The Holy Kingdom?
Yeah. Their representative visited the Kingdom.
I originally wanted to discuss some countermeasures with them.
But you strongly insisted we should stand by our foreign policy...
You were the one who decided not to meet with them, Brother.
You said there was nothing you could do
to help against an enemy like Jaldabaoth, who wasn't even human.
Don't glare, my sister.
I'm just realizing that all this work has accumulated
because of the little problems we couldn't respond to immediately.
The Holy Kingdom asked the Sorcerer Kingdom for help since we refused their request for aid.
In the end, the Sorcerer Kingdom defeated Jaldabaoth
and even sent an enormous amount of relief supplies.
The reputation of the Sorcerer Kingdom only continues to grow.
But didn't you give them permission to travel through the Kingdom to deliver those supplies?
How could I refuse?
We requested the right to impose import taxes and charge fees
for use of our merchants and warehouses.
The Sorcerer Kingdom accepted every request without any resistance.
They even said they were willing to sell some of their wares within our country, too.
They're so generous, it's disturbing.
You're thinking too negatively, Brother.
No, I'm sure this is another one of their plots.
Hasn't the Empire already become a vassal state due to their ploys?
Then why don't we just pledge to become a vassal state ourselves?
Hah! Maybe if we could control our nobles like the Empire.
The first thing that would happen if I did that would be a rebellion.
That wouldn't happen.
Hmph.
She's not serious,
but it looks like she'd go along with it if I foolishly agreed...
If only Elias would come back to my side...
It would be difficult to bring Marquis Raeven back to the royal capital.
I've heard that his will was crushed by the war with the Empire.
More importantly, when will you ascend to the throne, Brother?
I'd like you to fulfill your promise to me soon.
Father is trying to find the right time to pass me the throne.
Your wish will come true soon.
Thank you very much, Brother.
Why won't things go my way?
Oh, Baron Montserrat.
Baron Delvi. Baron Rokerlen.
To our faction's great leader, Baron Philip.
Cheers!
Oops!
No worries.
By the way, something seems to be worrying you lately.
Is everything all right?
Everyone around me has been so useless that they've been dragging me down!
The commoners in my domain
don't listen to me, the new head of the prestigious Montserrat family, at all!
We'd be rolling in money if they only listened to my words!
They're making no effort to raise the cash crops I told them to raise!
All they can do is give me excuses,
like they're not sure if the crops can be grown in this climate
or that they don't have the manpower!
I see. I see.
It's natural to get angry at those far more ignorant than yourself.
Right?
Exactly right.
You understand!
There are too many people in the world that smother those with talent!
However, you have a wonderful backer that believes in your talent!
Oh, Hilma?
Yes. I'm so jealous of you!
She's created the perfect gathering place for your faction,
without asking for anything in return.
No, no. It's not my faction alone—
Well, I plan to do away with the outdated method of prioritizing people
just because of status and age.
Oh, how reassuring!
Right?
Exactly right.
Lord Philip, I hear that you're close to the Sorcerer Kingdom's prime minister.
Yes. I've kept in contact with Lady Albedo through our letters.
So you know of the situation?
It seems the Sorcerer Kingdom is producing an enormous amount of food,
an amount comparable to our own kingdom.
Aren't they a small kingdom with E-Rantel as their only city?
Well, I've heard they use the undead to tirelessly cultivate a large amount of farmland.
The undead?
How creepy.
On top of that, they're sending that food as aid to the Holy Kingdom.
I'm sure of it,
since a lot of carts from the Sorcerer Kingdom have been traveling through my land.
Through your lands, Lord Vianney?
The warehouses throughout the kingdom are being packed with food
and that food can be sold within the Kingdom for a cheap price.
What's that?! How unfair!
Lord Philip, please keep your voice down.
That'll greatly affect the price of the crops being grown in my territory!
As expected of Lord Philip!
You instantly understand our current worries.
We have to do something about this...
So, we need to have the Sorcerer Kingdom lower their production of food crops?
That's right.
I can bring down the hammer of justice on the Sorcerer Kingdom
while reaping benefits for my domain and my kingdom! Three birds with one stone!
No, it's the perfect plan!
Do the two of you have a bit of time?
There's something that may interest you...
We've been conquering territories at a good pace.
But...
We really lack the manpower.
It would be outrageous of me to ask the Supreme One for help...
Problems Encountered During Transport of Aid to the Holy Kingdom
A report on problems encountered during the transport of aid to the Holy Kingdom?
Huh?
I understand we're doing this
to show the public that I have a good relationship with Momon,
but the silence is really stifling...
But there isn't really anything I want to talk to Pandora's Actor about.
Um, Miss Nabe.
Yes.
Well, let's see...
Have you visited the orphanage that was suggested by Yuri at all?
No, not yet...
Then, should we stop by?
Yes!
Lord Ains.
What is it, Entoma?
I'm very sorry for the interruption.
Lady Albedo is requesting your return to the Great Tomb of Nazarick as soon as possible.
Huh?
Lord Ains. I have gathered all the floor guardians before you.
Yes.
Good work. Raise your heads.
Yes!
