Chapter Sixty: What is Righteous Conduct
Inside the tent pitched in the camp, I watched the scene reflected on the crystal ball while having a meal.
The image showed the people of Ambitose, seen through a wooden bird-shaped magical device, going to fetch water from the river.
"They're putting it in baked pottery jars and bringing it. So far, there doesn't seem to be any suspicious activity," I remarked while sipping a drink and eating. Parvela Princess, who was watching the image with me, smiled.
"At this rate, it seems they're really just fetching water. And it appears they intend to give that water to Milimos-kun," she commented.
"If just boiling that water and drinking it can clear our suspicions and prevent a war, I'd gladly drink it," I replied.
As we engaged in such trivial conversation, I noticed that Famiris, who was behind Parvela Princess, had a stern expression.
"Still, as a knight of the Knight Nation, can I not tolerate me using magical devices?" I inquired, to which Famiris replied with a serious expression.
"For devices of this level, it is permissible."
"Even though this magical device that produces this image is a reproduction of Imperial technology, is it still within acceptable bounds?"
"The concern lies in possessing power that exceeds one's stature as a human."
I widened my eyes at Famiris' argument.
"That's surprising. I thought the Knight Nation regarded Imperial technology as an enemy."
"We do not deny that. The Knight Nation views the magical technology possessed by the Empire as malevolent."
"Huh? So, wooden birds are acceptable, but Imperial technology isn't? What does that mean?"
I asked, feeling that the logic didn't quite add up. Famiris began to explain the Knight Nation's perspective, arms crossed.
"We, the Holy Knight Nation, do not oppose all magical technology. Ordinary magic technology is akin to divine arts, something individuals can practice and develop through effort. Gaining power through effort is considered righteous conduct."
"But Imperial technology is not allowed?"
"The problem with Imperial magical devices is that anyone can use them to achieve a certain effect without any magical skill, as if the soldiers of Nonette Nation, who should not have magical abilities, pierced through the troops of the old Rocha Nation with spear swords. It's problematic because people tend to use easily acquired power recklessly. On the other hand, if one has to work hard to acquire power, they tend to hesitate before using it."
I couldn't outright disagree with Famiris' point. Regardless of the type of power, how it's wielded is influenced by the moral compass and ethics of the person using it.
However, on the other hand, I could understand the idea that "easily acquired power is a dangerous thing." If we think in terms of tools from my previous life, guns and bombs would be prime examples. The introduction of weapons that could kill people with the pull of a trigger or the push of a button made wars and conflicts even more devastating, which was a natural consequence.
So, considering both sides of the argument, I thought about a way to reconcile them.
"Could it be that a licensing system is a reasonable solution?" I suggested.
In my previous life, whether it was cars or gasoline, handling potentially dangerous items required proper knowledge and obtaining a license.
Of course, during times of war, licenses didn't matter, but in everyday life, having a system like this in place might be necessary when dealing with "easily acquired power."
While I was silently convinced of this idea, Famiris asked a question.
"What is a license?"
I explained the concept in simple terms, and Famiris nodded as if she agreed.
"It's a system similar to the licenses given by instructors of divine arts. Certainly, if properly educated personnel handle any weapon, it should be possible to use it appropriately, even if it's Imperial magical technology."
Having gained her understanding, I decided to inquire about the concept of "righteous conduct" that the Knight Nation referred to regarding the recent meeting.
"About the discussion earlier, I asserted that there were no problems with the river water, despite knowing that the Rocha region's river had been contaminated. Was that an acceptable statement from the perspective of the Knight Nation?"
"If Prince Milimos were just an individual, that statement would not be acceptable. Falsified words could potentially harm others."
The emphasis on "individual" caught my attention.
"Is it because I'm currently representing the nation that the circumstances are different?"
"That's correct. Representatives of the nation prioritize enriching the lands they govern as the highest imperative—this can be considered righteous conduct. Telling a small lie in negotiations to secure favorable conditions is a rational method. There is no blame in that. However, when confronted with evidence and making embarrassing excuses, that would be considered unrighteous conduct for a nation's representative."
