Chapter 7 – The demand from the Empire results in a new decree being issued

Given the current situation, there is nothing for me to say.

Considering this, I also stand behind Mayo-sama. Then, Mayo-sama and Karan-san’s discussion began.

“Well… first of all, I would like to express my gratitude for taking the time for this meeting.”

“No, please don’t worry. The Amatsuki Empire has built friendly relations with the people of the grasslands until now.”

According to the two, it seems that the nomadic people not only provide horses to the Zeltreich Empire but also to the Amatsuki Empire.

However, this was not a tribute but a trade and the nomads obtained daily necessities and ingredients unique to this place from the Zeltreich Empire.

I never thought that the Empire would have such dealings. But thinking back, among the tools that the nomads use, there were clearly items that couldn’t be made in that area.

Moreover, they were the nomads who taught my master and me the way from the grasslands to the Empire. Although the scale was small, there certainly was a relationship between the two.

“The reason why Karan-sama came here. It’s about the horses, isn’t it?”

“Yes… is it from the Empire?”

“Yes. A while ago, an envoy arrived. They requested that the Amatsuki Empire refrain from receiving horses in the future.”

Certainly, the environment of the pasture must be favourable. Horses raised on the grasslands apparently have excellent quality.

The nomads provide about one horse per year to the Amatsuki Empire and these horses are said to be in the care of the imperial family.

However, in response to this, the Empire has been insisting,『Those horses should originally be offered to the Empire. Taking them without permission is unacceptable』.

“I was troubled about how to respond…but my brother…”

“The Empire has been receiving the most splendid horses raised by various tribes within the Empire. Among the noble families of the Empire, there must have been someone who didn’t like the idea, somehow learning about it.”

Horses presented to the Empire seem to be generally well taken care of. At times, they are even treated as sacred horses to safeguard sanctuaries.

The nomadic people also wish for their well-raised horses to live in good places. Since the Empire provides resources to the nomads, they try to offer the best horses possible.

On the other hand, concerning the Empire, the horses usually end up in the hands of influential nobles and there have been stories of them being stolen by thieves.

“In addition, that envoy came all the way to the grasslands. They requested to double the number of horses presented in the future.”

“Hmm…”

According to Karan-san, the envoy managed to find the nomads by traversing the vast grasslands and conveyed the Empire’s request. Initially, the nomads welcomed them with a sense of『welcome from a distant place』but gradually grew weary due to their domineering language and attitude.

“In the past few years, there hasn’t been a full-scale conflict between the north and south of the Empire. Both sides seem to prioritise the reconstruction of their respective territories.”

Originally, the Empire was in financial difficulty. Moreover, raiders from the west would come for looting. However, thanks to the limited-scale conflicts, the military is gradually getting organised. With some financial leeway and a relatively stable internal situation, the Empire is extending its influence to the grasslands.

“We may have a small concept of nations and territories, but we understand the consequences of rejecting the Empire’s wishes. The current Emperor is known to make stern decisions.”

“………….”

I am surprised…I had thought that the nomadic people generally do not leave the grasslands. They seem to have a better understanding of the internal affairs of the Empire than I had imagined.

They might have some means of obtaining information, or perhaps refugees have started coming to the grasslands in recent years.

“However, an immediate doubling is impossible. We will have to negotiate and find a compromise from now on…”

“This means that the trade involving horses, as we have known it in the Empire, will become difficult, right?”

I see…It wasn’t originally sold for money, it was a barter system.

If the daily necessities that were previously obtained become scarce, it will undoubtedly impact the nomadic lifestyle.

“Bladed tools and equipment, these things cannot be used forever. However, they are essential to us now, and there are several other similar tools. If trade becomes impossible, there will be people facing difficulties in the coming years.”

Hence, Karan-san, as the representative of the nomads, came to negotiate and see if they could continue bartering with something else. The impact of the civil unrest is reaching us in this unexpected way…

“I understand your circumstances better now, Karan-sama. If the Empire were a bit more stable, we might not have ended up in such a situation…Just between us, my brother doesn’t hold a favourable impression of the Empire.”

“Mayo-sama’s brother…?”

“Yes. Even in this matter, he is quite displeased with how the Empire has become so dictatorial as to dictate orders to our empire. Well, the nomads aside, the Empire is not a vassal or anything. It’s irritating to have an envoy come and give orders about horse trade.”

“My father is not in good health right now. Please allow me to discuss this matter with my brother.”

“Thank you.”

It seems that Karan-san will be staying in the capital for a while. It’s nice to meet like this, but… it’s hard to be genuinely happy, especially with the mention of the Empire.

“Oh, right. Vyril, you’ll be serving as Karan-sama’s escort for a while.”

“Eh…”

“Vyril, please take care.”

Mayo-sama, well, she’s the type to make decisions on the spot. Decisive, to say the least.

■

After that, I was assigned to guard the residence loaned to Karan-san. Thanks to this, I had ample time to have in-depth conversations, and it seemed to be Mayo-sama’s way of showing consideration.

However, those days didn’t last long. I received new orders.

“You’re going to the Ouma Territory…?”

“Yes. I’ll return to the capital once the bandit subjugation is complete.”

While the Empire often dealt with bandit incursions, it seems a group of about a hundred bandits appeared in the Ouma Territory.

Even with the warriors and imperial soldiers stationed in the Ouma Territory, handling this situation is possible. However, since such movements were unprecedented, a request was made to send a few extra warriors just to be safe.

Simultaneously, large-scale bandit groups appeared in the other two territories adjacent to the Empire, including the Ouma Territory.

It was suspected that something had happened within the Empire and I was also ordered to investigate it as much as possible.

There aren’t many warriors in the capital either. However, to address this situation and gather information, the heads of the warriors in the capital decided to dispatch warriors to each territory.

“Those bandits are probably former villagers or disbanded mercenaries who found themselves struggling for sustenance… It’s tough to fight against people from your own country, Vyril.”

Karan-san spoke with a tone of consideration. However, I shook my head.

“I am a warrior of this empire now. And to continue my days as a warrior, I will go.”

I’ve had enough of having those peaceful days stolen from me, like back then. I have the strength now to protect those days.

“…Vyril, may the guidance of the stars be with you.”

“Thank you.”

For the nomads, stars are essential indicators to measure their position and direction. [May the guidance of the stars be with you] is a wish for a safe return.

I joined Masaomi and Kiyoka, and we left the capital, heading for the Ouma Territory.