CH 172

Imperial siblings

***---***

On the morning of rest day, I headed first to Chowsk, a town in Barshania.

Chowsk was far west of Volzard, beyond Resenburg, and beyond the desert.

If you think about it, it's not strange that there's a time difference.

In line with Amanda-san's business as usual, breakfast at the boarding house was a little early as usual.

By the time I finished breakfast and headed out, it was finally time for Chowsk to start moving.

Seraphima was still in bed and in her dreams.

Even so, she seemed like a really elaborate doll, and her beauty was breathtaking.

I'm sorry, I accidentally stared at your sleeping face, but I'm not a pervert, it's true.

While I was enjoying Seraphima's sleeping face from the shadows, a maid came into the room and gently spoke to her.

"Seraphima-sama, it's morning."

When she was called out to, her round tiger ears twitched, and she was really cute.

It wasn't unreasonable that there was an idiot parent and idiot brothers.

"Nn-h ... Is it already morning?"

"Today is the day of rest, so do you want to take a little more rest?"

"Nn-h ... No, Kent-sama may come, I will get up."

"Clothing is, over here ..."

"Thank you."

Seraphima slipped out of the futon and was wearing soft pajamas with her tiger tail swaying.

When I was about to watch her changing clothes, she gave me a sharp look.

As I thought, doesn't she have a detection skill.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, I felt like Kent-sama is here ..."

"Is he a rude person who peeks at a woman who is changing clothes?"

"There's that, you're right ..."

I'm sorry, I'm staring at you with all my heart ... Hii, her eyes are like a Yaksha's ...

"Seraphima-sama?"

"No, it's nothing ..."

"Breakfast is ready, but ..."

"I'll have it."

While Seraphima was eating breakfast, should I take a look at the desert reclamation site.

I visited the construction site five days ago, and even though it was a large-scale excavation project even in today's world, I felt that it was progressing faster than I thought.

There was no heavy machinery in this world, so it should only be a combination of human power and magic, but the workmanship seemed to be as good as modern construction methods.(TN:Dude, magic can be WAY better than science if used right.)

"Reinhardt, it looks like the construction has progressed much more than when I came last time."

[ That's right. The engineering corps of Barshania is that excellent, isn't it. ]

"There's still a long way to go, but at this pace, I think the waterway will be completed by the end of next year."

[ That's correct. However, even if the construction is finished, the desert will not suddenly turn into green land. ]

"It looks like it will be much more difficult after the waterway is completed."

[ Indeed, that's right. ]

I heard that even on Earth where science and technology had advanced, there were many areas where desertification could not be stopped.

Rather, a country like Barshania, which could deploy a large number of personnel, might be able to advance the development of the desert.

Speaking of which, there seemed to be a theory that the Egyptian Pyramids were a large-scale public works project.

In a harsh environment like the desert, it might have been necessary to give people jobs through such projects.

"Reinhardt, isn't there a big river like this in the area where the Resenburg desert is progressing?"

[ That's correct, but there's nothing as wide as this river. That's probably why desertification is progressing. ]

"Is it really impossible to artificially create a waterway in the desert?"

[ For that, they need a water source, but there are no big lakes in the western part of Resenburg, so it would be quite difficult ... ]

"Speaking of which, you can use a magic tool that produces water even in the desert, right?"

[ It's not as though it can't be used, but compared to areas with high humidity, the amount of water coming out will be less, so it's not efficient. ]

"I see ... It's not going to be easy after all."

[ It's not easy to deal with nature. If the desert could be easily cultivated, I don't think Resenburg would end up in that kind of situation ... ]

"That's right ..."

Seraphima had just finished breakfast with her brother, the Third Prince Nicolae, when I returned to the palace of Chowsk after finishing my tour of the construction site.

The fact that they were not here meant that Emperor Constant and his first son, Gregory, must have left Chowsk.

They're going to prepare tea after eating, so I'll join them for it.

"Good morning, Nicolae-san, Seraphima-san."

When I greeted them while stepping out of a shield of darkness, Nicolae gave me a piercing gaze.

"Fuun, a rat from Volzard, huh ..."

"Brother! Please don't say rude things to my Danna-sama."(TN:Danna-sama is a way of saying husband or master, in this case, husband.)

"Sera-chan, you can still make it in time now. Hey, you should reconsider."

"Brother, I also exchanged a blood covenant with Kent-sama. If it is changed, I will kill myself."

"Sera-chaaaan!"

