Chapter 177: Peace Negotiations
「Indeed, there’s quite a difference in prices.」
I remarked as Louise and I strolled through the bustling market in Baros, with her as my sole escort. Sherry had mentioned that this market held valuable information, so I diligently recorded the prices—part souvenir, part research.
The market was overflowing with exotic goods, and prices were generally affordable and abundant. Notably, sugar—a rarity in Silesie—was surprisingly cheap here.
On the Eura continent, there was no established technique for producing sugar from the locally grown sugar beets. Instead, they were primarily cultivated for their edible leaves.
Thus, in this real fantasy world, sugar meant one thing: the sweet extract derived from sugarcane.
Refinement techniques remained rudimentary, resulting in sugar that wasn’t the pristine white variety. Instead, the common choice was slightly impure, molasses-infused dark sugar with a distinctive flavor.
The warm, humid lands of the southern Ravenna Peninsula on Eura allowed for sugarcane cultivation. It was from there that Baros received its supply.
Beyond sugar, the market also offered rum made from molasses—a drink famous among sailors but still considered exotic in this world.
As I sampled the purchased black sugar alongside the sought-after rum, I couldn’t help but appreciate its quality.
「This alone could be turned into a delightful confection.」 Yet, the sugar transported to Silesie likely came from the same Ravenna Peninsula. However, the long overland journey through the Roland Kingdom undoubtedly inflated its price.
And yes, sugarcane belonged to the grass family, if memory serves me right.
Considering the fertile, warm, and moist conditions necessary for sugarcane growth, I wondered whether we could cultivate rice without relying on Viola’s half-nymph abilities.
「Whether the people of this world will embrace rice remains uncertain.」
「But it’s delicious, isn’t it?」
Louise, who had been listening to my musings, replied with a smile.
I chuckled. While rice should indeed yield more than wheat, introducing unfamiliar food to the masses was no simple task in any world.
However, cultivating new crops on fresh land would be a delightful endeavor.
At least it beats spending all my time fighting in endless wars.
「Given how prosperity blooms from trade alone, our nation should certainly expand its maritime routes to acquire goods.」
Of course, merely buying wouldn’t suffice; we’d need to promote industry.
While Silesie thrived as an agricultural nation, relying solely on what we could sell wouldn’t sustain us indefinitely. Importing raw materials and manufacturing products for sale would be essential for our prosperity.
「Even though the Age of Exploration is still in its infancy, contemplating an industrial revolution feels like peering into an endless future…」
The Age of Exploration, colonies, plantations, slave trade…
History, as I know it, isn’t all glamour. Beneath the light lies a dark past where the powerful oppressed the weak, and technologically advanced nations enslaved the less fortunate.
Perhaps my purpose here lies in mitigating that suffering, even if only slightly, by nudging the needle of history. If I had fifty more years—assuming my lifespan stretched that far—how far could I go?
Those so-called “otherworldly heroes” who existed in this harsh fantasy world—did they, too, ponder similar questions? They left behind relics that seemed unmistakably modern. Were they fellow contemporaries or perhaps time travelers from an even more distant future?
「Takeru.」
Louise unexpectedly grasped my hand.
「What’s wrong?」
「You looked troubled, so I got worried.」
She said so as her crimson eyes peer into mine.
「Don’t worry, Louise. I’m fine.」
「Well, that’s a relief.」
As for returning to my original world… I couldn’t help but entertain the thought, even if briefly. But ultimately, I’ve resolved to survive in this world until the very end.
It’s probably because Louise’s hand, which she tightly held, feels incredibly smooth and comforting. That’s likely why it feels so straightforward.
「Look, Louise, there’s a variety of fresh seafood here. How about indulging in some sashimi tonight, perhaps with some sea bream?」
「Sure, craving fish, are we? I’ll show you what I can do.」
Louise was a capable woman—skilled not only in combat but also in cooking.
While I’d improved my cooking skills somewhat, I still couldn’t match her knife proficiency.
Despite her survivalist tendencies—often experimenting with exotic ingredients—Louise could expertly fillet fish with a single knife.
