Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 164: “Princess Sophia Meets with Prince Ricardo”
That day, a prince of the Empire arrived in the town of Nosa.
The prince’s name was Ricardo Dolgaria.
Unlike Princesses Liana and Sophia, who had come with their military corps, he arrived in secret, accompanied by only a few soldiers.
Upon arriving in the town, Prince Ricardo informed the soldiers guarding the gate about the scheduled meeting.
Captain Isaac, who had been on standby near the gate, responded immediately.
Afterward, Captain Isaac was tasked with guiding the prince to the meeting place.
The location of the meeting was a hall in Princess Sophia’s residence.
The participants were Prince Ricardo and Princess Sophia.
As witnesses, the captains of Ricardo’s unit and Isaac’s unit were present.
And—there was also a mysterious boy acting as a recorder, who was to remain in the same room.
—Princess Sophia’s point of view—
“It has been a while, Sophia. I’ve heard of your accomplishments. Oh yes, I’ve heard of them.”
As soon as he sat at the meeting table, Prince Ricardo spoke.
“First, I want to thank you for agreeing to this meeting. Have you been well?”
“Yes. It seems the air in this border region suits me.”
“Good to hear. Then, allow me—Ricardo—to say something first.”
Raising his hand with a theatrical gesture, Ricardo said:
“First, let me apologize. One of my men trespassed into your lodging. Even if it was unavoidable, it is proper to offer an apology.”
“That’s unexpected, Brother.”
Ricardo gave a slight bow, while Sophia looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“I didn’t think you would so easily admit to your subordinate’s unlawful actions.”
“A hero is someone who admits their mistakes and grows. Besides, there’s no point in trying to cover up something that would be discovered anyway. It would just be a waste of time.”
“…So, that’s the kind of person you are, Brother.”
Sophia clenched the skirt of her dress as she responded.
In front of her sat Prince Ricardo—a young man with blond hair and an affable smile.
Ricardo was two years older than Sophia and her brother. He held the right of succession to the throne and was also highly skilled in combat. From a young age, he had received training from swordsmen and magicians, and had studied the ways of imperial rule.
Although the Crown Prince had already been named—the eldest brother, Diaz—there had been past instances where a crown prince died before ascending, or had been deposed.
Ricardo had likely received a proper education to prepare for such a possibility.
That said, Sophia, who had been confined to the detached palace, never had the opportunity to meet him before.
(According to the rumors, he’s said to be a friendly person, but…)
Ricardo, sitting in front of her, looked completely at ease, as if he were in his own home.
After having his subordinate taste the tea and baked sweets for poison, he ate them without issue.
He smiled openly, treating both Sophia and their guide Isaac without discrimination.
Indeed, he did seem friendly and approachable—but…
(…He sent his soldiers into my lodging and into the demon lord territory’s trading post, and yet he acts like this?)
In the Imperial Capital, opinions about Prince Ricardo were divided into two:
—A prince who understands his subordinates and is friendly.
—A prince who does not understand people and is unapproachable.
These were the two main views.
Sophia couldn’t understand how the same person could inspire such opposite evaluations.
To be honest, Sophia was afraid of meeting her brother.
She couldn’t understand the nerve of someone who would send troops here and then casually request a meeting. Facing such a brother was terrifying. That was only natural.
But—
(Thor Canaan-sama is watching over me.)
In the corner of the room sat a boy at a desk, his pen gliding across parchment.
It was Thor, attending as the official recorder.
Just his presence nearby gave Sophia a mysterious strength.
Even if her opponent were an older prince—or even the emperor himself—she felt no fear.
—At least, that’s how it felt.
“I understand that you have admitted your mistake and offered an apology, Brother.”
Sophia spoke directly to her brother, Ricardo.
“Then allow me to ask: why did you have your subordinates trespass into my lodging?”
“That I cannot say! Regrettably, I cannot reveal that.”
“…You cannot?”
“It was for an important mission. I, Ricardo, cannot be the one to speak of it.”
“Was it not to investigate ‘that box’?”
“…Oh? So you knew.”
