Chapter 209
"Is that really your intention?"
It was Duke Mals who asked.
I nodded.
"I will establish an independent nation."
The two of them nodded as well.
Since the empire had collapsed, if a single family declared independence, it became a country. Who could object?
"Where do you plan to found this country?"
"All of the east side of the Central Mountain Range."
"And the capital?"
"I'm still considering it."
If you block the gates of the Central Mountain Range, the only passage to the east is Tris. It's the same geographically, since there's a large lake at the end of the mountains connected to Tris.
The eastern side of the Central Mountain Range is much larger than the central region where the capital is located. Only if you combine the central and western regions together does their area slightly exceed ours. A kingdom will probably rise in the west, too.
"Then what should we do?"
Many key figures had either died or disappeared.
Those who remained had to create a new world. If they had the ability to build a country, then they should do so.
"I won't stop either of you from building your own countries. If you two maintain an amicable relationship, there won't be much of a counterbalancing force in the central region."
The two of them were speechless for a moment.
Founding a country is a great enterprise and involves immense risk. But in the current situation, it wasn't so dangerous.
"If I establish a country, will you try to keep me in check?"
"We have no reason to covet Parde's territory."
I continued, looking at the two of them.
"Duke Mals, you've given me much help, and both of you are my business partners. I hope we can continue this relationship. It will be difficult to support you with military forces, but I will assist with construction or reconstruction."
"Would you really do that?"
"I promise. As soon as things settle down, we'll sell off our businesses in Tris and Parde's lands."
"That's only natural."
Duke Mals' face relaxed a little.
He had enough wealth to hire mercenaries for troops. Some remnant forces would probably join his country as well.
Since it would be a relationship between countries from now on, I became slightly colder in my attitude. But I hadn't forgotten the help I received—especially from Duke Mals.
I stood up from my seat.
"Well, I'll see you next time."
The two of them also stood up.
It seemed likely both would go on to found their own countries.
It was only natural for Parde. If Duke Mals wanted to become the lord of the country I would found, he would have asked. If he had, I would've gently refused.
If Tris became our territory, I would have to blockade the pass myself. But if Duke Mals established a nation in Tris, it would be an allied country blocking the passage.
More countries would certainly form in the central region, and the country that captured the capital could invade others. The neutral factions who had fled might band together, too.
Whether you have an enemy on your border or an ally makes a vast difference. If an ally faces difficulty, you simply help them—and get paid for it as well.
We had a few inns in the capital, but there was no urgent need to reclaim them. If a legitimate nation took root in the capital, I would seek to recover ownership then.
Together with Kudo, I immediately went to the building with the magic array. Like the safe house, that building was guarded by Urada's troops.
"Kudo, destroy the magic array and come to Urada."
"I'll do that."
I activated the magic array and crossed over to Urada Castle. Since I had contacted Russell in advance, he and Chief Administrator Aldo were waiting for me in the basement of Urada Castle.
"You've done well, young master."
"The hard work was done by you two. Is the stronghold connected to the magic array?"
"Yes. Upon your message, we were told to keep it open."
"Let's all go to the stronghold together."
"What is going on?"
"There's a major announcement."
We went to the next room with the magic array.
From there, we crossed directly to the stronghold.
/ / /
I went to the new territory.
The moment I stepped out of the magic array, I was greatly surprised.
The new territory had changed beyond recognition.
Most of the infrastructure and residences had been completed, and there were many residents. The stronghold had now been transformed into a fortress, and all the people had relocated to the new territory.
"I'm glad you're safe."
"We were so worried about you."
I deeply embraced Ross and Rozie.
I also hugged my sister-in-law and my now quite grown nieces and nephews.
And as ever, Yuri and Johnny, who hadn't changed a bit.
All of our members were gathered together.
Urald, Wundbark, Bellen, and Lok. Steward Raban's family. Lord Urke and Goose, and so forth.
Together, we headed for my house.
The house for my family was built like a small castle in the center of the territory. There was also a house for the two Dran and the Elin siblings.
"You said you have an announcement?"
"Yes."
Though it was smaller than my residence near the stronghold, it was comfortable and rather spacious. All the members of our group gathered in the large living room.
Everyone seemed to have guessed what I was about to announce. I wasn't sure what Lord Urke would decide, but he too had likely made his choice early on.
"I'm sure you all know the state of the continent."
Each member nodded in turn.
Some looked excited, others concerned. They probably didn't know the details about the capital and the imperial palace.
"In the east, except for Mouk and a few coastal cities, there weren't many hardships or great sacrifices. But the capital and the central region have utterly collapsed."
"I'd heard the news."
"It's worse than you imagine. Everything lost its function, and the cities were haunted only by monsters. There were no troops and not even any strong factions left."
Everyone seemed to have just barely come through the chaotic period. Thanks to repeatedly warning them to prepare for war, the east had suffered comparatively less.
"That's why I made a decision."
I looked around at each member.
Everyone tensed up.
"We're founding a country."
"Ah!"
Gasps escaped from the members.
They had more or less expected it.
"Is that really alright?"
"It is. If we found a nation in the east, no one can interfere. Duke Mals and Parde are also likely to establish their own countries."
After saying this, I looked at Lord Urke.
He was also a count, possessing both military force and wealth.
There was conflict on Lord Urke's face.
"Are you planning to found a nation over the entire east?"
"All the area east of the Central Mountain Range."
Lord Urke nodded.
This meant including both the east and Urada, as well as the eastern coast. Naturally, that included Mouk.
"If I declare independence, competition will be inevitable."
"The choice is yours, my lord."
He sighed.
