Chapter 55

The completely destroyed study was being tidied up by the servants and maids.

Since there was nothing I could do by staying there, I went out to the garden.

Under the starry sky, I checked my abilities.

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Name: Noah Ararat

Minister of the Law Prince

Gender: Male

Level: 15/∞

HP: C+ E Fire: E+A

MP: E+ E Water: C+S

Strength: C+ A Wind: E+F

Stamina: D+ E Earth: E+D

Intelligence: E+ D Light: E+C

Spirit: E+ D Dark: E+C

Speed: E+ E

Dexterity: E+ D

Luck: E+ D

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My abilities are completely back to normal.

They haven't increased, nor have they decreased.

It seems that the power I held with the meteorite was temporary, and it returned to normal after defeating the tentacle.

Just to be safe, I checked all my abilities.

I went through the ranks I had set in the simulation battle I did just before, and finally, I released Bahamut's Inferno.

I extended my palm upward, and a ball of flame floated about ten centimeters above it.

The radiant ball of flame illuminated the surrounding area as bright as daytime.

"Wow!!"

I heard a voice of admiration from behind.

Turning around, Don had returned.

"Indeed, Your Highness, you held back—restrained your power even in that fierce battle."

Don was clearly amazed by the "amazing" ball of flame.

"More importantly, did you catch him?"

"Yes, the person brought it to Nishil himself, and a servant delivered it to your mansion. However..."

"However?"

"When I arrived, he seemed very pleased, saying, 'I've been waiting.' It felt like he was waiting for a reward. Even when I threatened him a bit, he only said, 'I picked up the meteorite and carved the words.'"

"Was he just trying to curry favor?"

"That's how it feels. Of course, there's a possibility it was an act, so I'm continuing the interrogation."

"Understood, then I'll leave this matter to you."

"Yes, sir."

With nothing else to report, Don bowed and left.

It's good that my abilities are back, but one mystery remains.

☆

A prince who has entered his fief is obligated to return to the capital once a year to report the current state of his fief to His Majesty.

Since it was that time of year, I had returned to the capital from Nishil—and Almeria.

I didn't return to the Thirteenth Prince's residence in the capital but went straight to the palace.

I asked a familiar eunuch for an audience with His Majesty and was immediately led to the study.

Entering the study, I knelt on one knee before His Majesty as usual.

"Oh, it's Noah, isn't it?"

"Your humble servant Noah has come to present the annual report."

"Indeed, indeed. But I've heard something. It seems you defeated a formidable monster with just a sword."

His Majesty, as always, has keen ears.

Even though it happened just before I left, he had already caught wind of it.

"Indeed, Noah, indeed the prince of our 'Land of Warriors.'"

His Majesty was in a very good mood.

The official name of the empire is "Milees Empire," which means "Land of Warriors" in the old language.

The prince of the Land of Warriors showed his strength in battle.

His Majesty was extremely pleased with this.

"As a prince entrusted with both Almeria and Ararat, I do not neglect my daily efforts."

"Indeed. You should strive even harder in the future."

"Yes, sir. Regarding this—"

"Ah, the report, right? That can wait."

His Majesty stopped my report.

I tilted my head and looked at His Majesty curiously.

"There are diplomatic envoys here, so I must meet with them first. Noah, you should join me."

"As you wish."

Diplomacy always takes precedence.

After saying this, His Majesty stood up and left the study.

I followed him.

We proceeded through the palace and were led to the grand hall.

It is basically similar to the audience chamber, but His Majesty's throne is placed on a platform about two stories high.

This hall is used for emphasizing authority, such as when receiving diplomatic envoys, rather than for official duties.

The First and Third Chancellors were already waiting below the platform, along with several other officials and secretaries.

His Majesty slowly ascended the platform, and I stood below, next to the Third Chancellor.

We are old acquaintances, but we couldn't greet each other here, so we only exchanged nods.

As soon as His Majesty sat on the throne, he raised his hand, and a eunuch at the door announced in a high-pitched voice:

"The envoy of Roush Tsari, please enter."

Roush Tsari?

I've never heard of it. Is it different from the Kingdom of Roush?

While thinking about this, I waited for a while, and a man entered from outside.

A man with dark skin and a bushy beard.

When he reached the designated spot, he awkwardly knelt on one knee and bowed.

Then he said something.

It was in a language I had never heard before.

"The envoy says it is an honor to meet His Majesty," one of the officials standing by said.

Ah, so he's an interpreter.

His Majesty nodded calmly, and the man said something more.

The interpreter, who had listened to it all, frowned.

"Um, I... am the envoy of the... great... I have a request for the even greater Emperor."

The interpreter stammered.

His Majesty glared at the interpreter. It was obvious, even to an outsider, that the interpretation was not going well.

The interpreter, being glared at, was drenched in sweat.

"First, ask what Roush Tsari is."

"Yes, sir!"

The interpreter spoke to the man kneeling on one knee.

His Majesty's expression became increasingly displeased.

I couldn't understand the language, but it was clear that the man being spoken to was repeatedly tilting his head and looking puzzled.

It was obvious that the language was not getting through properly.

"Seems it's no good," the Third Chancellor, Jean-Blade Raido, muttered to me.

"Do you know something?"

"It seems to be a southern dialect of Roush. It would be difficult for a regular interpreter."

"I see."

I nodded.

Roush refers to the Kingdom of Roush, located to the north of the empire.

