Santairiku Eiyuuki

"If Ludwig I was talking about you, wouldn't you have listened?

Elquille said to Cecilia, who came, slightly grumpy.

What Cecilia was subtly talking about… that is, "Ludwig I listens to me" because the content of the talks was different.

"Rest assured. I spoke to Ludwig I earlier."

And I smile like I'm good at it.

"If Master Erkühl will admit that King Furling is of equal standing with Emperor Lemuria, then Ludwig I will admit the loss and will be ready to cede territory to Lemuria"

"... you're somewhat honest"

Could it be possible, for example, for that man to honestly bow his head and cede territory?

and Erkühr tilted his neck inside.

(Well, but the national power difference is overwhelming. I guess that guy chilled his head too)

Erkühr decided to think so and felt like he had only a little bit of a tight chest.

Most of all... Erkühl himself can't afford to say anything about Ludwig I.

(King Farth... what are you doing, just doing military exercises?)

So far, the Fars Royal Army has only been conducting military exercises near the border of the Lemurian Empire... with no sign of coming in.

but I don't know when they're going to eat through the border.

I don't think it's easy to break through the line of defense where I've attacked the most... Operation Two Fronts against the Fars and Fullering kingdoms is tough.

(Are you saying that we will not allow our country to expand any more? Not at all......)

Already through Shehrazard and Todris, negotiations have been held with Sassan VIII of the Kingdom of Fars.

but I don't see any signs of retreat.

I tried to make a suggestion for a contribution payment...

(I've been suggesting thirty times this proposal. Five years of the state budget, you can't afford it)

If it's enough to pay for five years of the state budget, we'd better get a compromise with Ludwig I.

Most of all... that's just a profit story.

The problem is Heiko.

"Though in the first place I am not willing to admit that King Fullering's status is equivalent to that of Emperor Lemuria?

"Only in diplomatic etiquette, is. Dear Erkühr, since it does not change that Emperor Lemuria is the agent of God on earth or the guardian of the princess witch... isn't it obvious that Emperor Lemuria is in fact superior"

As a nation, reciprocity in negotiating.

But if princess witches and mesianism are to be involved, that is, above religious power, it does not change that Emperor Lemuria is superior above authority.

and Cecilia explained to Elquille.

"… well, if it is the same in diplomatic rituals, there is a precedent for the kingdom of Cerda and the kingdom of Fars"

The Kingdom of Cerda held diplomatic negotiations on a position almost equal to that of the Lemurian Empire.

And the kingdom of Pharus is also the same.

But this was acknowledged because both countries were heretic and pagan to the Lemurian Empire.

The Kingdom of Fullering is the same Orthodox country, so I can really rub it in the "which is the guardian of the Mesian Orthodox" position.

"The city of Lemuria, where the Archbishop of Lemuria exists, is the territory of the Lemurian Empire. And it remains the same that the princess witch and the guardian of the Mesian Church are Emperor Lemuria. On top of that, in diplomatic etiquette, will you not acknowledge your standing as homogeneous?

"... Well, if Ludwig I means admitting defeat and ceding territory, he's stingy, but there's nothing he won't do. but that depends on the territory"

It's a good place to lose a lot of money from Elkhur, even if they come to us like a fishing village.

There are less war costs in this war.

I just want a lot of profit.

"The city of Genua is ready to be assigned to Ludwig I"

"... ho"

City of Genua.

That is, then, somewhat one of the urban states that Erkühr was eyeing.

"I want that urban state" even against Cecilia, to the extent that it was spoken of from time to time.

The city of Genua is on the territory of the Kingdom of Ederna, an independent and free city, sheltered by and authorised by the Kingdom of Fullering.

Though it is land (even though, in fact, it is the territory of the Kingdom of Fullering) that I am not sure which country belongs to, it is no stranger to get on the negotiating table than the Kingdom of Fullering and the Kingdom of Ederna are parties to this war.

"Ludwig I, too, don't behave like an informer."

In Erkühl and Ludwig I, the ratings for the city of Genua differ.

For Ludwig I, the city of Genua exists several, one of the ports for the kingdom of Fullering to go out into the sea.

The size of the port of Genua is very inferior when compared to the ports of Ederna and Adolria.

So from Ludwig I, so far, it's not that much worth of land.

but the circumstances are slightly different for Erkühl.

The Lemurian Empire has a number of large ports.

Compared to such ports - the ports of Nova Remulia and Cerda, for example - the city of Genua is small in size.

but what matters is not the scale, but its location.

