Chapter 27

The Third Prince nodded slightly. “The movement of goods is nothing more than a superficial reason. The movement of people. The movement of information. The movement of status. It encompasses all of these.” His gaze turned to the Head of the Delegation. “And the means to most strongly solidify that ‘status’ is—marriage. However,” For a moment, the room grew tense. “Royal marriages will not be used for bargaining.” He declared it flatly. “What your country seeks is not a blood tie, but a guarantee against betrayal, is it not?” At that moment, the Head of the Delegation spoke in a low voice. “Blood ties are exactly the most certain guarantee.” The air in the room pulled taut. “If we become in-laws, betrayal would mean betraying one’s own country’s blood. There is no greater collateral than this.” It was a sound argument. Even the Marquis could not think of a counterargument. But the Third Prince quietly shook his head from side to side. “No.” It was a calm voice. “Blood ties are a guarantee reliant on emotion.” The Head of the Delegation’s brow twitched. “Emotions, at times, become lighter than national interests.” No one could interject. “Looking at history, there are any number of countries that turned their blades against each other despite being in-laws.” He continued matter-of-factly. “However, military alliances, trade, technological exchange, cultural exchange—if agreements involving the foundation of a country are intertwined, betrayal becomes an act that damages the country itself, not just emotions.” He directed his gaze straight ahead. “Binding not by human emotion, but by the country’s mechanisms. That exactly is the form where betrayal is truly difficult to occur.” Silence. “It will become a far stronger guarantee than marriage.” The Head of the Delegation’s expression moved for the first time. “Let us conclude a military alliance and a cultural exchange treaty. It is a guarantee that remains in writing, in form. In addition, we will incorporate the mutual exchange of agricultural products and agricultural technology into the articles. A relationship where people, culture, and industry intersect is exactly what becomes a true alliance where betrayal is difficult to occur.” The logic was far too clear. That is exactly why there was no room for counterargument. What they wanted had been seen through. Moreover, it was being offered, rather than being framed as something taken away. The Head of the Delegation’s tone of voice changed. “…Oh?” The negotiations after that were no longer a one-sided imposition. It was a fine-tuning of conditions.

At the end of negotiations spanning several days, the neighboring country swallowed all the conditions. The result was a massive success exceeding imagination. However, the official announcement was different. “Due to the decisive judgment of His Highness the First Prince, the Third Prince fulfilled his duty.” The achievements were all attributed to the First Prince. The Third Prince said nothing. He matter-of-factly submitted the report, bowed quietly, and left the spot. No excuses, no assertions, no showing off. Watching his back as he left, a heavy weight dropped into the Marquis’s chest. —Why. It should have been the desired result. The First Prince’s evaluation rises, and the Third Prince’s exploits do not come to the surface. Just as calculated. Just as speculated. Yet, the depths of my chest are unsettled. The incompetent prince laughed at in the court in the past. A man who could do nothing. An existence of little value, not even fit to be a pawn of the Royal Family. Yes, I believed that without a doubt. However—in that negotiation setting, who was the one who had more composure than anyone else? Who was it that pulled the delegation of that great power back to the negotiation table? Who was it that transformed conditions that were supposed to be imposed into an equal treaty? Not the First Prince. Not myself. It was the Third Prince. The Marquis had unconsciously clenched his fists. It was a stage set up to make him fail. It was a setting supposed to humiliate him and drop his reputation to the ground. And yet. That man— On that stage, he ended up showing off not the qualities of a king, but the techniques of governance.

While walking down the corridor, the Third Prince let out a small breath. It was a major negotiation for the first time in a long while. There was no tension. No elation. Only the dull fatigue after continuously using his brain remained. Three days ago. Since being ordered to take this role, the concept of leaving on time had vanished from his head. Gathering the civil officials, scrubbing the materials, rereading past treaties, and flushing out the neighboring country’s industries, armaments, trade routes, and past diplomatic stances. Before he knew it, the time was approaching late at night—such days had continued for two days. It was reluctant, but it couldn’t be helped. Considering the big picture, it was necessary labor. A passing grade, I suppose. He quietly evaluated himself like that. Ironing out the details of the articles must have placed a considerable burden on the civil officials. Just like himself, there were probably those who hadn’t been able to rest properly these past few days. When I get back, I’ll first offer words of appreciation. Refreshments might also be necessary. Would sweets be more appreciated? If it’s baked sweets, their hands won’t get dirty. He suddenly thought of such things. Raising his gaze, the setting sun was streaming in through the corridor window. Is it already this time? But, it’s over now. From tomorrow, I can go home on time again. He nodded slightly.

That is fine. That is the best.

Pushing oneself is not something to continue for long. You only need to do it when necessary. The door to his room came into view. Today, too, the day ended safely. It was simply just that.