Disappointing Teleportation Magic ~ Even Though The Movement Distance Is Only 1 Millimeter, I Will Rise Through Ingenuity ~ - Chapter 57.2

Several rivers, albeit smaller than the one forming the border, run through Eberwein’s lands, and Fulmelinta has fortified its defenses using these natural barriers.

“Fulmelinta likely believes that as long as they control this area, their claim to the central island won’t be threatened, so they are fiercely resisting. Even with inexperienced soldiers, if they amass enough people, they can hold their ground. Fulmelinta is offering freedom or land ownership to its slaves, driving them to fight desperately.”

“If we try to push through by force, won’t we just waste our soldiers?”

“Exactly. That’s why, while continuing the battle, we’ve also tried to negotiate peace.”

As much as he’s the Second Prince, should he really be pushing for peace in a matter that could determine the fate of the kingdom?

Perhaps this is just how things work in this world.

“The peace terms are to withdraw Fulmelinta’s forces from Eberwein’s territory in exchange for recognizing their claim to the entire central island.”

“Are we going to give up the territory?”

“If the war drags on, both sides will continue to suffer, and the road extending east will remain blocked. This isn’t just a loss for the Kingdom of Yurefelt, but also for our western neighbors, Muldeles and Mastafor.”

Though Yurefelt and Fulmelinta had been at odds over the central island for years, the conflict had recently become more of a formality.

Meanwhile, trade routes through the area had allowed Fulmelinta and other eastern nations to engage in commerce.

“Was there pressure from the western countries to negotiate peace?”

“There hasn’t been direct pressure, but they’ve inquired about the state of the war several times. In other words, they’re subtly telling us to end it soon.”

“I understand the terms of the peace, but why am I being sent to Fulmelinta?”

“Fulmelinta has requested that the hero who killed the wyvern be sent as part of the peace agreement.”

“They want me… to become a war slave?”

“No, it’s not like that. They’ve said they will receive you as an honored guest.”

Apparently, Fulmelinta already knows I was granted the title of marquis for my wyvern-slaying deeds and has promised to treat me with appropriate respect.

A glance at Alberic shows him still avoiding my gaze, his head lowered.

“So, I’m no longer needed here, am I?”

“The answer is no, absolutely not. There are many in the Kingdom of Yurefelt who need you, Lord Kirikaze, and we also want you to stay. Besides, going to Fulmelinta is a request, not an order.”

“Does that mean… it’s okay to refuse?”

“If you wish to stay in the Kingdom of Yurefelt, we will have no choice but to respect your decision.”

Though he said he would respect my decision, I had no doubt that refusing would cause trouble.

“What happens if I refuse to go to Fulmelinta?”

“In that case, the conditions for peace won’t be fulfilled, and as long as the negotiations only involve the cession of the island, the war will continue. Many soldiers will lose their lives.”

That response felt unfair. Though I would be treated as a guest in Fulmelinta, if I didn’t go, soldiers would die. It seemed as though I was being blamed for refusing.

“If I do go to Fulmelinta, I would like to set some conditions…”

“Name them, and I will accommodate as much as I can.”

“First, I want you to protect and restore the honor of Tariq, my former colleague who was ordered to assassinate me, as well as his family.”

“I promise.”

“Next, I ask for protection over my classmates, Umino and the others, so they can live peacefully.”

“I’ve heard they are all capable individuals. I don’t think they need our help, but should the need arise, I will guarantee their safety.”

“Finally, I want to take Araseli with me as my wife to Fulmelinta.”

“Granted.”