Side Story 98: The Two Strategists (5)

"Once again, I welcome you. It is a pleasure that the two leading nations of the North have sent goodwill envoys to my country."

The talks, which began with the King of Aarsel's greeting, got off to a relatively peaceful start.

"Greedle, and Rudek as well, wish to build friendly relations with your country and Fezaris."

Those were Bittegald's words. By deliberately emphasizing Fezaris, several of Aarsel's retainers reacted slightly. They all pretended to be expressionless, but they probably belonged to the opposing faction.

The Queen of Aarsel, who was at the center of the turmoil, and the former queen, the king's mother, did not attend the talks. The location of the meeting probably played a role as well.

The port town of Suist, which we had visited, lies on the edge of Aarsel's territory. Although it is Aarsel's representative port city, it is located there simply because the terrain is suited to a harbor.

Just south of this port city lies another country's territory. That country is, incidentally, the queen's home country. The current King of Aarsel is being pressured by the neighboring country, leaving him torn.

"Indeed. I, too, wish to deepen our ties in various ways. The advanced nature of both countries is clear from this warship alone, just as the rumors say. What exactly is that ship?"

I answered the King of Aarsel's question.

"That ship is a newly built vessel powered by the wind. On the Northern Continent, only Rudek, Greedle, and Golbel possess them."...