Hachinan tte, Sore wa Nai Deshou!

Basically Im able to do it. At the time when I release my hand from the nocked arrow, there are occasions when the aim is slightly off because of a slight shaking. (Karla)

I see. (Wendelin)

Although they had caused such a disturbance, no messenger from Browigs side has arrived yet.

Since it cant be helped, we continued our protective occupation of a part of the easts domain while immersing ourselves in killing time at the headquarters of the Earl Baumeister feudal army.

Thomas and the others were sent to the villages and cities, which we declared occupied, and spent every day busily leaving for the territories of the nobles, who were released on conditions. Moritz was occupied with assisting Margrave Breithilde in protecting the encampment.

However, we have quite a bit of spare time.

Although there are occasionally documents delivered together with the supply goods from my territory, it looks like they have a policy of not burdening me much at this point in time.

Nothing but the situation reports from Roderich arrived here.

The territory seems to be making good progress at the development even though they are still lacking manpower.

Once I check and sign those documents, I spend my days by training in magic or taking lessons in archery from Karla whos already treated as a guest.

In reality I wanted to go hunting in the Demon Forest as well, but since its wrong to leave the headquarters during war time as one might expect, I used all my free time like this.

The one who is the most busy among us is Elise who has become a temporary priestess.

Although theres no battle, there are occasionally injured people appearing due to work or hunting for the sake of food provisions. It goes without saying that there are sick people as well.

Ina trains her spearmanship in-between the preparations of meals and such.

Luise had time off?

She seems to be teaching the basics of the magic combat style to Wilma.

Whoaa! You are quite talented (Luise)

It was easy to regard Wilma as power fighter due to her hero syndrome, but in reality she was the technician type.

Her learning rate of the magic combat style is great, too. Being also taught stuff like archery and knife throwing techniques from Karla, she has been told that she has talent by Karla, too.

Instead she doesnt have any ability in leading soldiers though. (Moritz)

According to the assessment of Moritz, whos her blood-related elder brother, she has absolutely no ability to lead soldiers as commander.

At any rate, as she excels in power and martial arts, the best way of using her efficiently is to currently have her guard Elise and me.

Dont release your mana all of sudden there. Imagine it as long stream of mana, just like a thin string, as much as possible. (Burkhart)

Yes. (Katharina)

And Katharina received special training in magic from Burkhart-san.

Since she has little experience like me, she took lessons in mana control, she was weak at, for long periods every day.

Appropriate to her nickname Storm, she seems to be best at firing off showy magic.

Like this? (Katharina)

You are improving gradually. (Burkhart)

It seems that Katharina is actually feeling the training to bear noticeably results. She is earnestly following the coaching from Burkhart-san.

They are mostly hitting the central part of the target now. (Karla)

Its a good style. (Wendelin)

With merely 2~3 days of coaching, my archery skills improved to a degree that it was obvious to me, too.

However, it was unexpected. For you to be skilled in archery in addition to magic. (Karla)

My familys home is that shitty countryside after all. (Wendelin)

I concealed my magic as long as possible in my childhood. I earnestly trained my archery after considering situations where I used up my mana.

Also there was something like an atmosphere at home of you must be at least able to use the bow well.

If you cant catch prey, you wont eat meat. (Wendelin)

It was the same for me, too. (Karla)

The home of Karlas mother in the capital is poor. It looks like the didnt get to eat meat if she didnt go catching prey with her bow.

Otherwise the livelihood of a freeloader is quite limited. (Karla)

In spite of expecting a small allowance from Margrave Browig, her grandparents, her uncle, whos the family head, her aunt, her cousin, all of them without exception, treated her as nuisance.

Having said that, since I was treated as non-existing person even in the Browig household (Karla)

Being called all of a sudden, she looked after her father, she doesnt even love, and was forced as far as becoming a decorative Supreme Commander.

In all honesty, she wants to return to the capital quickly and earn money to support a livelihood with only her mother.

Umm, how to say it? Feel free to consult with me at any time (Wendelin)

I didnt have any intention for her to become my wife, but once I saw a beautiful girl being struck with grief, I ended up opening my mouth just like that.

After all a beauty is a gain for the world, I think.

Thank you very much. (Karla)

After training for a while, it has become lunch time. We decide to eat lunch as Elises invitation came about.

It was a peaceful lunch as usual, however this was likely due to the successful large-scale Area Stun we did our best with.

I want to go hunting. (Ina)

Yea, youre right

Not just me but also Elise, Katharina and Karla reacted to Inas grumbling.

Going by Karlas words, at such times she wants to leave even a minute earlier to go catching prey.

I cant see her as daughter of a major noble at all, but since her livelihood wasnt overly different from ours until now, it was proof of her job as Supreme Commander representative being nothing but something painful to her.

If thats the case, how about becoming an adventurer and going hunting in the Demon Forest with us, Karla-sama? (Erwin)

Thats a great idea. (Karla)

Karla responded to Erws invitation, where one doesnt know whether hes joking or meaning it seriously, with a smile.

If you go with us, you will be able to avoid risks quite well. Ah, yea, actually Id like you to teach me archery as well. (Erwin)

Okay. Thats fine. (Karla)

Keeping at it, Erw implores Karla to teach him archery and she accepts that without any particular hesitation.

After finishing lunch, Erw shot arrows at the target while happily receiving coaching from Karla.

