Genius Prince’s National Revitalization from State Deficit ~ Right, Let Us Sell the Country - Book 9: Chapter 4

Cedric was the son of a small-time Muldu merchant. He was young, healthy, and even possessed a bit of business sense. He expected to inherit his father’s shop one day and didn’t need to look on the bright side to see life was coming up roses.

There was something that concerned him, however. Despite coming of age some time ago, he was still unmarried.

“Well, that’s pretty common in Ulbeth…,” Cedric mumbled while minding the store.

Thanks to their nation’s long history, family ties in Ulbeth were far-reaching. Of course, the term “relative” was all subjective, but there were plenty of fish in the sea when hunting for a good partner.

In Ulbeth, marriage was a huge hassle.

First, once you found a possible match, you had to investigate the person’s hometown, lineage, and personal history. You also had to confirm that their close relatives weren’t business rivals or other hostile parties.

Next came ensuring that marriage to this person wouldn’t cause drama among your own kin. You were golden if everything checked out, but Ulbeth’s interwoven families inevitably meant some relatives refused to give their blessing. If there was too much opposition, the engagement was called off. Should compromise appear possible, you did your best to persuade the naysayers. If your potential partner managed to overcome those same obstacles, the two of you could openly discuss marriage.

Frankly, it was one immense pain.

“Count me out…”

Cedric spoke for most Ulbethians his age. Most thought, It’s so stupid. Why bother?

Regardless, they couldn’t voice such opinions in Ulbeth society. Loose lips were immediately ostracized, as countless past examples proved. When someone publicly advocated free love and the abolition of marriage protocol, even Cedric had to mock their “selfishness” out of peer pressure and jealousy.

“Hahhh… Can someone please just destroy us already?”

Cedric viewed Ulbeth like a tight ball of string. It was the nation’s own handiwork, but the threads slowly suffocating them could no longer be unwound by human hands. If only someone would come and crush everything—

“Hey, Cedric!”

“Huh?”

His father had come bursting through the door.

“What’s wrong, Dad?”

The moment Cedric asked, he saw his father’s expression and realized it was urgent news. Just as he was wondering if the store had made an amazing deal—

“Rejoice! You have a marriage interview!”

—Cedric fell off his chair.

“…The Houdard and Juino families are discussing a possible union?”

Lejoutte frowned at this unexpected report from her subordinate.

“That’s odd. Although both families have children around the same age, they’re on poor terms.”

“I thought it strange as well and checked the information, but it appears to be accurate. Nothing’s set in stone yet, however.”

“Hmm…”

Lejoutte fell silent for a moment. The news was surprising, but she was more baffled that this development hadn’t reached her ears more swiftly. The Ulbeth Alliance was a mass surveillance society. If someone was causing problems, government leaders—Lejoutte included—would hear about it.

Houdard’s a Muldu family with a social standing that rivals Agata’s, but the Juinos are from Altie… Did Agata purposefully keep this plan under wraps?

Attracting as many people as possible was a vital skill for any leader, but in a closed society like the Ulbeth Alliance, poaching human resources was regular. Whenever it looked like a marriage might rob a city of its valued member, leaders tried to stop the union. This made it even more challenging for young Ulbethians to get married, and factions preferred to keep weddings within their own established circles.

“I suppose it’s inconsequential, though. This will have no impact on us.”

Lejoutte felt uneasy for some reason, but she brushed the feeling aside. The woman wouldn’t hesitate to intervene as needed, yet such actions garnered enmity if done too regularly. Politicians had to choose their battles wisely.

“We’ll be sure to congratulate them. Send someone as my proxy.”

“Pardon me!”

Another subordinate hurried into the room.

“The head of the Ramanuchin family has arrived! He requests an audience with you, Lady Lejoutte!”

“What? The Ramanuchin family? I have no plans to meet with them today.”

“Yes, but he would like your approval for a marriage between their eldest son and the eldest daughter of the Melmet family…”

The color drained from Lejoutte’s face.

“Wasn’t he supposed to marry the second daughter of Balash family from Facrita?!”

The Ramanuchins were different from the Houdards and the Juinos. Although on the fringes, they were unquestionably part of Lejoutte’s faction.

