Chapter 42: Inside the Rocha Kingdom
Nerotheola raced through the mountains, swiftly crossing over and entering the Rocha Kingdom.
Never could I have imagined escaping a horde of monsters and sleeping next to Nerotheola at night.
Regardless, now that we were within the Rocha Kingdom, the path ahead should be smoother compared to the treacherous mountain trails.
As for the scenery of Rocha Kingdom, it didn't seem to be a land covered in snow like Nonette Country, but rather a barren wasteland with discolored undergrowth.
Even though it's the neighboring land of Nonette, I can't see any trees on the mountainsides or foothills. Have they been completely cleared for blacksmithing?
On the way to the capital of Rocha Kingdom, I spotted what seemed like a village, with thick vines crawling within the fields.
Could those plants be the winter food source for Rocha Kingdom, or perhaps used as fuel instead of firewood?
As we continued our journey, I couldn't help but notice the distinct difference in vegetation compared to Nonette Country and the Mendashium region.
A narrow river appeared along the way, prompting us to take a break.
However, our rest was cut short when Nerotheola sniffed the river's water and turned away.
"Princess Parbera, it seems this river is poisoned. We should find another spot."
"Come to think of it, I don't see any fish in the river. I thought they might be hibernating since it's winter. But where could the poison be coming from?"
Seeing Princess Parbera's puzzled expression, I decided to answer in place of Famiris, who seemed uncertain.
"Perhaps the excessive mining caused the toxins present in the mountain rocks to flow into the river."
"Oh my! Could that really be happening?"
"I haven't personally witnessed it, but there's a legend in Nonette Country about such occurrences. When the mountains become devastated, the rivers turn poisonous, the forests wither, and animals and monsters become more aggressive."
"If such a situation is happening in this country, it's a grave matter. We must put an end to the mining!"
While it's a noble sentiment, I'm not entirely in agreement.
"Stopping the mining when the river has turned toxic might not be simple. There might be circumstances in Rocha Kingdom preventing them from stopping, especially if they need the equivalent status certificate that Nonette Country holds with the Empire. Halting mining could potentially lead to the nation's collapse."
"But if the river is poisonous, no living being can use it, and people can't drink from it either. We must stop it before the damage gets worse."
Her intentions are noble, but the practicality is complex.
I ponder whether I should enlighten Princess Parbera about the reality, but before I can decide, Famiris interjects into the conversation.
"Rivers are crucial resources that support life. If they are contaminated, it's the right thing to stop it."
"I agree! We really should stop it!"
While I thought I would have to explain it to Princess Parbera, Famiris quickly agrees.
Even if I end up being the villain here, preventing the spread of mineral toxins is indeed a humanitarian goal.
For now, let's set this issue aside.
"Discussion is important, but we should find the next resting spot. Nerotheola seems thirsty too."
"Right, Milimos-kun. If we can't use the river, we should borrow a well in the village. And maybe inquire about sharing food as well."
"...While I'm annoyed at Prince Milimos worrying about my horse, what he says is sensible. And Princess Parbera also agrees, so let's follow his lead."
And so, we moved to a nearby village to rest and have a meal.
About thirty minutes away from the river, we saw fields dominated by vines, and the village came into view.
Entering the village, I approached the locals and proposed using their well and purchasing food.
To my surprise, they readily agreed.
"The village isn't much, but we have plenty of well water and enough food to spare."
Grateful for their words, I decided to gather information about the situation within Rocha Kingdom for our upcoming meeting.
"I've heard unfavorable rumors about the capital and the mountains, but what's the situation around here?"
"Well, the capital's trade with the Empire isn't going well, and the mountains nearby are busy with iron ore mining. But around here, it's just a simple farming village. Taxes have gone up a bit, but life remains calm."
"Do those taxes include the crops in those fields?"
"Those leaves are used as winter food, and the stems become material for charcoal. The taxation is collected during the spring season."
Seems like it's a common practice in Rocha Kingdom, but the villagers looked at me with suspicion.
Although I'm not hiding my identity, it wouldn't be wise to arouse undue suspicion, so I decided to offer a nonchalant explanation.
"I see. I've only seen regular charcoal before, so I didn't know those plants could also be turned into it."
"Could it be because you're from a place with trees? Without trees, it's no wonder you wouldn't know about those vines."
Feeling relieved as the doubt disappeared, we transitioned into casual conversation. Meanwhile, in my mind, I summarized the situation in the Kingdom of Rocha.
Due to tensions in imports and exports with the Empire, urban areas and manufacturers suffered a severe economic blow, while mountainous regions with mining prospered, and rural areas like this one seemed unaffected.
By highlighting these differences, we might find a breakthrough in our negotiations.
"Thank you for the valuable information. It was an enjoyable conversation."
"Likewise, I had fun conversing with someone from a different place. But my, you're going through quite a lot too."
In response to the sudden remark, I tilted my head and was whispered to.
"You're the apprentice who was brought along with the disguised young lady and her escort, aren't you? Oh well, never mind. No need to confirm."
Faced with the presumptuous resident, all I could do was respond with a noncommittal smile and laughter.
Our journey continued smoothly, and we finally arrived at the capital of the Kingdom of Rocha. That too, under the cover of night, with Neroteora's agility helping us scale the city's outer walls.
Perhaps because it's a cold winter night, no one would expect someone to traverse the outer walls on horseback. The sentries' vigilance was lax, allowing us to infiltrate easily.
As we walked through the quiet streets at night, the clamor of a tavern reached our ears.
"Did the army really lose to the Nonette Kingdom? Sending ten thousand soldiers and being defeated by a force of less than a thousand, is that true?"
"I had an acquaintance who was part of the campaign. While it's true they withdrew the troops, apparently, it wasn't a defeat on the battlefield."
"Well, what does that mean?"
"It seems the reason for the invasion turned out to be a lie and a knight from the kingdom happened to find out."
"Ah, so they had to withdraw the army. If they had attacked the Nonette's royal castle, the knight's forces would have come to their aid."
"So, what do you think will happen to this country?"
"If they invaded under false pretenses, they'll probably have to offer reparations."
"I've heard that their trade with the Empire failed, and their finances are tight."
"When taxes increase while the factories' products aren't selling, it becomes impossible to make ends meet."
Listening to the bleak conversation, I, as the prince of the invaded country, couldn't help but feel that Rocha had brought this situation upon themselves.
The two knights seemed to share my sentiment.
"No evil deed goes unpunished. It's only natural."
"I agree with Familis' opinion. However, the blame lies with the upper echelons of the country, and the common people are just trying to survive. It's not entirely fair for them to suffer."
"As expected of Princess Parvela. So kind!"
While the two engaged in lively conversation, I pondered how to negotiate with the Kingdom of Rocha.
Furthermore, I couldn't just barge into Rocha's castle at this late hour, so I needed to find an inn to stay. Preferably, a spacious one with a sizable stable for Neroteora.
For now, I spotted a building with an inn sign, so I dismounted Neroteora and decided to inquire about accommodations.