You are skilful as well, Erwin-san. (Karla)

I cant win against you though, Karla-sama. Its magnificent how skilled you are at teaching, too. (Erwin)

Erw, who praised Karlas archery skill, continues to chat cheerfully with her while showing a loose smile.

That idiot (Ina)

Hes incredibly easy to understand (Wendelin)

Ina, who spied on his state from a distant place together with me, noticed it after all.

The fact that Erw has fallen in love with Karla, that is.

Let me see (Luise)

Next Luise looks at the situation of the two, but she noticed it right away as well since she had been associating with us for a reasonably long time now.Copyrighted by Infinite Novel Translations!

Erw has a total crush on her. (Luise)

Luise found fault with him from the bottom of her heart after having seen Erws dreamy look towards the beautiful Karla.

In the first place, Erw works as my guard.

Even if he doesnt particularly do so, theres no kind of problem since Moritz has deployed his subordinates in our camp, but to play hooky isnt good either.

Your teaching is skilful as well. Very different from Luise. (Erwin)

Really? (Karla)

Yes, if I compare her with you, its really just like day and night, Karla-san. (Erwin)

That asshole (Luise)

Certainly, Karla was an archery genius who wasnt just skilled herself but was also good at teaching others.

Luise, labelled as being bad at teaching by Erw, begins to send a sharp gaze at him while lowering her voice.

However, it didnt reach Erwin, who is dyed in the colour of silliness, at all.

Now, now, You are strong and cute, Luise (Erw you big fool). (Wendelin)

Since Luise wouldnt hesitate to give Erw a good beating at this rate, I began to soothe her in a hurry by hugging her gently from behind.

The magic combat style and archery are different. I will make you my wife because I consider you cute, Luise. Something like the opinion of a third party, just ignore it. (Wendelin)

Is that so? (Luise)

Although those were compliments which set ones teeth on edge, I was relived in my mind since they apparently fixed Luises bad mood.

Stupidity has its limits, too. (Katharina)

True. To begin with, its impossible. (Ina)

Katharina and Ina had sharp tongues too.

For a retainer to fall in love with a daughter of a noble who has been made into a prisoner for forms sake.

It would be permissible if it was a tale, but in reality it is nothing but a bother.

Does he have hope, I wonder?

As soon as they see it, anyone would understand, but Erws expression with his feelings towards Karla is foppish.

How pathetic, even though he was born with a better-looking face than me, he looks somewhat ugly because because of his overly sloppy expression.

It seemed like Katharina, who has taken a distance from Erw to begin with, regards him as someone creepy. Ina calmly reproaches Erw who has fallen in love with someone of a different social standing.

And there was me, but more than anything else I was bothered what Karla was thinking about this.

I thought that probably even Erw wont do something strange or confess his feelings in this situation.

Karla-sama is an adult, I believe. She shouldnt be particularly aware of Erw. (Wilma)

The one who answered exceedingly calm was the youngest among us, Wilma.

She seems to be poorly informed about the deeds between men and women who became lovers, but she is unexpectedly sensitive to the subtleties of men and women.

Karla-sama understands that she is blessed with her current treatment. Thats why she answers Erws lechery expression with a smile. (Wilma)

Wilmas speech was unusually long, but its content was filled with a sharp and brief opinion.

To put it simply, Karla attends to Erw with a lip-service attitude.

Is that so? Doesnt it look like she isnt as dissatisfied with it either? (Wendelin)

Wend-sama, I think you are still taking a womans discerning eye too lightly. (Wilma)

Thats harsh, Wilma-san. (Wendelin)

I end up caving in somewhat within my mind due to Wilmas pointer.

Wilma-san, you are as direct as ever. Its a love that wont ripen anyway. (Katharina)

Just as Katharina says, no matter how much she is treated as unwanted daughter, Karla is still the daughter of Margrave Browig.

There werent any expectations for her to become something like the wife of the retainer Erw.

Wendelin-san, how about if we opened his eyes a bit?

He will likely sober up very soon anyway. Personally I feel like wanting to support him, but (Wendelin)

Now that it has come to this, my position as noble is a heavy burden.

What do you think, Elise? (Wendelin)

Me!? (Elise)This translation is owned by Infinite Novel Translations

As they thought that the diligent Elise wouldnt do something like peeping by any means, everyone except me didnt realize her presence.

When I called out to the secretly peeping Elise, she apparently didnt expect to be found by me.

She answered while having a shrill and nervous voice.

You like such things fairly well, too, Elise? (Luise)

Luise-san, even I have some interest in such things. (Elise)

Elise, who answered Luises question while blushing, was quite adorable.

After all Karla-san was someone drawing the attention of men at the time when she was in the capital. (Elise)

Different from Elise and Katharina, Karla is a beauty that has a sense of translucence if described with few words. Even from my point of view, she is a type I like quite a bit.

Since her face is slightly plain, she has a beauty that is a bit nostalgic for me who is a Japanese.

She is beautiful, has a good style and is skilled with things like cooking.

In Karla-sans case, she diligently learned things such as domestic chores in the church until she returned to the Browig household.

There are also the circumstances that her home, where she was free-loading at, cant employ someone like a maid due to economical reasons. Apparently she was able to promptly do stuff like preparing meals after mingling with Elise and the others.

Of course she caught the attention of many men, but everyone ended up shrinking back after getting to know her lineage.

As things continued like that, she didnt have many male figures at her side, it seems.

