Ch.24882. As Long as We Live, We Cannot Abandon Politics.

The royal capital of Dabas, Darbad, was not as enormous in scale as the nation’s reputation might suggest.

Half of the capital was occupied by rocky terrain and half by a massive river. What had begun as a base village had grown into a realm that couldn’t be compared to the original kingdoms and territories of the indigenous people.

The once-abundant forests had been cleared for farmland and transformed into residential areas to accommodate the influx of residents.

The vast grasslands for livestock grazing were so expansive that they were regularly used for various large-scale activities, from military training to festivals.

However, there were no particularly impressive architectural structures or related areas here, due to both their practical nature and the scars left by the Demon King’s army that still visibly remained.

Since most buildings were designed for convenience and practicality, first-time visitors and travelers would likely be impressed by this simplicity.

Even though it was simple and modest, when one encountered the endless repetition of this scenery, it inspired a kind of reverence.

The grand cathedral, which had begun construction for the purpose of receiving teachings from the Irenis Order, was surprisingly being built on a scale comparable to the Empire, but even after more than ten years, it was still less than half completed.

Around it was an open space reminiscent of a wide plaza, with temporary camps for workers, and even a small market had formed in the vicinity.

In the distant past, the ancestors of Dabas who openly used slaves had built and erected numerous structures by exploiting them.

In some ways, Dabas was still continuing this tradition, though not to the same extent as before.

Dabas was known for treating its slaves somewhat better compared to other nations.

…If one could overlook the shackles of slavery itself.

“We’re in a time of serious conflict between stubborn traditionalists who don’t realize times have changed and the younger generation who want to start everything anew regardless of tradition.”

Having entered the royal capital riding alongside the Wolf Prince, Cariel was inevitably drawing everyone’s attention.

Similarly, Delica and Raymond, who had dismounted from Caligula and were following behind, were equally conspicuous in various ways.

“You know what’s interesting? I once saw an old record where an elderly monk wrote that today’s youth have no manners and no interest in the words of adults or the gospel, and he was deeply worried about their future!”

“……”

“Conflict and dispute. When these intensify, they eventually lead to war, struggle, and turmoil. As you once said, we’re precariously balancing on stepping stones between the rivers of conflict and compromise.”

“……”

The man spoke boisterously and cheerfully.

His reddish beard was neither long nor full, complemented by sideburns.

His yellowish-brown hair gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting a color like a barley field dissolving in the sunset.

With blue eyes, he exuded an impression of fearlessness and boldness.

Yet this was a mask he presented.

However, it wasn’t merely a mask… it would be fair to say he was wearing a bear’s hide.

Though his build was almost diminutive compared to his warrior guards, his aura, dignified posture, and gestures revealed that he was no ordinary man.

…To Cariel, he was still just a person, nothing more, nothing less.

Still, he had to acknowledge the man was extraordinary.

Silver gleamed beneath his fur coat.

It seemed that his armored appearance was common enough that no one around appeared surprised by it.

Rather than fear, people often greeted him or showed respect.

The child of an illegitimate birth.

His status was half noble, half lowly.

Nevertheless, he had driven out his only powerful and steadfast brother to become the sole crown prince.

…Of course, if the king suddenly went senile or became distracted by women, the situation could change, but the current king of Dabas was known as the Cold King, second to none in ruthlessness.

During the Demon King’s army invasion, Dabas had independently repelled the formidable invasion several times.

Though many of Dabas’s resources were depleted as a result, they had at least managed to preserve their self-respect.

That was also why their influence was so powerful on the continent at that time.

…After all, apart from the Empire, none of the neighboring countries had the capacity to withstand them.

In this context, Dabas treated them as comrades and allies rather than intimidating them.

…They believed this was the best way to pressure the Empire.

They particularly attracted countries that had antipathy toward or conflicts with the Empire.

Though it’s said that the Nine Heroes saved the continent…

…To native privileged classes and rulers, such heroes were like natural enemies who undermined their existence and authority.

Rather than gratitude, they felt resentment, hatred, jealousy, and anger.

Additionally, the Nine Heroes, in pushing their own will, had made enemies of too many foreign powers.