Yet they want to marry into the Melmet family?! They’re from Muldu!

Lejoutte quickly began to seethe at this outrageous betrayal but calmed herself with logic. Acting disagreeable here wouldn’t do. She had to deduce how this situation had come about in the first place.

“I’ll be right there. Where is the family head?”

“In the reception room.”

Lejoutte promptly readied herself and set out to meet him.

They’re free to betray Facrita. The Ramanuchins are outliers, after all. I can readily oust them if need be. Still, I’m surprised I didn’t discover their dealings with the Melmet family earlier. Even if they were acting covertly, that only gets you so far. Plus, they were discussing marriage of all things!

Wedding arrangements in the Ulbeth Alliance were long-winded due to an ongoing settlement of interests. No matter how one tried to keep the matter quiet, it would inevitably leak somewhere. Yet somehow, Lejoutte had been entirely ignorant of these affairs. What was going on?

Can I brush off two marriage talks with Muldu families as mere coincidence? Absolutely not!

This was more than happenstance. It was undeniably an attack meant to undermine the eastern city’s opposition. The methods were inscrutable. How had this not come to light sooner?

No, what if my assumptions are wrong? Lejoutte contemplated the possibility. Before long, the picture began to form.

How had they pulled it off? Could they truly accomplish what no other city had before? If so, then—

“Lady Lejoutte!”

The South Representative was about to enter the reception room when another one of her subordinates approached.

“I have news! The Clyffe family in Muldu and the Behnackel family in Roynock have agreed on an engagement!”

“…!”

Even for the Ulbeth Alliance, the history between those two clans was infamously twisted. Agata and Oleom tried to keep them under control, but both sides were unruly and thus mainly left to their own devices.

A sudden engagement between the Clyffes and the Behnackels… It’s hard to believe, but there’s no longer any question!

The mastermind behind this hadn’t been hiding information. Instead, they had used the precedent of prolonged marriage talks to their advantage and settled matters before the news had time to travel.

Then, the one unraveling Ulbeth’s tight knots is—!

In other words, it’s like a puzzle piece, Ninym mused.

The Ulbeth Alliance’s isolated nature jumbled relationships between friends, relatives, coworkers, and business partners. Each citizen became a complex piece.

Of course, most people didn’t jump down each other’s throats without reason. That vitriol formed over long years of smaller clashes against one another. It had built up to such a degree that the populace of modern Ulbeth found themselves in hopeless situations more often than most, however.

Only foreigners could ignore the ridiculous situation. Those citizens who were aware of their suffering were still Ulbethians whose lives revolved around their respective cities. They could never look down on their nation’s distinct rules. Anyone else was an outsider, had no intention of staying in Ulbeth, didn’t respect the local laws, or possessed the ability to send the nation flying.

Wein Salema Arbalest was all of the above.

“We’ll set up this family’s third son next. Prepare the letter. In the meantime, I’ll discuss marriage interviews with some families in Altie, so find a venue for me. We should be able to contact them through the Juinos. Oh, this Roynock guy’s the perfect age. I should ask about him, too. Kamil, get me his records.”

The marriage campaign was underway.

After Wein had made his declaration, Agata’s subordinates went scurrying around following his every command.

Who’s the real master of this mansion?

An exasperated Ninym watched Wein issue orders. Her exasperation was understandable. She and the prince were in Agata’s mansion, but anyone who beheld this display would conclude that Wein was running the show.

Agata’s servants only complied because the East Representative had ordered them to, of course, yet they were fascinated by Wein nonetheless.

Still, his plan is so basic.

Ninym was right; Wein’s strategy was finely executed but not very elaborate. The young man had browsed Agata’s records, considered each person’s situation, and recommended suitable couples. That was it. His precision and speed revealed the true genius behind the tactic, however.

It wasn’t as if these bachelors and bachelorettes had chosen the single life. Most had been locked in that position due to one circumstance or another.

Wein hummed a little tune as he saw through these obstacles and formed problem-free pairings.

No one could reproduce such a feat. Even Ninym would have needed a decent amount of time, but Wein had already managed to arrange over thirty interviews using Agata’s documents alone. It was like finding a grain of gold on the beach every second.

