Long Story

Translated by Raizu

The reason for choosing a truce rather than a ceasefire is simple.

[Its to crush the Spierzeig family.]

Were not asking for truce because were some sort of philanthropist. Especially when its with an annoying neighbor that we want nothing but to destroy.

However, I hesitate to make a risky bet to do so. If possible, I want to unilaterally attack the enemy from a safe zone. Yes, Im that insidious.

[I see, then explain your reason to me.]

My father dropped his hands on his knees and made a snap sound before looking at me.

Since I said it once, I have to explain it properly. I gulped down my saliva to moisten my dry throat and opened my mouth.

[First of all, a truce will help stabilize the foreign lands.]

The area west of the Amelia River is a new territory that had just been obtained in the last 20 years, and its control is extremely fragile.

Even if you try to put your heart and soul into ruling, the war continues, and if things go wrong, the land could be recaptured.

The situation in foreign countries is similar to that of a project in flames, as it has been in a makeshift operation for a long time.

In the event of a truce with the Spierzeig family, we will have time to rebuild the ruling system of foreign lands from the ground up. The remnants of the former ruler who are doing guerrilla activities should be able to be exterminated at once.

Besides, if the system continues as it is now, its likely that the foreign lands will become unstable due to just a little misfortune. Since we have obtained Nambonan City, we would like to stabilize it here.

I talked about the current issues and concerns about leaving them untouched.

[Certainly, the current impromptu governance of the foreign lands is inefficient and cant be helped. I wanted to review it, including the relocation of the knights. ..As expected, it will not end in a short time during the Royal Capital social. If we can secure a certain amount of time with a truce, it would be better.]

[And the knights in the mainland should be exhausted from the protracted war. Isnt it better to let them return to the territory once?]

Currently, due to the wartime system, the knights from all over the Quordenze territory directly participate in the war, and the remaining knights relatives are in charge of the rule of the knights territory. Even if the top is absent, the organization will go around as it is.

For the time being, the knights are also returning by rotation, but for example, the Gatoren family, both the knights and the next knights, have a heavy responsibility in the Quordenze army, so they can hardly return to the Gatoren territory.

As a result, for the past 20 years, the Gatoren territory has been operating without its knights. That would be proof that the Gatoren familys control system is solid, but I think its also a problem that there hasnt been a top for too long.

Father didnt give any objection to what Im claiming. I confirmed here that my perception was correct.

Since my father didnt ask me any questions, I decided to move on.

[As a diplomatic advantage, you can also sell the truce achievement to the Levios. ..Probably, the Nobles outside our faction are more or less unhappy with the expansion of Quordenze. The reputation of being able to suppress this with diplomacy leads to showing the prestige of the Royal family both inside and outside. Therefore, if you take this card as your hand, you can demand a price that matches it.]

Despite the fact that the Quordenze family wanted the war to continue, the Levios family, concerned about the expansion, intervened and brought the war to a truceit is important to create such an appearance.

In this case, if the Levios family does not provide a suitable compensation, the Quordenze family face will be ruined. Because it just becomes a story of simply giving in to the Levios family.

Of course, the Levios family will be aware of this, so they will probably prepare something suitable for us.

Depending on how much effort the Levios family is putting into restoring their prestige, if things go well, they should be able to wrap things up.

Even though things are going in the direction I want, its a good bargain to get a bonus from the Levios family.

[In this case, due to the fact that the Levios family interfered, even the Nobles of the western Empire would find it difficult to complain about the truce.]

If the Quordenze family makes a truce alone, the western part of the Empire is likely to say, [Those who are unmotivated should go home!]. And with that, the relationship with the western part of the Empire could deteriorate.

On that point, if the Levios family interfered, it would be easy to make excuses, [Its painful that the Levios family interfered. Im really motivated, but its hard to get in the way].

When I paused my words, my father muttered.

[I dont know if youll be satisfied with that, but its much better than asking for a truce from here.]

Then, my father picked up the dried scallops again and chewed them up with a popping sound.

[I understand the benefits of Quordenze, but the temporary tranquility of the truce will also benefit the Spierzeig family. If the immediate battle is over, it will be possible to reorganize the army and regroup the Noble families belonging to their own faction. If they devote themselves to political maneuvering, they may be able to move the third Emperor. And above all, if the Spierzeig family is left alone, they will quickly regain their strength. What do you think about that?]

That must have been a representation of the feelings of successive generations of the Quordenze family Heads.

The Quordentze family hates the Spierzeig family the most, but it is also the Quordenze family that understands their power the most.

I understand what my father is trying to say. The feeling that [We are dominant now, but we will soon be overtaken]. Because the Quordenze understood and thus feared the Spierzeig family, the feeling left behind a traumatic presence.

[Do you really think theyll regain their strength? Surpassing the current Quordenze?]

[..Everybody in this world would probably think they could, wouldnt they?]

As my father said, the publics evaluation of the Spierzeig family is still high.

Their ability to quickly unify the Voistra plains during the Continental Upheaval and quickly escape from one quagmire after another to celebrate peace was admirable. The glory of the past is too bright.

[Same goes about the Voistras Great Shield. But, Othellorias prosperity also throws peoples judgment out of whack.]

In the Eruo continent, information is transmitted inaccurately and slowly, and perhaps because of the feudal era when people didnt move much, I think there are parts where things proceed based on images.

Othelloria has always been the number one city in the central part of the continent. ..I know very well that such a brand image is widespread regardless of rank.

[Even though the city of Othelloria is already a thing of the past.]

