Chapter 3 - III -

 

On our way home, I asked Sir Simon their reason they came here.  Certainly, it’s not because that Maddie needed to heal some injuries of King Rambo, since that idiot was all fine and arrogant earlier.

 

“About that?  We’re here because of the ‘Holy Congress’.” he answered.

 

“Oh, yes that…” I could only nod, recalling my conversation with the Saint about that.  Maddie mentioned that the kings, princes, and other rulers of the human kingdoms would meet at the Holy Palatial Gardens to convene the ‘Holy Congress’.

 

“I see that you already know about it?” Sir Simon was quite surprised to learn that.

 

“Her Holiness told me about that before.” I explained, “I find it quite revolutionary regarding Chersea’s usual approach to foreign affairs.”

 

“Indeed, it is!” the prince mused, “Isn’t Maddie admirable?  She’s the only person I know that could think of that!  And now look, we’re reaping the benefits of her vision…Chersea won’t experience this era of peace and prosperity if she didn’t have the courage and intelligence to do it!”

 

“I agree, haha!”  Of course, Maddie’s intelligent!  That’s why I liked her, see?

 

“But not all problems were solved by this congress, though.” Sir Simon added, “So, Maddie put some useful rules in place for that very matter in case the affair reaches to that…”

 

“Rules?” I curiously asked.  Maybe I could give some more useful suggestions to Maddie in the future, to further enhance this congress that she created…

 

“Ah well, it’s just her threatening those countries who wouldn’t submit to the congress’ ruling that she would send crippling plagues to their populations and severe famines to their food centers.” laughing, Sir Simon revealed, “100% that would work, and bring any unruly kingdom into line without further objections.”

 

“Oh…”  Maddie’s way of dealing with troublesome human kingdoms reminded me of that certain country back on Earth that would just shove their ideals down in everyone’s throats if they didn’t comply with its wishes, under the guise of ‘freedom’.  

 

Yes, I’m looking at the United States of America.

 

But well anyway, in Maddie’s case, I guess it’s better than nothing.  After all, no country— good or bad, would want their source of power (the population) to be decimated in an instant and so tragically such as a plague or famine.

 

“And so, we’re all here—the kings, princes, grand dukes, and even the emperor, to meet at the Holy Palatial Gardens.  It’s where the congress would take place.”

 

“Ah, I’d like to see how it happens.”

 

Yep, honestly, I wanted to check on how this ‘Holy Congress’ worked.  I’m pretty interested in politics and history after all, and it’d be a good way for me to learn more about Chersea’s way of life.

 

 

By the time we came back to the Holy Palatial Gardens, the grounds of the palatial gardens were now swelling with people.  Many royal carriages and horses were arriving, and the Paladin Corps were all busy in keeping the order, assisted by the maids.  Some royal retinues were also lending their hand, for many of the human rulers had brought in ‘extra baggage’ with them, messing up the security measures that the Saint’s guards had already put in place.

 

Sir Simon was then approached by a maid as we alighted his horse, “Your Highness, the 2^nd Prince of Nerfes, this way, please.”

 

I was about to separate from him when the prince asked me to come along.  He reasoned, “I want to see you with Maddie and Lily.”

 

“Well, didn’t you see me already?” I countered.

 

“I mean, you guys and me talking together.” he reiterated.

 

Since I had nothing else to do for that ‘day’, and with Sir Simon stubbornly insisting, I finally felt obliged.  We followed the maid as she led us to the room where the ‘Holy Congress’ was taking place.

 

“Is Her Holiness taking over the proceedings?” I heard Sir Simon asked the maid, “I heard that the Grand Templar has already quit.”

 

“Indeed, she is.” the maid answered, then further explained, “And for now, Her Holiness is the one arbitrating for the congress.  If it’s possible, we’d like to ask for your patience and understanding; the Great Saint is having a little difficulty as of the moment.”

 

I never liked the sound of it, “Difficulty?  What do you mean?” I asked.

 

“Ah, Mister Kuro, well…some ambassadors are—”

 

“!!!”

 

All three of us were interrupted in the middle of our talk when we heard a loud crashing sound just behind the door in front of us.  The two paladins posted as sentries looked at us with bewildered expressions on their faces as well.

 

“Oh dear…” the maid said, with a worried look on her face, “It seems those nobles have already started.”

 

 

So, this was the ‘Holy Congress’…

 

“…”

 

…or at least, was what I should think.  In reality, this was quite far from what I expected.

 

“Isn’t this way too cruel to our city?  Why should our state give that land to your landlubber of a Duke?”

 

“Maybe you should watch your vile tongue, Ambassador Johannes, and then we could talk.  Otherwise, a lowlife like you would taste the sharpness of my blade.”

 

“What, you’re asking for it?  Bring it on then!  Call your Duke over there to help you fight as well!”

 

“That won’t be necessary.  I, alone, am enough to dispose of villains such as you!  Come on! Throw your gloves at me, and let’s have a start with this!”

 

“Lady Monfort, please disarm those two!”