Ricardo, in a nonchalant tone, said:
“Well then, this saves time. I, Ricardo, was searching for a certain box that had been taken by evildoers. However, the matter had to be handled in utmost secrecy. That’s why I had to investigate what information you might have.”
“…You admitted that quite readily.”
“Because it was a secret mission, I couldn’t ask for your permission beforehand. Again, I apologize.”
“Isn’t there someone else besides me whom you should be apologizing to, Brother?”
Sophia straightened her back and stated clearly:
“You also sent soldiers to infiltrate the border trading post, didn’t you?”
“It was for an important mission.”
“That trading post is jointly managed by the town of Nosa and the demon lord’s territory. At the time, members of the demon lord’s side were stationed there. Your soldiers entered without permission, causing an uproar at the post.”
That last part was a lie.
The people from the demon lord’s territory had not been disturbed at all by Ricardo’s soldiers.
In fact, before they even noticed the intrusion, Thor’s magic item had neutralized the soldiers.
It was said to be an item resembling a traffic cone and a mysterious signboard.
Therefore, the people from the demon lord’s side suffered no harm whatsoever.
(—But exaggerating the situation is a valid negotiation tactic.)
That was to draw as many concessions as possible from Ricardo.
Keeping certain information hidden served the same purpose.
“A great prince of the Empire has committed unjust actions against a neighboring land. Brother, you should pay compensation for the damage and send a formal letter of apology. Don’t you agree?”
“Very well. Then, Sophia, you handle the negotiations with the demon lord’s territory.”
Ricardo said this with confidence, puffing out his chest.
Sophia looked at him with a gaze as if she were witnessing something suspicious.
“…Brother. What are you saying?”
“You wished to become the lord of the border region, didn’t you? That means you intended to act as the point of contact in the event of any issues with the demon lord’s territory, correct? Then in this case as well, shouldn’t you act as that contact and offer the apology?”
“You don’t intend to apologize yourself?”
“I’ll apologize to you. I’ll pay for the trouble I’ve caused. Isn’t that enough?”
“What I take issue with is your way of doing things—”
“A prince of the Empire who reveres heroes cannot be seen fraternizing with demons or demi-humans. Surely, even you understand that.”
Prince Ricardo tilted his head as if to say, “I don’t understand.”
With a face as if she had swallowed something bitter, Sophia shook her head.
Prince Ricardo was her brother.
And yet, it felt like they were speaking entirely different languages.
“Besides, this benefits you as well.”
Unaware of Sophia’s inner thoughts, Prince Ricardo continued.
“If I, Ricardo, apologize to demi-humans or demons, my value as a prince would drop. That would also reduce the benefits I can give you. That wouldn’t be good. Not good at all.”
“…What do you mean?”
“I, Ricardo, am here on an important mission. Eventually, I will take the results back to the imperial capital and receive my reward. By fulfilling my duty, my position will improve, and my rank will rise. As a result, I will share those benefits with you. As an apology for sending soldiers into your lodging and as payment for handling negotiations with the Demon Lord’s domain.”
“So…?”
“If I admit to a mistake, and that becomes known in the capital, the rewards I receive will be less. The rewards I give you will also decrease. That would be a loss for you too. So I, Ricardo, will not get involved with the Demon Lord’s domain. I’m leaving that to you. That’s all.”
As if it were the most natural thing in the world, Prince Ricardo said this.
At last, Sophia understood what he meant.
Prince Ricardo intended to make a name for himself and triumphantly return to the capital.
He planned to raise his status through his accomplishments and receive a significant reward.
To do so, it would be best to pretend no mistakes were made.
He likely apologized to Sophia just to ensure she wouldn’t report this incident to the capital.
In return, once back in the capital, he would share the benefits he would soon gain with her.
The greater Ricardo’s status, the larger those benefits would be.
In exchange, all negotiations with the Demon Lord’s domain would be left to Sophia.
If trouble arose with them, Ricardo’s reputation would suffer.
That is why Ricardo wanted Sophia to resolve the trouble he caused with the Demon Lord’s domain.
By doing so, she would be helping to enhance his value—or so Prince Ricardo was saying.
(…Brother and I truly see the world differently.)
Sophia always treated others—whether commoners or other races—with respect.
She believed that was the proper conduct for a princess.
