After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 75
Chapter 75: Proposal
“Yeah. Whatever proposal Lutz makes, I’ll approve it. And I’ll bear the guilt that arises from it for the rest of my life.”
Somehow, Beatrice’s trust feels unexpectedly heavy. Well, even though they’re enemies, leaving the decision of determining the fate of tens of thousands of lives to me and my mother might include a hint of guilt.
Well, I’ve been contemplating a third option, neither simply killing nor generously forgiving. I didn’t expect to have the opportunity to present my idea, but since Beatrice has gone through the trouble of setting this up, I’ll make sure to realize it.
“Let’s start with the conclusion.”
There’s a gulp, someone swallowing saliva. Ah, I didn’t expect to start with the conclusion… In the former world, it was often said, “In the business world, start with the conclusion,” and I’ve always followed that.
“First, we’ll call for surrender from those guys. Anyone who resists will be subdued and killed, and those who don’t come out until the end will be, umm… no, eradicated by Count Freudenstadt’s magic.”
Gretel nodded deeply. She’s just a girl, and it’s not like she has no resistance to taking many lives… She’s already faced hundreds of enemy soldiers with her sword. Having already experienced the weight and sorrow of that, she’s moved past it. And having lost several comrades in direct combat, her anger toward the Empire that initiated this needless war is far greater than that of Her Majesty or Beatrice.
“What about those who surrender? How will they be treated?”
Queen Mother hurriedly interjected. Well, it’s natural for her, the kind… or rather, I should say, overly lenient queen, to be most concerned about that. When Beatrice looks at her daughter as if trying hard to hold back what she wants to say… since she said she’d leave it to me, she must have decided not to say anything extra. Her earnestness makes me feel a bit moved, and I have the impulse to hug her, but unfortunately, if I were to do such a thing before Her Majesty, I can only imagine the consequences. I have to be serious here.
“Yes, all surrendering soldiers will be reduced to slave status. Both noble commanders and common soldiers will be treated equally.”
“Slaves!”
The surprised and angry reaction came from Her Majesty. Well, that was within expectations. Her Majesty detests slavery greatly, and it’s well known that slavery has been abolished within the Belzenbruck Kingdom.
However, in the Rubriana Empire and even in the Duchy of Liège, as well as in allied countries like the Kingdom of Poznań, the institution of slavery has been passed down through generations. And in the wars that occur in this world, the fate of prisoners of war often follows a pattern of either execution or enslavement. In fact, in the far west, there are even heathens who repeatedly invade in search of slaves as labor. Come to think of it, I feel like I learned that such things were quite common in the Middle Ages of the former world.
Well, I’ve received plenty of education in the former world criticizing slavery as a stain of the past, so I do have resistance. But… hmm.
“Your Majesty, do you really dislike making them slaves?”
“I…”
Without meeting my gaze, Her Majesty dropped her eyes to the ground. Of course, her deep aversion to slavery won’t change, but she once spoke out loud, leaving the treatment of enemy soldiers to Beatrice… She must have the dignity as a monarch not to flip-flop on that. Well, she’ll probably understand in the end.
“How dare you, a child, propose something so inhumane! No one has the right to take away someone’s freedom! Even though they’re enemies, it’s unacceptable to make them slaves!”
But my optimism was suddenly cut off by a woman who unexpectedly shouted from behind Her Majesty like a grasshopper.
Hmm, at the very least, interrupting a conversation with Her Majesty like that is blatantly disrespectful, isn’t it? Who is this person who does it so easily, though she doesn’t look like a royal or a military personnel…? Pulling me out from behind the tent, Beatrice whispered in my ear.
“That person… Lady Natalie is someone to watch out for. Although her status is only Mother’s secretary, she occasionally makes remarks that exceed her position. It seems Mother owes Lady Natalie’s mother some favor… Mother doesn’t try to intervene.”
“I see… then if I can refute that woman, which side do you think Her Majesty will take?”
“She won’t support Lutz, but if Lutz wins the argument, she’ll accept it.”
“Then I have no choice but to do my best.”
“Yeah, I believe in Lutz.”
Stared at with passionate emerald eyes, a strong fighting spirit welled up within. Somehow, I’m a simple guy too.