They didnt want to turn a Margrave into their enemy over a love of different social standings, huh?

Yes. (Elise)

Although he knew that, love has sprout in Erw? (Wendelin)

No, even so

Elise had recently quite a few chats with Karla during cooking and such in this place, but she heard that Karla desires sincerity from a man.

It seems that the type of men she hates most are those like her father, Margrave Browig-sama. (Elise)

Watching the treatment of her own mother, its likely difficult for her to look at Margrave Browig favourably.

Erw is

Erw, who was taught womanising by Burkhart-san, might be considered to be lacking sincerity a bit.

Even Moritz group restrains themselves from talking about such things since there are many women in our encampment, but its not like they abstain completely from it either. Women are sensitive to such secret talks.

Karla will end up noticing it as well since Erw amuses himself by talking about juicy topics while drinking booze together with the other retainers to get quickly familiar with them as Erws situation is a bit special.

Moritz-nii-san is a vulgar person. (Wilma)

More or less all men are like that! (Moritz)

Since Karla ended up hearing the sad conversation between a certain elder brother and his younger sister a little bit ago, she might end up believing that Erws the same kind of man.

A certain elder brother being treated as filth by his younger sister, I remember the elder brother was on the verge of tears.

Whats up with that guy? Hes making such sloppy face. (Burkhart)

Moreover, showing his face at this place, Burkhart-san inspected Erws hopeless state while being astonished.

He is troubled with love. (Wendelin)

How pitiful. Even if Erw-boy got a crush on her, Karla-sama will ward it off easily. (Burkhart)

Once Burkhart-san, who has a rich amount of life experience, observes Erw, it cant be seen as anything but the countdown to Erws broken heart.

Even he should know that, I think, but Ah, right. (Burkhart)

What happened? (Wendelin)

Tomorrow a negotiation team from the Browig household will come in order to negotiate the arbitration. (Burkhart)

Eh? Arent those major news? (Wendelin)

I didnt know what face they would be making having caused such an incident in the end after breaking off the arbitration negotiations that had commenced once, but with this it finally looked like the beginning of the end of the long-lasting dispute.Reading this anywhere but at Infinite Novel Translations means you are supporting thieves!

I wonder whether it will go that well? (Burkhart)

Theres no meaning either way if we dont start the negotiations first though. (Wendelin)

Thats certainly true, but (Burkhart)

Burkhart-sans worries became reality and weighed down on us the next day.

As expected, they didnt bring any military forces along? (Wendelin)

Even gathering them costs money after all. (Burkhart)

Morning of the next day, the Margrave Browig household sent in a delegation to carry out the arbitration negotiations according to Burkhart-sans report.

As the occupied territory increased, our allies are waiting in a large built tent to be used for the negotiations in the front line grasslands where our troops are stationed. The delegation arrives there together with around 100 guards.

However, the negotiations suddenly turn into one big failure.

Or rather than failing, they didnt even start.

Im Philip von Browig. (Philip)

Im Christoph von Browig. (Christoph)

I expected it to some degree, but as there are two tops in Browigs camp, both parties started to quarrel when Margrave Breithilde asked with whom he is supposed to negotiate.

Being the eldest son, I will join the negotiations. (Philip)

What are you talking about!? Your failure led to this situation. I will be the one negotiating! (Christoph)

Not just the two but even the retainers, both parties brought along, have started to argue.

You lot, who planned something stupid like a war, have no qualifications to join the negotiations! Even before that, as everyone became prisoners, theres only small fries attending from your side. Such a line-up is a discourtesy towards Margrave Breithilde-sama!

Didnt you guys prepare the budget and goods without even any decent opposition at the beginning!? Then you changed your attitude quickly just as the war progress became disadvantageous! Simple bookworms should be silent!

Negotiations with idiots who have no brains and can only swing their swords? Dont talk nonsense!

You are a retard who only behaves like an intellectual! You guys intelligence is just fake, isnt it!?

There were probably various problems, but they might not have shown such disgraceful behaviour if Margrave Browig were in good health.

Another problem is that only up to 20 people of both sides are allowed to participate in the negotiations.

Even so, given that both, Philip and Christoph, brought 20 retainers to attend, it ended up becoming a dispute without either side yielding.

How about going with a 50-50 split? (Breithilde)

As expected Margrave Breithilde was unable to keep watching and threw them a lifeline, but even that resulted in nothing but a new cause for quarrelling.

Philip-sama, who has many of his feudal army staff members turned into prisoners, shouldnt join the delegation of 10 people.

Its an arbitration related to military movements! What do you intend with excluding Philip-sama who unifies the feudal army!? You guys have no merit other than signing documents! Theres no need for 10 of you to join the negotiations, right!?

Since the negotiations wouldnt start no matter how much time passed if things were left like this, Viscount Knappstein, who was unable to bear it any longer, recommended each side to enter the tent while taking half of their attendants along.

Not counting as part of either sides numbers, he is a person who has a neutral position due to being sent by the kingdom.

The two, who felt that it would be bad for the negotiations to make him angry, entered the tent obediently after picking 10 retainers to attend with them.

Theres the signing of the arbitration document before the negotiation, but (Knappstein)

Father died five days ago. Wont it be valid if both sides sign together? (Christoph)

It will. (Knappstein)

Viscount Knappstein showed an agreeing expression due to Christophs reply.