“You could hang up your crown and play matchmaker,” Ninym remarked when she had a moment alone with the prince.

Wein laughed. “I’ve only had this much luck ’cause the Alliance is starved for marriage.”

Weddings were a daunting process in Ulbeth, so people jumped at any opportunity—especially one that fell right into their laps.

“Still, I’m surprised by our success. Did you see that room packed with bridal clothes and props? We’re running out of space.”

Ceremonies were a crucial part of any wedding, but it would take time for the happy couple to assemble everything on their own. Thus, Wein had procured every conceivably necessary item ahead of time and rented them out.

“Don’t you think you’re overdoing it? I almost drowned in a sea of dresses when I tried to tidy up.”

“Better safe than sorry. I just purchased a bunch rather indiscriminately, so I’m not even sure if they’re good or not. Plus, it’s good to have a load of extras, just in case. Speaking of which, could you try ’em on for quality assurance?”

“…”

Ninym retrieved a mask she’d seemingly conjured from thin air and put it on.

“Boo.”

“Irk!”

Wein groaned as the Masked Flahmette poked him.

“I won’t name names, but my master has zero tact.”

“Huh? Did I say something wrong?”

“You did.”

Wein had evidently messed up somewhere along the way. The prince frowned. “Hmm.”

Ninym removed the mask. “I’ll pass on the dresses. I’m afraid I won’t be able to appreciate my own when the time comes.”

“That’s the main issue?”

“It is.”

“Guess that’s that, then,” Wein mumbled.

Ninym changed the subject. “By the way, do you really want to strengthen Roynock through weddings?”

“Don’t worry. I’m already working on phase two.”

Phase two. Ninym had already heard the details.

“For phase one, you’ll bolster Muldu’s authority by linking suitable families to Agata’s faction. And during phase two, you aim to use those connections to set up marriages between Roynock and Facrita. Is that right?”

Wein’s relationship with the western and the southern cities of the Ulbeth Alliance had been fragile since the beginning. Thus, his scheme was to encourage unions between Roynock and Facrita and build a base that would allow him to interfere.

Ninym had her doubts, however.

“Success just means reinforcing Roynock and Facrita’s bond, though, doesn’t it?”

“Yep. That’s why we’re gonna shake up the power balance,” Wein replied. “Lejoutte’s grip on her faction is shakier, so any marriage with Roynock is a bonus. As Muldu builds momentum and keeps Facrita on edge, how do you think the latter will feel when the former starts stealing their best and brightest through matrimony?”

“Betrayed. They might even suspect collusion between Muldu and Roynock… The southern city won’t be happy, to say the very least.”

“After that, I’ll boost Muldu’s status with nonstop wedding bells while the Roynock-Facrita relationship is on the rocks.”

Wein saw the floating puzzle pieces created by the Ulbeth Alliance’s dilemma as an untapped gold mine. Other leaders would’ve treaded lightly. Instead, the prince of Natra intended to flood the game board with his own pawns.

“No one will know friend from foe. Everyone from the average citizen to top leaders will be totally lost.”

Ultimately, Wein would create a knotted ball so convoluted and tight that most would have no idea where to start, and only a few leaders would be able to brush along the edges. Even those following Wein’s orders didn’t have all the details. Only the prince had any hope of unraveling it. Thus…

“I’ll make it so only I hold the key to Ulbeth’s secrets.”

He was going to hurl Ulbeth’s gnarled ball into a bleak abyss.

“Agata’s plans won’t matter when everyone is coming to me for answers. I’ll be in charge. That’s our end game.”

Any other country would have protested to some degree. But not the Ulbeth Alliance. There was a direct link between dissent and ostracism in a surveillance society. The populace followed the rules out of self-preservation, which would in turn force them to kneel before Wein.

“They’ll be lost without you…”

“Exactly,” Wein, the sole keeper of the key, confirmed brightly. “But it’s no skin off my nose!”

And there you have it.

Once the prince was indispensable to the Ulbeth Alliance, he could wreck it to his heart’s content and scurry back to Natra at his earliest convenience. As a vassal, Ninym was relieved, but as a human being, she was on the fence.