 

The Marquise of Monfort moved quickly to dispossess the two hotheads of their weapons, thus lowering—if not eliminating—the tension that filled the room where the ‘Congress’ was taking place.  

 

As soon as we entered, I immediately felt the overwhelming hostility over the two envoys from the countries of the Duchy of Savoy and their neighbor, the Alliance of the Valley Cities (thanks to Sir Simon for pointing that out).

 

What the hell is this?  Can those fellows be even worthy to be called ‘ambassadors’?  They looked like thugs in fancy dresses.

 

“Ah, in case you don’t know, the Duke of Savoy has a long-standing dispute with the Stadtholders of the Valley Cities, primarily concerning the control for the river near their border.” Sir Simon explained to me, after witnessing that stupid episode.

 

“I decree no one may bring their weapons inside this Holy Congress.”

 

No one among the people inside dared to object at the pronouncement; even those hot-headed idiots being restrained by the paladins remained silent as their swords were confiscated and disposed of.

 

Also, the Marquise of Monfort had her paladins separate those two envoys in separate rooms next to this place.  You see, for a word such as ‘congress’, this affair was primarily more like a ‘bilateral talk’ between the countries concerned, and a third-party was included to act as an arbiter and a primary witness to whatever the results of their negotiations.

 

This is where Granny Franceska’s (former)—and Maddie’s (now)—roles would finally come into play.

 

“…”

 

As was the situation, Maddie was the one on duty as the mediator, doing her best to fulfill her responsibilities.  But well, I guess she’s on the verge of breaking down.  She didn’t even notice that we entered the room at all!  Her Holiness just continued massaging her head—aided by Lily, cooling off her mind from the explosive scene earlier.

 

This, and we just recently dealt with her heartbreak and its effects…

 

“Ugh…it must be pretty difficult for her to handle those guys…” I commented.

 

“Indeed.” Sir Simon replied in whispers, “The Count of Heese and the Satrap Johannes are two of Chersea’s most ill-tempered nobles.”

 

“What?  Then why are they in that position as ambassadors?” I asked, shocked at the revelation, “Shouldn’t they choose someone who’s more collected than those fools?”

 

“Hm?  I guess you’re right…” the prince answered with a long sigh, with his voice trailing into the air, “Well why should we choose someone like that, Kuro?”

 

“Ha?” I could only stare at Sir Simon in utter horror and confusion.  It seemed like Chersea did not know about the basics of tact and diplomacy, “Well, isn’t it logical that you choose someone calmer to negotiate with on your behalf?  That way, it won’t end up in an unnecessary conflict.”

 

Sir Simon smiled poignantly, “Is that how you do things back in your land?”

 

“Of course!”

 

“Your country is quite weird, huh?”

 

“What?”

 

“Nah, don’t take it as an offense.  I meant it positively.” Sir Simon explained apologetically, “I’m just amazed that you can find such a person, you know—the ‘cool-headed’ ambassador.  You see, in Chersea, we only got hot-headed, arrogant nobles to send.  If there’s someone close to your ideal envoy, he won’t be appointed anyway, since we’re afraid to appear ‘weak’ to our counterparts.”

 

“…”  Well, I had nothing else to say to that; Sir Simon had a point.  

 

No matter how I looked at it, Chersea was still a medieval society, where the pride and glory of one individual mattered over the peace and welfare of the population.  Of course, in a setting such as this, it’s no wonder why someone wouldn’t want to appear weak to anyone else.  However, I’m also quite astonished to learn about how Chersea conducted diplomatic matters.  If this would happen on Earth in modern times, we’d be all wiped clean off the face of our planet.

 

Thinking about it had made me more admiring of Maddie.  I may not comprehend well the lengths that she had to go through just to bring these troublesome guys into the negotiation table, let alone listen to her completely, but she’s pulled it off.  And because of those, my lover had my respects.

 

“…”

 

I could only helplessly stare at the Saint, languishing at her seat because of the failed talks.  Honestly, I wanted to step in and comfort her as well.  But I knew I shouldn’t do that; at least, not in broad view of everyone else.  I mean, what would they think if they see me near Her Holiness?  That itself could lead to further complications and jeopardized her reputation.

 

I never want for these foolish nobles to see me as something of a ‘sure-wire connection’ to Maddie and abuse my relationship with her.

 

“…”

 

Well, it’s a given that even though Maddie was treated as a ‘god’ here, all humans were naturally stubborn.  They look for someone like a deity, but they also wanted that divinity to be just watching on the sidelines, never lifting a finger to help them—not until everything’s going haywire, and was too late to do anything.  

 

Even if these folks witnessed a miracle— or something along with the paranormal—in front of them, they’d still have the guts to question it.  

 

‘Being skeptical’, was what they call it.  And it’s a widely praised virtue in my present-day world, especially if you’re biased against religion and spirituality.  I mean, it’s not bad, but everything that goes over-the-top would end up harming you, instead of helping.

 

“…”

 

Haa…I could now finally understand why Her Holiness was so adamant in taking over the duties of Granny Franceska, and why she’s running away from her responsibilities…

 

Adults act like children, and children act like adults.  Such a stupid world, indeed.