The matter with nobles, they are just joking, right?
What should I do?
If I were to take the deeper part of the Forest of Beginnings, wouldn’t they just keep bothering me?
Closing my eyes and fold my arms, I think about it for a while.
“… The territory is enough for now. It is not necessary to increase it any more.” (Null)
“About that, the other country might be okay with it but not with the people.” (Aisha)
I look at Aisha as she said so.
“Why?” (Null)
Why the people will disagree with it?
It has nothing to do with them.
“Well, actually, you see, Mr Null is treated like a hero in my country.” (Milia)
It’s Milia who said it this time.
“Hero?” (Null)
What did she say?
I stared Aisha intensely, hoping for an answer.
“That day, when the kingdom fell into crisis, your swift action has saved many lives. Just before the Gallia’s army was at the brim of death, they’ve gallantly appeared before them and immediately triumph over the Demon King’s army.” (Aisha)
Isn’t that too much?
It wasn’t like that at all.
They didn’t appear dashingly in front of the Gallia’s army.
They appeared behind the Demon King’s army.
“I saved the kingdom not because I want to. It was a part of the agreement I’ve made with the alliance. Also, the Gallia’s army happens to be there when they were rescuing the subordinate dolls.” (Null)
“It may appear to be so. But we can’t overlook the fact that it’s true.” (Aisha)
“What do you mean?” (Null)
“Although it seems unreal because of the rumour, it’s still nothing to be scoffed at.” (Milia)
It’s not that a big deal right?
The thing with tail-finned rumour is, it can follow you no matter where you are.
“If you don’t take at least something for compensation, the people’s mistrust will only grow.” (Aisha)
“If so, won’t it be possible to solve this problem just by giving me the Forest of Beginnings?” (Null)
I don’t know what the forest looks like to them, but I doubt they will easily hand it over to me.
“Taking everything is impossible. As for the size, it will be the same as your lowest reward. It would be good if you take this place. This way there’ll be no more distrust. ” (Aisha)
The place is huge just by looking at it.
Although it’s been some time, well, Drei actually has taken over the forest using her skill.
Wrinkles formed between my eyebrows.
“Surely, didn’t you said before, it’s impossible to raise the reward based on the military achievement?” (Null)
I feel like I was told such thing before they force me to join the war…
“There will be no problem. This time it is the country of Gallia that will be distributing the reward as the Fifteen Countries of Federated States.” (Milia)
For real?
“Anyway, Lord Null’s request for territory independence has already been completed. What’s left now is for Lord Null to accept the territory.” (Aisha)
“You guys sure work fast.” (Null)
“That is to say, you’ve shown spectacular performance during the war.” (Aisha)
Are they trying to maintain good relations with me?
“However…” (Aisha)
Aisha continues to speak.
“It’s difficult to declare independence from the Gallia country.” (Aisha)
“You don’t want my power to be monopolized, is that it?” (Null)
Aisha nodded to my words.
“We won’t allow Lord Null to abuse the power. Some people believe we’ve been threatened and currently moving under your order.” (Aisha)
Somewhere in her tone, there are sounds of disgust.
I’ve shown my power too much…
Now they’ve seen it all, I can no longer pretend.
“If we want to get a hold of you, wouldn’t it be better for us to do it by your country? Have you ever thought about it Lord Null? Your independence is short…” (Aisha)
“I’m telling you to do it. Do you hear me?” (Milia)
This promise I have to keep, why I just can’t bring myself to do it?
I glare at her for a moment and force myself to say,
“I understood.” (Null)
I obediently accept it.
Is there anything I can do?
“So, about the territory, is there going to be a problem if the monster in the forest crosses the border even by a step? Do you need it to be eliminated?” (Null)
If a monster suddenly emerged from the forest and roared, that means I won’t be able to join the international affair without their permission.
“It’s alright. If it’s a demon type monster, it won’t be a problem since it will be under natural disaster control. However, it would be a different story, if you purposely gave up.” (Aisha)
“In other words, unless I weaken them first, it would be a problem if the monster from the Forest of Beginnings reaches the kingdom, is that it?” (Null)
“So it seems.” (Aisha)
I see. Then, I should not increase the territory anymore.
“What about the border of the territory, will you build a wall around it?” (Null)
I jokingly give her a little suggestion.
Then, Aisha shook her head up and down.
“Yes. I think that’s a good idea.” (Aisha)
“It’s a joke. In the first place, there’s only the Forest of Beginnings and a small amount of flatland, so, if you set up a wall around them, it seems like you’re confining this place.” (Null)
Now then, what to do about the border…
“Since the border of the country has not yet existed, how about we create a village first?” (Null)
Will it be okay?
“A village, is it?” (Aisha)
While thinking about it, they lean against the chair backrest.
I can build a good relationship with the village I’ve rescued before.
But, what about the other two?
After a while, Aisha breaks the silence.
“When we decide to hand over the Forest of Beginnings, you did suggest to build a big village in here. Surely, there’s a lot of things must be considered first.” (Aisha)
“A village in the Forest of Beginnings?” (Milia)
It’s not a bad proposition if I may say so…
“But, will they do what we say and leave their village? Hey, are you listening to me properly?” (Milia)
“It’s possible since he has the authority. Besides, Lord Null is not a lord but a king. Which means they will not go against him.” (Aisha)
Being command forcefully…
I don’t like this at all.
Somehow, the wrinkles between my eyebrows are increasing.
“It can’t be helped then.” (Null)
TL’s Note:
- Tail finning – a term for adding stories to an existing rumour. Exaggerating.