Hachinan tte, Sore wa Nai Deshou!

Basically Im able to do it. At the time when I release my hand from the nocked arrow, there are occasions when the aim is slightly off because of a slight shaking. (Karla)

I see. (Wendelin)

Although they had caused such a disturbance, no messenger from Browigs side has arrived yet.

Since it cant be helped, we continued our protective occupation of a part of the easts domain while immersing ourselves in killing time at the headquarters of the Earl Baumeister feudal army.

Thomas and the others were sent to the villages and cities, which we declared occupied, and spent every day busily leaving for the territories of the nobles, who were released on conditions. Moritz was occupied with assisting Margrave Breithilde in protecting the encampment.

However, we have quite a bit of spare time.

Although there are occasionally documents delivered together with the supply goods from my territory, it looks like they have a policy of not burdening me much at this point in time.

Nothing but the situation reports from Roderich arrived here.

The territory seems to be making good progress at the development even though they are still lacking manpower.

Once I check and sign those documents, I spend my days by training in magic or taking lessons in archery from Karla whos already treated as a guest.

In reality I wanted to go hunting in the Demon Forest as well, but since its wrong to leave the headquarters during war time as one might expect, I used all my free time like this.

The one who is the most busy among us is Elise who has become a temporary priestess.

Although theres no battle, there are occasionally injured people appearing due to work or hunting for the sake of food provisions. It goes without saying that there are sick people as well.

Ina trains her spearmanship in-between the preparations of meals and such.

Luise had time off?

She seems to be teaching the basics of the magic combat style to Wilma.

Whoaa! You are quite talented (Luise)

It was easy to regard Wilma as power fighter due to her hero syndrome, but in reality she was the technician type.

Her learning rate of the magic combat style is great, too. Being also taught stuff like archery and knife throwing techniques from Karla, she has been told that she has talent by Karla, too.

Instead she doesnt have any ability in leading soldiers though. (Moritz)

According to the assessment of Moritz, whos her blood-related elder brother, she has absolutely no ability to lead soldiers as commander.

At any rate, as she excels in power and martial arts, the best way of using her efficiently is to currently have her guard Elise and me.

Dont release your mana all of sudden there. Imagine it as long stream of mana, just like a thin string, as much as possible. (Burkhart)

Yes. (Katharina)

And Katharina received special training in magic from Burkhart-san.

Since she has little experience like me, she took lessons in mana control, she was weak at, for long periods every day.

Appropriate to her nickname Storm, she seems to be best at firing off showy magic.

Like this? (Katharina)

You are improving gradually. (Burkhart)

It seems that Katharina is actually feeling the training to bear noticeably results. She is earnestly following the coaching from Burkhart-san.

They are mostly hitting the central part of the target now. (Karla)

Its a good style. (Wendelin)

With merely 2~3 days of coaching, my archery skills improved to a degree that it was obvious to me, too.

However, it was unexpected. For you to be skilled in archery in addition to magic. (Karla)

My familys home is that shitty countryside after all. (Wendelin)

I concealed my magic as long as possible in my childhood. I earnestly trained my archery after considering situations where I used up my mana.

Also there was something like an atmosphere at home of you must be at least able to use the bow well.

If you cant catch prey, you wont eat meat. (Wendelin)

It was the same for me, too. (Karla)

The home of Karlas mother in the capital is poor. It looks like the didnt get to eat meat if she didnt go catching prey with her bow.

Otherwise the livelihood of a freeloader is quite limited. (Karla)

In spite of expecting a small allowance from Margrave Browig, her grandparents, her uncle, whos the family head, her aunt, her cousin, all of them without exception, treated her as nuisance.

Having said that, since I was treated as non-existing person even in the Browig household (Karla)

Being called all of a sudden, she looked after her father, she doesnt even love, and was forced as far as becoming a decorative Supreme Commander.

In all honesty, she wants to return to the capital quickly and earn money to support a livelihood with only her mother.

Umm, how to say it? Feel free to consult with me at any time (Wendelin)

I didnt have any intention for her to become my wife, but once I saw a beautiful girl being struck with grief, I ended up opening my mouth just like that.

After all a beauty is a gain for the world, I think.

Thank you very much. (Karla)

After training for a while, it has become lunch time. We decide to eat lunch as Elises invitation came about.

