that kid have something to do with you?'

　It was Jean there.

　Holding a paper bag in his hand, he looked at me in annoyance.

'Uh, um, um--'

　Away from Angier and Libya, I would talk to Jean.

◇

　On board the Ricornu.

　After being let through, Lelia, accompanied by Clément as an escort, met with the person in the parlor.

　The other person was a smiling, plainclothes woman.

It's nice to meet you, Lelia. It's the first time we've spoken in person.

　It wasn't an official occasion, but it was impolite to call Lelia by her chan.

　But that's how the Republic treats her now.

　Lelia bows.

'It's nice to meet you, Queen Milene.

'Just call me Milene. But still, I've been walking around for a while and I can't believe that the Republic is in trouble. I feel sorry for you, the entire country is undergoing a lot of reconstruction. I will be happy to help you personally.

　Clement clasps his hands behind his back.

　Lelia thinks.

(-- I mean he knows the inner workings of the Republic.)

　I've relied on Leon and his team to do the reconstruction work.

　That is to say, I agree that the kingdom has taken hold of the detailed inner workings of the Republic.

　Milene narrows her eyes.

''-- Sit down quickly. You can't talk, can you?　I don't have time for this either. Think of my decisions as the decisions of the kingdom.

　As Lelia takes her seat, Milene informs her of the kingdom's decision.

"Unofficially, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the kingdom's decision. You asked for help, but I can't grant it without it. The reason is the price. It's not too little, is it?

'But I can't give you anything more. We are now--

'The relief supplies are also a ridiculous amount of food alone. How much support do you think Count Baldfart is giving them?　You haven't given any reward to the Earl, I understand.

Well, he's the one who turned it down.

'Then we're not going to do anything, are we?　You could get one of those medals to honor them alone. Really, the Republic is a cold country.

　I was told all I needed to be told.

　Lelia has a point.

　He said Leon didn't want any rewards or medals at all.

　He would never accept them even if I tried to give them to him, and if I tried to force him to give them to me, he said he would cut off my support.

　He told me to serve the people rather than that - but now that I think about it, I wonder if this is also Leon's revenge.

　Milene smiles.

''It's just too outrageous to overlook the current situation. Let's grant your support on a conditional basis.''

Really?

Yes, really. I just - I'd like to have a port at my disposal in the Republic. And while we're at it, could you make the area around the port a Kingdom territory?　You know, unloading is a lot more convenient in the Kingdoms. Isn't it complicated with all the inspections and taxes?　It's a nice way to simplify the process. Just not having to go through the Republic's rough rendition of the case makes things go so much smoother.

　A sarcasm against the Republic's clinical examination, which has been a problem for some time.

　When Lelia was unable to speak back, Clément hurriedly interrupted the conversation.

''My queen, in that case, the airship for support purposes will be given special treatment. I hope that you will be satisfied with that response--

　Milene narrows her eyes.

'-- who told you to interrupt me?　I said I wanted the port. I can't trust a country that can't keep its contracts in the first place. You have to do this, or we won't feel comfortable supporting you.

　Clement goes silent.

　The Republic's credibility is not zero because of what it has been through.

　It's a minus.

'If they take the port--'

　A kingdom territory will be created within the Republic.

　Moreover, if the port is seized - it would be the equivalent of the kingdom holding a sword to the Republic's throat.

''Is it the Favell family?　There's a land without lords, isn't there?　I want a kingdom port there. What do you think?

　Lelia looks down and thinks about it.

(I want the relief supplies down my throat. But if I allow this to happen, Hugues will tell me I'm weak again. The people will criticize me, too. (I - what should I do?)

　I'd rather be under the umbrella of somewhere else, but that would cause the people to be disgruntled. The nobles also turn their discontent to Lelia.

　--You can find a lot of people who have been in the same boat as you.

　Looking at Lelia like that, Milene let out a sigh.

''Originally, it would have been fine for the kingdom to manage the territory of the Fèvel family. Was it the Seven Great Nobles?　You might as well hand me that one chair, right?

　Get one seat for the Kingdom in your parliament.

　This means that the Republic will be in a much weaker position against the Kingdom in the future.

　Rion would like to give you one seat, but if the Kingdom sits in that seat, it will have different implications.

　It's also different from the Kingdom formally incorporating the Republic into its fold.

　Minimal support - we'll rebuild the territory we get, but we don't know what happens to the rest. On top of that, one after another, other countries imitate the kingdom and set up negotiations with the same tactics.

　The Republic will become a collection of other countries entirely.

　Worst case scenario - it could be turned into a place to wage a proxy war.

