Genius Prince’s National Revitalization from State Deficit ~ Right, Let Us Sell the Country - Book 9: Chapter 5

“All right, do you need anything else?”

Ninym stood in a deserted mansion on the outskirts of Muldu.

“No, we’re very comfortable, thanks to you,” a man replied. He was the same Flahm slave she’d met the other day. Wein had recently purchased him. “Words cannot express our gratitude. You’ve both rescued us from servitude and allowed us to live as ordinary people.”

Wein had strategically bought up every slave in Ulbeth and now had to see to the task of feeding and clothing them all. Their accommodations also needed to be spacious enough to house the large group of previously scattered people. Wein used Kamil’s connections to rent an empty mansion in the suburbs and prepare it for immediate occupancy.

“I’m glad to hear it. I will inform Prince Wein.”

“Thank you very much.”

The slaves were ethnically diverse, but since Ninym was their primary go-between, the Flahm slave became the group’s representative as a matter of course. Fortunately, he seemed to have a degree of sophistication and skillfully managed the role.

“Has everyone decided upon their future plans as I requested earlier?”

“The majority wish to migrate to Natra. However, quite a few are still undecided.”

Although the enslaved people officially belonged to Wein, his attitude was very hands-off. They were free to go wherever they wished, or they could help him out in Ulbeth and emigrate to Natra afterward.

“Understood. Prince Wein will be in Ulbeth awhile yet, so ask them to consider in the meantime. We can’t wait forever, but there’s still room for compromise.”

“Yes…” The man nodded before hesitantly adding, “Might I speak on behalf of those who are undecided?”

“Of course. Is something the matter?”

“No, not at all. However, the others and I…feel lost.”

“Lost?”

Again, the Flahm man nodded. “Being slaves, we possess no outstanding qualities. Our life’s only purpose was to obey our masters and work until we die. Yet we’ve suddenly been told those days are over.”

“…”

“We’re grateful, of course. But we don’t know why we’ve been blessed by this unexpected fortune or if we even have the right to accept it. We cannot hope to repay such kindness…”

I see, Ninym thought. She understood where he was coming from. Their surprise windfall and sudden new circumstances left them feeling ungrounded. It gave Ninym pause to reveal the actual reason Wein had bought them. The young woman took a moment to find the right words.

“…You needn’t worry over that. Prince Wein is a man of great benevolence who often reaches out to the unfortunate. If you wish to repay his generosity, he would love nothing more than for you to live well as citizens of Natra. Of course, you may also go elsewhere. You are free.”

It was a shallow statement, and the Flahm man didn’t appear particularly moved. However, there was nothing more Ninym could say. Nothing except—

“If you are still uneasy, Prince Wein is looking to fill positions. He requires workers and people who know the land, so you may consider those if you wi—”

“Of course!” the man answered before Ninym could finish her sentence. “Ah, forgive me. Everyone would appreciate the opportunity. For we who have nothing, it will bring us great comfort to proudly serve His Highness.”

“In that case, I hope you are ready. I have the details here, but I’d like to give a verbal explanation as well. Can you call everyone to the reception room?”

“Yes, right away.”

The man turned on his heel to leave the room, but Ninym called out behind him.

“Just a moment. There’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“Yes, what is it?” the man asked, looking back at her with a tilt of his head.

Ninym closed her eyes.

“…Why did you smile that day?”

“So, the reps eloped. Didn’t see that one coming,” Wein remarked with a sigh back in Agata’s estate.

Kamil, Agata’s aide, stood beside him instead of Ninym.

“I understand we spread rumors about a romantic affair, but did you already know of their relationship, Prince?”

“Not at all. I just tossed the story out there whether it was true or not.”

In this era, hard evidence was difficult to come by, so what mattered most was the authority, wealth, and reputation of the accused, as well as their opponent’s lack thereof. Wein’s strategy dealt a heavy blow to Oleom and Lejoutte’s prestige, and there had already been others hoping to drag the pair down. These combined factors made even baseless accusations of a relationship as believable as cold, hard facts.

“So those lies turned out to be true, and now the representatives have eloped. It’s a shocking turn of events,” Kamil remarked.