As we perused the fish market, we found plenty of white-fleshed fish: tender cod suitable for frying, pink-scaled sea bream that would make a vibrant dish, and clams that might work well in a clear soup. We had rice back at home, so perhaps a paella would be a delightful choice too.
Interestingly, they also had a type of seaweed called “aosa” available. While it was rare, I’d heard that some Castillians incorporated seaweed into their soups.
Speaking of appearances, in the northern regions of Castillia, there were people who resembled me—a black-haired, pale-orange-skinned Easterner. Perhaps that’s why I hadn’t caused much surprise when I arrived in this fantasy world. Amid fairies and beastfolk, minor differences in skin tone might not matter much.
Of course, someone with keen observation skills like Lyle-sensei could easily discern my East Asian heritage from subtle facial features. But to the untrained eye, I’d blend right in with the locals.
「Perhaps our ancestors were connected somehow.」
「Hmm? What’s that, Takeru?」
「Oh, just thinking that sharing food creates a sense of kinship.」
And indeed, Louise felt that way too.
So, despite being in a foreign realm, I never felt alienated. As we continued our leisurely stroll through the market, anticipation for dinner grew.
Ah, the allure of coffee and exotic spices—it draws me in every time. Not only do I personally enjoy them, but they’re also valuable commodities. There’s a café nearby, and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fills the air.
「With good coffee beans, one could survive anywhere.」
Indeed, both coffee beans and spices were more reasonably priced here in Baros. I decided to stock up while I could; after all, gold and silver would eventually flow into my coffers, so there was no need to be stingy.
However, if Castillia were to demand substantial reparations through payments in foreign goods—beyond just gold and silver—it might disrupt the supply of essential items and destabilize the market. Our ability to shop consistently might be a fleeting luxury. I silently hoped that the Castillian populace would understand this as a consequence of the tumultuous times—a hallmark of an era marked by strife.
「So, the Hero was lurking around here!」
「What business do you have with me?」
Mearid, with scar-like tattoos on both cheeks, had apparently been searching for me.
「I’m here to talk to you. Can I have a moment of your time?」
「Sure, let’s go to the coffee shop there.」
We settled into a cozy corner of the coffee shop, where I could smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
When offered a seat, I sat across from her, surprisingly compliant. As she sipped the steaming coffee placed before her as I recommended, her expression soured.
「What in the world is this bitterness?」
「Haha! You managed not to spit it out—that’s impressive. But without sugar, black coffee can be quite bitter.」
It seemed Mearid had never tasted coffee before, trembling from the unexpected bitterness. I should have advised her to add sugar.
Although the coffee did come with sugar on the side, I’d requested it black, and she followed suit, unaware of the difference.
Ah, the little nuances of life—like sweetening one’s coffee—could make all the difference.
「Guh… how can you endure this bitterness, hero? Well, never mind. It’s about our future. If the offer to join the navy is genuine, I’m inclined to accept.」
「You’re willing to take it?」
「In that battle, we sacrificed too much. Compensation can’t be measured in gold alone.」
「The pirates worked hard.」
「We were trapped in that situation; there was no escape. It wasn’t a choice we made willingly.」
Honest words.
Certainly, the naval battle had been beyond anyone’s control. I bore responsibility for imposing such a brutal fight on Mearid and her crew.
「Still, you saved us. The Silesien navy will welcome all of you, ensuring the best possible positions.」
「That matters. During that battle, half our ships sank, and over two thousand comrades died. When I decided to fight alongside you, I’m sure it’s not a mistake but….」
「But I don’t feel burdened by guilt. If anyone’s responsible, it’s not Mearid; it’s me for choosing to fight.」
「And yet… How can you accept it so calmly? Your subordinates died too.」
「True, I might be thick-skinned. Under the banner of Silesie’s Hero, soldiers continue to fight and die—not just in that naval battle but also within our borders and across Germania.」
「So, you can’t mourn only the soldiers lost at sea… It sounds like something those detestable royals would say.」
I understood why Mearid disliked me.
As the one who forced sacrifices, I deserved her resentment. Even these peace negotiations—once the war ended, Castillia’s people would suffer under hefty reparations.
This bustling market, where common folk could enjoy good coffee, would crumble. Yet, I remained here, defeating others to protect what mattered to me. It was a decision only I could make.