“We’ve got a few hurdles to clear first.”

“Right. Our most pressing issue is money.”

Wein was coaxing potential marriage partners to get hitched through letters and discussion, but that didn’t solve all their problems. A few people demanded cash and goods, while others couldn’t afford a wedding in the first place. Convincing them would require a lot of capital.

Furthermore, Agata was footing most of the bill since a traveler like Wein didn’t have much on him. As much as the prince loved spending other people’s funds, this arrangement wouldn’t last forever.

“Putting together these interviews is costly. At this rate, even Agata’s purse will soon run dry.”

“Why stop there? Let’s bankrupt him.”

It was another person’s wallet, after all.

“Agata would be furious if he heard you.”

“No kidding,” replied Wein with a laugh. “Well, I’ve got a few ideas if we’re strapped for cash.”

“Like what?”

“Getting it from the filthy rich Roynock and Facrita, for example.”

Ninym frowned. She agreed that the prosperous cities would be an excellent source of wealth, but the prince was hardly on great terms with either. How could Wein procure the money?

He already had an answer.

“Why, we’ll just do a bit of business.”

A knock sounded at the door. It was Agata’s aide, Kamil.

“Pardon me, Prince Wein. I’ve made the purchase using the remaining funds, as you requested.”

Ninym tilted her head to one side, unsure what was going on. She noticed a person behind Kamil, and her eyes went wide in recognition.

It was the Flahm slave from the other day.

“Wein, what’s going on?!”

He turned to his baffled friend and grinned.

“Hurry up, Cedric!”

“I’m trying!” the son of a small-time merchant yelled back at his insistent father. The young man was dragging heavy luggage down a road. “Ugh, damn it. Why does this city have so many uphill paths?!”

“Quit your whining. I walked these routes all the time when I was your age. Both ways, too.”

“When I’m a big-time merchant, I’m going to buy up all these hills and flatten ’em…!”

“That’s the spirit. Careful, your trunk is dragging. Don’t drop it for even a second,” his father chided.

Cedric quickly adjusted his grip, but he could feel the fatigue in his arms and legs.

“Man, it never ends…!”

As Cedric said, he’d been busier than ever lately. Unlike his days spent killing time in the shop, he now hauled luggage around Muldu and the rest of Ulbeth. The young man would have complained if he were the only one pressed for time, but his father was just as busy and carrying his own pack like Cedric’s.

“Quit your griping. This is for your own good, son.”

“I know!”

“It’s for your own good.”

Cedric had heard the phrase often enough, but even he had to admit it was true this time around.

“My wedding is worth the hassle!”

He had a marriage interview. When Cedric heard about it the other day, he thought it was a joke. Even his father had said, “I don’t know what’s going on. The news just suddenly came from the higher-ups.” It sounded suspicious.

Further examination confirmed the interview was genuine, leaving Cedric all the more flabbergasted.

The momentous day arrived swiftly. A girl around Cedric’s age greeted the trembling, nervous man.

Although the pair were awkward at first, the air began to ring with laughter as the discussion wore on. Cedric met the young woman many more times after that and eventually decided she was the one.

“Now we just have to convince our relatives…!”

When someone in Ulbeth planned to wed, it was customary first to visit the chief members of their family. It was challenging to know what problems might arise later if this step was neglected, and Cedric’s round of greetings was the primary reason for his hectic schedule.

“Oh, it’s that house over there.”

“…You mean the one on that high hill?”

“Exactly. Buck up. If you drop those souvenirs we brought, you’ll have to run back home and get more.”

“Ghk-ghk-ghk-ghk-ghk…!” Cedric’s teeth chattered, and he started to scramble. “Ugh. Damn it, Dad…! Let’s get a slave or a porter…!” he complained.

“Don’t be pathetic. This is for your marriage, so bear with it.”

“That’s not what I mean. Like you said, Dad, this is for my own good. I’ll do what’s necessary. But my new wife’s family will probably want to talk business, right? We won’t be able to handle everything on our own.”

“Ah, I see. I considered that, too, but…”

“Is there a problem?”

A strange look crossed his father’s face.

“They’ve been bought up.”