When I said that, my father looked at me with a curious look.

As Ramon also said, merchants who are worth their salt had already given up on Othelloria and started moving to either Newnelly or Nambonan.

The reality is that they dont see Othelloria as an attractive city anymore, as they travel around the country thinking about things from a practical standpoint.

The current Othelloria city has become like a company that maintains high stock prices despite its lack of substance.

[Are you implying that Othelloria is not to be feared anymore?]

That question was a trick.

[No way. There arent many cities on the continent that are as large as Othelloria. We still cant let our guard down.]

And then I returned to my theory.

[However, it is no longer as good as Newnelly City, and considering future growth, I think it will be inferior to Nambonan City.]

[This is a big deal. During the time of turmoil, it was the city that became the backbone of the Voistra Kingdom.]

Thats certainly true, but its strange that such an old evaluation is still valid. The territory size, population, economic power, and diplomatic relations between the Spierzeig family and the Quordenze family at that time were completely different from what they are now.

[Such things are nothing more than past evaluations. In the first place, according to the literature before the time of turmoil, Othelloria was indeed ranked high among the major cities on the continent, but it seems that it was not much different from Newnelly. I remember that there were many descriptions that treated it as a city of the same rank. In fact, there are even books that place the city of Newnelly above it because of the proximity to Saint Navempos.]

Apparently, this was information that even my father didnt know. There was a tone of pure surprise in his reaction.

This is the moment when my hobby of reading books came in handy.

[That perception changed after the time of turmoil. Specifically, when the Spierzeig ruled the Voistra Plain.]

Since the Spierzeig familys Voistra unification project ended, the residents of the territory have never suffered the ravages of war.

Emperor Zinkaen only knocked on the entrance to Reisleaf Castle and left, and after that they joined the Empire relatively smoothly, so in fact, peace has been maintained to this day.

Of course, there were probably many people who had been drafted into battle, but their hometowns had never been invaded.

[Does that mean that it was important to get out of the turbulent time early?]

[I think so. The reputation of being the most peaceful and stable region in the continent is extremely attractive to those who have lost something to war or another way.]

At that time, the Eruo continent was devastated to the core with only conflicts, and a peaceful land ruled by a powerful Lord was something that the vulnerable people desperately wanted.

Farmers who lost their homes in the war and lost farmland to cultivate due to land corruption by magic beasts, citizens who lost their way due to the looting by the army and heavy taxes from the landlordthey, those who have nothing, simply sought a place to live in peace. And it was the Voistra Plain and the city of Othelloria that responded.

Records of this period are extremely vague due to the turmoil, and documentation is scarce. However, it is said that a considerable number of refugees made their way to the Spierzeig territory and turned to farmers who cultivated the Voistra plains. Before long, merchants began to visit Othelloria in search of a stable market and goods.

The gathering of people means that energy is generated for development. The Voistra Plain was rapidly becoming more vibrant, and its central city, Othelloria, was overflowing with goods and money, and continued to grow steadily.

The first King of Voistra quickly cut off the expansion route and focused on reconstruction policies. It is only natural since the territory had established its position as the largest distribution base in the central part of the continent.

Population is power.

The same goes for the Voistra Kingdom, but all the rulers who have prospered and have a track record have secured a decent amount of food storage.

The Manipulators, who prospered in the ancient times, and the Zeth Church Holy High Society, were based in the Bermana region, which is said to be the land where the spirit of fertility takes a nap. Levios Royal family owned the Corbovia plains. Emperor Zinkaen also followed by placing the Imperial Capital in the Alpeo region, where food production is high.

The Quordenze territory was also blessed with food, but by the time we managed to unify the mainland, the Kingdom of Voistra had already been established.

The people regarded Othelloria, a city of the Voistra territory, which had a strong and long history of peace, as a higher rank than the Newnelly City of the Quordenze territory, which had been plagued with cancer by the Voistra Kingdom. I think this cant be helped.

As a result, the gap between Newnelly and Othelloria only widened until Emperor Zinkaens policy of suppressing Spierzeig began.

[But Father, now its the other way around. The Voistra plains are now surrounded by the archenemy Quordenze, Sylopea, and Evenafis, and they cant really feel at ease. Besides, this eventual battle will cover the Reisleaf region. The city of Othelloria can no longer trade satisfactorily with other territories without passing through the western mountainous region.]

[In the southwestern part of the Spierzeig territory, independent Nobles who do not belong to either the Empire or the Kingdom are rampant]

When I tried to answer about how to deal with it, my father lightly waved his palm as if to restrain my words.

[But, there was one stupid house that even invaded Evenafis. If we made a truce with Spierzeig, it would be easy to send an army. ..Even if the land around there is obtained, management is troublesome, and the Evenafis family cannot afford to increase their territory now. Is it enough to put pressure on them to make them hostile to the Spierzeig family? It would be just right to drive it as a restraint stake.]

There is an independent Noble family in the western part of the Evenafis territory that, despite taking advantage of the Spierzeig familys great rebellion strategy, failed when their main Highlords was killed.

As soon as this Noble family learned that the Spierzeig armys surprise attack on Nambonan, the main part of the operation, had also failed, they immediately gave up and sent mails of apology to the Quordenze family almost every day.

Although they are such a pitiful and lazy Noble, they are still one of the most influential independent Noble families in the western part of Evenafis territory.

For this reason, if they were to be drawn to the anti-Spierzeig side, they would be able to exert pressure on the surrounding independent Noble families. If they try to get along with the Spierzeig family, the Nobles who have been ordered by the Quordenze family may come to attack. In order to not incite it, theyll have to be careful when interacting with the Spierzeig family.

