There are many ways for a kingdom to grow stronger, but the most intuitive one is through territory.
Expanding the land means more citizens for the kingdom, more taxes to be collected, a larger army that can be mobilized, and, in itself, a sign of the kingdom's power.
Even someone like me, who knows little about politics, can recognize these benefits. It’s no wonder that so many rulers in the past became obsessed with conquest wars; it’s perfectly natural.
"...You say there’s a way to expand the territory?"
And of course, the madwoman in front of me, who would do anything to make the kingdom great, couldn’t help but focus on the word "territory."
She understands what expanding usable land means better than I do.
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"Yes. Unlike the delusional queen who’s too busy trying to manage the kingdom, I’m quite capable."
"I can’t imagine it. If there were such a way, I would have tried it already. Any possible benefit from increasing the territory would surely be outweighed by the chaos it would cause."
"There’s no chaos. Well, not none at all. There will be plenty of perverted weirdos, like those who can't control their attraction to children, who will emerge, unable to do anything about it."
"...Pardon?"
Due to the distortion caused by my Mesugaki skill, the First Queen blinked in confusion, and Benedict, who was standing next to me, let out a light laugh as he unfolded a map.
"We’re planning to restore the Fairy Queen’s Forest."
Upon hearing Benedict’s words, the First Queen’s earlier excitement vanished as though it were a lie, and she became cold.
"Was that what you meant?"
"Why are you disappointed?"
"It’s something I decided was impossible a long time ago."
For years, the Fairy Queen’s Forest had been one of the kingdom's major problems. The evil energy leaking from the sealed forest gradually began eroding the surrounding land, making it useless, and even causing dungeons to appear.
Furthermore, the uncertainty of when the seal might collapse made the idea of not worrying about foreign invasions seem trivial, while the constant need for preparations against disaster resulted in unnecessary expenses.
In addition to the potential for territorial expansion, the First Queen had also been searching for a way to restore the Fairy Queen’s Forest to eliminate many of these problems.
Her conclusion, however, had been that it was impossible.
"The issue is the seal placed by Erginos. To break that seal requires far too many resources."
Even after hundreds of years, Erginos’s seal remained unbreakable, and he was still considered the greatest genius in history.
While there was a way to break the seal, the cost would be far too high, putting a strain on the royal treasury.
"Even after breaking the seal, there’s another problem. Inside the seal, there are monsters sealed since the age of myth. These are beings that even heroes gave up on confronting."
Even with all the current power of the kingdom, including Benedict, confronting these monsters would undoubtedly result in many casualties. Even if those sacrifices were made, there was no certainty that all the disasters could be stopped.
"Then, what will we do about the evil energy contained inside?"
Even with bishops from the Church of the Holy God, it had been confirmed that the evil energy couldn’t be completely suppressed.
Though there was a possibility with artifacts from the Arteia family, the cost would be too much for the royal treasury to bear.
"And what if we try to wake up the Fairy Queen, who has been peacefully sleeping?"
The Fairy Queen was an entity close to divinity.
If such a being woke up and unleashed disaster, could the kingdom stop it?
Even if they did stop it, would it be worth it after countless sacrifices?
The First Queen didn’t think it was worth it.
"This is not even worth discussing. No. I will not allow any attempts to restore it. I will not stand by and watch the kingdom’s future be destroyed."
Her declaration to not antagonize us felt as if it were discarded. The First Queen, radiating enough killing intent to make my skin tingle, exuded a threat, but it was blocked by Benedict, who released his own energy.
"I am well aware of what you’ve said, Your Majesty."
"If you know so well, then leave. If you sacrifice yourself in vain, think of the damage it will cause to the kingdom."
"I, Benedict, have never forgotten my duty as the sword that protects the kingdom’s borders. I have never entertained the thought of failing. Therefore, I can confidently say, had this proposal been a foolish one, I would not have listened to my daughter’s words."
Having defended the kingdom’s borders for many years, Benedict had never once failed in his loyalty, despite his overwhelming strength. His words carried weight, causing the First Queen to hesitate, a moment of indecision I had not expected from her.
But before I could savor that moment, her gaze turned toward me, tapping her fingers on the table.
"Can you explain the plan in more detail? So that I may understand."
Ah, so this moment has come.
