Countess and Queen Arc

**Countess and Queen Arc**  is the fifteenth story arc of Kou 1 Desu Ga Isekai De Joushu Hajimemashita series and the forth story arc of Western Kingdoms Saga.

Both Hybride and Agnica are feuding for the aluminite stones as the former's mines is destroyed by a flood whereas the latter discovers a new ones at Inges. This prompts people like Countess Gudrun and Queen Astorica to take advantage of their kingdom's new advantage to force Hybride into acknowledging either one of them as Agnica's new ruler despite they are both rivals whose only similarities are their hatred towards Hiroto went to Gassel in order to start a diplomatic freindship through Hiroto's visit to the kingdom and complying demands from either women will cause Gasel to cut it it's ties with Hybride. To solve this problem, Hiroto needs to go West again in order to obtain Agican aluminite alum stones without comply to either women's demands.

## Prologue

### **Gudrun the Countess**

Somewhere at a bathhouse, a woman named Gudrun  receives her maid's report about Hiroto the envoy who went to Gassel instead of Agnika, to which she responds by condemning both him and even fellow aristocrat Lyndrus for their alliance and even deems the Spiritual Lights being "too kind" for them. However, a female knight reports about Gassel and Chidna harassing Agnika's merchants forcing her to leave to the port herself.

The following aftermath of the scuffle sees both merchants and guards praising Gudrun for her prowess

## Plot

### **Hybride's Life Behind Hiroto's Absence**

#### Part 1

At Emperia, Leonidas, who is accompanied by Raquel and Felkina, receives news from about Rasmus that he went to Agnkia as an envoy in Hybride's behalf.

#### Part 2

At Salabria's Dominus Castle, Valkyria is on her bed and complaining about unable to go with Hiroto to the west like Mimia, Sorceire & Excelis.

### **Hiroto's Audience with Gassel's King and Queen**

#### Part 4

Whilst on his way to his room, Hiroto remarks how close he was to meet its defeat when he witnessing Ismir's sharpness that almost similar to Ordicus. Unfortunately for him, Hiroto confronts not only Excelis who is both angry and jealous about Hiroto "marrying" with Gudrun which he explains that it was just a joke, he also confronts Mimia and Sorceire who also asking the same question because they overheard envy

Meanwhile, Ismir and Pashan

### **Troubling Signs For Hybride**

#### Part 1

At Emperia, Leonidas feels bored without Hiroto and whilst remarking his disgust for Agnika due to its disrespect for Hiroto because of what Lyndrus did, to the point vowing to destroy the kingdom with his massive army.

#### Part 4

Meanwhile, Sylferis is at the Royal Cathedral where she prays to the Holy Spirits for the country's blessing only to witness it's sudden shaking, prompting her fears about incoming bad omen.

### Rasmus's Mission And Agnika's Dilemma

#### Part 2

Meanwhile, Astorica blames Lyndrus for Agnika's woes after hearing from Lokroi's report about Finnath's dismissal from the Privy Council, to the point ranting about how Agnika became an enemy to both Hybride and Gassel.

### **Agnica's Special Permission and Hostility against Hybride Envoy**

#### Part 1

Rasmus eventually arrives to Agnika's port and greets Lyndrus who then escorts him to a room.

#### Part 3

Meanwhile, Gudrun receives her butler's reports that contains information  about Hiroto and have him to summarize the entire report. Throughout the report's summary, she becomes wary about Hiroto due to his realistic insights and attributes that enabled him to overturn his enemies' plan against him, along with Hiroto's connections with the vampires and the consequences of messing with one of them or their friends-, so much so that she momentarily gives up her retaliation against the young Margrave after she recalled Hydran's forced apology after his mansion was destroyed by a vampire for Sōichirō's torment, of which she claims to be a "foolish errand"; moreover, even with of using the alum mines to se it as her advantage against Hiroto by maximizing its benefit to Inge so she can force him confront her if he wants the alum stones, a recalling about Chida Port Incident and the vampires animosity against Agnika due to her merchants' insult onto Valkyria, specially after Lyndrus failed to gain their power to repel both Gassel and Phyllis. Next, she considers a plan to use 10,000 strong army to squash all three invading kingdoms but opts to scrap it because of the lack of ships

The next best thing, then, is to assure them that Hybride will be there in the event of an emergency. If Agnica is invaded, Hybride will be there without fail. And if not 1,000 soldiers, but 10,000, ten times that number, will join them, Gasel and Pulis will hesitate to invade Agnica, and even invade our territory.

