In a World of Reversed Chastity, I Strive to Become an Honorable Male Knight, but Lustful Women Keep Targeting My Body - 239

Chapter 239: The Kukkoro Male Knight and the Neighboring Nation

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“I understand your request. However, this is not a matter that can be decided today or tomorrow.”

I took a sip of bean tea before answering former Countess Diesel, Roswitha. Getting militarily involved in another country’s internal conflict was seriously something I wanted no part of. On top of that, we were right in the middle of mediating the elves’ civil strife. Taking on yet another troublesome problem on top of that was simply impossible.

Moreover, unlike Elfenia, the Holy Empire was vast and populous. Even if framed as a defensive war, careless intervention carried the risk of escalating into a major conflict. In the Kingdom of Galea, provincial lords were granted a certain degree of independent diplomatic authority, but this case clearly seemed to go beyond that scope.

“Well, yeah, I know that. But it’s not like war has already been decided. Even if tensions are rising, it’s not at the seriously dangerous level where we’ve caught concrete signs of an invasion. It’s still at the stage of diplomatic maneuvering.”

“So there is at least some leeway?”

“Yeah. Of course, I’d like you to reach a conclusion as soon as possible, but still.”

It seemed that this was not an urgent matter. I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Handling the elves while also dealing with the Diesel Countess family’s problems was absolutely impossible. Even so, if fighting were to break out in the neighboring territory, we would still be forced to take some kind of response.

That said, we couldn’t simply ignore a risk we already understood. Instability in the Zudenberg territory would be bad. If the food supply from there were cut off, feeding the elves would become utterly impossible. No matter what, we had to take measures to prevent war. Roswitha must have understood our circumstances when she brought up this matter. Truly, she left no room for carelessness.

“However, for us in Liseben, getting involved in an internal war of the Holy Empire is far too risky. This case completely exceeds my authority.”

Still, this was an internal issue of the Holy Empire. If we intervened, things could turn seriously ugly. In the worst case, it could even escalate into an all-out war between Galea Kingdom and the Holy Empire. That was something I definitely wanted to avoid.

“I know, I know. But it’s not like war is guaranteed to happen yet. Because of the Liseben War and the civil conflict that occurred in Galea’s capital, Lord Blondin’s martial prowess is being talked about across the nations. If we form an alliance, I doubt many would willingly try to mess with us.”

It seemed that Roswitha’s aim was to use us Liseben as a kind of watchdog to deter ambitious neighboring lords. Setting aside the talk of martial renown, the current Liseben army was indeed far more robust than one would expect from a mere castellan’s private force. It would serve as a deterrent to some degree.

However, deterrence could fail, and war might still break out. As a lord, I could not afford to be optimistic and make reckless promises. It was a difficult situation indeed.

“…For now, I’ll consult with my superior. Please don’t expect too much, though.”

At times like this, it was best to dump the problem squarely on one’s superior. Fortunately, Chancellor Adelaide was scheduled to come to Liseben in the near future. At that time, she could speak directly with Roswitha and the Diesel family’s senior members.

That said, the upper echelons were generally slow to act. There was a real possibility that while discussions dragged on, the situation could worsen. To prevent that, it would be wise to take out some insurance at the field level as well. With that judgment, I continued speaking.

“Still, to put it simply, the biggest issue is the shortage of troops in the countess’s army… Right?”

“Well, frankly speaking, yes. The number of casualties in the Liseben War was abnormal. It will take years for our fighting strength to recover. To be blunt, this proposal is basically a way to buy time until our forces recover.”

Roswitha said this with an indescribable expression. Well, we were the ones who had slaughtered her personally trained knights, after all. There were probably parts she found hard to say.

“I see. Then how about filling the gap with mercenaries?”

“We don’t have soldiers, and we don’t have money either. We’re paying a massive amount in reparations to a certain someone, after all…”

With a sidelong glare, Roswitha pointed that out. …At the peace conference, Chancellor Adelaide had been absolutely relentless. The reparations she extracted were far above market norms. No wonder they were strapped for cash.

“It’s fine. I have connections to soldiers who move not for money, but for food.”

“…I see?”

Despite her appearance as a fierce general, Roswitha was a former lord and by no means a simple musclehead. She seemed to grasp what I was getting at immediately.

In short, we would dispatch elves to the Zudenberg territory. If we recruited them under the condition of three meals a day, a considerable number of elves would likely agree. It would reduce mouths to feed on our side as well. This plan was basically killing two birds with one stone. I decided to propose it at the next trilateral meeting.

“That would be most welcome. I’m counting on you. …But regarding the protection pact as well, couldn’t you at least consult with the Chancellor? Regret never comes before the fact. I want to be as thorough as possible.”

“Well, just consulting shouldn’t be a problem…”

In truth, it would be bad if the Diesel family were destroyed. Passing the matter along to my superior was something I could do. I nodded firmly.

“I appreciate it!”

With a bright smile, Roswitha downed her bean tea in one go.

“Well, our issue doesn’t need to be settled that urgently… But yours is pretty pressing, right? Payment can be put on tab, so I’ll arrange things so we can get it to you as quickly as possible.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Roswitha-dono.”

For all that, Roswitha was very reasonable in matters like this. I let out a relieved breath and bowed to her.

“Don’t mention it. To me, you’re practically like a son. This much is nothing.”

She said that with a sly grin. …A son, huh. That was just a figure of speech, right? For some reason, I started to feel like I was being led into a trap, but it was probably just my imagination.

“Honestly though… It’s been a while since I had such a serious talk, and my shoulders are stiff. I may have retired as a lord, but still.”

“Hahaha… Thank you for your hard work. Do you want to go out for a drink tonight, just to unwind?”

Roswitha was a heavy drinker, and before the elf situation became serious, we often drank together. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say we were drinking buddies. Lately, we’d been too busy to find time for it, but once in a while should be fine… Or so I thought when I made the suggestion…

“No, sorry, I can’t join you. I’m planning to quit drinking for a while.”

“…Huh!?”

Th-this legendary booze-guzzling monster was quitting alcohol!? I almost dropped my cup of bean tea in shock. No matter how the world turned upside down, I never thought this person would give up drinking… Or so I had believed.

“That’s unexpected. Why all of a sudden? Did you suddenly become health-conscious?”

“No, well…”

With an awkward grin, Roswitha rubbed her own belly.

“Looks like I’ve got a kid on the way.”

“Waaao…”

At that sudden confession, I nearly fell out of my chair.

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