Translating beyond the Mesugaki skill, I wonder how I’m supposed to explain this. My grandfather is giving me advice, so I won’t go completely off track, but every word I say still makes me anxious.
But it has to be done.
I took a deep breath, leaned forward, and then, just as I was about to speak, I heard my grandfather’s chuckle in my ear.
Startled, I staggered, and the First Queen looked at me curiously.
‘W-Why are you laughing all of a sudden?!’
<Because something interesting happened.>
‘Then what’s going on?!’
<You’ll see soon enough.>
Complaining about my grandfather’s refusal to explain, I was about to get back on track when I heard footsteps approaching the room.
I turned my head and saw a frail-looking man with long black hair.
Unlike the fancy clothing worn by the nobles of the current day, he was dressed in simple yet neat attire, and as he faced the confused gazes of others, he confidently walked over and positioned himself beside us.
"And who are you? How did you infiltrate the palace?"
"I helped design this palace, so how could the palace magic reject me?"
"...Wait, what?"
"Greetings. To the current Queen of the kingdom. I am Erginos, known as the Grand Mage."
The First Queen stared at Erginos in shock, her expression a far cry from the calm composure I had expected. I couldn’t understand why she was so shaken.
"Don’t be ridiculous. Even heroes are limited by the lifespan of a human."
"Can you truly say there are no exceptions? You can’t deny that I am Erginos."
"...Well..."
What was clear was that, for some reason, the First Queen wasn’t doubting that the pale-skinned skeleton who had suddenly appeared was actually Erginos.
‘What’s going on here?’
<Probably something related to the palace itself. That guy did help design it.>
‘So even you don’t know for sure?’
<What does it matter? He’ll probably answer if you ask him later. But Lucy, there’s something more important right now.>
‘Something more important?’
<Yes. He’ll explain the situation better than you can.>
...That’s true, right? Erginos, the one who sealed the Fairy Queen’s Forest, is standing right here, so I don’t even need to explain myself!
If he explains it himself and provides the evidence, even the First Queen won’t be able to deny it!
Haha! I feel so good now, I might even feel sorry for teasing this pathetic, virgin skeleton!
"Earlier, Your Majesty, you said restoring the Fairy Queen’s Forest was impossible, but I disagree."
"Is it possible?"
"I’ve been preparing for this moment for hundreds of years. I can assure you, it’s possible. I’ve made it possible over the course of centuries."
Now that I think about it, why is Erginos speaking so smoothly? He used to tremble and beg for mercy when dealing with that evil woman, but now he’s completely composed in front of the First Queen.
What’s the difference between the two?
Hmm.
I think I get it, but let’s not mention it.
For the sake of their dignity.
"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will answer them."
After the discussions ended, the First Queen asked for some time to think, but I’m sure her answer, after some contemplation, will be clear.
After all, it’s not that she doesn’t want to restore the Fairy Queen’s Forest.
She said it was impossible because, when comparing the risks and benefits, the risks seemed far greater.
If she becomes convinced that the benefits outweigh the risks, she will undoubtedly agree to restore the forest.
"Lucy."
As soon as we left the palace, Benedict whispered in my ear. Startled by his sudden murmur, I stepped back, and Benedict slouched with a wounded expression.
"What’s wrong, creepy troll father?"
"...Is he really Erginos?"
"The delusional queen may be crazy, but she’s not a fool."
Benedict, seemingly fascinated, stared at Erginos, who shrugged and smiled.
"It really doesn’t look like it. We don’t look like father and daughter at all."
"My daughter resembles my wife much more."
"Was your wife like this?"
"Not at all. She was like an angel."
Noticing something in Benedict’s tone, Erginos didn’t ask further and turned his gaze back toward me.
"If you had told me earlier, I would have gladly assisted."
"You, the pathetic, useless mage, actually speak so well to a woman?"
"...I’ve shown a lot of incompetence, haven’t I?"
At least he admitted to his own weaknesses.
"By the way, pathetic mage, why do you think the delusional queen believes you’re real?"
"I also hold the authority to use various functions of the palace."
So, there was something that only the real Erginos could possess. I understand now why the First Queen was so shocked.
"Does this mean we’ve finished everything we needed to do in the capital?"
"Yes. What could possibly be left to do in this trash-filled place?"
"Then let’s leave quickly. We have much to prepare to bring the sealed evil god."