Volume 3 Chapter 9 Rouen And Yuuri, Having A Meeting
──A few days later, at Ryougen-kun's mansion──
"Rou-sama. Have you met with the messenger from Souma Country?"
This is a room in the mansion.
Crown Prince Rouen was talking with Ryougen-kun's youngest daughter, Yuuri.
Recently, Rouen has been trying to learn about politics from Ryougen-kun.
After that, it had become a daily routine for him to drink tea with Yuuri.
"It seems the eldest daughter of the Souma Country king is here. Did you attend the meeting with her, Rou-sama?"
"Ah. I saw her the other day at the royal palace."
Rouen replied.
His gaze remained fixed on the documents on the desk.
He was looking at the materials about domestic affairs that Ryougen-kun had given him.
Lately, Rouen has been receiving guidance on politics from Ryougen-kun.
Ryougen-kun brings up real events that have happened and asks Rouen how he would solve them. Of course, these are cases that have already been resolved. The results can be found with some research.
However, what is needed is the answer to "why did they do that?"
If he doesn't understand that, there is no point in receiving guidance.
So, Rouen keeps thinking.
The more he thinks, the more his desire for knowledge grows. At the same time, he realizes his own lack of knowledge. It frustrates him, and he can't stop learning.
That is the situation Rouen is in now.
"What impression did you have, Rou-sama?"
"...Huh? Oh, it was about the princess of Souma Country."
Noticing that Yuuri's words were still going on, Rouen looked up from the documents.
"She was a polite person. What she wore was flashy, but not that expensive. It seems she avoid luxury and waste. I think she is a trustworthy person."
"Yes. I thought so too."
Smiling, Yuuri took a sip of tea.
"I have something to tell you about that person, Rou-sama."
"What is it about?"
"My friend said that since Souma Country has no sea, they would be happy if we showed them around. They suggested that showing the sea would be a way for Aika Country to welcome other countries... that's what they said."
"Hmm. That's an interesting story."
Rouen nodded.
"Yuuri-dono. Who told you this story?"
"It was Kou Kairyou-sama's younger sister~desuwa."
"Kairyou's sister... oh, Ryuu Seirei. But why would Kairyou's sister say something like that?"
"Kou Tenhou-sama, the second son of the Kou family, visited Souma Country recently. During that time, it seems he was given the right to move freely within Souma Country."
It seemed Yuuri had already decided to share this story.
She explained it to Rouen without hesitation.
"That's how the Kou family got connected with the messenger from Souma Country. I heard that the first princess of Souma Country wants to see the ocean."
"Kairyou's younger brother was allowed to move freely within Souma Country. As a return gift, the first princess wants to go to the ocean..."
"What do you think, Rou-sama?"
"I thought they were just having a fun conversation... is this also a challenge, Yuuri-neesan?"
Crown Prince Rouen looked at Yuuri, smiling wryly.
"Are you planning to give me a challenge like my uncle does, Yuuri-neesan? Is this a practical problem?"
"Oh? I'm not trying to test you, Rou-sama."
"No, no. Both my uncle and you, Yuuri-dono, are not people to be taken lightly." (T/N: the suffix keep changing?)
Crown Prince Rouen sipped his tea with a cheerful expression.
"Besides, it's not a bad feeling to be tested by both of you. In fact, I think it would be the end if I stopped being tested."
"Your Royal Highness, you're joking."
"I'm not joking, Yuuri-neesan. I want you and my uncle to keep testing me."
His tone was serious.
Holding the teapot, Rouen spoke in a calm voice.
"In the past, I was always afraid of the nickname 'Cursed Crown Prince.' I was so unaware that I couldn't see anything."
"...Rou-sama."
"It was Yuuri-neesan who made me realize that... no, I'm sorry. We were in the middle of a challenge, weren't we?"
"Come on, Rouen-sama. I told you it's not about the assignment."
"I just don't want to disappoint Yuuri-neesan."
Crown Prince Rouen shrugged.
"It's about whether to allow the Souma Country's delegation to tour Aika Country. The Kou family also wants to show them the sea. The question is how to handle that..."
Some high officials in Aika Country look down on the rising Souma Country.
Rouen used to be one of them.
He thought he could show his strength by looking down on Souma Country.
Now, he feels embarrassed when he remembers.
He even confronted a Souma Country exchange student──Sui Kaou.
It was Kou Tenhou who stopped him.
And Crown Prince Rouen owes his life to Kou Tenhou and Sui Kaou. It happened in the north. When he was attacked by the prince of the Jinkyo Tribe, those 2 came to his rescue. Back then, it was hard for him to admit that they saved him... but now it's different.
──He wants to be a different person.
So, Rouen keeps thinking.
Souma Country is a friendly nation. If it's their delegation, they should be treated well.
However, if they are treated too well, it might anger the high officials of Aika Country.
If that anger is directed at Souma Country, it would be pointless.
Then──
"Well, if the princess of Souma Country wants to see the ocean, it would be good to grant her wish. And to do that naturally... how about I, Rouen, head to the northern fortress?"
Suddenly, Rouen spoke the words that came to his mind.
"If we do that, the Souma Country's messenger can naturally fulfill her wish. Do you understand the reason, Yuuri-dono?"
