I Blue : Reincarnated as a Cursed Crit-Based Swordwoman

"The old man demands the execution of Vaan's daughter. If we refuse, he threatens to declare war on us again."

Direct as always, their father laid out the situation in one sentence. He never gave his opinion on a subject right away, leaving it to his children to develop their points using only the information they acquired before and during their debate.

"What do you think, Spinel?" he suddenly asked his youngest daughter.

Fortunately, she had already prepared her argument.

"I believe his request is justified, father. As long as the offense in question concerns not just the son, but also the king."

"Hm? Interesting. You claim this request comes from the prince and the prince alone?"

She shook her head. "No. I'm merely saying it's the prince who wants to make this a bigger issue than it is. Indeed, a number of witnesses claim the prince insulted Sir Vaan in front of her, partially justifying her action."

"Witnesses, you say? Ready to testify, I suppose?"

"Yes, father. I've compiled a list that I'll provide to you if you permit. They are trustworthy nobles whose testimonies will hold up before a Judge. Faced with such evidence, King Almace will surely come to his senses."

"Hm, you sound confident! I like that! Very well, send me this list as soon as possible."

Spinel discreetly sighed, her chest freed from a heavy burden.

"But Spinel, what will you do if the old man doesn't come to his senses?"

"Eh?"

An unexpected question. She already saw Uzalil displaying a faint mocking smile.

"'Eh,' she says..." he seemed to murmur briefly.

However, she had to contain herself and find an appropriate answer to the question.

"Surely... he will come to his senses," she said, masking her uncertainty. "King Almace is an intelligent man. Surely he wouldn't want to reignite a war with the current situation on the continent."

"And if he does?"

"If he does?"

Their father locked eyes with his daughter, repeating his words.

"Yes. And if he does?"

Spinel thought for a moment, trying to find the answer her father expected. Fortunately, an idea came to her quickly enough.

"That would mean King Almace is nothing but a crowned madman," she said coldly.

She then struck the table solemnly.

"If he persists in this madness, so be it. Berattelse will march on Novel as he wishes. This time, we won't stain just his son, but all the sons and daughters of his nation—every last one of them. Perhaps then he will regain his reason?"

Despite the provocative tone, Spinel was satisfied with her response. Their father had always taught them to place the pride of the kingdom of Berattelse above all else. In reality, she had simply reworked some of his war speeches—for who could resonate better with a king than a king himself?

"Haha... HAHAHAHAHA!!!"

Her father let out a laugh that could only be described as regal, as if to approve of his daughter's words.

"Ah! Fierce! A true warrior, my daughter! You make Berattelse proud!"

This time, Spinel couldn't hide the smile that formed on her lips. Despite the challenges, this interrogation had been a real success. Why had she been so worried? Her preparation had always been perfect!

"But, my daughter," her father suddenly said in a calmer tone.

"Y-Yes, father?" she replied, struggling to hide her enthusiasm.

"You shouldn't get used to empty speeches. They will be your downfall."

"...Eh?"

These words hit her like a hammer. At first, she struggled to grasp them—it took her a few seconds. Seconds that her father, as a skilled warrior, didn't give her, immediately striking her with another blow.

"You talk of marching on Verhaal, but what do you think it will cost us? Oh, but I have confidence in my strength, you know? In... what? Barely ten years, the war would end with our victory. But would we really win?"

Ten years. She hadn't imagined the conflict would last that long. Had she miscalculated the available data? A ten-year war would undoubtedly ruin Berattelse more than anything else.

"And there's your second mistake. Lowering your head, as you're doing now. You don't believe in what you say; you just say it to please. A leader must be certain of their decisions, even in madness. They must lead, not court. That's why Almace and I are kings—through our madness, we rule lands greater than our lives."

The man paused, letting out a small sigh.

"Come here," he said, gesturing for his daughter to approach.

Spinel's body tensed for a moment but resolved to obey. When she was close to him, her father stood up and raised his hand.

"...!"

Before placing it gently on her head. His daughter, visibly tense, looked up at him with confused eyes. In response, he smiled and lightly patted her head.

"Next time, I'd just like to have a conversation with my daughter. I've never liked tests."

Seeing the confusion on her daughter's face, he was tempted to say more, but why bother? He ruled, he didn't court. Still, he thought revealing the truth to her would be the least he could do at this point.

"As it turns out, you were right. The execution of the girl is a vague request from the prince. Almace isn't yet foolish enough to declare war on me so soon after the last one."

"...Oh..."

She had been played from the start. Of course, King Almace would favor a peaceful resolution to this incident given recent events. Even if he truly decided to declare another war, Berattelse could simply appeal to the Judges to prevent it, as it was now a unified kingdom under the same super-guild: Chrome.

As if to console her, her father sent her back to her seat with a pat on the back. Ashamed, she didn't dare look in her older brother's direction—she could easily imagine the expression on his face at that moment.

But it didn't matter. The king, her father, had acknowledged her somewhat. Focusing on the lingering warmth of his hand on her head gave her courage. Yes, next time, she would respond better.

"Now, to discuss the matter for which I actually summoned you here."

The man smiled heartily.

"Well, it seems I'm already dead."