Chapter 63
Magi’s Grandson – Chapter 63 noteless
Translator(s): Kaelpie Editor(s): Conform Child, Nyxie and bzk
Proofreader(s): Nixie
The Three Power Talks begin
Gorgeous carriages were moving along the road connecting Earlshyde Kingdom and Swedes Kingdom.
There was an imposing entourage of escorts and an especially luxurious carriage in the middle of it.
It was the horse-drawn carriage of Earlshyde’s Crown Prince, Augusto von Earlshyde.
There was a large number of escorts present due to the fact that they were traveling toward the Three Country Talks that was going to being held between: Earlshyde Kingdom, Els Federation of Free Commerce, and the Holy Country Ys.
I found out that the representatives of each of the three countries will be partic.i.p.ating in the talks: Crown Prince Augusto from Earlshyde, the Archbishop of Ys, and the official in charge of diplomacy from Els.
The purpose of the Three Nation Talks was to address the threat the devils pose to the world and unite to confront it.
It will also be announced that the Ultimate Magicians are not a military division of the Earlshyde Kingdom, but a group intending to solve threats all around the world.
To confirm that at the Three Powers Talks, the members of Ultimate Magicians are also heading towards the Swedes Kingdom, the host of the soon to come Three Powers Talks.
That’s why there are several carriages.
In one of those carriages…
“Because the devils haven’t attacked recently, I can hear people saying: ‘The Devils have given up attacking because they fear the Ultimate Magicians,’ is that okay?”(s.h.i.+n)
“I have already said that negotiations with other countries are my area of expertise, so you don’t need to worry.”(August)
“But still…”(s.h.i.+n)
Will he be able to get the cooperation of Els and Ys if that’s truly the case? That’s what worries me more than anything.
If we have so much leeway, they might think their power isn’t necessary… So to say…
Wait! What!?
“No way… Are they aiming for post-war exhaustion…”(s.h.i.+n)
“You’re overthinking it. Els is generally a mercantile nation. For a merchant, the most important thing is trust so such behaviour will be highly criticized. The same is true for Ys. Do you think a religious nation that follows and believes in good deeds and the Creator G.o.d will act like that?”(August)
“Is that so?”(s.h.i.+n)
“Well… that’s what’s publicly known…”(August)
“…So it’s not known how they act behind the scenes… is it…?”(s.h.i.+n)
“Leading a country isn’t something that can be done by only doing good deeds.”(August)
“…Be careful for the duration of the meeting…”(s.h.i.+n)
“This magical tool you gave me will protect me, so I have nothing to worry about.”(August)
Gus played with the necklace on his chest.
Even if they don’t get their way, I don’t think a direct attack will occur during negotiations… But I don’t know what kind of cheap tricks they might use.
Let’s hope that the representatives of Els and Ys are cordial people.
The last time we arrived to Swedes Kingdom was in a couple of hours
because we were flying, but this time it’s a formal visit, so we’re moving by a carriage.
We could get there in a moment with Gate… It was two days to the border with a horse-drawn carriage and two days from the border to the Imperial Capital of the Swede Kingdom, but we finally arrived.
So distant… Should I seriously think about sky travel?
I don’t think that the impact on society will be too big if I lay the groundwork in various places with business negotiations…
“Hey, s.h.i.+n, are you planning something?”(August)
“…Was I grinning again?”(s.h.i.+n)
“Yes…”(August)
“I did it again.”(s.h.i.+n)
“You really were… when will you remember to reflect?”(August)
“Rude. I’m being prudent this time, and I won’t create it right away..”(s.h.i.+n)
“Calling that prudent…”(August)
He was angry the other day, but I think it’s a convenient idea…
As we were talking, the walls of the Imperial Capital of the Swedes Kingdom came into sight.
“Ohh! It’s been a while! It’s been considerably rebuilt!”(Maria)
“Is that so? Well it has to be a symbol of hope against the devils.”(August)
Everyone peeked out from their carriage trying to get a view of the ramparts which was still far away.
I unintentionally came here just the other day to test out the communication device though.
“Welcome everyone of the Earlshyde Kingdom! It has been a while!”
When we arrived to the Capital … an enormous amount of people welcomed us.
“Kyaa! Augusto-sama!”
“Magic King-sama! Amazing!”
“Ooooooo! Sicily-sama!”
“Saint-sama! I’m healed!”
The sheer amount of cheers from everyone who seem to be thankful for the subjugation of devils from back then were astounding.
That aside, the t.i.tle of Magic King has reached this kingdom as well…?
