“Next, we’ll build a city. Then after that, another village? Based on the map, I guess it’ll go something like that, though it will depend on the circumstances. At any rate, I plan to proceed with the restoration of the Yanga territory from wherever I’m based, so the capital may end up moving around a lot.”
“It’s rough out there,” Maika laughed, although by her tone of voice she seemed impressed. “Even when I was just passing through, it was plain to see how bad it was over there. There are no houses left or anything.”
“If the foundations remain, that’ll be enough. The first count of Sacula worked with the civilians to gather supplies, didn’t he?” I’ll surely witness the same spectacle he did. “He was the younger brother of the king at the time. I’m the daughter of the current king. The same blood runs through my veins. I’m capable of achieving similarly great results.” Of course, I wouldn’t be able to do it all alone. Even the first count of Sacula received help from the king at the time, bringing stones to Sacula. He then spent time building walls and sharing a campfire with others, discussing what their plans would be for the next day. The reason Sacula stood here today was because the first count was surrounded by great people. Looking around at the members of this meeting, I was sure that everyone here would help me too. That’s why, in the end, I didn’t have to beg.
“Shall we all work together then, just like the first count of Sacula?”
Ash burst out laughing. He seemed to find it quite funny. To be honest, there are people who would be fired up from hearing that. Like my older brother, for example.
*BANG*
Itsuki suddenly pushed his chair back and rose to his feet. As I thought, he could no longer keep himself composed.
“Please give me a moment. I’m gonna go create a unit from our most talented individuals,” he said as he started walking away. If there was anyone who wasn’t suited to sitting still and enduring a meeting, it was Itsuki. Like father, like son. Sir George ended up following him out—since Sir George would be at the center of my escort unit, he had no choice but to follow.
“Usually, when the acting count says he’s going to help someone, that means he’ll help with finances, supplies, diplomacy, and so on, right?” Maika had brought up a good point.
Rihn sighed in agreement. “At least the heir to the house is capable of making sensible decisions. I could cry with relief.”
“Lord Itsuki is popular among the soldiers. One could say that is where his ability shines brightest,” Ash responded.
Rihn looked a little perplexed. She seemed to be thinking that in itself was a problem.
Personally, I was happy with Itsuki’s conduct, so I spoke up after Ash. “This is also an opportunity for Maika, who is next in line to be heir, to show off what makes her fit for that role.”
“Oh, putting it like that is sneaky. That makes it sound like you yourself didn’t ask for it. Like we just willingly decided to cooperate, then.” Maika drove the point home. Most people thought she was like her uncle Itsuki and His Excellency Count Gentoh in that she only focused on the bigger picture, when in fact, she was just as good at seeing the finer details. “Alicia’s a new viscountess who’s in debt before she’s even had a chance to set foot in the actual territory, so she’s trying to make it so that she owes as little as possible. Read the room a little.” At the time, the Yanga territory was in a severe amount of debt to the Frontier Alliance and the Church. They weren’t asking for their money back, however, if anything bad were to happen, they may be able to use their generosity against us. Therefore, it made sense to proceed with borrowing as little as I could.
“Plus, I’ve decided I’m going to rely on my new family. A lot. That’s all right, isn’t it, Ash?” You did promise to help me, after all. I tilted my head with a beaming smile on my face. Ash slouched his shoulders in response.
“If I say no, I’ll be called a liar for the rest of my life...”
“That’s right. Isn’t it, Maika?”
“Don’t ask me to agree...” If Maika acknowledged that Ash would be breaking his promise here, it would mean that Maika wouldn’t be able to complain if Ash broke a promise again in the future. That wasn’t something she could really overlook. However, if she instead doubled down, she would then have to acknowledge that I could get my own way. I had won this time.
“Alicia, you’ve gotten stubborn... Well, you were always stubborn, I guess.”
“This is how they do it in the central regions.” I laughed while covering my mouth, although my eyes gave away my smile. My response was that of a haughty princess or lady which were all too common in the royal capital. However, since I was more familiar with how things were done in the remote regions, I couldn’t help but look down in embarrassment. It’s not often I get a win against Maika, so I should have some fun with it.
“Hmm, as expected of my worthy opponent... How about we duel like how they do it in the remote regions? Alicia, you can use a spear, and I’ll use my bare hands,” Maika said as she punched the air with her fist. She did it half-heartedly while remaining seated, but when she punched, it made a noise as it cut through the air. Isn’t that awesome? It feels like she’s already telling me to give up. I moved back slightly, creating some distance between us.
“Another thing we do in the central regions is avoid fights we know we won’t win.”
“Ash, in times like these, what’s a good way to draw out an opponent?”
“It depends on the person, but one option is to become friends with a princess, I guess?” He’s used that one before. Since I’m no longer a princess, they couldn’t use it on me. I let out a laugh, and everyone laughed with me. “Well, Alicia. Shall we do it?” Ash asked me once we had all finished laughing. He was checking if I was prepared for what was to come.