「During Father’s reign, the country stopped its expansionist policy. Since to be honest, Father is just a very normal average king with no good or bad points in ruling this country, he was considered as easy prey by the other countries.」(Liecia)
「How harsh…… Even when he is your father.」(Souma)
「It’s the truth. We can’t change it. Since Duke Carmine exercised his authority in the west, both the Amidonia Dukedom and Torgis Republic couldn’t interfere. Even as the greatest military man in this age, he didn’t hold even a shard of ambition and he devoted his loyalty to Father…… No, it’s wrong. Rather than my father, Duke Carmine genuinely loved this country.」(Liecia)
「This country?」(Souma)
「Do you know? There still countries that discriminate against other races in this world. The Empire currently touts equality between races, however there still areas that discriminate against non-human races. In contrast, the High Elves’ nation in the north is championing high elf race supremacy and contempt towards other human-kind. However, there is no such type of discrimination in this country. After all, in the first place the races that loathe this type of discrimination, so that they wouldn’t be enslaved by anyone, cooperated in founding this country. So Duke Carmine…… loves this country more than anyone else.」(Liecia)
At this point, Liecia paused for a moment, before continuing her words.
「As a private person, Duke Carmine is polite and can discern right from wrong. In his relationship with my father he crossed the personal and official line and become my father’s counselor. Duke Carmine…… affectionately treats me like his true daughter, maybe because Duke Carmine doesn’t have any children. He even gave me a shoulder ride. I also, really like Duke Carmine.」(Liecia)
「………」(Souma)
「When I wanted to enter the Army because I admired Duke Carmine, at the beginning he opposed it. He said that it wasn’t something that a princess should do. However, in the end, he complied with my selfish decision. Well, after graduating from military academy I was placed close to him and was only used to urge the soldiers to fight more vigorously.」(Liecia)
Well…. Of course you can’t put a country’s princess on the battlefield. It was clear that Duke Carmine had quite a hard time dealing with Liecia’s tomboyish desires.
「He seems to be a man of character.」(Souma)