　If we could become a vassal state, it would still be better. But the kingdom does not intend to become a vassal state, says Milene. --They're not going to take care of it.

　And yet, if the port is taken away, the discontent will be directed at her. That's all well and good, but beyond that--

''Mi, I can't give you the port. If you do that--

That one doesn't work. No, no, no. Do you think you guys know where you stand?

　A few moments of silence passed as Milene closed her eyes.

　It felt very long to Lelia.

　It was Milene who freed her from such a painful time.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. However, since we're signing a treaty with you, who don't even trust us, you should be prepared to accept reasonable conditions.

Oh, thank you.

　I had to nod to Lelia.

　Clement made a regretful face.

　The document that Milene had prepared was a treaty in favor of the kingdom.

　Lelia, who was signing it - she felt ashamed of herself for having to sign it.

　If they had done better - they wouldn't have been exploited, she thought.

　When the terms and conditions were finished, Milene stood up - and then she stood up.

'Well, my work is done, so I'll be going. Oh, and also - there's a girl who wants to meet with you and your friends. You must see her.

　Lelia wondered if the negotiations were still going on, and it was Noel who entered the room, replacing Milene.

　She was in a wheelchair, and it was Ymelia who was pushing her.

'Sister!'

Master Noel!

　Noel waved to the two surprised men.

'How's it going? I've recovered so far.

　Wandering on the edge of death, and then resurrected, Noel was smiling.

　Lelia shed tears at Noel.

'Sis, I - I - I can't do it anymore. I can't be a miko.''

　Noel calls out softly to Lelia, who begins to cry at the pressure of standing on top and the current state of the Republic.

'Don't cry. I told you it was your fault, didn't I?　Totally - you should be glad you were able to get the support out.

　Clement sniffed.

'But we have been given an unequal treaty. Will Master Noel intercede with Mr. Leon - no, the Earl?

　Noel shook his head.

'You'll have to take care of yourselves. You've been a pain in the ass so far that you can't rely on them when you need them. --I'll do what I can, and you can do what you need to do.

　Lelia was crying and gritting her teeth.

◇

　Ricorne's other room.

　Milene raised her hands in the air and was overjoyed.

'We did it, Angier!　We could make a treaty in the kingdom's favor!

　Angier was dismayed to see Milene.

''There's no way we can manage the Republic's land or anything else in the kingdom right now, you know. It's hard to get people out, and considering that, I think it's the best possible outcome.''

　Due to the Kingdom's harsh internal conditions, they couldn't manage the ports even if they received them in the first place.

　On top of that, the Republic is in the process of reconstruction all over the country.

　Even if we get it, there is no good to be gained from it, in fact it's a minus.

　Even if we were to benefit in the future, the current kingdom doesn't have the capacity to do so.

　The territory was a bluff.

''It's a relief that the negotiations ended so easily. So now we can just enjoy the boat ride home!　I'm going to enjoy my first vacation in ages!

　In front of the high-strung Milene, Angier thought, "He's going to do well, too.

''I'll have to think about where to buy the magic stone when I get back. I wonder if it was the treasures that Leon-kun got?　I just wish there were a few more of those things. Somehow they're less than reported~

　Angier looked away from Milene's gaze.

'Or maybe I've miscounted.'

'Angel--I'm not mad at you. But, you know, don't you think it's awful that Mr. Leon would give up his precious possessions for one woman?　You know how much a single treasure ball is worth, right?

　Angier lets out a sigh.

'I've only returned the minimum number needed to secure power for the Republic. I don't want to push them too hard or they might go off the rails.

　Milene smiles.

'Good. But next time you'll have to teach me properly. But even so, Leon-kun, you're too naive. I can't believe you'd go that far for one girl.

　As a result of Noel's request, Rion returned part of the treasure to the Republic.

　He has Eryk in between, and only Eryk is the only one on the Republic's side who knows the facts.

　It shows how little Rion trusts the others.

That naivety has saved the kingdom, though.

You got to say it. It's a real shame. I wish you were my successor, so I could rest easy.

I'm happy to be here.

　Milene closed the distance against Angier.

　The atmosphere was different from the one she had just experienced.

''-- I've looked into the matter of Luxion, on my end. The more I looked into it, the more scared I got, though. You haven't been serious until now. It's been bothering me ever since the fight with the Duchy. I'm really glad I was able to find out how much.

　Luxion's ability to conceal it had been hidden, and Milene had found out about it.

　Rather than a treaty, the main goal was probably to find out about Rion's abilities in the field.

　Angier's face also changed.

''I'm on Rion's side. It's just--I have no intention of willingly destroying the kingdom. Nor do I intend to make him do such a thing.''

