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Chapter 417: 16 Year Old Inglis and the Highland on Distance Sea (26)
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"Oh… Such a bright young lady despite your small stature. You're absolutely right; we do good business with the imperial family and the people of Venefique. Would you like some more sweets?"
über, nodding repeatedly in admiration of Inglis, offered more treats.
"I'll have some!" Inglis gratefully accepted the offer.
"So, the people who were brought here along with the princess were people belonging to her faction, correct? In a word, political prisoners? Many of them must be influential within the country, so selling them to the Highland might be a smarter move compared to executing them and risking backlash or imprisoning them and leaving room for potential retaliation."
"Exactly. Moreover, acquiring Artifacts to protect the nation and its people is far more beneficial than mere executions. Another way to put it is that they sacrificed themselves for the benefit of their country. It's quite commendable. Plus, our firm share in the profits, so it's advantageous for us as well."
"… So, you're saying that those who were brought here are going to lose their lives?"
Inglis responded with a bright smile. This meant that if they were to save them, they had to act quickly.
Princess Meltina was taken to be transformed into a Hyrule Menace, so she likely wouldn't be executed immediately and might survive as a Hyrule Menace at worst. However, the fate of the others was uncertain.
"Oh dear, have I spoken too much?"
über chuckled softly. At that moment, Rafinha stood up abruptly with a loud thud.
"Where are they?! If we don't go help them soon, it will be too late…!"
"………"
über watched calmly but did not respond.
"Say something! If you refuse to tell us, we'll use force if we have to…!"
"Before you proceed, may I ask: is this truly necessary for you?"
über’s monocle seemed to glint sharply.
"What do you mean…?!"
"You are from the nation of Charalia, correct? These individuals are political prisoners of Venefique."
"If we don't help them just because they are from an enemy country, we'll remain enemies forever! I don't want that! We should help those we can!"
"… Even if it means prolonging the current state of enmity? Think carefully; these people are political prisoners."
“……?!”
Rafinha fell silent, her expression serious, as she glanced at Inglis.
"What he means is, we don't know what kind of stance the princess holds. Being political prisoners implies a conflict of opinions. If, for example, they’re of the faction that opposes peace with Charalia, the one that finds the Arcane Wardens’ activities as a hindrance, helping them might actually prevent peace and potentially lead to a full-scale war…"
"Such a wise young lady. That is precisely what I meant. Is this the kind of risk you want to take to help these people?"
“……”
Rafinha bit her lip hard.
"Then, could you at least tell me what the Princess’ stance is?”
"That would be improper. Pardon me for choosing not to answer it.
über refused, as expected. With that, Inglis had only one thing to say.
"It's okay, Rani. Just do what you believe is right. I'll handle the rest, okay?"
From behind Rafinha, a soft whisper was directed only for her ears.
Hearing it, Rafinha nodded firmly and faced über’s smile.
"I will help them! Even if our beliefs are different, I believe that people who worry about others more than themselves can understand each other! I want to believe that the world works that way!"
Rafinha declared this with a resolute expression.
"Fufu. You seem to live in a wonderfully beautiful world. I envy you. I’m sure everyone would want to live in a world like yours. But… What will you do about the risks I mentioned earlier? Your noble actions might lead to many deaths in Charalia. What will you do then? Will you turn a blind eye? I did warn you."
"I won't do that! If that happens…!"
Rafinha exclaimed, lifting Inglis up.
"This girl will take down all the bad guys!"
“That, I will.”
Inglis might as well show off a bit. A full-scale war would be welcome too. After all, it means she can fight as much as she wants.
"Ha ha ha…! I see. With the strength of someone who could easily throw and catch this ship, that’s hardly a joke. And a full-scale war with Charalia, the nation capable of taking down a Prisma, would be disadvantageous for Venefique. As a merchant, losing my clientele is not something I welcome."
"Is that the prevailing opinion in Venefique?"
That would be a bit disappointing.
Inglis would prefer the hawkish faction to attack freely and become fierce opponents for her in battle.
Fighting against overwhelming odds also offers its own rewards.
"Well… I'm just a merchant. I can't speak for the country’s higher-ups. I don't know the details about Her Highness the Princess either. However, the news of the Prisma being not just driven off or sealed, but completely defeated, sent shockwaves through Venefique. It seems they hoped for at least half of Charalia to be destroyed. After all, General Rochefort and his Hyrule Menace, who attacked the royal capital to ensure this, didn't return."
Rochefort and Arles are now instructors at the Knight Academy.
And Inglis has no intention of returning them.
Those two have become indispensable for her.
Such powerful individuals sparring with her every day after school for special training is a priceless opportunity.