“There are no more slaves to purchase?” Oleom asked upon hearing his subordinate’s report.

“Yes. Muldu’s acquired them all, apparently,” the man confirmed.

Oleom grimaced. Typically, he masked his emotions before his inferiors, but he presently lacked the concentration necessary for that. The reason was, of course, the eastern city. And more specifically, Wein.

That slew of weddings was annoying enough…!

Wein’s marriage campaign was a massive thorn in Roynock’s side.

In most cases, superiors naturally came to the aid of subordinates looking for a partner. However, Ulbeth’s upper crust was lacking candidates. There was no question the fringes of society were being treated as an afterthought.

Wein had targeted this point. Oleom realized the marriage campaign was merely a pretext, and the prince was slowly splitting the opposition from the edges. The West Representative’s best option of stopping him was to create weddings of his own.

Regrettably, Oleom could not act upon this. Ulbeth’s shackles were too tight. If he tried to force unions together, he’d only create problems elsewhere.

Yet somehow, Wein had sailed past each obstacle like a feat of magic that could never be replicated. In addition to bolstering Muldu, Natra’s prince formed marriages between the southern and the western cities. Oleom’s position was more stable than Lejoutte’s, and this development had created a frustrating crack in their relationship.

By this point, Oleom’s sole other option was to demand each union require approval regardless of faction. However, this would enrage citizens elated by the long-awaited wedding rush. Instead, Oleom zealously visited each allied family to ask for their cooperation and understanding. He had just finished his rounds and was utterly exhausted.

And now, all the slaves had been bought up.

“What was the purpose?”

“No one knows… Muldu snatched them regardless of race, age, or gender.”

Oleom had initially assumed Wein would use the slaves for manual labor. He heard Muldu was assembling as many people as possible for their marriage campaign and wondered if the slaves played a role. He quickly discounted this idea, though. Simple manual labor was one thing, but Oleom doubted Wein would entrust a job that required a certain degree of quick thinking and finesse to his new slaves.

Is he planning a large-scale operation? But why this timing…?

These questions tormented the representative, but the answer came soon enough.

“Master Oleom!” a subordinate exclaimed as he flew into the room. “Strange rumors are spreading through town! There’s talk of Roynock and Facrita planning simultaneous revolts!”

“What?!” Oleom jolted at this bolt from the blue. “That’s ridiculous! Where did you hear that?!”

“I apologize. We’re investigating now, but there are still no leads on its origin…! However, the rumors spread across a wide area around the Masquerade!”

“…!” Oleom immediately gritted his teeth.

The Masquerade was a peculiar aspect of Ulbeth culture. It was a gathering where townspeople could wear masks and voice their daily woes under the condition of anonymity.

Oleom felt a cold premonition wash over him as he furiously ruminated on this sudden scenario—there was no mistaking it.

This is also the east’s doing!

The Masquerade was always a breeding ground for dissent, but they had targeted this weakness spectacularly.

This barrage of weddings wasn’t Agata’s style; Wein had to be the mastermind. And even if these new rumors were false, they had spread too far and fast to extinguish.

Still, simultaneous revolts? Is he planning to incite the citizens and take control through military force while I’m focused on his marriage campaign? I admit the people are frustrated, but there’s no way they’d be incited by such rumors that swiftly. Wait, wasn’t there an incident in central Mealtars where thirty thousand locals rose in protest? I don’t remember hearing about Wein’s involvement in that, though…

It was not Wein who’d motivated the populace of Mealtars but instead his younger sister, Falanya. Oleom didn’t know this detail, but he felt confident that Wein may have played a part in it.

In that case…I see now! He’s going to use the slaves to spark chaos!

A man like Wein could move thirty thousand people. Touching the mistreated slaves’ hearts and getting them to storm the city would be a simple task. Once they grew violent and the city was in turmoil, the prince would rile the citizens into attacking the upper class.

I must stop this…!

Oleom’s mind frantically raced.

“…Are there any slaves left at the market?” he asked.

“Yes, a few, I believe.”

“Buy them all up. Don’t let Muldu take any more. And send someone to Altie immediately.”

“Altie?”

