‘I love you, my daddy.’
There, at the point where Langre and Pretzia’s borders met, stood a vast city called Valia. Since it was a city on the border, there were many knights in the city. Perhaps because of it, the knights seemed extremely strong.
So what? It was still land in Langre.
To be precise, it was Agrigent’s territory, lent to Langre, but Langre’s ambassador, who called us for the talks, was openly holding the side of Pretzia.
Was it because they wanted the land back?
That could have been the case, but even then, the talks began after weeks of preparation, Ferdel struggled throughout it.
Of course, one of the reasons was that the head of Pretzia was too stubborn. I wondered if I could listen to anything other than grumbles and sighs.
“Izarta is a subordinate to Pretzia. We don’t need a reason to take back what is ours.”
“Did you forget that Your Majesty Caitel has the blood of Izarts? The legitimacy of the land lies with Agrigent.”
“Wasn’t it also Your Majesty Caitel who cut down the blood in Izarta? A clear conquest. We are only trying to get what is ours.”
“Izarta attacked us first. Agrigent never invaded it.”
Ugh.
Although I was just supposed to accompany and fill the seats, I couldn’t help but sigh. I knew that there would be conflict, but not to such extremes. Arguments. My head hurt.
Ferdel calmly responded to every question, but I would have shouted at all of them if it was me.
Then, I knew why dad liked war. The talks were so frustrating.
Fardel would answer so respectfully.
I could see how competent Ferdel was. I would hate to be in such a place. Although not as capable as Ferdel, the Prime Minister of Pretzia was also quite skilled. I had to admit. He wasn’t being pushed back even with Ferdel’s counter statement.
“There was no history to suggest we invaded first. Pretzia was a witness to such a war, right?”
“Wasn’t that because the king laughed at Your Majesty Caitel? They neglected Agrigent; wasn’t it natural for that insult to be repaid? It was a war done to reclaim the prestige of Agrigent’s Imperial family.”
“So, you are proud to invade now?”
“I never said the word proud.”
Prime Minister of Pretiza.
I was going to get cancer.
When Ferdel smiled, resentment burst through the room. That didn’t mean that the noise in the hall disappeared.
The envoys attending the event were all high-ranking officials who came on behalf of their countries.
It wouldn’t have been a problem if they were from small countries. The problem was that huge countries could collide with other ones and cause colossal influence. Although Pretzia was a state under Agrigent for over a decade, it didn’t affect the continent. They had money and land.
Ah, the arguments were so out of line.
“That is enough. Whatever the case, Pretzia doesn’t intend to withdraw from the front lines!”
“That won’t be accepted. The same goes for Agrigent.”
“That is great. We are both at the front lines now.”
“Wasn’t it foolish to make proposals when we are already staying at the frontlines anyway? Are you sure you can hold on?”
Ferdel frowned while the Prime Minister of Pretzia didn’t seem fazed.
Was Ferdel losing?
The land seemed tough to recover.
I didn’t think it would happen. Even for Pretzia, it was ridiculous to abandon such a large land.
There was no progress; one to two aspects were decided after four hours.
The problem was that it took four hours to come to a collective decision on one aspect. The other nations didn’t even do anything as the two prime ministers were doing a colossal task.
Still, Ahin could say something…
I looked back, but Ahin didn’t seem to be fazed or wanted to involve himself.
… right, I was a fool.
I didn’t want to say it, but I knew why no one would. Havel. I didn’t want to meet his eyes.
“Princess, don’t you have something to say?”
… that was it.
Fardel smiled as he looked at me.
I felt like daggers were being pointed at me. I was sitting in fear.
I sat quietly, but why was I getting dragged into it?
However, everyone was looking at me, and my conviction as a princess was put on the line.
What should I say?
“Then, how about putting down the desired patterns from both sides for a new border?”
In my opinion, the hall went silent. What? Did I do something wrong?
I thought it was a stupid plan, but their reaction was different. Ah shit, couldn’t they just smile at this princess?
“That is a good idea; what do you think, prime minister?”
“Uhm, it is a good suggestion. I don’t think it is bad to try it.”
… huh?
Even I was shocked at how well they responded.
They liked that? They wanted to go ahead with that?!
It seemed like they were going ahead with it. Right, if they could do it, why not?
Meanwhile, someone stared at me rather sharply, Havel.
Why on earth was he staring at me with such a killer gaze?
He was looking at Ferdel till then, but then he began to look at me.
Ugh, I would like to pretend not to know him, but I had to hold my cool because of our situation. We didn’t have to act, right?!
“Today’s talks will end here.”
“Yes, we’ll meet over at dinner.”
Finally done!
What!? Did my words really bring an end to the talks?
It was done!
I got up right away, thinking that damned day had come to an end!
Liberation! Liberation!
While the talks went on, I felt like we were being lectured, but I didn’t care! I felt freedom at last! Holy god!
I immediately greeted the chairman with a smile.
Ah, happy.
The outside air was so good, but I was stuck in the stuffy venue. No one followed me! At least I thought so!
“Valer!”
“Yes, princess.”
All the knights had no permission to enter the room, so I called Valer once I found him. Valer, who was standing on one side, walked towards me.
I was polite to others, but their eyes seemed strange as they looked at me.
I looked like a child wearing my mother’s clothes.
Valer frowned at it.
What!?
“What’s with your expression?”
“What?”
“You are out late.”
I looked at him with a smile at his reply. Now, the ambassadors of Ancief, Parten-Kieher, and other countries of the northern continent would meet.
I smiled while I punched Valer.
I wanted to leave quickly. I would die otherwise!
Fortunately, there was a garden next to the hall. Flowers always cleared my mind.
“Don’t stand too close. I hate those flowers.”
I didn’t even say anything, but Valer already guessed what would happen.
Did he like it? Like it?
Thinking that I should hit him, I stopped myself since other leaders were still leaving.
I didn’t have time.
I thought I felt like being crushed by burdensome air in the hall.
Rotten. I came for nothing in the meeting. I was looking at faces I didn’t want to see. Ahin and Havel, but seeing Havel was the toughest one.
The remaining three days would be hellish.
I couldn’t help but feel worried; another person visited the garden.
A strange coincidence. I wasn’t sure if it really was a coincidence. Havel.
Once he saw me, he frowned, so did Valer.
What? Was the emperor watching flowers? So funny!
I wanted to believe that encountering him on my path was just a coincidence and moved away, but Havel approached me when our eyes met. Damn it.
How would I get through such a situation?
I frowned because of nervousness, but Valer quickly came and stood in front of me. Havel reached close to me.
“I am sorry, but the enemy Emperor cannot stand close to her.”
A strong voice. It was one that Havel’s attendants heard. Although Havel didn’t respond, the attendants’ expressions crumbled.
Right… I knew too.
Man!
I mean, I wanted something good to happen for some reason, but luck wasn’t on my side.
Curious one.
Ha, what kind of situation was it?