Mitsuha 235

235. Portrait of Battle 2

“I got it. I got it…” (the Marquis)

The Marquis said so with a defeated look on his face.

If it’s the general information that the enemy side could easily obtain through their spies or insiders—the one that is not related to political judgment or military decision in any way—there would no problem if he tells me to that extent.

Then, let’s hear them…

According to the Marquis, it seems that the Kingdom of Noral, which located in the east of this country and separated by three other countries, has been meddling with this country, the Kingdom of Vanel, for decades.

The Kingdom of Noral, which initially hostile towards this country because they had completely conflicting interests, seems to be competing with the Kingdom of Vanel in terms of naval power. And they seem to be disputing various things because of their influence over neighboring countries and their control over colonies.

And now, it seems that there was a particularly terrible situation due to a dispute over the rights to a colony, but it appears that the other side has finally crossed the line.

Apparently, the private ship of the Noral Kingdom first attacked the cargo ships that were carrying goods from a colony of Vanel Kingdom to the mainland in quick succession, to which they retaliated.

The Noral Kingdom presumably did that in order to take control of that colony.

And when they received a complaint from the Vanel Kingdom, they, in return, accused the Vanel Kingdom that [the ship of Vanel Kingdom attacked their private ship first].

“Of course, the other countries laughed off such an accusation, but that doesn’t mean they would bother to speak up for our country. For the Noral Kingdom, it doesn’t matter whether their excuse is legitimate or not. …the supplies they obtained from the cargo ship they attacked must have been a great profit, too.” (the Marquis)

Well, I guess…

And aside from that, it seems that it was also influenced by the recent [Goddess’s Envoy] and [Ship souls] uproar in the Vanel Kingdom.

The Noral Kingdom seemed to think that those two events were deliberately initiated by the country to raise the Navy’s popularity so that they could increase its budget.

…right, they suspected that the Vanel Kingdom might have begun to prepare for the outbreak of war with the Noral Kingdom by strengthening their Naval Power.

Indeed, the goddess and the ship’s souls may seem to be a positive factor if seen from other countries’ point of view. Though, it was actually my conspiracy to reduce Vanel Kingdom’s naval power.

That’s why the Noral Kingdom wanted to crush the outset of what they think to be Vanel Kingdom’s naval augmentation plan.

So, although they don’t intend to keep provoking the Vanel Kingdom until one of the two nations perish, it seems that they will be happy if, at least, they can crush one of the enemy’s fleets and take away the ransom and compensation for the prisoners.

…well, in a sense, that’s how it would be in this level of civilization…

But what matters to me is not Vanel Kingdom’s interests.

Right, that is what would be best for me and my country.

“Is the outbreak of war cannot be avoided?” (Mitsuha)

“Umu. If we were to respond to Noral Kingdom’s demands, the provocation from the other side would only escalate. And in the first place, the people, the nobles, and the Military would not stay silent if the Kingdom were to do that.

The royal family will be accused of being intimidated by the enemy, and condemnation will be concentrated from all directions. If that happens, they will lose their face, credibility, and position. So there is no way they can do something like that.

…No one is going to silently back off after being provoked by the Noral Kingdom like that, whether it’s the noble or the Military. This is not something that can be settled without a battle.” (the Marquis)

Ah~, I thought so…

“Well, it is necessary to be careful not to become a full-scale war, and it seems the other side also has no such intention, so it’s going to be a fleet battle, betting on one colony.” (the Marquis)

Right, even if there is an all-out war between both nations because of this, whichever wins will end up being denounced by the countries that were aiming to make a profit out of the war.

The two countries are not bordering each other, so it would be difficult for the Army to attack the enemy directly since they would have marched through multiple unrelated countries.

Eventually, it would only drain the majority of their naval power, allowing the country who had the third strongest naval power to take advantage.

And the Marquis is relatively unconcerned about this, maybe because he’s from an army faction, so he thinks that he won’t have many turns this time…

No, isn’t his country’s rise and fall will depend on this? No matter what, isn’t it better to have a little sense of urgency…

“I can only tell you to that extent. If you want to know more, you have to ask directly to the one who can decide how much information can be leaked to a noble of another country. I don’t want to be beheaded and my house to be crushed for secretly leaking information to another country, after all…” (the Marquis)

Yeah, well, that makes sense.

No matter how much he wanted to win my favor, it would be meaningless if he were to lose everything because of it.

In the first place, it is absolutely unforgivable if the whole family were to be charged with the same offense and even getting Mitchan involved and has to suffer because of it!! I can’t imagine what would happen if she were to become a homeless child!!

…no, if that happens, of course, I will take care of her.

So…

“Who is this person [who can decide how much information that can be leaked to a noble of another country] you were talking about?” (Mitsuha)

“Of course, it is His Majesty!” (the Marquis)

“Ah…” (Mitsuha)

I thought so…

I don’t want to see that person, though.

It’s highly likely that he will try to identify my home country again using the war as the context.

Wars are expensive, and even weak countries can be politically utilized if there are other countries supporting them.

Setting the peacetime aside, at the time of war, when weapons, ammunition, ships, soldiers, and money are to be consumed in large quantities, it is possible to assume that he would pull the hardline without concerning his appearance.

It might not be possible to deal with him like I did last time, so I should definitely refrain from meeting him right now…

“Well, forget it then. I don’t think he would talk anything more than you’ve told me. And I don’t know what will happen in the future, so it won’t make much sense even if I try to do that. Now that I know the current status, I can guess the rest by myself. Well, then, please excuse me!” (Mitsuha)

I was about to go home since my business here is over, but…

“Wait! Wait wait wait wait!!!” (the Marquis)

“What?” (Mitsuha)

For some reason, the Marquis stopped me. What a pain…

“Well, since I have responded to your request, isn’t it reasonable if it’s your turn to hear my request this time?” (the Marquis)

Ah, now you’re talking about it, I guess it makes sense.

It can’t be helped then…

“So, what do you want from me?” (Mitsuha)

It was troublesome, and it was the Marquis who made me angry in the first place, so I didn’t bother sitting down again.

“…I want you to forgive me for being rude the other day…” (the Marquis)

Oh? I wonder if he reflected on it properly.

I’m not a demon either. If he has properly reflected on it and apologize, I won’t do something unreasonable. In the first place, the cause of the matter was probably the instruction from the King… probably…

…but I feel that it would be a waste if I lose this advantageous status-quo…

That’s it!!

“It can’t be helped… then, I will forgive you, only 50%. The rest will be on another opportunity” (Mitsuha)

“…I see. But I still have to be grateful for that… then, the rest will be on the next occasion…” (the Marquis)

Perhaps the Marquis thought that [She’ll come again to get information about this matter anyway. That way, if she forgives me for the latter half then, we might be able to go back to our previous relationship], and so he calmed down…

“Yes, the remaining 950%” (Mitsuha)

“What in god’s name is that!! You should go back to kindergarten to re-learn about percentage!!” (the Marquis)

And I quickly leave the room, leaving the Marquis who was making such protests…

Ah, I greeted Mitchan before I went home. We’re friends after all!!