The Frontier Alliance meeting at the capital felt more like a bunch of seniors chatting over some tea. Although there were some topics where we were at odds, they were matters for the territories to deal with. There wasn’t much reason for those stationed far away in the capital to be unfriendly with one another. Of course, if something was wrong, it’d be paramount to discuss it, but it was best that those unaffected keep things civil. That was why it was important to gather easy-going bureaucrats with little personal stake. If we weren’t, then we’d probably end up arguing with the central nobles until the end of time. As for me, I was asked by my vassals if it would be okay for me to be permanently stationed in the royal capital. I assume that was the case for many other houses too.
However, today there was a bloodthirsty atmosphere among the usually level-headed members. Our enemies have really done it now—angering the normally good-natured members of the Frontier Alliance to this extent. Her Highness Princess Alicia’s maid, Amin Remenge, sat in Her Highness’s spot and gave a report sitting where Her Highness always sat. As expected of a palace worker, her appearance was neat and tidy, and her expression did not falter as she spoke—she was stronger than she seemed. She would do exceptionally well in Sacula.
“The following is a message from His Majesty the King. Her Highness is to remain confined to her personal quarters under the protection of the royal guard and is forbidden to leave unless escorted by myself or other attendants. Her Highness Princess Alicia sends her apologies that she is unable to attend today,” Amin reported.
“Understood. Her Highness need not apologize. She is not the one at fault,” I responded, and everyone in attendance nodded along in agreement. It didn’t matter if they were usually at odds with one another, we were all in this together. I leaned forward to present a question. “So, with Her Highness the Princess under house arrest, when do we rally the troops?”
The plan was to attack the palace and take back Her Highness Princess Alicia. Act now, questions later. Those in attendance didn’t seem too surprised at this. What did you all expect? Her Highness Alicia was the only royal we respected, and she did all she could to accommodate our wishes—for that, we should be grateful. We simply couldn’t feign ignorance as to what was happening. I’m the head of House Sacula. I take pride in the fact that I have never left even the smallest of favors unpaid. Claiming that they feared the central nobles would try to harm Her Highness, the royals had confined her to a small room, protected only by some weak guards. We can’t ensure she’s safe there; under my protection, she would be able to move around freely and face no harm. We’ll attack them head-on and take her back.
“Baron Nepton and Sir Argos will gladly join you, Your Excellency Count Gentoh. However, we ask that you first wait,” Officer Raino interjected, holding me back from diving straight into an attack. She had a bloodthirsty grin on her face, so she seemingly agreed with the notion of attacking. “It’ll no doubt be easy. Central soldiers are weak and will be swept away like a loose branch in the rage of a stormy sea. But I can’t help but think of the consequences—it may just end up being a waste.”
“A waste? I personally find Her Highness Alicia being stuck in the palace to be a waste already.” Seeing how well she had done in preparing the relief supplies, I was planning on leaving the management of the Frontier Alliance to her. I wanted her to lead it so that I wouldn’t have to spend time mulling over bothersome things.
“I agree with you. However, if we were to attack the palace, wouldn’t it become more difficult to squeeze money out of them later? If we make problems for them now, we wouldn’t even be able to secure compensation...”
“Hmm, that’s true...”
A lot of people nodded in agreement with Officer Raino’s reasoning. I understood her point too. Baron Nepton was very well-versed in finances. He knew that this would end up with the crown denying us any compensation for the damages caused by the fall of the Yanga territory. It was tempting to hold back—we needed those funds.
“Then what do you suggest? Do you plan to remain silent?” I asked.
“Of course not. The lords of the Frontier Alliance would never abandon Her Highness Princess Alicia. I believe that is the opinion of everyone here,” Officer Raino said as she looked around the room. No one looked away, all meeting her gaze. Those who didn’t agree had skipped the meeting. Or, at least, none of those cowards are here today. “Let’s first protest the decision with all our might. It seems that the royal family and the central nobles all plan to use the election for the next viscount as a means to try and gain power,” Officer Raino said as she looked toward Viscount Sukuna’s officer. As a member of the most information-savvy house, the officer frowned and returned a nod.
“It’s less of a rivalry between factions and more that Prince Albert can’t control the infighting within his own faction. It seems that the Yanga election has become an opportunity for a power grab—the lords want to make their own candidates the new viscount.” The officer continued, “But while they’ve been squabbling, others have grouped together. It’s all just become chaos.”
“While they bicker over it, they forget it’s we who have to deal with the consequences,” I responded.
“No, they just don’t care. It’s all a game to them. If this had a direct effect on the central regions, don’t you think the royal family would be quick to take control of the situation?” As always, Viscount Sukuna was straightforward yet calm. He was never afraid to put things bluntly. Forgive the wrinkles between my eyebrows. At this age, I’m the kind of person who will pull a face even when eating something I don’t like.
Even amid the strife, I’d thought I was good friends with the king. It hurt to know that the king had no qualms about harming someone important to me. I still fondly remembered the times when we would go drinking and I would listen to him vent. I went because I wanted to, but he probably thought it was fine to drink with me since I had no stake in the central regions. I felt that since I was now involved with the central regions, everything was different. Times have changed.