With this, the Spierzeig territory will be surrounded by hostile forces in the north, east, and south. Especially the southern part.

[If trade with other territories is severely restricted, it will be a big blow to Othelloria. The Reisleaf region was, of course, there to block the Imperial Capital, but it was also a major trade route leading to the Kingdom of Levios. You cant go to Othelloria without going through steep mountains, or crossing a large river after paying the high toll tax imposed by the independent Nobles many times.]

We can harass them as much as we want, such as imposing heavy taxes on those who enter and leave the Quordenze territory from the Spierzeig territory.

Since we did not make peace, no one will blame us for our hostile acts. Its just a truce, and the war is still going on.

[Previously, Viscount Galiana said that what really frightens big merchants is not their business rivals, but the Nobles. There are only small merchants who have little to lose, such as merchants who enter the Spierzeig territory, which is starved for money and whose trade routes are closed. Big merchants who set up a firm will never get involved There may be no shortage of food because of the Voistra Plain, but in a closed market where logistics stagnate, life wont be so good.]

I dont know if thats true, but I decided to declare it. When you insist on something, it should leave a big impression.

In any case, if I hear the elements of [Closed Market] and [Stagnation of Logistics], I feel like the economy is going to get worse.

[The Old Voistrathe western mountainous region is poor in food, has no good industry, and is full of poor territories. The reason they follow the Spierzeig family is because they want to receive the spillage of their wealth.]

The reason they silently obey is because poverty is so painful.

Even if the Voistra Kingdom is gone, the structure of the Spierzeig familys feeding has not changed, so it makes sense that they would continue to obey.

[Right now, the Spierzeig probably still have the financial strength to act as their leader. However, if the decline progresses, eventually it will be impossible to suppress subordination, and it will only become difficult for them to breathe.]

Its all over if you let your subordinates escape. You definitely want to maintain the relationship.

[Strangling the neck to suffocate, isnt it such a snake-like act to do?]

My argument is to weaken the Spierzeig family not by force of arms, but by economic power. In other words, it is economic sanctions after building a siege network against them.

Unlike in my previous life on earth, where trade between nations was thriving, the current Eruo continent doesnt have that much logistics, so catastrophic damage isnt necessarily possible. Unexpectedly, it may end without much effect.

Well, then thats fine. For me, the most important thing is the stability of the foreign land. I want you to forgive me if there is another sudden raid.

[I think it would be better to proceed in the direction of depriving the territory of its strength. Rather than taking risks and forcibly attacking, I propose a truce in order to reorganize the system and focus on safer and less dangerous harassment.]

Unfortunately, Im not a Hero who bravely swings his sword, but an ordinary man who just swings his hips in bed.

If my fathers aggressive plan goes well, it will be possible to absorb the Spierzeig territory, but the risk of failure is too great. As a former Japanese office worker, if I was asked to choose between [Great Success] and [No Failure], I would choose the latter.

[So, if things go as planned, what will you do?]

[If 10 or 20 years have passed and the power of the Spierzeig family is weakening, the story is simple. We will deploy the overwhelming majority of our Lord-class soldiers from various directions and set up a very short-term decisive battle. By the time the territory came to its senses, the city of Othelloria had fallen, and the tide of the war would no longer be able to overturn.]

By that time, there is a high possibility that my grandfather will no longer be able to fight, but there will be no sudden increase in the number of Highlords of the Spierzeig family. It is assumed that there is no young female Highlord in the Spierzeigs shadow family, and there should be few Nobles who would offer a Princess to the fading Spierzeig family.

[Huh? An overwhelming majority of the Lord-class soldiers? ..Are you sure about that?]

I understand what those words mean. I said it with that in mind.

[Its my responsibility.]

The women that I impregnated will bear children that will stand on the battlefield as military officers in the future if nothing goes wrong. That said, it really hinges on if nothing goes wrong and I dont end up getting too selfish.

Among the Nobles, there are those who deeply love their mistresses and dote on their children beyond the stupidity of their parents. Having such a parent makes it difficult to deploy the child in the army. It is a loss that a Lord with high fighting ability cannot be made a military officer.

However, ignoring this intention could lead to trouble. Even though the Noble boy seems to be impotent, he sulks, saying, [I wont have children if Im sent to the battlefield!]. Its the most important thing in the house.

I told my father that the children from the women I impregnated could become military officers.

[if you change your mind, tell me.]

Im not so worried about my unborn child dying in battle. Or rather, I dont feel like Im going to be a dad at all yet.

This feeling may change when I actually meet my child, but for now I just want him to fulfill his duties as a ruling class of the Quordenze territory and live normally.

[Even if Wilk thinks so, if the child is from a commoners daughter, theres probably something to think about.]

[Yes. I will consult Father during such times.]

My father said that he would consider children born to commoner daughters, such as Minith and Anna.

Certainly, unlike a daughter who came from a Knight family, she might say something like [I dont like war~]. If they wish so, I would like to give as much as possible consideration to them.

Even when traveling between Nambonan and Newnelly, I sow plenty of seeds at the Knight houses that I happen to visit. Naturally, my father would have received reports about it, and he must have anticipated the future baby boom. I guess he thinks that the child conceived by a commoner girl is an error of judgment on my part.

When I expressed my gratitude, my father returned to the topic.

[Its a good idea to launch attacks from multiple directions with an overwhelming number of Lord-class soldiers. The Spierzeig has greatly reduced the number of Lords, which is the strength of the territory. If we can surpass them, it will be possible to destroy them while taking less damage.]

