15. Brothers’ Conference

[Alfred’s POV]

Today Ariel-aniue, the King, summoned me together with Alex-aniuebecause there was something we need to discuss secretly among us brothers.

The two of them have already sat down in their seats earlier when I entered the King’s study.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“No, you’re just on time.”

Alex-aniue answered while pulling up a chair.

When I sat down, Ariel-aniue made the waitperson preparing black tea withdraw. He also repeatedly instructed the guards to not let anyone inside no matter what.

I could not help but wonder what in the world the discussion will be if he was this high-strung.

Ariel-aniue returned to his seat, and after breathing out a sigh, he began to speak with a grave expression.

“Both of you, thank you for coming even though you are busy. This is sudden but I had you come today because I want you to tell me your opinion on the contents of this letter.”

He said so and took out a letter.

And both I and Alex-aniue were at loss for words when we saw the wax seal crest stamped at its back.

“Isn’t this the country of Caspar’s seal? Surely, this isn’t be a declaration of war, right?”

I asked in a haste.

Since the Emperor took over, they have not started a new war so it was an unexpected situation.

If there would be an outbreak of war, the one in charged of the military division would be me.

As a magician, Alex-aniue will also have to participate in the war.

Just as the impending necessary matters popped into my head, the answer that came from Ariel-aniue was unexpected.

“No, it’s different. Rather, it is the opposite. They want to form an alliance with our Orania.”

“”Huh?””

I synchronized with Alex-aniue at being excessively mistaken.

“The current Emperor of Caspar seems to be a pacifist. It appears like they want to introduce tourism industry in their country with our country as a reference. Therefore they want to tie an alliance. As a compensation, they offered to support our country regarding military affairs.”

For that 『Aloof King』 to be a pacifist, what a ridiculous statement.

Although I only met him once when I participated in a ceremony of Caspar, that silver hair, green eyes and unsmiling appearance indeed 『aloof』 itself.

I should absolutely avoid situations that will result to meeting a man like that in the battlefield, that was the strong impression he left.

That was the kind of man who doesn’t choose the means for the sake of his own goals.

“Our country remained neutral since the previous great war. Therefore it is also difficult to say that our military force will win against other countries. However, in the recent years, I also received reports that there are movements aiming to start a war with our country. To be frank, I think I’m thankful. If Caspar supports our military force as an allied country, the ones aiming to start a war with our country will disappear.”

What Ariel-aniue said was the plain situation of our country at present.

“However, that sort of too good to be true story, there is no way it would be free right?”

The doubt of Alex-aniue was also justifiable.

The condition they attached must be the reason we gathered today.

“The condition is 『to let a woman, or a man with the appearance of a woman, from the royal family marry the Emperor as the Empress Consort』.”

What kind of condition is that!? I instinctively let out a retort.

Ariel-aniue continued.

“In case of a male, they want to somehow gloss over the gender in the official papers and have him marry as a woman. As is expect, having a male as the Emperor’s Consort seems unfavorable. But to go to that extent, it seems like they really want to learn our economic know-how—— how our country which was a devastated land just fifty years ago turned into a large sightseeing country. It appears like the current Emperor will seriously change the empire.”

“The youngsters nowadays are also strong-willed,” Ariel-aniue said in admiration.

However, Alex-aniue stated with a calm tone, “But there are no women in the royal family, there are no effeminate men either.”

That’s right. In our lineage, the probability of males being born is strangely high and many excelled in military arts.

All in all, it is only composed of people unrelated to being feminine.

“Right. This alliance has a lot of advantages for our country. I want to accept by all means, but there is no way we can fulfill the condition.”

Aren’t there any good ideas?

Ariel-aniue sipped black tea to cool down the despondent situation.

“How about we adopt a noble daughter then send her off to marry?”

Alex-aniue proposed.

“Well, can that really satisfy the condition of being royalty? We must avoid making them angry and starting a war. We must proceed carefully.”

That is certainly right.

A woman or a man with the appearance of a woman, possessing intelligence fit for a royalty, with the approximate age of early 20’s and must have the courage to marry the Aloof King.

Can we really find such perfectly capable person?

…………….

“Ah.”

My brothers turned to me.

“Alex-aniue, how should I say this, uhm, when you brought me bentou4 or 5 years ago, didn’t you talk about someone like that? He had the appearance of a woman but he is strong-willed and intelligent.”

Ah! Alex-aniue raised his voice.

“It’s Haruto! That’s right, he perfectly fits the condition. But Haruto doesn’t have any relatives. The first time he came to me, he cannot talk using the common language. I feel that it’s too pitiful to send that kind of kid to marry into the empire.”

To make Alex-aniue who had no attachment to anything think like that, I wonder what kind of person Haruto is?

“No, it’s convenient the he does not have any relative. Is the person named Haruto living with Alex now?”

At Ariel-aniue‘s question, Alex-aniue answered “yes” with difficulty.

“Then how about we declare him as Alex’s illegitimate child? Since he is living with Alex, the credibility increases, too.”

“No, it’s hopeless. these past few years, do you know the young lady rumored together with the Duke’s eldest son? That is Haruto. If we make it public that Haruto just have the appearance of a woman, it would not be consistent.”

The exchange of my older brothers continued.

“That only makes it more convenient. It would not be strange for him to be acquainted with a high-ranking noble if he is a royalty. Rather, it is natural for a royalty.”

This is the victory of Ariel-aniue.

As I decided that, Alex-aniue bit his lips.

“Alex, tell this Haruto to come here. I want to talk to him personally.”

If I were to say, Haruto might become unfortunate.

However, I am a royalty so I have the obligation to protect the numerous citizens.

For me now, I can only pray for Haruto to not be hurt as much as possible.

It was exactly when the waitperson finished brewing black tea and exited, that Haruto was brought to the study.