The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 297

The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I’m a “Farmer”, Not a Demon King! ~

Chapter 297   “The Crown Prince” and “The Demon King”

It seems that the Crown Prince pondered various things while resting and calming down in the room. Perhaps he hasn’t completely settled yet, and there might be some confusion mixed in.

Nevertheless, I am the “King,” and he is the “Crown Prince” of an enemy nation. The words spoken earlier between us cannot be dismissed as just a joke or a momentary lapse of judgment.

Certainly, if one were to observe my attitude and words during our actual meeting, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that I am not suitable for a king.

It seems that he believes the plant hell in that battle wasn’t solely my doing but rather the work of the elves. Viewing wars like the current one as a collective effort is, in a way, a common perspective.

Perhaps the duties of a king are being handled by someone else, not by me. Could it be that I’m only paraded around as a royal because of my lineage? Well, that thought isn’t entirely wrong, is it?

Well, the idea itself isn’t entirely incorrect. In reality, the detailed governance is mostly handled by Edward, with the cooperation of the old woman. In that field, there isn’t much I can do… or almost nothing.

I study and make an effort, but the current situation can be more accurately described as being a hindrance.

If someone has seen through my situation, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that I’m just a figurehead playing at being a king.

—However, this city is not lenient enough to let someone reach the top just because of their lineage.

I felt that the words he spoke earlier, bringing up the topic of family, were a bit unnatural. I mean, isn’t that the case? Why would he try to appease me by bringing up the topic of family at that timing? Normally, wouldn’t he propose something more beneficial for the country or personally? Yet, he tried to steer the conversation by bringing up family. It’s strange.

Could it be that he saw through my attachment and importance to my family in the conversation? So, thinking there might be an opportunity there, he considered persuading me somehow, thinking that being blood-related family, he could convince me…

Actually, well, he does have a decent personality, and he is technically my brother. I thought I could cooperate a bit if it’s something minor… I was thinking that. If he returned to the castle and did something troublesome, depending on the situation, I was willing to cooperate. He must have sensed that.

So, he misunderstood that he is my family. Thus, he arrogantly thought he could manipulate me.

Certainly, he is my brother. However, he is not my “family.” For me, “family” is not just a matter of blood relation. He, who grew up as royalty, may not understand that.

The reactions as a brother until a while ago might not have been entirely lies. But, he chose the position of Crown Prince over the position of a brother, considering his position as the Crown Prince.

It’s not necessarily strange, and I can understand it. Meeting a self-proclaimed brother whom you just met and the position you have built up until now. If you had to discard one, it would overwhelmingly be the former.

So, I can understand the idea of trying to use me, and I didn’t plan to make a big deal out of it. I was willing to cooperate, but at the same time, I thought about using him to some extent.

But never did I expect to be underestimated to this extent… Oh well, I really didn’t see this coming.

“Your Majesty… If you are concerned about Father, I can become the king. If you cooperate, it is possible for Father to abdicate the throne within a year. Then, nothing you fear will happen, and this city can continue to be managed as usual.”

“Even if that’s the case.”

“…Is that really acceptable? You may no longer be able to see your family.”

My firm rejection seemed to slightly surprise the Crown Prince, who moved his eyebrows ever so slightly. However, without showing any further reaction, he continued speaking.

Yet, even in his words, I could still sense that he looks down on me… No, rather than looking down on me, it feels like he is evaluating me and believes he can manipulate me?

It’s a nuance slightly different from thinking I’m just inferior… Either way, he underestimates me. Because if he didn’t, words like these wouldn’t come out now, right?

Well, as a member of the royal family, his attitude isn’t necessarily wrong.

As a member of the royal family, especially one groomed to become the next king, he would have been educated to stand above others. It wouldn’t be surprising if he was taught that everyone else is beneath him.

If he hasn’t been accustomed to giving orders, he wouldn’t be fit to be a king. And from the perspective of being ordered, it’s easier to follow the commands of a king who confidently issues orders. Therefore, whether from the standpoint of giving orders or receiving them, it’s not wrong for a king or a member of the royal family to behave as a superior.

Perhaps due to the education and upbringing he received, he himself might not have a condescending nature, but unconsciously, the values instilled in him during his upbringing might be coming to the surface.

