Chapter: 537
There are many ways to make a nation prosperous, but the most intuitive one is territory.
Expanding a nation’s land means an increase in the number of citizens belonging to that nation, which in turn means increased tax revenue and the ability to mobilize more troops, as well as signifying the authority of the nation itself.
If someone like me, who isn’t well-versed in politics, can think of these kinds of benefits, it’s only natural that many past rulers went crazy over conquest wars.
“…You say there’s a way to expand territory?”
And in the presence of a madman who would do anything to make the kingdom great, the word “territory” is bound to catch their attention.
She probably knows better than me what it means to have more usable land.
“Indeed. Unlike the delusional queen who can only manage the kingdom, I’m quite capable.”
“I can’t imagine that. If such a method existed, I wouldn’t have missed the chance to try it. The chaos resulting from expanding territory would surely outweigh any benefits.”
“There wouldn’t be much chaos, really. Well, maybe a bit. It would attract all sorts of messed-up perverts who can’t handle their crushes on little kids, just like that perverted apostle.”
“…Huh?”
Due to the distortion of the Mesugaki Skill, when the First Queen blinked in confusion, Benedict let out a self-deprecating laugh and pulled out a map.
“I intend to restore the Fairy Forest.”
Upon hearing Benedict’s words, the First Queen’s prior excitement evaporated as if it were a lie.
“Is that what you meant?”
“Why are you disappointed?”
“Because it was deemed impossible a long time ago.”
The Fairy Forest had long been a headache for the kingdom. The Evil God’s Energy seeping from the sealed forest gradually eroded the surroundings, making the kingdom’s land useless and even creating numerous dungeons.
Moreover, the unstable seal, which could collapse at any moment, diminished the advantages of not having to worry about foreign invasion and led to unnecessary expenses for disaster preparedness.
The First Queen was looking for ways to restore the Fairy Forest to eliminate various losses, in addition to the fact that it could expand the territory.
Her conclusion was that it was impossible.
“First, the seal placed by Lord Erginius is a problem. Breaking that seal requires far too many resources.”
Even after hundreds of years, the seal of Erginius, still holding the title of history’s greatest genius, cannot be easily undone.
While a method exists, the resources required are so great that it would strain the national treasury.
“Even after breaking the seal, there’s another problem. There are monsters sealed since the mythic age within. They are beings that even heroes have given up opposing.”
Even if the current kingdom forces, including Benedict, were to confront them, unavoidable sacrifices would be necessary. Even then, there’s no assurance that all disasters can be prevented.
“And what about the Evil God’s Energy that would still be lurking inside?”
It has already been confirmed that even several bishops from the Jushin Church cannot completely suppress the Evil God’s Energy.
If the Arteia family were to supply several relics, there might be a possibility, but that would also be far too much of a drain on the national treasury.
“Can we guarantee that we can wake up the fairy queen, who’s been sleeping so peacefully, and defeat her?”
The fairy queen is something very close to deification.
When such a being awakens and unleashes disasters, could the kingdom possibly defeat her?
Even if they manage to defeat her, is that victory worth the countless sacrifices needed to achieve it?
The First Queen didn’t think so.
“It’s not even worth discussing. No, I won’t even permit an attempt at restoration. I won’t stand by and watch the kingdom’s future vanish.”
Where did the declaration of not being hostile go? The First Queen was exuding a killing intent sharp enough to make one’s skin tingle, but Benedict blocked her threat with his own energy release.
“I’m well aware of what you just mentioned, your majesty.”
“Then please leave. If you sacrifice yourself for a futile cause, the damage to the kingdom would be immense.”
“I, Benedict, have never forgotten my role as the sword guarding the kingdom’s borders. I’ve never harbored even a hint of foolish thoughts. Thus, I can confidently say that if this proposal were empty, I wouldn’t have considered my daughter’s words at all.”
Having protected the kingdom’s borders for so many years, the knight’s counsel, who has shown unwavering loyalty despite holding immense power, offered the First Queen a moment of hesitation.
The hesitation of the mad queen, whom I thought would never compromise, was refreshing, but I had no time to dwell on it.
The First Queen’s gaze, which had been tapping the table, soon turned towards me.
“Can you explain your plan in detail? To my understanding.”
Huff Eventually, this moment has come.
This is more complicated than translating the Mesugaki Skill. With grandpa giving me advice beside me, I wouldn’t stray too far off, but every word is indeed a cause for concern.
But it has to be done.
