Chapter 75: If You Lie Down with Dogs, You Get Up with Fleas

“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 Nation 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.

“…That last time was just a test. I don’t think the Demon Nation’s army was serious. And don’t forget, they’ve suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Admos’ Summoner before. To restore their tarnished reputation, they’ll likely come at us with their full force this time. If that happens, the damage to our country would be catastrophic. We might even fall into the Demon Nation’s hands. If that happens…”

Oh? Is she trying to threaten me in return now?

“This forest would fall under the Demon Nation’s control too, huh?”

“Yes. And that could lead to… complications for you, I imagine.”

The “complications” the princess is referring to are probably how Weimar has been shielding me from interference by other nations. But in reality, the real complications would arise with the Demon Nation.

Considering that, it’s true that Weimar falling under the Demon Nation’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 Nation. 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 Nation’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 is this guy talking about?

“Kenta, are you aware that you’re the Demon Nation’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 Nation 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 equals 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 Nation harbors ill feelings toward you, Lord Maya, 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 Nation without hesitation.'”

“Yeah, go ahead and tell them that.”

“…!”

Hearing Ivern’s words and my agreement, the princess, despite being seated, swayed unsteadily.

“Your Highness!!”

Her attendants rushed to support her, managing to keep her from collapsing. Still, with a pale face, the princess alternated glances between us for a moment 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 Nation that while we won’t agree to the investigation, we are open to discussions?”

“…Understood. Then, I will take my leave.”

The princess stood up unsteadily, gave us a polite bow, and left.

Her attendants followed her, avoiding eye contact with us as they quietly departed, without even reprimanding us for how we 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 Nation’s demands are probably to check if Meyleen is here and, if she is, 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 Nation took place.

This marked the beginning of Ivan’s recognition as my official representative.

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