Wein’s reply was quiet and doubtful. “I’m not sure that’s the case.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Oleom and Lejoutte wouldn’t outright announce they were eloping. That’s just what some Roynock and Facrita officials claimed. Isn’t there a good chance something else is going on?”

“The two apparently left a note behind.”

“That’s easy enough to forge. Their story has as much evidence as the rumors I started.”

Kamil groaned softly and sank into thought for a moment. After a bit, he posed a question.

“More than a few people would certainly benefit from their disappearance. But if you’re correct, why would the representatives’ adversaries choose elopement? They could have reported their vanishing as some kind of accident.”

Wein already had an answer.

“In a touch-and-go situation like this, any conspicuous ‘accident’ would look unnatural. Those eager for Oleom and Lejoutte’s positions would become the targets of suspicion, and their authority would be undermined from the outset. It’s the same as hurting your own crown by violently usurping the throne. Not a helpful solution in the long run.”

“In that case, couldn’t they fake a double suicide? Two rumored lovers taking their own lives before fate can separate them sounds quite plausible.”

“An act like that would make them martyrs to the masses.” Wein adopted a dramatic tone as he went on. “‘Society has separated the star-crossed lovers! Oh, how tragic that they could be together only in death! Whoever would drive them to such a fate?!’ Can’t you hear it already?”

“…Yes, I see what you mean. However, even if the opposition did announce a lovers’ suicide, I’m certain you would generate that very scenario, Prince,” Kamil replied with both awe and dread.

Wein did not comment, and Kamil took this silence as affirmation.

“At any rate, I understand now why the southern and the western cities chose elopement. ‘The representatives disappeared from the political stage because they fell to the temptations of love.’ Yes, that would receive the least protest.”

“Of course, there’s always the chance they did run away together. I’d say it’s a fifty-fifty shot. If the announcement is a lie and the competition actually caught the two, their chances of survival are around seventy percent.”

“I’m surprised. You’re that certain they’ll keep them alive?”

“The situation is still chaotic. Oleom and Lejoutte are useful scapegoats, and once they lose all support, the captors can step forward and earn credibility by forcing the ousted pair to declare a transfer of power. Still, it wouldn’t surprise me if they were killed before they could become a nuisance.”

“…” Kamil went silent.

“Something wrong?”

“Ah, no, forgive me. So the West and the South Representatives’ absence will give us an advantage,” Kamil stated as he returned to himself.

Wein nodded. “Right. A surprise transition won’t be easy, and we can strike hard while everyone else is occupied.”

Wein remained focused on splitting the opposition, and his plans were coming along well. At this rate, Muldu would regain enough authority to give Roynock and Facrita a run for their money, if not surpass them.

“The western and the southern cities will set aside their differences if we push too hard, so it’s a fine line. We’ll discuss the particulars with Ninym later.”

“Come to think of it, where is Lady Ninym?”

“She’s with the slaves. Can’t just leave them hanging, after all.”

Kamil’s following words were weighty. “I understand such a force has put pressure on Roynock and Facrita, but to even allow them a mansion…”

“Something wrong with that?”

“No, I’m just deeply impressed. I’ve heard the Flahm live in Natra without fear of persecution. Although merciless to your enemies, you truly are a kind man, Prince Wein.”

Kamil’s comment was heartfelt, but…

“‘Kind,’ huh?” Wein smirked faintly. “Come to think of it, my sister said the same thing before I left—”

The balcony looked over a silvery landscape. The northernmost nation of Natra was already blanketed in snow.

Could her brother in the Ulbeth Alliance enjoy the same scene? Did an unfamiliar country and city share the same winter wonderland?

As Falanya pondered this absentmindedly, someone draped a jacket over her shoulders.

“…Nanaki.”

The princess turned to find that Nanaki had appeared by her side at some point. The young man with pure white hair and fiery red eyes stared at Falanya.

“Put your arms through the sleeves. It’s cold out here.”

Falanya obeyed and wore the jacket properly. She hadn’t realized how cold she was until she donned the coat, and a faint warmth filled her. However, even the extra heat didn’t ease her tensed expression. She continued to gaze at the winter scene solemnly. Nanaki faced her and spoke again.