Yup, it's like a regular sibling skit.

"Kent-sama!"

"Y, yes, what is it."

"Seraphima-san is, please stop calling me so formally. Call me Sera, please."

"Umm ... I understand, Se, Sera."

"Yes, Kent-sama."

Yup, it's a collaboration between Seraphima's radiant smile and Nicolae's death-by-curse gaze.

"Kent-sama, you didn't show up yesterday or the day before yesterday, but was there something wrong?"

"Yeah, I was a little busy with Griffon countermeasures ..."

"A Griffon!"

Nicolae, who had been glaring at me until then, kicked his chair and stood up.

"Ah, it's okay. I finally subjugated it yesterday."

"What, you subjugated a Griffon? Was it you alone?"

"No way, I can't do it alone. It felt like it was finally possible with the Volzard garrison members and all the adventurers."

"I see ... But, to subdue a Griffon ... Is Volzard's military power that strong ..."

Nicolae sat back and folded his arms and began to ponder his thoughts.

"Brother, wouldn't it be better to ask for a little more detailed story?"

"That's right ... Can you tell me more about it?"

"Of course, Brother-in-law."

"Naa, nuu ... Sit down now!"

While Seraphima chuckled, Nicolae turned red and pointed to the seat in front of him.

"Fufufuu, Kent-sama is unexpectedly mean."

"Yeah, the Lord of Volzard is an idiot parent like a certain Emperor, and I've been trained in various ways."

"Maa, is that Feudal Lord's daughter the one who is fighting me for Kent-sama?"

The word 'fight' bothered me, so I stared at Seraphima.

"Kent-sama ... Is something wrong?"

"The three women who have promised to share their futures with me are supporting me together. If a fight is brought in there, I cannot accept you."

"Bastard! Even though Sera-chan said she would marry you ..."

"Brother, please be quiet!"

Nicolae leaned forwards, but Seraphima's harsh tone made him sit down.

"Kent-sama, you don't intend to put a ranking order on your consorts, do you?"

"Until I came to this world, I wasn't blessed with much affection from my family. That's why I don't want to put ranking or superiority on my family."

"I understand. I'll join in, and the four of us will support Kent-sama ... If that's the case, is that okay?"

"Yes. However, among the three, there is also an ordinary woman who grew up in a normal household ..."

"You're saying you don't care about their position. It doesn't matter, if Kent-sama looks at me as a woman, then I will also look up to Kent-sama as a man."

"Thank you, Sera."

We were in front of Idiot Brother No. 2, but I hugged Seraphima.

"Finally, Kent-sama finally hugged me."

"I'm sorry, until now I've been overwhelmed with various things, and I haven't been able to convey my feelings well ..."

"From now on, please tell me more about Kent-sama."

"Yeahh! Nhonn! Come on, can you start talking about the Griffon? I can't play around as a Prince either."(TN:Some weird sounds going on at the start. うんんっ！　んほんっ！He's obviously talking while grinding his teeth, but I'm not sure what he's actually saying there.)

Nicolae irritably tapped the table with his fingertips and urged me to talk about the Griffon, but he just wanted to prevent me and Seraphima from flirting.

"I"m sorry. Since you're a Prince of Barshania, you must be busy even on a day of rest."

"Naa ... Th, that's natural. A Prince should be prepared for a constant battlefield ..."

Nikolae turned red and started making excuses, but Seraphima couldn't take it any more, and she burst out laughing.

I would feel sorry for him if I kept playing around, and I think he might bear a grudge, so I'll talk about the Griffon.

"The Griffon appeared in Volzard five days ago, on the day of wind. I was told that it kidnapped a garrison member who was conducting patrol work on top of the ramparts and flew away in the blink of an eye."

"The size of that Griffon, how big was it?"

"It was big enough to grab an adult with each of its front claws. One wing was about twice as tall as an adult, so it really felt like a monster."

"How many Volzard victims were there?"

"One on the first day, two on the next day, one on the third day, four in total."

"Was the Griffon showing up every day?"

"Yes, it showed up at the same time every day, circling over Volzard and taking aim."

"You said you subjugated it yesterday, but what happened the day before yesterday, didn't the Griffon show up?"

"It showed up the day before yesterday, but at that time, we managed to drive it away by concentrating firepower in Volzard."

"I heard that Griffons are clad in wind-attribute magic, and magic attacks are almost ineffective, is that true?"