Oleom nodded. “We need weapons. Buy the north city’s entire stock and any farming equipment that can be used as armaments.”

Wein couldn’t start a revolt without equipment. He’d need it if he hoped to gather the slaves and citizens under his banner, and Altie had the greatest supply in all of the Alliance.

It’ll be reassuring to have a stockpile of weapons in the unlikely event I need to raise my own force! I can get ahead of the curve and control the arms race! Oleom girded his resolve.

Don’t underestimate me, Wein Salema Arbalest. Ulbeth won’t be your plaything!

“—C’mon, try harder than that. It’s like you guys want me to eat you up.”

Wein frowned, a sheet of paper in one hand. It was a contract with a merchant from Altie. The terms stated the current surplus of weapons, plus all made in the next six months, would be sold to Muldu. In addition, the arms included in this deal would soon make their way to Roynock and Facrita. Wein sold them for triple the price.

“After buying up all the weapons in secret, you purchased all the slaves, spread rumors of a revolt, and sowed panic in the western and the southern cities. Then, when they wanted armaments, you sold them to each side for triple the price… You really are crooked.”

Ninym stared at the prince with exasperation. Still, there was no other way to get money from Roynock and Facrita. Wein had earned the funds by producing nonexistent fear. “Incidentally, were you really planning to start a revolt?”

“Nope,” Wein replied plainly. “Couldn’t do it if I tried. Falanya moved the people of Mealtars, and they had turned to her out of desperation. That’s not easy to replicate.”

In short, it was a bluff. The ruling classes of Roynock and Facrita didn’t know that, however, and played right into the palm of his hand.

“Anyway, our wallet is nice and fat again. Now the marriage campaign can move full steam ahead.”

Wein nodded to himself with satisfaction. His attitude suggested the matter was settled, but Ninym hesitantly called out from beside him.

“…Hey, Wein.” He looked over at her. She felt his gaze and continued. “Did you really need to buy the slaves?”

“We’ve got the money now, right? Besides, they can help us gather info in Ulbeth, then come to Natra. Or stay with Agata. Whatever they want, really.”

“That’s not what I mean…”

Wein had purchased almost one hundred people. A dozen or so were Flahm, including the man Ninym had met.

“Um…I was just wondering…if maybe…”

“‘It’s fine.’” Wein grinned. “Isn’t that what you said?”

“…”

Wein had noticed her strange behavior that day and the reason for it. He must have figured everything out and…

“…Thank you.”

“Why, whatever for?” Wein asked with an innocent shrug.

Ninym smiled softly.

“Let’s prepare our next move. Oleom and Lejoutte won’t sit still for long,” Wein stated, changing the topic.

The Flahm girl nodded.

“Yes, I doubt they’ll stand for this. Do you think Roynock and Facrita will join forces?”

“Both cities are in chaos after being blindsided, but their leaders can handle it. The duo will try and team up again once they’ve reassured everyone. Unfortunately…” Wein grinned. “I’m here to stop ’em.”

“You’re up to no good again.”

“If I was really up to no good, there’d be nothing left.”

“That’s…entirely accurate.”

“You were supposed to disagree, Miss Ninym!”

Ninym ignored the gripe. “So what exactly do you have in mind?”

“It’s simple,” the prince said with another smirk. “I’ll use their fractured strength to my advantage.”

It was the dead of night.

A single figure traversed the moonlit backstreets of a particular city. A hood concealed their eyes as they soundlessly continued through the alley until finally arriving at a small house. The shadow knocked three times. No answer. They entered regardless.

“…”

The interior was dim and sparsely furnished. A masked man occupied a chair that had been placed next to a simple desk.

“I’m sorry I took so long,” the shadow greeted, pulling back their hood.

The seated man likewise removed his mask to reveal, of all people, West Representative Oleom. “Ah, Lejoutte. I’m glad you made it.”

Yes, the cowled figure’s identity was indeed Lejoutte.

They were alone, and neither had told anyone their destination. Thus, this could only be a secret rendezvous between the two representatives.

“My dear Oleom!” Lejoutte took off her mask and flew straight into Oleom’s arms.

“I panicked when I heard those alarming rumors. I’m so glad you’re safe.”

