Frederica had a near perfect understanding of what Svendbania wanted. That was why, after talking it over with Sol beforehand, she was now giving them prior information. Namely, the six other countries that had once ruled the region being grouped together meant Crystania was the only one that would receive special treatment. Telling Svendbania first was giving it tacit permission to act on this information with a head start.
Of course, Svendbania would be reaching out through all its contacts to confirm that this was indeed Sol’s will and that going down this path wouldn’t anger him, but the fact that he had gone to the trouble of showing up in person was already a pretty big indicator. In any case, Crystania was the only one of the seven that could still trace its bloodline back to its royal family from the time of the catastrophe, and Svendbania was a large reason for that, tensions between the two notwithstanding. When descendants of the six others came forward and were also restored, Svendbania, through Crystania, would get at least some say in the selection of who would be leading them.
Sol had no intention of making the living descendants of the nameless country take responsibility for what had happened, especially when every last member of their royal family had already been chased down and hanged at the time. Even if, by some miracle, there was someone still with their blood in this day and age, nobody was interested in tracking them down and killing them, much less propping them up as rulers. There was more than enough leeway there for Svendbania to somehow install a puppet of theirs on that throne, and they were getting the impression that Sol would intentionally overlook it.
Regarding Svendbania’s relationship with Crystania going forward, many even in Svendbania thought they should forget ever having been its suzerain. Since Crystania now had Sol on its side, it was only a matter of time before it retook its place among the Five World Powers. Not only would it be powerful, it would also have a direct line to Sol, as it would essentially be his. Svendbania would gain a lot more from being its vassal instead.
Frederica turned to Rosalind with a diplomatic smile. “Our top priority is to rebuild Atriesta. Any documents possessed by your people that could tell us more about your old capital would be greatly appreciated. We want to re-create its original appearance as much as possible, but feel free to express any requests you have.”
Though her smile was near perfect, those familiar with her, including Sol, could tell she was almost bursting with excitement at the opportunity to rebuild the famous City of Magic of yore. She was a surprisingly open book to those close to her. This was something that Sol found endearing in her, but whether it was actually her true self or yet another act was something only she and God knew. All women were a force to reckon with, even those who showed vulnerability.
Sol roused himself from his wandering thoughts and said, as practiced, “It’ll be the Panhuman League’s first project.” He was the one who wanted Atriesta restored, but he was tasking the League, not the Libertadores, with the undertaking.
“We will do our utmost not to disappoint,” said Frederica with a cute little fist pump out of sight.
A pitying look flashed across the faces of Reen, Julia, and Eliza, who understood the full connotations of this exchange. To spell it out, Frederica was telling Svendbania that because they had been informed of what Sol was planning ahead of time, they were to reciprocate with something of equal value. Helping to rebuild Atriesta was not enough. They would have to also contribute to reclaiming the expansive western territory, pave new roads, restore at least a few of the fortresses and villages dotting the land, help set up and maintain Crystania’s governing structure, secure its borders, provide money, human capital, and know-how...and time. To ensure that Sol was not disappointed, Svendbania was going to have to take out every last coin in its coffers, and this was an order. The part where he would just ask another country if Svendbania proved not up to the task was left unsaid but obvious.
Svendbania would be more than happy to do this, of course, though it was but a medium-sized country. No investment had ever guaranteed such a high rate of return. To hold anything back would be to do itself a disservice. The eyes of the king and his ministers, which were still directed at the ground, as the command to “lift your face” earlier had not applied to them, burned with appetite and desire. All of them were profusely thanking the Svendbanian king who had decided to accept the displaced Crystanians and royal family all those years ago.
A few noble families—those who had been overly hostile toward Crystania’s autonomous domain—would have to lose their heads to square the books, but that was a small price to pay. This was a situation that could have ended up with the royal family suffering that fate. They were relieved they had done the bare minimum to avoid being found wanting today.
“May I have permission to speak directly?” asked Rosalind.
Frederica made eye contact with Sol, then said, “Go ahead.”
“Thank you very much. How am I to address you, my lord?”
“Just Sol will do.”
Sol understood the need somewhat but truthfully thought it a little ridiculous that someone talking to him directly was now a whole thing. However, he knew this was how it had been for Frederica before, and he trusted her guidance in maneuvering such customs. Since he had gotten so powerful that anything he said went, no matter how out of line it was, he now felt keenly the need to defer to experts in their respective fields.
While thinking about how fast his status had risen in a short time, he shot a look at Luna, who was doggedly clinging to his right arm. She didn’t really understand the situation but smiled back and gave his arm a squeeze. Everything had begun when he had chosen this adorable being who had been maligned as the Evil Dragon, Lunvemt Nachtfelia. He was close to feeling sentimental when Aina’noa noticed his eye contact with Luna and hugged his neck tighter, as if demanding his attention too. Little Alshunna thankfully remained calm and refrained from further contributing to the sudden chaos, but she did roll her eyes a little.
Pretending to not see all the fondling, Rosalind said, “Please allow me to use ‘Lord Sol,’ then. Lord Sol, we have nothing to offer that can repay the great favor you are showering us with. What do you want from us instead? We are more than willing to do anything within our power.”
There was an unmistakable nervous note in her voice, though she remained calmer than the adults around her and maintained a steady gaze that hinted at far more years than she had. There was no hesitation that indicated she was reciting from a script. She fully understood the value of what Sol had done for Crystania and was convincingly sincere in her stated wish to reciprocate in any way possible. The combination of her sweet, innocent appearance with her feminine wiles had a way of drawing male attention that was distinct from straightforward sexual appeal.
Sol smiled and purposely adopted a teasing tone. “Anything? Really?” His attitude gave no indication of falling for her wiles.