And.

It was those who believed they had crossed the heroes who blindly feared them.

They firmly believed that the Nine Heroes would eventually seek to eliminate or deal with those who harbored grudges or showed hostility toward them.

Because that’s what they themselves would have done long ago!

“That’s why your role and mine were quite significant.”

“……”

“But don’t worry. I don’t intend to burden you unnecessarily because of that. I’m just saying it’s a pity.”

The Wolf Prince’s words suggested that he was aware that Cariel had fallen out with the Empire, or that their relationship had deteriorated, or at least that there was potential for such.

In other words, he had grasped, if not all, then at least the core of Cariel’s situation.

“I see Loroana told you.”

“Did she give you any hint about this?”

“Not at all.”

I decided to speak as if I knew something that he would eventually reveal anyway.

“Is that so? Your sharp mind remains intact, I see. It seems your depth of thought has increased along with your taciturnity.”

“……”

Not at all.

I am not as intelligent now as I was in the past.

Seeing one thing and understanding ten, glimpsing or imagining even more.

The monster who could calculate hundreds or thousands of units in an instant and organize the answers just by closing and opening his eyes was, to the current Cariel, a being from another world, a distant star.

No matter how hard he studied or racked his brain.

He could never reach the feet of the Demon King of Wisdom, or the genius who had once sacrificed everything.

“Following the lead you gave me, I made contact with her and was able to exchange various stories. That’s also the connection between us now.”

“If the purpose aligns, one can travel together.”

“Exactly!”

He exclaimed enthusiastically, as if pleased I understood.

“Lady Loroana thought the Empire needed to be kept in check but couldn’t come up with a suitable plan or countermeasure. She had many ideas, but they all required patience and endurance. So I proposed to help her while we also received assistance… a mutually beneficial arrangement. As you said, we are beasts who must always carry the scales of negotiation in our embrace.”

“……”

In other words, while I provided the clue, it was the Wolf Prince’s own capability that put it into practice and proved its effectiveness.

The Wolf Prince.

Barzento Pamern Al Dardaros.

The Dabas dynasty originated from the Dardaros family, a bloodline of great warriors.

There are several examples of war lords’ bloodlines becoming monarchs by uniting talent and surroundings through strength and leadership, including some neighboring countries besides the Dabas dynasty, but among them, Dabas is the only country that has successfully maintained its national identity while establishing a solid foundation.

So even as the world at large was being immersed in chivalric culture, they were firmly emphasizing the path of the warrior, resolutely standing against knights.

“Yes. So did you stop by here on your way, knowing nothing? I doubt that’s the case. Ah, let me guess. I suppose… you came here because you were worried about her?”

“……”

“If you mean her, I met her during my journey and we ended up traveling here together because our views aligned. Initially, I was concerned because she seemed in danger, facing attacks from people from the Empire or her homeland.”

“She herself wouldn’t have been concerned about that, would she?”

“That’s true.”

The Wolf Prince answered candidly.

“But she was indeed in danger. Without my help at the time, she would have been dragged back to her homeland with serious injuries.”

“……”

“Even the infamous Devil of the Lake couldn’t handle elite forces continuously pouring in after several days without proper sleep. It’s beyond human capacity.”

“……”

It was already difficult enough dealing with the Empire, but apparently personnel were also dispatched from her homeland, Lutania, at an inopportune time.

And not to safely protect or serve her, but to forcibly secure her person?

…More precisely, those who were ordered to do so if she refused.

“Here, neither the Empire nor Lutania can freely come and go.”

“That’s right. Unless they’re looking for a fight with us, they can’t risk causing discord. We’re not exactly known for being reasonable. If rumors spread, we might have to make a show of mobilizing our forces as we listen to our people’s voices, even if unintentionally.”

“…If they desire a conquest war, I believe the Empire would welcome such signs.”

“On the contrary. I don’t know about the Hero Emperor, but as long as your father, the Knight of Radiance, is there, the Empire cannot wage war.”

The Wolf Prince was resolute.

“And that’s what you once told me too. Conversely, the moment he supports war, continental conquest would only be a matter of time.”

