Episode 233

The kings of various nations, having spoken in unison, exchanged glances and fell into a peculiar silence.

Philip II, observing their hesitation, asked again, “Is there a problem?”

“Well, it’s just that…”

“Ahem…”

“Your Majesty Philip II, discussing such matters here might be inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate? Just moments ago, you all agreed that it would be too much for France to manage all of Andalusia alone. I merely wish to ask if there might be a suitable candidate, and you call that inappropriate?”

Lying was not an option.

For someone like Philip II, who thrived on intrigue, this might seem like a disadvantage, but in reality, it was quite the opposite.

There are countless ways to manipulate others while speaking only the truth. For someone like Philip II, who understood and enjoyed exploiting human psychology, this was an advantageous position.

The kings of the Iberian Peninsula were being led exactly where Philip II wanted, unable to land a single effective blow. This was proof enough.

Sensing the need to change the flow, Jaime I of Aragon attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Perhaps this is a topic best discussed at another time. Besides, is it necessary to single out one nation? While I’m sure Your Majesty has no such intention, it could be seen as an attempt to sow discord.”

“Ah, I see your point. But I have my reasons for bringing this up. If multiple nations get involved, just dividing the territory could take years of debate.”

“Well… that is…”

“Out of pure curiosity, have the nations of the Iberian Peninsula reached an agreement on how to divide Andalusia if it were to fall into your hands?”

Of course, they hadn’t.

No one answered, and Philip II nodded knowingly, continuing, “You see, just bringing up division would likely consume the entire duration of this meeting. Even then, you wouldn’t arrive at a proper standard.”

“So, you’re suggesting we avoid the hassle by handing it over to one nation? That seems a bit irresponsible…”

“No, that’s not it. Even if we choose one nation, dividing the territory is no simple task. But wouldn’t it be easier for you all if one nation negotiated with us first, divided Andalusia, and then redistributed it?”

Jaime I found himself unable to agree or disagree.

It was clear that Philip II had already made up his mind, and if Jaime opposed, he risked being told that Aragon should step aside. Yet, agreeing might lead to accusations of betrayal from other kingdoms.

The other kings, too, remained silent, likely sharing similar thoughts.

But in such situations, unexpected actions are bound to occur.

Fernando III, who had been subtly supporting Philip II with favorable questions, quietly raised his hand and spoke.

“If you entrust it to us, we can manage it well. In fact, I am confident we are the most suitable.”

”…?”

“What on earth…!”

“King Fernando III! What are you saying all of a sudden?”

Shock, anger, and confusion.

The other kings erupted in criticism at the betrayal of an ally who had been so congenial until now.

Yet Fernando III, unfazed, responded as if he didn’t understand the fuss.

“Pardon? What did I say?”

“You’re suggesting abandoning the joint front to side with France alone.”

“France is willing to cede part of Andalusia, so naturally, we should accept. If one of us takes it and redistributes it, wouldn’t that satisfy everyone?”

“Why should Castile be the one to take it?”

Afonso II of Portugal, having reached his limit, burst out in frustration.

“Well, it seemed like no one else was particularly interested. Isn’t that why no one spoke up?”

“Hahaha…”

“What is this…?”

Is he a fool, or just pretending to be one?

Most likely the latter, the other kings were left speechless by Fernando III’s audacity.

Meanwhile, Fernando III shrugged nonchalantly, as if he had done nothing wrong.

“If I misunderstood, I apologize. But if we’re just going to engage in fruitless debates, wouldn’t it be more constructive to reach a quick conclusion?”

“Fruitless debates, you say!”

“Didn’t everyone here already acknowledge the legitimacy of Philip II? If you were in the same position, wouldn’t you have done the same to claim Andalusia?”

“Well… why…”

“Then, no matter how much blood we’ve shed in the past, we can’t criticize France. If everyone would have acted the same, criticizing France is pure hypocrisy.”

Though it seemed like Castile was suddenly siding with France, Fernando III’s argument was logical.

The Iberian nations had been criticizing France for acting against moral principles, but deep down, hadn’t they harbored similar intentions?

Having admitted that they would have acted the same, they couldn’t rightfully criticize.

