665 – Whales Are Flying – 4
‘War is an extension of politics.’ A quote left by Duke Dillenbach, the first chairman of the Committee of 10 who assisted Emperor Appels and led the empire.
There were two hypotheses regarding the true meaning of the quote. One is the hypothesis that the remarks were made to warn against the generals holding military power going wild without the central government’s permission. The other is the hypothesis that the statement was made to defend the explosive expansion policy in the early days of the founding of the Appels.
It was a quote that was controversial for quite a long time, but today, academic circles view the former as the most influential. Considering the runaway and desertion of generals in power at the end of the Trika Empire and Duke Dillenbach’s thorough bureaucratic tendencies, it was said that it could only be the former.
Yes, Duke Dillenbach’s statement means the former. It means that local powers should not recklessly start a war…
‘I’d like to think of it as the latter for now.’
These days, the desire for war is growing rapidly.
But you have to be patient. I am the pillar that supports the empire and the duke in charge of the empire’s economy. If I start a war due to my personal desires, not only the empire but also the continent will be shaken.
In addition, the empire established discipline in the eastern kingdom during the reign of His Majesty Sang-tae, and subsequently conquered the north. The majesty of the empire was firmly established on the continent and a period of peace was achieved. I cannot shake this beautiful castle with my hands.
“Your Excellency! The Kingdom of Zereno has adjusted tariffs again!”
There should be no more war.
“The Kingdom of Zereno is excessively interfering with the port entry procedures for boyar ships.”
The long-term cyclical structure gained through peace is more beneficial than the short-term gains gained from war.
“The Kingdom of Zereno has sent a message saying that they think we need to discuss the entry qualifications for the upper ranks of the empire again!”
It is impossible to be blinded by a moment’s anger and destroy a great world of tens or hundreds of years…
“Go, Your Excellency! The Zereno Kingdom fleet has entered Route 3! A sea monster has recently been discovered and the purpose is to subdue it—”
“How dare you do things that you don’t even know the subject of.”
In the end, I ended up biting down on the cigar that was in my mouth. The freshly lit cigar split in half and fell on the desk, and the retainers in the office all fell silent.
I know it’s meaningless. Even if you curse at Zereno here, the curse will not reach them. I only put pressure on the vassals who loyally assist me.
But I just couldn’t bear it. I was appalled by the atrocities of a small country that believed in its position and continued to climb endlessly.
‘Things that would have been trampled if not for the Pope’s request.’
In the past, when the Iron Blood Prince was subduing the eastern kingdoms, the Kingdom of Zereno almost suffered a harsh judgment from the empire.
The Kingdom of Zereno was connected to the empire by land and was a country that fought over maritime trade rights. Rather, it would have been even stranger if he had not been judged, and the fleet of the Boyar Duchy at the time was also ready to set sail at any time.
However, the Holy Church existed within the territory of the Zereno Kingdom. The Conquest of Zereno was canceled due to the mediation of the Pope, who was concerned that the Holy Church would be embroiled in war, and the reluctance of the church, which received a large amount of donations from the Kingdom of Zereno every year. The judgment ended with the signing of a ‘merciful treaty.’
From that day on, Zereno completely bowed down to the Empire. When an auspicious event occurred in the empire, he sent envoys before anyone else and offered enormous supplies at regular intervals. From the perspective of His Majesty and the Emperor, the situation in the center was like a nation of loyal subjects.
‘There is no more b*stard in the countryside than this.’
I spat out the half cigar that remained in my mouth and sighed.
Zereno gained its own autonomy and self-defense in return for lying flat in the center of the empire. In the historic rivalry between the boyars and zerenos, the center of the empire was promised not to intervene.
This was a mockery of how even a wealthy maritime kingdom was controlled within the boundaries of a duchy of the empire, but these damn Zerenos somehow found a loophole in the treaty made with the empire and went on a rampage.
‘Should I trample on it once?’
The thoughts that occurred dozens of times a day soared again. Why don’t we just send the fleet out and fire some artillery fire?
Of course, it was just a thought. These vicious b*stards have never officially violated the Empire’s benevolent treaties. His Majesty the Emperor also has no regrets about the Zereno Kingdom. In such a situation, if I were to move first, I would be concerned and criticized by the central government.
Even if war breaks out, Zereno’s port cannot be used for a while. Territories that do not have a better location as relay ports are sealed.
“When we signed a treaty with them, we had to receive a concession.”
“Who would have known those things that survived through the intervention of the Pope would turn out like this?”
While the retainers remained silent, only my son opened his mouth and accepted my words.
That is correct. He was a criminal who was hung on the guillotine and was on the verge of execution. It would be enough to spare the life of such a criminal and confiscate some of his property, but few people would think of confiscating his house as well.
“It would be nice if an uninhabited island was discovered south of Zereno.”
“If that happens, I will tie to Enen every week from now on.”
My son laughed at my complaint.
The other retainers also began to smile slightly at the sound of laughter. If I could do that, I would positively consider paying 50 tithes every month, so it’s a natural reaction—
‘Hmm?’
The communication port placed on the desk emitted light.
Who is it? It is rare for me, the duke, to be contacted right away.
“The Boyar Duke.”
– Ah! Hanggeumkong! It’s me!
Still, I couldn’t ignore the call, so I received it, but as soon as I saw the other person’s face, I frowned.
“Hyeonmyeong-gong?”