「I ordered soldiers to fight that got them killed. Somehow, I’ve become someone who does that. If it’s my duty, I can’t run away.」
「I suppose I’m no longer in a position to blame you… We were all forced into this situation, commanding others to fight. It’s a bitter reality.」
「In war, people die. I can only promise to minimize sacrifices and make their deaths meaningful.」
「You’re strong. You deserve to be called a hero. But for me, it’s not that simple…」
Mearid’s face twisted, lips pressed tightly. Her sorrow-filled eyes briefly revealed vulnerability—the feminine weakness of a pirate leader.
She would need to become an admiral in my fleet. Eventually, she might have to order her subordinates into battle without hesitation.
For now, she remained a reluctant leader, relying on her troubled crew. I empathize; her grief and pain mirrored my past doubts. But I couldn’t force her to resolve things as quickly as I had.
「If it’s too painful, feel free to blame me for the soldiers lost. I’ll do my best to make their sacrifices meaningful.」
「Fine, then… For now, I’ll trust your words, Hero. But if you don’t make their deaths meaningful, I’ll hold you accountable.」
As she left, her crimson velvet coat billowing, I wondered why she clung to that uncomfortable attire. Perhaps it was her way of steeling herself—finding purpose amid the unbearable.
If the peace negotiations with Castilia goes as planned, we won’t be in this port for very long. Properly stocking our ships with supplies was crucial.
Thanks to Admiral Jean’s efficient logistics, I could leisurely shop for dinner and sip coffee here.
-0-
‘So, the King has finally arrived.’ I thought so as Louise and I leisurely rested in the café, savoring our second cups of coffee.
The market buzzed with anticipation—rumors abounded about Castillia’s monarch making an appearance.
「It’s about time.」
Break time’s over. I stood up, placing my cup down, and headed toward the bustling main street where the grand procession of Castillian carriages awaited. Successfully negotiating with the hikikomori Study King would finally bring this war to an end.
As I approached the resplendent Castillian convoy, I revealed my identity to a nearby guardsman, requesting an audience with King Ferdinand. The guard hurried off toward the royal carriage. Meanwhile, Revenant descended from the sky—apparently, he had been magically searching for me.
「Why are you intruding like this? If you want to meet His Majesty, you should go through proper channels!」
「What brings you here?」
I had already arranged the meeting, so Revenant wasn’t necessary. Initially, I’d considered swiftly concluding the peace negotiations, but perhaps that was overly optimistic.
「This peace negotiation will go down in history. It’s not a bad idea for both parties to suddenly meet each other.」
「Silesie’s Hero-sama is planning to kill me through heartache, I see…..」
He’s not someone who will die just because of that.
Anyway, it was unavoidable for him to look for me so I decided to have him guide me to the king’s carriage.
「Here it is.」
「That’s a big carriage.」
The Castilia’s King’s Carriage is so big, as big as a two story house.
The carriage is surrounded by a tent that extends from the roof, making it look like a big camp. When we entered the tent with Revenant leading the way, I didn’t feel hot at all. It was a cool and tranquil space.
「So, they’re using some kind of air conditioning method.」
「What’s this ‘air conditioning’ you speak of? If you mean keeping the room cool, then yes, the area around the carriage is covered with awnings. Slaves sprinkle water on the roof and awnings to make it more comfortable.」
「If you want to cool things down, why not have a mage create ice pillars or something?」
「Thanks to someone, mages—both high-ranking and low-ranking—were all sent to battle.」
Indeed, many of them had likely perished. Revenant’s words carried an unspoken accusation.
While I, too, felt worn down, Castillia had suffered severe casualties in the recent naval battle.
「My apologies. But in this scorching climate, this method of cooling seems appropriate. You’re likely using evaporative cooling—spraying water to create a cooling effect. The principle isn’t so different from air conditioning.」
「I still can’t quite grasp what the Silesie’s Hero-sama is saying.」
Revenant shrugs his shoulders.
However, even in its primitive form, having some form of cooling was beneficial. Throughout history, nobility always managed to live comfortably, regardless of the era.