"Yes, it's true. It's a pretty powerful magic, and our attacks were at most scattering feathers."

"How the hell did you subdue such a monster? A long time ago, a Griffon appeared in Barshania, but it was said that all they could do was hide and wait for it to fly away."

"It feels like we used every conceivable means and attacked without regard to form ..."

I talked frankly about all the methods I tried to subjugate the Griffon.

Speaking of which, it wasn't possible to imitate everything, but it was for reference in case a Griffon appeared in Barshania.

It would be impossible to imitate the multi-layered shield of darkness, the huge rock cut out from the rocky mountain, the throwing javelins of Zae and the others, and Nero's neko punch.

Nicolae, who was listening to the story, seemed to feel that too, and the more the conversation progressed, the more stern his expression became.

"I understand the process of subjugating the Griffon, but isn't that a strategy that can't be completed without a dark-attribute magician like you?"

"Certainly, I played a major role in Volzard's strategy, but if they set some sort of trap, in order to attach a magic tool that has the same effect as the Slavery Bola, there should be a possibility of subjugation even without the presence of a dark-attribute magician."

"I see ... It's certainly worth considering."

"Brother, wouldn't it be better if you let Joseph-nii-sama know as well so we can borrow his wisdom?"

"Right, along with my thoughts on it, I'll send it as a letter."

I heard that Joseph was the Second Prince of Barshania and a practical person in charge of domestic affairs.

"Umm, was that Joseph-san the one who planned the desert reclamation project?"

"That's right, but what of it?"

"Could you tell me what the plan is."

"Why do you want to know?"

"Yes, even in the country where I lived, large-scale construction was underway, but I felt that the construction in Barshania was progressing faster, and I felt that the completion was superior."

"Naturally, because our construction technology is advanced."

"Is that so. Are all the people involved in the construction related to the military?"

"For the time being, they are incorporated into the unit of magicians, but they are a group of construction specialists and basically do not participate in battles."

"Then, are they something like construction experts?"

"That's right. Originally, when it comes to attribute ratio, the earth attribute is the most common, but when it comes to serving in the army, the earth attribute is unsuitable as offensive magic. For that reason, people with the earth attribute often become soldiers who specialize in strengthening their bodies, but there are strengths and weaknesses in strengthening their bodies, and skills such as swordsmanship and spearmanship are required, so they require proficiency. In other words, the earth attribute is not suitable for soldiers."

"You have prepared a place where earth-attribute magicians can play an active role in the most meaningful way ... Is it something like that?"

"Right. Joseph-anija founded a department that specializes in large-scale construction such as roads, bridges, and this waterway, instead of ordinary construction."(TN:Another weird way of saying older brother.)

In other words, establishing a national general contractor ... It feels like such.

"Then, domestic roads and facilities have been improved all at once, haven't they?"

"Hou, it seems your head works quite well. Certainly, the efficiency of large-scale construction has improved dramatically since Joseph-anija established the unit, and it has also led to the rise in status of earth-attribute magicians."

Perhaps he felt better after I praised the Barshanian engineering corps, Nicolae taught me a lot about the desert reclamation business ... or so I'd like to say, but it was Seraphima who actually answered most of my questions.

Nicolae's main role was military service and defense, and it seemed that he had not touched on the economic and domestic affairs fields such as reclamation.

By the way, it seemed that administrative work such as logistics was assisted by specialized civil servants, so it was like being in charge of the brain.

Nevertheless, the major difference between him and the Stupid Prince of Resenburg was that his principle of action was for the peace and prosperity of Barshania.

"It is natural for the Imperial Family to work for the country. Just being born into the Imperial Family cannot be called a member of the Imperial Family. You can only call yourself a member of the Imperial Family if you work for the country and the people."

Nicolae seemed a little cool as he spoke naturally as if he was breathing, rather than flexing his shoulders and elbows.

I see, it made sense that the Barshanian Imperial Family was popular with the people.

In the current situation of Barshania, I felt that building a friendly relationship with Resenburg would have a positive impact on both countries.

So, I decided to talk about the current situation in Resenburg.

"As you may know, in Resenburg there was a conflict between the First and Second Princes over the right for succession to the throne. Barshania was planning to invade in cooperation with Havre Calvine, who took advantage of that."

"That's right, if you guys didn't show up, we should have crossed the desert."

"This is about Resenburg after that ..."

Following the Second and Third Princes, the First Prince, Alphonse, was poisoned by someone from Havre's minions, and the feuding factions gathered under Camilla to resolve the conflict.