“We seem to be very welcome.”(s.h.i.+n)
“Of course. The devil raid didn’t occur a long time ago. When the devils were repelled, the citizens had a lot on their minds, so they couldn’t thank us properly. There were many cra.s.s people who are sorry for not thanking us when they had the chance, so they are putting in extra effort this time.”(August)
Gus had declared the beginning and the end of the battle, while Sicily was in direct contact with the people to heal their injuries. It’s natural that they would be popular.
“We have prepared a guest house this time so feel free to raise your spirits before the meeting.”
“Your consideration is appreciated. I’m sorry for the trouble.”(August)
“Don’t mention it. Please accept it as a token of our grat.i.tude.”
And so we were welcomed by the Swede Kingdom.
Both of the remaining two countries will arrive this evening.
The meeting will start early in the morning tomorrow.
As soon as this agreement is settled, an offensive against the old empire territory will be launched.
I hope it goes smoothly.
In a famous restaurant in Swedes there is a room on the second floor where you can have a meeting while you eat.
This time, the venue for the meeting prepared by the Swedes Kingdom was that room.
The Swedes Kingdom did that hoping to make the meeting advance peacefully accompanied by a meal.
In a private room near the meeting room was August, who had arrived before the representatives of the other two countries.
Thor and Julius were sitting with him as his escorts.
August is really relaxed in contrast to the two of the escorts that visibly looked a bit nervous.
Thor wondered how August could remain so placid.
“Your Highness is quite calm but… are not you worried about s.h.i.+n’s concerns?”(Thor)
“Certainly, I understand s.h.i.+n’s worries.”(August)
“Then why?”(Thor)
August answered Thor while grinning.
“I just have to grasp the initiative from the beginning, right?”(August)
Thor responded to August by saying, “Your Highness must have carefully calculated the chances of victory,” and decided not to ask any more.
“Your Highness Augusto, the representatives of Els and Ys are ready.”
A report stating the arrival of the representatives of the two countries was heard from the guard outside the room.
“Well then, shall we go?”(August)
With a light feeling, August went to the venue of the Three Power Talks.
When he entered the room in which the meeting would take place, the representatives of Els and Ys were waiting without sitting in their chairs.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Crown Prince Augusto, this one is in charge of diplomacy at the Els Federation of Free Commerce, Osama Naval. Please remember me.”(Naval)
The Els representative spoke with a distinctive Els accent.
His face was terribly repulsive and transparent. It was very obvious that he wanted to pull favorable conditions for his country during this meeting.
(Could you hide your greed a little?) (August inner monologue)
“Augusto von Earlshyde. The pleasure is mine.”(August)
In his thoughts, he was disappointed in Els who sent a man that could not hide his desires to this crucial meeting, but he could not say that. He responded with an att.i.tude befitting the royal family, without giving any impolite remarks.
“Greetings Your Highness Augusto, I am Amun Fuller, and I hold the t.i.tle of Archbishop at the Church of Creation.”(Fuller)
Even because of this man, who was an archbishop of the Church of Creation, August sighed on the inside.
Because the clergymen of the Church of Creation consider poverty a virtue, they’re famous for being disciplined and frugal, but the person in front of him was a fat and greasy middle-aged man.
(Being the Archbishop is a good excuse for staining priest clothes… furthermore…)
“Augusto von Earlshyde, please take care of me.”(Fuller)
“Mhm, very well.”(August)
Being from the royal family, August is trying to behave arrogantly to provoke antagonism.
It’s obvious both representatives are trying to use these talks to further their career.
For the sake of obtaining this position it’s not unthinkable they used every means at their disposal.
This should be a meeting to address the world crisis… Because the two countries are located farther away from the former empire, they don’t feel as much threat from the devils and therefore lack the atmosphere of a crisis.
“I’d like to start the discussion at once… And while we’re here, why don’t we talk while we eat?”(August)
“Hm? I don’t see why not.”(Naval)
“That’s right, it’s early in the morning. Breakfast is a matter of course.”(Fuller)
“Well then, excuse me, please bring breakfast.”(August)
Naval, the representative of Els, frowned because he was trying to appeal to his own argument and immediately get into the meeting, in contrast to Fuller who showed a pleased response.
Although it may be that he was just interested in the food…
While the breakfast was being handed out, August started talking.
