I Was Reincarnated As The Older Brother Of A Villainess Destined to Die, So I Want To Change The Future By Raising My Younger Sister With My Own Hands. I Am The Strongest In The World, But My Little Sister Must Be The Cutest In The World - Volume 3 Chapter 6.5
“I shall state our demands. We, the Foranada, request the annulment of the engagement between Prince Grey the Second and Caroline, a public apology from Prince Grey the Second to Caroline, and the public release of an apology statement from the Holy Royal Family,” I declared.
“…What?”
A stunned murmur rippled through the throne room, followed by a painful silence. Everyone present, except for me, seemed unable to comprehend my words.
However, as time passed, their minds slowly began to process the meaning of my statement.
Then the room erupted into a cacophony of voices. The nobles collectively exclaimed, “Are you joking?” or “Shouldn’t it be you who apologizes?” or “Don’t get carried away, you pretentious Earl!” They hurled insults and derogatory remarks at me.
From the perspective of the royal faction, it was understandable. Offering a public apology would tarnish the reputation of the apologizing party. The public release of an apology statement would have the same effect, casting a shadow over the authority of the Holy Royal Family.
In essence, I was demanding that they acknowledge their wrongdoing to the citizens and neighboring nations.
They couldn’t possibly accept demands that threatened their positions. Naturally, the Holy King refused.
“We cannot accept such demands. Furthermore, it was your side that committed the impropriety. There is no reason for us to apologize,” the Holy King retorted.
“That judgment is based solely on the arguments of Prince Grey the Second and his associates. Shouldn’t we hear the Foranada’s side and establish the facts?” I countered.
“It is unnecessary. If someone affiliated with the Holy Royal Family speaks the truth, it is considered the truth.”
“…,”
This guy, is he serious? No, he’s genuinely saying it, judging by his eyes.
The current Holy King seems heavily inclined towards authoritarianism. And he’s showing favoritism towards his family. It makes me worried if someone like him is leading the country. The current state of affairs seems to be running smoothly, and the intelligence reports state that “government affairs are being handled properly.” Perhaps his personality has no influence in his daily duties.
I had a sense of it when he didn’t respond to the prior protest. However, seeing it firsthand left me dumbfounded.
While sighing inwardly, I proceed with the plan as intended.
“Understood. In that case, I will modify my request.”
“I see.”
The Holy King, with a relieved expression, appears at ease. However, it’s too early for him to relax.
“I will challenge Prince Grey the Second to a duel.”
“What!?”
Upon hearing my following statement, the Holy King’s eyes widen. No, it’s not just him. Everyone present in the room expresses their astonishment.
Dueling is an ancient custom within the aristocratic society. It is the ultimate means of resolving disputes by literally engaging in a duel to determine the victor.
Due to the requirement of mutual consent and the presence of a third-party witness, duels rarely come to fruition. However, the conditions are ripe for it in this situation. The only thing left is to obtain the consent.
Ignoring their confusion, I continue speaking.
“If I emerge victorious, I request that you accept the previous demands. In return, if I lose, I will relinquish all of Foranada’s assets.”
“There’s no way we can accept such conditions! Foranada doesn’t hold that much value—”
“You cannot assert that, can you?”
I interject as the Prime Minister becomes agitated.
“Foranada’s agricultural products are currently being shipped to numerous territories, which alone generates substantial profits. Additionally, we have made significant achievements in the commercial sector in recent years, and this year we have started engaging in the trading of ores. When combined, they should bestow immense wealth upon the Holy Kingdom. Specifically—”
I proceed to present detailed figures, including the profits from various sectors such as agriculture, mining, and commerce for the previous fiscal year, as well as projected estimates for the upcoming years. While it falls short of the entire Holy Kingdom’s resources, it amounts to a sum comparable to the total funds of the royal faction.
“That is…,”
The Prime Minister widens his eyes, and the surrounding nobles start to stir. It seems that they have finally recognized Foranada as a formidable threat.
While I doubt their abilities as nobles, it is an unavoidable realization. Foranada was originally a small territory, and they were thorough in managing their information. If the opposing side was actively concealing their presence, it would have been impossible to investigate.
The majority of those present here are visibly pale, witnessing the might of Foranada. They are probably individuals who have their economic interests intertwined with Foranada, be it in agriculture, commerce, or something else entirely. While I don’t know the specifics, it is clear that they now find themselves in a position where they cannot oppose us. Just witnessing this scene brings a sense of relief, as some of the tension is lifted.
However, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Some nobles view Foranada as a treasure trove and were practically drooling at the prospect.
Most likely, they intend to make various moves after this negotiation concludes. It could be covert operations by the shadow faction or an outright display of military force. Since we have only showcased our financial strength so far, they seem to believe that a simple takeover is possible with such naive calculations. It’s a condescending attitude towards me due to my lack of color. Just as I anticipated.
Now… Grey and the Holy King still appear hesitant. Perhaps I need one final push.
“Furthermore, when referring to Foranada’s assets, it also includes human resources. Including myself, Caroline and Orca, they should be free to go.”
I had obtained permission from Karlon and the others beforehand regarding this matter. Honestly, I’m not particularly fond of this condition, but if I didn’t include it, there was a possibility that Grey wouldn’t agree.
According to Minerva, he is a bundle of complexes. If he hears that he can have Caron, who is plagued by feelings of inferiority, as he pleases, he should eagerly accept.
However, as we are in a dire situation, I must ensure the success of the plan to repay the two who believed in my victory.
“Very well.”
A voice resounds. It is the arrogant and self-assured voice of a young boy. It is Grey’s response.
At this point, I am confident in the success of the plan.
“Your Highness!?”
The Prime Minister panics, but Grey pays no attention.
“If you say you’ll give us everything, I’ll accept. If we back down here, it will tarnish the reputation of the Holy King’s family.”
“However, if anything were to happen to you—”
“Do you think I would lose to someone without color like him?”
“No, that is not my intention. However, considering the possibility—”
The Prime Minister voices his cautious opinion to Grey, who is fully prepared to accept the duel. It is a reasonable judgment since he is a prominent candidate for the next Holy King.
Nevertheless, it unfolds exactly as we anticipated.
“In that case, let us permit a proxy. If we can obtain the opponent’s consent, anyone will do. Please arrange a representative. Ah, but I will be the one fighting on our side.”
My proposal once again engulfs the room in unease.
Considering I declared that anyone could stand in as a substitute for a life-or-death duel, their reaction is only natural. In extreme terms, if we obtain consent, we could even bring the world’s strongest. And since I, being colorless, cannot use magic, it makes even more sense.
Grey seems to have interpreted it as a personal insult and glares at me, while the majority of others are perplexed by my words and actions.
The unease spreads for a while until a decisive voice speaks up.
“I accept that duel.”
It is the Holy King.
He has determined that the probability of their defeat based on the proposal I put forth is close to zero. There is no disturbance in his eyes as he gazes directly at me.
“Now, will you retract your statement?”
“I will not retract it.”
In response to the Holy King’s ultimatum, I shake my head.
Having acknowledged this, he wears a slight smirk and declares,
“We shall proceed with the duel. Prepare at the first training ground!”
Unaware of who the real prey is, they have fallen into the trap.