Finally, the day of the unpleasant negotiations.
Upon receiving a report that the demon’s messenger had arrived, I headed for the reception room with my friends who shared my discomfort.
I asked Mil and Kiara to be removed.
I had no intention of involving them in anything unpleasant.
The ill-natured grandma Magali was looking at me with white eyes.
“I thought it was a rare call from you, but you just wanted some collateral damage.”
Prytanis couldn’t help but laugh.
“I don’t mind, though, because I’m a spectator in a special seat.”
I smiled at them both.
“Everything should be shared. Especially in the face of hardship.”
Ill-natured grandma Magali sighed grandly.
It’s fun to talk to you, but it’s boring to talk to that wise man. I’d rather listen to the kid’s sermon.”
It would have been an accomplishment just to have seen this Ill-natured grandma Magali’s heckling face.
With this escape from reality, I arrived at the reception room.
Waiting for me in the reception room was a man in his early 20s.
He was a demon, dressed in luxurious clothes with jangling ornaments.
Blonde hair, blue eyes, fair-skinned, slender, and beautiful.
The demon tribe stood up and bowed.
His behavior was graceful.
“It is my first time to meet you. I am Valentin Helgenir Balschmiede. I have been delegated full authority. You have heard of me as a wise man. You may call me whatever you like.”
He called himself a wise man with emphasis on full authority.
Is he from the Ikiri tribe?
The presence of the Ikiri’s is spreading in any world…
(T/N: I don’t know if I’m right, but what I found out about Ikiri is, to act cocky; to put on airs; to be full of oneself.)
“It is my pleasure to meet you. I am Alfred Della Scala, the feudal lord.”
We both take our seats.
Valentin stared at me as if he was assessing me.
I could see the disappointment in his expression.
I’m not very good-looking, after all.
Valentin’s expression disappears and he opens his mouth.
“I’m sure you know what I came here for. I would like to hear your answer.”
I’m the messenger, huh. The bad boy flag is all over the place.
“I refuse.”
Valentin smiled.
“No one will say yes when asked to give it to me, after all. But, I’m sure Lord Alfred will not like to lose his soldiers. There is a grudge between us. Isn’t it fine to give up some of the lands you don’t control to let it go down the drain?”
You don’t seriously expect me to agree to this.
I guess he’s evaluating it.
“I’ve never heard of a grudge. Is there something like that?”
Valentin raised his eyebrows at my blurted out statement.
“In the first battle against Dorius, Mehtilde, the chief’s cousin, was killed in battle. Have you forgotten that?”
I still don’t know if that’s it or if you really believe that.
I cleared my throat.
“The enemy commander who tried to kill us was killed in action. It can’t be a grudge. There is no reason why she shouldn’t be killed. There is no reason to go easy on them in a life and death situation.”
“One demon tribesman would stand out. Didn’t you give at least instructions for her to be captured alive?”
That’s ridiculous.
“I have no intention of giving such unnecessary instructions to soldiers fighting against overwhelming odds. If we had an overwhelming advantage, that would be a different story.”
Valentin looked at me a little contemptuously.
“It will be possible if you instruct them to. I know you already thought you could win. Besides, soldiers die. If we can avoid fighting afterwards, we’ll break even with a few less men there.”
“I don’t believe we will always win. It is out of line to give consideration to those who come to kill you on the battlefield. Then, I was still angry that my luxurious clothes were soiled by being doused with water. I would have understood it better if you had said that was a grudge.”
Valentin became grim-faced.
He doesn’t seem to have a sense of humor.
“That water attack? I’m afraid I didn’t get drenched.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. Then there is no need to take into account a nonexistent grudge. You understand that point, don’t you?”
I don’t know what he is trying to do.
“You mean you are willing to fight with us?”
I scratched my head.
Did he think that since I didn’t like sacrifice, he could threaten me or something?
Wise man… you mean? Is there some secret strategy that will definitely make you win?
If so, I would love to see it.
“You demand concessions on your own with strange logic. If someone like that raises a weapon, I have no choice but to fight back.”
""
“Do you think you can win?”
“It’s not a matter of winning or not winning. And that’s not a request from a superpower with an overwhelming margin of victory.”
Valentin looked at me confidently.