Then, my father made a thoughtful gesture about his words and asked me a question.

[The power of the territory. The power of the land, huh I want to ask Wilk one thing. Didnt you just say that? The power of the territory will be taken away and the Spierzeig family will decline? What exactly is this power of the territory?]

I thought about protecting myself for a moment, but immediately reconsidered and decided to answer honestly.

[Its the vitality of the people.]

People are castles, people are stone walls, people are moatssuch words existed in Japan in my previous life. It doesnt matter, but when I first heard a similar thing in this word, I remember interpreting it as the words of a cruel and outrageous lord who made his people into flesh walls.

Well, aside from that, when introducing a great man in history as a wise ruler, its a good idea to gently add a saying that values the people, like parsley.

Im sure that my statement just now would have been appreciated by the Nobles of Earth.

After all, my father, who heard my answer, looked at me with an incomprehensible look.

[..Its an answer that I can only say here because its the innermost chamber of our castle. Im aware of the implication, so I will not make any mention of it while in the Royal Capital.]

The [Power of the Territory] for ordinary Eruo continent Nobles is the number of Highlords and Lords, the size of the territory, the taxes that can be collected, the food that is produced, and the resources.

The Nobles have no expectations of commoners.

Whether they live like slaves, whether they are actively engaged in economic activities, whether they can write letters or not, these are all insignificant information for Nobles. No matter how much added value a commoner has, it only counts as 1. In a sense, it can be said that they are treated equally at a very low level.

If I answered [The number of the people], there would still be room for understanding, but to expect something like [The vitality of the people] is a way of thinking that interprets 1 as 2. It is totally unacceptable to the nobility.

But, I dont really like that way of thinking.

Its true that from the point of view of the Highlords, the commoners may not be all that different, but its too rough to say that theyre all the same. In general, if you think that way, beautiful women and ugly women will be treated the same.

What? Ive already received a job offer for the next Head of the family. Even if the evaluation drops a little, it will be possible to get it back. With that in mind, I gave my frank opinion.

[..I dont get it. I dont know why both of you think so.]

Although those were words of denial, there was no anger or frustration at what he could not understand, and he was just purely curious. A strong sense of tinge of confusion.

[Both of us?]

[Its Viscount Galiana. The Viscount said that people and money are the power of the territory. However, he was originally a commoner and a merchant. In the case of Wilk, you say its the vitality of the people? Its a similar idea.]

Id like to say that peoples economic activities circulate and help the territory, but Im at a loss for words on how to explain it.

[I think its probably the same as what Viscount Galiana is trying to say. He wants to say that the power of the territory lies in the active activities of the people.]

Father is well aware that rather than squeezing the residents until they are dry, it is better to let them work vigorously and squeeze them out for a longer period of time. I have a faint hope that he will understand what I want to say.

[Father, dont you think so too? Looking at the lively Newnelly City, this is the power that supports Quordenze. In a land where the people are struggling in their daily lives and in a land where they live actively, dont you think the latter will get more tax?]

[Thats right. Its a good thing if the fief population is abundant and prosperous.]

I proposed a truce because I thought he would understand the goodness of economic sanctions because father was such a person. However, my father lightly shakes his head left and right without waiting for my words.

[..But, as Wilk and Viscount Galiana say, its hard to imagine that peoples activities will lead to the decline of Othelloria. Indeed, as Wilk says, trade routes will be closed. But thats it. The Spierzeig lost Reisleaf, but still has Othelloria, which prospered since ancient times, and the Voistra Plain intact. I cant imagine that they would stop attacking and fall like that]

Ah, he doesnt understand yet, I guess. But, I feel like he saw the root of values there.

The Highlord is strong, while the serf weak. No matter how many commoner Lords gather up, theres absolutely no way to drive out the Highlord without another Highlord. I guess this is already rooted in the back of everyones head as an absolute rule.

The Spierzeig, a large Noble family, cannot be driven into a corner by mere commoners economic activitiesthat is an undeniable truth.

I had always thought that my father had a relatively flexible attitude toward the people of the territory for a nobleman, but I realized that the root of this was the Nobles of the Eruo continent.

Perhaps only someone with a special background like Viscount Galiana would understand my opinion.

You have to be careful with your words and deeds in Royal Capital socials. Now, Ive tightened my mind again.

My father was observing my attitude, but he relaxed his body, put his back on the sofa and let out a deep breath.

[I understand Wilks idea. You want the Spierzeig to decline, and you want to crush them with all your might while they are running around in panic?]

[Thats the gist of it, yes.]

[Alright. Lets keep that idea in mind. Putting aside the talk about the power of people, you can talk about your own thoughts about the truce. That will be more convenient.]

Judging from the way he spoke, the truce plan is a bust.

[What is the reason for rejection?]

My father put his head on the sofa as if looking up at the ceiling and pointed his palm at me.

[One point is that I dont think the Spierzeig family will decline just by blocking trade.]

Fathers thumb was slowly folded.

This is probably the biggest reason. 10 years and 20 years have passed without the power of the Spierzeig family declining, and Galfis Quordenze would no longer be able to fight.

[The second reason is that I dont think the Nobles in the western part of the Empire will agree to a truce.]

Folding his index finger, my father briefly explained the character of the western Empire Nobles.

My father also said that if there was a truce, it would be difficult to predict how they would behave.

[If we make a truce, the Spierzeig family will be able to concentrate on diplomacy within the Empire. It may be possible for them to take down the third Emperor and bring up the fourth Emperor, who would be more considerate to the western Nobles.]