“I was worried, too, Lejoutte. Seeing you here shines a light on my troubled heart.”

The two smiled in one another’s embrace. Although Roynock and Facrita were currently allies, each side had secret ambitions to outwit the other. Yet their representatives were undeniably lovers.

“We were so close to fulfilling our dream, yet look at us now,” Lejoutte remarked, her expression twisted by frustration.

Oleom cupped her cheek and nodded. “Rallying the western and the southern cities, becoming allies, and uniting as both representatives and symbols of peace… It was all coming together.”

Yes, this was the truth no one else knew.

Before rising to power, Oleom and Lejoutte were two young people in love. However, each was a family member of their respective city’s representative. Announcing their relationship without due consideration would cause backlash and make life a living hell.

Neither could cast aside the feelings burning within them, however, so the pair chose to fight back.

First, Oleom and Lejoutte rose to power by intentionally adopting foreign knowledge to surpass the flood of other candidates.

Next, they pretended to be political rivals while bolstering the economic relationship between their cities and demonstrating the partnership’s advantages. Roynock and Facrita had slowly grown close to the point where it would require only a little nudging to finalize the bond. Then Oleom and Lejoutte could be married at last.

If the couple couldn’t be together for love, they’d gladly use politics and profit to justify it. That was their grand scheme for eternal romance. Unfortunately, a devil had interfered. The visitor from Natra, Wein Salema Arbalest.

“Dear Oleom, how is Roynock faring?”

“The marriage campaign and whispers of revolt have riled the citizens. I’m trying to calm them, but the results are mixed… What about you?”

“I’m having similar trouble. Animosity toward the Muldu and Roynock is growing each day. I’m doing my best to defend your name, but…”

“I’ve heard the tales, but Prince Wein really isn’t someone you want for an enemy,” Oleom groaned.

“Should we mobilize our forces?” Lejoutte asked soberly.

If the western and the southern cities joined forces, their combined military had a good chance of overpowering Muldu. For all his strategic ability, Wein would be helpless against an army.

However, Oleom rejected this proposal.

“No, that isn’t wise. Agata is a Holy Elite, and Prince Wein is a foreign leader. If we attack them without just cause, it will greatly hinder future governance of the Alliance.”

Had Oleom and Lejoutte never studied the world beyond their borders, they may have employed a military approach. The pair understood that Ulbeth was the “backwoods of the West,” however, and knew that armed assault was ill-advised. Agata could be defeated only through lawful channels, and Wein would need to be sent home to Natra in one piece.

“It’s all right. Our skills will lead us to success. The Signing Ceremony is coming up. If we can unseat Agata there, Prince Wein will have to return to Natra.”

“So the ceremony is our best chance to take control of our factions?”

Oleom nodded. “But Prince Wein may resort to violence even if we don’t. Be careful, Lejoutte.”

“I understand. Please take care as well, dear Oleom.”

“I swear I won’t die until the day I can embrace you in front of the whole world.”

Oleom and Lejoutte held hands.

“Our situation feels tense right now, but it’s a minor nuisance compared to what that other couple went through. Let’s fight together.”

“Yes, Oleom.”

Together, they would surpass any obstacle. Oleom and Lejoutte kissed, conviction burning in their hearts.

But those feelings were soon betrayed.

“…What did you just say?”

Several days after his rendezvous with Lejoutte, Oleom sharply questioned his subordinate’s latest report.

“Ah, well, you see…” Overwhelmed though he was by his superior’s aura, the man repeated his message. “Rumors are spreading through the city that you and the South Representative are romantically involved…”

“…!”

Rage showed plainly on Oleom’s face, but it was only an act he put on in front of his servant. Internally, he was dumbfounded.

How were we discovered…?!

His secret meetings with Lejoutte were always at a different time and location, and he took meticulous precautions. They couldn’t have been caught so easily.

Still, gossip was spreading. There was no denying that the truth had leaked.

Is this another one of Wein’s tricks?! Was he eyeing our movements?!

Wein and his delegation didn’t know the lay of the land, and Agata’s forces were no doubt focused on the marriage campaign. Did he really have spare resources? Or was he putting his slaves to work?