"So long as you and I are alive, things will be amicable. But after a few generations, our country will likely be absorbed by a stronger nation. My house may vanish as well."
Lord Urke was right.
Even if we promise not to wage war, it might be different for later generations. The country I'd found could also break apart.
If a country is destroyed, the royal family flees overseas—or dies. Lord Urke seemed to see the possibility that his bloodline could end—as the price for acting as king.
"What could you give me in return?"
"Your territory will be increased, and I intend to promote your title."
I wasn't trying to hide my intentions.
Everyone had already accepted the idea.
Urald spoke up.
"Is the head of the family still of the same mind?"
Ross grinned and answered.
"Yes. I'm still the head of a family and only Roger's elder brother. If we are to have a king, it should be someone who is truly fit for it."
All the members nodded in agreement.
Ross's single comment brought us all together. Apparently, they had already discussed this in my absence.
Just then—
Lord Urke stood up, approached me, and knelt on one knee. Everyone was startled by his action.
"My king."
Just as I was feeling flustered—
Russell and Donnie also knelt on one knee.
Even Urald and Wundbark.
"We greet the king."
"My beloved king."
"Our king."
That was the beginning.
Everyone in the living room knelt on one knee or lowered their stance, offering me respect.
"Young master Roger is becoming king!"
"Our eastern region is getting its own country!"
Even the knights and residents watching from outside the living room bowed their bodies at once. Everyone who passed by stopped and paid their respects.
They all already knew.
That I would declare a kingdom.
/ / /
We gathered again in a room on the second floor.
This was a discussion about the founding of the country.
On the table was a complete map of the entire east, including Urada's territory and the eastern coast. On the map, territories were divided by domain. These were the lords' domains.
The east was split into roughly equal north and south portions. For Urada's territory, a large section of the east and north was taken off. At the center of Urada and the east, a circle was drawn.
"First, Lord Urke, I will appoint you as a marquis and give you the title of border count in the far east, as well as the whole southern region of the east as your domain."
Lord Urke bowed his head.
Now his territory would be three times larger than before.
I looked at Ross.
"Ross, I appoint you duke. I grant you the whole of the northern east, including the stronghold and the new territory."
Ross also bowed his head.
"Goose, you are appointed viscount. You will have three southern coastal cities of Mouk and serve as admiral of the navy."
"It's an honor."
I looked at Russell.
"Russell, you will be made marquis as the western border count, and the Urada territory will be yours."
Russell bowed, too.
I continued.
"The western port towns of the eastern coast remain the domain of Baron Ud'l, just as before. As you can see on the map, a capital will be built in the center of these territories."
Everyone gazed at the map.
The circle at the center of Urada and the eastern territories. It was a bit smaller than the three territories on either side, but still substantial.
"This circle is royal demesne—territory under direct royal control. Other undeveloped areas to the north and south remain royal property for various purposes."
Urada's north, the north and south of the planned capital site—they were totally undeveloped lands of considerable area. The imperial family had never cared for them.
"There's one more thing I want to say."
Everyone listened closely.
I looked at them as I spoke.
"There will be no royal family."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Until the country is established and things settle down, I will act as a strong king. After that, the person chosen by citizen representatives will become king."
The members looked at one another.
The idea of citizens electing the king—
"It's too early to explain in detail yet. But when I am about to step down, I'll set up what's called a parliament."
"A parliament?"
"Yes. There will be an upper house and a lower house. The upper house is composed of you sitting here. The lower house is made up of mayors, councilmembers—representatives elected by citizens and residents."
"Is it like a senate?"
I nodded.
"Yes. If the lower house, which will have at least fifty members, makes laws or national decisions, the upper house will review and determine if they pass."
"The king doesn't make the decisions?"
"When the parliament is formed, the king won't be necessary. The speakers of the upper and lower houses will take the king's place. The assembly's chairperson will be elected by the members. Eventually, even further—"
The members waited for me to continue.
"Even the chairperson will someday be elected by the citizens."
"How can something like that..."
"It might be hard to understand right now. Over time, you'll come to see what I mean. We have plenty of time."
Of those present, only Lord Urke was a noble. Ross had long ago set aside any sense of prestige. So the mood was welcoming. They knew my inclinations.
I had a lot on my mind.
I had no intent to follow the empire or the former system. But it was too soon to leap straight to a democracy.
It was still too early for constitutional monarchy, and nor did I want politics dominated by nobles, as in Robe's style. Founding a new nation required a strong king at first.
So, I decided to pursue parliamentary government, and through trial and error, develop our own way. Starting with small towns, citizens would come to understand over time.
Distributing the power of central and local government in balance. Creating strong oversight bodies to prevent the abuse of power. Letting citizens realize they are the true owners of the nation.
That was my goal.
"Urald and Wundbark, please take charge of technology and science. Regardless of who manages the country, your families' affiliations will not change."
"Understood."
I looked at Ross and Lord Urke.
"I'll use my own assets for construction expenses. Both of your families must also fund the kingdom's construction."
"Of course. Who do you think earned all that money?"
"As lords, we must invest."
Goose asked,
"Then what happens to the eastern merchant guild?"
"It will continue as a joint corps leader venture. Someday, when I step down from being king, it goes to the Hader family. Then I'll get back to business."
Everyone nodded.
Since I'd said there would be no king after me.
"Johnny, please prepare for construction. Gather as much manpower and material as you can. Find architects immediately."
"Understood."
"That's all."
I stood up.
All those gathered stood as well and bowed to me. It was just unfamiliar, being the very start. Things would gradually settle down.
Let's try to create a true nation.
A prosperous and free nation.
A strong nation, even without a king.