However, the reason why they finally showed up here is because their father, Margrave Browig, died.

He was a person whose face I dont know, however he was a somewhat pitiable man, I think.

With this the negotiations can continue, however

Of course the previously presented arbitration draft is completely invalid.

Thats because the prerequisites changed completely.

As a matter of fact, the nobles who joined Browigs camp with their armies have

Due to the far too irresponsible manner of the Margrave Browig household, they cleverly declared that they will change their patron to Margrave Breithilde.

The negotiations about the reconciliation money for the disputed cases and the ransom hasnt finished, but since the economy of their territories will fail if the dispute keeps prolonging like this, they returned to their territories after being released first.

And they will restore the state of the disputed cases to their pre-war state. Since its wrong for them to allow things like merchant groups of Browigs camp to enter their territory due to their status of being occupied, they have agreed to trade with the south.

The conditions have already changed. Please understand that aspect. (Knappstein)

They, who were vassals of the Browig household before the war, have become vassals of Margrave Breithilde now.

All the disputed cases will be restored to their pre-war state. The nobles and soldiers, who became prisoners, will be released.

In other words, it signified that the domain controlled by the east ended up going north quite a bit.(T/N: Meaning they lost the southern parts due to the switch of the nobles)

And, moreover another cruel reality is thrust at them.

Be that as it may, that doesnt mean that the reconciliation money of my vassals, who attacked us, has been waived. It changed into the shape of me demanding the entire batch from you. (Breithilde)

The entire batch?

Well thats only natural. After all theres these document here. (Breithilde)

What was grasped in Margrave Breithildes hand were more than 40 contracts, which were given to the former nobles of the Browig camp, stating that all the damages incurred due to the dispute would be covered by the Browig household.

As they were opponents in the dispute, it will be wrong for them to not pay the reconciliation money to return the interests into their pre-war state. However, in this contract its written that the Browig household will cover for that. Based on the negotiations efficiency, its better for me to demand it all together in one go. (Breithilde)

Since Margrave Breithilde has already paid the reconciliation money to the nobles before that, he will end up in the red if he doesnt collect the debts.

My vassals are

Moreover, the part beyond redemption for the Browig households side is the point that more than 40 noble households wont ever work under them as vassals even if they pay the reconciliation money.

The have only lost money and their own ruled domain has ended up shrinking.

Its unmistakable that the Browig household only lost out in this war.

Theres also the ransom for the prisoners who were mainly captured by Earl Baumeister. (Breithilde)

The prisoners over here have been already released and the management expenses for the prisoners, who are taken care of by our allied nobles, have been paid in advance.

Naturally, I will demand this share from the Margrave Browig household as well.

In addition, there are 10.000 and oh 567 prisoners of the Browig feudal army. Quite a few of the cities and villages in the eastern domain are in a state of being occupied. To return these as well, its necessary for you to pay reconciliation money. (Breithilde)

At the time of the first arbitration negotiation Viscount Knappstein estimated four hundred million cents.

However, in the current situation the same amount of money wont suffice.

It should become a drastic increase in the amount of money.

How much is it? (Philip)

Philip, who finally opened his mouth, asks Margrave Breithilde.

According to the calculations, its one billion cents. (Breithilde)

No way!

Due to the excessive amount of money, both successor candidates become speechless.

However, even before that reckless night attack it was five(T/N: author means four here?)hundred million cents.

It likely cant be helped that the increased amount has reached this level.

No matter how you look at it, its far too high!

Still, its a big failure to such an extent. The increased amount is unavoidable. (Knappstein)

Special Envoy-dono, are you siding with Margrave Breithilde!? (Philip)

Due to Viscount Knappsteins comment, Philip snaps at him, but Knappstein answered calmly without changing his expression at all.

Side with him? I dont understand the meaning of what you are talking about. Prolonging the nonsense called dispute which is tolerated by the kingdom, you equipped real weapons and planned a night attack once the situation became disadvantageous in the first arbitration. Let me tell you clearly, the kingdoms distrust towards the Browig household has become strong. Having a succession struggle is fine, but please make at least sure to not become a bother to other nobles. And, if you plan to say something like return to the pre-war state without paying any reconciliation money in this place, I wont be able to agree to that as it will turn into a one-sided support of the Browig households side. (Knappstein)

His tone was indifferent, but both succession candidates end up silent due to the merciless rebuttal of Viscount Knappstein.

Since there was also the possibility that he would have been killed in the night attack if it wasnt prevented by us, he was probably highly offended.

I think it might be possible to get a bit of debt reduction, but I believe it will be pointless even if we negotiate about the other matters. Its the same with the separation of the vassals. The Browig household has the responsibility to pay their losses in accordance to those contracts, but they wont return being vassals of the Browig household.

Carrying out an unyielding occupation while using the fact that their vassals cant refuse, they didnt show their faces at the front lines as they were engrossed in their succession struggle.

Theres truly no other way but to express it as they reap what the have sown.

Since todays objective was to make introductions and to present the conditions, lets wrap it up with this? (Breithilde)

Even if they negotiate about the reduction of reconciliation money, its probably necessary to discuss it with the Browig households side.

Margrave Breithilde declared todays negotiations to be finished and both sides broke up.

Theyd like to invite you to dinner, Earl Baumeister-sama.

Haa invite, eh? (Wendelin)

Around one hour after the first days arbitration negotiation, we returned to our own encampment, but I received something like a warning from Margrave Breithilde during the return.

