I told the Knight King various stories about ruling through the wisdom of a sage.
Divide and conquer. Divide et impera.
Though one might think this phrase, reeking of foul intentions, originated from England, its roots trace back to ancient Greece if you follow them.
Of course, Britain during the height of the British Empire used it most effectively while exploiting their colonies! Anyway.
Since it stretched from ancient Greece all the way to the British Empire, the technique of dividing and creating friction to rule had deep history and was indeed an effective method of governance.
The current Knight King would need such knowledge.
Of course, I’m aware of the problems. Creating divisions and friction inevitably leads to conflict.
Even so, this technique is necessary for the current Knight King.
“Wouldn’t causing friction be problematic?”
“I wouldn’t say there are no problems, but through such friction we can create a system where they check each other. The king, standing above these checking subordinates, mediates between them while ruling.”
“Making them check each other and ruling above that…”
If the king has enough authority, the subordinates who were checking each other would have no choice but to seek mediation from the king.
Of course, to maintain such a situation, the king must possess unyielding authority. But with this king inheriting Arcadia and even the Immortal Crown, his authority should be more than sufficient.
Who knows what will happen as time passes and generations change… But for now, it should be enough.
Thus, I regaled the Knight King with many tales.
Stories of creating small frictions among the king’s subordinates divided into commoners, knights, nobles, and the five ranks of peerage.
Tales of fiefs granted to each noble and their lords governing those fiefs.
Stories of indirectly ruling vast territories through many nobles.
The conversation between the king and me continued until the dawn broke.
“Your stories give me new insights every time I hear them. You’re worthy of the title ‘sage.'”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
“The knowledge you possess is invaluable. What do you say? Would you consider lending me your strength?”
The Knight King extended his hand, clearly moved by the stories I had shared.
Perhaps he thought the wisdom of a sage would be a great help.
But… it shouldn’t be like this.
Occasionally offering help would be fine, but constantly being by his side offering aid… Humans would hesitate to stand on their own two feet if that happened.
Even what I’m telling him now isn’t entirely good, but at least some basic guidelines are necessary.
Therefore…
“Unfortunately, I am a being who cannot leave this forest.”
“A being who cannot leave this forest?”
“Yes.”
Under the cloth covering the sage, I extended my arm.
The sage’s body carved from stone. A body made entirely of rock.
Such an alien body would surely raise suspicions!
“What is this body…?”
“There are various reasons. I cannot leave this forest. Though I appreciate your offer.”
“Hmm… Is this a body cursed by the gods?”
“I cannot speak of it. It’s a complicated matter.”
“I see. If you cannot leave, then there’s nothing to be done. Your wisdom is invaluable, but if you cannot leave this place, there’s nothing we can do.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
However, the Knight King’s gaze remained fixed on me, the sage.
“If that’s the case… Could I borrow your wisdom when the need arises?”
“I cannot leave the forest…”
“In such cases, I’ll send someone separately. If you convey your wisdom through that person, wouldn’t that suffice?”
At the king’s words, I nodded. If there were problems he couldn’t solve and sought my wisdom, I could certainly provide answers.
“In that case, I shall answer whenever necessary.”
“Thank you. With your wisdom, this country could endure for over a thousand years.”
“Your praise is too kind.”
Hmm… Could it really last a thousand years? Who knows? That’s long enough for even elves to die.
Ah, elves. That’s right.
“One more piece of advice. It would be wise to strengthen relations with the elves and dwarves.”
“Elves and dwarves? Aren’t they beings who rarely reveal themselves?”
“That’s true, but they are undoubtedly superior to ordinary humans. An elf’s hunting skills far surpass those of human hunters, and dwarven metallurgy can refine even metals too hard for humans to handle as they wish. Their craftsmanship holds undeniable value.”
“Indeed… But would they easily meet with us?”
“They usually wouldn’t, but there is a place where you can meet them.”
“With both elves and dwarves?”
“Yes.”
After nodding, I continued my story.
“The Elven Great Forest and the dwarves’ Sagarmatha. Between them lies a city named Betelgeuse.”
“Betelgeuse?”
“Yes. Every ten years, a duel occurs between elves and dwarves in that city. Using that opportunity, you could meet both elves and dwarves simultaneously.”
By the way, the rivalry between elves and dwarves has been ongoing continuously. The records show an almost equal win rate, truly a fifty-fifty situation.
Cough. Anyway, using Betelgeuse, you could meet both elves and dwarves – a precious chance.
Since the duels occur every ten years… Hmm, three years left? Even when there aren’t duels, elves and dwarves reside in Betelgeuse.
Still, the number of attendees during the duels is incomparable. In this world lacking entertainment, these duels are incredibly popular.
To the point where fan clubs form around the participating elves and dwarves.
“There exists such a place?”
“Yes. Though you likely didn’t know since it’s far from your active region. Building relationships through them would greatly benefit you.”
“I see…”
It was close to the domain of the Aesir gods, but they’ve already been destroyed. Even their human followers have scattered.
And it seems the tales of Betelgeuse haven’t been properly passed down.
“Also, lizardmen, mages of Procyon, and various beastmen exist. However, there’s no particular need to explain them.”
Since their territories already overlap, there should be sufficient interaction.
Especially with the beastman kingdom centered around Minoa and Rattkinia formed by ratkins, they’re already quite interconnected. There should already be enough exchanges happening.
“I understand… I’ll keep your advice in mind.”
With that, the king had everything I said recorded on papyrus, placed it in his embrace, and stood up from his seat.
Even after staying up all night talking, his eyes showed not a hint of weariness.
What kind of nation would he create? I started to feel somewhat anticipatory.
“Thank you for your stories. Might I ask one more favor of you?”
“One more favor?”
Hmm… Well, a favor wouldn’t hurt.
“Anything I can assist you with, feel free to ask.”
“Thank you.”
The Knight King smiled awkwardly. His beauty was so delicate he could pass as a woman, making this scene somewhat peculiar.
“Could you name the new country for me? My naming skills are terrible, you see.”
“The name of the new country?”
He’s going to continue the name Arcadia, so why does he want a new one?
“Arcadia should suffice, shouldn’t it?”
“While it continues the legacy of the previous nation, using the name of a country that’s already disappeared feels somewhat off, doesn’t it?”
Hmm… That’s true. Naming a country that’s fallen once before does seem a bit odd.
Let’s see. Names… What would be a good name? Hmm… Hmm…
Various country names flash through my mind. Hmm… Hmm…
That’s right. Since I gave the king the surname Caesar, something related to that… Rome?
No, just Rome feels a bit vague. Still, it’s a country name that will endure for a long time…
Hmm… Hmm… How about adding something generic to Rome, like Romani… Romania? It’s rather random, but better than just Rome, right?
It sounds very similar to Romania… Honestly, there aren’t many country names more valuable than Rome.
So…
“Romania. How does that sound?”
“Romania?”
I nodded. It feels a bit too random, but… Still, Rome itself should be included somehow.
All roads lead to Rome or the origin of the word romance or not-so-sacred Roman Empire… Hmm, this doesn’t quite fit.
Anyway, having Rome in there shouldn’t hurt.
So… Rome. Romania.
“An acceptable name. Romania. Romania.”
After repeating “Romania” several times, the king smiled brightly.
A radiant flower bloomed on his delicate face for a man.
“Truly thankful. Meeting you was not a wrong decision. I shall not forget this favor.”
With that, the Knight King repeatedly expressed his gratitude and departed the deep forest, while I watched his retreating figure.
The nation he will create… Romania. For how long will its name endure? I watch with slight anticipation.