(But that alone would be enough to overthrow that frontiersman, wouldn't it?)
Gudrun thought to himself.
(Even if we promise 10,000 troops, they can only be transported by the Terminus River, and if we want to transport 10,000 troops, we will have to prepare a lot of ships. In effect, 10,000 troops could not be dispatched. Therefore, it is just a theory.
It's just an empty theory. And Metis would see through this empty theory. Therefore, it is meaningless to specify that 10,000 troops will be sent to the war. That's what he'll argue.)
Then we have to assume that the number will be reduced through negotiations. If that is the case
We have to prepare the conditions for the reduction.
What kind of compromise?
In exchange for halving the number of soldiers to 5,000, we can have 5,000 soldiers stationed in our country. That would be enough to deter Gull and Pulis.
But that's something to be said after the negotiations have begun. It is not something to be said in advance. And in order to get to the bottom of this, we need more distractions, more difficulties for Hybride to get rid of. Ten thousand
10,000 men would not be enough.
The frontier count, in negotiating a peace treaty with Gassel and Pulis, proposed that Agnica impose a mountain urchin tax. Eighty percent of the selling price would be paid to Gasan as the mountain sea urchin tax.
Most of the mountain urchins are harvested in Gudrun's territory. Gacel complained that the price was being raised unfairly. Gacel complained that the price was being raised unfairly, but the revenue from the mountain urchin was a stepping stone to the future.
He had planned to use the money from the mountain urchin to build up the defenses along the coast of the Terminus River.
However, due to the frontier count, the income from the mountain urchins decreased. So why shouldn't Hybride suffer the same fate?
He will pay 80% of the selling price of the alum stone as alum tax to himself, and he will forego personal retribution, but this level of revenge should not be a problem.
Will the frontiersman complain?
Of course. If he doesn't complain, he's a bandit. It's only natural for a man in the center of a country to put the country's interests first. A chief minister who puts the interests of other countries first deserves the death penalty.
The frontier count will definitely move to abolish the alum tax. And they will be forced to swallow the garrisoning of the Hybride soldiers.
(But maybe that's not enough. ......)
Gudrun reconsidered. The news of the mine's discovery would have reached Astrica.
Charge myself with treason, arrest myself, and take the mine from me? Regardless, Gudrun smirks
You can try it. The moment you do, it's civil war. The great nobles who are loyal to you
The great nobles who are loyal to you will all revolt at once.
(But it's that woman. She might try to oppose me and ask me to admit that she's the queen.
(But that's her. She might try to get me to admit that she's the queen against me. ......)
Nevertheless, Gudrun smirks as she plans to make Hiroto's task even more difficult by adding one condition that will force him to regonize her instead of Astorica as the Queen of Agnika.

### **Hiroto's Difficult Choice**

#### Part 4

Still, Hiroto thinks that it is dangerous for Raquel to go to Agnica herself because he thinks that they wull unable to obtain the alumite stones without a millitary alliance regardless who go to Agnica but despite his knows that his doesn't have any chances to win even if he goes there, he still decalres that he will go to Agnica himself. Everyone is so shocked by Hiroto's decision that both Leonidas and Felkina urge him not to go.

### **Hiroto and Vampires' Visit of Gassel**

#### Part 4

Meanwhile, Sylferis is at the Royal Cathedral praying to the Holy Spirits for blessing only to be witness it's sudden vibration which worries her as she fears tas it is a bad omen.

### **Official Meeting of Hybrdian Margrave and Inges Countess**

#### Part 3

Later, Hiroto enters into the room with the trio of Haritos and Excelis and Alvy with a smile on his face-something bothers Gudrun as she suspects that the Margrave has hidden schemes to overcome his dire situation; moreover, his words Hiroto smiling despite his dire situation and hearing his praises about finally meeting her in person makes her t makes Gudrun wary about is hidden schemes. So, she tires to mock his mock his bad essay "bad writing" on an essay but he still smiling and says that they finally meet in person, to which she replies that seducing her with his bad essay is futile but she becomes even more confused by Hiroto's replies because she assumes that she is trying to woo her in order to make this negotiation favorable for him. Instead, Hiroto says that he knew that his essay will not worked on her which prompts her ke this negotiation favorable by praising her, only to be more confused when Hiroto sats that he knew that and then joking about knowing this humiliation word at his bed when he is asked about it.

Hiroto replies with a joke that is too serious, too joking, too weird to be negotiating with himself. Or is this the man known as the "Count of the Frontier"?
What are you up to?
"First of all, I'd like to make a promise to you when we first meet."
Hiroto began.
There are four reasons why I know who he is. The first is that there are three of them. If I wanted to know if there was a problem, I would have sent someone instead of three. Three people is tricky. The second is timing. If you want to send someone to check if there is a problem, you don't need to go out of your way to aim at the time when the bomber is coming. Rather, let them finish checking before they come. It would be unnatural to think that they met by chance. If that is the case, it was probably intentional. Rather, it is the third way of walking that is the aim. One of the women who brought him pointed out that the way the leading knight was walking was not male, but female. At this point, it is confirmed that the knight is not an ordinary person. A female knight accompanying a giant knight. It is too suspicious. In all likelihood, the giant knight is an escort. And the fourth is the previous information. Count Kutroun has a giant of a man as his escort. If you superimpose the four pieces of information, it is correct to assume that the leading knight is Count Gudrun and the one in the back is his escort who came to see me in secret."