“Has the shock not worn off yet?”

“Huh?”

Falanya looked up at Nanaki, and he pressed on.

“Wein told you, right? About the Flahm’s history.”

“…”

Falanya stared into Nanaki’s eyes. The boy rarely showed emotion, yet it wasn’t as though he’d never known anger, happiness, or sadness. Even now, his profile was blank—or so most people would’ve thought.

Falanya saw it differently, however. She could see the subtle shift in Nanaki’s features. At present, he seemed rather downcast.

She also could guess the reason.

“Yes, you’re right. I was shocked to learn of the massacres the Flahm committed.”

The Flahm man known as the “Founder” elected to create his own deity after a journey to find gods proved none existed. The result was the one true God.

Wein said the Founder must have felt this was a divine revelation. Most deities needed something to rule. A forest god held dominion over a forest, a river god over a river, and a mountain god over a mountain. This made them easier to visualize and believe in.

Yet those divine beings who dwelt within such things also lost influence when their territory was destroyed. On his travels, the Founder realized humans would inevitably cut down the forests, dam the rivers, carve the mountains, and destroy the objects of their worship.

He required an eternal, sacred land far from mankind’s reach. How ironic that the divine guardians of humanity needed protection from their own devotees.

And so the Founder embarked on another quest.

The oceans were no good. People would conquer the seas someday. The sky wouldn’t work either, as humans would come to rule them, too. Even the stars were dubious. Humanity would touch them eventually.

Where, then? Where could his Flahm brethren worship their God without fear of loss? No modern-day instrument could measure the Founder’s mental agony.

Then a revolutionary idea finally struck him. He could create an untouchable land for his invented monotheism, the one and only ruler of all creation.

“This True God spread among the Flahm. Connected by a shared belief, the people began uniting to protect themselves…” Nanaki explained.

Let’s create our own country. A Flahm nation where we can live freely.

Such a wish was only natural. The Flahm worshiped God, fell under its creator’s banner, and used what little funds and knowledge they had to get started.

Many records in Natra revealed that this was not a painless process. Nonetheless, the Flahm overcame all obstacles to form history’s first Flahm Kingdom.

“But after that…”

The omens of destruction were present from the very first dynasty.

Erecting the nation’s framework required more hands than the Flahm could provide on their own. So they had to incorporate other races.

The Flahm’s fate probably would have been much different if they could forget the past and come together with other cultures. However, their pain and hatred had festered. As the new overlords, the Flahm exacted revenge like it was their birthright. Massacre and tyranny reigned.

“…Did Wein tell you what the Flahm used to call themselves?” Nanaki inquired. Falanya shook her head. Nanaki played with the ends of his hair as he went on. “Angels.”

“Angels…?”

“The One True God’s backstory had a plot hole. If he ruled over everything, why did he only protect the Flahm?”

A Flahm man had created the religion, so it was hardly surprising. Still, the Founder hated even the slightest flaw and thus thought up a reason.

“The Founder targeted our primary source of oppression, our eyes and hair. He claimed the Flahm were not human, but angels sent from heaven. As divine messengers, we were superior to mortals. Our unique features were proof of that.”

The Flahm’s white hair and crimson eyes could possess an ethereal quality depending on the viewer’s perspective. These characteristics attracted attention and persecution, but the Founder turned this on its head. He proposed the Flahm didn’t just look otherworldly—they were.

“The Flahm were oppressed for so long that they had become trapped in a slave mentality. The Founder claimed they were angels to wipe that away.”

While unusual, the plan ultimately succeeded. The physical attributes the Flahm once detested became blessings from God, and they felt a new rush of pride as his messengers.

However, the Founder could never have anticipated what would follow.

How would the Flahm, who believed they were angels, treat those who had wronged them now that they had the upper hand?

“Wein said they responded in kind.”

“He was being nice. I heard it was horrible.”

Records of the Flahm’s horrific, indescribable atrocities existed in various places across the West. They spoke of a cold-blooded people who threw countless lives into the depths of despair.

A nation built on blood and deep resentment was doomed to fail. The Flahm rule quickly fell, and its people were cast into slavery once more. No, their position was even worse.

