Reincarnation of a Hunter Chapter 42.1 - The Ducal Succession War

After deciding to assist in the Ducal Succession War, I brought my retainers back in to continue the discussion.

First, I would present my demands, then listen to Viscount Kioja’s conditions. If there were no special benefits, there would be no reason to help.

 

“Let me start with the basic requirements for the marriage alliance. We demand most-favored-nation status in trade with the Veneto territory.”

 

Even if Viscount Kioja held separate lands, he was the firstborn son of the Duke of Veneto and bound by vassalage. Naturally, his influence over the Veneto territory was significant.

This was an entirely feasible demand.

 

Moreover, securing most-favored-nation status in a major trade hub like Veneto would bring greater profits than any other privilege. Faster and simplified customs and quarantine procedures alone would be profitable.

Because time on a sailing ship equated to money.

 

Perhaps he had already anticipated this, as Viscount Kioja readily agreed.

“I accept.”

 

Since he was being so compliant, maybe I should push further.

“Also, abolish tariffs on manufactured goods exported from our territory.”

 

“By manufactured goods, you mean…”

“Currently, that would include spices, medicines, and compasses, similar to Canada. The same applies to any future manufactured goods.”

 

“Hmm. For now, under the pretext of the marriage alliance, I can reduce taxes to most-favored-nation rates. However, abolishing tariffs entirely will be difficult at this stage.”

 

He was implying it would be possible once he became the successor.

Disappointing, but that’s a no.

 

Then came Viscount Kioja’s next statement, “I wish to adopt a daughter to form a marriage alliance. As you know, I have no children of my own.”

 

Ah, right. There was no marriage candidate.

 

“But is it really necessary to adopt a daughter? There are other ways to handle this.”

“Will it be fine even without a counterpart?”

“We haven’t established an alliance yet, but I’ve already promised the Marquis of Catalonia to marry his future-born daughter. What’s the issue?”

“Haha! Then I shall send my first daughter as well.”

 

So, it’ll be a wedding with stand-ins, performed alone. Besides, even if the future-born daughter turns twenty, the age gap between us would be too large—I have no intention of actually making her marry me.

As long as everyone lives well, that’s enough.

 

“And the wedding will be held at the Church of the Goddess of Abundance. My mother is a believer.”

“I have no objections to other religions.”

“Then, after returning from the Veneto territory, we’ll hold the ceremony immediately.”

 

This is an alliance for mutual benefit—no need to drag it out. As they say, strike while the iron is hot. Then, I glanced at Pascal, the chief of civil affairs seated among the retainers. It was a silent request to prepare for the wedding.

Confirming Pascal’s subtle nod, I turned back to Viscount Kioja and asked, “Now, let’s discuss what you can offer in return for my help in the ducal succession battle.”

At my words, Viscount Kioja’s retainers looked startled and flustered. It seems they weren’t aware this was part of the agenda.

But the Viscount Kioja didn’t even blink as he replied, “If you have any specific requests, feel free to state them.”

I suppressed a laugh as I looked at the easy mark before me. Then, I recalled the assets of the Veneto territory that Pascal and I had previously investigated.

 

“I hear the Veneto territory owns many islands.”

“Islands? Which ones do you mean?”

 

The Venetian territory, with its formidable naval power, possessed numerous islands. Among them, I had already picked out the one closest to Marseille and the most useful.

 

“I want the Balearic Islands.”

 

“The entire archipelago? Impossible. They are far too strategically important. Even if I were to become the successor, that would be out of the question. My father—let alone the Emperor—would oppose it.”

 

The Balearic Islands, located off the coast of Catalonia, consisted of four islands. Even though the Odoacer Empire and the Iberian Kingdom were allies, the archipelago was right on the kingdom’s doorstep, making it an extremely crucial geopolitical location.

 

Thus, obtaining the entire archipelago was impossible.

 

“Then, out of those four islands, I want Menorca. That much should be within your authority as Viscount Kioja, shouldn’t it?”

 

Viscount Kioja, unfamiliar with the island, turned to his vassal beside him and asked, “Do you know of this island?”

 

“Yes. It’s the easternmost of the four islands—an uninhabited wasteland. Its nickname is ‘Bird Dropping Island’ because the entire place is covered in layers of accumulated bird droppings. The overwhelming stench and swarms of birds make it impossible to establish a naval base there.”

 

“So, it holds no strategic value.”

 

“Correct.”

 

“Then there’s no harm in giving it to our ally, right?”

 

“Huh? It’s certainly possible, but… still, ceding an officially incorporated territory is a bit—”

 

To openly discuss this in front of me—did they already consider me one of their own? This guy’s way softer than he looks, isn’t he?

 

With his sharp jawline and sturdy build, he acted like a pushover, handing things out without hesitation.

 

‘I’ll be milking you often dry from now on, my 20-year-old father-in-law.’

 

After finishing his discussion with his vassal, Viscount Kioja turned to me and spoke.

 

“I would give that island away right now, but my vassals are opposed to it.”

In this world, a noble who abandons their territory is bound to be scorned, so they must be trying to stop me. But that doesn’t mean I can just give up like this.

 

“Just for a deserted island covered in bird droppings…”

Are you letting your vassals control you?

A remark that stings his pride.

 

“Ahem! What exactly do you plan to do with that island?”

“I intend to dig and see if there are any resources.”

 

Baron Kioja glances subtly at his vassals. They shake their heads vigorously. Meaning there are no resources to be found.

 

“There’s nothing there. Do you still want it?”

“Of course. I’ll dig deeper. Hahaha!”

 

“…Very well. I’ll transfer it to you as soon as I return to my territory.”

“Let’s put it in writing right away. The transfer will take effect once the ducal succession battle is concluded.”

 

If the Duke of Veneto opposes it, this document will end up in the trash.