Chapter 164: Big Deal VI
Bahamut and Bertina were having tea with Selibras, the Prime Minister of the Dragona Empire. The conversation began with light talk about family matters.
“Ohhh... You mean you already have a newborn daughter? Another thing to celebrate!” Selibras said warmly.
“Haha, yes. Somehow, it just happened,” Bertina responded, her cheeks flushing with slight embarrassment.
Selibras smiled brightly, continuing the conversation. “Children are a blessing. Actually, not long ago, I had a son—well, my wife did. He takes after her quite a bit, so he’s quite handsome. Honestly, I had almost given up after having our third child. I didn’t expect my wife to give birth to another.”
“I see. That’s something to be grateful for,” Bahamut said, speaking with a touch of familiarity as a fellow parent.
The Prime Minister’s experience resonated with Bahamut. After all, it wasn’t every day that a man over a century old, like Selibras—became a father. It was almost miraculous, though Bahamut saw no need to state the obvious.
Relaxing into the shared bond of parenthood, Bahamut continued, “It’s my first time having a child, so everything feels new to me. I’ve achieved a lot and earned a great deal over the years, but there’s nothing more emotional than holding my child.”
“Yes, children bring the greatest joys,” Selibras agreed, though a touch of bitterness slipped into his voice. “But they also bring the greatest worries and sorrows.”
Noticing the brief flicker of regret in Selibras’s expression, Bahamut felt a small pang of concern.
‘Worry and sorrow... I really don’t want to think about anything happening to my child.’
His daughter, Veronica, was currently in Schwyz under Isolda’s care. Although he had made every preparation to ensure her safety, the world was growing more dangerous. Bahamut could not help but worry.
“As you said,” Bahamut murmured. “I’ve always cherished the people close to me, but it’s different with a child. The worry never leaves, and I constantly feel the urge to see her again.”
Selibras nodded solemnly. “Take good care of her. Speaking not as a Prime Minister or duke, but as someone who has raised children—there’s nothing more rewarding than protecting a child and watching them grow.”
Though Selibras’s appearance was not much different from Bahamut’s, his words carried the weight of long years of experience.
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind,” Bahamut said, bowing slightly in gratitude.
Seeing Bahamut’s sincerity, Selibras’s serious expression softened into a smile. “Now, let’s change topics. I was quite impressed with your performance in the last war and wanted to ask you a few things.”
“What is it?” Bahamut asked, tensing slightly.
“But?”
“This conflict will be limited to infighting among the continental states. If the Dragona Empire makes another move during this time, they’ll likely stop fighting and unite against us—just like they’ve done before. Both the Dragona Empire and the Tarkic Empire are seen as common enemies by the other nations.”
No matter how fiercely they fought each other, human nature dictated that they would unite when faced with a shared threat. While prolonged conflict might weaken them eventually, Bahamut couldn’t be certain of that outcome.
“In other words,” Bahamut concluded, “attacking without cause could ruin everything. It might yield some gains, but it won’t be enough to secure full control of the western nations.”
“Hmmm... That’s a reasonable argument. It aligns with what I’ve been thinking,” Selibras admitted, nodding thoughtfully. “Then, what do you suggest we do to make the most of this situation?”
“Well...” Bahamut offered a suggestion that he thought sounded reasonable, though it held little real meaning. He merely hoped it would suffice.
What Bahamut didn’t realize was that his words—casual and unassuming—would have consequences far beyond his imagination.
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