It would be best for you to be careful, Earl Baumeister. (Breithilde)

As Im a youngster, they will go for my weak points? (Wendelin)

Thats the point. (Breithilde)

A considerable part of the reconciliation money to be paid by Browigs camp in the negotiation is the ransom of the nobles and soldiers I captured.

Due to that thoughtless night attack many of the leaders and elites of the Browig main army have been arrested.

If one adds this as well, the amount of money becomes enormous. Both succession candidates will likely try to decrease the sum of reconciliation money by specifically aiming at the young me.

It will be quite difficult for them to reduce the reconciliation money to be paid to me. In your case they might consider it possible if they deceive skilfully. (Breithilde)

Its because Im a youngster who has just become an adult. However, arent they forgetting the case of that rear disturbance operation? (Wendelin)

Thats why. While thats unofficial, they will apologize and present certain conditions instead. (Breithilde)

Karla-san, huh? (Wendelin)

As shes close in age, they will present her, whos the youngest daughter of the Browig household, to me as wife.

To the Browig family it will finish with them saying she is included as apology for the aforementioned manoeuvring. If Karla becomes my wife, it will turn into a convenient matter for them, too.

They will be able to join in on the Savage Lands development concessions. Its would be strange to not lend money to your wifes home, right? (Breithilde)

I have no intention to make her my wife or such. (Wendelin)

She isnt a bad girl, but her relatives are more than too bad.

Even without that, my true opinion was that I wanted to prevent the intervention of such people since my territory is just being established right now.

She will probably be bewildered as well.

I have her teach me archery. I think that Karla herself is a good girl as she helps with things like preparing the meals together with Elise and the others, but even so, marriage was something completely different.

She is a good girl who is able to consider the people she speaks with, but saying that in reverse, its also a breeding ground for causing misunderstandings like with Erw.

For some reason Erw fell selfishly in love with her, but its not like she is in love with him. It can be regarded as her having an interaction between adults.

However, theres also the possibility that she is really harbouring good will towards him. Judging that is difficult for me who has a low love score.

Please dont get deceived. (Breithilde)

Of course. (Wendelin)

Separating from Margrave Breithilde I move to our own encampment.

The negotiation team of the Margrave Browig household with a total amount of 150 people put up their encampment close to Margrave Breithildes main army.

As there will be negotiations every day from now on, they chose a close-by place. As the situation has deteriorated to such extent, you might say that they arent expecting to get attacked or assassinated in reverse.

Although I think that theyve got quite some nerves, I wished they had demonstrated that judgement a lot faster.

When thinking about such matters, Moritz shows up. He brought news that the Browig household wanted to invite me to dinner.

After waiting for a while, an official messenger from the Browig households side arrived and handed me a written invitation.

Got it. We will visit. (Wendelin)

Thank you very much.

The elderly man, who acts as messenger, returns to the encampment of the Browig household while showing a relieved expression.

Isnt that dangerous? (Moritz)

Not really. (Wendelin)

If they kill me in this place, the Browig household will definitely lose their peerage.

By no means I wanted to believe that they didnt think that far ahead.

Guards will accompany me. (Wendelin)

Erwin, do you understand? (Moritz)

Yes. (Erwin)

Moritz makes sure that Erw definitely carries out his role as guard.

The current Erw was always silly due to his crush on Karla, but it apparently didnt go as far as him forgetting his job.

By the way, this written invitation is (Moritz)

Moritz, who gazed at the written invitation he received from me, noticed a certain important aspect.

The sender is Philip-dono. (Moritz)

U~~~~mm, in other words (Wendelin)

Tomorrow a written invitation from Christoph-dono will arrive? (Moritz)

Thats right, isnt it? It will be intense for two days in a row (Wendelin)

If they at least invited me together, I cursed at the two succession candidates in my mind.

Im happy that you came.

Let me treat you without reservation.

Evening that day I went out in order to attend the dinner party sponsored by the Browig household.

Conveying this to Margrave Breithilde, the ones who entered the enemy camp were Erw, me and four guards who were designated by Moritz.

Also, thinking that its likely better if there was a woman as well, Luise is participating while likewise acting as guard.

If its her, she probably will defeat several enemies with margin even if something happens.

Besides, I think that Elise will be in danger.

I shouldnt be poisoned, but there was the possibility of drugging Elise.

The poisoning wouldnt be the objective but the goal would be to serve Elise, who will be my legal wife in future, secretly a poison that makes her unable to give birth to children.

Although its quite rare to obtain, such poison does in fact exist.

Anticipating the worst possibility, Luise participated this time.

In my case I can sense poison to some extent. (Luise)

Whats with that ability? (Wendelin)

Shes completely like a certain end of century saviour.

Once one persists in doing martial arts to some extent, ones senses will become sharp. (Luise)

Its not everything, but it looks like its possible to sense poison contained in food and such with a high probability.

Is it something like a identify spell? (Wendelin)

If the two of us are careful, theres likely no way for us to eat poison. Isnt that right, Karla? (Luise)

I pray that Philip-nii-sama doesnt go that far. (Karla)

Leaving Karla, who has a somewhat stiff expression, we join the place of the dinner sponsored by Philip.

The small scale encampment, constructed by the Browig household, was filled with two large tents because of the antagonism between the two succession candidates.

The second son, Christoph is probably in the large tent we didnt enter.

