The Strongest in Our Neighborhood - Chapter 111

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Strongest in Our Neighborhood (111)
“Lord Gain, I’ve convened a meeting with ministers at the palace through Magic Communication Device, and we have our results.”
Jang Gain’s expression shifted to one of mild surprise at the Emperor’s words.
“You already have an answer? I only mentioned it yesterday.”
“Once you’ve committed to protecting the non-human races and minority peoples of the Crerarion Mountain Range alongside a dragon, we have no other choice. There was little point in prolonging the discussion.”
“Then you’ll draft legislation prohibiting the hunting and enslavement of non-human races and minority peoples, and announce it?”
“The moment I return to the palace, I’ll draft the law and proclaim it to every lord across the realm. Those who violate the ordinance will face punishment under national law, but I also intend to include a clause stating that the state cannot protect them from attacks by you and the dragon.”
“Your ministers have grown wise after enduring such a great war. In the Smed Kingdom, the King and his officials wrangled with me extensively just to pass this legislation.”
“The King of a small kingdom without the strength to stand against you and a dragon fought that hard? He must not have been in his right mind.”
“Ah, that was before I fought the dragon. I was only known as a Swordmaster living in the Crerarion Mountain Range back then.”
“Would the Smed Kingdom’s military strength have found even a Swordmaster difficult?”
“They didn’t come to fight me—they tried to persuade and recruit me instead. And I had no intention of revealing my full strength from the start.”
“Ah, I see. Well, if they didn’t know your true capabilities, it’s understandable.”
“By the way, what word comes from the Bermuda Allied Nations?”
“The Bermuda Allied Nations require time since their kings must first confer with their ministers, then communicate through Communication Gate to reach conclusions among themselves.”
“If it’s that complicated, we’ll need to wait quite a while. Then I’ll tell the dragons to collect only fifty thousand gold from the Kram Empire.”
“Tell them that. Oh, and do ask about the cost of repairing the Magic Circle and the cost of purifying the demon cores—they said to name a price myself, but I’m at a loss. If I offer too little, they’ll be disappointed, and too much would be a burden for me as well.”
“Understood. I’ll discuss this with them and determine a fair amount.”
After finishing the communication, Jang Gain relayed the Emperor’s words to the dragons, and they negotiated the additional payment down to a reasonable figure.
* * *
Jang Gain parted with the two dragons and took his leave of the Kram Emperor, then used Noxscasarsis’s Spatial Transfer Magic to return to the Smed Royal Palace alongside Duke Hurah Noid.
He went directly to the King and reported everything that had transpired.
“……And so, at minimum, the Kram Empire has agreed to prohibit hunting and enslavement of non-human races and minority peoples.”
After hearing Jang Gain’s account, the King’s astonishment was plain to see.
“That the Kram Empire—among the mightiest of nations—would enact new laws at your word is truly beyond belief.”
“I suspect the law won’t be properly enforced, but at least once it’s drafted, I’ll have legitimate grounds to attack mercenaries and slave traders, so we’ve at least taken the first step.”
“I see. And when did the Bermuda Allied Nations say they’d have their decision?”
“Once I convey my position through Magic Communication Device, the kings will discuss it with their ministers, reach conclusions, then conduct a final meeting among themselves before informing me. I’d estimate it will take at least a month.”
“With several kingdoms involved, their views may diverge, so they likely won’t reach a decision as swift as the Kram Empire’s.”
“I think that’s quite probable as well.”
“If the Bermuda Allied Nations continue to hunt and enslave non-human races and minority peoples, what do you intend to do?”
“In that case, I plan to ask the dragon Virus, who dwells at the Homal Strait, to prevent them from hunting non-human races and minority peoples.”
“Would a dragon listen to you?”
“I’ve already spoken with Virus about it, and he’s agreed to do so.”
“Truly? The dragons are remarkably cooperative with you, Lord Gain. This nation is blessed!”
Watching the King subtly connect his achievements to the kingdom’s fortune, Jang Gain let out an amused laugh.
After finishing his report, he rose from his seat and made his way to the quarters of Orphiena, where his wife resided.
Upon arrival, his wife, Princess Angelina, was nowhere to be seen, but Orphiena and Queen Olivia sat facing each other in pleasant conversation.
Jang Gain tilted his head in puzzlement at seeing two rivals conversing so civilly.
‘What’s this? These two should be enemies, shouldn’t they?’
“Oh my! When did you arrive, my lord?”
Just as he was about to offer greetings, Princess Angelina pushed open the door, spotted him, and rushed into his arms.
“Ah, my dear. Have you been well in my absence?”
“Yes, I have. Did everything go smoothly with closing the gate alongside the dragon?”
“Fortunately, luck was on our side and all went well. By the way, things between your mother and the Queen don’t seem so fraught, do they?”
“They’re quite strained, actually. But when will you stop speaking to me so formally? We’ve had the wedding ceremony, and now you’re truly my husband, so you ought to speak more naturally.”
“In my homeland, even as a prince consort, one doesn’t speak casually to a princess, so…… anyway, things are different here. I’ll try to be more natural. I will, truly.”
“If you’re at ease, then I’m at ease too.”
“Very well. I’ll work to grow accustomed to it. But what’s brought about your mother conversing so pleasantly with the Queen?”
“The Queen has been making considerable effort lately to ease my mother’s heart—visiting nearly every day. At first, Mother wouldn’t even see her, but recently they’ve begun to share some words together like this.”
“Has your mother’s heart softened considerably, then?”
