Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 75: Those Who Mix with Vermilion Turn Red
“So? How did you respond to them?”
“O-Of course, we rejected them outright, stating that this is our country’s territory and that there’s no reason for a foreign nation to conduct any investigations here.”
Well, that’s the expected response.
“And yet, you came all the way here, so they didn’t take no for an answer, did they?”
“The very notion of another nation demanding to investigate our territory is unprecedented, but it seems the current Demon Kingdom doesn’t operate within the bounds of common sense…”
“Did they threaten you?”
When I asked, the princess nodded with a weary expression.
“Yes. This isn’t like the skirmish from before. They said they’re prepared to wage all-out war.”
Huh.
“Then just fight them. You drove them back in the last skirmish. You can win again.”
When I casually suggested that, the princess glared at me for a moment, then quickly averted her gaze.
“…Last time was only a test. I don’t think the Demon Kingdom’s army was serious. And don’t forget, the Demon Kingdom suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Admos’s summoner. To restore its tarnished reputation, it’ll likely come at us with full force this time. If that happens, the damage to our country would be catastrophic. We might even fall into the Demon Kingdom’s hands. And if that happens…”
Oh? Is she trying to threaten me in return now?
“This forest would fall under the Demon Kingdom’s control too, huh?”
“Yes. And that could lead to… complications for you, I imagine.”
The “complications” the princess referred to were probably connected to Weimar shielding me from interference by other nations. In reality, however, the greater problem would be the Demon Kingdom itself.
Considering that, it’s true that Weimar falling under the Demon Kingdom’s control wouldn’t be ideal.
“So, you’re saying I should do something about it?”
“N-No! For now, I was just wondering if you might consider negotiating with the Demon Kingdom. Technically speaking, while this land is within Weimar’s territory, it operates outside of our direct control, so we can’t really respond to their demands about investigations…”
“Really? That’s how this place is classified?”
I didn’t know that.
“Yes. We treat it as though it’s a small independent state.”
“…”
Wait a minute. Are they seriously trying to cozy up to me and get under my umbrella of protection?
I never asked for that.
As things were starting to make less sense, I decided to call Ivern over.
“…So that’s how it’s being handled, is it?”
“Yes. That’s why we don’t impose taxes here or enforce any obligations.”
“On top of that, we have free access to this place, and sometimes you even provide us with valuable information. That means…”
As Ivern said this and looked at the princess, she returned his gaze, as if silently telling him not to say any more.
Noticing this, Ivern shrugged slightly and said, “Understood.”
“Regarding the Demon Kingdom’s request to investigate this land, it would indeed be wise to arrange a meeting to discuss the matter.”
When Ivern said this, the princess’s face lit up with relief.
“Really!?”
“But…”
Ivern immediately added, cutting off her excitement.
“I’ll be the one to attend the meeting.”
“Huh?”
“Why?”
The princess looked surprised, and honestly, so was I.
What’s this guy talking about?
“Kenta, are you aware that you’re the Demon Kingdom’s sworn enemy?”
“Yeah, I know.”
When I answered immediately, Ivern sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead.
“You… If negotiations break down, you’ll probably just massacre the demons on the spot, won’t you?”
Wow.
“You know me well.”
“!?”
When I confirmed this, the princess turned to me, her face pale.
“I thought so. The Demon Kingdom views you as their greatest enemy, Kenta. There’s no way they’d remain calm in your presence. And when they show hostility toward you, you won’t deflect it—you’ll reflect it right back at them, won’t you?”
“Wow, you’re spot on. That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
In my mind, failed negotiations meant war.
“That’s precisely why I’m saying I’ll go instead.”
“Got it. I’ll leave it to you.”
“Wait, hold on!”
Just as Ivern and I decided who would represent us in the negotiations, the princess raised her voice in protest.
What now?
“Are you sure it’s okay to decide so easily? While it’s true the Demon Kingdom harbors ill feelings toward you, Maya-sama, there’s a chance Ivern could also…”
“Oh, I’ll be fine.”
“Why?”
In response to the princess’s question, Ivern smirked.
“Because I’ll say this right at the beginning: ‘If you harm me, Kenta will destroy the Demon Kingdom without hesitation.’”
“Yeah, go ahead and tell them that.”
“…!”
Hearing Ivern’s words and my agreement, the princess swayed unsteadily despite being seated.
“Your Highness!!”
Her attendants rushed to support her and kept her from collapsing. Still pale, the princess looked back and forth between us before covering her face with both hands.
“…I can’t take this anymore. These people… And what’s worse is that they actually seem capable of doing it…”
“…”
Uh-oh, looks like we made the princess cry.
“Well, anyway, that’s the plan, so you can rest assured about me. If we put it like that, they won’t make any reckless moves, and we’ll be able to negotiate peacefully. I’m sorry, but could you inform the Demon Kingdom that while we won’t agree to the investigation, we’re open to discussions?”
“…Understood. Then, I’ll take my leave.”
The princess stood up unsteadily, gave us a polite bow, and left.
Her attendants followed, avoiding eye contact with us as they quietly departed without even reprimanding us for how we had treated their princess.
Once we saw the group disappear into the forest, Ivern and I finally spoke.
“The princess looked terrified of you.”
When I said that to Ivern, he scratched his head awkwardly.
“…I never thought I’d see the day Her Highness looked at me like that.”
Ivern had always said the princess was someone worthy of respect, so I imagine it felt complicated for him to receive that kind of reaction from someone he admired.
“Well, it’s not really a big deal. You don’t have much of a connection to the Kingdom of Weimar anymore, anyway.”
“…Yeah, I guess that’s true.”
Man, this guy’s ability to bounce back is impressive.
“Alright, back to the issue at hand. The Demon Kingdom’s demands are probably to check if Meyleen is here and, if she’s, to demand we hand her over. What do we do?”
What do we do?
“That’s easy. It’s a 100% no.”
“Figured as much. So, if it comes down to all-out war, then what?”
Well, that’s obvious.
Grinning at Ivern, I answered.
“We’ll take them on. But tell them to come ready to be annihilated.”
Ivern’s response to that was a slight shrug.
And so, a few days after the princess’s visit, the meeting between Ivern and the Demon Kingdom took place.
This marked the beginning of Ivern’s recognition as my official representative.