So, Albedo, tell me why you've gathered everyone here.
Yes.
Four days ago,
the food we sent to the Holy Kingdom was stolen while being transported through the Kingdom.
Oh? And the culprit?
A noble of the Kingdom.
That noble used his subordinates to attack our carriage and robbed our goods by force.
If I remember correctly, weren't the transporting merchants
prepared by the Eight Fingers?
Their carriages carry the flags of the Sorcerer Kingdom.
In other words, the Kingdom decided to directly attack the Sorcerer Kingdom?
Oh, or perhaps the Eight Fingers have betrayed us?
No, that's...
Hm? What's wrong, Albedo?
What's going on?
Isn't this the attitude of an employee that has to
tell her boss that he's made a terrible mistake?
I don't remember any of the nobles from the Kingdom, though...
Did I do something?
Albedo, don't hold back. Tell me.
Yes, Lord Ains.
I believe you remember our plans to use a foolish noble to take control of the Kingdom.
Yes, the one you've been sending letters to...
Only for the sake of our plans!
N-No, excuse me.
That fool of a noble is the one who orchestrated the robbery.
Of course, as you said, there's a chance that this was a ploy by the Kingdom...
Hm. I'm sure you've already checked to see if that was the case.
Yes. I have a witness.
This is the one responsible for managing that witless noble.
Who is that?
I-I-It's good to see Your Majesty the Sorcerer King in good health!
Woman, I allow you to state your name.
My name is Hilma Cygnaeus, Your Majesty!
Oh, I vaguely remember the name.
I-I didn't know anything! It's true!
I would never do something that went against your wishes!
I have nothing to do with this!
Yes. First, I will confirm if your words are true.
Dominate.
Were you involved with the robbery orchestrated by the nobles?
I was not!
Have you ever been told you have multiple personalities?
I have not!
Hm. Do you have any feelings of hostility against us?
Not at all! Not even a little bit! No!
I see.
Even if your actions may have indirectly triggered this result,
it would be unfair to blame you for the crime.
Cygnaeus is innocent.
Lord Ains!
A superior should take responsibility for the mistakes of their subordinates!
Allow me to say this! I never thought he would do something so outrageous!
I warned him so many times! I had so many people watching him!
A superior should be responsible for the mistakes of their subordinates. I also agree.
However, those words should be used by a superior to protect their subordinates.
It shouldn't be used by another to force the responsibility on someone below them.
Albedo, let me ask you this...
Who is responsible for taking care of Cygnaeus?
That would be me.
Yes. Then, as your master, should not I be the one ultimately held responsible?
N-N-Not at all! There's no way that you would be at fault, Lord Ains!
Cygnaeus, prepare some new countermeasures and present them to Albedo.
That will be your punishment.
Yes!
That is my final decision.
Hilma!
Are you okay?!
I have some fruit liquor!
Do you need to cleanse your mouth?
The others are coming as quick as they can!
I've made all of you worry.
It's okay.
They didn't use that on me.
R-Really?!
I met His Majesty, the Sorcerer King.
The Sorcerer King...
His Majesty was a very reasonable person.
I was able to return without any serious punishment because of him.
His Majesty the Sorcerer King...
He really is suitable for the position of king.
Hilma, that's the carrot and the stick.
Yes, you're right.
I've done the same thing to others myself, so I understand that.
But...
I never realized how sweet the candy was, until I experienced the pain of the whip.
I felt like I could trust His Majesty.
No, I wanted to trust him with all my heart.
I see.
It seems we need to show him our unwavering loyalty as best we can.
Yes, we need to work harder for the Sorcerer King!
Now, surely you didn't just call me back to deal with her?
Yes. You are correct.
I thought we would have to make a drastic change of plans
if someone was using the fool of a noble for their own agenda.
I decided it would be best to ask for your opinion, Lord Ains.
Hm.
How much have you explained about the "carrot and stick" plan to Aura and the others?
I haven't delved into much detail.
Then share the information with everyone here.
I want to hear about it, too.
Understood.
Everyone should feel free to voice their opinions.
Yes.
Operation Carrot and Stick, named by Lord Ains,
explains our plans to take over the Kingdom in its very name.
We planned to incite a civil war and peacefully absorb the citizens of the Kingdom.
Well, this idea was originally suggested by a certain individual from the Kingdom.
It was a wonderful idea that didn't require many modifications.
The key to this plan was supposed to be the foolish noble who caused the current problem...
Huh? What's the problem? Aren't things going according to plan?
Excuse me!
What is it, Shalltear?
What, exactly, is the problem?
Didn't the little fool start the needed trouble without any effort on our part?
Good job asking, Shalltear!
The people's dissatisfaction with the current Kingdom was supposed to incite a rebellion.
I can't believe the nobles decided to challenge the Sorcerer Kingdom instead...
There's a chance that this is the plot of a schemer that surpasses our own expectations.
If we move carelessly, we may play straight into the hands of an unknown enemy.
Would a genius like that really suddenly appear?
More importantly...
Are you sure that noble didn't move thoughtlessly on his own?
Lord Ains, I believe that even an idiot couldn't possibly move that thoughtlessly...