“No. I can tell the Queen’s actions don’t come from genuine intention, so Mother still harbors resentment. But since holding a grudge forever would harm your political standing, she’s accepted the Queen’s efforts to some degree.”
“Still, it’s admirable of the Queen to make the effort.”
“Why wouldn’t she? You’re significant enough to pose a threat to Grand Junor itself, my lord.”
Hearing his wife’s words, Jang Gain chuckled softly. She remained nestled in his embrace, showing no sign of releasing him.
“And I mentioned to His Majesty just now that we’ll return to the Crerarion Demesne in two days.”
“Two days? Then I’ll have the servants pack our things at once!”
“Noxscasarsis will handle the transfer with Spatial Transfer Magic, so we only need to pack what we’ll need for life at the demesne.”
“It’s so convenient to have a dragon’s help. Understood. I’ll inform Mother as well.”
“My dear, shouldn’t you let go of me now? People might notice if you keep clinging like this.”
“My lord, between husband and wife, it’s quite natural to embrace like this. There’s no need to worry about others’ eyes.”
“In the place where I come from, husbands and wives don’t hold each other like this for so long.”
“We’ve already held the marriage ceremony, so you must learn to adapt to this world now.”
The princess kissed him suddenly, paying no mind to the gazes of those around them. Jang Gain’s eyes widened in surprise.
* * *
With Noxscasarsis’s Spatial Transfer Magic, their first arrival was at Greywan, the demesne of Count Johansen.
Since they had already notified him through the Communication Gate that they would arrive today, Count Jasllan Millay, who had succeeded to his father’s title, came out to greet them with many retainers.
“I am honored to receive Marquis Jang Gain, who leads the minority races of the Crerarion Mountain Range and serves as lord of Diaaran, Hailong, and Gorgovan.”
“Count Jasllan, you’ve inherited the title and become quite a different person. The atmosphere is markedly different from when I saw you at the Royal Palace.”
“Haha, now that I’m a count, I’m making an effort to maintain some dignity.”
“How is former Count Johansen faring? Even in retirement, he’s still quite vigorous.”
“Thanks to Marquis Jang Gain driving out the Demonic Energy, he’s recovered much of his health, but his age shows—he complains of ailments every time I visit him.”
“Is that so? While we’re here, I’d like to visit him and pay my respects.”
“My father heard that you were coming and wanted to greet you himself, but since he keeps saying he’s unwell, I told him I would escort you instead.”
“Then let’s go see former Count Johansen.”
“Of course.”
After passing through the rear garden, Jang Gain arrived at the residence of the former Count Johansen and widened his eyes at the sight of him, looking far more vigorous than before.
“Oh! Former Count Johansen. I just heard you were unwell… but you appear to be in quite good health. However did that come about?”
“Hehe, my sons accept it at once when I say my body isn’t what it used to be, but Marquis Jang Gain speaks as though you can see right through me.”
“My eyes are different from those of ordinary people. But has some wonderful medicine done you so much good?”
“I haven’t taken anything special, but strangely, ever since I passed the title to my son, the chronic headaches that had followed me for years have vanished, and my strength has returned.”
Jang Gain nodded, observing the palpable lightness in the former count’s expression.
In the Heavenly Demon Divine Church as well, he had often seen elders who had stepped back from the frontlines and entered the council recover their health in just this way.
A thought struck him.
It occurred to him then—what if he brought former Count Johansen into his own demesne as an advisor?
He had already extended an offer to Yure’a Millay, Count Jasllan’s younger sibling, and received a firm yes. So wouldn’t it be even better to recruit former Count Johansen, who had experience governing a demesne?
“Say, former Count Johansen.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“Doesn’t it feel a bit lonely, relegated to being an old man in the back room?”
“Well, I’ve just handed everything over to my son and spent my days like this, so it is rather monotonous.”
“What if you came to my demesne and lived like this while occasionally offering advice on management and administrative matters?”
“Me? I wouldn’t mind not being bored, but if I were to take such a role, I might unconsciously favor Greywan here, even without intending to. Would that really be acceptable?”
“My relationship with Count Jasllan isn’t bad, so I don’t think it would be a problem.”
“Still, there’s a saying that the elbow bends inward. If a dispute arose between Greywan and another lord, I would very likely take Greywan’s side over the other’s.”
“If such a situation arises, Noxscasarsis and I can analyze the matter and make a decision.”
“Indeed, Marquis Jang Gain is a perceptive man, and Noxscasarsis has spent more than a thousand years enjoying life as a human, so you should manage the demesne well. Very well, I accept your request, Marquis Jang Gain.”
“Thank you. As a novice marquis, I have many shortcomings, and I hope you will help me greatly.”
“Understood. No, from now on we have a lord-and-retainer relationship, so I ought to speak with proper respect. Yes, I understand.”
Behind them, Count Jasllan’s lips twitched slightly.
“Father, if you’re well enough, wouldn’t it be better to stay here and help me with my duties? I’m also a novice count, and running a demesne presents many difficulties.”
“I’ve been watching you all this time, and you’re doing far better than I ever did. So there’s no need for me to offer unsolicited advice.”
“Better than I actually am? Don’t you know that I’ve been making mistakes lately and going through considerable trial and error?”
“That degree of trial and error is what leads to greater growth. You’re truly doing well, so don’t worry. Just continue as you are.”
“Ah, Father.”
“And if I serve Marquis Jang Gain, that will be of some benefit to you as well, won’t it?”
“That reasoning is sound too. Sigh! I see your deeper intention now, Father.”
“Hehe, now that you’re the head of the household, I feel quite reassured.”
As his father patted his shoulder, a satisfied smile blossomed on Jasllan’s face.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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