Chapter 516 – Post-War Settlement and Banquets

“Your Majesty. May I have a moment?”

After finishing the maintenance in the basement and returning outside, Weltes came to Queen Eldorene.

“Hmm. What is it?”

“It seems the representatives for the Sea King’s Subordinates have been decided.”

“Oh? I thought there would be more contention, but that was quite fast. Then I suppose we must meet with them immediately.”

After saying this, Queen Eldorene looked at me and spoke.

“My apologies. I need to speak with their representatives for a while.”

“Not at all. We haven’t even begun preparations to return to the duchy yet, so it’s no problem.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that. I’d like Theodore-dono to join the discussion as well.”

“Understood.”

Post-war procedures, huh. Well, they’re certainly necessary measures.

Regarding the treatment of prisoners, since Queen Eldorene had stated she wouldn’t take their lives if they surrendered, various decisions about their future would need to be made.

Having them choose representatives before deciding their treatment… It seems Queen Eldorene has her own considerations. Well, what happens to them will likely depend on the meeting’s outcome.

“What is the representative’s name?”

“A man named Eckels. He appears to have earned the respect of his subordinates. I exchanged a few words with him myself, and he seems to be quite the warrior.”

In response to Queen Eldorene’s question, Weltes answered quietly. That captain of the royal guard? Well, I can certainly understand why he’d be chosen.

“What happened to the man named Diboris?”

That magician should have served as an aide alongside General Lubaldo. I thought he held the third highest position after the general, but from what I’m hearing, Eckels seems to have been chosen rather easily.

“No. It appears the magicians among the Subordinates lost most of their magical power when Waldom perished, separate from the Sealing Technique… They’ve become completely listless…”

When I asked, Queen Eldorene’s expression darkened slightly.

…I see. So that’s why they went with the royal guard captain. The details of our battle with Waldom and the others had been conveyed to the queen and her people. Indeed, even from my perspective, Eckels seems to be the only suitable candidate.

Well, anyway, I’ll join Queen Eldorene to hear what he has to say. Sion crossed swords with Eckels directly, so she’s probably concerned about his treatment too.

When we went together to the audience chamber, Eckels was already there.

Flanked by soldiers on both sides, he waited with his eyes closed, as if in formal seiza. Emergency treatment with Healing Magic had been applied, green gel spread over his wounds and bandages wrapped… While his wounds had been treated, he probably wasn’t fully healed, yet he showed no sign of pain from his injuries.

“I am Eldorene. Queen of Grantios. Your name is Eckels, I believe? Your wounds haven’t fully healed yet—there was no need to rush so much.”

“Indeed. As a result of discussions with everyone, I have become the representative of our clan and come before you. At this point, I am prepared to accept any treatment. Matters like these are better handled quickly.”

Eckels seemed aware of his role as representative, his expression showing determination. Neither fawning nor cursing. And not intimidated by the military officers lining the audience chamber either. He simply looked back at Queen Eldorene calmly and directly.

“Theodore-dono. Could you remove his Cursed Tool?”

Queen Eldorene said after watching Eckels for a while. …A Cursed Tool? Understood.

Upon hearing these words, Eckels showed a surprised expression. I removed the ring that had been on Eckels’ wrist. Eckels touched his wrist, clenching and unclenching his fist.

“…What Grantios aims for is for more people of the sea to live peacefully in the Cleansing sea. For that purpose, I believe we need your cooperation.”

Saying this, Queen Eldorene looked at Eckels.

“That is… Do you mean you would accept us as people of Grantios? And would the people of Grantios accept that?”

Eckels seemed somewhat bewildered.

“Of course, it won’t be that simple. But if you examine Grantios’ history, it’s not uncommon. For example—our ancestors fought with Weltes’ tribe over there. And with other tribes too. Each time, the chieftains joined hands and formed what Grantios is today. We are the people of Grantios. Those who inherit the will of our merciful mother and ancestors. After war ends, we do not consider staining the sea with our opponents’ blood to be acceptable.”

I see… So Grantios has that kind of historical background. Weltes, the soldiers, and the assembled military officers all listened with dignity…

That said, as an underlying matter for Grantios, since they’ve accepted the surrender of Eckels and the others, they must decide their treatment. They can’t go back on the queen’s promise, nor can they keep them imprisoned forever. Especially since Grantios has that background.

However, it’s probably true that many among the Subordinates are rough characters. With Waldom and Lubaldo gone, and having lost their power while being in the minority… From my assessment, their weakening is considerable, making it difficult for them to stage rebellions easily, and with those who led the fighting gone… Still, who knows what might happen in the future. That’s probably why Queen Eldorene believes she needs someone to keep them in line if they’re to be accepted as citizens.

