Chapter 171 Part 1: Quiet story at Nonette's castle
I, Chorex Nonette, was holding my head.
That's because I received a report about my son, Milimos, who came riding solo earlier.
"Is Milimos heading to the frontline fort now?"
“If the prediction I just gave you is correct, the place where the imperial army will enter is the road that leads to the former country of Mendasium, so I think it’s the right decision.”
I nod in agreement with Duke Avkolo's words that are typical of a prime minister. Then he lowered the arm that was holding his head.
“Where is Sarcasimo?”
“Are you summoned?”
"Regardless of whether Milimos' predictions are correct or incorrect, I have to ask you about the recent circumstances."
I gestured to the messenger to call Salkajimo, and I held my head again.
Lately, Salkajimo has been showing off his laziness to the extent that it's even more so than before.
I thought I would just close my eyes for about a year, thinking that he was excited because he had just gotten married, but I could no longer be so kind to him.
“Shouldn’t they have left Alektem alone because he was in good health and was in charge of military affairs?”
“Despite having Salkajimo in a place where he could be seen, there was no sign that he was secretly communicating with the Empire.Whether he was tightened or left alone, this plan would not have been prevented.”
"Why can't we just lament the poorness of our intelligence technology and praise the Empire's skill in information warfare?"
The king of a country whose territory is only the size of the toe of his little finger would be insufficient to deal with an empire that is trying to claim supremacy on the continent.
As I continued to have a grumbling conversation with Duke Avukoro, a messenger returned with Sarcasimo.
"What is it, Father? I was in the middle of a love story with Spisk."
When I saw Salkajimo arrive, I felt like letting out a big sigh.
Her physique is plumper than before, and her skin has become morbidly white. Her eyes are clouded with lust, and her gaze wanders through the air as if staring into a dream. Her clothes also have wrinkles and creases, showing that she hastily arranged them.
Well, I admire the skill of the daughter of an imperial aristocrat, as she was able to tear down someone who had received a mediocre princely education to such an extent.
I turned expressionless to hide my inner feelings and called out to Sarcasimo.
“I have something I want to ask you.”
I speak in a harsh tone.
However, Sarcasimo seemed to be confused, not understanding the meaning of that tone.
“Isn’t it okay later?”
"No. I need you to answer me now."
After receiving my instructions, Duke Avkoro begins to speak.
"Marshal Sarcasimo. You are accused of trying to sell out our country by colluding with the Empire."
Explanation that emphasizes important parts in words.
Upon hearing this, Sarcasimo seemed stunned.
"Selling this country to the Empire. What an idiot."
“You don’t have any idea?”
"It's impossible. If I sold it..."
Sarcasimo paused at an unnatural place.
It seemed like he sensed that he was about to make a gaffe and shut his mouth.
However, Duke Avkoro did not miss it.
“I heard you said that if you sell it, you won’t be able to become the king of Nonette Country.”
"--! Tsk. I'm one of the princes. What's wrong with aiming for the throne!"
As soon as he realized that he couldn't escape, he immediately started to open up.
His transformation is admirable, but it's pathetic that he did it for self-protection.
Putting aside his own feelings, Duke Avukoro grinned at Sarcasimo.
"No, it's not bad. As long as you aim for the throne and work hard against other princes and princesses to grow."
“You act like I haven’t grown up!”
"Are you growing? In fact, it looks like you're degenerating."
Sensing that Duke Avkoro was inciting the situation, I decided to stop the argument between the two.
"Stop. This place is a place to check whether Salkajimo was in touch with the Empire. Anything else is redundant."
"I'm sorry, King."
Duke Avukoro bowed and offered an apology, but Salcasimo maintained the attitude that ``it wasn't my fault.''
"I ask again. You're not in touch with the Empire, are you?"
“Even my father!”
Salcasimo said with a hurt expression that he began to argue loudly.
"It's true that I'm inferior to Solerina and Futtero! I don't even have a track record that can compare to Milimos's military exploits! Lately, I've been giving too much attention to Spisk! But I can't do such a despicable act that would sell the country. Never!”
Words from the heart, with strength in their eyes.
At least, that's how I perceived Sarcasimo's claim.
However, it is true that there is not enough evidence to believe it wholeheartedly.
"Then let me ask you something else. Salcasimo. What do you usually talk about with your wife, Spisk?"
Sarcasimo looked as if he had been taken aback by the sudden question that seemed to invite him to chat.
As if to take advantage of that gap, I continue speaking.
“When the Empire asked me to help him become the next king, he asked me to invite the Empire’s soldiers to Nonette Country as instructors because strengthening the soldiers is the best way to gain merit as a marshal. Weren't you talking?"
This is my prediction based on a combination of Salkajimo's assertion earlier and Milimos' report.
However, it seemed like he was right, and Sarcasimo's eyes widened in surprise.
"W-why did you say that? I couldn't believe that you were listening to the story!"
"I wouldn't do such an innocent thing. Or maybe it's more accurate to say that because I didn't do that, I never thought of calling you out until today."
As I was expressing my regrets, Sarcasimo began to explain himself in a panic.
"Wait, father! That's what I said in my sleep story, I'm not trying to do it!"
“Is that statement true?”
“Well, I couldn’t help but think it would be nice to be able to strengthen my soldiers, and since Spisk asked me to do so, I quickly created a haphazard draft for fun, but…”
I find words that resonate with me and pursue them.
“Where is that draft?”
“I threw it away.”
"Did you tear it so you couldn't read it?"
"No, roll it up and throw it in the trash."
At this point, Sarcasimo's face turned pale.
“I couldn’t believe that Spisk picked up that draft and used it for the Empire’s plans…”
"I don't know about that. I have no choice but to ask him what he really means."
After hearing my words, the messenger runs out to call for Spisk.
However, he soon returned with some injuries.
"I have a report. Mr. Spisk, you have led your forces and have begun a siege in the room! They are resisting using magic tools made by the empire, so we are unable to intervene!"
"Oh, that's it. Spisk..."
Sarcasimo falls to his knees in despair.
It's a pitiful situation, but as a king, he can't put on a naive face. This is because Spisk, who refused the king's summons, is treated as a criminal, so her husband Sarcasimo must also be detained.
Before I could issue such an order, Duke Avkoro had given instructions.
"Tie Sarcasimo up and keep him in prison.Also, surround Spisk and his party but don't provoke them. Also, make sure to bring them food and water."
“Um, is that okay?”
"When people think they're in a corner, they tend to do something reckless. But if they think it's a safe zone, they don't even think about venturing out."
After hearing Duke Avkoro's explanation, the messenger looked like he didn't really understand, but said, "I have accepted your order," and ran off. The guards in the throne room also moved, tying Sarcasimo with ropes and taking him to the room where they exchanged money.
Well, now the inside of the castle has settled down.
However, the reason why Spisk chose to besiege himself instead of trying to escape is probably because he is sure that the imperial army will come to this castle. After all, siege is a tactic that relies on reinforcements.
"I have to send a message to Milimos, who is heading to the frontline fort. The Empire is coming."
"Yes. And let's wait and worry about how Milimos will talk to the Empire's forces."
Even though I'm feeling sick to my stomach at the risk of my country being destroyed, Duke Avkolo---Sasdi seems amused. It was as if he was confident that Milimos would do something about it.
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