As I took a deep breath and leaned forward, grandpa’s laughter brushed against my ear.
I staggered in surprise, and the First Queen watched me with curious eyes.
‘Wha-why are you suddenly laughing!?’
[Something fun happened.]
‘What fun thing could that be!?’
[You’ll see.]
I was grumbling about how grandpa thought explaining it himself would be uncool when footsteps echoed from outside the three of us.
Turning to follow the sound, I spotted a frail-looking man with long black hair.
Unlike the garments worn by current nobles, he was dressed plainly yet neatly, and he boldly walked past the bewildered gazes of others to position himself next to us.
“You. Who are you? How did you infiltrate the palace?”
“I helped design this palace, so how could its magic deny me?”
“…No way.”
“Greetings. Current queen of the kingdom. I am Erginius, known as the Great Wizard.”
The First Queen gazed at Erginius with eyes full of astonishment. I couldn’t understand why she, whom I thought would remain composed no matter what happened, appeared so shaken.
“Stop spouting nonsense. Isn’t the lifespan of even heroes absolute?”
“Can you really say there are no exceptions? You cannot deny that I am Erginius, can you?”
“…That’s…”
What was certain was that, for some reason, the First Queen had no suspicion that the suddenly appearing Sympathy Skeleton was Erginius.
‘What’s going on?’
[There must be something related to the palace. That guy designed this palace, after all.]
‘So even you don’t know for sure?’
[What does it matter? If I ask that guy later, he’ll give me an answer. More importantly, Lucy. There’s something more important right now.]
‘Something important?’
[Yes. That guy will help you persuade her.]
…True, right? The person who sealed the Fairy Forest, Erginius, appears right before my eyes, so I don’t have to explain anything!
If this guy explains it himself and provides evidence, even the First Queen won’t be able to deny it!
Wow! This is awesome! I’m almost feeling guilty for teasing the Sympathy Skeleton!
“Just a moment ago, your majesty mentioned that restoring the Fairy Forest was impossible, but I think otherwise.”
“You think it’s possible?”
“I’ve been preparing for this moment for hundreds of years. I assure you, it is possible. I’ve made it viable over centuries.”
Thinking about it, why is Erginius suddenly so eloquent? This is the same guy who was trembling and begging for mercy in front of the Sloppy Fox.
Why isn’t he showing any signs of anxiety now that he’s facing the First Queen?
The difference between the two… Hmm.
Hmmm.
I think I get it, but let’s not mention it for their sake.
“Please feel free to ask anything you’re curious about. I will gladly provide answers.”
*
Thanks to the sudden appearance of Erginius, convincing the First Queen became a breeze. He presented evidence for every point the First Queen raised.
After everything was said and done, the First Queen asked for a moment to think, but I think the answer that would emerge from her contemplation would be the same.
It’s not as if she didn’t want to restore the Fairy Forest.
The reason she stated it was impossible was merely because she believed the costs outweighed the benefits.
If she became convinced that the benefits were greater, she would eagerly seek to restore the Fairy Forest.
“Excuse me. Lucy.”
As soon as we exited the palace, Benedict whispered to me. Startled by the sudden whisper, I jumped back, and Benedict hung his head with a wounded expression.
“What is it, you creepy troll father?”
“…Is that person really Lord Erginius?”
“Though the delusional First Queen may be insane, she’s not a fool, you know?”
It seems the fact that neither I nor the First Queen doubted it served as evidence, as Benedict looked at Erginius with a sense of wonder.
Then Erginius shrugged and smiled.
“You really don’t resemble each other at all. You don’t look like father and daughter, at all.”
“My daughter resembles my wife more than me.”
“Was your wife like this?”
“Not at all. She was an angel,”
Noticing Benedict’s hesitation in his speech, Erginius didn’t press further and turned his gaze towards me.
“Had you informed me of this beforehand, I would have gladly assisted.”
“I never thought the pathetic, timid wizard could speak so well with women.”
“…I might have shown a lot of foolishness.”
So he admits he acted pathetic, huh?
“More importantly, Sympathy Skeleton Wizard, why did the delusional First Queen believe you’re the real deal?”
“I also hold the authority to utilize various functions within the palace.”
So he possesses something that only a genuine Erginius could have. That explains why the First Queen was flustered.
“Well then, is our business here in the capital finished?”
“Yes. What can there be to do in a place packed with sloppy trash?”
“Then let’s hurry back. We have preparations to make for bringing the sealed Evil God.”
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