It was a peaceful lunch as usual, however this was likely due to the successful large-scale Area Stun we did our best with.

I want to go hunting. (Ina)

Yea, youre right

Not just me but also Elise, Katharina and Karla reacted to Inas grumbling.

Going by Karlas words, at such times she wants to leave even a minute earlier to go catching prey.

I cant see her as daughter of a major noble at all, but since her livelihood wasnt overly different from ours until now, it was proof of her job as Supreme Commander representative being nothing but something painful to her.

If thats the case, how about becoming an adventurer and going hunting in the Demon Forest with us, Karla-sama? (Erwin)

Thats a great idea. (Karla)

Karla responded to Erws invitation, where one doesnt know whether hes joking or meaning it seriously, with a smile.

If you go with us, you will be able to avoid risks quite well. Ah, yea, actually Id like you to teach me archery as well. (Erwin)

Okay. Thats fine. (Karla)

Keeping at it, Erw implores Karla to teach him archery and she accepts that without any particular hesitation.

After finishing lunch, Erw shot arrows at the target while happily receiving coaching from Karla.

You are skilful as well, Erwin-san. (Karla)

I cant win against you though, Karla-sama. Its magnificent how skilled you are at teaching, too. (Erwin)

Erw, who praised Karlas archery skill, continues to chat cheerfully with her while showing a loose smile.

That idiot (Ina)

Hes incredibly easy to understand (Wendelin)

Ina, who spied on his state from a distant place together with me, noticed it after all.

The fact that Erw has fallen in love with Karla, that is.

Let me see (Luise)

Next Luise looks at the situation of the two, but she noticed it right away as well since she had been associating with us for a reasonably long time now.Copyrighted byInfinite Novel Translations!

Erw has a total crush on her. (Luise)

Luise found fault with him from the bottom of her heart after having seen Erws dreamy look towards the beautiful Karla.

In the first place, Erw works as my guard.

Even if he doesnt particularly do so, theres no kind of problem since Moritz has deployed his subordinates in our camp, but to play hooky isnt good either.

Your teaching is skilful as well. Very different from Luise. (Erwin)

Really? (Karla)

Yes, if I compare her with you, its really just like day and night, Karla-san. (Erwin)

That asshole (Luise)

Certainly, Karla was an archery genius who wasnt just skilled herself but was also good at teaching others.

Luise, labelled as being bad at teaching by Erw, begins to send a sharp gaze at him while lowering her voice.

However, it didnt reach Erwin, who is dyed in the colour of silliness, at all.

Now, now, You are strong and cute, Luise (Erw you big fool). (Wendelin)

Since Luise wouldnt hesitate to give Erw a good beating at this rate, I began to soothe her in a hurry by hugging her gently from behind.

The magic combat style and archery are different. I will make you my wife because I consider you cute, Luise. Something like the opinion of a third party, just ignore it. (Wendelin)

Is that so? (Luise)

Although those were compliments which set ones teeth on edge, I was relived in my mind since they apparently fixed Luises bad mood.

Stupidity has its limits, too. (Katharina)

True. To begin with, its impossible. (Ina)

Katharina and Ina had sharp tongues too.

For a retainer to fall in love with a daughter of a noble who has been made into a prisoner for forms sake.

It would be permissible if it was a tale, but in reality it is nothing but a bother.

Does he have hope, I wonder?

As soon as they see it, anyone would understand, but Erws expression with his feelings towards Karla is foppish.

How pathetic, even though he was born with a better-looking face than me, he looks somewhat ugly because because of his overly sloppy expression.

It seemed like Katharina, who has taken a distance from Erw to begin with, regards him as someone creepy. Ina calmly reproaches Erw who has fallen in love with someone of a different social standing.

And there was me, but more than anything else I was bothered what Karla was thinking about this.

I thought that probably even Erw wont do something strange or confess his feelings in this situation.

Karla-sama is an adult, I believe. She shouldnt be particularly aware of Erw. (Wilma)

The one who answered exceedingly calm was the youngest among us, Wilma.

She seems to be poorly informed about the deeds between men and women who became lovers, but she is unexpectedly sensitive to the subtleties of men and women.