leaving Gudrun and even one of her guard's impressed by his wondering observation and astute and yet unable to comprehend how could a sharp man like him send them a terrbiel trade agreement.
Hiroto then ask her if the agreement
"It was a good one, wasn't it?
Hiroto was beaming, his expression happy again. He looks like he is really satisfied with the good work.
(It was somewhat good. What a stupid thing to say!)
He is angry.
Bluffing?
Perhaps he is bluffing. He is laughing at the play. He knows how well his agreement is going to work. Perhaps he is smiling because he has no plan.
Or, do they have a secret plan?
If you're going to oppose my proposal, I'll turn you away right now.
I'll turn you away right now if you try to oppose my idea,
"To be honest, I don't see how that kind of a joke can be a shield at all," Hiroto said, blatantly critical.
Hiroto responded with blunt criticism.
Suddenly, his fangs flared. More than fangs, it was a tongue. He was blatantly criticizing the conditions that Goodlorn had imposed on him.
(Heppakkodan?)
Gudrun realized that the man had no intention of concluding the deal on his own terms. How could a man who had called Kudroon's idea a hebephobic one be so sure that they would come to an agreement? He thought it was a trap to get the vampire tribe to attack him, but he was wrong. He was trying to get them to meet him.
(No disrespect will be tolerated, and I will remind you which of us is superior, and which of us must obey!)
Goodloun switched to an aura of anger and said.
Don't think you can get away with this! Get them out of here!
The two guards start to move.
But just then, Hiroto's expression changed.

However, by the time her guards making their move Hiroto expression changes quickly and reprimands Gudrun for overlooking the "trading post" part on his essay despite her fame as a wise countess, much to Gudrun's displeasure as she calls him a fool for trying to convince her for for trying to convince her thinks that he blamed her for such "incomprehensible thing" and call him a fool for trying to convince her with mere trade argument. The argument between Hiroto and Gudrun heats up when the former brings up the air-mail service which thet latter rejects at first by saying that she doesn't need it and becoming angrier when he insists that it is the key for everything. Still, Hiroto continues to reprimands her for her inability to understand that both trading post and the air-mail service are actually beneficial for Agnica by saying with the vampires keep sending letters to the elves, both Phyllis and Gassel will be extra wary whenever they see them due to their past deeds that shaken Phyllis and Magia. Not only Gudrun finally realzes that Hiroto's intentions of Moreover, the more Gudrun thinks about the vampires whose intimidating presence that shake everybody including herself, the more she feels regret for not realize that Hiroto has proposed something that actually benefits Agnica rather than damaging it. That is, until she recalls the sour relationship between the vampires and Agnica and asks Hiroto about it, but he replies that it would not be problem as he explains that the

The words of Hiroto or his escort suddenly came back to me, and I felt a shock as if I had been hit on the back of the head.
Huplide's shield.
Ah...
Another exhale runs through my head. That's what he meant by a shield. By building a trading post in Huplide, a network of airmail would connect the ports, and it would function as if it were a shield against Gassel, or perhaps even against Pyrrhus.
Ah..." finally a small voice leaked out. That is why Hiroto told Gudrun when they first met.
I am not here to talk about compensation. Of course, I am not here to talk about a military agreement.
This is what it was all about. This was also why Hiroto had insisted on a trade agreement with Prime Minister Rokuroi in the royal capital of Barca. Hiroto had hidden something military in the trade agreement, and he was convinced of its validity. That is why he was in such a good mood when he came into this room. He had a bright and cheerful expression on his face. But I saw it as a different signal.
What Hiroto presented was not just a trade agreement. It was a military agreement, or rather, one with the function of a shield in the sky - or more precisely, one with checks and balances and intimidation through the power of the sky. The conditions that Agnica wanted were secretly realized in the form of an economic agreement, not a military agreement, which is why Hiroto declared that he would not conclude a military agreement. That is why Hiroto declared that there would be no military agreement, and that is why he asked for a trade agreement with Lokroi.
Would you rather send 10,000 soldiers and 1,000 knights?
No way.
What he wants most are air shields. He wanted the air shield more than the ground troops, because it would keep Gassel and Pulis in check, which he also wanted. But relations between the vampires and Agnica are not good. I could not hope for a shield in the sky. That is why I turned to the next best thing.

That is, until she suddenly recalls the vampires' hatred for Agnica and then asks Hiroto about it, to which replies that it will not aproblem as he explains that the vampires will only deliver the letters to the elven merchants who stations at the Angnican branch
(Yes, that's right. The Vampires. The vampires must have hated Agnica.)
So, the glossy gudrun moved.
"Didn't the Vampires not want to cooperate with Agnica?"
Gudrun's question was answered by Hiroto.
The Vampires were only to deliver the letter to the elf merchants stationed in Agnica. The Vampires are only to deliver the letter to the Elven merchants stationed in Agnica. He said that he would be happy if his acquaintance, Lord Durmur, would handle it, and if the price was satisfactory, and if he could stay at the merchant's house. There has never been a dispute between the Elves and the Vampires over the price. Once the trade agreement is signed and the trading house in Huplide is completed, the vampires will fly to Agnica.