Known for its fierce temperament and a strong emphasis on military might, it is also called the "Land of Rakshasas."

Naturally, there are frequent disputes with the empire, and interpreters are always on hand for negotiations.

However, while most interpreters can handle the standard language, dialects are difficult.

His Majesty's mood is gradually worsening.

If this continues—

"Leave it to me," Bahamut's voice echoed in my mind.

(Leave it to you?)

"We are beings that transcend humans and can communicate with all people."

What does that mean? I wondered.

"Tell the Emperor that I am the envoy sent by Roush Tsari to form an alliance with the empire."

Suddenly, I could clearly understand the words of the man who had been incomprehensible just a moment ago.

The words sounded like Bahamut's voice or the emotions of Leviathan.

In a similar way, the unfamiliar words that entered my ears were understood in my mind.

"I will convey it."

When I opened my mouth, both the envoy and the interpreter were surprised.

I turned to His Majesty and said, looking up at him.

"May I speak boldly. This man is the envoy representing Roush Tsari, who has come to form an alliance."

Instantly, the hall buzzed with whispers.

"Can you understand him, Noah?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ask him what Roush Tsari is. Is it not the Kingdom of Roush?"

His Majesty thought for a moment and then said to me.

I turned to the man.

"What is Roush Tsari? Is it not the Kingdom of Roush?"

"We rose up against the oppression of Roush. We now control the land in the south of the kingdom, adjacent to the empire. Roush Tsari is the name of our new country."

I relayed the man's words to His Majesty.

"Hmm, impressive, Noah."

His Majesty listened to my interpretation to the end and looked at me with admiration.

... Knowing His Majesty, he must already know what I just conveyed.

No, even if it's not His Majesty, anyone in the core of the government would know.

A neighboring country, with which there are sporadic skirmishes, has had an internal conflict, and a part of it has declared independence.

It's a significant event that any emperor would be aware of.

That I, who was supposed to be unaware, could correctly interpret it.

"Indeed, Noah. Continue the interpretation."

"As you wish."

"What kind of alliance does Roush Tsari want with the empire?"

"We rose up against the oppression of Roush, with no intention of opposing the great Milees Empire. We wish for a permanent peace along the border."

"What evidence do you have to make us believe that?"

"Our king is prepared to offer his mother and sister as hostages."

As soon as I translated, the ministers, including the chancellors, exclaimed in unison.

The man bowed to me.

Even without understanding the language, the reaction showed that I had translated correctly.

Offering the king's mother and sister as hostages is a significant gesture.

"I understand. I will consult with my ministers and give you an answer. For today, you may rest."

"Thank you."

The envoy bowed one last time, stood up, and left the grand hall.

After the envoy left, His Majesty asked us.

"As you heard, I would like to hear your opinions."

The Third Chancellor stepped forward, bowed slightly, and answered.

"I do not think we should agree. Even if they have changed their name, they are still part of Roush—the Land of Rakshasas. They should not be trusted."

In response, the First Chancellor countered.

"We are not at war with his country. We should accept them to show the breadth of the empire. If they submit, that's fine; if they rebel, we can crush them later."

The First Chancellor was in favor, while the Third Chancellor was against.

The other ministers also began to voice their opinions, one after another.

After all the opinions were heard, His Majesty turned to me.

"What do you think, Noah?"

I thought for a moment.

I remembered the mansion in Almeria and Nishil.

I never thought that the situation I had planned for the mansion would come up here.

"I am in favor. In fact, I think we should actively support them."

The ministers were surprised.

"Settle down. Noah, what is your reasoning?"

"Yes, I can explain with a map."

"Bring a map."

At His Majesty's command, four eunuchs brought a map as large as a flag.

It was a map showing the empire and the surrounding countries.

I took a pen from a secretary and drew a line on the map, between the empire and the Kingdom of Roush, and wrote "Great Wall" in the area between the border and the line.

"I believe this is the best way to shape the territory of Roush Tsari."

"Hmm, it would effectively divide the empire and the Kingdom of Roush?"

"Yes. The history of disputes with the Kingdom of Roush is long, and despite all efforts, it has been impossible to resolve. They have never shown any willingness for peace."

"I see."

"On the other hand, Roush Tsari is eager to ally with the empire, to the point of offering the king's mother and sister as hostages. Therefore, I believe it is best to support them as a buffer."

"... I see, a country's Great Wall instead of a stone wall."

"Yes, sir."

I nodded clearly.

This is what I had planned for the mansion.

Once, I was nearly assassinated.

Some people had bribed the maid Zoe to poison me.

However, Zoe, who felt indebted to me, secretly informed me.

Similarly, I had planned to surround the mansion with people who felt indebted to me.

I thought I would have to wait until next year due to a lack of funds this year, but I didn't expect to encounter a similar situation here.

"By doing this, the Kingdom of Roush will have to defeat Roush Tsari at the very least before they can attack the empire."

Hearing this, His Majesty said:

"Indeed, impressive, Noah. Your plan is excellent."

"I think it would be good to show a little favor and provide further support. They must be lacking in supplies after their rebellion. The surplus food from Almeria's Hojoi can feed a million people."

"Indeed! Well said. First Chancellor."

"Yes, sir."

"Proceed in that direction."

"Yes, sir."

My proposal was accepted, and His Majesty, as well as the ministers, looked at me with admiration.