- Erys -
The council continues.
After it seemed imminent that Uma would tell us all that any contact to the surface, and more importantly the humans, would cease from now on, due to an astonishing turn of events, which involved the sudden appearance of Chera, things have changed drastically.
Now it looks as if Uma would be almost willing to support Tarsona.
I'm not sure if I'm fine with something that's gonna turn so incredibly violent as tunnels flooding in ever-spilled green and red blood.
Yet it makes sense.
A great conflict on the side of Tarsona would be a huge escalation in contrast to some skirmishes in the tunnels.
Liseti is gratefully still willing to take my side on this matter.
From a strategic point, it might even be smart to keep Tarsona intact, so they'd deal with human aggressors for us.
However, this is quite problematic talk.
Especially, in front of the nobles.
They whisper, plot, and collude, but only one is willing to truly raise his voice at us.
"Ahem, may Ie..?" (K)
What would the king want?
Unfortunately for him, speaking up calls his captor, or perhaps self-perceived owner, to action.
At this, he looks slightly defeated.
I think only Mum can relate as to how well one can endure Honiu.
Countless drones lay their eyes on him, more than ready to end his life at a moment's notice.
I can fully understand that he's uncomfortable speaking in this situation, but fitting his kingly status, he doesn't let that stop him from doing so anyway.
I seriously feel bad for him.
No one deserves Honiu.
I must grant him this, it needs courage to stand this bold in front of our titanic queen.
I think I understand!
I had this term discussed in my studies.
Mostly when it was about what Koreso even thinks it could achieve in Tarsona.
As it was explained to me, Koreso doesn't want to have Tarsona become a genuine part of it.
That would mean granting citizens the same rights as their own and thus no slaves.
No, rather they want to take over Tarsona as a lesser nation from which they can derive tributes that may, to a great deal, consist of slaves.
An outcome that became quite unthinkable as Tarsona abolished slavery.
A seemingly fundamental conflict that can only be solved in spilled blood.
But why would the king then suggest just this?
I guess nobody here is arguing that the swarm is the greater power in this example.
From what I was taught, it's actually one of the most important factors.
While the inner politics have to be watched by the greater power to prevent, for example, the establishment of an army that could threaten the superiors, alliances with other neighboring nations would mean they could just invite them to form a coalition against the tyrants.
So the system of being the protectorate can only work if the greater power has a say.
After all, it isn't exactly the most voluntary situation a nation could end up in.
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Yet if we would do this at their request, I'd want to be clear about the conditions.
Uma is quite clearly letting it slip through that she finds it exhausting to work around the fact that humans can't be trusted.
What would I ask for?
In return for protection, my former country may be willing to give me anything within reason.
Well, I suppose I should say, give us anything.
There are several things I believe would be fitting.
Yet before I can answer, another, more relevant individual, does so in my stead.
Once again she imparts something a bit strange.
It’s more like the brood of my offspring of the princess pattern, but that would be too cumbersome to use.
Grandchildren sounds nicer in my head, so I'm translating it like this.
She doesn't miss out here, huh?
He seems more than willing to meet this demand.
Establishing some more fields in return for a safe border.
Usually, mercenaries are more expensive than this.
At this, I feel Liseti's gaze upon me and a wordless command that I should speak up now.
Apparently, my pheromones let slip that I have ideas of my own.
From her comes a sense of expectation for any insight or display of proficiency that would justify my participation and allow me to play a crucial role in the decision about Tarsona's future.
It would seem she’s kindly giving me another opportunity to warrant her support.
For a moment I feel his pheromones, which he still can't control completely, perk up, as he clearly didn't expect me to make additional demands after I was so supporting all this time.
However, my recent abduction might've decreased my will to act in favor of that nation just a tiny bit.
In my opinion, a crucial but not unreasonable point.
In this regard, I think I'm in favor of Uma's philosophy that change can be good.
Those who never adjust to different circumstances will be lost in the end.
In this sense, knowledge plays a big part in adapting.
You need to understand a concept before you can apply measures.
For this reason, information facilities are crucial.
Especially, if we want to keep up with the advancement of military technology.
The other part would be that we should at least be able to keep stocks of any potential schemes they'd be working on.
Gioras' betrayal made me quite suspicious about secret affairs.
The king looks over his people at the far end of the hall.
They are already stupidly intensely engaged in frantic conversation.
I need to say the king seems rather willing to lower himself.
Yet it only makes sense.
By keeping up the occupied status of his country he can avoid that Koreso presses forward. Objectively, being a protectorate to the swarm has no extraordinary demerits aside from the formal status of being under our reign.
At this, I must speak up, to finally claim the last, and in a way, the first, thing on my agenda.
(U)
Solveable?
What is solvable?
Uh, excuse me!?!
Sorry... Did she just claim a town for me?!
Not just any town, but as far as I know, Caradis is known as the "Small Jewel of Tarsona".
Next to Great Valera it might look tiny, but it's still a very wealthy harbor that is essential for trade along the coastline and definitely has its merits.
Due to being further in the south, it's also a bit warmer, and therefore, a popular destination for the rich to have a vacation.
It's completely ridiculous to hand this over to me.
Not to mention, I don’t know the slightest bit about ruling a city!
"This is outrageous! Taking Caradis from us is nothing but an insult!" (High Noble)
Chera does so at a moment's notice.
Probably to advertise herself.
And if I have Caradis then I'll probably be the target.
As always, it has to be a test.
Sigh.
Why do I see trouble coming my way?
That's maybe asking a bit much.
Barely any consideration for feasibility.
Do I really have a word in this!?
What the objectives are and the rules that govern them are quite clear.
Uma wants to keep Tarsona under control, which means that we can't allow it to fall under Koreso's rule.
So I guess this answer makes sense.
Hopefully.
(Ki)
I understand Uma.
Despite her... impressive character, she cares deeply for her swarm.
A decision to go to war should never be made lightly.
We'd need a solution where Tarsona would, despite all the trouble, still be able to defend its territory, without having to sacrifice any Formicean lives for that cause.
This means no open battle against the considerable forces Koreso sends their way.
But how to avoid a fight if the other side is so determined to do so?
What could stop such a force?
Stop...
Stop...
A stopper!!
Instantly, all eyes in the room are on me, which prompts me to shut my mouth just as quickly up again.
I’m no soldier.
My simple plan may be worthless.
(C)
Their pheromones are filled with assurance, supporting their words.
Thus, I continue.