No. Wait, Albedo.
We can only think of countermeasures against an intellectual,
but Lord Ains can even understand the minds of the asinine.
That could really be a possibility...
No, perhaps it's the more probable truth?
B-But, to be that stupid! Is it possible?!
Since Lord Ains says so, it's got to be.
I-I also agree.
There is no greater plotter than Lord Ains.
Why did you use such a stupid noble in the first place?
Could a smarter one not have been used?
That's not true.
We have a few capable nobles that have already come to our side, even now.
But we have decided to gather all the useless nobles in a faction,
so it will be easier to get rid of them at a later time.
That is a good plan.
Now, how should we respond to this matter?
These people destroyed the carriages
displaying the Sorcerer Kingdom's flags, which represent Lord Ains.
What punishment is appropriate?
Shouldn't we kill them?
Huh?
I-I agree with my sister.
What?
So we just kill the ones directly involved in the robbery?
No.
Their master is also guilty.
The entire kingdom should be punished!
That's right.
What?!
I also agree.
However...
Lord Ains once said...
"While it is easy to rule with violence, you make many enemies along the way."
"A desolate kingdom would sully the name of Ains Ooal Gown."
Y-You remember my words well, Demiurge.
Oh, I remember them, as well!
I also remember, Lord Ains!
M-Me, too...
Yes. Yes. I'm thankful for all of you.
I wish to take Lord Ains' words into consideration,
but we cannot give them too light of a punishment.
We will have to temporarily stop or completely abandon this plan.
At the very least, some heavy adjustments will be necessary.
I see.
Is it really okay to change our plans so drastically just because of what I said?
Demiurge, has this plan truly failed?
No way!
No, it would be possible for Lord Ains!
Lord Ains, you must have brought the Empire under your control
to use the "carrot and stick" on an international level!
Huh?!
That's right.
Thank you very much.
Since I've received permission from Lord Ains,
let's give the Kingdom a more devastating punishment.
Huh?
Lord Ains gave the Empire, who quickly pledged themselves to us, the carrot.
So, the foolish Kingdom who went against us should receive the stick.
These two countries will be used to set an example!
We will ask everyone in the world whether they want the carrot or the stick.
This is quite exciting, Lord Ains.
Yeah.
Whaaat?!
We will now start the royal court meeting.
We've gathered here today to discuss the letter we received from the Sorcerer Kingdom.
"The people of the Kingdom used force to seize the food supplies sent to the Holy Kingdom."
"The Sorcerer Kingdom considers this action as"
"blatant hostility and is willing to declare war if necessary."
The Sorcerer Kingdom, Baharuth Empire, Dragon Kingdom, and Dwarf Kingdom
have all pressed their seals on this letter in agreement.
The seals of the Holy Kingdom and the equally powerful one called Faceless,
Faceless?
who controls the temples, are also present.
I've never heard of the person.
Zanac, is it possible that this matter was caused by the meddling of a third party,
in order to destroy our relationship with the Sorcerer Kingdom?
There is a possibility that someone's hand was involved,
but this result is ultimately the fault of the Kingdom.
How much have you investigated?
Actually, we've already confirmed the culprit behind this.
Baron Philip Dayton L'Eyre Montserrat is responsible.
Montserrat?
Have you heard of him before?
I still can't imagine a noble of our kingdom doing something so stupid.
Isn't this a ploy of the Sorcerer Kingdom?
I agree. Perhaps he was afflicted with Charm Person and forced to do it?
True.
That must be it.
If that's the case, it's likely he would be silenced.
We'll have to summon that baron here as soon as possible.
Father, should we use his head to begin our negotiations with the Sorcerer Kingdom?
What are you saying?!
Father.
We shouldn't fight against the Sorcerer Kingdom.
You don't mind sacrificing the life of an innocent noble to accomplish that?
My son, is that something a future king should say?
I know.
However, you witnessed the tragedy of the Katze Plains with your own eyes.
Even after that, do you still plan to fight against the Sorcerer Kingdom?
I'm against it.
Many may call this decision weak and cowardly,
but I strongly believe we should avoid fighting the Sorcerer Kingdom,
even if it means offering the life of an innocent noble.
Your Majesty, I understand Prince Zanac's strong desire to protect our people.
Why don't we submit ourselves as a vassal state like the Baharuth Empire?
What are you saying?!
Have you no honor?!
Impossible!
Minister of Interior Affairs, what are you saying?!
That is the one thing we cannot do.
It would be an insult to all the lives lost while protecting this kingdom.
My apologies, Count. Thank you for your suggestion.
Not at all.
Zanac, I have a good idea.
A good idea?
A herald of the Sorcerer Kingdom has arrived.
Prime Minister Albedo will soon arrive in the royal capital!
I will meet her. Prepare the throne room immediately.
It's been a long time, Lady Albedo.
Yes it has, Your Highness.
What brings you here today?
Well, this is in regards to the matter of the goods for the Holy Kingdom
being stolen by a noble of your kingdom.
I see. That matter.
First, I would like to apologize for the actions of that citizen.
And...
is it possible to gain forgiveness with my head alone?