After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 78
Chapter 78: Surrender Negotiations
“I apologize for everything…”
“Mother. That woman is getting out of hand. We should distance ourselves from her.”
“Hmm… I need to think about it.”
Queen Natalia usually has a brisk and cheerful way of speaking, but she seems unusually hesitant when it comes to that old lady.
“Her mother was rather modest, you know…”
When Queen Natalia was the crown princess, there were moves to promote her half-sister to queen, which escalated to a dangerous level… The Duchess, who is the mother of that old lady, had put herself on the line to protect the queen’s position. After the duchess, who was their benefactor, passed away, it seems her daughter, who has repeatedly overstepped her bounds, has grown arrogant. While nodding at Beatrice’s words, the queen is hesitant to decisively cut ties with her… It’s a good trait to be kind-hearted, but she should do something about that.
“In any case, I think Lutz’s proposal is favorable. I’ve always wanted to develop the Forest of Demons, so I’d like to take this opportunity.”
“That’s right. Among the prisoners, there are many wizards, so development should proceed quickly… I agree as well. Although I’m worried about monster attacks, once the war is over, we can also enlist the army’s wizards to help.”
With the conversation turning positive, the queen finally relaxed her troubled expression and smiled. Finally getting rid of that oddball and finishing the heavy homework, I also relaxed.
—
“To the soldiers in the castle! I commend your brave fight. However, the opportunity for victory has been lost. As you know, our army has the ‘Hero of Flames,’ who can burn all of you, imprisoned in a cage of trees. However, out of humanitarian considerations, I will offer you the choice to survive. If you surrender now and discard your weapons, your lives will be spared…”
Echoing throughout the battlefield, the surrender plea is being boldly made by none other than Sister Lize. Thanks to the illustrious achievements in the war against the principality, the army’s wizard units all recognize and even idolize Sister Lize as their leader… Her position as interim commander seems to be becoming permanent. Being the top wizard means being close to the top of the army… Sister Lize, who will probably take on that position in her teens, is indeed following a glamorous career path, just like Mother did.
Sister Lize’s resolute declaration is carried throughout the battlefield on the wind magic manipulated by her subordinates. There’s no excuse for not hearing it… Now, let’s see how the enemy responds.
And then, after about ten minutes of waiting, a messenger arrives, out of breath, with surprising news for Beatrice and the queen. I’m surprised too. No matter how advantageous the war with the empire may be, would they send the crown prince so easily to the front lines?
“That’s the crown prince, right? The one who demanded Beatrice-sama as his bride.”
With a voice filled with killing intent, Gretel, who has just returned from close combat and has finally sheathed her sword, is about to draw it again. Her figure is very dignified, and even the sweat flowing down her neck is beautiful… But please don’t go berserk here. It’s absolutely unacceptable to cut down the messengers!
“It’s okay. I don’t have a hobby of tormenting unarmed men.”
She says confidently, despite nearly torturing me, who was almost unarmed. Well, she lives by the knight’s code, so she probably thinks her job is done now that the enemy has raised a white flag.
“Yes, Gretel, you’re not needed here. However, if a prince from the other side has come out, we should have someone of a similar rank to respond. Mother… it can’t be you, so shouldn’t it be me, as the second princess and the next queen?”
“Yes, I can’t go by myself. So I think it’s appropriate for Beatrice, the second princess and the next queen, to take a seat at the negotiating table. Are you okay with that?”
“If it’s negotiation, I’m sure she’s better at it than you, Mother.”
“Yeah. Compared to the queen, who easily shows her emotions on her face, Beatrice, always wearing her usual porcelain doll expression, might appear to be a tough opponent for negotiation partners because you can’t tell what she’s thinking. She’s already handled numerous diplomatic affairs, so… Let’s leave it to her.
“But… I just need a little more courage. Just thinking that someone important is standing behind me makes me stronger. So, you understand, right?”
What do you mean, “understand”? You’re going to drag me back into the fray even though my role should be over by now? I want to complain, but when I’m stared at with those emerald eyes, there’s no choice but to give in. With a deep sigh, I slump my shoulders.