Since its an encampment, I cant show you splendid items though. (Philip)

Since the circumstances are as they are, Philip interacted with me, who is 20 years younger than him, politely.

Since Im usually working as adventurer, you dont have to mind it. (Wendelin)

I believe that I have understood your ability well. (Philip)

The eldest son of the Browig household, Philip, was owner of a well-trained, compact body with a height of around 185 cm.

He seems to excel in military ability, but since we have seen the disgrace of the Browig army in front of our eyes, it wont work even if he tries to make us swallow that story.

Going by his looks, he was a neat person.

Without this times failure, I might have associated with him normally.

Compared to Minister Edgar and the Armstrong family, including doushi, he isnt a strong person.

Philip? That guy is an excellent general candidate. (Edgar)

Before the dinner I procured information through the magical hand-held communication device from Minister Edgar, but not many insults towards Philip came over his lips.

However, when it comes to being a feudal lord (Edgar)

It appears that he will be able to be quite successful if its as appointed noble of the military department, but it will be hard for him to rule as feudal lord.

Even the person himself has admitted that repeatedly, but since theres no way for him to say that in front of his maternal relative and his retainers, who wish for him to become the next feudal lord, he has no other choice but to display a manner of disputing with his younger brother from a different mother on the surface.

Isnt that the real situation? Minister Edgar guessed.

And, what about that major incident? (Wendelin)

That was likely done by that idiot Kodowien being impatient. (Edgar)

Kodowien was the elderly chief retainer who was in charge at the first arbitration.

It seems that he acts as Junior Commander and his daughter is the legal wife of Philip.

Does he wield influence as maternal relative in the Margrave Browig household? (Wendelin)

Its a common dream to be the chief retainer of an upper noble household. On the contrary, causing a debacle thats very likely to make him lose his current job, he probably did that to gloss it over somehow. (Edgar)

Theres no point in doing that if it costs close to 100 people their lives.

No matter how much he might be a maternal relative, with that grand failure it means that his career is finished at this point. Currently he is a prisoner.

He will probably be disposed of if he returns to the Browig household, but we had no intention to tell him to accompany us.

If Philip comes to the capital, I will be troubled once he does stupid thinks like asking me for a big favour or wanting me to actively mediate for him. I will be completely hated if I helped Philip in this place. (Edgar)

If he leaves the territory unable to become the feudal lord, he will assist him with re-employment, but if he intervened wrongly in this situation, the sparks will even spread to him.

I believe that it will become a huge amount of reconciliation money, but I guess theres no other choice but to pay it. At worst they will probably get an order to liquidize their property. Since they cant be shut down anyway, they wont have any choice but to accept it obediently. (Edgar)

Order to liquidize property is simply put about going temporarily bankrupt.

As the debt is considerable, an appointed noble of the finance department will be dispatched by the kingdom as third party administrator for a noble household, which cannot be afforded to be shut down, even by the kingdom, and they will suffer large restrictions in the budget plans until the debts are repaid to a certain degree.

The reason for such system to exist is that the local region will be plunged into chaos if an important noble vanishes all of a sudden.

Although it has a generous feeling, an important noble of the province, who received an Order to liquidize property, will be nothing more than a pet dog of the kingdom.

Besides, the matter of adopting it is equal to being told You are incompetent as feudal lord.

He has probably no option but to yield the seat of next feudal lord to Christoph. Thats because he destroyed himself on his own accord. Even if its the rampaging of his retainer, who is his father-in-law, he bears the same crime as he wasnt able to restrain his retainer. Its the best move for me to take care of the troubles and be responsible for him, but (Edgar)

However, although that move is good for Philip, it means that the retainers, who supported no one but him, will be at worst plunged into the danger of unemployment. It seems that Minister Edgar believes that theres no guarantee that it wont kick up a fuss if he sets up Philips son as successor with Because he is my picked-up grandson by tomorrow.

Everyone is at their wits end. (Edgar)

Even if the Margrave Browig household is shut down and other nobles are relocated there to take direct control of the area, it will be unavoidable for there to be chaos for a while.

Given that they would be bound to provide a lot of money, to say nothing about getting no profit from it, the important appointed nobles of the central government were actually reluctant to shut the household down and take its property.

If it was a small fry, they would likely have shut it down and taken it all without hesitation though.

If going by Japanese standards, its the same reason why Electric Power Co. and IE cant be shut down.(T/N: First is Tepco aka Tokyo Electric Power Co., second I dont know)

Do you want to become a landed noble, Minister Edgar? (Wendelin)

No. Im not fit to govern. (Edgar)

Marquis and Margrave.

The way of calling them is different, but even though they should hold the same rank, Marquis, which is only an appointed noble rank, loses out in number of retainers and possession of assets.

Therefore, even if he were ordered to relocate, it would be unlikely for him to be capable of governing.

Rather, it was possible that unnecessary chaos would spread if the former retainers and soldiers rebelled.

(It sounds like a story. Even if a protagonist was to be suddenly given a large territory, that would be unreasonable as well.) (Wendelin)

Even we are always troubled by the lack of manpower since developing the vast Savage Lands.

If they say something disagreeing about the reconciliation money being too high, make them shut up by seizing a mine or their tax revenue. (Edgar)

Thats an unyielding view. (Wendelin)

Thats because the other side is completely at fault here. For us its fine if we can control the East and leave a certain scale to the Margrave Browig household. No one will complain if the debt is reduced a bit. (Edgar)

Although we had such a chat, I was actually asked by Minister Edgar to not mention it to Philip.

