30 - The Bookworm’s Second Life

Episode 30 of "Avid Reader's Rehabilitation Life" > Book Rabbit - Web Novel Archive <―> ―I entrust all decision-making power to you regarding everything that happens at the negotiation table. ― Count Clausen, the margrave responsible for the border of Hispania. Due to the heavy responsibility of defending the nation, he possesses such enormous power that he can decide on matters such as war and ceasefire at his discretion, without needing to report back to the kingdom for permission. This mighty margrave, Lichten Clausen, head of the Clausen family, has entrusted all of his authority to Zion. This act essentially meant he would regard any result Zion brought back as his own decision, without any questioning or repercussions. “Let's do it, war. If you dislike negotiating, then war is what's left." Thus, Zion could speak so boldly and openly about 'war.' Even for someone like himself, it was inherently burdensome to be so audacious. But having received all the authority of the margrave at such a moment enabled him to do so. “What, what did you just say…?” "Are you really such a bastard? Why can't you understand what I'm saying?" “To discuss war at a table meant for negotiating a truce! Are you threatening me, Nudiah?” “Yes, exactly. I am threatening you now.” Risikita almost lost his mind at Zion’s words. He knew what kind of person Zion was, but wasn't this going too far? Despite Nudiah's disadvantaged situation, if they continued this hostile atmosphere, they might retaliate by saying, 'Fine, let's go to war!' If that happened, it would indeed result in a full-scale war where one faction would fight until completely eradicated. ‘Should I intervene?’ As someone who serves a master, it was sometimes necessary to speak candidly. Risikita wondered if now might be the time, just as he was about to open his mouth. ‘...No.’ Zion’s gaze, although lacking the warmth with which he regarded his soldiers, still held a spark of intelligence. The man he served was speaking and acting according to a plan. ‘Trust him.’ Believing this was the path for Zion, Risikita stood firmly by his side with a determined expression. “Zion Clausen, Prince! Is that truly Clausen's intention? To reject the negotiation and go to war?” “Say it right. You're the one who rejected the negotiation proposal, not me.” “Didn't you set it up so there was no choice but to refuse?” “You said one year’s worth of taxes for your territory. When did I say ten years or a hundred years' worth? A year’s taxes should certainly be manageable if you liquidate your family's assets. I don't think the Basura County is such a poor place.” “What the…!” “Be honest. You've amassed quite a sum through underhanded means, haven’t you? If you cough all that up, you could pay the compensation right away. Am I wrong?” The novel was filled with excessively detailed settings. Among them were details about the Clausen Margraviate, where the early novel takes place, and the Basura County of Nudiah that bordered it. A completely ordinary county, but the newly appointed Count Dishe gradually amassed wealth. Not only by imposing exorbitant taxes but also by embezzling a portion of those excessive taxes. Perhaps he quickly abandoned Risikita fearing the royal family might discover his corruption. “Four million. That's a substantial amount of money, for sure. But it's not ‘impossible.’ I offered a compensation amount that is certainly within reach, yet it was you who refused it. So who is really rejecting peace here, me or you?” As Zion stated, while four million dir was indeed a hefty sum, it wasn't an unattainable one. Counties like Basura are not baronial or viscount territories but count territories, with significant tax revenue. A year's tax is indeed enormous, but it’s not impossible if the family liquidates its assets. “Let’s make things clear. First. You were the ones who started the war. Second. Yet your Basura territory soldiers crumbled under the Clausen's sudden strike. With the knight order devastated, you won't be able to do much for a while. Third. Reinforcements arrived from Nudiah Central. But they retreated without even attempting a proper siege battle, losing their momentum, making it impossible to gain the upper hand in future battles. And the most crucial fourth.” With a devilish smile, Zion continued as if whispering a temptation. “Realistically, the Nudiah royal family doesn’t care whether the Basura House falls or not.” “…!” The moment emotions are revealed at the negotiation table, the game is as good as finished. In that regard, Count Dishe had already effectively lost to Zion. “What a baseless accusation!” “Reinforcements came from Central. Yet, after a single failed attack, they retreated far away, setting up camp and just watching. Though they've lost their momentum, they could win if they actually engaged properly. Risikita was captured as a prisoner? Risikita is from the Basura territory, not a knight of the Central.” “Th-this…” “Scrap the negotiation. Then I’ll march directly into your territory and plunder the empty houses.” “Do you think the Nudiah royal family will sit idly by?” “They won’t sit still. But they’re not going to react swiftly either. After all, when a hated family is cornered, wouldn’t they be grateful? Unlike Clausen, Basura County faces a completely different situation, aside from its border proximity. It’s neither on close terms with the royal family, nor trusted, nor does it have a remarkable head. Instead, due to the issue with Risikita, the royal family finds them inconvenient, making them a family they’d rather do without. “And you seem to be confused about something; we only need to pillage your territory quickly and disappear.” We'll take only what's valuable and return to our territory. To Nudiah, we'll say this: 'The Clausen Margrave region sought peace by aligning with the royal will of Hispania and Nudiah, but the arrogant Basura County refused, so we seized what amounted to compensation and returned to our land.' We'll express that we have zero intention of occupying Nudiah territory." “Do you think that will hold water? It’s an invasion of territory. It calls into question the kingdom's pride!” "What do you think will happen? Basura County rejected negotiations. The