How to Survive in the Roanoke Colony-Chapter 173: Royal License (2)

By this point, not only the king's hands but the entire throne began to shake slightly. The Marquis de Rosny secretly held the throne from behind to counteract the vibration.

Meanwhile, Oitotan took something out from his chest and held it out. A nearby servant hurriedly received it and presented it to Henri.

On it was written in Spanish:

'Letter of marque.'

After mentioning pirates, he presented a letter of marque written in Spanish.

Henri IV could easily read its meaning. His brow twitched as if an earthquake had struck... then barely regained composure.

His mind began to rotate rapidly.

He came all this way to inform us that the pirates are Spaniards? Why?

Obviously because it's inconvenient for their trade with us to be disrupted. Why can't they ask England for help? It's crystal clear.

Currently, all of England's navy is focused on concerns about a mainland invasion from Ireland. Even Sir Drake, who was plundering the Caribbean until recently, reportedly headed to Ireland lately.

Who is in urgent need? Us? Or Virginia?

...

...

...

Having finished his calculations, Henri speaks with a smile.

"'The bearer of this license has the right to plunder and seize enemy vessels and all vessels trading with enemy countries...'. Ah, I see. You mean we are trading with their 'enemy countries'?

I see. However, there's nothing we can do. We can lodge some protest with Spain, but the problems of private individuals who got caught up while trading privately are their own."

The meaning of those words was clear.

'We won't act for free.'

Of course, most of Henri IV's personal fortune is tied up in this trade right now.

He desperately wanted to get rid of those pirate groups right now.

He wanted to tear Felipe III to death right now...

But he maintained his poker face with superhuman patience.

Now, let's see how they respond...

Thinking this, Henri IV adjusted his posture. And watched Oitotan's attitude.

And.

Oitotan continued speaking without showing the slightest agitation.

"Is that so? Then, there's nothing to be done."

Henri IV, impressed by that composed demeanor, did not understand what thoughts were hiding behind that unhesitating attitude.

"Oitotan, remember. They definitely won't help easily."

"This Henri IV will be a very shrewd person. You must never show any weakness."

"If he shows an ambiguous attitude, say this."

So... what kind of deal Kin Issei had prepared.

==

"Oitotan, they won't help us for free, you can count on that."

At my words, Oitotan tilted his head.

"Why? How can they remain idle when their own people are being attacked?"

"Yes. Because he has signed a peace treaty with Spain. Besides, he probably doesn't have the resources for an immediate conflict."

Right now, our community's main enemy is Spain, and England is at war with that Spain.

But that doesn't mean England had any reason to become this close to us. After all, this place isn't important enough to respect a community of just a few thousand or tens of thousands of people.

Even so, England formed an alliance with us. The fact that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' clearly influenced their motivation.

But there was a more important factor.

"This time, we need to make France our firm ally. And to make them a firm ally, we need to win over their king."

We won over England's monarch.

Through Raleigh.

When Raleigh exclusively distributed Virginia's luxury goods to Elizabeth, Elizabeth resold Virginia's fur, grapes, and aluminum at high prices, reaping enormous profits.

With that money, Elizabeth was able to avoid begging the nobles for help in the war against Spain. She gained a strong monarchy and eventually even the power to manipulate James VI of Scotland.

It's the same. We need to win over the King of France.

We must help Henri IV achieve the expansion of French royal authority that he so desperately craves, and help rebuild France.

"...so just tell him this."

"I understand."

"And don't make mistakes this time. A person isn't poor just because they don't throw away aluminum."

"...I understand. I'll keep that in mind."

Oitotan nodded to me and.

Recited in English the lines I had taught him.

==

"Royal license."

"...What did you say?"

"We find it troublesome when pirates infest the coast. We want only verified French merchants to come."

Ah.

Henri, realizing what he was trying to say, clenched his fist tightly. His fist was soaked with sweat.

"Therefore, among the merchants, we will only accept those verified by the King of France."

Ahh.

Henri IV finally couldn't hold back and jumped to his feet. Everyone in the court was startled and stood at attention.

"You mean... from now on, among merchants going to Virginia, you will only accept those with royal licenses?"

Henri asked, suppressing his trembling heart, and.

"That's right."

At his single word, Henri internally let out a victory cry.

Finally...

Finally...!

Now I too can monopolize New World resources like Elizabeth!

"Envoy from a distant land, we shall take your proposal seriously. Also, we are sorry to have made you travel so far because of our problems."

In other words, he would gratefully accept the royal license and do his best to pressure Spain.

Hearing those words, Oitotan smiled slightly and.

Henri smiled broadly and.

The Marquis de Rosny also clenched his fist in victory behind his back.

Drunk with joy, Henri looked around while trying to steady his trembling hands with effort. Amidst various reactions bursting from all corners of the court, he exclaimed.

"Today is a joyous day! We have welcomed a Christian ally from afar! Oitotan of Virginia, please enjoy our hospitality!"

So they headed to the banquet hall, and Oitotan sat at the right side of Henri as an honored guest. After saying grace before picking up his cutlery, Henri smiled and said.

"I once pledged to my people who have been starving due to long wars that someday I would give them chicken once a week. But I felt guilty enjoying a feast among ourselves, so I prepared something modest."

"Oh my..."

Oitotan's expression showed genuine sympathy and regret. Henri responded with a smile.

"Ha, haha! Don't worry too much! As a result of our steady efforts over the past few years, my people can now at least once a month, if not once a week..."

"I too, as a chief, would be sad if I could only feed my tribe members one chicken per week."

Oitotan spoke with Nemo's command etched in his heart. Don't make mistakes. Speak according to the context of the other person.

"...What did you say?"

"Not being able to eat one chicken every day. That's sad. Are there so few chickens here too?"

"...That in front of you is chicken."

"Uh... this is chicken? I thought it was a chick."

"..."

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