Then, the middle finger was folded.

[Fourth. This may be the opposite of the first, butas Wilk said, the problem would be if the city of Othelloria were to decline. At that time, the whole Voistra Plain would be severely exhausted. Considering the amount of effort that will be spent on reconstruction after the suppression, I would like to avoid this.]

[Thats true]

If the Spierzeig family perishes, I dont know what will happen! If you say something like that, the Nobles around you will look at you with disdain. You have to be strong even against magic beasts. Therefore, reconstruction work is essential.

Its a futile act to break something and fix it yourself.

[If its a big concern, the next one is the last. Fifth, until now, I have complained about the outrage of the Spierzeig family in my Kingdoms diplomacy, and I have strongly advocated for retaliation.]

Even though he strongly insisted that he would avenge his brothers death, it seems that a sudden truce would not sound good. Its all the more because he quits immediately after gaining the overwhelming lead of the fall of Reisleaf Castle.

In the end, its possible that people will say that the enemy is just a pretext for wanting territory west of the Amelia River.

[Oh. Thats why Father told me not to abandon the truce?]

[Thats right. If we can get confirmation that a truce will surely drive the Spierzeig family into a corner, we can say that I compromised due to Wilks strong insistence. It wouldnt be surprising if you tried to get through to me as the Head of the family.]

It is said that since the family Head has a strong sense of omnipotence, he often rebelled against his parents when he was young.

For this reason, it is not uncommon for the political policies of the current generation and the next to differ 180 degrees. Actually, it happens quite often. It doesnt sound like a strange story to me to push for a truce and confront my father.

[I think thats a good idea. Fathers hard-to-assertion story can be successfully changed by making it as if I was arguing for it.]

[Thats right, but if you do it every time, it will be revealed that you are acting. You have to think carefully about where to use it. The policy for Spierzeig and others should be limited to marriage proposals.]

I involuntarily respond to the keyword marriage proposal.

[Marriage proposal Do such talk often come up in the gathering?]

[If its just a question, it will of course come out. If youre a decent opponent, youll have to at least meet face-to-face.]

It seems that they can do things like the pre-matchmaking stage.

For a Noble boy who is worried about his erection, it is difficult to find the type of Princess he likes. Considering my family, it would be nice if I could marry a Noble daughter who could provide us with diplomatic benefits. But if I cant have a child even if I get married like that, theres nothing I can do about it.

In order to check if she is the type of woman you like or not, a light-hearted pre-interview is essential.

As I was imagining the scene of drinking tea and chatting, I heard my father laughing.

[Did you know? There are rumors that Wilk is a man with a predilection for one woman.]

[Eh?]

[Isnt there a commoner girl named Anna in Nambonan City? Wilk Quordenze, who shattered Voistras Great Shield, seems to have become obsessed with Anna, a commoner woman in Nambonan City, and wont give any other woman any attention.thats a pretty interesting rumor.]

What a pure Wilk that rumor paints. Why is this happening?

[Did Father spread the rumor?]

However, my father denied it while laughing.

[First of all, I think my fathers impression is strong. It is well known in the world that my father was obsessed with my mother. Isnt it quite natural to think that his grandchildren have the same temperament?]

I see, thats an opinion I dont understand.

The battle-hardened grandfather, who was said to be the Empires Red Demon, and I, who broke Voistras Great Shield, are likely to be seen again and again.

[The reason Nambonan City is left to the citizens to rule is because Wilk was smitten by Miss Anna. It seems that it was the spirit of Nambonan, and it is said to be amusing in the commoner area.]

The Quordenze family recognizes Nambonans autonomy, even though they have conquered Nambonan.

Apparently this was interpreted as Wilk Quordenze, after his first battle, fell in love with Anna, and has been listening to her requests.

In fact, after the fall, Anna was constantly spreading the smell of my semen around her. There must have been many citizens who frowned at the smell.

[It seems that the contents of Operation Serpents Fang have begun to spread with strange interpretations. Wilk rushed to Nambonan City in a great hurry and jumped into a duel between Nobles without hesitation because he was enraged that his beloved Miss Anna was in danger.]

Amazing. The rumor is that I was living for love

[Also, Ive received a report, but it seems that you spread the magic of goodwill.]

Ive heard that the release of goodwill magic that was triggered by having sex with Raeve spread throughout Nambonan City.

It is possible that people misunderstood that intense love was directed at Anna. Since that release was the release of emotions that cannot be expressed in words, the details of things like Raeve, Anna, and so on didnt get through to the people around them. Only the feeling of [I love you] is transmitted.

[But, Anna is already pregnant by that point]

[People with extreme prejudice tend to ignore even that.]

Rather, it is said that some male Nobles get extra erections during his pairs pregnancy, believing that the child in their womb has stolen the woman they love. I hate these guys.

Or rather, maybe they think Im a bastard who rapes women in the early stages of pregnancy. No, it seems that the favorability of the women who live in Nambonan city will decrease. I will give instructions to spread rumors to help clear up the misunderstandings later.

I dont do terrible things that burden pregnant women. I only rape and impregnate healthy women.

[Its better than having someone strong here spread the word.]

Saying that, my father tapped his own lower abdomen.

It must mean that you have a strong sexual desire.

[It cant be helped. Acting like a favored Noble will raise an unneeded vigilance.]

A Noble with high sex drive is like a walking munitions factory. Its not a story that would benefit from being known to other families.