I see. .... Gudrun realized. He understood why Hiroto had mentioned the word "trading post" at the end. Hiroto was showing Gudrun that it was the key, that it was the important point. The reason why he had shown the four general clauses in bits and pieces over three days must have been to make sure that Goodlorn would grasp and understand the clauses thoroughly. However, I did not grasp the meaning at all. I had analyzed Hiroto before meeting him, and I thought I needed to respect him, but at the last minute, I had taunted him. I had belittled him. There must be a justifiable reason for this.
Instead of thinking that there must be some legitimate meaning, I suspected a conspiracy and underestimated Hiroto's stupidity.
And that is why Hiroto raised his voice. A wise man, a nobleman, a lord of Goodlorn," he said.
I can't understand how someone with that many brains could send us such a shitty agreement.
Recalling his own statement, Goodlorn was appalled at himself. He had said that he had sent a shitty agreement, but which one was the shitty one?
Wasn't it a good one?
It was a good one, indeed. At that time, I wondered what kind of foolishness I was talking about, and which of us was the foolish one.
It is no wonder that I did not set any conditions for the sale of Hiroto or Myoban-Shi. Hiroto had already included in the four clauses what he could do to the best of his ability as Huplide. But I did not understand it.
(Then... what were those words?)
Gudrun searched through the recordings.
This is a tricky one.
Hiroto or mumbled his true intention.
(I see...)
Goodloun realized. Hiroto knew that someone was eavesdropping on him, so he said it on purpose. He was an actor and a schemer, foreshadowing to make it appear that Hiroto himself broke later.
(Then, those words -)
Goodloun recalled the words that Hiroto had told him when he came to the mansion.
He said he was ready to sign the treaty according to the terms. And that's why he and the elf had come.
The realization hit him.
A sigh escaped my mind.
Hiroto did not say, "As per Gudrun's terms.
As per the conditions.
That is all. Hiroto did not put any qualifying phrase in front of the word, but he must have meant "as per the conditions he had proposed.
But he didn't dare to add anything. By not adding anything, I hoped that Goodlorn would misunderstand and invite Hiroto in. And I fell for it. That was where Hiroto's scheming part came together.

Hiroto tells Gudrun that he is going home since that was her decision, much to the Countess's panic as she immediately tells him to stay
I was told to kick him out, so I can go home," he said. If it's Gudrun's idea, I'll leave right now.
Hiroto turned his back.
(No, you can't. You can't! Do not let him leave!)
This is Hiroto's shaking. This is Hiroto's sway to gain the upper hand. Resist his insistence that he won't accept the shake-up? If so, will he rebel and say he will not sell the alumite?
No. What Hiroto offered was a "no".
What Hiroto offered was a coveted condition for both Gudrun and Agnica. It is a condition that must not be missed. The goddess of fortune does not have a back hair. We must not fail to grab her by the forelock in our mischievous opposition.
Immediately,
"Wait! I take back what I said before! Stay!"
Goodloun called out. Bluff or not, do not let Hiroto leave. If he did, the conditions would be unfavorable and the number of ports would be reduced. I am sure Hiroto is thinking about that too.
Hiroto smiled happily at last. He looked as if he had been waiting for Kudroon to stop him.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
He smiled a friendly smile. It's not a fake smile, it's a genuine smile with no malice in it.
Hiroto continued.
If it is a trade agreement, it will not provoke Gassel, and Gassel will make a fuss about a military agreement, which will surely deepen the alliance with Huplide and put pressure on Agnica. Puris also repeatedly pressured Hyuplide diplomatically. He repeatedly confirms compliance with the peace agreement. As a result, Huplide will find it difficult to move. But with a trade agreement, neither Gassel nor Pulice can complain."
After a pause, Hiroto continued his explanation.
Huplide does not conclude military agreements. Huplide will not sign a military pact, and there is no need to do so. What Hyuplide seeks is a trade agreement. Agnica is probably seeking a trade agreement as well. No?"
I smiled at the end.
I wasn't going to deny it.
I was beaten, a voice said in Gudrun's head. I've been beaten. Hiroto had beaten me. He had been completely beaten. Gudrun's victory had been to push through with her own idea, but she had been repulsed. He was defeated by Hiroto's idea. It was a complete defeat.
But what a pleasant defeat! Under the name of a trade agreement, we could obtain something with the properties of a shield in the sky - the power of the sky to intimidate and check. We can have the checks and balances, the threats, to Gassel.
Hiroto continued.
The cornerstone of this agreement is the trading post in Huplide. It is desirable for both Agnica and Huplide that the trading post be built as quickly as possible. It will take at least six months to complete the construction, if we have to pay for it, visit the site several times, design it, arrange materials and manpower, and then start the construction. Perhaps it would take a year. However, I am sure that Mr. Goodlorn will be able to accomplish this quickly. It is in the best interest of both our countries that this agreement be realized quickly.
Hiroto stressed.
Goodloun laughed. What I am saying is that Agnica should bear the financial burden and get on with the construction.
"Will I have to pay for the trading posts in Toluca and Sarika as well?"
Hiroto shrugged. I already knew the answer to that question.
You're a man who can't eat.
Of course, I understand that the tax on Myobari is not necessary for this trade agreement. If a tax were imposed, it would limit the location of the trading post to one location.
Goodlorn laughed again. Retaliate at this juncture? Screw the alum tax?
No way, Hiroto is talking about reducing the number of trading posts. He hasn't said what the reduction will be.
He has not said what he is going to reduce,
It would be worse if he said Nodona, who would lose the most by reducing the number of trading houses.
The ones who will lose the most by reducing the number of trading houses are myself and Agnica.
That was a terrible thing
He was a terrible guy. It should have been me who had the overwhelming advantage.
I was the one who should have had the overwhelming advantage. No matter how you look at it, your advantage should have been unassailable.
But, Hiroto's proposal was all it took to gain the upper hand. Gudrun and Hiroto were thrown into a completely equal plane. Before meeting with Hiroto, Gudrun had analyzed that Hiroto had a talent for finding compromises. But at the same time, he thought that there would be no compromise this time. He thought there would be no compromise anywhere in the world.
He was wrong. There was only one compromise. A compromise of a higher dimension that I could never have imagined.
(This is the reason why the frontier counts are so famous...)
A smile naturally appeared on his cheeks. Unable to suppress my laughter, I was defeated. But at the same time, my country had won. Huplide had also won. Huplide would get the Myoban stone. And my country would have what amounted to a shield in the sky.
By the way, I have one last request that I cannot give up.
Hiroto said, "By the way, I have a last request that I can't give up.
(A favor? Are you going to say something else?)
I brace myself for a moment. Then I realized the error of my attitude. Hiroto, I will not attack you in the dark. He is probably trying to say something that has a deeper meaning. Don't be defensive, open your ears and be respectful.
What is it?
Gudrun asked, and Hiroto answered.
If you are willing to sign, I would very much like to have a pear.
Gudrun burst out laughing.
It was foolish of him to read too much into it. Hiroto had prepared a joke for the last minute.
You may bring back two, three, or even a hundred pears. But you will not leave my house tonight. You must attend the banquet."
I would be happy to. We will talk about Pashan II and Queen Ismir over dinner. There is one more thing that we must do to prevent a conflict between your country and Gassel.
Hiroto answered with a bright smile.

