Chapter: 236
I spoke to the Knight King about governance through the sage.
Divide and rule.
You might think this word, reeking of the dreadful Yonggilli, came from England, but if you trace its roots, it goes all the way back to ancient Greece.
Of course, the one who used it best was England during the times of the Great Empire that devastated its colonies! Anyway.
Starting from ancient Greece and leading up to the British Empire, the technique of governing through division and friction has a deep history and has proven to be an extremely effective method of rule.
Surely, this knowledge would be necessary for the current Knight King.
I’m fully aware that there are many issues with this approach. Provoking division and friction inevitably leads to conflict.
Nevertheless, this technique is what the current Knight King needs.
“If there’s going to be friction, isn’t that problematic?”
“I won’t say it’s without problems, but through such friction, it’s possible to create a system of checks and balances among the vassals. The king sits above the vassals who check each other, mediating between them as he governs.”
“Allowing them to check each other while the king governs….”
If the king has sufficient authority, the vassals checking each other will inevitably seek mediation from the king.
Of course, to maintain such a situation, the king would need solid authority. But, since he has inherited Arcadia and the crown of immortality, that authority should be overflowing.
If time passes and generations go by… I’m not sure. But at least for now, it should be sufficient.
So I laid out various stories before the Knight King.
Tales of commoners and knights, nobles, and the small frictions that arise among the king’s vassals, categorized by their ranks.
Stories of the territories granted to each noble and the lords who govern those territories.
Through so many nobles, I even shared stories of indirectly ruling the land.
The conversation between the king and I continued through the night until the moment the sun rose the next day.
“Your insights seem to bring a fresh perspective each time I hear them. You truly live up to the title of sage.”
“You flatter me.”
“I believe your knowledge is priceless. What do you think? Would you be willing to lend me your strength?”
The Knight King, perhaps moved by what I had said, reached out his hand to me.
Could it be he thinks the wisdom of a sage would be a great help?
However, that cannot be allowed.
It’s one thing to provide occasional help, but if I keep helping him from the sidelines… people may start hesitating to take steps on their own.
Even though what I’m revealing now can’t be seen as entirely good. Still, there should be at least a minimal guideline.
Thus.
“I’m afraid I cannot leave this forest.”
“You cannot leave this forest?”
“Yes.”
Underneath the sage’s robe, I extended my arm.
A body carved from rock. A body made of stone.
I must look suspicious with such an alien body!
“What is that body?”
“It’s a long story. I cannot leave this forest. I appreciate the offer.”
“Hmmm… a body of rock, you say? Are you cursed by the gods?”
“I cannot discuss it. It’s complicated.”
“Is that so? Then, it cannot be helped. Your wisdom is invaluable, but if you cannot leave this place, then there’s nothing to be done, I suppose.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
However, the Knight King’s gaze remained fixed on me, the sage.
“Then… if the time comes when I need your wisdom, would you lend it to me?”
“I cannot leave this forest, you know?”
“In such a case, I shall send someone. If you convey your wisdom through that person, wouldn’t that suffice?”
At the Knight King’s words, I nodded. If there’s an unsolvable problem leading them to seek my wisdom, I can answer without issue.
“Then, I’ll be glad to provide answers.”
“Thank you. With your wisdom, this nation may withstand even beyond a thousand years.”
“You flatter me.”
Hmm. Could it really exist for over a thousand years? I wouldn’t know. A thousand years is a time that could even see elves perish.
Ah, elves. Right.
“I have one more piece of advice. It would be wise to strengthen your ties with the elves and dwarves.”
“Elves and dwarves? Aren’t they beings that rarely show themselves?”
“Indeed, but their superiority over ordinary humans is undeniable. The hunting skills of elves surpass those of human hunters by leagues, and the craftsmanship of dwarves can forge even tough metals beyond human capabilities. Their skills certainly hold great value.”
“Indeed… But would they easily want to meet with us?”
“Under normal circumstances, it would be quite difficult. However, there is a place where you can meet them.”
