Chapter 31: 15 year old Inglis and the Town Ruled by a Highlander (2)
「「A Highlander!?」」
This news took both Inglis and Rafinha by complete surprise.
「Ah, I might have gotten it wrong? We’re under the direct jurisdiction of the King and the Highlanders are given the right to lord us by his majesty, I think that was it? I’m sorry, I’m not very well versed in this kind of thing.」 「…Well, that must be for the best.」
The background story didn’t really matter because on paper, the King had lent the territory rather than giving it away. This would make sure that he would not appear as incompetent and unable to protect his own territory. Plus, when it was under the pretense of the king’s decisive judgement to retire an unreputable lord from its land, the lord was the one at fault while the king received no retribution from it. In actuality though, the king must’ve been incapable to oppose the Highlander’s demands and had to surrender a piece of his territory.
But… What benefits do they gain from this? Do the Highlanders want to colonize this area? Do they really think that living on Midland is a good idea? From what she had seen thus far of the Highlanders, they had the mindset that living on their floating island was a privilege only their own. Did they wish to have a plot of land so that they could plant their own crops and such? That would certainly end up being cheaper than getting the kingdom to repeatedly offer up so much payment in exchange for bestowing them Artifacts.
Stationing an administrative official on Midland to directly govern it also had its own dangers. It could stir up opposition from the Midlanders, which would, in turn, encourage the anti-highlanders movements such as the Ironblood Chain Brigade.
Did the Highland really possess that much of an overwhelming strength that such a risk didn’t even bother them? Since they even gave out Hyrule Menaces, the alleged Ultimate Artifacts, they must also have the means to defend themselves when threatened.
If so — perhaps, after defeating a Prisma class magic stone beast and having a duel with a Holy Knight brandishing a weaponized Hyrule Menace, Inglis should set her goal on the Highland next. They might show her some of the secret weapons in their possession.
That actually sounds fun. Maybe it’s time for me to plan out my next move for when that happens.