Chapter 359: The Man Named Mondeo
The meeting progressed amicably, and we managed to obtain a fair amount of information.
It seems the Solstice Empire is currently interested in the western Grant Continent—in other words, the land where our Kingdom of Scuderia is located. Judging by the movements of the Kingdom of Yelinetta, this does not seem like good news for our country.
Furthermore, the Kingdom of Fiesta has currently managed to establish contact with three nations: the Solstice Empire, the Kingdom of Scuderia, and, unexpectedly, the Hessel Union located at the northern edge of the continent. On the other hand, the fleet that headed south reportedly found nothing but small, uninhabited islands and could not make contact with any nations.
As a result, the Kingdom of Fiesta succeeded in viewing parts of maps from each country and has independently created a fairly accurate map of their own. I want it so bad. Since that information essentially falls under state secrets, I can’t just say “hand it over,” but I really want it.
That alone would be a reason to form an alliance with the Kingdom of Fiesta, but above all else, there are the ships. We need to get our hands on the secrets of those ships, but I just can’t bring myself to trust this man, Mondeo Orcus.
The reason lies in the probing questions Mondeo is currently asking. There is a sense that he isn’t speaking his true mind, but more than that, the content of his questions is concerning.
“……Now then, if we were to form an alliance with the Kingdom of Scuderia, which is currently the top of the three nations, it seems my country would be able to build ports not only in the Kingdom of Scuderia but also on the coasts of the Kingdom of Yelinetta. In that case, depending on the location, would it be possible for people from my country to become lords?”
In this manner, there were scattered moments where Mondeo seemed to desire status or position in other countries. It would be fine if he were thinking of the Kingdom of Fiesta, but I get the impression he is seeking personal gain.
The meeting lasted about two hours. We discussed various other topics and obtained a lot of information. However, in the end, I couldn’t lower my guard against Mondeo.
“Well then, Marquis Rosso, Lord Van. Let us meet again tomorrow.”
“Indeed.”
“Thank you very much! I look forward to tomorrow!”
Exchanging such greetings, Mondeo left the manor, escorted by Rosso’s knights. Watching Mondeo travel through the town in a carriage from the window, Rosso spoke quietly.
“……What do you think of that envoy?”
Sensing the intent behind the question, I shook my head side to side.
“I like Mr. Tran better.”
When I answered clearly, Rosso shook his shoulders and started laughing.
“Hahaha! It is good that you are easy to understand, Lord Van. Most likely, His Majesty and Count Panamera would have the same opinion if they had participated in the meeting.”
Saying only that, Rosso moved away from the window and sat back down in his chair. Somehow, I felt compelled to move opposite him and sit down as well. After confirming I had taken a seat, Rosso placed his hand on the map laid out on the table.
“……There are several reasons why you could not view Lord Mondeo favorably, Lord Van. First, his ambition was visible in glimpses; that is likely one cause. And rather than doing it to strengthen the Kingdom of Fiesta, it appears he is trying to gain profit only for himself.”
“That is exactly it.”
I nodded greatly in response to Rosso’s deduction. At that, Rosso opened his eyes slightly, looking surprised. Then, he narrowed his eyes and gave a shallow nod.
“……You are truly wise, Lord Van. It seems it would be best not to think of you as a child.”
“Ehh!? Please don’t say that too, Lord Rosso! His Majesty even said that I’m probably actually fifty years old inside, you know!?”
I voiced my complaint loudly at Rosso’s remark. At that, Rosso burst out laughing.
“Wahahahaha! So I said the same thing as His Majesty! This will make for a good souvenir story.”
“That story will be the cause of His Majesty teasing me later!”
It seems I hit his funny bone. Rosso continued to laugh while cracking jokes in good spirits. It’s fine that he’s enjoying himself, but I have objections to the content. I feel like I can see His Majesty smiling behind Rosso’s back.
As I was thinking that, Rosso let out a big breath and spoke.
“……Now, on a serious note, we are scheduled to inspect Lord Mondeo’s ship tomorrow. If it were Lord Tran, I would have wanted to study the ship with everyone, but regarding Lord Mondeo’s ship, should we refrain?”
Rosso spoke as if he, too, was wary of Mondeo. I don’t think we would be fed lies, but it seems likely that he would make some kind of demand in exchange for teaching us parts of their shipbuilding technology.
Honestly, the technology for large ships capable of ocean voyages—something even the Empire doesn’t possess—is a huge advantage for the Kingdom of Fiesta. Just like the Empire, our Kingdom of Scuderia needs to obtain that technology, even if we have to pay a price. In other words, even if Mondeo makes some demands here, we cannot easily refuse.
Conversely, if we can make him think that dealing with the Kingdom of Scuderia yields more profit, there is a possibility Mondeo will easily side with us. However, under Kingdom Law, all territory in the Kingdom belongs to His Majesty. To put it roughly, we are merely in the position of managing that land. This means that even a great noble like Rosso cannot easily hand over land or towns.
Watching Rosso making a difficult face, I looked up and spoke.
“……If I recall, the ship inspection was proposed by Mr. Mondeo, right?”
When I asked that, Rosso nodded lightly.
“Mhm, that is correct. He likely intends to maneuver us into stating that we desire their shipbuilding technology after seeing the ship, but……”
At those words from Rosso, who had knitted his brows, I narrowed my eyes and puffed out my chest.
“Please leave it to me. I have a plan.”