The oppressed Flahm, who had once raised a flag of revolution, became the very sort they fought against.

As a side note, a particular insurgency leader targeted the Flahm’s religion. He added details to the Flahm’s fictitious monotheism to suit their purposes and strove to make it Varno’s primary deity.

The man who went on to establish the continent’s greatest religion was Levetia.

“—But that was a long time ago, Falanya. You can’t change the past,” Nanaki said. “Or do you fear the Flahm of today?”

He posed this question with resolute eyes. Nanaki’s people had murdered thousands. If his master admitted she was afraid of him, he’d vow never to show his face again.

“No, not at all.”

Falanya took Nanaki’s hands as if embracing his determination. Had he grown? His palms and fingers used to match hers, yet they felt larger now.

“It’s true that I was shocked at first. But like you said, it’s ancient history. I care more about this jacket you put around me than what others did long ago.”

“…I see.” Nanaki gave a slight nod, and Falanya noticed the relief in his subtle words and gestures. “But then, why were you staring off?”

Nanaki initially thought Falanya was still in shock, but if he understood correctly, she had already processed her feelings about Flahm’s dark past.

“…I told Wein that, like many kings before him, he’s a gentle person who treats the Flahm well and gives them a home in Natra. At least here they can live in peace.”

Falanya recalled how Wein had lightly smiled at her praise before responding with a question.

“Falanya, do I really seem kind to the Flahm?”

She couldn’t answer right away. Wein had appointed Ninym and the other Flahm to responsible positions. His actions since becoming regent left no reason to doubt his generosity.

As a politician, he obviously had to make tough decisions sometimes. If Falanya had still been the sheltered princess who only knew life in the palace and believed her brother was kind to the core, she would have nodded immediately.

“But I couldn’t.”

Although inexperienced, Falanya had visited various nations as part of the Natra delegation. Something in Wein’s question had kept her from answering right away.

“Wein is nice to the Flahm… No, to everyone. But…”

What had he been trying to tell her? And why couldn’t she give a clear “yes”? Falanya had been pondering this all alone.

“Then you should investigate,” Nanaki suggested.

“Investigate…?”

“Whether or not Wein is kind. I don’t think so, but I’m not saying I’m right. You wouldn’t believe me anyway. You’ll just have to look into it and decide for yourself.”

“That’s—”

Nanaki’s thoughts on the prince weren’t the least bit surprising. If anything, they reminded Falanya of something.

That’s right… Wein said people are multifaceted.

People act differently depending on the place and the situation. Each side is just a fraction of their personality.

And so a thought struck Falanya. Wein was her ideal brother, but what if she was only noticing the qualities that made him that way?

In that case, the purpose of his inquiry was…

Wein had probably realized his sister was observing only one side of him and had pointed this out as a question. To tell Falanya he was more than kind—to broaden her perspective.

“You’re right, Nanaki,” Falanya replied, suddenly looking up. “If I don’t know how Wein really feels about the people, I should find out.”

Nanaki’s tone was tinged with relief. “It looks like you’re feeling better.”

“Yes. And that being the case, we should get started right away. First…I should talk to Sirgis. Wein told him to help me.”

As Falanya’s mind swirled with ideas, and as Nanaki watched, he thought, Even without my help, Falanya would have made this decision on her own.

Once the princess realized Wein was attempting to teach a life lesson, there’d be no stopping her. And even if Falanya missed his intentions, she would have eventually questioned her brother’s true nature.

The real mystery is why Wein used himself as an example.

If he wanted to give Falanya a bigger perspective, he could have used something more innocuous. What was the purpose of citing himself?

Nanaki didn’t think Wein was kind. What advantage would he gain if Falanya reached the same conclusion and grew disillusioned?

Was it unintentional? Perhaps he was confident she wouldn’t be disappointed? Or…

Maybe he wanted to disappoint her?

It’s useless. I have no clue what that guy is thinking.

Nanaki brushed off these strange thoughts and focused on his duty. He was Falanya’s guard. Avoiding distractions and keeping her safe was enough.

Yes, he’d protect her from any foe.