Afterwards, I talked about the situation of the final confrontation with Havre, who had entered the royal castle.

"The story that the First Prince seemed to have died has been handed down, but isn't it the first time we've heard that the rival nobles joined hands?"

Seraphima nodded at Nicolae's question.

"Brother. I hear that Camilla Resenburg is supported by the people. If Camilla continues to inherit the throne, we may be able to expect an improvement in relations with Resenburg."

"What about helping to stop the desertification? Currently, the western part of Resenburg seems to be suffering from desertification, so if Barshania can stop it or improve it, I think the impression of the people will change."

I tried to propose cooperation with Barshania's civil engineering technology, but neither Nicolae nor Seraphima responded positively.

"Since you were summoned from another world, you may not be able to understand it just by hearing about it, but the relationship between Barshania and Resenburg cannot change that easily."

"I am fully aware that Kent-sama suggested it out of kindness, but the engineering corps is an important group for Barshania, so it is not something that can be easily loaned out. In the unlikely event that they are captured and forced to work, it will develop into a war."

"Is that so ... Well, that's a history of conflict that I don't understand as someone from another country."

The two nodded in unison at my words.

On Earth, it was like America and Russia, or Japan and South Korea.

Luckily, there's the buffer zone called the desert, so I guess the only thing that can be done is to improve the relationship over time.

After writing a letter about the Griffon, Nicolae returned to his room and I was alone with Seraphima.

Of course, the person in charge of serving and the maid would be waiting in the next room, so I couldn't do anything unusual.

"Kent-sama, if you leave the surroundings of the royal castle and the other parts are under the control of Camilla Resenburg, then it's fine to bring me in early in the new year."

"Umm, about that ..."

When I told her that in Volzard I lived in a boarding house for 3,000 Helts a month with meals, and that I didn't have a house to live in, Seraphima looked puzzled and didn't seem to understand what I was talking about at first.

"So, how many people will you come with when we're married?"

"Yes, there are 18 guard knights, including the captain, 2 civil officials, 4 maids ... Ke, Kent-sama?"

"Sorry, I'm a little dizzy ..."

"Are you okay?"

"Y, yeah, somehow ... somehow. So, how many people are there in total?"

"It's about 30 people, I think."

"Hahaa, hahahaa ... Th, that's right, you're a Princess of a country. Haa ..."

"Kent-sama, is there a problem?"

"Hmm ... you could call it a problem, or you could say that I didn't think about it ..."

I was a little lost, but I honestly told her that in a typical civil marriage, the person would just enter the other person's house, and I didn't think about having the Imperial Attendants come, as in a royal marriage.

"So, at the moment, the only building that can accommodate Sera and the others is the guest house in Volzard, for the time being, Klaus-san, the Lord, said that he doesn't mind if I use it temporarily, but I can't use it forever, so I'm thinking of owning my own house. However, I have to find and secure the land to build it on ... Well, can you wait a little longer?"

"Is that so ... I'm sorry that I didn't realize that there was such a situation. I will consult with my father and think about reducing the number of people traveling with me ..."

"That's right. It might be difficult considering Constant-san's love for you ..."

"Haa ... I'm really sorry."

"No, since there are two of us, let's discuss and think of the best way."

"Yes, that's right. Let's think together, slowly ... together ..."

Seraphima, who leaned close to me and stared at me with slightly upturned eyes, looked shockingly glamorous.

When I tried to draw her in and put our lips together, the door was violently opened.

"Seraphima, I'd like to consult with you about the letter ... Nn? What's wrong?"

"Brother, you're too insensitive! I'll go there later, so please wait in your room. Kent-sama, continue ..."

"N, no ... I, I have to go back to Volzard soon ..."

"Muu, Kent-sama, today is also a day of rest for Volzard, isn't it."

"U, umm, look, I have to treat my wives equally ... right."

"Muu ..."

Puffing out her cheeks and giving a sullen expression made Seraphima look younger all at once.

Seeing that expression made me want to treat her like Meisa-chan.

"Yes, yes, I'll come to visit you again ... right?"

"I'm sure you will. I'll be waiting for you ... Nnh"

I ignored Nicolae's existence and hugged Seraphima before returning to Volzard.

"Well then, brother-in-law, I will bother you again."

"Fuun, you don't have to come for the time being ..."

Under the cold stare of my future brother-in-law, I slipped through the shield of darkness.