'I'd like to believe it, but the world isn't so kind. So--

　Angier's eyes widened at the conditions Milene had given him.

◇

　The deck of the Einhorn.

　A group of kingdoms sailing out of the harbor.

　The Republic was now in the distance. I never thought I would have such a complicated feeling about leaving the country I spent six months in.

　I look at the souvenir Jean gave me.

"Is that a talisman from his hometown?

　Luxion also looks in.

''Is this also a status enhancement item?　I don't feel any special powers.'

　It's like a cord tied around your arm.

　It's in the language of the Arzel Republic, and it has a blessing on it.

'I asked Marie and she didn't remember it. She said it looked familiar, though.'

'Shouldn't you have checked with Lelia?

No. He just gets down on his knees.

　I'm going to get down on my knees crying - and I'm going to feel sorry for you.

　The good memories would be that I made one friend in a foreign country?

　It's not so bad if you think about it.

　When Jean graduates from the academy, shall I send a letter of recommendation to Eryk?

''I suppose. Even so, you're very kind to return the treasure at Noel's request. What kind of backstory do you have?''

'Do I look like I'm always thinking about things?'

　There are hospitals and other areas where we just can't cut back on power.

　I have returned the jewels to divert energy to those areas.

　Tell Erik to keep an eye on it.

　If I give him the jewel, he'll want more.

　I've decided never to trust these guys again.

I've spent a lot of money this time, too. I'm officially back to being a poor aristocrat again.

'You're really going to hate it. I'm sure Roland will be grinning at me when I get back.

"I wonder how things will turn out this time,

　I guess what Luxion cares about is my treatment.

　I went on a rampage in the Republic - and as a result, the kingdom has lost one place to buy magic stones.

　I gave them a treasure ball for the price, but even that wasn't going to last a lifetime of power supply.

''I'd like to be relegated and go to the countryside for a non-stop trip~''

'I have two fiancées and they're pathetic. Oops, that was three.'

-Why don't we find a floating island on the way back? I'd like a new territory.

"With the queen on board?

I don't mind a little detour, though.

'Where was the serious master not long ago?'

"Seriousness doesn't last forever. Look at these guys. They're not going to be serious for very long.

　On the deck of the Einhorn, which was moving away from the Republic, there was a small celebration in honor of everyone.

　Marie, for example, was drinking from a mug.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good time.　It stings!

Lady Marie, you're drinking well!

　Carla looks at Marie and applauds her, but that guy smells like an old man!　That's not good enough!

　I'm bringing Kyle and others with even more candy on top of this.

'Master, I've got fries for you!

I need to drink more wine. Come on, you guys, eat up. We're gonna make some noise today!

Yes!

We couldn't make a scene in the Republic, you know.

　Seeing the happy faces of Marie and the others, I couldn't speak anymore.

　A little further away, Julius was depressed.

''I want a spit roast. Shall we go veggie-only for now?''

　Zilk is stunned.

'Well, as expected, you can't have meat.

　Brad is eating his candy.

'Oh, this is good,'

　Greg looked a little muffled. Just wearing a loincloth.

'You've made me think about it this past month, man.

　The same goes for Chris. This guy is also in a loincloth and has a serious look on his face.

'Oh, yeah.'

　Everyone worked hard during the recovery process. Greg and Chris were outside preparing baths for us, and Brad was making the kids laugh.

　Zilk followed up with everyone and Julius gave directions -- I was surprised that these guys could work, too.

　--Why don't these guys work hard on a regular basis?

　As I was thinking about that, Luxion turned one eye on me and said something like, 'You tried to complain back to yourself again, didn't you?

　Does this guy have the ability to read my thoughts?

　It is an invasion of privacy.

Mr. Leon!

　Livia comes up to me with two drinks.

'Anger is Ricorne, right?'

　We talked as we accepted our drinks.

'Yes, sir. I am speaking with the Queen. It's a difficult subject, and he asked me to get on the Einhorn.

　Livia is a little depressed, but she says, "But I'm happy to be with you, Leon.

'Oh, I see.'

　The Republic, with the holy tree gone, is only becoming more and more dimly visible.

　As I'm bummed out, Livia gives me an earful.

'Rion-san, I'm convinced now - but you'll have to tell me the truth someday.

　When I turn around with a thud, Livia is taking a drink.

　Luxion overhears me.

'Isn't Olivia aware of the Masters' secrets?　It's possible that Lelia may have leaked something.'

　The one about calling him a brother - perhaps Livia could pretend to be convinced?

　I'm just going to grab a drink.

Should I--should I talk to you sometime?