The city of Genua is situated on the western side of the shoe-shaped peninsula that exists in the Kingdom of Ederna.

Just the opposite of the Republic of Adolucia.

If the harbour were under the control of the Lemurian Empire, it could be an important hub in the western Album Sea.

"Yes.... so it doesn't seem to be so easy to give as Ludwig I"

"Yeah? You're the one who said you were ready to give it away, but you're not?

"You can't pay as compensation, that is. I mean, it's a big name."

"... Hmm"

From Erkühl's point of view, some war purposes have already been fulfilled.

The Republic of Adolria is almost, I can get it.

The Kingdom of Ederna can also set up a pro-Lemrian king in exile, and the southern half can virtually be annexed as its territory.

And both the city of Lemuria and the Archbishop of Lemuria are available, and we can put an end to Sisma.

Finally, the Emperor of Ludwig I also proclaims himself… This one is currently in progress and under negotiation, but if Ludwig I were to stop the Emperor from proclaiming himself and acknowledge the religious authority of Emperor Lemuria (...) and his status as guardian of the Mesian Church, it would be a compromise enough for Erkür.

It doesn't have to be Ludwig I's apology or anything, but it's the same as winning, so there's no problem if you're a little bit concerned about it.

The problem is its big name...

"What are you saying you want to be famous for? Ludwig I is."

"It's a knot."

"Conjunction?... Oh, I see. Constantina."

Constantina.

She was born a while ago between Erkür and Carolina.

Currently, she is growing up very fast.

"That kid is not hairy, such as willing to give it to his wife!! I don't have any shards to say... but I'm not going to give it to Ludwig I, am I? That's just pathetic.... married to an uncle like that."

For Erkühl, marriage is merely a political instrument.

On top of that, my own daughter is just one of the tools of politics, the pawn.

But not at all, if you don't have feelings for your daughter.

There is also the feeling in Erkühl that it is too pathetic to let a distant uncle of the year daughter-in-law like Ludwig I.

"Your opponent is Ludwig II, the son of Ludwig I, the Prince of the Kingdom of Fullering"

"... Sure, were you about twenty? Well, then."

The Elves and Warbeasts have the same lifespan.

In other words, the age difference of about twenty years between Constantina and Ludwig II is not among the differences in years.

"I hear he's quite a wise prince."

"Isn't it?...... If Master Erkühl and Ludwig I were to go in due course, Ludwig I would die decades earlier. At that time, Master Erkühl, the stepfather of Ludwig II, was the de facto guardian.... What do you say?

"Not bad."

Young. Live longer than your opponent.

That's all it is, it's a big advantage.

"This marriage, even for Ludwig I, is of great benefit. As far as I'm concerned, I would definitely recommend it both for the sake of friendship."

Even for Ludwig I, this marriage has greater advantages than the fact that his son will not be able to make a strong appearance in Erkühl in his position.

Because the kingdom of Fullering is susceptible to division in its national system.

If Ludwig I dies, there could be civil unrest.

Kids are still good with each other, but if they hit badly, they risk being usurped by other houses.

Hence the rear shield of a super-Power emperor named Erkühl and the lineage of the prestigious Ulianos family at the highest point in the world, is a great force and has the effect of deterring civil unrest.

Because Ludwig II, the son of Ludwig I, must take the throne if Erkühl is to influence the Kingdom of Fullering as his adoptive father.

Even if not, there's no way Erkühr would shut up and overlook the killing of his own daughter and her husband.

"I see, I see. I understand Ludwig I's intentions. Is the city of Genua the bridgehead of what if? That's what I thought."

With the city of Genua, Elquille can send the navy and land forces into the kingdom of Fullering.

And this bridgehead works well enough to "send reinforcements," but not enough to "send troops for war of aggression".

From the mainland of the Lemurian Empire, because they are far away.

No matter how much of the Lemurian Empire's transport power, it will require collaboration with local forces.

In terms of security, it is not going to be such a big problem, and the pressure of the Lemurian Empire is exerted on the disturbing forces in the country.

The city of Genua is in such an exquisite location.

"Even though my adoptive father, as long as Ludwig II has a decent intelligence, it doesn't mean I can interfere in my internal affairs as much as I like. Hmm... that's what I thought."

Ludwig I, or Cecilia?

Either way, Elquille roared that it wasn't a bad idea.

"But for marriage, there are two conditions"

"... what is it?

"One thing, Constantina is still young. At least I'm not willing to let go until after fifteen, no eighteen. Like keeping it engaged. But the city of Genua pays in advance."