「Is King Ferdinand inside?」
「His Majesty, Study King Ferdidnand, is not particularly fond of conversation. Please proceed with that in mind.」
「Understood.」
Revenant gently opened the door, revealing a serene study within.
Stacks of documents covered the desk—an appropriate scene for a hikikomori study king who conducted affairs while traveling.
Seated at the desk was King Ferdinand, wearing a silver-chained monocle over one eye. His red hair, swept back, framed a quiet, slender face. Despite his refined air, he lacked the imposing presence one might expect from a king. The royals I’d encountered tended to emphasize their greatness more overtly.
The ambiance in the room resembled that of a librarian’s or perhaps a minor bureaucrat’s. Yet, there was an undeniable presence—a serene stillness that could silence even the talkative Revenant.
「Is this man truly the King of Castilia? 」
I couldn’t help but ask Revenant.
「He is the king of Castilia, King Ferdinand Castilia Asturias」
「Ah, a pleasure to meet you. I am Sawatari Takeru, consort to Queen Silhouette of the Silesien Kingdom and the appointed King General of the Royal Army. 」
However, there was no response.
King Ferdinand remained focused on the documents before him, refusing to meet my gaze.
Is this some diplomatic tactic—ignoring me outright?
Very well, if that’s the game, then I’ll play my part too.
「Ehto… I hail from Silesie, but I also represent the Transylvanian Duchy and the United Kingdom of Britannia, both of which suffered during our conflicts with your kingdom. As the chief envoy for these peace negotiations, I’ve already conveyed our terms. Now, we await your response. 」
「…..Documents」
King Ferdinand murmured, his voice almost fading away.
I noticed his shoulders trembling slightly.
「Hmm? 」
「Documents. Show me the documents… from Silesie. 」
「Ah, of course. This is the document that will conclude the peace treaty.」
I handed over the treaty document.
He glanced at it, then signed it with an air of relief.
…A hefty sum of one hundred thousand platinum coins as reparations. Harsh terms bordering on selling one’s own country. Yet, he signed without hesitation.
I expected more challenging negotiations, perhaps even threats.
But instead, King Ferdinand looked at me expressionlessly.
「I doubt the terms will change even if we negotiate. We’ve exhausted any concessions we could offer.」
「True, but it feels oddly swift…」
「A waste of time. I have other matters to attend to, and I assume you do as well. Return to your duties.」
King Ferdinand continued engrossed in the new documents, not bothering to face me.
His nonchalant demeanor left me both surprised and slightly unnerved.
「King Ferdinand…」
「Very well. Let me at least declare this: We won’t lose the next war.」
He muttered those words. Yet, I had already annihilated the Invincible Armada to ensure there wouldn’t be another war.
Without the noble cause of ending the conflict, the sacrifices we made would lose their meaning.
「Surely there won’t be another war?」
「Ah, during our lifetimes, probably not. But whether it’s fifty or a hundred years from now, mark my words: The Kingdom of Castilia will rise again and assert its dominance on the world stage.」
「Is that what your work is for?」
「My desk bears the weight of history—a continuum toward our nation’s future.」
「A patient outlook.」
「Even if I’m not alive, the documents and systems will endure. By then, Silesie would no longer have a hero.」
With that, he returned to his work, saying no more.
It wasn’t a desperate plea; he genuinely considered the distant future while immersed in his tasks.
Thinking beyond one’s own lifetime—such grand vision!
For those of us who see only the present, King Ferdinand’s words might seem mad.
But whether we live to witness it or not, fifty or a hundred years from now, that future will surely arrive.
We emerged victorious in this war, but we teetered on the brink of being overtaken technologically.
Certainly, we might lose in the wars fifty or a hundred years hence.
「Sorry for taking your time, Ferdinand.」
There was no reply. Quietly, I left King Ferdinand’s carriage behind.
The hikikomori study king—rumor had it he never stepped into the limelight. Perhaps I’ll never meet him again, but as long as I live, I cannot afford to let my guard down against this man.
Once more, as I exited the room, I glanced back.
In that serene study, King Ferdinand remained unwavering at his desk, his determination transcending time and space.
Moved by his unwavering commitment, I wondered: Could Ferdinand still be fighting even in the era of my children or my descendants long after?