Karla-sama understands that she is blessed with her current treatment. Thats why she answers Erws lechery expression with a smile. (Wilma)

Wilmas speech was unusually long, but its content was filled with a sharp and brief opinion.

To put it simply, Karla attends to Erw with a lip-service attitude.

Is that so? Doesnt it look like she isnt as dissatisfied with it either? (Wendelin)

Wend-sama, I think you are still taking a womans discerning eye too lightly. (Wilma)

Thats harsh, Wilma-san. (Wendelin)

I end up caving in somewhat within my mind due to Wilmas pointer.

Wilma-san, you are as direct as ever. Its a love that wont ripen anyway. (Katharina)

Just as Katharina says, no matter how much she is treated as unwanted daughter, Karla is still the daughter of Margrave Browig.

There werent any expectations for her to become something like the wife of the retainer Erw.

Wendelin-san, how about if we opened his eyes a bit?

He will likely sober up very soon anyway. Personally I feel like wanting to support him, but (Wendelin)

Now that it has come to this, my position as noble is a heavy burden.

What do you think, Elise? (Wendelin)

Me!? (Elise)This translation is owned byInfinite Novel Translations

As they thought that the diligent Elise wouldnt do something like peeping by any means, everyone except me didnt realize her presence.

When I called out to the secretly peeping Elise, she apparently didnt expect to be found by me.

She answered while having a shrill and nervous voice.

You like such things fairly well, too, Elise? (Luise)

Luise-san, even I have some interest in such things. (Elise)

Elise, who answered Luises question while blushing, was quite adorable.

After all Karla-san was someone drawing the attention of men at the time when she was in the capital. (Elise)

Different from Elise and Katharina, Karla is a beauty that has a sense of translucence if described with few words. Even from my point of view, she is a type I like quite a bit.

Since her face is slightly plain, she has a beauty that is a bit nostalgic for me who is a Japanese.

She is beautiful, has a good style and is skilled with things like cooking.

In Karla-sans case, she diligently learned things such as domestic chores in the church until she returned to the Browig household.

There are also the circumstances that her home, where she was free-loading at, cant employ someone like a maid due to economical reasons. Apparently she was able to promptly do stuff like preparing meals after mingling with Elise and the others.

Of course she caught the attention of many men, but everyone ended up shrinking back after getting to know her lineage.

As things continued like that, she didnt have many male figures at her side, it seems.

They didnt want to turn a Margrave into their enemy over a love of different social standings, huh?

Yes. (Elise)

Although he knew that, love has sprout in Erw? (Wendelin)

No, even so

Elise had recently quite a few chats with Karla during cooking and such in this place, but she heard that Karla desires sincerity from a man.

It seems that the type of men she hates most are those like her father, Margrave Browig-sama. (Elise)

Watching the treatment of her own mother, its likely difficult for her to look at Margrave Browig favourably.

Erw is

Erw, who was taught womanising by Burkhart-san, might be considered to be lacking sincerity a bit.

Even Moritz group restrains themselves from talking about such things since there are many women in our encampment, but its not like they abstain completely from it either. Women are sensitive to such secret talks.

Karla will end up noticing it as well since Erw amuses himself by talking about juicy topics while drinking booze together with the other retainers to get quickly familiar with them as Erws situation is a bit special.

Moritz-nii-san is a vulgar person. (Wilma)

More or less all men are like that! (Moritz)

Since Karla ended up hearing the sad conversation between a certain elder brother and his younger sister a little bit ago, she might end up believing that Erws the same kind of man.

A certain elder brother being treated as filth by his younger sister, I remember the elder brother was on the verge of tears.

Whats up with that guy? Hes making such sloppy face. (Burkhart)

Moreover, showing his face at this place, Burkhart-san inspected Erws hopeless state while being astonished.

He is troubled with love. (Wendelin)

How pitiful. Even if Erw-boy got a crush on her, Karla-sama will ward it off easily. (Burkhart)

Once Burkhart-san, who has a rich amount of life experience, observes Erw, it cant be seen as anything but the countdown to Erws broken heart.