#### Part 6

With his meeting with Gudrun went smoothly, now Hiroto is planning to go to Barka next and face Astorica and her subjects.

### **Price of The Queen's Ignorace**

#### Part 2

Anyways, Hiroto enters into the throne room with Astorica as well as Lokroi and Lyndrus alongside even Haritos. Whilst astonished to meet the young Margrave for the first time, the queen assumes that not even his legendary eloquence is effective agianst Gudrun was effective this time. So, after their respective , Astorica asks Hiroto about the agreement bur when he eventually bestow it, she is confused to see this agreement is different than either hers' or Gudrun's agreement and.
"So that's Hiroto," he said from his throne.
Astorica called from her throne.
It is a great honor for me, Hiroto, to be granted an audience with the honorable and illustrious queen. "It is my honor, Your Majesty.
Hiroto replied.
Where is the agreement?
Here it is.
Hiroto steps forward. The SS received it and handed it to Astorica.
The relaxed expression on her face collapsed.
I. Hübride's trading post in the ports of Sidna, Sarica, and Toluca.
D. Within the trading posts of Hybride, the laws of Hybride shall apply.
(iii) In the trading post, HuBridean elves shall be stationed.
iv. Agnica shall sell alumite to the Hübridean merchants without any reservation.

#### Part 3

Astorica and her subjects are confused by this new treaty at first, until Lokroi notes that the military agreement isn't mentioned anywhere in it and deduces it as a "forged" document. This causes both Astorica and Lokroi to accuse Hiroto of "lying" and trying to use the "forged" treaty to take advantage on her, with the Prime Minister berates the Diferente loudly on his Queen's behalf but Hiroto smiles instead and retaliates calmly by saying that would be a disgrace for both him and Leonidas since the king would never appointed a ambassador to force a treaty. As Lyndrus finds something odd while further reading the treaty, Lokroi meanwhile continues to berate Hiroto for "agreeing" with most of Gudrun's conditions only to be agitated by Hiroto's response about him being rude and a threat o , before being stopped by Astorica eventually.

