The Reimagining of the Bow Hero

Chapter 29 - Preparations for the Trial

Chapter 29 – Preparations for the Trial

Author's Note: I had a bit of stuff to jam in here before the trial.

After heartily greeting the Arcian soldiers and finding quarters for them to stay at, I quickly made my way towards the castle. I had a basic idea of what she wanted to tell me. I told Indigo and the others to stay in the inn, as this was a one-man job.

In classic bureaucratic fashion, and in accordance with common sense, having a foreign leader prosecute in your behalf wouldn't be a good look. She was probably going to address that issue.

I met the queen all alone in the empty throne room, the chandeliers glistening in the dim light. The queen was regally seated on her throne, waving her fan left to right.

"Mr. President. We have serious matters to discuss."

"With all due respect, do tell."

"As you may be aware, having the leader of a foreign nation prosecute on my behalf would not be a good look for myself, yourself, or the nation as a whole. Rumors would surely emerge, maybe even that you had somehow seduced me and that I was under your controlled."

Mirellia and I both cringed at the thought. Sure, she was beautiful, but she was much older than me and married. Anyways, she was the sovereign of another nation, so that wouldn't do.

"Due to this, I propose that you shall be made a Count of Melromarc, to assuage public fears and ensure that the security of Melromarc shall not be compromised. I assure you this deal is mutually beneficial. Naturally, a count should rule over a county."

This was a good idea. Since I would the title of count, this would mean that Mirellia would technically be my liege, but this means that I would only hold allegiance to her while operating under the guise of the count, while still retaining full autonomy as the president of Arcium. The plan was practically foolproof.

Mirellia pointed towards the map hanging from the wall.

"Here are the available territories that do not currently have a ruler. Please, take your pick."

I browsed through the selection of territories, not knowing which to pick. I didn't want to seem greedy and pick too much land or be a complete idiot and pick useless land. I had to pick the most strategic territory that would benefit myself and the nation the most. This would be my only opportunity.

Suddenly, I noticed a small peninsula, abutting Melromarc's southern sea. It and the land around it was currently not under the jurisdiction of any noble, and the land was quite small. The whole territory comprised of at most a few dozen square miles.

Arcium didn't have a port on the Southern Sea, so if I eventually developed this town into something like Gibraltar, it would allow Arcium easy access to both seas, and supplies to and from the territory could be transported through Melromarc.

"If I may, can I be the ruler of this land?"

"That is perfectly alright. The ruler of that land had just died, and there are no suitable heirs within a few generations. Are you sure, though? The territory is quite small and only has a thousand inhabitants."

"Yes. I believe this is the most suitable piece of land for me."

"Then, what name will you select for your new county?"

Hmm. That was touch. I thought and thought for a few minutes, but I realized that there were also other things that I had to discuss with Mirellia, and I also had to meet up with Naofumi. An easy name would be best.