Even he should know that, I think, but Ah, right. (Burkhart)

What happened? (Wendelin)

Tomorrow a negotiation team from the Browig household will come in order to negotiate the arbitration. (Burkhart)

Eh? Arent those major news? (Wendelin)

I didnt know what face they would be making having caused such an incident in the end after breaking off the arbitration negotiations that had commenced once, but with this it finally looked like the beginning of the end of the long-lasting dispute.Reading this anywhere but atInfinite Novel Translationsmeans you are supporting thieves!

I wonder whether it will go that well? (Burkhart)

Theres no meaning either way if we dont start the negotiations first though. (Wendelin)

Thats certainly true, but (Burkhart)

Burkhart-sans worries became reality and weighed down on us the next day.

As expected, they didnt bring any military forces along? (Wendelin)

Even gathering them costs money after all. (Burkhart)

Morning of the next day, the Margrave Browig household sent in a delegation to carry out the arbitration negotiations according to Burkhart-sans report.

As the occupied territory increased, our allies are waiting in a large built tent to be used for the negotiations in the front line grasslands where our troops are stationed. The delegation arrives there together with around 100 guards.

However, the negotiations suddenly turn into one big failure.

Or rather than failing, they didnt even start.

Im Philip von Browig. (Philip)

Im Christoph von Browig. (Christoph)

I expected it to some degree, but as there are two tops in Browigs camp, both parties started to quarrel when Margrave Breithilde asked with whom he is supposed to negotiate.

Being the eldest son, I will join the negotiations. (Philip)

What are you talking about!? Your failure led to this situation. I will be the one negotiating! (Christoph)

Not just the two but even the retainers, both parties brought along, have started to argue.

You lot, who planned something stupid like a war, have no qualifications to join the negotiations! Even before that, as everyone became prisoners, theres only small fries attending from your side. Such a line-up is a discourtesy towards Margrave Breithilde-sama!

Didnt you guys prepare the budget and goods without even any decent opposition at the beginning!? Then you changed your attitude quickly just as the war progress became disadvantageous! Simple bookworms should be silent!

Negotiations with idiots who have no brains and can only swing their swords? Dont talk nonsense!

You are a retard who only behaves like an intellectual! You guys intelligence is just fake, isnt it!?

There were probably various problems, but they might not have shown such disgraceful behaviour if Margrave Browig were in good health.

Another problem is that only up to 20 people of both sides are allowed to participate in the negotiations.

Even so, given that both, Philip and Christoph, brought 20 retainers to attend, it ended up becoming a dispute without either side yielding.

How about going with a 50-50 split? (Breithilde)

As expected Margrave Breithilde was unable to keep watching and threw them a lifeline, but even that resulted in nothing but a new cause for quarrelling.

Philip-sama, who has many of his feudal army staff members turned into prisoners, shouldnt join the delegation of 10 people.

Its an arbitration related to military movements! What do you intend with excluding Philip-sama who unifies the feudal army!? You guys have no merit other than signing documents! Theres no need for 10 of you to join the negotiations, right!?

Since the negotiations wouldnt start no matter how much time passed if things were left like this, Viscount Knappstein, who was unable to bear it any longer, recommended each side to enter the tent while taking half of their attendants along.

Not counting as part of either sides numbers, he is a person who has a neutral position due to being sent by the kingdom.

The two, who felt that it would be bad for the negotiations to make him angry, entered the tent obediently after picking 10 retainers to attend with them.

Theres the signing of the arbitration document before the negotiation, but (Knappstein)

Father died five days ago. Wont it be valid if both sides sign together? (Christoph)

It will. (Knappstein)

Viscount Knappstein showed an agreeing expression due to Christophs reply.

However, the reason why they finally showed up here is because their father, Margrave Browig, died.

He was a person whose face I dont know, however he was a somewhat pitiable man, I think.

With this the negotiations can continue, however

Of course the previously presented arbitration draft is completely invalid.

Thats because the prerequisites changed completely.

As a matter of fact, the nobles who joined Browigs camp with their armies have

Due to the far too irresponsible manner of the Margrave Browig household, they cleverly declared that they will change their patron to Margrave Breithilde.

The negotiations about the reconciliation money for the disputed cases and the ransom hasnt finished, but since the economy of their territories will fail if the dispute keeps prolonging like this, they returned to their territories after being released first.

And they will restore the state of the disputed cases to their pre-war state. Since its wrong for them to allow things like merchant groups of Browigs camp to enter their territory due to their status of being occupied, they have agreed to trade with the south.

