CH 148

Kent is caught

***---***

Returning to the palace, Constant invited me into a hidden room.

This was the room where the Imperial Family gathered when I first visited Barshania.

Constant and I sat facing each other across a large table, and Seraphima was standing next to Constant.

The attendant made us a rich milk tea.

It wasn't just milk tea, it seemed to have had butter added, giving it a thick texture.

Although it had a solid taste, the mellow scent of tea leaves wafted through my nostrils.

Perhaps they generously used high-quality tea leaves.

If I talked to Donovan-san, who loved tea, what kind of face would he make.

"No then, Kokubu Kent. May I ask you to tell me a little more about the story that you are from another world?"

"Yes, I was summoned from another world, Japan, along with about 200 of my classmates and 7 of my teachers, through the summoning technique that Camilla Resenburg used to secure a fighting force."

From the background of how Camilla performed the summoning technique, arriving at Volzard alone, finding my place to stay, and how I rescued my classmates, I talked about the situation where it was now possible to travel to and from Japan.

Apart from occasionally nodding his head until I finished my story, Constant never interrupted and listened to me.

"I see ... Camilla Resenburg, even though her expectations were naive and led to a dangerous situation, in the end she achieved her original goal ... No, she got more than what she had envisioned."

"Ehh ... I see, that's right."

Until Constant told me, I thought Camilla's summoning was a failure.

Camilla's original goal was to develop the Devil's Forest to save the people who lost their land due to the progression of desertification and lost their way.

For that reason, all the troops she summoned escaped, but if I felt like it, I could open up the Devil's Forest, and she has me and my genus on her side, she's trying to accomplish something that she never even imagined would be the real power of the country.

She fell to her knees and pledged her loyalty me, which was a humiliating situation, but considering only the practical benefits, it could be said that the summoning was a great success.

Just by listening to my clumsy story, I have to say that Constant, who had an accurate understanding of the situation, is as expected of a person of importance.

"I have a rough understanding of the relationship between you, Volzard, and Resenburg. Next, I would like you to talk about the world you lived in. To put it bluntly, how advanced is your technology compared to Barshania?"

"That's right ... It's difficult to make a simple comparison, but if it's just about civilization such as machines, I think we're over 200 years more advanced."

"Two hundred years? Do you have any basis for this?"

"In our world magic doesn't exist, so I can't say for sure because the origins of civilization are different, but the situation in this world is the same as it was in our world about 200 years ago."

"Magic doesn't exist?"

"Yes, magic essence itself doesn't seem to exist."

"I can't believe it ..."

"I wonder if the evolution of the machine civilization has progressed to that extent because magic couldn't be used ..."

When I told him that there were skyscrapers, railroad networks, airplanes, automobiles, and countries that had even sent people to the moon, Constant seemed to be at a loss for judgment and glanced at Seraphima.

As for Seraphima, her eyes were shining as she listened to my story, and Constant, who saw that, was in a bad mood.

"Hmm, you can say anything with your mouth, but how do you prove it's true?"

"If it's proof ... I think the best thing is to actually see it, but the only way to get to Japan from here is to go through the world of shadows, but in order to do that, I have to take your attribute and give you my magical power."

When I told them about the conditions for going to Japan, Seraphima looked really disappointed.

"So, you're saying there's no way to prove it?"

"No, Japan is planning to start resource development in this world, so I think it will be possible to see machines that fly in the sky."

"Resource development? Will it be done in Volzard?"

"Currently, the one with whom they have the most friendly relationship is Volzard, so it will be Volzard where they will build their first base."

"What do you mean by resources? Is it iron? Or is it copper?"

"What Japan is looking for is mainly rare metals and petroleum resources."

When I talked about the intentions of the Japanese government and the method of resource surveys from the sky, Constant folded his arms and thought.

"Well, if they conduct a resource survey from the sky, is there a possibility that iron veins will be found in Barshania?"

"I'm not an expert in resource surveys, so I can't say anything definite, but the possibility shouldn't be zero. Besides, if you cooperate with the investigation, I think it would be possible to provide even more iron ..."

"Are you going to proceed with that plan in Resenburg?"

"Yes, when we were summoned, an accident occurred and many lives were lost. They want to develop resources in Resenburg in the sense of promoting compensation for that, but as you know, the internal situation of the country is not stable. Even if they move forward with the plan, it will probably be after those led by Camilla Resenburg take control of the country."

Constant closed his eyes with his arms crossed and began to ponder.

"Father ..."

Even if Seraphima, who he doted on, called out to him, he kept thinking about it.

After a while, he slowly opened his eyes and changed his posture.

"Kokubu Kent. First of all, let me apologize for my impoliteness. Please forgive me."

Constant bowed his head deeply.

"No, I also bothered you without any warning ..."

"Also, I am grateful for the high purity iron that I didn't expect."

Constant bowed his head again.

Next to him, Seraphima was also bowing her head.

"As promised, we will cancel the dispatch of troops to Resenburg this time."

"Thank you very much."

"No, it's something I should be thanking you for. If we had dispatched troops as it is, our army would have suffered a considerable amount of damage."

