Ch.305101. Chain of Causality.

Asess had officially become the one and only legitimate monarch of unified Lutania.

The golden crown adorning her head had a prominent red jewel embedded in its center. Around the red jewel were tiny blue, green, bright yellow, and purple gems, with these four colors representing Lutania’s deeply rooted meritorious families.

Before unification, these families had proclaimed themselves as tribal leaders, chiefs, or kings. But they had sworn firm loyalty to Arseus, the founder of the En Draig royal family, the founding king, and the monarch of promises and covenants.

As the royal family developed and extended its influence to other archipelagos and islands across the sea, the number of subjects who swore allegiance gradually increased. However, the four meritorious families should be considered the true pillars supporting the En Draig royal family.

…Even though the current monarch, Asess Aselath, had driven one of those pillars to the brink of extinction.

“They keep saying ‘Aserat’ when it’s ‘Aselath.’ If they can’t even get such basics right, they shouldn’t bother sending envoys.”

Despite her words, Asess maintained an indifferent expression. Being naturally unemotional, her criticism could be seen as merely expressing basic dissatisfaction based on principles.

Even then, the fact that she didn’t summon them to directly reprimand or criticize them, but instead grumbled like this to her subjects, meant she wanted them to take note and give hints accordingly. With those hints, the envoys would be cautious, and those who provided the hints could maintain connections by claiming they had helped by being considerate.

Diplomacy is often mistaken as the maximization of reason and benefit, but in reality, it frequently flows emotionally. Those envoys, too, are people who would be considered powerful figures with nothing to envy once they return to their countries.

Face, pride, desire for honor, and need for recognition were, in some ways, more important factors for them than profit. …That’s why those who would lay out their hearts and souls were more troublesome.

Asess had long ago assigned unofficial personnel who could communicate secretly with foreign countries and exchange candid opinions with them in a strictly private manner. She meticulously created situations where even those who faithfully performed diplomatic rhetoric and conventions could deliberately create loopholes or subtly point them out or give hints. However, this was never apparent on the surface or easily detectable, let alone open to interference.

Lutania, being detached from the continent, surprisingly had clear autonomy. Moreover, Lutania had been a maritime power for generations.

Although the sea was not a lake, they were familiar with rivers, waterfronts, and coasts, making them seasoned in such matters. One reason for this was their history of frequent friction, disputes, and actual battles with surrounding archipelagos and islands across the sea.

Furthermore, their sorcery and independent magical system were extremely nature-friendly, so their methods and means of utilizing them often easily surpassed conventional concepts. Even the current monarch, Asess, was said to be a genius of the sword and mercenary tactics.

Her epithet, “Demon of the Lake,” came from her extreme notoriety on lakes, riverbanks, and at sea. Even fortresses surrounded by moats were, in her view, prey ripe for the taking.

This might make one think she would be called upon for siege warfare here and there, but she didn’t just look at what was right in front of her.

She considered the possibility of defeat even after victory, incurred enmity, bestowed favors, had her abilities assessed, and earned respect—she considered all these situations. And she charged a high price for her services.

Asess’s mercenary group seemed like a good place for mercenaries to entrust themselves, and it actually was. She approached even a mere mercenary group with the concept of running a small nomadic state walking a tightrope.

“……”

The one who had inspired that concept was the young Kariel she had met at that time. In that sense, the nation of Lutania was nothing short of paradise compared to when she was dealing with wanderers.

“It seems an unnamed figure from the Berk Empire is leading a delegation.”

“……”

Late at night. Asess and Kariel were in the inner quarters of the royal palace grounds. Since he was leaving tomorrow, she had made time to come here.

“I heard they’re a distant branch of the Enzul family. Have you heard of them?”

“……”

Kariel calmly replied.

“The emperor from two generations ago had extensively purged his own bloodline. I heard that the previous emperor, just in case, showed mercy and helped them escape.”

This information, strictly speaking, was provided by his counterpart from the world where Lutesia was born.

Elimion from that world. The woman who became his wife was from a branch family and had been with him since childhood for early education.

As time passed, Lutesia killed her father, and as more time passed, they journeyed together until the moment of liberation. And much later, the two were joined, incorporated into the imperial family, and with the union of the radiant and golden bloodline, the Enzul family, the bloodline of the radiant emperor was newly established, and its glory continued for generations…

“I wonder why they’ve brought this up now. They’re not planning to designate or replace a successor, I’m sure. Or are they planning to raise their own people because they have no one to trust? But… wouldn’t there be resentment?”

“The resentment would be toward the emperor from two generations ago.”

“No, Kariel. Whether it was the emperor from two generations ago or the previous one, it was still imperial blood that slaughtered them, right? Resentment tends to take deeper root than gratitude. Animals may appreciate kindness, but humans are insolent creatures who take kindness for granted.”