As Fernando III pointed out, criticizing France now would be nothing but hypocrisy and nitpicking.

Now, they needed to tighten the economic blockade, but what a twist.

If France allied with the Ayyubids, it would be the Iberian nations that found themselves blockaded.

To the north, England and France. To the south, the Ayyubids and French Andalusia.

Before the world became more religiously unified, they could have condemned a Christian nation for allying with Islam against fellow Christians, but the situation had changed.

For France, it was no longer strange to befriend the Ayyubids over the Iberian nations, and it was likely to happen.

Thus, from the moment the truth game began, the Iberian kings had essentially handed legitimacy to Philip II.

“But as Your Majesty Philip II acknowledged, that land is too vast for France to manage alone. If you were to hand over the central region to us, wouldn’t that be ideal?”

“I acknowledge that. But the issue is that Castile taking it doesn’t make sense.”

“But didn’t you all change your stance midway? Wasn’t it because something was bothering you?”

“That’s because we all agreed to reclaim Andalusia together, and having one nation step forward might seem like breaking unity. What does King Fernando III think about that?”

Having committed to speaking only the truth, they couldn’t lie now.

Jaime I, thinking he had delivered a decisive blow, was disappointed. If my guess was correct, Fernando III had anticipated this turn of events.

Whether he foresaw it himself or was informed by someone else.

“No, I believe this is actually beneficial for everyone. Truly.”

As expected, he answered immediately, as if he had anticipated it.

Glancing at Philip II, I saw him cleverly hiding a smile behind his wine glass.

From the front, it might not be visible, but from my angle, it was clear as day.

What began as a debate between France and the Iberian nations had somehow turned into infighting among the Iberian nations themselves.

“King Fernando III, beneficial for everyone? Have you forgotten that only the truth must be spoken here?”

“Not at all. How could I lie with the holy prophet present? I truly believe this is for the best for all of us.”

“Then please, share your reasoning.”

“As I’ve repeatedly mentioned, France has no issue managing the territory without dividing it with us. Of course, if they fail to stabilize the region, it might invite intervention from neighboring countries, which is why they consider division. Your Majesty Philip II, may I confirm if my assumption is correct?”

Is this the power of the truth game?

In a typical diplomatic setting, such directness would be unthinkable, yet here it was, unfolding before our eyes.

“You’ve hit a sore spot. King Fernando III is correct. Why would I bother dividing Andalusia if not to prevent other nations from intervening should we fail to manage it alone?”

“Thank you for your honest answer. But conversely, if Your Majesty Philip II decided to manage it alone, what could we do? We can’t resort to force.”

“Of course, if force were used, we wouldn’t stand idly by. And before that, the prophet wouldn’t remain silent.”

As all eyes turned to me, I nodded slowly.

From my perspective, it was clear this was a prearranged setup, but to an outsider, it might seem like a genuine exchange.

It was a masterful collaboration between Philip II and a budding Philip II in Fernando III.

Fernando III, showing signs of becoming just like Philip II, spoke with a natural ease.

“So, the priority here is for one of us to secure Andalusia. If we miss this chance, we might not get another opportunity. We can sort out the details among ourselves afterward.”

”…So you’re saying we should accept the land before France changes its mind?”

“Yes. It might be a bit awkward to discuss this in front of King Philip II, but since he’s already made his stance clear, he can’t just back out. Someone needs to accept France’s offer right now.”

“I understand what you’re saying. But why should Castile be the one to do it…?”

“I see your point. However, since I was the first to propose this plan, perhaps you could trust me this time. I promise, once we finalize how much land we’re getting from France, I’ll engage in earnest negotiations with the other nations about dividing the territory.”

Judging by the atmosphere, Fernando III was undoubtedly sincere.

But isn’t it obvious?

Both Philip II and Fernando III believe that as long as they approach the talks earnestly and sincerely, they won’t lose out.

That’s why they can make such promises with genuine conviction.

—I never lie.

Watching Fernando III’s earnest eyes and Philip II’s subtle smirk, I couldn’t help but suppress a bitter smile.

Yep, that guy’s not normal either.

Another tricky character has joined the fray.