“A place to meet both elves and dwarves?”
“Yes.”
I nodded before continuing my story.
“The Great Forest of Elves and the Sagarmatha of Dwarves. Between them lies a city called Betelgeuse.”
“Betelgeuse?”
“Yes. In that city, every ten years, duels take place between elves and dwarves. If you make use of that, you could meet both simultaneously.”
For reference, battles between elves and dwarves have been ongoing. Their records have reached a perfect draw, with nearly identical win rates.
Ahem. Anyway, if we utilize Betelgeuse, we could have conversations with both elves and dwarves. It’s a valuable opportunity.
The interval between battles is ten years… Hmm. Is there about three years left? Of course, even outside battle times, elves and dwarves should be at Betelgeuse.
Still, the duels held every ten years attract a crowd like no other. In a world with scarce entertainment, each duel is incredibly popular.
So much so that fan clubs form around elves or dwarves participating in the contests.
“There’s such a place…”
“Yes. You may not have known it since it is quite far from where you operate. However, if you build connections through them, it could be a significant advantage.”
“Is that so…?”
It may have been closer to the domain of the Asir gods, but they have already been eradicated. The humans who were their followers have now scattered as well.
It seems news of Betelgeuse hasn’t reached them properly either.
“Besides, there are lizardmen and the wizards of Procyon… and various beastfolk as well, but there’s no need to explain much about them.”
Since their domains overlap, there must already be enough exchange occurring.
Especially with the beastfolk kingdom centered around Minoa and Rattkin forming Ratkinia, they would be in close contact. They must already be engaging sufficiently.
“I see… I shall keep your advice in mind.”
The king then wrote down everything I said on papyrus before placing it in his robe and stood up.
After spending an entire night discussing, not a trace of fatigue could be seen in his eyes.
What kind of nation will he build? I started to feel a bit of anticipation.
“Thank you for your words. May I ask you one more favor?”
“One more favor?”
Hmm… well, a favor is fine.
“If I can grant it, I will.”
“Thank you.”
The Knight King smiled awkwardly and opened his mouth. With such beauty that could almost be mistaken for a woman, it was quite peculiar to see him smile like that.
“Would you name the new nation? My naming skills are terribly lacking.”
“Name for the new nation?”
I mean, surely I just have to continue with the name Arcadia. Why would he insist on naming it anew?
“Isn’t Arcadia enough?”
“I’ve built upon the legacy of that nation, but giving a name to a land that has already vanished feels somewhat… off.”
Hmm… I suppose that’s true. It is indeed awkward to name a nation that has fallen once.
Let’s see. A name… a name. What would be a good name? Hmm. Hmmm.
A variety of nation names flicker through my mind. Hmmm. Hmm.
Right, since I named the Knight King Caesar, how about a name connected to that… Rome?
No, just calling it Rome feels a bit ambiguous. Still, the name itself holds a storied presence, but…
Hmm. Ugh. I could just stick “nia” as a suffix to Rome, making it Romania? It feels a bit lackluster… but it might be better than just “Rome,” right?
It feels like it’s very similar to the name Romania… but honestly, there are hardly any nation names more valuable than Rome itself.
Therefore.
“How about Romania?”
“Romania?”
I nodded. It does feel a bit hasty, but… hmm… it ought to hold some significance.
After all, “All roads lead to Rome,” or the etymology of the word “romance,” isn’t holy, nor imperial… hmm, perhaps that’s not quite shining.
Anyway, the name Rome itself should have no downsides.
So, then. Rome. Romania.
“Wonderful name. Romania. Romania.”
The king repeated “Romania” several times, smiling broadly.
A blooming flower appeared on his delicate face, unusually handsome for a man.
“Thank you so much. Meeting you was no mistake. I shall never forget this grace.”
Thus, the Knight King, who expressed his gratitude repeatedly, departed from the deep forest, and I watched his retreating figure.
The nation he will create… Romania. I wonder how long that name will endure… feeling a tinge of anticipation.
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