“I think you’ve been lucky to keep winning until now, Lord Alfred. Luck doesn’t last forever. Your ability will always be tested.”
In other words, they want us to concede because we will lose next time.
I would expect a more intelligent conversation.
“I don’t deny that I’m lucky. Maybe luck will be on our side next time.”
“Prytanis seeking asylum and the long rains are luck, too. You were only able to make the most of it because your opponents didn’t expect it. It won’t work for me, who can deflect all the military tactics brought by the apostles.”
Art of War ain’t it.
I wasn’t particularly moved.
Maybe that’s why they were all so afraid of him and praise him as a wise man?
Is it a mention of a must-win method of apostle-brand warfare?
It is a principle, and the Art of War is not a factor of victory.
“I see.”
Valentin looked displeased at my blunt response.
I don’t want to affirm it, but I can’t be bothered to deny it either.
These people get pissed off when they are denied even the slightest bit.
They react hysterically, as if their entire personality has been denied.
It is troublesome to deal with these troubled people, whose criteria for judgment are polarized into two: total affirmation or total denial.
Then, laughter broke out.
It was the ill-natured grandma Magali.
“Oh, I’m sorry. It was so funny that I couldn’t take it anymore.”
Valentin glared at the ill-natured grandma Magali.
“What’s so funny?”
Ill-natured grandma Magali turned her mocking face to Valentin.
“You have a great theory on your desk. But the last time you commanded soldiers was the first time you played in the water, wasn’t it? You’re a war virgin with no experience in actual combat. It’s funny to me that you’re claiming superiority over the boy who’s won every battle he’s fought.”
Huh? So you’ve never been in a real war.
I sighed.
“Madam Plunkett, you are being disrespectful to Mr. Messenger. It’s quite impressive that he knows the Art of War by heart.”
“Oh… I’m sorry. The Art of War is indeed a big deal. As I thought, I never get tired of watching you.”
Why are you talking about me?
Valentin was shaking with anger.
“Real combat experience is irrelevant in the face of real wit and intelligence. A great genius will win from the first battle. Besides, Lord Alfred didn’t actually lead. He was just watching from the back. Lord Alfred lacks confidence, so he continues to be humble in an attitude that could be described as demeaning.”
You’re right about just watching.
This wise man is just like the ones who want to mount up on anonymous message boards.
My attitude is not demeaning or humble.
I win by using my head.
I know it’s not a gift from God, but my own ability.
But I’m cheating by reincarnating.
It’s only natural that I have an advantage.
In a sense, I am a cheat.
I just don’t feel like bragging about my success under those conditions.
If I hadn’t been reincarnated, I might have ended up being full of myself.
And I would have failed miserably.
Easily predictable.
I’m taking full advantage of my reincarnation to achieve my goals.
But I will never promote myself because I want to avoid personal worship of me.
If I get carried away, I will be deified and my words and deeds will become law.
They will stop walking on their own.
And it will be a stumbling block to the future.
I just want to avoid that.
This wise man is too disappointing.
Was I mistaken to think he was a little more intelligent?
“I see.”
Valentin’s expression turns grim, as if he thought he was being mocked by my copy-and-paste reply.
“I’ll tell you something, Lord Alfred. You are not doing your best to win. You are just leaving it to luck and waiting for things to get better. It’s a move that only works on reluctant opponents.”
Perhaps he has become excited, but he has lost all honorifics.
But what he is saying is not so far off the mark.
I’m certainly not trying to force my way to victory.
“I see.”
Oh, shoot.
I just gave the same reply again.
Even Prytanis started laughing.
Valentin’s face turned red and he stood up.
The guards were on the alert, but I restrained them with my hand.
Valentin spread his hands in a theatrical gesture.
A peacock gesture, I think.
“Good. The goddess of victory does not flatter unless she is twisted. Let me show you that! It will be time to learn the shortcomings that come from that youth. Victory only comes to the brave! And Prytanis will learn the hard way that he was relying on the wrong people.”
“I see.”
He is right in many places.
So the naive frontiersmen are deceived.
Unable to contain herself, the ill-natured grandma Magali burst out laughing.
“Boy, do you want me to die…”
I would give him credit for one thing.
He treated me like a youngster.
