Chapter 489: Confrontation

Editor: Tseirp

“I can guess the names of most people here, but I can’t seem to figure out the names of you two.”

“Ah, I see. That’s why you visited Deputy Ambassador Bansnow, Captain Gorick, and First Officer Lena.”

“How you managed to match names with faces is beyond me. Surely, not all their portraits were included in your report.”

Abel tilted his head, unable to grasp Duke Helb’s methods, while Ryo nodded in understanding.

“The report was indeed just text, but it contained very detailed descriptions of each person’s features.”

“Impressive. The intelligence network of the Grand Duchy is certainly something.”

“For some reason, you sound a bit aggressive, Abel.”

Listening to Helb’s explanation, Abel’s tone seemed confrontational.

A fact that made Ryo slightly worried.

So unusual, it made Ryo a bit tense…

Helb, however, appeared completely unconcerned.

“I have no grudge against the Grand Duchy or Duke Helb. It’s just… seeing the current situation in the Free City reminds me of my own country, once occupied by a neighboring nation. Forgive my immaturity for allowing my emotions to get the better of me.”

“I see.”

Duke Helb nodded, a faint smile on his face.

Then he asked.

“Forgive me, but you two are…?”

“Abel, from the Knightley Kingdom in the Central Countries.”

“And I’m Ryo.”

“The Central Countries? That’s quite far…”

Helb appeared genuinely surprised.

Just as in the Archipelago region, few in this southern part of the continent knew the exact location of the ‘Central Countries’.

However, the name itself was familiar, as the language of the Central Countries was fairly widespread.

“I must admit… I wasn’t aware that the Suje Kingdom had diplomatic relations with the Central Countries.”

Helb noted the fact that individuals from the Central Countries were present at the Suje Kingdom’s embassy garden party, properly dressed for the occasion. ꭆàΝȏΒЁs

“Is that so? I’m surprised you didn’t know. The flagship Bralcau of Queen Iliaja, the newly enthroned Queen of the Suje Kingdom, was actually built in our Knightley Kingdom.”

“Oh… Now that is interesting.”

“Perhaps you didn’t hear about this. But five assault frigates once attacked the Bralcau, carrying the queen before her coronation. Naturally, not a single scratch was inflicted, and all five ships were promptly sunk. I was on board at the time, and I can tell you. Being attacked by five frigates is quite an experience.”

By now, Abel was speaking with a slight smile.

Watching beside him, Ryo felt a lingering anxiety.

Debating whether he should cast an on Abel just in case.

However, the man before them was a sorcerer.

One of the most powerful in the southern continent.

If he cast any magic, it would immediately be detected.

In the end, Ryo could do nothing but watch over the situation…

He understood Abel’s feelings.

Seeing one’s homeland occupied by a foreign power is not a pleasant experience.

Abel, who had been at the forefront of the liberation effort, likely had more intense emotions and thoughts than most people.

The man before them had openly admitted it.

That the Grand Duchy did not deny its ambitions to unify the entire southern continent.

And that they were making large-scale moves.

Toward that goal.

In other words, it was only a matter of time before the Free City would be annexed by the Grand Duchy…

It was hard for Abel not to draw comparisons to the tragic state of his own Knightley Kingdom, half of which, including the capital—had fallen into the hands of rebels and a foreign power.

No matter how much he tried to see the situation differently, memories of his past clouded his thoughts.

Even though he intellectually understood that the Debuhi Empire and the Atinjo Grand Duchy were entirely different entities.

Besides, the Grand Duchy’s attack on Queen Iliaja’s ship with five frigates, their assault on her coronation, and their alleged involvement in stirring civil war in the Ghegish-Lu Federation all suggested that their motives were far from noble…

“To easily repel five assault frigates, that’s impressive. But I must say, the seas have become dangerous these days. If even pirates possess assault frigates.”

Helb said without acknowledging that the attacking ships had belonged to the Grand Duchy.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Naturally.

Acknowledging it would spark a diplomatic incident.

Besides, there was no need to admit it.

“Watching one country occupy another is truly something I’d rather not see.”

Abel said firmly.

“Pardon me, but the situation in the southern continent is likely beyond your understanding—as someone from the Central Countries.”

Duke Helb, smiling, delivered his words with equal clarity.

The two faced each other head-on.

Abel’s expression was resolute.

While Helb wore a smile.

It was Helb who looked away first.

“Ah, I’m keeping Ambassador Randassa waiting. I should take my leave. Gentlemen, I hope we’ll meet again.”

“Frankly, I see no need for us to meet again.”

“We, the Grand Duchy, will annex the Free City.”

Duke Helb declared this abruptly and with conviction.