Somehow, the conditions for 'righteous actions' seem quite complex.
"Is it that the righteous actions as perceived by the Knight's Kingdom don't have a definite criterion like 'doing this is the right way,' and they vary based on a person's circumstances and position?"
"It's only natural that people have different duties. Farmers are meant to cultivate crops well and pay taxes from their harvest. Merchants are supposed to establish logistics in various places and drive the economy through trade. Knights and soldiers are meant to protect the people and maintain law and order. If you're a king, it's your duty to develop the nation and elevate the level of culture. People following their respective duties is what constitutes righteous actions, and actions that go against these duties are considered wrong."
I understood the argument Famiris made while trying to sound wise. However, there seemed to be a contradiction in that.
"The Knight's Kingdom seems to consider 'development based on sacred arts' as their duty, but the Empire prioritizes 'advancement through arcane technology.' Doesn't that mean the Empire is also pursuing righteous actions?"
"As Prince Milimos said, the Empire isn't necessarily wrong. The animosity towards the Empire's arcane technology is a result of the Knight's Kingdom's national policy."
"So, why have the Knight's Kingdom and the Empire been at war for so long?"
"It's a simple matter. Sacred arts versus arcane technology. To determine which technology is more suitable for the progress of humanity, they engage in battles."
"So, it's not about right or wrong as the reason for the war?"
"It's simply to determine the superiority of technology. So while there may be skirmishes between both nations, a full-blown war isn't likely."
The term "skirmishes" left me in awe. Massive spells soared, reshaping the terrain, and people danced in the sky like leaves, subjected to attacks from knights and soldiers with their sacred arts. To consider such an abnormal battlefield as mere skirmishes made me question Famiris' common sense. However, I also had a realization, a resignation-like realization that this might be the thinking of major nations.
"In that case, what does it mean when the Knight's Kingdom and the Empire intervene in conflicts between smaller nations?"
"As the Holy Knight's Kingdom, we aim to pluck the evil bud before it grows. Allowing those driven by ambition to cause unrest would lead to suffering for the common people. As for the Empire, this is my speculation, but they may be scheming to annex smaller nations to secure land for the growth of their magical technology."
The Knight's Kingdom acts out of pure goodwill, and the Empire acts for the sake of their nation's development in conflicts between smaller nations. In other words, to avoid the Knight's Kingdom's intervention in a war, having a well-justified reason for starting a war and not causing undue suffering to the people through reckless mobilization is essential. In the Empire's case, if they can offer satisfactory terms in exchange for territorial ambitions, they won't intervene.
As I contemplated this valuable information, the scene in the crystal changed.
"It seems that the person who negotiated with me earlier is now talking to someone well-dressed."
"He seems rather intimidating."
As Princess Palvera commented, a well-dressed individual was speaking forcefully, while the representative of Ambitose Kingdom held a vase and offered apologies. In terms of power dynamics, the well-dressed person seemed to hold the upper hand.
When it comes to individuals whom the country's representatives can't oppose, it might be appropriate to consider them as royalty of Ambitose Kingdom. This hypothetical Ambitose Kingdom royal (temporary) took the vase from the representative and walked toward the negotiation site where we were.
"Given their demeanor, they'll probably insist on resuming negotiations immediately."
"The day has already turned into night, so it would be fine to continue tomorrow."
Princess Palvera, who needed to be present at the negotiations as a mediator, sighed somewhat despondently. Immediately, Famiris expressed concern.
"Princess Palvera, if you're not feeling well, please don't push yourself. I can handle the negotiations alone."
"That won't do. If both Nonette Kingdom and Ambitose Kingdom are sending royalty, it's only fair for a member of the Holy Knight's Kingdom royalty to mediate. Don't worry, it's not physical fatigue; it's mental exhaustion. I'll recover with a change of mindset."
While Princess Palvera was persuading Famiris, a messenger arrived. As expected, the other side had proposed resuming negotiations.