“Extremes indeed.”

“That’s why our special relationship was important, which is why I’ve been watching my father’s mood quite a bit lately.”

“……”

The Wolf Prince was known for his friendship with Cariel Brendiar, the firstborn son of the Knight of Radiance’s bloodline.

Stories of their sworn brotherhood had spread, though Cariel wasn’t sure if they were true.

But seeing him speak so openly about it now, it must be true.

“It would have been even better if it had led to marriage talks with my younger sister.”

“Was that a premise of our relationship?”

“Not definitively… only if you and that child had feelings for each other. Back then, you were confessing to any pretty and smart girl, weren’t you? I wondered why you were like that at such a young age, but now that I’m older, I understand. Good women… they’re all already taken. Among those you had your eye on, only my sister remains single.”

“……”

Though his words seemed casual, everything he said had political intent.

“You’ve become quite adept at politics.”

“I had no choice. I’m merely carrying out what you taught me thoroughly.”

Similarly, he left no room for confusion or doubt in his statements.

He continued speaking.

“Didn’t you say that a responsible person can make grandiose false declarations that they can support the world or save it until the day the world ends?”

Also.

“As you said in the past, we cannot abandon politics as long as we live. Those who abandon politics either become obsolete or perish. Isn’t that what you said?”

All of those were statements I had made in the past.

The current me could never speak in such a way.

But back then, I must have been capable of it.

Truly, what an abnormally gifted fellow I was.

“Even if left alone, didn’t you say we must continue to compromise through the struggle with ourselves?

In that sense, how to distribute myself as a human resource, how to use time, and how to pass responsibility to oneself, accept it, endure, cry, and laugh—isn’t everything ultimately a form of politics and negotiation?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“Right! So don’t be heartbroken over this. I’m faithfully following what you told me. Rather, rejoice in my rapid growth! We’re growing together and moving forward with purity and passion. Didn’t you say that politics, when it serves everyone rather than just oneself, enriches the world?”

“…It’s not an easy task.”

“Then there’s nothing to be done about it. Didn’t you say not to fret over things that can’t be helped? I’m a man who knows what’s what. If it comes to it, I’ll take up an axe or a sword.”

If words don’t get through and there’s no intention to talk.

Then one must fight.

Trying to dialogue or compromise even then… would be naive or complacent.

“Otherwise, if one had the power to shatter their impropriety or insensibility, that would be good, but that’s truly not an easy thing.”

“……”

Yes.

That’s why I’ve come this far, to achieve that truly difficult feat.

I no longer intend to seek dialogue, compromise, negotiation, or cooperation.

Because I understand, I’ve realized that such things cannot save anyone.

“I might face some scrutiny for having you follow me, but I won’t bother you with that. For now, meet her and then think about your schedule or journey while resting. Knowing you, you’ve probably been running non-stop without thinking of rest, right?”

“……”

“While you’re at it, greet my sister too. Ah, is this too pushy?”

“She would probably scold you for such unnecessary actions if she saw you like this.”

“Scold? Not just nag?”

The Wolf Prince snorted and grumbled.

“She may not seem like it, but she has a fiery temper. She’d rather verbally lash out than be on the receiving end anywhere.”

“……”

“Anyway, if you want to see Lady Aseratt, you’ll naturally meet her since they’re very close like sisters now.”

“…I see.”

“Yes. She may not seem like it, but she’s a cunning girl. You used to like that about her, saying she was smart, didn’t you?”

Is he praising his sister or criticizing her?

Still, it doesn’t feel unpleasant or uncomfortable.

In some ways, it could sound uncomfortable, troublesome, annoying, or awkward.

But steering the conversation and atmosphere to prevent that is also part of political skill.

Creating an impression that seems free of malice or schemes, pure yet somewhat cunning, but not dislikable or uncomfortable.

Cariel could clearly see how much struggle it must have taken to form such an impression.

That was the level Cariel himself had ultimately been unable to reach.

If that had been possible, perhaps…

Cariel might have been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, with Alesius, in friendly companionship.

…A truly absurd fantasy.