After speaking with the slaves’ representative, Ninym headed down an alley on her way back to Wein’s Muldu mansion. It was dusk, and not many were milling around. It was perfect for someone like Ninym, who wished to avoid attention. On this particular occasion, she was too preoccupied to notice, however.

Why?

Ninym’s mind was elsewhere as she kept to the side of the road.

Why can’t I just let it go?

She recalled her question to the Flahm man and still wondered what she’d been thinking. He wouldn’t have brought up the incident on his own, but Ninym had asked anyway. The man was in no position to refuse her. He’d adopted a troubled expression and took a moment to select his words carefully.

“I wanted to comfort a Flahm child on the verge of tears.”

His answer pierced Ninym like a sword.

Between the two of them, she was clearly better off. Yet rather than beg for help or vent his jealousy and resentment, he’d consoled a child of his kin. And all the while, she’d been pondering about how to abandon him!

If this were the old dynasty…

The oppressed-turned-oppressors. If modern Flahm shared the same mindset, they’d be cut down in an instant. Ninym thought that was likely for the best.

However, most living Flahm were good, simple people. And although Ninym kept her duty to Natra’s royal family above all else, her Flahm heart still wavered.

Brethren, family, unity…

Ninym Ralei’s blood was intertwined with history, whether she liked it or not. It had been a source of frustration on more than one occasion. If only she could be free of those shackles and serve Wein simply as herself.

No such wish would save her, though.

I’m sure I would have tried something on my own if Wein hadn’t eased my anxiety.

Ninym labeled herself a failure, a weakling. As she trudged along with a heavy heart…

“Ah, Lady Ninym.” The young woman heard her name and looked up to see Kamil standing before her. “Are you returning to the mansion?”

Ninym cleared her mind and nodded. “Yes. What about you, Sir Kamil?”

“I am on my way to devise our next steps.”

“Ah, I see…”

Most of Agata’s subordinates were busy carrying out Wein’s plans. Even Kamil, who was usually by Agata’s side, had to run around Ulbeth. The prince would have liked to send out his own people, but they weren’t much help in an unfamiliar land. Although the Natra delegation assisted with odd jobs, Agata’s servants handled the heavy lifting.

“Please let me know if there is anything I can do.”

“Thank you, but I’ll be speaking with Altie. I’m afraid they don’t take foreigners very seriously.”

“Is the northern city really that insular?”

“It’s always been a place of small-minded craftsmen, but I heard the loss of their representative family exacerbated their prejudice. The people of Altie themselves chose to execute them, though, so they got what they deserved.”

Got what they deserved.

Kamil’s tone was oddly cold. Perhaps self-aware, he shook his head lightly to collect himself and flashed a smile.

“But I digress. There’s no need to worry. Fatigue is rewarding, so long as I know that the end results benefit Master Agata,” he said. “Are you all right, Lady Ninym? You seem to be staggering.”

“I dare not say I’m tired to someone so busy, Sir Kamil.”

“Oh dear. It seems I’ve been bested,” the young man replied with a frown.

“I’m joking,” Ninym clarified. “I’m just overwhelmed by the new environment. I’ll report to His Highness and go to bed early tonight.”

Kamil nodded. “Yes, a fine idea. Well then, please excuse me. It will be dark soon, so take care on your way back, Lady Ninym.”

“Yes, thank you. I will.”

Ninym watched the attendant leave, then resumed her own walk. She was feeling a bit better. Maybe talking with Kamil helped.

I need to stop thinking about myself all the time.

Like she told Kamil, she would report to Wein and then head to sleep.

Suddenly, Ninym’s thoughts came to an abrupt halt.

“…”

Her eyes narrowed as adrenaline raced through her body. The Flahm woman took a breath and dashed into the nearest backstreet. The sun was setting, and the path was already pitch black. Still, Ninym didn’t stop.

There were voices behind her. Ninym sensed multiple pursuers, yet she remained calm. After all, they sprang into action because she’d noticed them.

I’m still pretty far from the mansion…!

The slaves were set up in a manor on the city’s outskirts—Agata’s territory. Muldu was already short on hands, and Ninym had carelessly gone alone because she’d thought it would be a quick trip.