[Yeah, I was going to tell you to do that. It depends on the flow of society, but even if a large Noble like the Levios family, the Milendorva family, or the Adellahan family comes up with a marriage proposal, its easy to take the initiative.]

It is difficult to strongly recommend a Princess to a favored Noble. Because of the common understanding among the Nobles that if you push poorly, you could end up becoming an impotent, it would not be rude to push hard. The fact that it is easy to refuse is very advantageous for us.

[Ill leave the marriage to my father, but Im looking forward to meeting the Princesses here and there.]

[Youll probably meet the Princess of Levios family early on. In the case of Adellahan family, they will probably send the next Head of the family, Princess Calmia. It is said that they will adopt a child from a branch family to make him into a son-in-law.]

Just the sound of the word Princess makes me want to get an erection.

I wish Princess Calmia ended up with an ugly man. Otherwise, my tea will taste bad.

[I dont know how the Milendorva family will behave. Dont think theyll marry Princess Orshian away, but]

The conversation seemed to not go anywhere, so I asked a question.

[What about the Zeldomitra family?]

Father shrugged his shoulders.

[Zeldomitra doesnt have a Princess of your age. We lost Marquis Zeldomitra at the time due to the disaster of Yersinia, and unfortunately they also lost their many female relatives in the process.]

And then, he casually made a serious remark.

[Ive been receiving letters from before, a marriage proposal for Fanny, but I dont have the advantage to conclude it now.]

I tried to keep a calm expression on my face before I looked at my father.

[For Fanny?]

[It was a fixed plan that we would like to strengthen the relationship between Quordenze and Zeldomitra in the future.]

If you want to strengthen your relationship with the Zeldomitra family, who are on relatively good terms among the Royal Nobles, the only thing left is marriage.

[In the current situation, Fanny cannot be married away. Well, Zeldomitra should understand that.]

The flow of the story was smooth, but there was a hint of course correction in my fathers words and actions.

I wondered if he wanted to connect the conversation here.

Since there were a lot of phrases in the line that caught my attention, I decided to take the bait.

[..You are not letting Fanny leave?]

[Exactly.]

My father, who had his back against the sofa, got up at the same time as he said that and improved his posture.

Its as if hes telling me that hes about to say something serious.

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[The case of Evenafis family is a lot more serious than they initially thought.]

[..is it about the successor?]

My father avoided answering my question and threw the last piece of dried scallop in his mouth into his mouth, chewing it up with a crunching sound.

As I waited for a while, my father swallowed it and replied quietly, Yes.

[Since the demonic beast Yersinia crossed their territory, it can be considered that the lineage of the Evenafis family has virtually ceased. Its collapse is only a matter of time.]

[In the main family, there is only my mothers grandfather. Ive also heard that there are only a few relatives left in their shadow families]

Father quietly nodded.

[Thats right. The Sylopea family also has few relatives, but barely. The young and healthy Princess Plume still remains as the next Head of the family. However, the Evenafis family no longer has a womb to give birth Therefore, I have received a request to return Merley to her parents house.]

[Mother?]

[Yes. Merley is still at the age where she can give birth.. I dont know if he can even still get an erection, but I guess the elderly Count Evenafis thinks its the only way to recover their family line.]

Hes going to have sex with his own granddaughter to make babies. Although its the fate of a Noble, it still felt so morbid.

However, its strange that they actually asked whether its possible to return my Mother back.

If theyre only thinking about continuing the lineage of the Evenafis family, they should do whatever it takes to get back my mother, Merley, and work hard to make a child. Even if my father gets furious about it, the Evenafis family will disappear if both sides only sit back and do nothing.

[..How about Fanny?]

[Thats right. If Fanny gives birth to a child, she will give the child to the Evenapis family for adoption. This is the secret pact between the Quordenze family and the Evenafis family. The reason that Im able to refuse Merleys return is because of Fannys existence.]

Even if my father didnt like it, my mother wouldnt want to see her family destroyed.

I dont know if she will take the responsibility of a Noble or continue to love her husband. But depending on the choice, my mother could make a ferocious dash back to Evenafis territory.

It would be difficult to catch a Highlord who seriously thought about escaping, and that would be the level of imprisonment. But that would not be the marital life that my father, who loves my mother, wants.

[Even if they make their relationship with Quordenze worsen and bring Merley back home, it doesnt mean that the child will do well. In that case, it would be better to wait for Fannys child.]

Well, thats it. The biggest problem here is the phrase Fannys child. It continued to resonate in the brain.

I felt like my heart rate was going crazy from the anticipation and tension. And in turn, its becoming suffocating.

[Father, what about Fannys child? A woman cant have a child by herself]

But, my father evaded the answer.

[Fannys child. Of course, we should also consider the lineage. I want her to have a child as close to Evenafis as possible.]

I try to keep my composure so that dangerous magic doesnt come out. After having sex with Raeve, Im scared that I might unintentionally let out my emotions.

And since a while ago, my father has been observing my expression quite carefully.

[I think so. If the Evenafis wish to adopt, its better not to dilute the blood]

I casually answer a leading question.

Whether my father knew or not, he accepted my words as they were.

[Its exactly what Wilk said. If we start with a man from another territory, his influence on the Evenafis family will grow. That is not what Quordenze wants. I cant stand being interrupted by the interests for Hartinos Lake Port.]

[Thats right. The interests that have existed since the foundation of the Evenapis family will be shaken.]

The city of Hartinos, which is also the home of the Evenafis family, is a port town facing a huge lake. For this reason, it is also a trading city that prospered from ancient times through water transportation.