"Well, Rouen-sama, are you testing me?"
"I just want to hear your opinion, Yuuri-dono."
"Let me think..."
Yuuri took a moment to consider.
"Is it to have the Souma Country's messenger see you off partway to the northern fortress, Your Royal Highness Rouen?"
"...As expected of you, Yuuri-dono."
"To show gratitude for Aika Country's hospitality, the people of Souma Country will see off His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to the highway. Along the way, Your Royal Highness Rouen intends to encourage the people of Souma Country to go to the ocean, right? As a return for the send-off."
"Correct, Yuuri-dono."
Crown Prince Rouen nodded.
"By doing this, Aika Country can show its greatness as a nation. Souma Country will keep its manners and, at the same time, see Aika Country's ocean and gain various insights. I, Rouen, will allow the people of Souma Country to act freely as a return for the send-off. No one will complain."
"That's a good idea, Your Royal Highness."
"Now, do you understand why this Rouen is heading north?"
Rouen held up 2 fingers.
"There are 2 reasons. Do you think Yuuri-dono knows?"
"Well... I believe Your Royal Highness plans to train Gaku Kiryuu-dono's troops in the north, right?"
"......Yuuri-dono."
Rouen's eyes widened in surprise.
He didn't expect to be figured out so easily.
"I really don't want to make an enemy out of you, Yuuri-dono."
Rouen sighed.
"If, by any chance, Yuuri-dono were to become an enemy... this country might fall apart."
"Oh? Do you think I would turn against you, Rou-sama?"
"That's how much I value you. You figured out my plan so quickly."
"Thank you. As a thank you for your compliment, I'll refill your tea."
Yuuri picked up the teapot.
She stood next to Rouen and poured tea into his empty cup.
Just pouring tea for Rouen made her feel fulfilled, and she hid her smile with her sleeve as she continued.
"Gaku Kiryuu-sama is an excellent military commander. And he sees the Jinkyo Tribe as an enemy. It would be suitable to train his troops in the north."
Yuuri took a breath and,
"At the northern fortress, we have 'General Skybear' Kou Eishin-dono. He has combat experience with the Jinkyo Tribe, along with the new military commander, Gaku Kiryuu-sama. By bringing these two together, I believe Rouen-sama wants to show the soldiers that Aika Country has gained new strength... that is his purpose."
"You are correct, Yuuri-dono."
"However... I don't understand the other reason."
Yuuri returned to her seat, tilting her head in confusion.
"You mentioned there are 2 reasons. Is there another reason for His Royal Highness Rouen to head north?"
"Hehe. You don't understand, do you, Yuuri-dono?"
Saying this, Rouen lowered his gaze.
He took a sip of the tea Yuuri had made and looked down.
"You wouldn't understand. It relates to this Rouen's foolishness."
"...Your Royal Highness Rouen's foolishness?"
"I want to visit the grave of the 'Wolf Cavalry' who lost their lives in the north."
"...Ah."
Yuuri couldn't help but let out a sound.
Crown Prince Rouen had previously been attacked by the Jinkyo Tribe in the north.
At that time, several soldiers──'Wolf Cavalry'──had lost their lives protecting him.
The enemy was the prince of the Jinkyo Tribe.
Faced with a strong foe, Rouen was saved by Kou Kairyou, Kou Tenhou, and Sui Kaou, and somehow managed to survive.
"Rou-sama. Victory and defeat are common in warfare. There's no need to worry so much──"
"If the right command was given, then that's true. But at that time, I made a mistake. Because of that, my subordinates lost their lives. I... don't want to forget that."
"...Rou-sama."
"I will not make the same mistake again. To swear that, I want to visit their graves."
Crown Prince Rouen looked up and stared straight at Yuuri as he said this.
"Only you, Yuuri-neesan, can say such things. I don't mind if you are disappointed. But I want you to know my true feelings."
"I won't be disappointed."
Yuuri quietly stood up.
Then, with graceful movements, she clasped her hands in front of Rouen.
"I believe Your Royal Highness Rouen's thoughts are truly precious."
"...Is that so?"
"Of course, I will keep Your Royal Highness's true feelings in my heart. Ai Yuuri vows that I will never reveal Your Royal Highness's true thoughts to anyone. If I break this vow, may my heart burst and my blood spill."
"No, that vow is not good. It would be a problem if you died!"
"I was just expressing my determination."
"Even so, it's not okay. If you die, there will be no one left to share my true feelings with."
"Oh, Rou-sama."
"...Really, Yuuri-dono."
After that, the two began to discuss details.
The next day, during the morning meeting, it was announced that Crown Prince Rouen would head to the northern fortress.
There were some opposing views and cautious opinions, but most agreed that "training the soldiers is important as a measure against the Jinkyo Tribe."
Crown Prince Rouen and Gaku Kiryuu would lead the soldiers to the northern fortress.
This information was passed to Seirei through Yuuri, and from Seirei to Ouka. There was also a suggestion:
'How about the Souma Country's messenger seeing off Crown Prince Rouen as he heads north?'
The messenger's representative, Sou Shisui, accepted the proposal.
Thus, while Tenhou was away, things moved forward──Seirei and Ouka also moved closer to the town of Toushun──
At the same time, the forces of Aika Country were also set to head north.
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