I am Christine Luminara, the first princess of the great empire of Luminara. I was given the nickname Princess of the Sword because of my skill with the sword. However, women are not the preferred gender here. Women are only considered to be the providers of offspring to the men they marry.
I originally didn't mind that I would only be matched with a foreign kingdom on the other side of our continent. Not long ago, the North was visited by visitors from the outer continent. I heard that they called themselves Vikings. Their huge bodies are on par with the beastmen of the Tiger tribe and the Bear tribe.
I only found out about it because we recently opened up free trade with the demi-humans.
Let me explain in detail. The Luminara Empire is the largest empire on the continent of Luminara. We rule the entire continent -
no, to be precise, we rule half the continent because the rest is a forest that is a den of monsters, the whisperwood forest.
It's filled with powerful monsters. Humanity's expeditions to conquer the whisperwood forest always failed until finally no one cared about the forest anymore.
Although the first emperor managed to declare the continent, it didn't last long. His son, or should I say grandfather staged a coup and succeeded in gaining the throne. He was the pioneer of the expulsion of the demi-humans because he felt they were not equal to humans.
The practice of demi-human slavery started from here. Because of this, war broke out once again. Despite winning and the demi humans retreating to the whisperwood forest, we humans didn't gain any advantage either.
In terms of ability, humans are also not above demi-humans even though they can master all demi-human skills. We humans won because of our wisdom, our brainpower. The demi-human mindset is simpler than us. They will always be kind and loyal as long as we are kind to them. They have even recognized humans as more deserving to lead the entire race.
Like karma, my grandfather was then coup d'état again by his son. My father ruled quite well until we all grew up. Unfortunately he only thought about his power and not about his family. My father didn't know that his children had been seduced.
The first brother, he had an iron fist mindset. Second brother, he had a cunning mindset. The rest of them, like me, were not considered by them. Duke Irvine and the merchants who strongly supported father were not optimistic about my two brothers.
He told me to prepare for the worst. I also understood him and eventually formed an alliance with the merchants and Duke Irvine.
"How are conditions in the capital?"
I asked that to Duke Irvine. We had currently made it out safely after sensing signs of the coup of the first prince, Andre Luminara. My second brother, Arne Luminara had long gone to the North with the imperial officials to secure himself. They were already very difficult to shake because they had the help of the Vikings. As for myself, it was because of the support of the merchants that we were able to survive this far.
"It has been completely controlled by the first prince. Now it's time for us to declare independence because their energy has been depleted there. At least we still get 20 percent of the territory"
Duke Irvine gave such a suggestion. Since my older siblings were busy fighting, I as the last child just observed quietly and waited for an opportunity. I had captured all the food commodities and I had also prepared a surprise attack to destroy their food reserves. The principle I held was to attack their food to stop their attack.
In the end, the result of the war was the division of the great empire of Luminara into three. I got 20 percent of the southern region, first brother got 45 percent of the central region and second brother got 35 percent of the northern region.
They are currently resting due to the war. I also need to gather strength soon but who can support me?
As I thought about it,
"Princess, I have a suggestion. This is also the result of my discussion with the merchants."
Duke Irvine came to me and talked about this. Perhaps he also saw my current predicament and was trying to find a solution.
"Duke, what is that suggestion. It just so happens that I'm having a headache thinking about the direction of our kingdom."
Before I continue, I will explain about Duke Irvine. Duke Irvine was the weakest Duke but had the best wisdom. The citizens living under him are mostly happy. Duke Irvine himself is a fat man with a very calm face similar to the sohoku coach in the Slam dunk manga.
He has a very cute little daughter named Irene. I often play with her to relieve my fatigue.
Back on topic, Duke Irvine spoke immediately.
"Princess, we suggest opening up trade with the demi-humans."
Hearing that, I was surprised. The problem was that humans always felt superior. Would it be possible to trade fairly with demi humans?
"Can you explain why?"
I asked Duke Irvine curiously.
"Princess, demi humans are used to living in the whisperwood forest. The whisperwood forest itself is a dangerous forest but has great potential. We don't know what treasures it contains. If we open trade with the demi humans, we should be able to fulfill our kingdom's needs and most importantly gain their trust again. Former King, I'm sorry but I have to say this honestly. The former king has made a big mistake by expelling the demi humans. Now, we must mend fences with them to once again gain their trust. If we gain the support of the demi-humans, we should be able to defend the kingdom of Nemorosa.
The demi-humans have the combat power we need right now."
I see. .... The point is that we need to form an alliance with the demi-humans. I feel this is a reasonable choice but will they be willing?
I need to confirm this with Duke.
"The problem is that we once drove them away. Will they forget that grudge?"
After all, the grudge the humans held against us should have been deeply rooted.
"I'm sure they also have a grudge with us but I'm sure they also have a hard life. The reconnaissance team said their settlement was plagued with monsters. They must need a safe place for their children. We can provide that and they can quietly explore the forest while trading with us."
Duke Irvine revealed his thoughts to me.