It was an important transit point for trade between St. Navenpos, the Mamushred Federation, and the western part of the continent.

During the turbulent times, the surrounding Nobles fought over and over again for this delicious city, and it was a place of fierce battles that were repeatedly robbed and pillaged.

Surprisingly, it wasnt a Noble who finally took control of this land. A local Highlord, the child of blessing, who was born very rarely among the commoners, took control of the city of Hartinos.

The Nobles did not have the leeway to hunt the local Highlord because of the fierce battlefield. For this reason, he was born in the city of Hartinos, and as he grew up there, he secretly accumulated strength, worked hard to have children, and defeated the exhausted Nobles in a series of battles. This is the real fishermans advantage. Only in port towns.

At that time, the head of the Quordenze family, who was struggling to unify the mainland, took notice of this.

This blessed child who suppressed the area around Hartinos City will surely have great power in the future. The Head of the Quordenze family at the time thought so and tried to get in touch with them.

As a blessed child, this was a great chance. In addition to being able to make friends with the Quordenze family, a Noble family with a long history, he also got a Highlord wife.

In principle, Lords can only be born between Lords. In order for the Blessed Child not only to end up as a Noble, but to survive as a Noble family, it was absolutely necessary to have a Highlord wife.

Perhaps because of these circumstances, the Quordenze family traditionally holds a portion of the interests in the Hartinos Lake Port. The silkworms that I obtained to make Newnelly Silk were obtained through the personnel at the Hartinos Lake Port.

The first Head of the Evenafis family took the Princess of the Quordenze family as his lawful wife, and after that, relying on their strong friendship, he devoted himself to eradicating and unifying the weak and small Nobles around the city of Hartinos.

The relationship between the Quordenze family and the Evenafis family has existed since the founding of Evenafis.

With the above reasoning, there is no problem even if the blood of the Quordenze family is mixed with the Evenafis family. The first legal wife is from the Quordenze family, and half of the second generation Head is also of Quordenze bloodline.

So, I insisted to my father, if someone were to impregnate Fanny, then he would have to be a man of the Quordenze family.

But, my father kept looking at me while saying things like [Umu] and [Hmmhmu].

Its probably hard for my father to say. Ordering a Noble to do sexual intercourse could lead to stepping on a landmine if done poorly.

If my father knew how active my libido is, he wouldnt have to worry about it. But well, its a difficult topic to talk about.

I decided that the story wouldnt progress at this rate, so I, thinking of my father, decided to help him out. It should help me too.

[..However, the profit as a family is important, but I think Fanny is just as important. As she is my beloved younger sister, I feel pity as an older brother when thinking that she will be forced to give birth to a child by a man whose face she doesnt even know. If thats all it is, then]

The next words didnt come out of my mouth.

When I hurriedly checked my fathers condition, he lowered his face, put one hand on his mouth and shook his shoulders.

[Kukuku]

Looked like hes laughing.

He seemed to endure it for a while, but the trembling in his shoulders gradually increased, and soon he started laughing out loud.

[Hahahaha, Im sorry, Wilk. I will stop the teasing now.]

And my father made a quick conclusion.

[As you know, Fanny is already ready to give birth. ..I want to leave Fanny to Wilk. Do you understand what I mean?]

In an instant, I could feel the blood all over my body rising. If its an anime, my skin would probably be burning red due to the hot blood.

After learning about the effects of the Yersinia Calamity, my heart is filled with joy that the development that I had thought might have become a reality.

[..I see. I understand.]

[I thought so. I didnt expect that youd refuse either, buthmm, you look really happy about itdont make Fanny sad.]

I may have let my guard down a little too much, partly because only my father was there. I focused on altering my loosened facial muscles, then switched the topic to something serious.

Looking at my fathers sloppy face, I began to feel that he had said such a roundabout way to tease me. He might have thought that since he was going to take his cute daughter away, he should be a little mean.

[If its the child between Wilk and Fanny, it can be assumed that the blood of Quordenze and Evenafis is half, if limited to the immediate future. It would still be appropriate to place him as the next Head of the Evenafis family. For me, Quordenze becomes too assertive.]

Judging from that alone, Fanny and I, who were born to a father from the Quordenze family and a mother from the Evenapis family, are in a 50:50 already.

On top of that, if my father and Fanny were to have children, would it be 75:25 for the child to be born as a Quordenze superior? On the other hand, if its me and Fanny, it can be said that 50:50 will continue. Well, depending on how you think about it, its just self-reproducing within the Quordenze family, so its possible to think of it as Quordenze will be 100, but this is a very subjective topic. It can be interpreted in any way.

For the Evenafis family, it would be most helpful for me and my mother, Merley, to have children, butyeah, its better not to say it. I may end up inciting my fathers wrath.

As for me, I can have an erection with my mother, Merley, without any problems. And I would very much like to see a super oyakodon with Fanny mixed in.

[By the way, what kind of position will Fanny take? Will she be my legal wife?]

In the case of the Nobles of the Eruo continent, it is not uncommon for siblings to marry. In any case, the most important thing is the lineage of the founder, and the inheritance of power. There are many consanguineous marriages.

I dont think its possible to have children with Fanny several times and then marry her off to other territories. Im sure she will be mine for the rest of my lifeor rather, I plan to make her mine.

I was just listening to it myself, but I also thought that there would be no legal wife course.

[Merley would probably suggest so. But, I think otherwise.]

[Ah, mother wants to make Fanny my legal wife?]

[Thats right. Assuming that Wilk inherits the family Headship, is it better for the Head of the Evenapis family to be a child born from the legal wife of the Head of the Quordenze family, or a child of a concubinethe answer would be the former.]

