“How shallow. You haven’t thought for yourself at all. The empire is larger and more powerful than our country. You’re trying to send Farah into a den of power-hungry wolves, thinking only of your own gain, not her wellbeing. Do you not see that?”
“Th-that can’t be true… I believed marrying into the Magnolia royal family would ensure my sister’s happiness…”
“You haven’t thought for yourself. You can’t even respond with your own words, only parroting what someone else told you. A prince should not speak with borrowed words.”
“……”
Realizing the contradiction between his claim of acting for his sister’s sake and his own hunger for power, Raycis began to cry, having become aware of his foolishness. He straightened up, avoiding Elias’s sword, and knelt on the tatami, pressing his head to the floor in a deep bow of apology.
“Lord Reed, I am deeply sorry. I was foolish and let myself be swayed by others’ words, speaking to you inappropriately. I sincerely apologize.”
I was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, but his apology brought me back to reality.
“Oh… no, there’s no need for that…”
I tried to speak gently to Raycis, who was bowing before me, but Elias interrupted.
“Raycis, this is no longer something you can resolve with an apology. A formal apology from the state is required. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand…”
I was again taken aback as the two continued without acknowledging my words. What did they plan to do as an apology from the state? I looked at Raycis, puzzled. He noticed my gaze and smiled.
“Lord Reed, I believe you will make my sister happy. Farah is… my precious, beloved sister. Please take good care of her.”
“Huh…? Yes, I understand.”
I answered, confused by Raycis’s sudden gentleness. He smiled again at me, then straightened his posture and closed his eyes, as if readying himself.
“Father, I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused.”
“You fool…”
Elias stood beside Raycis, raising his sword overhead. Oh no, this is just like those seppuku scenes from period dramas. As I tried to cry out, Queen Liesel clung to Elias’s feet.
“Your Majesty Elias! Raycis is still a child… mistakes are inevitable. Please, have mercy…!”
Queen Liesel pleaded desperately, bowing to the ground to protect Raycis. He began to sob, seeing his mother’s desperate plea.
With a trembling voice, he spoke gently to her.
“Mother, it’s alright. I have done something that deserves this punishment.”
“Raycis…”
With a look of resolve, Raycis embraced his mother. They cried together as if saying their final goodbyes. He then looked firmly at his father.
“Father, I have one last request.”
“…What is it?”
“Please take good care of Mother. Cherish her as you do Lady Eltia.”
Hearing Raycis’s words, Liesel was taken aback and began sobbing again. Elias understood everything at that moment, and muttered in disdain, “…That old fox,” then turned to his son with a reprimanding tone.
“Liesel and Eltia are both precious wives. I have never favored one over the other. Raycis, you have been played.”
Raycis seemed to grasp the meaning of Elias’s words, but his calm demeanor remained as he responded gently.
“I see. But even so, my actions cannot be undone.”
“Such spirit is admirable. Very well, then…”
Elias slowly raised his sword, focusing. Raycis braced himself, while Liesel sobbed and crouched, crying.
The moment of Raycis’s sentencing was upon us. Just then, I snapped out of my daze, realizing this wasn’t the situation I had envisioned. I shouted loudly.
“Please wait! Your Majesty Elias, I do not seek such punishment for Prince Raycis!”
As my words echoed around the room, everyone in the room stopped moving, including Elias, Lacis, and Liesel. Thinking quickly, I spoke hurriedly to diffuse the situation.
“Th-the reason I dueled with Prince Raycis was to make him repent, not to demand such severe punishment. Besides, Prince Raycis is Princess Farah’s brother. If we are to be connected by marriage, he will become my brother as well. I don’t want to lose him over this!”
My words seemed to change the atmosphere slightly, but it wasn’t enough.
“Only those present here know of the exchange between Prince Raycis and myself. That’s why we asked my Father to step out.”
Seeing a hint of hesitation on Elias’s face, I continued urgently.
“Yes! As a condition for overlooking this incident, I have a few requests. Could we discuss these before deciding on Prince Raycis’s punishment? I value the future connection with my potential brother-in-law more than anything else.”
Elias smiled slyly at my words. Sheathing his sword, he sat back in his chair.
“Very well. State your conditions.”
Phew, Elias must have been looking for a way to resolve this as well. Or perhaps he was waiting for me to speak up all along? No, it couldn’t be.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
After a moment of thought, I presented my conditions.
① Allow my marriage to Princess Farah.
② Provide support for our trade routes.
③ Pardon Prince Raycis’s actions.
These were the immediate thoughts that came to mind. At this point, I had no other demands from Renalute. This seemed like a good solution for the current issue. Raycis and Liesel appeared astonished, especially when I mentioned the third condition, which made the queen cry in relief. Hearing my conditions, Elias looked puzzled.
“……By trade routes, you mean the Christy Trading Company that is becoming famous in the Baldia region?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Trade will definitely lead to mutual development. However, I have heard that Renalute can be harsh on new trading companies, so I would like to have King Elias’s support.”
Elias nodded with a “Hmm” and gave me a sharp look.
“Understood. Leave the matter of trade to me. Next time, bring the representative of the trading company.”
“Thank you very much!”
After expressing my gratitude and bowing, Elias asked me the next question.
“What do you mean by forgiving Raycis’s crimes?”
“I have no hidden intentions. I simply don’t want to lose someone who might become my brother. Besides, Lord Raycis was only influenced negatively. From the earlier discussions, it’s clear that Lord Raycis is intelligent.”
This is my true feeling. Raycis is also a key character in the game, so losing him isn’t an option. But, I genuinely believe he is talented. If only he could break free from his obsessions.
“Hmm. Raycis, what do you think?”
Since our earlier interaction where he bowed to me, Raycis had been kneeling on the tatami. He straightened up and turned towards Elias.
“…Yes. I am deeply grateful for being granted such clemency despite my mistakes. I cannot match Lord Reed in swordsmanship, thoughtfulness, or humanity. If given the opportunity, I wish to start over from scratch.”
Raycis’s tone and content of his speech were different from before. Elias, now looking at Raycis with the same kindness as my father would, responded gently.
“It seems you have finally been freed from your burden. If it’s the current you, then it should be fine.”
“…Father.”
“Alright. As it is Lord Reed’s earnest wish, we will overlook this matter. However, it must not be disclosed to anyone. Understood?”
The three of us, except Elias, bowed in agreement.
“Good. Now, about the marriage with my daughter, are you fine with the conditions, Lord Reed?”
“Yes, King Elias. If you, Queen Liesel, and Lord Raycis approve, then the marriage is as good as settled.”
Even after hearing my response, Elias seemed somewhat unsatisfied. Reluctantly, I decided to reveal something to him.
“King Elias… may I have a word with you in private?”
“Hmm? Very well, come closer.”
I approached Elias and whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened, and his stern expression broke into a hearty laugh. Raycis and Queen Liesel, who were watching, were taken aback. After calming down, Elias smiled wryly.
“Ha, I see. So that’s how it is. Well then, I approve of the marriage. However, the announcement cannot be made immediately. This will remain between those present here.”
We expressed our agreement by bowing to Elias, but I received permission to inform only my father. I thought the audience had ended… but as I stepped outside, Princess Farah and her bodyguard were waiting. Princess Farah looked between me and Elias and suddenly spoke.
“Lord Reed, could you please have a match with my bodyguard, Asuna Lanmark?”
“Huh…?”
It seemed the audience in Renalute was not yet over.
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Round 2~