But Ricardo cared only about elevating his own value.
He tried to appease those he used or inconvenienced by giving them a share of his profit.
That, it seemed, was Ricardo’s way.
Perhaps he was liked by subordinates who sought profit. Naturally, they would benefit whenever Ricardo achieved something.
Conversely, he was probably disliked by those who wanted to be treated like actual people.
That was why opinions about him in the capital were so divided.
(I wish Thor Canan-sama didn’t have to see this… that this man is my brother.)
When she looked over, Thor had the same exasperated expression as she did.
Knowing he shared her feelings, Sophia breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
She wasn’t facing Prince Ricardo alone.
Thor was by her side, watching over her.
(Now then, this is where the real negotiation begins.)
If he was offering profit, she would extract every last bit of it.
With that thought in mind, Sophia braced herself.
“I understand your reasoning, Brother.”
Sophia calmly declared this to her brother.
“I will ask no further about your mistakes. But surely, that’s not the only reason you sought a meeting with me? You said you were assigned to negotiate with someone as part of a ‘top-secret mission.’ You wish for my cooperation… but specifically, what do you need?”
“Funds and soldiers.”
Ricardo answered briefly.
“To obtain the ‘box,’ I need to borrow funds and soldiers.”
“Oh? So you’ve already found a lead on the ‘box,’ Brother?”
“I’ve spoken to its owner. The other party is willing to hand over the ‘box’ in exchange for money. But I, Ricardo, do not have enough funds to meet their conditions. And to capture them, I’ll need military force.”
“You’ve come to the wrong person.”
Sophia covered her mouth with her hand and forced a smile.
“I merely govern this territory on behalf of Archduke Kharon. The funds and soldiers do not belong to me. I cannot use them in negotiations with an unknown party—”
“Even if I, Ricardo, guarantee the return?”
“And what would that return be?”
“Obtaining the ‘box’ is an important mission given to me by His Majesty the Emperor and my brother Diaz. Fulfilling it will raise my standing. I’ll likely receive a large reward.”
“And from that reward, you’ll pay us back?”
“Yes, exactly. You’ll receive several times what you invested.”
“I’m not interested in risky investments like that.”
Princess Sophia stood up and bowed slightly.
“Please leave, Brother.”
“—What!?”
Prince Ricardo’s eyes widened.
He showed a flash of panic before quickly regaining his composure.
“Then… how about putting it in writing?”
“In writing?”
“If I, Ricardo, obtain the ‘box,’ I will summon you to the capital. I will report to His Majesty that you cooperated in this important mission. I will make sure everyone knows your contribution. That way, you may be able to return to the capital.”
With a charming smile, Prince Ricardo spoke.
His golden hair gleamed in the light from the window.
With the dignity and confidence befitting an imperial prince, Ricardo said:
“You will be properly treated as a member of the imperial family. You will no longer be confined to a detached palace. You will be able to demonstrate your talents for the Empire. If you continue to achieve results, you might even gain succession rights.”
“…I see.”
“No one will ever call you the ‘useless princess’ again. I, Ricardo, will be your strong ally in the capital. I will make sure everyone recognizes and praises your achievements!”
At that moment, Sophia gave up all hope in Ricardo.
Her brother’s worldview was terrifyingly narrow. He couldn’t understand anyone unlike himself.
He had no interest in what Sophia wanted.
She now understood that clearly.
So she met his gaze and told him:
“If that’s how it is, then I have no need to rely on you. I will find the ‘box’ myself.”
“—!?”
Prince Ricardo was speechless.
“W-Wait. There’s no need to overexert yourself. You’re frail—”
“I will negotiate directly with the one who has the ‘box,’ obtain it myself, and send it to the capital. That way, I won’t have to go through you, and I can receive the reward personally.”
“That’s not how it works. I, Ricardo, was given the mission. Even if you deliver the box—”
“I can at least get a verbal promise. ‘The border region shall become the territory of the Archduke. Sophia shall govern it for life as its lord’—something like that.”
“…What?”
“I have no interest in rank or honor. All I wish for is to fulfill my responsibilities as the lord of this land.”