ded a clear zone tax! You also demanded that we deploy in the event of an emergency with Gassel! And, of course, to recognize herself as Queen! Such a person would never reach such an agreement!"
He yells at them. It was an outburst of anger, as if he was at once redeeming himself for the humiliation he had experienced at Hybride.
Rude! My king will retaliate with war. Lord Goodlorn has grasped the true meaning of this agreement.
Hiroto replies quietly.
Marquis Lindrus looked at him curiously. Is he personally not satisfied with Hiroto's response?
You threaten me with war!"
Racially agitated, Rocroi was
Refrain, Rocloy," he said. It's my job to defend myself.
Astorica interrupted. Finally, Rokuroy shut up.
"True Meaning......?"
The Marquis of Lindrus mumbled something next to him. The Marquis still seemed to be caught up in something.
Rokroi moved his face closer to Astorica's.
"Your Majesty, this is an opportunity. We will use the forgery to raise the terms. We might even raise the tax rate to twenty-tenths or even one-tenth."
"Won't he start up the war again?"
Astorica whispered back.
"I think it's just a pretense," Astorica whispered back. Even if he start a war, he won't get the Alum stone."
Rokroi overheard. Astorica nodded and turned to Hiroto.
Under Lokroi's suggestion to us the "forged" document as their chance to raise Agnica's term, Astorica tells Hiroto that she is disappointed at him for making a fake

"I am greatly disappointed. I did not expect you to bring a fake like this. I thought we could have had a more cordial exchange.
"I, too, would like to have a sincere exchange. Therefore, I am offended that you call me insincere. It comes at a high price."
Hiroto threatens.
"Shame on you..."
Rokuroy arms.
"Elves of the Chamber of Commerce..."

Marquis Lindrus murmured.
"Oh no!"
He suddenly exclaimed. But Rocroy kept his mouth open.
"According to the laws of our country, even if they are foreign guests..."
It is now possible to imprison anyone who forges diplomatic documents.