Finally, the day of the unpleasant negotiations.
Upon receiving a report that the demon’s messenger had arrived, I headed for the reception room with my friends who shared my discomfort.
I asked Mil and Kiara to be removed.
I had no intention of involving them in anything unpleasant.
The ill-natured grandma Magali was looking at me with white eyes.
“I thought it was a rare call from you, but you just wanted some collateral damage.”
Prytanis couldn’t help but laugh.
“I don’t mind, though, because I’m a spectator in a special seat.”
I smiled at them both.
“Everything should be shared. Especially in the face of hardship.”
Ill-natured grandma Magali sighed grandly.
It’s fun to talk to you, but it’s boring to talk to that wise man. I’d rather listen to the kid’s sermon.”
It would have been an accomplishment just to have seen this Ill-natured grandma Magali’s heckling face.
With this escape from reality, I arrived at the reception room.
Waiting for me in the reception room was a man in his early 20s.
He was a demon, dressed in luxurious clothes with jangling ornaments.
Blonde hair, blue eyes, fair-skinned, slender, and beautiful.
The demon tribe stood up and bowed.
His behavior was graceful.
“It is my first time to meet you. I am Valentin Helgenir Balschmiede. I have been delegated full authority. You have heard of me as a wise man. You may call me whatever you like.”
He called himself a wise man with emphasis on full authority.
Is he from the Ikiri tribe?
The presence of the Ikiri’s is spreading in any world…
(T/N: I don’t know if I’m right, but what I found out about Ikiri is, to act cocky; to put on airs; to be full of oneself.)
“It is my pleasure to meet you. I am Alfred Della Scala, the feudal lord.”
We both take our seats.
Valentin stared at me as if he was assessing me.
I could see the disappointment in his expression.
I’m not very good-looking, after all.
Valentin’s expression disappears and he opens his mouth.
“I’m sure you know what I came here for. I would like to hear your answer.”
I’m the messenger, huh. The bad boy flag is all over the place.
“I refuse.”
Valentin smiled.
“No one will say yes when asked to give it to me, after all. But, I’m sure Lord Alfred will not like to lose his soldiers. There is a grudge between us. Isn’t it fine to give up some of the lands you don’t control to let it go down the drain?”
You don’t seriously expect me to agree to this.
I guess he’s evaluating it.
“I’ve never heard of a grudge. Is there something like that?”
Valentin raised his eyebrows at my blurted out statement.
“In the first battle against Dorius, Mehtilde, the chief’s cousin, was killed in battle. Have you forgotten that?”
I still don’t know if that’s it or if you really believe that.
I cleared my throat.
“The enemy commander who tried to kill us was killed in action. It can’t be a grudge. There is no reason why she shouldn’t be killed. There is no reason to go easy on them in a life and death situation.”
“One demon tribesman would stand out. Didn’t you give at least instructions for her to be captured alive?”
That’s ridiculous.
“I have no intention of giving such unnecessary instructions to soldiers fighting against overwhelming odds. If we had an overwhelming advantage, that would be a different story.”
Valentin looked at me a little contemptuously.
“It will be possible if you instruct them to. I know you already thought you could win. Besides, soldiers die. If we can avoid fighting afterwards, we’ll break even with a few less men there.”
“I don’t believe we will always win. It is out of line to give consideration to those who come to kill you on the battlefield. Then, I was still angry that my luxurious clothes were soiled by being doused with water. I would have understood it better if you had said that was a grudge.”
Valentin became grim-faced.
He doesn’t seem to have a sense of humor.
“That water attack? I’m afraid I didn’t get drenched.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. Then there is no need to take into account a nonexistent grudge. You understand that point, don’t you?”
I don’t know what he is trying to do.
“You mean you are willing to fight with us?”
I scratched my head.
Did he think that since I didn’t like sacrifice, he could threaten me or something?
Wise man… you mean? Is there some secret strategy that will definitely make you win?
If so, I would love to see it.
“You demand concessions on your own with strange logic. If someone like that raises a weapon, I have no choice but to fight back.”
""
“Do you think you can win?”
“It’s not a matter of winning or not winning. And that’s not a request from a superpower with an overwhelming margin of victory.”
Valentin looked at me confidently.