No…I bet he didn’t even check if it was true!

Everyone knew there was a marriage boom in the Ulbeth Alliance. It was also common knowledge Oleom and Lejoutte were concerned these weddings would enfeeble their factions and hoped to curtail them.

Now rumors were spreading of a love affair between the two representatives. While they decried marriage among the populace, they were engaging in secret meetings. Moreover, Oleom and Lejoutte acted as bitter enemies in public. This was sufficient fodder even without solid evidence.

…At any rate, I need a counterattack!

It wasn’t like Oleom could ignore this fragmented truth. Not to mention the mess he’d have to deal with if Wein found substantial evidence. Oleom had to dampen the rumors, and quickly.

“I won’t allow such disrespectful lies. Find the source and apprehend the criminal. Catch the irresponsible gossipers spreading the falsehoods, too.”

“Understood…” The subordinate nodded, then nervously added, “Master Oleom…there is one more issue.”

“There’s more?”

Oleom’s eyes shot open at what he heard next.

“There’s a motion to impeach me…?!” Lejoutte stood from her seat when she heard the news. “What’s the meaning of this?! Why propose such a thing?!”

“In response to your marriage policies and the rumor of your affair with the West Representative, Master Huanshe and several other leaders held a meeting on the matter.”

“Ngh…! Now is not the time for that!” Lejoutte shouted angrily. She realized the futility of this outburst and shook her head. “I’m sorry. Taking my frustration out on you won’t solve anything.”

“Think nothing of it. But, Lady Lejoutte, if things continue as they are…”

The woman’s servant trailed off, but the implication was plain. This situation wasn’t ideal, and Oleom was undoubtedly in the same boat.

Representatives had to come from their city’s designated family. Altie had lost their family, so there was no one to fill the position, but Roynock and Facrita still had theirs. If Oleom and Lejoutte fell, other relatives would take their places.

Conversely, contenders who hoped to become representatives themselves saw the pair as a nuisance. For instance, many were aware that the man mentioned earlier, Huanshe, had long sought the role. Even if Lejoutte thought this was no time to be discussing impeachment, Huanshe could ask for no more excellent opportunity.

“A few proposing impeachment are also insisting that you be immediately taken into custody and a new representative chosen.”

“Honestly, they’re incorrigible…but sitting here twiddling our thumbs won’t help.”

If anything, the situation had been steadily deteriorating since Wein’s arrival. Lejoutte couldn’t believe she now had to fight her own faction on top of her foe in Muldu.

“I’ll hold a meeting soon. Make the necessary preparations.”

“Yes.”

As she issued orders, Lejoutte’s thoughts drifted to Oleom, who was undoubtedly suffering through an identical predicament.

Please be safe, Oleom… Lejoutte prayed silently to herself.

“I suppose you could say it’s factional pride,” Wein said as he read over reports about the western and the southern cities. “If Muldu were stronger, the factions would likely still be operating smoothly. However, any standard attack is enough to topple this city. Total victory.”

“And that’s what allowed infighting this late in the game.”

Wein nodded.

Oleom and Lejoutte already had their hands full with Muldu but now had to deal with growing dissatisfaction and dubious scandals as well. For anyone hoping to drag them through the mud, it was a perfect opportunity.

The two representatives could warn the allies that were hoping to unseat them of the lurking threat, but how much good would it do? Those eager to snatch power from Oleom and Lejoutte wouldn’t sense the same danger.

“Man, the western and the southern cities sure have it rough.”

“It’s strange to watch someone use their piece’s own weakness to manipulate a foe.”

“It’s nothing special. Weakness and strength are just strategies. Strength can give you an easy victory, but even weakness can take down a king if you know how to use it. The key is method and timing.”

A knock came at the door, and Kamil walked in.

“Prince Wein, I have new information on Roynock and Facrita, but…”

“Oleom and Lejoutte are busy keeping all their ducks in a row, right?”

Wein’s tone was confident, but Kamil was nervous as he answered.

“About that…”

“What? What happened?” Wein asked, the questions tumbling out of his mouth.

Kamil steeled himself.

“…It seems the pair have eloped.”

Wein and Ninym looked at each other.