Chapter 145: Awakening of a New Apostle

(Perspective: Princess Flora)

After leaving Father’s office and returning to my room, I was lost in thought. For the Albion Kingdom, letting go of William-san would be a tremendous loss. And considering the Elves and the World Tree, handing William-san over to the Empire must not happen.

That conviction hasn’t changed, but I was surprised that Prince Ernst would go so far as to threaten to consider war if we didn’t approve the marriage between William-san and the Imperial Princess. Father is prepared not to hand William-san over to the Empire, even if it comes to war. While that resolve is reliable, with the power of Darkness growing, I wish to avoid conflict between humans.

I feel repulsion toward such barbaric negotiation tactics as threatening war, but given they are going so far as to offer him as a husband for the Princess, I understand the Empire is desperate.

How can we refuse the marriage to the Princess without insulting the Empire? If we explain the circumstances of the World Tree and the Elves, Prince Ernst might understand that he shouldn’t forcibly pull Will away from the undeveloped lands.

However, the story of the World Tree and Elves is a far-fetched one. In the Prince’s current lack of composure, I don’t think he would be able to calmly listen and accept it. The Empire lacks food and medicine, and appears to be in a predicament due to monster attacks. They won’t back down easily.

As I was agonizing over this, something burst open inside me. And then, ideas began floating into my mind. Ah, if we negotiate like this, we can avoid hurting the Empire’s face.

As I was rejoicing over the ideas springing up, Cecilia, the maid who has taken care of me for a long time, ran over in surprise. “Princess, your body is glowing!”

Glowing? “It is a very divine light. Ah, but it has vanished.” What on earth happened?

In any case, right now the priority is the negotiation with Prince Ernst of the Empire. The answer to preventing the marriage to the Imperial Princess without crushing the Empire’s face was right close at hand.

However, that alone won’t be enough. To oppose the monsters, humanity needs to unite. We should provide support to the struggling Empire as the Kingdom, within a range that causes no issues.

What kind of support to give, and since the Empire will likely offer thanks for that support, what to ask for in return—these thoughts float into my mind one after another. I feel my mind is clearer than usual.

I shall propose the ideas I’ve come up with to Father. I am sure Father will agree.

And above all, obtaining the consent of William-san and Margrave Fairchild is a prerequisite. I have some anxiety, but I believe they will accept it.

Ah, I must speak to Scarlett-san too. I don’t want to proceed with this discussion without her. If possible, it would be good if she walks the same path as me.

“Oh, the Stone Tablet of the World Tree is glowing!” When the Elf Elder checked, words had surfaced in the blank space of the tablet.

“Hmm. ‘One is the Negotiator. A person connected to an ancient royal line. All shall listen to their words. With the power of words, they shall support the Savior,’ is it?” Chieftain Lucelina arrived there as well.

“Grandmother, did the stone tablet glow just now?” “Yes, it seems a new Apostle, the ‘Negotiator,’ has awakened. A person connected to an ancient royal line, who supports the Savior with the power of words.”

“Connected to an ancient royal line… Supporting the Savior with negotiation rather than combat… Could it be Princess Flora?” “That possibility is high.”

“I am happy about the Apostle‘s awakening.” “Indeed. However, since the Imperial goodwill mission is in the Royal Capital, just like when Theodore awakened, perhaps she awakened because the Savior needed help.”

“Is William-sama alright?” “If Princess Flora has awakened as the Apostle ‘Negotiator,’ she will surely demonstrate her power in the negotiations with the Empire and aid William-sama.”