Should she try to escape or ask someone nearby for help? Ninym considered these possibilities but stopped before choosing either.

A masked man was barring the way forward in the alley.

“You must be Prince Wein’s servant.” His voice was flat as he stared at her from behind his mask. “We’d like you to come with us.”

“…”

Ninym could sense this man was skilled. She’d probably win in a one-on-one fight, but it would take time. Those pursuing her from behind were undoubtedly his cohorts. Fending off multiple enemies was a tall order.

Calling for help won’t do much good if these people know I’m a Flahm. They could claim I’m an escaped slave…

In that case, she had one option, to win this fight before backup arrived.

Sensing Ninym’s intent, the man made the first move.

“Do not resist. You might regret it.”

“Is that a threat?”

“No. I’ve been instructed to treat you with utmost courtesy,” the man replied. “Instead, I’ll burn that house filled with slaves to the ground.”

“—!”

Ninym couldn’t hide her horror. It was horrifying that the slaves were being used as hostages, but it was surprising that the man saw their value as captives in the first place.

New slaves and a royal aide. Most would never imagine the two went together. Using them as a bargaining tool against Ninym indicated he was aware of her complex feelings.

Naturally, the young woman kept such emotions concealed, but her conduct and attitude might have exposed things. It was a troubling notion to realize that the man’s informant was someone who’d observed her closely enough to learn her secrets.

“If you have orders, then you work for a superior. Who is it?”

“I am not at liberty to say.”

Questioning him was futile, and Ninym’s pursuers had caught up in the intervening time. There was nowhere to run.

Ninym scowled as she squeezed out her following words. “…Fine. Take me wherever you want.”

The sun had already set by the time the men and Ninym disappeared down the dark street.

“Our plan appears to be proceeding smoothly,” Agata remarked calmly in his office.

“Yeah, we couldn’t have done it without your help,” Wein replied. This was a joint scheme, so the two had regular meetings. “At this rate, our chances of tipping the scales by the Signing Ceremony are lookin’ pretty good. Isn’t it great, Agata? You’ll get your unified Ulbeth Alliance after all.”

Agata didn’t take the bait.

“We can rejoice once we’re victorious.”

“Are you saying something else is going to happen?”

“We must always expect the unexpected.”

“The unexpected, huh…?” Wein repeated teasingly. “Muldu is rising up while Roynock and Facrita are in total chaos. Who’s going to make a move? Altie? They can’t do anything without a representative. I feel kind of bad for them. They had to execute their whole representative family for collusion, then got cut off at the knee afterward.”

“It wasn’t collusion,” Agata cut in sharply. “The North Representative didn’t conspire with anyone.”

“Oh…? But that’s what I heard earlier. The Ulbeth documents I’ve read say the same thing.”

“That was the official reason. However, the truth tells otherwise. Gerde Croon, the North Representative, was the victim of premeditated murder. And the Altie citizens are the culprits.”

Wein’s eyes flashed with curiosity. He knew from Agata’s manner that this was no joke. Why would the populace decide to kill their protector?

“Around twenty years ago, our techniques plateaued, our culture curdled, and traditions lost all meaning. Rampant supremacism had caused the Ulbeth Alliance to stagnate.” Agata paused. “Concerned about the situation, Croon and his wife took action. There was no question they acted with love for their city. The couple sensed that a foreign nation might swallow up Ulbeth if we remained static.”

“They saw the writing on the wall, huh? And that’s why they reached out to another country?”

“Yes. They visited the Casskard Kingdom, a nation north of Altie. Croon and his wife studied their culture and ideology, hoping it might give the Ulbeth Alliance a second chance. Regrettably…”

The couple’s efforts were in vain. Ulbeth’s conservative populace considered their representative’s reformist views strange, and they ostracized him.

“If word of their deeds had never spread beyond Altie, the couple could have quietly retired. However, news spread to the other cities, and Croon and his wife were soon viewed as traitors. The people of the northern city had to offer up their heads to prove their own innocence.”

The entire Croon family was executed for conspiracy.