It’s amazing. Duke Hyeonjae rarely leaves his territory, and even more rarely contacts others. Did Hyeong Hyeong-gong contact me first?
‘Did a meteorite fall?’
I even had that thought for a moment. Since a meteorite fell on the Duchy of Chenes, are you suggesting that we buy it if necessary?
– Hehe! Suddenly, Yeonra Cassamy’s wife! Are you surprised!?
“Well, I must have contacted you for a good reason.”
– Maja! I’ll ask, I’ll give it a try!
Hyeonjong-gong continued to laugh and drank whiskey from the bottle.
I laughed at that sight. I don’t want to criticize you for drinking, but please refrain from talking to others.
– Ho-ok-ssi~ It’s a revue, it’s a drubbass!?
“Hmm?”
And my head tilted at the following remarks.
“…No. It’s my first time hearing that name.”
Because it was the first time even I, who reigned as a duke, had heard the name.
It was a little surprising. As the successor to the Ossiden family with a 2,000-year history, as the five dukes of the empire, and as a husband who shares the tastes of twelve wives, I have acquired all kinds of information. There’s a name I’ve never heard of like that? I even memorized verses from the Dawn Church Bible?
– Gureng? Good luck! Come to Channet! There’s something interesting here!
“Hyeonmyeong-gong. If you suddenly call me so one-sided—”
– I also have a nephew and my second nephew and daughter-in-law?
“We don’t have enough time to prepare the gift. Let’s go as quickly as possible.”
I got up when I heard that the Minister of Inspector General and King Ma were also there.
It seems that something more important than Zereno has happened in the Duchy of Chenes.
***
The inscription found on Leviathan’s back had the words Ossiden Family written on it.
It also comes with a huge message saying that since you have made a great contribution to the production of Leviathan, you are granted the right to request favors from Leviathan and the right to ride it.
‘The whole world is Oshiden.’
I laughed while re-reading the interpretation.
The Oshiden family has the longest history among all existing families on the continent. He became a nobleman during the Trica period, reigned as a marquis during the Apels period, and surrendered his entire sphere of influence to Kpelopen during the founding of the Kpelopen nation. Thanks to this, the Boyar Duchy is particularly large among the five duchies.
So, it wouldn’t be surprising if Oshiden appeared in the records of the Trika Empire, but who would have guessed that he would appear here as well.
“It was embarrassing to come empty-handed, so I brought a few bottles of wine. They were especially stored for a long time, so they will taste good.”
From noble mtl dot com
“Wow! Come on!”
“At least it would be nice if the welcome greeting was given to the person and not to the drink.”
And I didn’t even know that the Golden Ball would come running right away after hearing Hyeong-Gong’s call.
“Nice to meet you too, Minister. Is this the first time since the wedding?”
“Yes, Your Excellency. Have you been okay so far?”
“I’m going on as usual. There are some annoying things, but it’s not enough to worry the minister.”
After saying that, the golden ball quickly looked around.
“By the way, I heard that Lord Ma Jong is also here.”
“Trixie is playing with the kids. I haven’t heard that His Excellency is coming yet—”
“Then, let me finish my business first and say hello. I’ll use it if it disturbs you from spending quality time with your family.”
The attitude was so polite that it gave me a strange feeling. We are obviously dealing with the same person, but someone calls her Trixie, someone calls her second niece-in-law, and someone uses an honorific title …
‘Dog genealogy.’
If one person reigns supreme for too long, this problem arises.
“Hyeonmyeong-gong?”
“Huh?”
At the call of the Golden Duke, the Wise Prince, who had just put a glass of boyar wine to his mouth, tilted his head.
“I want to see that Leviathan first.”
“Joa! Let’s go right away!”
“Yes?”
I was taken aback by Hyeong Hyeong-gong’s loud shout.
Going, where are you going? To Leviathan? Did we just come back after being ordered to ban guests?
“Aunt. Leviathan is in no mood to see someone else right now—”
“It’s the same as Janjae of Hanggumgongun Turuka! Even Rabbiatan will be happy to see Hanggumkongul!”
“No, that—”
“Let’s go!”
My dissuasion didn’t work at all.
I think this is how I intuit Leviathan’s hydro pump.
This time, it was not a ship, but a teleportation. Because I was confident that Leviathan would be in the same place.
-Why did you come back…
In reality, Leviathan did not deviate from the coordinates specified by the wizard. They were just reluctant to visit us in a helpless voice.
‘Your voice has changed.’
Meanwhile, Leviathan’s voice, which had sounded like a distorted mechanical sound, sounded normal.
What. Was it because you had just woken up that your voice was muffled?
– You don’t even give time for those who lost their homeland to mourn…?
Anyway, Leviathan, who was shaking her body as if there was an earthquake, stopped talking.
– …No way.
Eventually, he spoke in a voice filled with faint anticipation,
-You! White-haired human! What is the name?
He correctly pointed out the golden ball, the only one among us with white hair.
“They say it’s Lapros Osiden of Boyar.”
– Oshiden!
I felt the mood of Leviathan, who had been stuck on the ground unable to wait for the ground, rapidly soar.
-I remember! The loyal families who supported Roygas! Those who made a great contribution to creating the three pillars, including me!
At Leviathan’s words, the Golden Ball’s gaze came out and turned to Hyeonjong-gong.
It was as if he was asking me to first explain what was going on.