No, perhaps that’s just the Grantios way. Whether they remain prisoners or accept living as people of Grantios—their treatment beyond that, and how the people of Grantios view them, will depend on the Subordinates’ mindset and actions. That’s probably why they concluded they need Eckels’ cooperation.

Eckels closed his eyes. A long Silence followed. He seemed to be pondering various things.

The conflict over changing masters. What they’ve done. The responsibility arising from his current position as representative differing from his previous role. Various matters he had no choice but to consider… Eventually, having reached a conclusion perhaps, Eckels opened his mouth.

“…Understood. I shall acknowledge you as my master and pledge lifelong loyalty to Grantios.”

Saying this, Eckels knelt before the queen.

“Then, Eckels. I shall welcome you as one of the chieftains of the tribes belonging to Grantios.”

“—So it seems Eckels will become a chieftain from now on.”

“Understood.”

On the bridge of the Sirius—upon hearing about Eckels’ treatment, Sion nodded with a solemn expression.

After the audience ended, we boarded the Sirius as planned and are currently en route to the duchy.

From now on, it seems the Sea King’s Subordinates will be gradually released, starting with those Eckels deems trustworthy.

During that time, they’ll likely create an orderly framework—making announcements to the people of Grantios, deciding where and how the Subordinates will live—to ensure things proceed as smoothly as possible with minimal friction.

It seems there are indeed those Eckels doesn’t trust and those who are hot-blooded… So their treatment will involve keeping Cursed Tools on them and considering various individual approaches.

Well… Even among the Subordinates, the royal guard members whose skills were a cut above seemed disciplined, matching their high training level. Since those Eckels trusts are mostly in the royal guard, maintaining tribal control probably won’t be that difficult.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Then Grace arrived carrying wooden plates on a tray. On the plates were freshly baked sweets emitting an aromatic fragrance. She had made them in the ship’s kitchen.

Nibbling on Grace’s baked sweets and leisurely drinking tea while the Sirius sails the sea.

Now then. We plan to stop by Aianos along the way to inform them about our victory in the City of the Sea battle.

As for Queen Eldorene… She seemed to have various things on her mind, but as if matching the bright atmosphere inside the ship, she shook her head slightly and seemed to switch her mood.

“Then, I’ll have one.”

“Here you go.”

Though reconstruction and post-war procedures will be challenging from here on, the impression is that troublesome matters were resolved relatively quickly and policies have been established.

As Queen Eldorene, she’s probably reached a point where she can relax her shoulders a bit.

“Oh. This is quite…”

“Land sweets… They’re delicious.”

“At this rate, I’m looking forward to the Party.”

Queen Eldorene, along with Rovisa and Marion, were enjoying Grace’s baked sweets.

“A Party? Hmm. To be invited to a land banquet… One never knows what life will bring. Normally, we should be the ones hosting the banquet, but we’ve fallen behind—my apologies.”

“If there were preparations in Grantios, Queen Eldorene would naturally host a banquet, but apparently most supplies had already been sent to Aianos.”

“Not at all, please don’t worry about it.”

“No, no, we can’t just leave it at that. According to Duke Driscoll, you plan to stop at an uninhabited island in nearby waters?”

“That’s right. On the sea chart, it’s this island.”

“Hmm. The location isn’t bad either. Then… While hosting a gratitude banquet in Aianos would be good, bringing supplies to that island and having it there… might also be nice.”

“Hmm. With victory celebrations, it’s nothing but Parties. A joyous matter.”

“I agree.”

The Duke smiled, and Sheila showed agreement.

Either way, it’ll probably be all seafood, so I understand why Sheila’s excitement is rising.

Well, that’s true. If we use the Sirius as the Party venue, we can have something like a banquet anywhere, and that might not be bad either.

“Looking at it this way, in terms of the island’s positional relationships, it’s in a rather good location whether viewed from Verdgar or Grantios.”

Prince Helfried said after looking at the sea chart.

“That’s true. If we’re going to make various modifications anyway, making it easier to welcome guests from the sea also sounds interesting.”

“In that case, utilizing the terrain around this area of the island might be fun too.”

“Ah, it seems to be an inlet.”

In response to Rosemary’s words, Ashley seemed to imagine the modifications, smiling happily.

The female members continued talking excitedly about how it might turn out.

“Hmm. Like a pirate’s secret hideout—it’s thrilling.”

When Auria said this, Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana nodded with understanding expressions.

“Indeed…”

Said Princess Elham. Hmm. I can’t help but feel she’s being influenced a bit.

Well, anyway… Secret hideouts aside. For now, creating some facilities in the sea—we already have experience with that in Grantios. With the queens’ cooperation, we might even get anti-deterioration paint provided, so I’ll think through various ideas.

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