The plan to dispatch troops to Barshania was based on the premise that the First Prince's faction and the Second Prince's faction had crushed each other and were exhausted in terms of military strength.

In a situation where the crushing was not carried out and all of Resenburg's fighting strength remained, the preconditions of the plan collapsed.

If the opponent wasn't exhausted, naturally Barshania would have suffered a great deal of damage.

I thought that the crisis of war was averted by Constant's cancellation of the dispatch of troops, but it didn't seem that easy.

"However, although we will not be dispatching troops this time, if there is no improvement in the domestic situation and foreign policy of Resenburg, we may raise an army again."

"So, everything depends on Resenburg?"

"Right. Regardless of the fact that there's a desert, it's not like they can't attack."

Just as Count Gleisner had strong suspicions towards Barshania, Barshania also seemed to have strong suspicions towards Resenburg.

"Why do you want to fight so badly?"

"What can I say, it would be better if there was no fighting. Even so, if we are attacked from the other side, we have no choice but to fight."

"However, if Camilla takes control ..."

"When will that come true? Can you say that there is no chance of failure?"

"No, I can't say for certain, but ..."

"Then it's impossible to neglect preparations. It's the Emperor's duty to be ready to move troops at any time until Camilla Resenburg takes control and builds a solid friendship."

It's true that even in Japan, where many of the people are said to be peace idiots, the Self-Defense Forces existed as a defense force, so it was only natural for Barshania to prepare an army.

"Kokubu Kent. I would like to continue to build a friendly relationship with you."

"Then, let's talk about resource development ..."

"I'm sorry, but I can't talk to you about that."

"Ehh ... Why is that?'

"In the first place, what country do you belong to?"

"Ehh ... I'm ..."

"Living in Volzard, allying with Resenburg, and talking about a country called Japan, what country are you from and what position do you hold? What kind of authority do you speak with?"

"I, I am ..."

I felt like my head was making loud noises and my blood was draining.

"Even if I can trade iron with someone who I don't know what country they belong to, I can't talk to them about how the future of the country will be affected."

"However, talking about resource development isn't bad news for Barshania either ..."

"I'm not arguing whether it's a good story or a bad story. I'm questioning your authority."

Constant's tone was neither harsh nor hostile, but quietly admonishing.

That's why it stuck in my heart.

"Hey, Kokubu Kent. If I make a pact, the country of Barshania will use all its power to fulfill the pact. As the Emperor, I have that much authority. How much authority do you have? If I make a pact with you, will the country of Japan, even with all its strength, fulfill the pact?"

"No ... I don't have that kind of authority."

"Looking at what you've done so far, you're not a bad person. No, it's not that. You're trying to be a good person. The intention isn't bad. At that age, you can negotiate directly with me, the Emperor, and say that we should stop fighting with other countries, so it's a big deal."

Constant spoke words of praise, but for a man of his age ... I could feel the composure of an elderly person in the smile on his lips.

"However, to discuss matters that affect the future of the country, you lack experience, knowledge, status, authority, and resolve. I can't discuss the future of Barshania with the you of now."

I couldn't find the words to reply to Constant's clear words.

I felt good about playing a central role in quelling the Resenburg civil war, but it was a countermeasure that could only be established by Camilla and Count Gleisner.

Even if I went out by myself, no one would recognize me.

In the same way, even if my abilities were recognized, I wouldn't be recognized as a partner to carry out a national scale project together.

"Then, if a person in a proper position in Japan brings up the idea of resource development, will you listen to them?"

"Of course, I will listen to them. But, that doesn't mean I'll accept it."

"Why is that? If we conduct resource surveys, we might find iron veins, and if we use the mining and refining techniques of my world, you might be able to efficiently obtain high-purity iron."

"My biggest concern is that there is too much of a gap in technology. Think about it, do you think the world won't be in turmoil if they suddenly enter 200 years into the future?"

"That is ... I think it would be confusing."

If people from the future suddenly came to Japan from 200 years in the future and told them about various overtechnologies, there would be a huge uproar.

If resources were to be developed, helicopters and equipment for research, equipment necessary for mining, heavy machinery, personal computers, and communication equipment would naturally be brought to Barshania.

The sudden introduction of unknown technology may make their lives richer, but it may also bring about an outrageous distortion.

"Barshania was originally a country of a few tribes. Four generations ago, the Emperor united the country, and since then it has come together as a single country, but the source of the turmoil hasn't completely disappeared. Wealth disparities tend to arise between mountainous areas and plains. If the disparities that have arisen between tribes are left unchecked, they will inevitably ignite the flames of conflict."

Constant moistened his throat with cold tea and continued.

"Increase exchanges between tribes, preach the benefits of uniting into one country, develop industries, and prosper together ... That's how Barshania came to be. Certainly, your country's technology sounds wonderful. A technology unimaginable to an old man like me might bring great wealth to Barshania. However, if it becomes a situation where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few people, distortion will occur and conflicts will flare up. Even if I accept your country's offer, I'm sure there will be restrictions attached."