With her hand over her chest, as if making a sacred vow, Sophia declared:
“If that wish can be granted, I will use whatever means necessary.”
“Unthinkable… I, Ricardo, cannot understand your thinking!”
“I’m not asking you to understand. So, what will you do, Brother?”
Sophia said in a cold tone.
“If you are willing to help fulfill my wish, then I will help you obtain the ‘box.’ Otherwise, please leave. I will acquire it on my own and negotiate directly with the capital’s officials.”
“Gr… Grrgh…”
“I’m fine either way. The only difference is whether you bear the shame of ‘failure.’ That said, negotiating directly with capital officials is a hassle for me as well, so I would prefer your cooperation.”
“…What do you want me to do?”
“I want your formal signature—as a prince.”
It was time.
Sophia spoke the words she had decided on from the very beginning.
“In exchange for my cooperation in obtaining ‘that box,’ I would like you to write and sign a statement. ‘The border territory shall be the domain of the Grand Duchy. Sophia shall govern that land as its lord for life. Prince Ricardo shall cooperate in this and work to make it a reality.’ Along with that, please report to the Imperial Capital that I assisted in acquiring the box.”
“And if I refuse…?”
“Then I will obtain ‘that box’ together with my allies. I will ask the Archduke to transport it to the capital. And with the Archduke’s cooperation, I will negotiate with His Majesty—to make my wish come true.”
This was one of Sophia’s trump cards.
The other one, she would reveal only after Ricardo signed.
And Ricardo’s response—
“…Are you really fine with that? With such a reward! Truly!?”
“I told you I don’t mind. But what about you, Brother?”
“W-what do you mean?”
“If you fail in a mission directly ordered by His Majesty, your standing among the other princes and princesses will worsen. Liana aside… Can you tolerate being beneath your younger sister Daphne?”
“Th-that’s none of your business! More importantly, you—”
“Yes?”
“If you don’t return to the capital, that means—”
“Yes. It means I’m withdrawing from the race for advancement in the capital.”
Sophia said this in a calm voice.
“Brother, have you never felt it was all meaningless? In the Empire, everything is about strength. Those who show power rise to the top. Nobles, princes, princesses alike.”
“Of course. That’s the tradition since the days of the Hero.”
“Even if that means fighting forever into the future?”
“…What?”
“To demonstrate strength or power, one must defeat someone. Liana once came here to defeat the ‘Magic Beast Gargarossa’—to show her strength to the Demon Lord’s domain. The wars the Empire wages in the south are the same. Everyone in the Empire is always seeking an opportunity, a place, an opponent to show their strength.”
Sophia paused for a breath.
“Then, what happens if there are no more enemies to fight?”
It was just a fleeting thought.
Something Thor had realized while reading a document about the ‘Hard Creature.’
“For example, if someone in the Empire becomes the strongest, and there’s no one left to defeat… then perhaps we’ll start summoning even stronger beings from another world. Mightier heroes, or more powerful magical beasts. All just to prove our strength by fighting them. Not to improve ourselves, but to show others: ‘I am stronger than you.’”
“…Ah.”
A voice spoke.
It was Thor, taking notes in the corner of the room.
He nodded repeatedly in response to Sophia’s words.
“…I see. That’s one possible theory—”
“—Yes. The strong summon magical beasts from another world to further prove their strength. If that goes too far, the very order of the world could be destroyed… There may already be a world like that somewhere.”
“W-what are you talking about, Sophia?”
“Please don’t worry about it. I just wanted to say something a little dramatic.”
The person she wanted to say it to wasn’t Ricardo, though.
Sophia gave a wry smile and continued.
“In any case, I have decided to withdraw from the race among princes and princesses. I would like your cooperation with that, Brother. In exchange, I will help you acquire ‘that box.'”
“Withdrawing from the race… Have you been thinking about this all along?”
“No. I only came to this conclusion after arriving in the borderlands.”
Sophia stood up, smiled, and bowed.
“After coming to the borderlands, meeting the people of the Demon Lord’s domain… and meeting someone I truly cherish… I’ve learned, thought, and changed. And I find that change very welcome.”
“…Ghh.”
Ricardo ground his teeth.
He realized how much he had underestimated his younger sister.