“Since the devils appeared, demons have increased in number around the highways. Doesn’t that impact the circulation of goods, turning it into a serious problem for Els?”(August)
“Indeed, we had to increase the number of escorts and the costs have painfully increased.”(Naval)
“How about Ys? The believers are anxious and demand help from the church, correct?”(August)
“Mhm, certainly the devotees are feeling uneasy.”(Fuller)
Naval responded normally, however Fuller responded nervously for some reason.
Seeing Fuller’s facial expression gave August some confidence.
Such small talk continued over breakfast until it finally came time for the meeting to start.
“Now then,since this is an appeal from our Earlshyde Kingdom to the Els Federation of Free Commerce and the Holy Nation Ys, I will just get straight to the point.”(August)
The other two people changed their posture to those words.
Ill.u.s.tration
“I would like to form an alliance for the sake of defending the other nations from the devils who have conquered the former Empire territory and have advanced into neighboring countries.”(August)
The envoys started thinking about it, and then Naval spoke with a cheerful expression.
“That… As much as I would like to, it’s impossible”(Naval)
“What?”(August)
Naval responded to August’s question while grinning.
“Els is a mercantile nation you see? Joining the alliance will only procure loses. That’s why there is no interest in partic.i.p.ating.”(Naval)
“There is no benefit…”(August)
“a.s.suming the devils would be suppressed who will be responsible for the military expenses? Could you ask them to pay war reparations?”(Naval)
“Certainly, it is impossible to ask for reparations.”(August)
“Or will Earlshyde Kingdom cover it?”(Naval)
“Military costs for a whole country? Don’t be unreasonable.”(August)
“Is that so? In the first place, Earlshyde are the ones who proposed an alliance. In addition I heard a rumor… Have you heard about it? That Earlshyde could handle the crisis themselves. Yet despite that they still try to establish an alliance in an attempt to control us.”(Naval)
August’s facial expression slightly distorted when Naval brought up rumors from the streets.
Naval who saw that expression started looking down on him more and more.
“Invasion would be too big of a burden for Earlshyde alone, but if joining the alliance would turn profitable for us… Then it would be a different story.”(Naval)
“Hm… does Els have something they desire?”(August)
Those words finally arrived from August! Naval’s face lit up.
“Certainly… There is now a magic tool that can do long distance communication between Earlshyde and the surrounding countries. Why not offer that as payment? Of course, we could negotiate the number accordingly.”(Naval)
Communication equipment that quickly exchanges information would be something indispensable for mercantile nations.
August spat a sigh at Naval who stated his request without reserve.
“What about Ys? They surely wouldn’t demand something to face this world crisis?”(August)
Naval’s face is distorted when August criticized Els for making selfish demands during the world crisis.
“Ha ha ha, am I not a cleric of the Church of Creation? We cannot make greedy demands like Els.”(Fuller)
“Wha-what !?”(Naval)
“We wouldn’t even think of giving priority to our own interests during a world crisis.”(Fuller)
Naval stared at Fuller like he had killed his parents in front of him, but Fuller ignored it with a cool face.
“That would mean that Ys will join this alliance?”(August)
“That’s right… We are willing to partic.i.p.ate…”(Fuller)
Although he criticized Els, it seems that Ys has a demand as well.
“What do you wish for?”(August)
“I’ve told you earlier didn’t I? Anxiety is spreading amongst believers. I wish to manage the situation.”(Fuller)
“…Specifically?”(August)
Fuller voiced his demands to those words.
“The Saint.”(Fuller)
“What?”(August)
“According to the rumors, there is a girl hailed as a saint in your country. A very beautiful girl who excels in healing magic. Please hand over the Saint to us. I want her to become a symbol that removes the anxiety of the people in the Holy Country.”(Fuller)
The proposal makes sense. Sicily is truly earning a reputation as a Saint.
Deep down August antic.i.p.ated something like that.
He thought that he would demand something similar when he heard about anxiety amongst the followers.
He did not antic.i.p.ate however, being told to deliver the saint…
l.u.s.t was clearly evident in Fuller’s eyes.
He would probably make a pretty girl famously rumored to be a saint into his own plaything.
When August imagined what s.h.i.+n’s reaction would be… It sent s.h.i.+vers down his spine.
Els and Ys. What both countries requested is closely connected to s.h.i.+n, and in particular Ys’ demand could not be accepted easily.
Naval and Fuller are both looking at August with antic.i.p.ation in their eyes.
(Through cross national negotiations, they are trying to fulfill their own desires.)
Naval and Fuller are trying to hide their greed but it pollutes their eyes.
“The demands of both Els and Ys…”(August)
Naval and Fuller enthusiastically look up.