“I think you’ve been lucky to keep winning until now, Lord Alfred. Luck doesn’t last forever. Your ability will always be tested.”
In other words, they want us to concede because we will lose next time.
I would expect a more intelligent conversation.
“I don’t deny that I’m lucky. Maybe luck will be on our side next time.”
“Prytanis seeking asylum and the long rains are luck, too. You were only able to make the most of it because your opponents didn’t expect it. It won’t work for me, who can deflect all the military tactics brought by the apostles.”
Art of War ain’t it.
I wasn’t particularly moved.
Maybe that’s why they were all so afraid of him and praise him as a wise man?
Is it a mention of a must-win method of apostle-brand warfare?
It is a principle, and the Art of War is not a factor of victory.
“I see.”
Valentin looked displeased at my blunt response.
I don’t want to affirm it, but I can’t be bothered to deny it either.
These people get pissed off when they are denied even the slightest bit.
They react hysterically, as if their entire personality has been denied.
It is troublesome to deal with these troubled people, whose criteria for judgment are polarized into two: total affirmation or total denial.
Then, laughter broke out.
It was the ill-natured grandma Magali.
“Oh, I’m sorry. It was so funny that I couldn’t take it anymore.”
Valentin glared at the ill-natured grandma Magali.
“What’s so funny?”
Ill-natured grandma Magali turned her mocking face to Valentin.
“You have a great theory on your desk. But the last time you commanded soldiers was the first time you played in the water, wasn’t it? You’re a war virgin with no experience in actual combat. It’s funny to me that you’re claiming superiority over the boy who’s won every battle he’s fought.”
Huh? So you’ve never been in a real war.
I sighed.
“Madam Plunkett, you are being disrespectful to Mr. Messenger. It’s quite impressive that he knows the Art of War by heart.”
“Oh… I’m sorry. The Art of War is indeed a big deal. As I thought, I never get tired of watching you.”
Why are you talking about me?
Valentin was shaking with anger.
“Real combat experience is irrelevant in the face of real wit and intelligence. A great genius will win from the first battle. Besides, Lord Alfred didn’t actually lead. He was just watching from the back. Lord Alfred lacks confidence, so he continues to be humble in an attitude that could be described as demeaning.”
You’re right about just watching.
This wise man is just like the ones who want to mount up on anonymous message boards.
My attitude is not demeaning or humble.
I win by using my head.
I know it’s not a gift from God, but my own ability.
But I’m cheating by reincarnating.
It’s only natural that I have an advantage.
In a sense, I am a cheat.
I just don’t feel like bragging about my success under those conditions.
If I hadn’t been reincarnated, I might have ended up being full of myself.
And I would have failed miserably.
Easily predictable.
I’m taking full advantage of my reincarnation to achieve my goals.
But I will never promote myself because I want to avoid personal worship of me.
If I get carried away, I will be deified and my words and deeds will become law.
They will stop walking on their own.
And it will be a stumbling block to the future.
I just want to avoid that.
This wise man is too disappointing.
Was I mistaken to think he was a little more intelligent?
“I see.”
Valentin’s expression turns grim, as if he thought he was being mocked by my copy-and-paste reply.
“I’ll tell you something, Lord Alfred. You are not doing your best to win. You are just leaving it to luck and waiting for things to get better. It’s a move that only works on reluctant opponents.”
Perhaps he has become excited, but he has lost all honorifics.
But what he is saying is not so far off the mark.
I’m certainly not trying to force my way to victory.
“I see.”
Oh, shoot.
I just gave the same reply again.
Even Prytanis started laughing.
Valentin’s face turned red and he stood up.
The guards were on the alert, but I restrained them with my hand.
Valentin spread his hands in a theatrical gesture.
A peacock gesture, I think.
“Good. The goddess of victory does not flatter unless she is twisted. Let me show you that! It will be time to learn the shortcomings that come from that youth. Victory only comes to the brave! And Prytanis will learn the hard way that he was relying on the wrong people.”
“I see.”
He is right in many places.
So the naive frontiersmen are deceived.
Unable to contain herself, the ill-natured grandma Magali burst out laughing.
“Boy, do you want me to die…”
I would give him credit for one thing.
He treated me like a youngster.