The idea that he can make others obey him…

…But that only works with those under his dominion. It’s because he stands in a superior position that he can issue commands, and those around him comply.

Until now, that might have been acceptable. After all, Zaviet was a strong nation. It was powerful enough to engage in battles with surrounding countries and come out on top. Therefore, even when dealing with kings and members of other countries, he could act as an equal or superior.

However, that situation has already crumbled. More than half of the Eight Heavens, the source of their strength, are dead, and lost to us the enemies.

In such a situation, he can’t expect others to obey him.

Even if he understands that in his mind, he hasn’t fully grasped it at the core of his being. That seems to be the current state of the Crown Prince.

“…Is that a threat?”

The Crown Prince probably thought about improving the current situation as much as possible, and it’s fine to use blood ties as a means of family. It’s okay for him to claim to be part of my family.

However, threatening with the notion of ‘family’ is definitely crossing the line.

Since he did something like that, he is no longer my ‘brother.’ So, there’s no need to be gentle.

I won’t kill him because he still has some utility, and I won’t go back on my word about sending him back to his country.

But in my mind, he’s firmly recognized as an enemy. I won’t actively try to kill him, and if he can be useful, I’ll use him. If he can cooperate, well, I might cooperate to some extent.

But that’s the extent of it. I won’t offer help for free when in trouble, and I won’t lend a hand when it’s clear that it puts me at a disadvantage.

“No, it’s a possibility that could happen. Father is now aware of your existence due to this incident. Taking family as hostages is a very conceivable option.”

He probably sensed the change in my attitude. The Crown Prince’s body twitched slightly, then he quickly spoke.

His expression seemed to suggest concern for me. I admire the speed at which he switches and reacts.

…But his face is twitching a bit. Soften your expression a bit more, like you did earlier.

“That won’t happen. From the perspective of the king, my mother is a co-conspirator who abandoned her son along with him. I understand that it’s not the truth, but normally, a ‘son abandoned’ would think not ‘abandoned by the father’ but ‘abandoned by both parents,’ right? Even if the King takes mother hostage in such a situation, so what? There’s a risk of being recognized as an enemy altogether, and it’s more normal for it to turn out that way.”

In my case, I have memories, so I recognize my mother as an ally, and I understand that she didn’t abandon me on purpose.

But for a regular baby without memories, it should be perceived that the mother is the one who ‘abandoned me.’ The king would probably think the same way.

This guy understands that I value my family, and he also understands that mother is a part of that family.

However, the king doesn’t comprehend such things. That’s why there’s no way he would resort to hostage-taking with my family.

In the first place, if he were to use hostages, he would have already sent me a letter long ago, perhaps even before this battle began. It would say something like surrender, or your mother dies.

The fact that there is no such letter can only mean he doesn’t understand.

And besides, he said, ‘If I and this country return to normal, it will end peacefully for everyone.’ But it won’t be like that. If we were to retract the declaration we made as a country, this city would descend into chaos. And I am not suitable to be the leader, that’s for sure.

I said that this country doesn’t decide its leader based on bloodline, but if the one who becomes the leader is deemed unsuitable, they can easily be discarded.

Because my father is here, it won’t be so simple to openly rebel, but there will be attempts on my life, and various obstacles will come our way. Perhaps even Edward or the old lady could turn against us.

If that happens, a state devoid of peace will be inevitable.

“Moreover, if we’re going to be under the country, there will be various constraints, right? Taxes, laws, and, well, various other things.”

After that, even if somehow we manage to peacefully come under the country, in that case, we’ll have to follow the laws of the kingdom, consider relationships with other nobles, our own position, and various other things.

There’s no way it can be ‘as it was’ or ‘peaceful.’

“And I, myself, cannot accept such a proposal. I never intended to become a king, and there’s a part of me that’s reluctant. However, even so, I am the king. I wanted to protect the present of those who live here. Yet, I can’t just throw it all away and destroy everything here.”

I am still inexperienced as a king, and if there’s someone else who wants to do it, I’m willing to give up being a king. But that’s only if the other person is worthy. I won’t give it up to someone who doesn’t have the intention of properly protecting this city and this country.