Consequentially, Altie was exploited by the other cities in the Alliance because they now lacked a representative. Altie’s citizens regretted their actions, but it was too late.

“…Let’s return to our previous conversation. I have no intention of underestimating anyone. Altie’s people are waiting for a long-lost hero to return and a chance for redemption.”

“I thought the whole bloodline was eradicated?”

“It was. Yet there are many stories of noble descendants of supposedly long-dead lineages returning to save their fellows.”

Altie’s populace believed this. They endured each day because they were certain salvation was coming.

“I see. So you’re saying the northern city is a ticking time bomb. It’s definitely better to play it safe.”

Wein had only Agata’s word to go on, but he didn’t believe the man was lying. Still, there was no telling how much of the tale was trustworthy either. Especially since he was almost positive that Agata was plotting against him.

I should ask Ninym to investigate more when she gets back.

No sooner had the thought crossed the prince’s mind than…

“—Excuse me! Is Prince Wein here?!”

Kamil, who should have been in negotiations with Altie, rushed into the room. He was out of breath.

“What’s up? Did Altie give you a hard time?”

Looking uncharacteristically flustered, Kamil shook his head. “N-no, everything went well. However, well, please look at this…!”

Kamil handed Wein a single letter. Surprised Kamil would show him first rather than Agata, Wein cocked his head as he read over the missive.

His expression froze.

“Prince Wein?” Agata asked, grim expectation in his voice.

Wein only stared at the letter. He kept reading it, but the contents didn’t change. After a prolonged silence, he finally replied, “It seems…Ninym has been captured.”

Agata’s face darkened, and Kamil looked at Wein sorrowfully.

“They say she will be returned safely if we leave Roynock and Facrita alone… Taking the letter at face value, this could be the work of either city.”

“…What will you do?” The significance of Agata’s question spoke for itself. Everyone in the room knew Wein’s answer here could end things.

The prince sighed heavily.

“We have to concede. I wouldn’t call it ‘fortunate,’ but they’re only requesting that we cease further action, not undo what we’ve already done. There are other ways to raise Muldu’s standing. We just have to be flexible.”

He wouldn’t abandon Ninym, but he’d cooperate with Agata for as long as possible. That was Wein’s answer.

“With that in mind, call back your forces, Kamil.”

“Ah, well, you see…” Kamil glanced at Agata. The older man gave a slight nod.

“Do as he says. We can’t continue the marriage campaign without Prince Wein anyway.”

“U-understood… Incidentally, Prince Wein, if further demands are made…”

“I’ll kill them before that happens.”

Wein’s response was flat. There was no question he’d do it.

“Have your men look for Ninym. We’ll rethink our strategy once we find her and know she’s safe.”

“Y-yes!”

Kamil hurried out of the room as quickly as he’d entered.

“…To think they would go to such extremes,” Agata muttered once he and the prince were alone again. If his hunch was correct, the Flahm girl was safe. Any kidnapper who recognized her value as a hostage would take care to remain civil. If, by some chance, she wasn’t safe, however…

The fury of this dragon in front of me will burn Ulbeth to the ground.

On the outside, Wein seemed composed as usual. However, Agata had observed many people in his long career and knew the prince’s heart was currently a violent swirl of emotions. If Agata had suggested abandoning the aide only moments before, those would have been his final words.

A dragon’s imperial wrath had been provoked. It would not be quelled easily.

“Still, this is excellent timing,” Agata remarked. He retrieved a piece of paper from his breast pocket and tossed it before Wein.

“…What’s this?”

“Something you needed and will need again.”

Wein took the note and read it. His expression switched from fury to confusion, and he thought for a moment. Then he asked a single question.

“What’s going on, Agata?”

The East Representative understood the vague question perfectly.

“I believe you already know this, but the unification of the Ulbeth Alliance was only a front. I have other plans in mind.”

“And that’s why you’re giving me this?”

“Yes. The ceremony is already upon us, so it’s fine,” Agata continued. “In exchange, I’d like you to hear out my small request once everything is over.”

“…”

The two glared at each other for ten seconds or so. Finally Wein answered, “I’ll make sure you spill everything.”

“It’s a promise.” Agata dipped his chin and smiled.