He had always looked down on Sophia as the “useless princess.”
He assumed the soldiers she captured were only taken because her guards were capable.
Sophia’s guards were soldiers of the Grand Duchy. If they were subordinates of the former Sword Saint Kharon, it was only natural that they were competent. His own subordinates were simply caught off guard—so he thought.
But he was wrong.
Sophia was no longer the same girl who had lived in the capital.
She held values Ricardo couldn’t comprehend, saw the world from a different perspective.
And Ricardo couldn’t read her at all.
He had thought to negotiate from a position of advantage, but he was already ensnared by her negotiation tactics.
“You might not even be able to obtain ‘that box’!”
Ricardo burst out reflexively.
“If you want to negotiate, show your strength first. Then I’ll cooperate!”
“Do you promise?”
“Yes. If you have the power to acquire ‘that box,’ then prove it. Then I will recognize you as an equal partner in negotiations. I may even accept your conditions.”
“Would you sign a written statement?”
“Don’t you trust me, Ricardo?”
“Just to be safe. I thought something like this might happen… so I prepared a document. Please sign it.”
“You thought something like this might happen, huh?”
“A phrase occasionally used by someone I respect. I wanted to try using it myself.”
“…Very well. But what if you don’t have the power to obtain ‘that box’?”
“Then I’ll reflect on it and cooperate with you fully, Brother.”
“Fine. But the deadline is four days. Prove your strength by then. Find either Daryl Zanno’s whereabouts, or the location of the box. Understood?”
“Understood.”
“…Don’t regret bragging so much.”
“Thank you for the warning.”
Saying that, Sophia walked over to the record keeper, Thor.
He bowed, then handed her the document.
It really seemed to have been prepared “just in case.”
The document clearly outlined Sophia’s proposal.
It also stated, “No questions shall be asked about the methods of cooperation.” When Ricardo asked about this clause, Sophia responded with a composed expression: “One should always keep their strength hidden, Brother.”
Then she added Ricardo’s specified conditions to the document.
When she handed it back, Ricardo took a moment to consider—then signed it.
“That makes it official. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Sophia stood up.
“I’ll return shortly,” she said, and exited the reception room into the hallway.
“…How did Sophia grow so much?”
Ricardo murmured in confusion.
“It’s true—she governs the borderlands well and has fought great magical beasts. But her power should still be weak. And yet she stands before me, Ricardo, with such confidence… Where does that confidence come from…?”
“Excuse me.”
Suddenly, record keeper Thor stood up.
He bowed to Ricardo and the soldiers, then approached a door in the reception room.
It was a different door from the one Sophia had exited.
Placing his hand on the doorknob, he looked toward the guard, Isaac. When Isaac nodded, Thor slowly began opening the door.
Beyond the door was a hallway.
At the far end, Sophia was waving her hand. For some reason, with a very cheerful smile.
In front of Sophia was a box. A black box made of some unknown material. On its front was a metal dial.
Prince Ricardo widened his eyes when he saw it.
He must have realized it too. That the box was a type he had never seen before.
“Sophia—could that possibly be the one?”
“I’ll bring it over now. Please confirm it yourself.”
From the other end of the hallway, Sophia raised her arm.
“Here we go!”
And then, with an incredibly delighted expression, she— Struck the black box from behind.
Sssshhhh—
Thud!
The black box, placed on a board, slid down the hallway— And came to a stop as it crashed into the step at the entrance to the drawing room.
“What!?”
Prince Ricardo was speechless.
One look was enough to tell. That box was extremely heavy.
In fact, the record keeper Thor and the unit commander Isaac were struggling to drag it, transferring it from the board to the drawing room floor. It looked so heavy that even Ricardo’s subordinates stepped in to help.
Eventually, the box landed on the drawing room floor with a heavy thump.
Yet Sophia had pushed it lightly and sent it sliding from one end of the hallway to the other.
Her strength was unbelievable.
Click.
The record keeper Thor closed the drawing room door.
Ricardo and his guards were all focused on the black box.
That’s why none of them noticed the odd sheen on the hallway floor—or that something like lotion had been applied to it.
Several seconds later, Sophia entered the drawing room from another door.