Suppose something happened to the Evenafis family. If the child between his legal wife Fanny is in trouble, the Quordenze family has no choice but to help as much as possible. Its a matter of course.

The Quordenze family would be seen as unreliable and unfaithful if they abandoned their child with their legal wife.

If this is between you and your concubine, youll only need to fork over a certain amount of help. .Well, this case is a little special. Fanny was the Princess of the Quordenze main family, so if I tried to treat her like a normal concubine, that would make me look like a dishonest perverted bastard.

Considering the security of her parents home, recommending Fanny as my legal wife is the right thing for a Noble from Evenafis. Besides, if I were in my mothers place, I would want to put my daughter in a stable position as much as possible.

As a Noble and as a real mother, it was only natural for her to plan for her daughter to become my legal wife.

[However, Wilks legal wife must be someone useful as a diplomatic card. It would be a pity to let it go here. Also, even though the Evenafis family has been a long-time ally, it would be a lie if I said that I didnt want to make people realize that Quordenze was once again ranked higher.]

Even though they are sworn friends, there is no substitute for being from another family. My father assured me that I should not let my guard down there.

It seemed like he was speaking for himself, but it was probably a warning to me.

It is important to remember that while my mother is my real mother, she also has a side as a female Noble who must also prioritize the interests of the Evenafis family.

The Evenapis family wont be able to sleep with their feet on the Quordenze family for the next 100 years or so, assuming that they survived the current crisis of extinction.

In my fathers opinion, Fanny would be placed in an ambiguous position as Family of the Quordenze family Head rather than a legal wife or a concubine.

[..By the way, will all of Fannys children have to be sent to Evenafis?]

Its a matter of course, but Im not satisfied with impregnating one or two women. It is a feeling that I have to impregnate at the level of bamboo shoots sprouting after rain.

[They want at least two. ..But to be really honest, we are also short of Highlords. If possible, wed want to secure some from outside No matter how you look at it, the number of shadow families is not enough to maintain the vast Quordenze territory.]

[I dont know much about the shadow families situation, are they in need of more members?]

[We can still do something about the mainland, but we dont have any leeway to send them overseas.]

I see, then it would be unrealistic for me to marry Fanny anyway.

From my point of view, its really good news, but it must have been a pretty serious issue for the Quordenze territory. Love saves the land.

[Huh? Speaking of which, there should have been several Princesses and ladies of the Imperial Nobles who ruled the foreign lands in the mansion, but there]

Wouldnt it be better if I raped her and impregnated her? In response to this opinion, it would be the worst if my father responded with something like [Ah, then without Fanny].

But, what Ive already said cant be helped. I wait for my fathers words while being nervous in my heart.

[..Ive been informed that they wont suit Wilks taste.]

[Oh.]

I shouldve guessed.

The word Princess conjures up an image of a beautiful girl, but of course there are also disappointing Princesses.

My father probably heard from the servants about the appearance of women that Wilk likes and decided that the women in the mansion didnt match. Perhaps he actually visited the mansion with some servants.

These days, the servants are very good at identifying things like that.

In fact, when I returned from Nambonan City to Newnelly City this time, I stopped by the knight houses, where many of my favorite girls appeared as caretakers. It is a complete insider sex that cannot be said that there was no prior leak by the servant. Unexpectedly, I enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime chance.

When I think about it, I feel like my father has been asking me things like [Is Fanny cute?]. That wasnt an extremely doting dads parental LOVE stupid remark, but maybe him confirming how I was looking at Fanny.

I guess ordering a Noble boy to hug a woman he doesnt like is a part of him that makes him conscious of impotence and risk.

My father looked like he changed the subject, so I obediently followed.

But, I still smiled knowingly.

[..Actually, I was planning to talk with Fanny tonight. Since its a big deal, Im going to talk slowly about the future of Quordenze.]

Theres a saying, What if you dont eat on the table? Hurry up and eat everything. I thought it was a little different, but dont worry about that.

However, for the first time, my father showed an anguished expression.

[There is that, but I want you to wait until you return from the Royal Capital.]

[Huh? Why? Why? Why?]

Im not a dog waiting to be fed dog food. So why do I have to wait until then?

I approached my father.

[..Just in case, I want to keep the existence of Fanny at hand.]

According to my father, the scale of the Royal Capitals social gathering this time was large, so there could be unexpected accidents.

In the worst case, it is possible that they will have no choice but to use the Fanny card to resolve diplomatic issues. In preparation for such a situation, wed want to keep Fanny clean as it is.

But, can I at least suck on her breast, please?

[Im sorry. There will be times when Wilk meets Earl Evenafis in the Royal Capital. If that happens, you should definitely tell him about this. That old man has that kind of personality. Hed want to talk to youlet me say this again, Im sorry, Wilk. Please be patient this time.]

I thought it would be fine if I just licked your leg, but I decided not to. My father showed me this much sincerity, so Ill just give him a chew on his cheek.

Even so, a father begging his son to wait to have sex with his own sister is a surreal scene to begin with.

[Hahahaha.]

I couldnt help but laugh.

[If you want it that way, father.]

Hearing my reply, my father seemed relieved. It seems that even my father was nervous to imitate a woman he could hold.

My father, who was in a good mood, said while pouring liquor into the goblet.

[Hey, dont worry. As long as you dont make an irreparable mistake, theres no problem. Its almost impossible to make a mistake that forces you to send your wife.]

..Be really careful with my words and actions.

I promised myself firmly.