National Defense Council (2)
“Not only that. If Arland exports airships to other countries, they can’t easily invade. That’s because the technology for airships is currently owned by Arland. The only ones with the capability to make them are in Arland, and the continent still desires many airships. Could the Empire and the Imperial State afford to attack Arland?”
Silence dominated the place. Nevertheless, I continued. I had already taken action. I wanted the Empire to lose its influence.
“What if a country opposing the Empire and the Imperial State could buy airships from Arland? What if they could consistently obtain airships without turning blades against Arland? How would they deal with a country attacking Arland?”
A nobleman stood up from the audience. His name was Count Schultz Hoordman.
Most Arland nobles would likely know about him. His family was corrupt. They oppressed the commoners and bribed other nobles to cover it up. However, he trapped his parents and took their title and territory, all while presenting them to the Church’s care. Despite his misdeeds, his rule was so benevolent that other nobles couldn’t complain. He sat at the second round table in this meeting, and his influence was disproportionately significant to sit there.
He was a dandy man in his forties, fitting with a well-suited mustache.
“Do you intend to change the power balance of this continent, Princess? With just one move, the Empire would find it difficult to invade Arland. Have you created the airships with such intentions?”
“Yes. For Arland to prosper, we must eliminate external threats. However, Arland lacks the manpower and determination to govern the Empire’s territories thoroughly. Arland does not invade other countries.
But eliminating external threats is necessary. So, I made the airship. But it doesn’t end there. Within 10 years, the Empire and the Imperial State will be unable to invade Arland militarily. This plan is only about securing the budget and buying time.”
When I said that, he laughed. It contained the innocence of a child and the cunning of a noble. He, a capable man, probably made the nobles in this venue aware that this is not the end. If they can endure these 10 years, Arland will be free from external threats. But there was still doubt in their faces.
Moreover, if one were to invade other countries, it is the ruler’s duty to govern them thoroughly. Abandoning that duty would lead to becoming like the Empire. Arland, a land cherished by its people, does not desire territories that cannot be governed.
“You still have something to hide, don’t you? You’re a sly one. You probably already have this entire continent in the palm of your hand, right? Show us a glimpse of it.”
“Sure.”
I present two blueprints using projection magic.
“That’s–!”
This time, all the nobles in the venue stood up. It was an undeniable force—the blueprint of that. However, it is undoubtedly something Arland cannot create. To build it would require a construction cost on the scale of a national budget. It was something that once held the title of the strongest on Earth and gave birth to a new era. Although they were unfamiliar with it, they realized its terrifying nature from the completed design and its name.
“I want to create this. The Research and Development Bureau will request a corresponding budget for it.”
“Princess… What do you desire? This… With this, not only this country but the entire continent could be in our hands. It must not exist. By reviving ancient nightmares, what do you wish for?”
“Peace. If the Empire wants to unify the continent over a pile of corpses, I want to create peace over the corpses of anyone other than our Kingdom’s people. I won’t let our country fall into anyone’s hands.”
Finally obtaining what I wanted, I won’t let anyone have it. Neither my family nor the citizens of Arland will be at the mercy of the Empire and the Imperial State. If they want to invade, let them try. I will mock their foolish choices.
“Peace… is it? Ah, indeed, that’s what we want. With this, no other country can ever destroy us. As long as we don’t stray from the path, Arland can never be destroyed. It seems like a dream.”
Schultz looked up suddenly. Perhaps feeling like years of his hard work were somewhat rewarded? The nobles, too, seemed to be in a state of dreaming.
“We need to clean up the domestic situation. And we absolutely cannot let the princess be taken. She will need appropriate protection from now on.”
“Indeed. Well then, I will restrain the parliament and negotiate with other countries. The Kingdom’s policy is to create an anti-Empire and Imperial State alliance. Any country desiring the airships will find it hard to refuse participation. Father, please ensure there are no hindrances from various directions and interference with Alice.”
My Big brother smiled with great satisfaction. It was a dark smile to the extent that everyone in the venue was visibly repulsed.
“Hmph. I will do that even without being told! Finally… at last, at this moment when we can achieve our prosperity, I won’t tolerate it being ruined by other fools. The Royal family will support the Viceroy. You feel the same way, don’t you? Let’s take a vote. Will the members of the Royal family and the Defense Council be the support of the Viceroy?”
“We approve. For the Kingdom.”
“”””For the kingdom!””””
The nobles knelt before my Father. I also knelt, at least I feel like I shouldn’t ignore the flow.