If it was just a problem of Philip, it would end at once with him renunciating his succession rights, but it will become fatal if theres faulty guidance from outside because the retainers are involved in it.

Well, please take a seat over there. (Philip)

Sitting down at the head of the prepared table as offered by Philip, Luise sits down next to me in her role as my wife.

Erw stands diagonally behind me and is cautious of assassins and such. The other guards did the same.

It could be said that this much precaution was natural as we were still mutual enemies without even having agreed on an arbitration draft.

Lets toast first. (Philip)

Since hes a person from the military department, his energy might come from being an athletic type.

After toasting with wine at once, the full course meal starts with hors doeuvre.

As for the quality of the food, relatively magnificent dishes came out for being on a camp-ground.

As expected, is that the feeling of an country man who controls the east?

Even in the east I heard the rumours. That you are a splendid magician who defeated two dragons. (Philip)

There was no way for him to talk about the recent war as it was a dinner party with the goal of befriending me. He switched the topic to the story about my dragon slaying and such.

And, if its that noble, it indispensable for him to talk about the martial arts tournament once, too.

I lost in the fifth round of the preliminaries. Should I say that its preferable for the son of a noble? (Philip)

Drinking wine, we continue a suitable chat while eating the dishes of the full meal course that appear one after the other.

However, since he doesnt talk about the recent war after all, I ask myself the question why Im in this place and for what sake.

Even though Luise is cautious, she eats plentifully unfitting for her small build. Erws group continued to monitor the surroundings as well.

Although the possibility of poisoning and assassination not happening was almost 100%, it cant be helped since its their job.

After finishing the dinner with desserts, we are having a chat while drinking an after-meal tea and that topic comes up after all.

Dont you have any intention to take our Karla as wife, Earl Baumeister-dono? (Philip)

It seems that he is trying to force Karla onto me as wife as expected.

In this situation the opposition from Margrave Breithilde might be strong. As its impossible to begin with (Wendelin)

Its quite likely that there will be once again a war over the concessions for the Savage Lands development.

If things dont go well, its probable for there to be interference from Margrave Breithilde as well.

Currently his relationship with me is favourable, but there are also parts where even he wont yield.

Wont you at least try thinking about it? (Philip)

It will become an issue if he tries to push it onto me forcibly, but right now Karla is a prisoner of the Earl Baumeister household.

Her treatment was based on her being a guest, but he might be thinking that she can fall in love with me one way or the other.

(By no means will he extend the negotiations with that as goal, will he?) (Wendelin)

Ending the dinner, we return to our own encampment.

And, the next day I was invited to a dinner sponsored by Christoph as expected.

They are really on bad terms with each other. Usually it would end with just one time, right? (Erwin)

Continuing from yesterday, Erw, who is in charge of my guarding, sighed together with the other guards.

Who will go today? (Wendelin)

Of course I will pass. (Luise)

We havent married yet, but its absolutely necessary for me to be accompanied by a fiance again since we are engaged to each other. However Luise refused as the very first as she attended yesterday.

Well, Ina then? (Wendelin)

Fine with me. But I might not know overly much about the taste of food (Ina)

Since Luise is a genius in a certain way, she has the boldness to ask for a second serving of desserts while continuing her lookout even if she is invited to the dinner of an important noble household.

However, since Ina is the serious type, she will become extremely nervous in such place.

It looks like theres something disagreeing with you. (Wendelin)

To be honest (Ina)

Its troublesome for me as well Since its not allowed to not act according to etiquette, Im going there reluctantly. (Wendelin)

Im able to eat at any time if its something delicious. Since he will just ask me to take Karla as my wife again anyway, even Im fed up with it.

How about you, Wilma? (Wendelin)

Im fine because our sides food is delicious. (Wilma)

Is that so? (Wendelin)

Given that the Browig household is the household of an upper noble, they will serve good dishes, but they were unrelated to the new art of cooking and the new ingredients such as soy sauce,miso, mayonnaise and chocolate since they dont trade with us.

Therefore I dont think she wants to eat it very much as the contents of the dishes have no great difference to the party menus of nobles she attended in the capital.

How about you, Elise? (Wendelin)

I will refrain this time. (Elise)

Elise, who is my future legal wife, usually accompanies me a lot of times.

Thus theres actually another reason for her to refrain.

If you take Elise along, she will be persuaded.

Its very likely that he will reach out to Elise to manoeuvre and persuade her for the sake of marrying Karla to me.

Thats because she will manage the inner circle of the Baumeister household in future.

If I go, it might become too troublesome (Elise)

Well then, what to do about this? (Wendelin)

Of course theres one more candidate and moreover she is facing me with an expression that shows that she wants to attend very much while waiting and seeing how the situation develops.

I dont know whats so enjoyable about such dinner that she wants to go there, but theres likely some kind of amusement for her there.

The lasr one is (Wendelin)

Theres no other way. At this point I will (Katharina)

Luise, though its difficult with two day in a row. (Wendelin)

Why Luise again when you are looking at me!? (Katharina)

The reason is simple. As Katharina wants to go that badly, I just ended up teasing her.

Its a joke. But, do you want to go that much? (Wendelin)

I have been unrelated to such parties and dinners (Katharina)

It seems that she is yearning for them as its an unknown for her.