"… then let me persuade you"

I can't believe Ludwig I told you to bring your toddler in too.

It's a good reason not to have a wedding until Constantina grows up.

"One more thing. of merchants in our country in the territory of the Kingdom of Fullering, as it recognizes the freedom of commerce. We also demand the removal of customs duties from ports"

"Okay. I'll try to persuade you."

Not so heavy a condition about this either.

Because there is no decent industry in the Furling Kingdom in the first place.

Rather, the entry of merchants from the Lemurian Empire into the kingdom of Furling, where commerce has not developed, also generates great profits for the kingdom of Furling.

"I wasn't expecting that much, but it's not a bad deal. In this case, even in response to peace…"

"No, Master Elquille. There is another condition from Ludwig I"

"... what?

Erkühr became grumpy as soon as possible.

Cecilia looks slightly rushed and tells her to say it.

"No... that's right. It belongs to the city of Lemuria, but even if it's nominally the Lemurian Empire's, the Lemurian Empire's army is stationed there and effectively controls it... and they're anxious when they threaten the independence of the Archbishop of Lemuria"

"Well, that's the best part. Me and you, in fact, we're friends."

That's what Elquille puts her hand on Cecilia's jaw and tries to kiss her.

But hey, Cecilia avoided it.

With a slightly red face, I say to blame.

"Now, we're talking serious"

"Really? But Ludwig I's concerns are best, but I'm not going to stop the effective control of the city of Lemuria from the effective control of the Archbishop. It is absolutely necessary not to interfere in the kingdom of Fullering, but also for the control of our country and other churches."

The control of the Mesian Church is a pillar of diplomacy for Erkür, for the Lemurian Empire.

You can't let this go.

"Yes, so... I'm thinking of specifying that when it comes to churches within the realm of the Fullering kingdom, it doesn't affect princess witches"

"... that would degrade your authority, is that good?

"If it's for peace, you're fine. It's strange in the first place that Orthodox people kill each other."

Cecilia said with a full smile.

As always, Elquille is heartbroken when she's a good girl.

"But who governs the church in the Fullering kingdom? I don't know, Ludwig I said something like that? In the first place, if it doesn't affect the princess witch, the sisma won't end"

"It is the 'Pope', the proxy of the princess witch, who governs the Church of the Fullering Kingdom"

"... I see"

In other words, Cecilia is trying to make Sisma herself free of the great division of the Church itself.

Gregorius, or another person, is once again left to Cecilia as the 'Pope'.

And the person virtually commands the church organization in the Fullering kingdom.

If this is the case, the Church will not, by law, be divided.

"So, what's the city of Lemuria going to do?

"Ludwig I said… that effective control of the city of Lemuria should be exercised by the Pope. On top of that, we should make it a neutral zone."

"What is a neutral zone? So is it virtually the territory of the kingdom of Fullering"

Elquille snorted.

"Not to the Pope, not to King Fullering."

"But... it still seems to bother me as Ludwig I to be in effective control of the Lemurian Empire..."

"Then, to the princess, I'll do it to you."

Then... only for a moment, Cecilia's mouth angle rose... as it seemed to Elquille's eyes.

(Yeah?)

but again, Cecilia looks wide open and has a surprise look on her face.

And soon, pah, I let my face shine.

"Are you sure?!

"Well, if it's in the form of a stopover, it's not uncomfortable. You won't even complain." (... Are you out of your mind?

Secondly, Erkühl has been feeling "told" by Cecilia.

Elquille, with some suspicion, shook her head left and right.

"No, I still can't. I don't want to let you go."

"Is that... a proposal, is it?

"Huh?"

When she noticed, Cecilia turned bright red on her face and was twisted.

The figure is so adorable, it flaunts Elquille's desire for asylum and dominance.

"If we get married... I belong to Master Elquille, right?

Cecilia said so, hugging Erkühl.

A soft chest is pressed against Elquille's body.

"Whether the effective control of the city of Lemuria becomes mine or not, don't you think that I am more Elkyre-like than Elkyre-like after all?

Pattin and Cecilia winked.

Erkühl read Cecilia's intentions.

In other words, Cecilia is trying to hang Ludwig I on Petten.

"... you're absolutely right. Shall we get married?"

"Yes. Have a nice ceremony, please"

They crossed lips.

"Totally...... even put a kiss mark on your neck muscle...... ha. Well, good. All you have to do is tell Ludwig I what Erkühl says."

Cecilia shrugged small away from Erkühl.