The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 446

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

Chapter 446   I came to pick you up

“I apologize for being able to do only such small things.”

These words were spoken by my brother, Lucius, who became the king of this country.

Currently, we, including Lucius, are gathering with only close relatives for a small dinner party. Normally, if the former king’s queen were to go out, it would not be strange to celebrate it grandly. In fact, that should be the case.

However, considering our situation, we cannot afford to do that.

“No, Your Majesty the King. I understand the decision not to spread information about us unnecessarily in the current circumstances, and I also believe that it is wise for me to do the same. Rather, I am truly grateful that you are celebrating it in this way.”

I am the son of my mother, and my father is her marital partner. However, I am still a resident of Karakas. Therefore, even though the country’s situation is already turbulent, if it is perceived that they have joined forces with Karakas in such a situation, it would only cause anxiety among the people. Hence, it was decided that it would be better to keep it a secret from the citizens for now.

“You are heading to Karakas, ostensibly as an envoy for the inviolability between the kingdom and Karakas. However, the underlying meaning is that you are being sent as a hostage to Karakas.”

However, even if it is said to be kept a secret from the citizens, keeping it a secret from all the upper echelons of this country is impossible. After all, my mother is the former queen of this country. If she were to disappear without any explanation, it would cause a commotion.

Therefore, there needed to be a reasonable explanation for my mother to head to Karakas.

That reason is being an ‘envoy for the treaty of inviolability with Karakas.’ For the Zaviet, who don’t want to antagonize Karakas knowing its military strength, it seemed to be widely supported to establish non-aggression, and there was no one denying it.

However, while that may be the reason, everyone seems to think that my mother, the former queen, is being sent as a ‘hostage’ to fulfill that role. Or rather, it seems like they have made everyone believe that. If that belief is accepted, it makes the situation easier to handle.

However, in reality, my mother coming to Karakas is not for such reasons.

Those gathered in this room for the dinner party are the only ones who know the true reason. Even the attendants waiting in the room are only those who are aware of the situation.

“Yes. That would be the most diplomatic way to proceed.”

My mother also knows this reason and is pleased to have this dinner party celebrated, nodding with a smile.

“However, you should fulfill not those two reasons, but the true purpose. I hope that you will be able to do so.”

“Thank you. If Your Majesty says so, I feel greatly encouraged.”

“Doing so is ultimately in the best interest of this country. While you may feel indebted to me, if ensuring your happiness means those two won’t pose a threat to the nation, or even if they do, but only in minor matters, they might refrain from meddling with this country. Moreover, if they were to intervene, you should be able to stop them, don’t you think?”

As the newly appointed king, Lucius seems to expect my mother to serve as a chain or collar to prevent us from becoming enemies to this country. Lucius probably understands that. That’s why he speaks openly in front of us like this.

“Yes, at that time, I will do everything I can, as long as my children can be happy.”

However, my mother wore a smile more artificial than the ones before and answered while smiling.

“…Let’s keep that in mind.”

With that response from my mother, he must have understood that full trust in her cannot be achieved. Well, he probably understood that from the beginning, but this likely served as a reminder. Lucius nodded with a touch of seriousness after a brief pause.

“Now then, I suppose it’s time for me to disappear. If I keep talking, I might end up losing limbs or having plants grow on me.”

“Haha, neither of us would do such things.”

“…I hope that’s true.”

Whether my mother thought Lucius was joking or not, she genuinely laughed instead of wearing a fabricated smile. Lucius, on the other hand, had a strained smile on his face.

Well, that’s to be expected. After all, he saw it happen.

Even if I were to deny that such things wouldn’t happen, there’s no way anyone would believe it.

“Rieta.”

After Lucius left, this time, my mother’s father—my grandfather, Irva, called my mother’s name.

“Congratulations. I have made countless mistakes so far. Because of that, I have caused you unhappiness.”

“Father…”

“But now, you can finally grasp happiness. Moreover, not with the help of someone like me but with your own hands. I find that incredibly joyous. It’s something that cannot be expressed in words.”

Irva spoke with a deep sense of emotion, closing his eyes in silence. Then, after opening them again, he turned his gaze towards Father, not Mother.

“Black sword… No, Volke. If you ever make my daughter cry like the former king did, even if you’re in Tenth rank, I will come for you, prepared to clash blades,” Irva said, his eyes reflecting an unwavering resolve.

“I understand,” Father replied tersely.

Irva’s expression remained stern upon hearing his response, but a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

“However, being an envoy for non-interference means you’ll return here at least once a year, correct?” Filia interjected, aiming to alleviate the slightly tense atmosphere that had crept in amidst the celebration, addressing Mother with her usual casual demeanor.

“Yes, that’s the intention. Although it may extend beyond a year occasionally, it shouldn’t be for many years,” Mother responded.

“I see. Then, I’ll take care of your room, Mother,” Filia offered.

“That would be appreciated, but… wouldn’t that be a burden on you, Filia?” Mother asked with concern.

“If it’s just maintaining the current state, it won’t be much of a burden. Plus, knowing that your room is still here means you can come back anytime,” Filia explained.

“Filia… You truly are…” Mother’s expression briefly showed sadness, as if she was about to say something more, but she stopped herself mid-sentence. Then, she shook her head and smiled kindly.

“No… Thank you, Filia. I love you.”

“Yes, I love too Mother.”

Although Mother and Filia were seated next to each other, the meal in the royal castle used a considerably large table. Consequently, their proximity wasn’t within arm’s reach.

Nevertheless, the two laughing together conveyed a warmth as if their hands were gently touching.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave around here.”

“Oh, is it already that time?”

The dinner proceeded smoothly, and before anyone realized, it was time to disperse.

Now, as they walked back to their respective rooms, I quietly spoke to Father walking beside me.

“Father, when are you going to say it? You still haven’t said it, right?”

“Shut up.”

I mentioned that Father hadn’t said what he needed to say yet. In response, Father scowled and gruffly replied.

“What? Big brother?”

Perhaps our conversation was overheard, as Filia, walking beside Mother, turned around, tilting her head in confusion, and asked, “Eh, what do you mean by ‘still’?”

“What, or rather, how to say it…”

Uncertain how to respond to Filia’s inquiry, it seemed that my father had finally made a decision. Without uttering a word, he passed me and moved forward.

Subsequently, when Filia turned back, we both stopped and turned towards my mother. Father approached her, knelt down on the spot.

“Queen—”

Father began, addressing Mother as Queen. Pausing after those words, he then spoke again after a brief hesitation.

“Rieta-sama. I’ve come late, but I’m here to welcome you.”

More earnest than any words I’d heard before. Upon hearing them, Mother gradually widened her eyes and eventually broke into a smile.

“Yes. From now on, I’m counting on you.”

There was no need to witness any more. In fact, it would be a hindrance to stay here. I signaled to Filia beside me, and she nodded in agreement. The attendants around us discreetly withdrew, leaving only the minimum number present.

Ah, finally, now we can truly celebrate.

“Well then, Mother… Take care.”

Two days later, after completing various procedures and preparations, the day had come for us to return to Karakas.

“Yes. Filia, take care. You’re always welcome to come and visit, and I’ll come visit you too.”

There was no grand farewell, and the early morning departure made it feel almost like we were fleeing. Still, Filia, Lucius, and the attendants who were involved with Mother came to see us off.

“Shall we go, Mother?”

“Yes.”

And so, with one more person in the carriage than when we arrived, we returned to Karakas.