Chapter 54

Today, I plan to update with two chapters.

After the meeting with King Rosice ended, I stepped out of the room to find Yuria waiting for me.

"It's been a while. Have you reached a conclusion?"

"…I'm sorry. I'm still thinking about it. I'll definitely give you an answer by the deadline."

I looked straight into Yuria's eyes as I answered. Yuria's expression softened.

"Alright. Please do. As soon as possible. By the way… can we talk for a bit?"

Yuria said this and pulled my hand.

"You're not in a position to have a private meeting with me, are you?"

"But if I don't do this, I can't talk to you, right?"

I was led by Yuria. It seemed to be her private room.

…This isn't a plan to make me drink some strange drug and create a fait accompli, is it?

I looked around Yuria's room. There were various furnishings and magical tools, and it smelled like some strange drug.

There were also a few books, though not many.

It wasn't a room that would typically belong to a girl in modern Japan. Most likely, this was Yuria's unique style, not the standard for princesses on the Adelnia Peninsula.

Incidentally, Tera's room was filled with six prototype wands, materials for making wands, magic circles, and a large number of magic stones and papers for drawing magic circles. She claims it's organized, but every time I see her looking for something, I know it's a lie.

My eyes caught a white flower.

"Is this a poppy?"

"You know a lot. Have you used it for something?"

"I haven't used it, but I've seen it growing in the forest."

Incidentally, I learned from Lord Griffin that it's a drug. Poppies have excellent pain-relieving properties, making them very useful as medicinal herbs.

They are also commonly used as a medium for hallucinogenic magic. The black powder is mixed with this.

Incidentally, it's also an excellent drug. How excellent? It can trip a sleeping lion.

"Is this female hemp?"

"Sort of. But poppies are better as a drug, right? The hallucinogenic effects are milder, so they have little value in magic. Maybe just for recreation… I don't want to smoke it, though. I can live without it."

In other words, it's marijuana.

It's commonly smoked on the Adelnia Peninsula… or in the West.

It's probably because it's easy to cultivate and isn't that addictive.

I don't care if others smoke it, but I don't want people close to me to smoke it.

"These flowers… they're beautiful, but I don't know them. Are they also drugs?"

"Exactly!! They're from the East. I heard from the Kirishians that they have a strong hallucinogenic effect. They're called morning glories. I tried them on rats, and it was scary even for me to watch."

Morning glories with hallucinogenic effects…

I know about them.

They're Chinese morning glories.

So they exist in this world too. Datura.

If there are poppies and marijuana, it makes sense that they would be here.

Yuria… you can experiment on animals, but please don't experiment on yourself.

"Actually, I want to experiment on humans… I already know they're excellent as a medium for magic from tests on dogs. All that's left is to gather data from humans…"

Yuria put the Chinese morning glories in my hand.

"Could you use them in the next war? Just sprinkle the powder and cast a curse."

"Sure, why not…"

They're probably more effective than poppies.

In territorial disputes, hallucinogenic magic has been key, so it's not a problem to check.

But if the wind changes direction suddenly, it could be a disaster.

Suddenly, a purple-red flower caught my eye.

It was almost the same color as Yuria's hair.

But it wasn't lavender from the shape.

When I picked it up, it had a sweet smell.

What is this…

"That's a new type of poisonous plant. I recently collected it on the Adelnia Peninsula. I heard that people who ate it got poisoned, so I'm growing it. When I have more, I plan to experiment with its effects. Whether it becomes a medicinal herb, a poisonous plant, or a drug… isn't it exciting?"

I don't think so.

"Hmm, maybe my senses are off? I get excited and worked up when I investigate these things."

I hope it's not because a small amount has entered your body.

I just hope you're not a pervert. Please.

"Hey, if a war breaks out, could you try it? And then tell me the difference in effects compared to poppies?"

Yuria suddenly closed the distance and said.

"Sure, I can do that."

When I said that, Yuria took my hand.

"Thank you. I want to hear the effects directly from you."

"Of course."

Yuria then leaned in to kiss me.

…I couldn't refuse and accepted it.

Yuria quickly pulled away.

"Good luck."

"I understand."

I said goodbye to Yuria and left the palace.

"Hey, Almus, you kissed Yuria, didn't you?"

"…I'm sorry."

I apologized honestly.

But how did she know? Women's intuition is amazing.