“S-Sophia. Just what are you—”
“There is no need for me to explain.”
“Guh…”
Prince Ricardo took a step back, almost in fear of her slender arms.
Smiling at him, Sophia said:
“I forgot to mention earlier, but I’ve already acquired the box. I’ve fulfilled my promise. Now it’s your turn to uphold yours, Brother.”
“H-How did you even get this…?”
“That is part of the unspoken agreement.”
Sophia showed the document Ricardo had just signed.
Ricardo let out a rough breath.
“B-But there’s no proof that this is the box—”
“We have captured Daryl Zanno’s subordinates. Their testimonies should serve as evidence. I’ll hand them over along with the box, Brother.”
With that, Sophia held the document bearing Ricardo’s signature right in front of his eyes.
“With this, I’ve completely fulfilled my duty of helping you obtain the box. You now have the box and will take it back to the Imperial Capital.”
“…Guh.”
“Now it’s your turn, Brother. Fulfill your promise.”
Sophia gave the box a light pat.
“Stop that, Sophia! If you hit the box with your strength and it breaks, what will we do!?”
“I’m controlling my strength.”
(I’ve somehow become the superhuman girl now, haven’t I?)
Sophia fought hard to hold back a laugh.
Of course, her physical strength hadn’t changed since her days in the capital. If anything, she might be a bit stronger now thanks to better health.
The reason she had been able to move the box was the power of the MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium.
That had been Thor’s idea.
When dealing with a prince of the empire, there’s always the chance brute force might ruin negotiations.
Against someone like that, it’s better to show off a bit of simple, overwhelming strength.
That final push could tip the scales in the negotiation.
Sophia accepted Thor’s proposal.
Thor first prepared a board covered with beast hide. Then he thoroughly applied MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium to the hide and laid it down in the hallway—with the hide side on the floor, of course.
That triggered the MAX Smooth Effect on the beast hide. The same principle as when used on human skin.
All that was left was to place the box on the board and push it from behind.
With the board in MAX Smooth condition, it glided effortlessly and carried the box with it.
Then Thor and Isaac would carry the seemingly heavy box into the drawing room, completing the plan.
It would look like Sophia had moved the box with astonishing strength.
After that, Sophia just had to reenter the drawing room from another hallway.
Cleaning the lotion from the floor would be a pain, but—well, that was unavoidable.
“Sophia… may I ask you just one thing?”
“Yes, Brother.”
“You were so frail… How did you grow so much? I don’t understand. I, Ricardo, truly don’t understand.”
“It’s because I had wonderful experiences here, with someone special.”
“—What!?”
“The borderlands are that kind of place. Where strange things happen. Where I and my subordinates were able to capture elite Imperial soldiers… Where soldiers sneaking into a trading post suddenly panicked…”
“…Hrmph.”
“If you cannot accept such mysteries, perhaps it would be better for you to return to the capital?”
Those words were the final blow.
Prince Ricardo slumped his shoulders… and declared he would accept the terms Sophia had set forth.
What followed was a brief series of arrangements.
After returning to the capital, Prince Ricardo would ensure Sophia’s wishes were fulfilled.
As proof, some of the captured Imperial soldiers would remain here in this land.
Since they were directly under the emperor’s command, they would act as witnesses to the agreement.
Ricardo would send a fast courier to the capital to report that he had secured the box, and that Sophia had assisted in its acquisition.
He would also advocate for Sophia’s wishes.
To the high council, he would clearly state that Sophia had helped secure the box.
To the Demon Lord’s territory, a proper apology letter and compensation would be sent via Sophia.
Lastly, if Sophia’s wish was granted, the remaining soldiers would be released.
—And that was that.
“Indeed… This is a strange box. How in the world do you open it…?”
“Please wait until you return to open it. Do as you please then.”
“Y-Yes. In any case, I, Ricardo, have obtained the box! Let us return to the capital in triumph!”
“Please be cautious of Daryl Zanno. He still—”
“I know. Measures have been taken. No need to keep harping on it, Sophia.”
And so, the negotiation ended peacefully—
And just over ten days later, a letter from the capital would arrive at Sophia’s side.