“……”

“Even so, they’re just a handful now, so they’ll be careful. A dog can kill a person by biting, but ants can’t kill a person by biting, can they?”

Yes, good. This is something I can use.

“Don’t overdo it.”

“I’m making plans precisely so I don’t have to overdo it. If we’re lazy in these matters, conflicts will arise, and then comes war. War.”

“……”

“We’re not planning to expand our territory anyway, so we have no intention of fighting them recklessly. If we were to conquer, we’d deal with the surrounding islands first; we’d be crazy to confront the Empire. Unless we can keep things amicable.”

In that sense, the current imperial policy is quite favorable.

“But that’s only while the current emperor and your father are sound. From the point of generation change, those who hold power and seek interests for their own achievements and glory might do anything, and it would be troublesome if they underestimate us. After all, Berk and Lutania have been adversaries since ancient times, right?”

“……”

“It would be easier if war broke out during my time. Even for the sake of what you asked of me—the stability of all people and the improvement and protection of their living conditions.”

“…As long as desire exists, conflict and war will be inevitable someday. And that continuous conflict will prompt development and improvement.”

“So you admit it too. That war and conflict are unavoidable.”

“…Due to the flow and structure of the world, and because of the different races, limited territories, and resources, permanent peace is impossible.”

Peace is merely a concept established by beings with intelligence.

True nature, and all living beings within it, constantly compete and continue endless conflicts until the day they die.

Moreover, having accessed the tales of the war gods through the World Tree, Kariel was not unaware of the shadows and malice created by civilization and eras.

That’s why this is an area beyond his control. Conversely, trying to control it would be crossing a line.

This world is by no means a world for the absolute majority. Rather, it’s a space filled with traps to drive the absolute majority into pitfalls. Only an extremely small fraction, a tiny minority, are guaranteed salvation, redemption, true freedom, and permanent peace.

Even that, in some sense, might be another trap.

“Will I see you next year? It’s upsetting not having you by my side during such a crucial time.”

“Morgane would have guaranteed it, so if it gets too difficult, disappearing for a while under the pretext of making contact with her might be an option.”

“Once my belly swells, it will be noticeable, so I suppose that’s unavoidable.”

She smiled lightly.

“……”

“Don’t worry, I’m not pressuring you.”

“……”

“There’s no need to apologize. What you’ve done so far is already more than enough. This was far more important than fighting several wars on my behalf.”

If not for that, she would have merely formally possessed the throne and crown, and there would always be the risk of rebellion. There’s a limit to suppressing with force, fear, and schemes. And it’s not like she had a solid foundation.

At one point, she had been exiled from the country.

“Seeing Morgane’s obsession and entanglement with bloodlines, I roughly understood that it’s no ordinary issue. Even our union and my carrying your seed must have been quite a burden for you. Is that right?”

“……”

Is there a need to tell her? …Just.

“If descendants commit sins, the repercussions will fully affect me as an ancestor.”

“Conversely, if descendants accumulate virtue instead of sin?”

“Then nothing could be better.”

“…Being a monarch is a position of committing sins, will that be alright?”

“Instead, one can accumulate greater virtuous deeds. For generations to come.”

The virtuous deeds of kings, those in power, and rulers are a kind of business. They might suffer from enormous debts and liabilities, but conversely, they might also reap greater achievements and results.

And the things they enjoy are very basic rewards. But the moment they take those things for granted, they won’t even recognize their value.

…Being able to accomplish great things is good, but conversely, failing to accomplish them from a position where one should is a vicious cycle of accumulating greater sins, failures, and frustrations.

“It’s not just about one child, is it? If that’s the case, my fate also affects you, is that roughly how I should understand it?”

“……”

The astute woman understands without needing complex explanations.

“In that sense, conceiving descendants must also be an enormous burden.”

“…But living beings have a duty to do so. The pleasure and ecstasy, the stability gained from the union of bodies, are rewards and bait to induce that.”

“Hmm~!”

Asess seemed to be smiling subtly, but in reality, she looked troubled.

“Alright, I understand. Since I understand… before you leave, one last time… is that okay?”

“……”

Kariel silently swallowed a hollow laugh.

Though she’s said to have insufficient emotions, she’s not dull in physical sensations, so once she’s tasted the pleasure of this act…

…

====

“Look over there.”

Alesia, spotting Kariel who had just appeared, smiled at Mines beside her.

“For someone who’s traveled so far, he has an incredibly peaceful face.”

“……”

Mines blinked. Rather than peaceful, isn’t that just Kariel’s characteristic impassiveness?

Just as she had seen in the past. He still looks at Mines with a calm face.

Without surprise or joy. As if looking at someone who was naturally supposed to be there. Truly impassively.