“… what?”
“A Political Thinker of my world (Machiavelli) said this: ‘Those who by valorous ways become princes acquire a principality with difficulty but they keep it with ease 2. Those who solely by good fortune become princes have little trouble in rising but much in keeping atop’ 3”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
Julius turned around and glared straight at me.
“I have gained Vannes through a fight against you all. I chased away almost all the nobles and knights, eliminating anyone that might become my political opponents. Thus if I were to continue governing Vannes there would not be any significant trouble. But can you say the same?”
“What are you saying? This is my country to begin with”
“But it was Elfrieden’s territory until just now. Then, you relied on the ‘Empire’s Dignity’, that is to say the strength of another, to take it back. This is what Machiavelli refers to by ‘solely by good fortune becoming princes'”
In history, there are those who gained lordship through familial authority or the backing of powerful states. However,those who quickly rose in the world with such a backing would lose their fortunes the moment the backing disappears. The ideal ruler Machiavelli envisioned, the Italian condottiero Cesare Borgia, fell from grace when the backing that was his father, the Pope of Rome, Alexander, died. Or maybe like when during the war between Xiang Yu and Gaozu, the latter installed the King Of Chu from a peasant, only to kill him once he judged his usefulness was over.
Julius, who borrowed the Empire’s authority to take back his own capital would surely be made light of by the lords and peasants of Amidonia alike, and Gaius VIII who struck fear through force of arms was no longer here. So there’s wondering if Julius who had been destroyed so impactfully could control the lords, if he could befriend the masses of Vannes better than me and gain their trust.
“‘Those who without dificulty gain their princehood must expend great efforts afterwards’. Rather than nursing your grudge, I think you should rather govern for the sake of the people first”
“That’s none of your business!”
Summarily rejecting my insincere advice, Julius left the premises. Left behind, Jeanne shrugged and said, “oh well”. Istepped up to her and shook hands.
“Then I shall take my leave”
“It was a most beneficial discussion. Please send my regards to Lady Maria”
“Certainly. Lord Hakuya, as well, may you be healthy. Let us share our gripes against our lieges over some drinks sometime 4”
“Very well. I shall prepare a cask of wine to bring over”
The hell? They have enough complaints to prepare a wine barrel over? When I glared at him he so obviously looked away. Seeing that, Jeanne chuckled.
“Let us meet as equals next time. I will look forward to the day Elder Sister and King Soma stand side by side against the Demon King”
“… As do I. I will look forward to it as well”
We grasped hands tightly. My response was late, because for a moment the words ‘stand side by side’ caught in my mind. How far could I advance Elfrieden’s ‘era’ untily that time comes? I want to at least make it so that the vehicle that carries the King to the battlefield to ‘not be a horse’ by then.