"Understood. Regarding resource development, I will bring the official person in charge and talk to you again."

"Umu, you do that."

When Constant stopped talking, he signaled the attendant to re-brew the tea.

A complete change from the rich milk tea from earlier, this time it was a refreshingly fragrant tea served with dried fruits.

When I put the tea in my mouth, the refreshing sensation spread, and it went well with the sweet and sour dried fruits.

It seemed that the feeling of being a little depressed by Constant's relentlessness had cleared up.

While enjoying the taste of the tea with rapt attention, Constant laughed.

"Hmph, he's a completely strange person. To this me who is the Emperor of Barshania, when acting face to face, he listens seriously to the talk with a serious look. Then, before you know it, he's immersed in the taste of tea as if he forgot the existence of this me. Seraphima, are you really okay with being with such an oddball?"

"Yes, while possessing the military power to take advantage of our Barshanian elite forces, he tried to resolve matters through negotiation without killing mindlessly. Regardless of family background, I believe that someone like Kent-sama is what Barshania needs."

Seraphima turned her gaze to me after giving a straight answer and blushed.

"By saying this, I'm reluctant, but I'll let you arrange the wedding, I have no objections, Kokubu Kent."

Constant's glancing look towards me, wasn't something of an elder teaching the younger generation like until just now, but it was filled with the passion of cursing me to death if I refused.

However, I can't just let that story proceed without a hitch.

I have to resolutely decline.

"I am very grateful for your offer, but I have someone who I have promised my future to, so I will decline."

I bowed my head deeply and looked up ... A demon was there.

In the background of Constant, I could even see a hallucination of blazing flames of wrath.

"Are you going to decline? Sera-chan said she would marry you, but you're going to decline ...?"

"Hii ... I, I'm sorry. But I promised my future ..."

"Is it to Camilla Resenburg?"

"N, no, I made Camilla swear allegiance, but ... As for the marriage, compensation and an apology have to be completed ..."

"Then, is it the daughter of the Lord of Volzard?"

"Yes, I promised Beatrice my future, but there are also two others ..."

"Three people ... Four people if you add Camilla Resenburg ..."

With a mixed expression of anger and disgust, Constant turned his gaze to Seraphima.

At the moment I said I would decline, Seraphima was stunned with tears in her eyes, but her eyes suddenly lifted, and it seemed as if flames were burning in the background.

"I have heard that polygamy is allowed in Volzard as well. Father, I will go to Kent-sama in Volzard. Then we can build a friendly relationship with Volzard, and it will also serve as a restraint against Resenburg."

"Is that really fine?"

"Yes, the ability to enter the Imperial Family's living room without regard to guards, the strength to overwhelm the elite forces, and listening to today's discussion with my father, I have determined that he is someone I can trust. After that, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to serve him and win his favor."

"So, Kokubu Kent. As soon as the internal affairs of Resenburg have settled down, I'll have her join you in Volzard. Is that okay?"

"No, umm ... Didn't you hear what I was saying? I want to decline ..."

"This many! Sera-chan has made this many concessions, but if you still refuse to listen, I'll use the entire army of Barshania to attack Volzard, and I will put you in jeopardy!"

"Eeehhh ... Is that so ..."

"Kent-sama, don't you want a peaceful resolution?"

"Th, that's what I want, but ..."

"Then ..."

Seraphima left her seat, walked around the table, and stood by my side, looking down at me.

"Nnu ..."

"Eh, hey, what are you doing ... Fuguu ..."

Seraphima blocked my protest with her lips that she bit and dyed crimson with overflowing blood.

I wondered if it was a complete dead end ... But, I poured healing magic into Seraphima's lips.

"Nna ... Why can you use healing magic ..."

"Maybe it's the effect of the summoning. I also have the light attribute, so the 'Evil Eye Crystal' didn't react. That's why I was thrown into the Devil's Forest alone."

"Kokubu Kent. Now that you have signed a blood covenant, I won't allow you to refuse to marry Seraphima."

"Haa ... Don't you think you're being too pushy?"

"Or, do you think you can get away from me?"

Seraphima, who tilted her head and smiled, was so cute that I could understand the feelings of the Idiot Parent and Idiot Brothers, and crushed my feelings of trying to resist.

"Haa ... This is unfair ..."

Seraphima gently hugged my head, which was drooping, and stroked it as if to say it's all right.

"Kent-sama, aren't you think of something rude?"

"N, no ... I'm not thinking anything, so just stay like this for a while ..."

"Ara, ara, Kent-sama is unexpectedly a spoiled child, ufufufu ..."

Yes, I'm a spoiled child, and this is harassment of the Idiot Parent on the other side of the table.

Ooohhh ... Your Imperial Majesty, your blood vessels are about to burst.

"Nuu ... H, how long are you going to keep doing that!"

"Oh, seriously father, I know you sometimes ask my mother to do this."

"Wh, w, w, why do you know that ..."

"Kent-sama, I'll be in your care for many years to come."

"Yes ..."

It was no good, no matter how much she's a Loli Girl, I was no match for a real carnivorous girl.