The conditions have already changed. Please understand that aspect. (Knappstein)

They, who were vassals of the Browig household before the war, have become vassals of Margrave Breithilde now.

All the disputed cases will be restored to their pre-war state. The nobles and soldiers, who became prisoners, will be released.

In other words, it signified that the domain controlled by the east ended up going north quite a bit.(T/N: Meaning they lost the southern parts due to the switch of the nobles)

And, moreover another cruel reality is thrust at them.

Be that as it may, that doesnt mean that the reconciliation money of my vassals, who attacked us, has been waived. It changed into the shape of me demanding the entire batch from you. (Breithilde)

The entire batch?

Well thats only natural. After all theres these document here. (Breithilde)

What was grasped in Margrave Breithildes hand were more than 40 contracts, which were given to the former nobles of the Browig camp, stating that all the damages incurred due to the dispute would be covered by the Browig household.

As they were opponents in the dispute, it will be wrong for them to not pay the reconciliation money to return the interests into their pre-war state. However, in this contract its written that the Browig household will cover for that. Based on the negotiations efficiency, its better for me to demand it all together in one go. (Breithilde)

Since Margrave Breithilde has already paid the reconciliation money to the nobles before that, he will end up in the red if he doesnt collect the debts.

My vassals are

Moreover, the part beyond redemption for the Browig households side is the point that more than 40 noble households wont ever work under them as vassals even if they pay the reconciliation money.

The have only lost money and their own ruled domain has ended up shrinking.

Its unmistakable that the Browig household only lost out in this war.

Theres also the ransom for the prisoners who were mainly captured by Earl Baumeister. (Breithilde)

The prisoners over here have been already released and the management expenses for the prisoners, who are taken care of by our allied nobles, have been paid in advance.

Naturally, I will demand this share from the Margrave Browig household as well.

In addition, there are 10.000 and oh 567 prisoners of the Browig feudal army. Quite a few of the cities and villages in the eastern domain are in a state of being occupied. To return these as well, its necessary for you to pay reconciliation money. (Breithilde)

At the time of the first arbitration negotiation Viscount Knappstein estimated four hundred million cents.

However, in the current situation the same amount of money wont suffice.

It should become a drastic increase in the amount of money.

How much is it? (Philip)

Philip, who finally opened his mouth, asks Margrave Breithilde.

According to the calculations, its one billion cents. (Breithilde)

No way!

Due to the excessive amount of money, both successor candidates become speechless.

However, even before that reckless night attack it was five(T/N: author means four here?)hundred million cents.

It likely cant be helped that the increased amount has reached this level.

No matter how you look at it, its far too high!

Still, its a big failure to such an extent. The increased amount is unavoidable. (Knappstein)

Special Envoy-dono, are you siding with Margrave Breithilde!? (Philip)

Due to Viscount Knappsteins comment, Philip snaps at him, but Knappstein answered calmly without changing his expression at all.

Side with him? I dont understand the meaning of what you are talking about. Prolonging the nonsense called dispute which is tolerated by the kingdom, you equipped real weapons and planned a night attack once the situation became disadvantageous in the first arbitration. Let me tell you clearly, the kingdoms distrust towards the Browig household has become strong. Having a succession struggle is fine, but please make at least sure to not become a bother to other nobles. And, if you plan to say something like return to the pre-war state without paying any reconciliation money in this place, I wont be able to agree to that as it will turn into a one-sided support of the Browig households side. (Knappstein)

His tone was indifferent, but both succession candidates end up silent due to the merciless rebuttal of Viscount Knappstein.

Since there was also the possibility that he would have been killed in the night attack if it wasnt prevented by us, he was probably highly offended.

I think it might be possible to get a bit of debt reduction, but I believe it will be pointless even if we negotiate about the other matters. Its the same with the separation of the vassals. The Browig household has the responsibility to pay their losses in accordance to those contracts, but they wont return being vassals of the Browig household.

Carrying out an unyielding occupation while using the fact that their vassals cant refuse, they didnt show their faces at the front lines as they were engrossed in their succession struggle.

Theres truly no other way but to express it as they reap what the have sown.