Abel, taken aback, furrowed his brows. In a look of open distaste.

“We will eliminate any who stand in our way. Let us hope we won’t need to meet again under such circumstances.”

“I’ll act following what I believe is right.”

Hearing this, Helb seemed to stifle a wry smile.

Before bowing and departing.

“Really Abel! Don’t put me on edge like that!”

“Sorry. I got a bit carried away.”

“You’re always passionate, Abel.”

“R-really?”

Ryo lightly scolded Abel.

Though not out of anger.

“I understand how you feel.”

“Hm?”

“No one wants to see another country taken over.”

“Yeah.”

Abel nodded in agreement at Ryo’s words.

“However… when you look at it historically, both the aggressor and the side being invaded often have various reasons for their actions.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not like the aggressor is all, ‘Ha ha! I’m going to conquer everything! Yeah!’ or ‘Let’s expand our territory just because!’ or ‘We need to punish the country that won’t listen to us!’ No one’s attacking with that mindset.”

“…”

“Nine times out of ten, the reason for invasion is economic. Of course, that doesn’t mean it justifies invasion. Ideally, these issues should be solved diplomatically, but if diplomacy could solve everything, wars wouldn’t happen. Wars arise because each country’s circumstances clash and they can’t reach a solution. Honestly, the more I study history, the more I feel humanity is still far from evolving past resolving issues through war.”

“Uh, right…”

“A struggle for resources and energy… that’s the essence of war.”

Abel found himself unable to keep up with Ryo’s sudden lecture on the nature of war.

“Conversely, if we could develop alternative resources and an accessible power source, nine out of ten wars could be eliminated… logically, that is. So, if we truly want to avoid war, we must advance our technological and developmental capabilities not only at the national level… but for humanity as a whole. But, well, that’s easier said than done.”

“…You said nine out of ten. What’s the other one?”

“Geopolitical reasons. A country may want free access to open waters, but there’s another country in its way, for instance. Our own Knightley Kingdom is quite fortunate in that regard. We don’t need to invade other nations.”

“I see…”

Abel showed a subtle expression of agreement, though with a frown.

“What’s this, Abel? You don’t want to see other countries being invaded, but do you want to see your own country doing the invading?”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.”

“If it’s occupying the Debuhi Empire, I wouldn’t stop you…”

“Not a chance!”

Ryo paused for a moment, as if suddenly remembering something.

“Oh… there’s one more thing…”

“One more thing?”

“Another reason for war. I suppose you could call it war or maybe civil war…”

“Well, go on, now that you’ve come this far.”

“Liberation wars.”

“…I see.”

Abel, having fought in a war of liberation for his kingdom, seemed to understand.

“Liberation of the oppressed citizens, freedom from colonial rule, economic emancipation… Historically, these wars have been significant as well.”

With this, Ryo grimaced.

No one wants war.

It is an action that undeniably produces more suffering than happiness.

However, it’s no exaggeration to say that the history of mankind is a history of wars.

Humanity’s history has been so marked by war that the idea of lasting peace almost seems like a fantasy.

“In any case, the Grand Duchy will annex the Free City…”

“Indeed. Duke Helb was quite clear about it. He’s likely the highest-ranking commander of the occupation forces. As the Grand Duke’s brother, he’s clearly skilled, and his individual combat abilities are exceptional. Honestly, he seems even more capable than you, Abel.”

“Why am I being used as a comparison here?”

“Earlier, you were showing your emotions openly, whereas he handled you without letting any emotion show. In terms of scheming, he’s a step ahead, no?”

“…I admit that. I’m not suited for that sort of thing.”

Abel accepted Ryo’s observation without resistance.

Well aware that he wasn’t cut out for schemes and deception.

“Back in our Kingdom, we could rely on Marquis Heinlein for those matters, but he’s not here now.”

“True.”

“Then I have no choice. Strategist Ryo to the rescue!”

“Uh, maybe you don’t need to step in if you’re that unsure?”

“What kind of talk is that? I’m offering to cover for your weaknesses!”

“Sure, I might not be great at that stuff, but… I doubt you’re any better.”

“Y-You’re probably right?”

Ryo seemed to share Abel’s doubts.

“Well, it can’t be helped, I guess. People have their strengths and weaknesses. That’s just how it is.”

“True. We just have to act in the ways that suit us best.”

Ryo nodded in agreement at Abel’s words.

Their gazes shifted to the sight in front of them…

“It’s steamed jumbo prawns. Would you like some?”

A server offered them a freshly steamed prawn, large like a lobster.

“Absolutely, I’d love some!”

“Looks delicious.”

Good food brings happiness.

And peace.

As Ryo savored the steamed prawns, he pondered the difficulty of achieving world peace…

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