Well, then lets leave it to Katharina?

Please entrust it to me. The dinner will become a success due to my elegance. (Katharina)

She might be completely misunderstanding something, but I decide to not mind it since we will just go there to have a meal.

And then, evening of that day.

Since its soon time, we decide to leave towards the encampment of the Browig household.

Wendelin-san. Im sorry to have kept you waiting. (Katharina)

Oi (Wendelin)

Somehow I had a bad premonition, but Katharina got terribly fired up and thoroughly dressed herself up.

She changed into a bright red dress, which that had an amount of frill attached while using silk generously, wore a horseshoe-shaped hair-band, that had lots of real jewels instead of her usual magic gems embedded, had many gemmed accessory types such as rings and wore high heels.

A perfect full dress (Wendelin)

Even though it would have been plenty with an ordinary dress since we are currently in times of war and moreover in the fields, she had an attire as if she was going to a party hosted by the royal family.

I tried to stop her. I told her that Luise also wore an ordinary dress yesterday (Ina)

Ina, who helped with Katharinas dressing, sighed.

Luise, Katharina and Wilma.

Since each of the three has her own liberal ways, damage occasionally befalls upon the serious Ina.

Isnt it fine since its not like Im particularly in the wrong here? (Katharina)

Well, then lets go. (Wendelin)

Because Katharina isnt going unwillingly but looking forward to it, thats probably the sole salvation, I guess?

Sure enough its hard for her to walk in grassland since she is wearing high heels, thus she is pretending to walk elegantly while floating slightly above the ground with Flight.

From my standpoint its a waste of mana, but for Katharina it seems to be something important.

Thank you very much for following our invitation.

As theres another butler meeting us as todays dinner is hosted by Christoph, it appears that both of them are staying at two different places even in the encampment.

Its inefficient, but you can also say that its inevitable since their relationship is twisted.

Shes my fiance. (Wendelin)

Im called Honorary Associate Baroness Katharina Linda von Waigel. Thank you very much for extending your invitation to us today. (Katharina)

Even though everyone is dressed ordinarily as the location is in the fields, only Katharina has her body wrapped up in a frilly, expensive dress.

Although it was only perfect with her floating, it doesnt seem like the person herself minds at all.

She is

Noisy voices are raised by the retainers who met her.

Its because they noticed that she is the wizard who captured the employed magicians of the Browig household.

One part of the people there are showing an expression of feeling disappointed, but from their point of view they might have a feeling of The magicians we gathered at great troubles were done in by such flashy woman.

Im glad to meet you. Im Christoph von Browig. (Christoph)

The second son, Christoph, whom I see for the first time, was a person with a slight thin line-like liberal arts body.

Also, theres nothing else special about him, or rather

I cant regard him as anything but a normal person just a bit before his mid-life.

Im thankful for you having followed my invitation today. (Christoph)

I think he wants a quick agreement on the arbitration draft. Since it has been decided that he will tell me that he wants me to take Karla as my wife anyway, its in truth troublesome to interact with him.

Though there was no way for me to voice that out.

Well, heres your seat. (Christoph)

Christoph politely guides us to our seats.

Once we sit down, the dishes are immediately brought in, but the menu was almost the same.

I think similar dishes will be served. After all they are an upper noble household. The menu of dishes to entertain guests has been mostly decided.

Depending on the season, they are usually preparing several patterns as well, but this place is unfortunately an outdoor encampment.

The Browig household, which is capable to serve a full course menu in such place, had the impression of an important noble as expected, but its also something intolerable for the body to have the same meal two days in a row.

(At least go and ask your elder brother what he served!) (Wendelin)

If that was possible, he likely wouldnt be in dispute with his brother up to this point.

As expected of a dinner by the Margrave Browig household. (Katharina)

Its an honour to receive your praise, madam. (Christoph)

Im still his fiance (Katharina)

For me its two days in a row but for Katharina it is the first time to eat the dishes. Moreover its the first time for her to be at such place.

Just like a country bumpkin, who visited a sight-seeing area for the first time, she enjoyed the food and the conversation.

Katharina, who has become embarrassed from being called madam, was cute, but the slightly too festive Katharina is drawn in by Christoph to a certain extent.

However that was convenient for me at todays occasion.

(Katharina, please enjoy it a lot. So that Christoph wont start talking about that.) (Wendelin)

My wish was honoured by heaven and Christoph wasnt able to talk about Karlas matter in the end.

Because he wielded the topic to Katharina, who is a renown magician, her big solo performance ended up starting.

At the time when I went out hunting for the first time, a huge bear monster came attacking. I brought it down by blowing it up in the air with a tornado spell in panic. Then I finished the other monsters in the vicinity by blowing them away with wind magic. Thus everyone called me Storm. (Katharina)

Hahaha Is that so? (Christoph)

In the end her solo performance continued until the end of the dinner party and Christoph had a cramped expression as he couldnt bring up the crucial matter.

Without doubt he is believing that I brought along Katharina anticipating this.

As expected, that was something called overestimating me too much though.

It was fun. (Katharina)

Thats true. Im thankful to you today, Katharina. (Wendelin)

Huh? (Katharina)

Katharina, who was puzzled why I was thankful to her, was a bit cute after all.

And, without being able to understand what kind of meaning they had, the dinners for two days in a row finished safely.