Chapter 181: Exchange Terms (2)

Queen Carmilla looked around and then asked a nearby guard.

「Isn’t Tiana ready yet? 」

「Sorry, ma’am! She seems to be busy with that task…」

「What a foolish girl. Let’s move on with the matter then. 」

…That task?

I was curious, but Queen Carmilla changed topics.

「Of course, I believe the reason the hero and goddess descended on this earth was to save the world. But I’m tired of fighting. I believe you’ve heard from John Dae, but I’m thinking of forming an alliance with the Principality of Galvano. 」

「Even though they killed the king and gave you that body? 」

Seiya was way too straightforward when he asked that question. I was nervous, but the queen didn’t let her smile fade.

「I can’t bear to see the people of Tarmine suffer any longer. Even if the treaty is a little unfair, I am willing to make an alliance. That way, I won’t have to watch my people die anymore. 」

Seiya and the others were all silent. I spoke loudly to break the silence.

「I think that’s a great idea! 」

The queen laughed. Seiya whispered to me again.

「What are you saying all of sudden? 」

「I’m glad that the people who are deeply connected to me are decent people even in this twisted world…」

Since coming to Twisted Exfolia, I had come into contact with many people who didn’t have human hearts. But Colt and the others, and also Queen Carmilla, were decent and kind-hearted people even in this twisted and cruel world. I was glad about that.

However, Seiya spoke in a low voice.

「If we succumb to a powerful country and are forced to sign an unequal treaty, Tarmine will find itself in even greater difficulty. It’s not a good plan. 」

「Come on! Why do you always say such things! 」

However, Eich also seemed to have a similar mindset.

「An alliance, huh? Leon is a man dedicated to war. Of course we have doubts about this so-called alliance. I doubt he’ll even come to the negotiations. 」

After hearing Eich’s reasoning, Queen Carmilla put her hands into the front of her dress.

「Well, I’ve prepared a proper souvenir for him. So I doubt he’ll refuse. 」

Colt’s eyes widened as he saw the pendant she took out from her chest.

「That’s…! 」

「It’s the『Artema Resurrection』. I wear it all the time. 」

It was a large ruby-colored gemstone that showed a mysterious glow around it.

「This Artema is not that useful. Unlike the Artema that other countries have, this Artema doesn’t help because it lacks combat skills. In fact, a human will turn into an undead if it uses it. This Artema is like double-edged sword. 」

Queen Carmilla shrugged her shoulders, then stiffened the expression on her face.

「But there’s value in possessing this. If one of the four Artema is missing, we won’t be able to stop the resurrection of Artema Menace. 」

Queen Carmilla put the pendant away in her chest and declared the following words.

「I’m going to give up the Artema Resurrection that belongs to Tarmine. 」

「What did you say! 」

Colt, who was usually aloof, shouted with a pale face. He leaned forward and said to Queen Carmilla.

「Are you saying you’re going to give the Artema Resurrection to Leon? That’s a bit…」

「It’s more like we’ll keep it together, rather than hand it over. 」

「Bu…But…」

Colt was at a loss for words, but Eich said nonchalantly.

「But, if that’s the case, then it’s certainly worth negotiating. I’m sure Leon will head here himself in order to get the Artema Resurrection. 」

「Actually, there’s a fortified place named Swain Fortress on the border between the Kingdom of Tarmine and the Principality of Galvano. The two nations once held peaceful talks at the round table of that fort, even though it was too long ago…」

John Dae spoke in a dignified voice as if he took over Queen Carmilla’s words.

「We have named this negotiation the “Round Table of Lasting Peace”. It will take place five days from now at Swain Fortress, and I would like the hero and the goddess to participate in this important endeavor. I would like you two to be third-party witnesses. At the same time, I would like you to escort Queen Carmilla and Princess Tiana on that day. 」

「Of course, I will also serve as an escort. 」, John Dae explained, finishing his words. I felt confused and glanced at Seiya. Eich muttered out loud before Seiya could speak.

「Hmm. Even if the negotiations are successful, aren’t you afraid of what will happen after that? Leon is a tyrant who doesn’t care about his own people. He seems like the type of person who would easily break a promise. 」

When Eich said those words, Queen Carmilla showed a sad smile for some reason.

「The negotiations will go as planned. And everything will proceed smoothly even after its conclusion. In addition to the joint possession of Tarmine’s Artema, I will attain a promise that Leon cannot betray. 」

「…I see. 」

Seiya nodded meaningfully. 「What! What does that even mean? 」, while I was wondering…

「Okay, no problem. We’ll take part in that plan of yours. 」

Right when Seiya decided to join the “Round Table of Lasting Peace”, the door to the Queen’s Chamber slid open. At that moment, I saw Seiya gasp, which was unusual for him.

A cheerful-looking woman with long brown hair and a tucked-up dress came running down the red carpet. She was wearing a royal dress, but her appearance was the same as shown in the crystal ball owned by the Great Goddess Isister.

「So…Sorry for being this late!! 」

She shouted right in front of us, then her legs got tangled, and she fell on the red carpet with her face.

My previous self…Princess Tiana, came towards us before hitting her face on the red carpet.

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Ahahah she’s exactly like Lista 😉

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