Chapter 74
A somber atmosphere hung over the audience chamber.
Yet King Sajebans of Lubral welcomed Zodia as he always did: imperious and forceful.
After perfunctory greetings, Sajebans began firing questions at Zodia. Every one of them concerned Rudek. Zodia carefully tailored the information he shared while drawing out details about Lubral in return.
Partway through, Zodia began to sense something slightly off about the conversation with the king. His attitude remained the same, but something resembling anxiety flickered in the wording of his questions.
Though he asked them indirectly, every question concerned Roa-Stein.
―― Could it be that King Sajebans is afraid of Roa-sama? ――
The suspicion that had arisen in Zodia's mind gradually grew into certainty.
As far as Zodia knew, Lubral had chosen to remain on the sidelines in the current war between Rudek and Riflerea. If so, there should have been no reason for Lubral—or Roa-Stein—to fear Rudek to this extent.
Yet his inability to hide his agitation even from Zodia amounted to an admission that he had some sort of connection with Riflerea beneath the surface.
And was it something so serious that its exposure would endanger the king's position?
If Zodia's prediction was correct, Lubral and its king were indeed in an extremely precarious position. Now that Riflerea had fallen, if Lubral were seen as part of Riflerea's faction, it would have no allies at all.
Furthermore, summing up what Zodia had learned about Lubral's situation, it was clear that the king's influence had been steadily declining even before this.
The situation was probably the same in every country, but Lubral had been hit harder because it shared borders with Rudek and Golbel.
From towns and villages in Rudek and Golbel, just beyond the border, came the lively music of traveling troupes.
And naturally, the amount of food distributed to the people of Rudek, Golbel, and the Empire differed from the amount distributed to other countries.
The contrast between the neighboring countries and Lubral spread from exchanges in the border towns and villages throughout Lubral. People must have wondered, "Why can't our country do the same?" The people of this already-proud nation would naturally direct their frustration toward King Sajebans.
The king, for his part, could have taken some sort of action, but from what Zodia could tell, he had not acted proactively. He had simply watched the situation and let matters drag on.
How like King Sajebans, Zodia thought.
When faced with a major crisis, this king chose 'to put things on hold.' Zodia knew that well from their dealings so far.
This was speculation, but despite having made some sort of deal with Riflerea, the king had probably chosen to put things on hold.
What would have happened if Lubral had decided to join the war between Rudek and Riflerea? The situation might have changed dramatically.
In the end, King Sajebans had not chosen that path. That was why he now found himself in this predicament.
Yet because Rudek had won, the entire continent had been saved despite the poor harvest. In that sense, the king's decision to put things on hold could also be seen as having contributed to peace on the continent.
It was deeply ironic, but Zodia thought fate was a fascinating thing.
"Zodia, are you listening?"
Irritation tinged the king's words.
"Yes, of course."
Zodia kept smiling.
"Then I would like to hear your assessment. Is there any chance that Rudek will pursue a path of conquest from here on?"
"I don't believe so."
Zodia answered at once. It was a question they could answer with absolute confidence.
After all, Zodia had heard it directly from Roa-Stein. Of course, that did not rule out the possibility that someone else might harbor such ambitions, but Prince Zelando, first in line to the throne, was practically Roa-Stein's disciple, and Rudek also had ties to the Empire.
"I-I see..."
King Sajebans let out an unmistakable sigh of relief.
"However..."
When Zodia continued, King Sajebans trembled slightly.
"Roa-Stein-sama will stop at nothing to protect what they hold dear. They would not even hesitate to destroy an entire country."
King Sajebans, along with the aides listening nearby, held their breath.
"I fully understand that this may be presumptuous, Sajebans-sama, but I have one request."
"W-what is it? Speak."
"Please, do not approach Rudek or Golbel with ambitions of your own. For the sake of peace on the continent, I implore you to heed my request."
Sajebans looked almost dumbfounded by Zodia's words.
"Y-yes. Of course."
At this, Zodia said,
"As expected of the wise King of Lubral, I will be sure to convey your words to Roa-sama."
King Sajebans stared silently at Zodia with a complicated expression unlike any Zodia had ever seen on him.