Before Lokroi can finishes his senstence, however
Rokloy was about to continue with his intimidation.
"Say no more, Rocloy!"
Marquis Lyndrus shouted in a very loud voice. He shouted so loudly that Rokuroi was startled.
Marquis Lindels squeezed his voice and shouted.
"Do not say ...... our country will be decimated...!Hiroto-sama has not told a single lie...!"
What are you saying?"
Astorica replied.
"This agreement is not a fake. It has Gudrun's signiture...!"
the Marquis of Lindrus exclaimed in a masticating voice.
What are you talking about? Goodlorn!"
Marquis Lindrus explained to Rokroi, who tried to refute him, and to Astorica, who was listening to the exchange.
If elves reside in the area, they should use the flying service. If the elves reside in the city, the vampire tribe should come to the city regularly. This would allow Gassel and Phyllis to conduct military operations.
"That's absurd."
It was Rokroi who murmured
Can it be controlled?"
asked Astorica.
I can do it. It will.
"But there was a vampire tribe in Gassel the other day..."
"He was just visiting a friend. It seems that he ate delicious food. That is not enough to form a military alliance between Gassel and the vampire tribe. What is more important is the designated port. Sidona, Sarica and Toluca are all important bases for our country. The mere presence of the vampires there will make it difficult for Gassel to attack them. It will also be difficult for Phyllis to occupy Toluca. If they attack the vampires, they will be at war with the vampires. Both Gassel and Phyllis would find their military activities atrocious."
Astorica could not take a second look. Rokroy was silent. Hiroto had proposed an agreement with potentially strong military implications for Agnica. It was the maximum compromise that could be made. However, in response to Hiroto's maximum approach, Rokroi accused him of forging the document.
(It is not nice to be called dishonest. It comes at a high price.)
Those words were a prophecy.
And Astorica was just as guilty as Rokroy. She was the one who first called Hiroto a liar. Not only that, she repeated the accusation.
(I am greatly disappointed. I did not expect you to bring a fake like this. I had hoped for a more honest exchange.)
Even though he was not as blunt and harsh as Rokroi, she still called Hiroto a liar. And with that, the advantage that she should have had by far was instantly switched to an overwhelming behind. Agnica had lost the advantage.
"There is no other way but to admit it without reservation. Rather, you will be made to pay the price."
Marquis Lindrus added.
Without reservation.
Astorica realized. What he meant was a tax of one-twentieth of one percent. If you add the one-twentieth tax to the terms, it becomes withholding. No reservations means no tax of one-twentieth. On the contrary, an additional price would be paid.
"Why didn't you say so earlier ......!"
Astorica unintentionally rebuked the Marquis of Lindrus.
"It's been nagging at me all along. I have always wondered why Hiroto was so concerned about his honor that he would say such things as "disgraceful" and "disrespectful" to me. He is not that kind of a man. But he spoke as if he were a great nobleman. That is what has been bothering me. But I finally understood. Not only to remove the reservation, but to make him pay the price, that was Hiroto-dono's aim, wasn't it?"
With these words, Astorica realized everything.
Hiroto had told her that they had reached an agreement, but he had not told her that they had reached an agreement on a trade pact. However, Astorica and her colleagues unilaterally assumed that the trade agreement had failed and that a military agreement had been reached. Since this was not what they had assumed, they accused the agreement of being a forgery.
But that was exactly what Hiroto wanted. To have himself condemned and thus recognized without any reservations. In other words, to have the one-tenth tax removed. And, in addition, to make him pay a price.
Rokroi's eyes were swimming. It was an accusation that he thought was righteous on his part, but it had turned on his home country.
Words are arrows that have been fired. An arrow that has been shot cannot be undone forever. An arrow that has been stuck cannot be restored to the state it was in before it was stuck.
"We have no choice but to agree without any by-laws or reservations."
Marquis Lyndrus advises as if in contemplation.
It was a very bad turn of events, if not the worst. Hiroto had brought the best proposal. Nevertheless, she made a statement that contempt Hiroto. This was clearly a blunder on Agnica's part. Diplomatic blunders come with a heavy price. And the price must be paid.
Are we going to kneel before this young man?
The queen herself?
Astorica sucked in her breath. Not even though I am the queen. Because she is the queen. The outcome has already been decided.
The only question is how she will behave and what she will pay for it. In other words, the only thing that matters is how you will behave as the head of a country and what you will pay as a price.
It is up to her to decide on the price he will pay.
Astorica shook her head in her mind.
The game was already lost. And the opponent is Hiroto. As the queen, she has no choice but to do what queens can do. She had to do what she could do because she was the top.
The only way is to do it. What Rokuroi could not do, but what I, the queen, could do.
Astorica stood up from her throne.
To intimidate?
It was not. Astorica went down the red velvet platform to Hiroto. From her position one step higher on the throne, she had moved down to a position almost equal to that of Hiroto. She then walked up to Hiroto, who was sitting on his knees, and took his hand in hers. Kneeling - As a queen, she placed herself in the lowest possible position.
"Hiroto. As the Queen of Agnica, I apologize for the rudeness of my people and my vassals. I have just heard everything from Lindrus. I have shot you with arrows of words that should not have been aimed at you. In the name of the Spirit, I apologize for my rudeness. No matter how things may go, HyBride and Agnica should be joined hand in hand. Of course, the necessary price must be paid for this."
It was the utmost apology as a queen.
From the position of king and ambassador, a position that is only hierarchically different, Astorica threw away her superiority as queen and spoke words of apology and payment of the price in a position completely equal to Hiroto's.
She said, "I, the queen, will take the blame for the disrespect that I and my men have committed. I will pay the price. I accept the judgment of the spirits. May the spirits bless you.
Astorica then kissed the back of Hiroto's hand. Hiroto looked clearly surprised. The kiss was completely unexpected. When he kissed the back of his hand, his head naturally lowered. It would be lower than Hiroto's. Whether the head is higher or lower than the other's is a symbol of the difference between the two. Astorica had voluntarily placed her head lower than Hiroto's.
Hiroto, who had received the queen's apology, understood the meaning of this.
When a person of noble status is addressing a high-ranking clergyman, such as an archbishop, he or she kneels. Kneel down, keep your head low, and kiss the back of his hand. Kissing the back of the hand is an act of reverence. It is an act of surrender and obedience. In a manner of speaking, the clergyman is made to look like a god, and he throws himself before God.
It was the same thing that Queen Astorica did to Hiroto. Apology to the Archbishop The same level of apology to the one God was made to Agnica's
The queen did this to Hiroto.
The wording also showed this. In the world of the Church of the Spirits, an apology uttered in the name of a spirit is recognized as an admission of one's sins and an offering of oneself before the spirit. Astorica fully admitted her fault and fully apologized to Hiroto.
Bummer?
Hiroto did not think so. The queen had indeed blundered. She called herself a liar and blamed herself. As a head of state, she could be accused of being thoughtless.
But what about her subsequent actions?
Did she show any sign of hesitation?
No.
Did he take his time to realize the meaning of the article before moving on to apologize?
No.
Moreover, she has stated that she will be the one to receive justice for the disrespect not only to herself but also to both herself and her subordinates. She has also offered to pay the price. This is an admirable act for a queen.
That is why this person was chosen as queen, Hiroto thought. Gudrun was also a very pleasant person, but she would not be as quick to give her compliments as Queen Astorica. But the queen before him could apologize. It is graceful to say so. And this grace probably made many of the great nobles want to support her.
This is the reason why Marquis Lyndrus chose her as his queen instead of Gudrun.
To be honest, I did not expect the queen to kiss the back of Hiroto's hand. I did not expect her to show an act of reverence. I never thought I would see the nobility of a nobleman show his nobility. It was heaven-sent. Now it is Hiroto's turn to accept the apology.
"The queen's heart is the most radiant thing I have known since I came to this country."
Hiroto replied. The queen's heart is that she apologized. He praised it as "brilliance. In effect, it was an acceptance of the apology.
"All I ask is that the four articles be accepted without any reservations, and that the commercial buildings in Toluca and Sarica be promptly built by the queen."
By the queen's hand means that the queen will bear the financial burden.
It is the "price" that Hiroto declared.
"You are the jewels of Hybride. As for Sarika and Tolka, we will realize them immediately in the name of the Queen. And I promise you that never again will I revoke the patents of the merchants of Hybride for any unreasonable reason."
Astorica responded immediately.
It was a noble reply. He had heard from Marquis Hydran the negative impression that she was an anxious woman who was always worrying about her throne, but even so, it was an admirable reply. At least, I feel he was more admirable than Marquis Hydran's.
I need your jewels for tonight's dinner. Will you accept my invitation?
Astorica invited him to join her.
There was no reason to refuse. Hiroto took the queen's hand.
I'd be happy to. But I have one more favor to ask.
The first time I saw him, he was a little nervous.