Since todays objective was to make introductions and to present the conditions, lets wrap it up with this? (Breithilde)

Even if they negotiate about the reduction of reconciliation money, its probably necessary to discuss it with the Browig households side.

Margrave Breithilde declared todays negotiations to be finished and both sides broke up.

Theyd like to invite you to dinner, Earl Baumeister-sama.

Haa invite, eh? (Wendelin)

Around one hour after the first days arbitration negotiation, we returned to our own encampment, but I received something like a warning from Margrave Breithilde during the return.

It would be best for you to be careful, Earl Baumeister. (Breithilde)

As Im a youngster, they will go for my weak points? (Wendelin)

Thats the point. (Breithilde)

A considerable part of the reconciliation money to be paid by Browigs camp in the negotiation is the ransom of the nobles and soldiers I captured.

Due to that thoughtless night attack many of the leaders and elites of the Browig main army have been arrested.

If one adds this as well, the amount of money becomes enormous. Both succession candidates will likely try to decrease the sum of reconciliation money by specifically aiming at the young me.

It will be quite difficult for them to reduce the reconciliation money to be paid to me. In your case they might consider it possible if they deceive skilfully. (Breithilde)

Its because Im a youngster who has just become an adult. However, arent they forgetting the case of that rear disturbance operation? (Wendelin)

Thats why. While thats unofficial, they will apologize and present certain conditions instead. (Breithilde)

Karla-san,huh? (Wendelin)

As shes close in age, they will present her, whos the youngest daughter of the Browig household, to me as wife.

To the Browig family it will finish with them saying she is included as apology for the aforementioned manoeuvring. If Karla becomes my wife, it will turn into a convenient matter for them, too.

They will be able to join in on the Savage Lands development concessions. Its would be strange to not lend money to your wifes home, right? (Breithilde)

I have no intention to make her my wife or such. (Wendelin)

She isnt a bad girl, but her relatives are more than too bad.

Even without that, my true opinion was that I wanted to prevent the intervention of such people since my territory is just being established right now.

She will probably be bewildered as well.

I have her teach me archery. I think that Karla herself is a good girl as she helps with things like preparing the meals together with Elise and the others, but even so, marriage was something completely different.

She is a good girl who is able to consider the people she speaks with, but saying that in reverse, its also a breeding ground for causing misunderstandings like with Erw.

For some reason Erw fell selfishly in love with her, but its not like she is in love with him. It can be regarded as her having an interaction between adults.

However, theres also the possibility that she is really harbouring good will towards him. Judging that is difficult for me who has a low love score.

Please dont get deceived. (Breithilde)

Of course. (Wendelin)

Separating from Margrave Breithilde I move to our own encampment.

The negotiation team of the Margrave Browig household with a total amount of 150 people put up their encampment close to Margrave Breithildes main army.

As there will be negotiations every day from now on, they chose a close-by place. As the situation has deteriorated to such extent, you might say that they arent expecting to get attacked or assassinated in reverse.

Although I think that theyve got quite some nerves, I wished they had demonstrated that judgement a lot faster.

When thinking about such matters, Moritz shows up. He brought news that the Browig household wanted to invite me to dinner.

After waiting for a while, an official messenger from the Browig households side arrived and handed me a written invitation.

Got it. We will visit. (Wendelin)

Thank you very much.

The elderly man, who acts as messenger, returns to the encampment of the Browig household while showing a relieved expression.

Isnt that dangerous? (Moritz)

Not really. (Wendelin)

If they kill me in this place, the Browig household will definitely lose their peerage.

By no means I wanted to believe that they didnt think that far ahead.

Guards will accompany me. (Wendelin)

Erwin, do you understand? (Moritz)

Yes. (Erwin)

Moritz makes sure that Erw definitely carries out his role as guard.

The current Erw was always silly due to his crush on Karla, but it apparently didnt go as far as him forgetting his job.

By the way, this written invitation is (Moritz)

Moritz, who gazed at the written invitation he received from me, noticed a certain important aspect.

The sender is Philip-dono. (Moritz)

U~~~~mm, in other words (Wendelin)

Tomorrow a written invitation from Christoph-dono will arrive? (Moritz)

Thats right, isnt it? It will be intense for two days in a row (Wendelin)

If they at least invited me together, I cursed at the two succession candidates in my mind.

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