Chapter 152: Let's Return to Northernford and Report
The Imperial goodwill mission decided to form an alliance with the Kingdom and returned home. For a moment, I wondered what would happen, but thanks to Princess Flora‘s efforts, a war launched by the Empire against the Kingdom was avoided. And it is truly a relief that the Kingdom and the Empire have decided to form an alliance to oppose the monsters.
Still, to be proposed to by the Empire to become the husband of the Imperial Princess, and in order to refuse that, to get engaged to Princess Flora and furthermore to Letty as well—I never predicted any of this. I was just surprised by the sudden developments, but since both of them are girls who are too good for me, I think it is something to be grateful for.
His Majesty King Edgar II, thinking to let the facts be known widely before unnecessary speculation and rumors could spread, immediately announced that the Kingdom and the Empire would form an alliance. The engagements between Her Highness, Letty, and myself are also scheduled to be announced soon.
Since everyone felt that the monster offensive was strengthening, the alliance with the Empire was welcomed by the nobles and the people of the Royal Capital. Since there is no mass media, it will take time for the news of the alliance to spread throughout the Kingdom, but it will surely be accepted as good news.
Since a lot happened and I had been in the capital for a long time, it was decided that I would return to Northernford for now. Because I visited the capital officially this time, I needed to return by carriage.
However, Father told me that since I must be tired, I should return ahead via Teleportation Magic and rest. He also asked me to tell Mother and Sophie about what happened in the capital.
When I returned to my room in the Margrave’s mansion via Teleportation Magic, I felt like I hadn’t been back in a very long time. “Mother, I have just returned from the capital.” “Oh, Will-chan. Welcome home.”
I reported to Mother that the Kingdom had decided to form an alliance with the Empire. “My, that is good news.” “Yes. However, there was a lot that happened in the process leading up to it. Is it alright if I tell you the details tomorrow?”
“That is fine. You look quite tired. Please rest well today.” That day, I had a light dinner, took a bath, and when I returned to my room, I slept like a log.
The next morning, while having breakfast, I explained what happened in the capital to Mother and Sophie. “Eh! They wanted to welcome Will-chan as the husband of the Empire’s Princess Silesia?” When I told the story of the proposal from Prince Ernst, Mother was surprised. That makes sense; I was extremely surprised too.
“But Brother cannot leave the undeveloped lands where the World Tree is to be transplanted.” “It is as Sophie says. I need to be by the side of the World Tree and the Elves. His Majesty also understood that.”
“So, how did you get the Empire to agree?” “About that, Mother…” It is embarrassing, but I have no choice but to explain. If we had a communication device, Father would have told them from the capital without me having to report it.
I decided in my heart to develop a communication device, but anyway, right now I have to explain to Mother and my sister. “Actually, in order to refuse the marriage with the Imperial Princess, it was decided that I would get engaged to Her Highness Princess Flora.”
“My, is that so!” “Brother and Princess Flora are engaged!?” “Father asked me to pass on a message that he is sorry for deciding such an important thing without consulting you.”
“Oh my, really. We cannot keep the Imperial Prince waiting, so I understand there was a need to decide quickly.” Mother understood immediately.
“I am happy that Will-brother was evaluated that highly by the Empire, and the engagement to the Princess is joyous. But Letty-sister is…” Sophie seems concerned about Letty.
“Sophie, actually, I decided to get engaged to Letty as well.” Both Sophie and Mother froze in surprise. It is no wonder. Truly, various things happened all at once.
“Princess Flora proposed that since many nobles would try to make their daughters my concubines due to this incident, it would be better to get engaged to the trustworthy Letty at the same time to prevent that.”
“My, Her Highness proposed that?” “Yes. And His Majesty, Father, and Earl Cardiff—who was in the capital—all agreed, so it was decided in the blink of an eye.”
“So that was it. Mother thinks both Flora-chan and Letty-chan are good girls suitable to be Will-chan’s brides.” “Letty-sister is engaged to Brother. That’s good… really good.” Sophie was tearing up slightly.
Since Sophie adores Letty like a real sister, I thought she would be happy if I reported the engagement. But I couldn’t predict she would be this happy. As expected, it seems I don’t understand girls’ feelings.
Then I went to the workshop, found Theo, and had him teleport with me to the Elf forest. Partly because I thought I should report to the Elder and Luna quickly, and partly because the engagement talk is embarrassing so I wanted him to listen together. When we visited the hidden Elf village, the Elder and Luna came out immediately.
“A lot happened in the capital, and there was a proposal from the Empire to welcome me as the Imperial Princess’s husband. However, His Majesty refused it, so there is no change to the plan of becoming the lord of the southern undeveloped lands.”
“My Master as the Imperial Princess’s husband?” “The Empire evaluates William-sama quite highly, don’t they?” “However, if you become the Princess’s husband, you cannot stay in the Kingdom, William-sama.”
“I have no intention of going to the Empire. Various things happened, but Princess Flora persuaded the Imperial Prince, so I will remain in the Kingdom, and the Kingdom and Empire will ally to oppose the monsters.”
“I see, Princess Flora persuaded him. As expected, it seems the one who awakened as an Apostle is Her Highness.” “Eh, Elder. Princess Flora is an Apostle?” “Yes, William-sama. It seems a new Apostle, the ‘Negotiator,’ has awakened.”