"I'm not angry. It's not like it's something that can be taken away."

Tera said indifferently.

We've known each other for a long time, but she's still a mystery. Sometimes I don't understand her.

Aren't women supposed to get angry in situations like this?

If you don't get angry, I'll keep doing the same thing over and over.

"If you marry Yuria, you'll have children with her anyway, so a kiss doesn't matter. If you choose not to marry, you can give a few kisses to the poor and pitiful Yuria. I have a broad mind."

I wish you'd be a bit more jealous. You used to interfere when Almus and Yuria had a good vibe.

What's going on?

"Now that I'm the number one in your life, nothing will change that, no matter what happens."

So, you're more relaxed now that you're married.

Is that how it works?

"By the way… which way is the needle pointing now? Do you want to marry, or not?"

"I think it's six to four in favor of wanting to marry…"

My relationship with Rigar Diber has deteriorated significantly because of this incident.

If things continue like this, as King Rosice said, I could be purged when Rigar becomes king…

No, that's just an excuse.

I couldn't help but want Yuria after kissing and hugging her.

Yes, I'm looking for excuses right now.

"I don't mind if you become king. I think Rong and the others would say the same."

"I know. That's why I can't consult them."

They would never oppose it. They would welcome it with open arms.

And they would gladly die for my happiness.

That's why I can't consult them.

I don't want them to die.

Also… there's something that's been bothering me a little.

"If you become king, you can save many people. Isn't that a good reason?"

"That's an overestimation. My hands aren't that wide."

I sighed.

Tomorrow is the start of July.

Yuria's deadline is in four months… I have to decide by then…

"Lord Rigar, Jilbert should be punished. If we don't, it will set a bad example for the other vassals!!"

Belmont shouted loudly.

Rigar responded.

"Wait, wait. He only lost once. Can't we let it slide this time?"

"He lost with twice the number of troops! This battle was one we couldn't afford to lose. Most of the neutral nobles have now sided with As. Many in our faction have also switched to As or are considering it. He must be held accountable!!"

Currently, one-third of the nobles are on the As side, and two-thirds are on the Diber side.

Previously, the As faction was not very united, and some could have easily switched to the Diber side. But after Almus As's victory, they quickly solidified their unity.

The Adelnia Peninsula is in a constant state of war, and the current concern for the nobles is how to protect their interests.

Of course, the fact that Almus As broke the law is undeniable, but compared to his strength in war, it wasn't a significant issue.

Moreover, the reason for breaking the law was to protect the oppressed people.

In contrast, Rigar Diber oppressed the people and lost despite having twice the number of troops.

If he had won, the fact that he oppressed the people wouldn't have been a big issue, but now that he lost, it is a major problem.

Currently, there are even voices questioning Rigar Diber's right to the throne.

This is a big problem for Rigar, who aims to be king.

"But Jilbert is my cousin. Can't we let it slide this time?"

Upon hearing this, Belmont clenched his fists.

Rigar is very lenient with his relatives.

He easily gives important positions to relatives with no significant achievements and doesn't punish them for major failures.

On the other hand, he is strict with non-relatives, never giving them important positions and punishing them for even minor mistakes.

Currently, Belmont is the only non-relative in an important position, and all non-relative vassals are recommended by Belmont.

This discourages vassals from trying to achieve more.

Belmont wants to reduce the influence of Rigar's relatives before he becomes king.

This loss, though significant, can be used to strengthen the faction.

Belmont is harshly criticizing Jilbert, hoping to replace him with a capable non-relative after he falls from power.

But if Rigar protects him, it won't work.

"Besides, isn't there a problem with the strategy you devised, Lord Belmont?"

A relative vassal said.

Voices of agreement rose.

Indeed, Belmont's strategy was somewhat risky and had many drawbacks.

But if he hadn't devised that strategy, Rigar would have openly broken the law.

If he had lost after that, it would have been a laughing matter.

So, Belmont is not at fault.

But to the relatives, it doesn't matter.

"Let's call it a draw this time."

Rigar said, trying to calm the relatives.

Before he knew it, Belmont was also blamed.

Rigar had no ill intentions. He was just trying to calm everyone down and chose his words poorly.

But he didn't realize his mistake or that he was being led by the relatives.

Belmont sighed deeply in his heart.

This chapter was about drugs.

Tera is into physics and chemistry,

Yuria is into biology.