Clausen Margrave wiped out that county and withdrew smoothly. And now the Nudiah royal family is left with nothing but a silly and arrogant county. The next steps are obvious to anyone, aren’t they?" Count Dishe was at a loss for words. That man, the prince of the Clausen Margraviate, a noble of Hispania, spoke with the precision of someone deeply familiar with Nudiah's current state and Basura County's predicament as if he were a prominent noble or minister of Nudiah. Count Dishe thought the king coming down on Risikita was a warning of sorts. That's why he quickly let go of Risikita, fearing the sparks of anger could reach him, yet this action only invited more pressure from the royal family. Realizing too late the importance of having Risikita as his only means of strength, a regret consumed him. "Risikita Amstel!" In his desperation, Dishe committed an unforgivable act. He diverted from the negotiation topics and brought up something unrelated. “Return to me at once. I’ll overlook this betrayal just this once!” “...What?” “Wow.” Even demons would probably mumble, 'Damn, I couldn't say that so boldly.' Perhaps he didn't fully grasp the meaning of the word ‘betrayal.' “What did you just say?” “Return to the territory! I know you were forced to stay there. I made a mistake. So come back. That’s not where you belong. You always belong by my side, Risikita!” Zion felt a headache pounding—pressing on his temples to calm the throbbing pain. Having run out of options, that guy was now resorting to complete nonsense. The pettiness of it was overwhelmingly formidable. “That’s...” Risikita trembled, her fists clenched tightly. After a moment of hesitation, she instinctively looked at Zion. Zion simply nodded, indicating she should do what she wishes. He respected whatever decision she made. “Hurry! Staying by that madman’s side will bring you great misfortune soon!” “…” Her lips tightly pressed together, she turned away from Zion and began to walk slowly. As Risikita decided to return after a brief hesitation, Dishe’s face brightened. If only she returned, waging war with the Clausen Margraviate seemed possible again. The royal family would have to re-evaluate their approach towards the county, making this all the more… Thud— Count Dishe spun around and collapsed on his side. It was like a scene from a comic, and Zion couldn’t help but applaud. “Bravo.” The dazed Count Dishe looked up at Risikita, finally aware that she had just punched him in the face with all her might. "You... you wretch! Did you just strike your master?" “...I will kill you.” “Wha... what?” The chilling coldness in Risikita's voice made Count Dishe instinctively shut his mouth. Part of him realized that running his mouth anymore could lead to his demise. “Say one more word, and I will kill you for real.” “You... you think you can…?” “Do not insult me before my master, and dare not insult my master before me. Otherwise, I will rip out your heart and chew it.” The deadly aura she released was overwhelming. Neither Count Dishe nor the knights guarding him could move an inch. ‘Of course. Even if it’s limited to the beginning, she’s one of the few powerful fighters in Nudiah who can go toe-to-toe with Kim Yuhyun. In a year, she becomes a master of a now-lost style of Nudiah swordsmanship, and most importantly! Her loyalty stat is so high it practically reaches outer space.’ With such a loyal subordinate, even someone less capable would be considered valuable. Especially if they could fight Kim Yuhyun on equal footing early in the novel—one might say, 'I’d gladly take a knee and recruit her as a subordinate.’ Moreover, if she's a character with potential for further growth? This feels like hitting the second prize in a lottery. “Ugh…” Perhaps realizing his last hope had shattered, Count Dishe emitted a beastly groan, unable to rise from where he had fallen. Zion laughed at the pitiful sight, and then spoke. “If you’re not going to do four million, then I’m done here. Sitting around with a fool who doesn’t even know the ‘n’ of ‘negotiation’ feels like a waste of time. It's the first time I've seen the desperate party setting the meeting and restricting participants. What a sight, someone who doesn't know whether they're in a position of strength or weakness setting foot at the negotiation table. Nudiah’s state of affairs is so transparently obvious, one doesn't even need to see it to know.” That's a lie. I've seen it, which is why it’s obvious. “You…you damn! Risikita! Risikita Amstel! How could you betray me! You promised to serve me till death, yet you betray and betray again, can you call yourself a knight?” “Didn’t you abandon me first!” “You foolish wench! Did you think it was easy for me? It pained me too. I suffered as well! Did you never consider the urgency that compelled your master to abandon you?” “...Such a line makes my heart swell.” Thunk—. With a rather irritating demeanor, Zion smirked coldly. “There are always people like you, aren't there? The kind who feels a splinter in their finger hurts more than a nail driven into someone else's heart. Not that I’m criticizing, because I find the splinter in my hand more painful too. But if you’re the one hammering a nail into someone’s heart, you shouldn’t whine just because they poke you with a splinter.” Zion stood up and gently pulled Risikita to his side. Intending to have her stand close by, it seemed she either intentionally relaxed or was caught off guard, ending up almost in his embrace. “This wasn't quite what I had in mind,” he muttered, pushing Risikita slightly away before speaking again. “Four million. That's my first negotiation term. If you can't even agree to that, go ahead and fight to your heart's content or bite your tongue and die. That’s probably the most loyal thing you can do for your king.” “Nngh…” “Taking that as a refusal, then the negotiation is off…” “Grrr! Fine. Fine! Four million dir! I’ll raise the compensation to four million dir!” Well, now we're getting somewhere. Finally, it seemed to be time to really start making a profit. “Alright, four million. Thanks for the four million!” For reference, four million was just Zion's initial negotiation condition. [Postscript] Transition from four consecutive updates on Sunday to four updates today―