And then August begins speaking…
“I cannot possibly accept either.”(August)
To those words they could only stare with their mouths agape, shocked and disappointed.
“What are you saying? Impossible to accept? Are you saying we should partic.i.p.ate in the war without any form of compensation?”(Naval)
“Although it was a proposal for the sake of eliminating the anxiety of the people… To put it bluntly, I am disappointed.”(Fuller)
“After all, is it impossible to conduct such sophisticated negotiations with the young Crown Prince…?”(Naval)
“Truly.”(Fuller)
Naval and Fuller criticised August for rejecting their demands.
As for August who was showered by their ridiculing words….
“You are the ones who know nothing.”(August)
He put some anger into his response.
“There is no benefit for Els? How dare you show your face here with that degree of understanding of the situation? Did you send a representative just to wish good luck?”(August)
“W-why you!?”(Naval)
“Also, Archbishop Fuller. Why must we hand over the saint?”(August)
“I’ve told you already, in order to get rid of the people’s anxiety…”(Fuller)
“People have started calling her a saint by themselves. She herself underwent no training to become a priest. Wouldn’t that diminish her credibility? Speaking of the Saint of the Ultimate Magicians, she has the power to go to the battlefield and defeat devils, furthermore her reputation originates because she cured the wounded people without requesting compensation. Hence her popularity among the populace and everyone’s high hopes for her. Would the insecurity of the people even decrease at all if she was handed over to Ys? ”
“Th-that is…”(Fuller)
“On the contrary, wouldn’t removing the saint from the battlefield only serve to fuel the people’s anxiety?”(August)
Fuller lost the words to respond to August’s questioning.
“Or… is there another purpose to it?”(August)
“Such a thing!”(Fuller)
“Oh? The Archbishop… Demanded the Saint for the sake of his own craving?”(Naval)
“Be silent you n.i.g.g.ard!”(Fuller)
“What did you say you corrupt priest!?”(Naval)
“What!?”(Fuller)
“What?!?”(Naval)
“That’s enough!”(August)
August stopped the two people that had started quarreling.
Why did Naval, who was supposed to be here as a representative of Els, start provoking Fuller, the representative of another country?
That’s because Els and Ys had strained relations even before going into these talks.
Els was unhappy with Ys who complained about their capital supremacy, and Ys saw Els as a group of n.i.g.g.ards.
That relations.h.i.+p was personified here.
Although it’s a bad relations.h.i.+p, they’re a mercantile nation and a religious nation. Considering the costs of war and the impression that the religious nation gives to the world by going to war, they weren’t planning on waging war against each other.
“What are Els and Ys thinking? These are negotiations to overcome a world crisis.”(August)
“That’s true, however, Earlshyde could handle it alone couldn’t they? Why do we have to get involved?”(Naval)
“I agree.”(Fuller)
“Do you not understand even that…?”(August)
“Wh-What?”(Naval)
“Are you making fools of us?”(Fuller)
The other two people have still not noticed the true meaning behind these talks. August spat a sight.
“Certainly, Earlshyde can deal with it alone, but what do you think would happen if only our country controlled the situation?”(August)
“If so… I don’t think we would have a hard time, but…”(Naval)
“If that’s the case, what about neighboring countries?”(August)
“That! They would be grateful to Earlshyde…”(Naval)
It seems they’ve finally noticed.
If only Earlshyde controls the situation Earlshyde’s achievement would be large. Too large.
The influence of Earlshyde who saved the world and the position of a major country that didn’t partic.i.p.ate…
“The surrounding countries feel a great deal of grat.i.tude towards Earlshyde, and this world… Concerning the two major powers that did nothing during the world crisis… Just what kind of evaluation will they receive?”(August)
That doesn’t mean it is a certainty that will happen, but Naval and Fuller went pale since August phrased it as if it were inevitable.
Commerce and religion. Although the core is different, they’re both heavily influenced by the opinion of the populace.
At this rate, if Earlshyde were to take all of the credit… Earlshyde would become the worldwide leader and will have a great deal of influence, while the other two great powers who did nothing would lose their credibility.
“This meeting is not to ‘please’ to Els and Ys. This is a ‘proposition to share the glory’. To divide the achievements that could be monopolized solely by Earlshyde with two more countries. With that… I do hope your corrupted desires have been eliminated.”(August)
The purpose of these talks was not only to counter the demonic threat but also to adjust the power balance of the world.
He predicted that the two representatives would lie to his face and convey their own request.
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One was ashamed of himself because he couldn’t read him.
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