## Epilogue

### Aftermath of Three Kingdoms Talk

#### Part 1

Back to Emperia, Leonidas is plucking flowers as his "bet" to see if Hiroto's talks with Agnica is successful only to frustrated because. Both Felkina and Raquel are surprised to see this and calls him out for his tomfoolery but the king is

#### Part 2

Upon receiving the news, the advisors immediately gathered at the Privy Council. They all groaned as they read the letter Hiroto had sent and a copy of the agreement.
No, I am surprised... I didn't expect this..."
The Grand High Priest exclaimed.
No, what a surprise!
The Secretary of State was at a loss for words. It was the Secretary who said that Hiroto must have lost his mind.
It was Grand Elder Junivestel and Prime Minister Panobtikos who stood silently side by side, looking at the letter until they were pierced with holes.
Is this the result of mixing public and private affairs?
Juani-Vestel snarled. And then,
Panobutikos. Do you understand? Why did Goodloun and the queen agree to these terms?
Banobutikos twisted his head. Panobtikos twisted his head.
No," he said, "but from what I see in the agreement, it doesn't look as if they will accept it forever. It would be a lie to say that they only pushed for the trade agreement..."
The two men now looked not at the agreement but at the letter.
Panobutikos looked at the letter with a start.
Panobtikos looked at the letter, not the agreement.

#### Part 2

Meanwhile, Astorica blames Lyndrus for the kingdom's dire situation after hearing from Lokroi's report about Finnath's dismissal from the Privy Council, to the point ranting about how Agnika became an enemy to both Hybride and Gassel.

## Characters

* Excelis
* Mimia
* Sorceire
* Valkyria
* Rasmus
* Leonidas
* Raquel
* Felkina do Lalente
* Metis
* Ismir
* Dorsel
* Gudrun
* Lyndrus
* Astorica
* Lokroi
* Universtel
* Sylferis
* Sōichirō Sōda
* Curele
* Cognidus
* Darmur
* Hydran
* King Moldias (Mentioned Only)
* King Eesh (Mentioned Only)
* Belffergo (Mentioned Only)
* Ordicus (Mentioned Only)
* Lisvaon (Mentioned Only)
* Freyas (Mentioned Only)

## Story Impact

This arc explores the feud between Hybride and Agnica not just because of the alum stones, but also illustrates a feud between Hybride and Agnica over the alum stones-the minerals that are used for texture materials, with the latter just discovered the new mines at Inges (one of Agnica's territory) after the former's own is depleting due to a flood that destroyed Ulrike Mines (Hybride's largest alum mines). To make matters complicated,, Countess Gudrun and Queen Astorica, Agnica's 2 powerful female figures and bitter rivals for the throne, loathes Hiroto with scorn for breaking military alliance between Agnica and Hybride as well as his proposal at Port Toluca that affecting the mountain urchin monopoly, and both women are plotting to exploit Agnica's newly discovered resources into forcing Hybride to acknowledge either one of them as Agnica's official ruler with their respective demands. The stakes are only gets even higher as Hiroto, who has visited both King Pashan II and Queen Ismir as Hybridian envoy, fears that Gassel may cut it's ties with Hybride should Hybride comply with either women's demands. To obtain these alum stones without signing Agnica's military agreement, Hiroto is heading to the West again even when his chances of winning is nearly zero.

* Agnika and Gassel are deeply explored in this arc and several new characters are also introduced along the way, specifically Gudrun who is Astorica's rival for the crown. In addition, more information about Astorica and her subjects
	+ Gudrun is the introduced as the one of Agnika's countess and one of the main antagonists in this arc. In spite being a countess of the kingdom, Gudrun was a princess to Agnika's westmost neighboring kingdom by the name Kygia
	+ Astorica's backstory is further explored

## Trivia

* This arc is by far one of Hiroto's most difficult challenge the series.
* For the first time since Moldias, Astorica is the first female ruler from ithre

## Notes

1. ↑ Unlike the rest of her fellow Agnica's citizens who as blue eyes and blonde air, in Gudrun's case, she has a rather long black hair with green tint due to her background as the princess of Agnika's neighboring kingdom by the name
2. ↑ To actually defeat Hiroto, Gudrun had to gain any intel on him instead of just rely on hatred.
3. ↑ At first, Gudrun didn't believed that Gasel Army was perplexed to see the vampire but considering what happened at Bahram along with her own experience of meeting the vampires for first time, made her realized that the vampires .