Common Sense of a Warrior

The next day, I visited the Grindal Ducal House.

Due to the time limitations, I was unable to go to each respective duke"s territory, so I instead went around to their villas in the Capital.

The Rinmel Princ.i.p.ality"s capital city was like that of Tasmeria Kingdom"s, and was found in the centre of the country.

Although it was called a capital city, for the Rinmel Princ.i.p.ality in which each territory had a strong sense of independence, the capital was more implied to be a place that acted as a buffer zone between each of the five Archduke houses.

Each House possessed a villa of the same size in the Capital, and every year, they would for a set period of time, gather here to decide on how the country should be managed.

The carriage swayed as I gazed at the town, and I arrived at the Grindal Ducal House.

"Welcome to Rinmel Princ.i.p.ality. Romel-dono."

The person who greeted me with a cheerful smile was indeed the head of the Grindal Ducal House himself.

"It is nice to meet you, Maurice-dono. I am grateful for your cheerful invitation on this day."

I also diligently smiled as I accepted his welcome.

"What……there is no greater honour than being able to host Tasmeria Kingdom"s famous Prime Minister."

"Oh my……famous, am I? I hope that what you"ve heard of my reputation isn"t one of infamy."

"Hahaha……how humble. What are you saying, as Tasmeria Kingdom"s celebrated Prime Minister of rare repute?"

"A celebrated Prime Minister huh……those are indeed some generous words."

I sat down in the seat offered by Maurice.

Alf stood in waiting behind me.

"Because we have been frequently exchanging letters, it doesn"t feel like this is our first meeting."

At Maurice"s words, the atmosphere softened in an instant.

"I agree. I also feel like this isn"t the first time I"ve met you."

Suddenly, the sight of a beautiful cloth that was hung on the window as a curtain caught my eyes.

The light blue fabric was adorned with a modest floral pattern.

The delicate design seemed to spread across the entire cloth, and gave a luxurious and gorgeous feeling to it.

"Speaking of famous……is that the world-famous Grindal cloth?"

"Yes, it is. Each detail on the Grindal cloth is weaved bit by bit by an artisan. As such, while some may appear identical, they have subtle differences."

"Hou……I see, is that so? The Grindal cloth is of course popular in Tasmeria Kingdom, but it is quite hard to get ahold of…….it truly is beautiful."

"That"s an honour."

Maurice smiled, satisfied.

"……incidentally, Romel-dono. What do you think of this country?"

Hearing that question, I removed my gaze from the Grindal cloth and directed it towards Maurice.

"I haven"t seen all of it but……it is the same as my country."

Without taking any time to think, I gave a prompt answer and hearing it, Maurice tilted his head.

"The people work, obtain food, eat, and then their lives connect. Seeing their appearance while doing that, I felt……that Tasmeria Kingdom and Rinmel Princ.i.p.ality had no difference between them."

"I see……"

Perhaps because he comprehended my meaning, Maurice quietly smiled.

"That is precisely why we should avoid any unnecessary conflict……do you not also think that?"

"I do not have such n.o.ble thoughts……I simply do not want my beloved people to be hurt…….no matter what the result, if a conflict were to occur, the people will definitely be hurt. I am unable to understand those who would seek that of their own accord."

Maurice stood up and walked towards the window.

He went towards the window that faced the north, where Duke Grindal"s territory lay.

"You truly love them…….your territory. And, your people."

"Of course…….are you not the same?"

"Yes, I love them…….that is why it is unfortunate that the ones that you spoke of [who would seek that of their own accord], exist in both your country, as well as my own."

Hearing my words, Maurice"s shoulder"s visibly dropped.

"……that is quite honest of you."

"While it may be selfish of me, I believe that both you and I have the same feelings with regards to this matter."

Maurice gave a small laugh.

"……that is true. If you truly love your own country, and wish to avoid conflict, then we are people who possess the same desire…….with regards to this matter, it is unfortunately that rather than those of my own country, I am more able to believe you instead."

"I feel the same. That is precisely why I thought that I wanted to speak with you frankly."

"I see……then, I should also speak frankly."

"That would be helpful."

I gave a small laugh.