One Step Forward

I cleared my throat and looked at my two negotiating partners once more.

I still couldn't tell what Princess Tianis was thinking.

"Thirty tons, you say. Certainly, that quantity isn't something I can simply wave through."

"Indeed."

"Before we continue. I haven't been introduced to the person over there, so would you mind?"

For the first time since entering the room, Princess Tianis looked at Orleans.

Though her face wore a smile, her gaze was cold, as if observing someone closely.

She'd finally shown interest, it seemed.

"This is Orleans. She's an acquaintance of mine, and while unofficial, she serves as an envoy from the ducal house. That connection is how this matter came to us."

"I see, I see."

"U-um. Pardon my late introduction. My name is Orleans. Pleased to meet you."

"Yes. Pleased to meet you too."

Though slightly awkward, they completed their greetings.

At last, the first step forward, perhaps.

"Now then, please share the details with me."

"Understood. I'll summarize the key points as concisely as I can."

"That works for me."

I explained the situation.

The scramble for food that stemmed from the Empire's succession dispute, and the resulting price surge in staple grains like wheat.

The need for early stockpiling to prevent deaths from starvation.

I conveyed to Princess Tianis that they were requesting wheat imports for that reason.

With the royal family's intelligence network, she probably already knew this much.

"My, how dreadful. Worrying about famine when there hasn't even been a bad harvest."

"Yes. That's why we would very much appreciate your assistance."

Orleans said this and bowed deeply.

Since it all came down to their decision, all we could do was bow our heads.

I bowed my head as well and waited for her response.

"Your Highness. A small amount aside, selling that much to the Empire could create food supply problems in the capital."

"This year's harvest was plentiful, wasn't it? Though I wouldn't say we have surplus to spare."

"It would be enough to simply save face with the ducal house. Besides, it's questionable whether she's truly an envoy from the ducal house."

I saw Orleans's hands clench tightly.

I couldn't let this slide.

When I raised my head, Princess Tianis stopped me with a look.

"Kanon, that's rude. Though to facilitate smoother discussion, it would help if you could prove your connection to the ducal house."

"Of course."

Orleans also raised her head and produced a certificate and a sealed envelope from her jacket.

"I've been given permission to show these if necessary."

She broke the wax seal on the envelope, and when she removed the contents, a piece of cloth emerged.

When unfolded, a woven pattern became visible.

It was a cloth bearing the Grabahl ducal house's crest.

Made using a special technique with premium thread, it was difficult to replicate.

The cloth itself could be considered a high-class work of art.

Combined with the certificate bearing the Grabahl family's seal, it should be sufficient verification of identity.

"I've confirmed it. Sorry about my subordinate doubting you."

"No. It was necessary."

Orleans neatly folded the cloth and returned it to the envelope.

Kanon reluctantly bowed her head.

… I wondered if perhaps this aide was being conveniently used for moments like these.

"I have heard about the Empire's situation. That civil war may even break out. Though it's another country's affair, letting people starve is not something future rulers should allow."

"I quite agree."

"Before I reach a conclusion, I have a question for you."

"What would that be?"

Princess Tianis addressed me, and I straightened my posture.

Even though, compared to me, she was young enough to still be called a child, my tension wouldn't ease.

"You'll be able to meet your quota including the increased amount, won't you?"

"Yes. Without a doubt."

"I see. Then that's fine. I entrusted the capital's food stores to you, after all. If you're bringing this matter to me, it means you've already found a way."

"If we allocate Luido's production directly, the price of wheat within the Kingdom shouldn't rise either."

In a roundabout way, she'd pinned me down—if this wouldn't benefit the Kingdom's interests, I would have refused already.

Indeed, if this were destined to be rejected, there'd be no need to come all this way in person. A simple report would have sufficed.

"It's a good opportunity to earn their gratitude. Even if we don't share a border directly, it doesn't hurt to be on good terms with the Grabahl ducal house, who pose a potential threat to the Kingdom."

"Yes. The Duke is certainly not someone who would repay kindness with enmity."

Orleans declared this firmly.

Though a noble, he was fair and just. I knew from having met him.

A brief silence followed.

Princess Tianis was probably considering various things.

What would best serve the national interest.

My throat felt parched, and when I swallowed, I had the illusion that the sound echoed throughout the room.

Orleans stared at Princess Tianis while cold sweat ran down her face.

If this food problem went unresolved, the estate could be targeted by starving rival factions.

Though this was a national issue, Orleans wasn't uninvolved.

"Speaking of which."

Princess Tianis spoke as if to no one in particular, almost like talking to herself.

"I believe the Grabahl ducal house are the patrons of Crown Prince Sam Ambishul."

"… No, I'm not informed to that degree. I've heard there are such discussions, but…"

My heart leaped.

She knew that much.

Since I'd only heard something to that effect from Orleans, I neither confirmed nor denied it.

It would be troublesome if I carelessly affirmed it and later found out I was wrong.

"Y-Your Highness. To discuss such matters in this setting—"

"I wouldn't say something like this to someone who knows nothing, you know. See, you did know about the rumors."

As she told the flustered Kanon to calm down, Princess Tianis used her right hand to tuck her hair behind her ear.

"There are various opinions among the royal family, but fundamentally, none of us want civil war to break out. It would be troublesome if the sparks flew our way. And building some ties to sell goodwill isn't such a bad thing either."

"Then—"

Orleans's voice grew eager.

"… Yes, well. I'll approve this trade for now. You'll have to work hard to make up for it next year, though. I've given my permission, so the rest is yours to handle, yes?"

"Understood. Thank you."

"I am grateful, Your Highness Princess Tianis."

With even a fragment of the Earth Elemental Stone's effect, a bountiful harvest next year was foreseeable.

This wasn't a significant risk at all.

Together with Orleans, I bowed my head, and the matter was settled.