124 – 128
I put on a serious face in the pre-determined situation and say, “We fear that the Kingdom of Sardina, allied with Nicaea, may attack the Empire. Also, within the context of Nicaea hiring mercenaries from the Babylon Empire, we are deeply worried about the possibility of Babylon Empire’s involvement.”
Edward nods as if understanding, “It’s only natural to be concerned. Isn’t the Babylon Empire an empire of malice? They are evil individuals who do not believe in El, the first of all gods, but only in their own power.”
I nod in agreement, “Yes, that’s correct. I requested a battalion of sorcerers from the Kingdom of Sardina, but they refused. This raises doubts about my suspicions.”
Upon seeing Edward nod in agreement, Emmanuel steps in, “Lord Edward, surely you are aware? Our kingdom does not harbor such sinister thoughts.”
Even with Emmanuel’s statement, Edward continues to nod.
“His Grace may have concerns, but… the Kingdom of Sardina will not stab the Empire in the back. So, rest assured,” I nod.
“No. I have been betrayed by a comrade who swore allegiance to the Emperor. In such a situation, whom can I trust?”
Edward, wearing a friendly smile, speaks up, “But isn’t it impossible to force another country to lend troops?”
I nod in response, “But if it’s true that the Kingdom of Sardina has joined forces with Nicaea… we cannot just sit idly by, can we?”
“What do you intend to do then?” Edward inquires.
After a moment of silence, I speak up, “If they do not lend troops, we are considering waging war against the Kingdom of Sardina.”
“No, is it reasonable to start a war just because they won’t lend troops?! This is a clear violation of sovereignty and interference in domestic affairs!”
Edward, agreeing with Emmanuel’s outcry, says, “Hmm… I share Ambassador Emmanuel’s sentiments. I am against starting a war without evidence. However, I am curious personally. What do you plan to do for the Kingdom of Sardina?”
Seeing Edward oppose as anticipated, I smile, “Firstly, we plan to reduce tariffs for 10 years and provide more investment to Sardina Kingdom companies, not only those founded by Princess Ea but also other Sardina Kingdom enterprises.”
Emmanuel, looking pensive, asks, “It seems quite substantial. Are you saying you will invest in our country’s companies, not just within the Empire?”
I nod at his words.
“Isn’t that a given? Furthermore, if we lend our troops and leave our homeland vulnerable to attack, our empire will stand together with the Kingdom of Sardina, whoever it may be.”
Upon hearing this, Emanuele softens his stance a bit.
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“Your Grace’s proposal is undoubtedly enticing, but I doubt His Majesty the King will accept it. I apologize for saying this, but we cannot lend our pride, the Mage Corps, to foreign lands.”
Edward steps forward and speaks.
“Ahem… Your Grace, your words seem excessive. The current Alliance Kingdom’s close ties with the Empire and the Kingdom of Sardina may not just be a result of an expansive policy.”
Now it is time for the most crucial discussion.
“Ambassador, I understand the concerns of our homeland better than anyone else.”
At my words, Edward’s eyes light up.
“Oh, is that so?”
There is an oral agreement with my stepfather, who supported me behind the scenes.
Not to expand the navy any further at this moment.
Our empire’s army is formidable.
No matter how strong the Alliance Kingdom is claimed to be, that strength lies at sea.
The only nation that can match us in terms of army is the Babylonian Empire.
The reason our nation is the sole empire on the continent is not only due to our long history and culture but also because we possess a different overwhelming class compared to a kingdom.
Hence, the Alliance Kingdom is very apprehensive about us turning our gaze to the New World.
That’s why they have been spending astronomical sums for years to bolster the nations along the Empire’s borders.
“Our empire will not expand the navy for 30 years.”
To be honest, even if I step back, there is no need for Theodora to provoke the Alliance Kingdom by expanding the navy.
Emperor Tiberius also holds overwhelming power, but he hasn’t turned his eyes to the New World.
Perhaps it’s because he thinks that a major crisis might not occur.
The Alliance Kingdom has been bribing numerous nobles within the empire and isolating the empire externally…
If luck runs out, we might have to face both civil war and foreign enemies simultaneously.
The reason why my stepfather forced my mother to marry Balran is also similar.
So, even if I am not here, it is best to avoid friction with the Alliance Kingdom.
Both Agrippa and I believe we can overcome Johannes without support, but…
Honestly, if we face the Alliance Kingdom, I don’t see a way to win.
“Oh… Is that so?”
Edward’s eyes shine as he speaks in response to my words.
“Yes, it is. However… if the Kingdom of Sardina refuses to hand over the Mage Corps… this agreement will be null and void.”
Although it is a fact that my stepfather and I have already agreed upon, if this is ratified by the Imperial Council and I sign it, the Empire must abide by it, no matter who governs.
Otherwise, the nation will be branded as untrustworthy.
And at least this much is necessary for my stepfather to have a say in the matter.
“Ah… Ambassador, you should dispatch the Mage Corps.”
Edward, who had already anticipated the conversation, speaks to Emanuele.
Emanuele responds with a troubled expression.
“That is impossible. No matter what, this is interference in our internal affairs!”
“We make an offer that cannot be refused for the homeland. Send the Mage Corps to the Empire.”
Edward responds to Emanuele’s plea with a cold smile.
The chilling smile…
“If we cut off funding for the Kingdom of Sardinia, can they endure returning home?”
“T… That?!”
The Kingdom of Sardinia has little income aside from magic artifacts and scrolls. With rough mountains and very few plains, they don’t have much food to eat.
“If the United Kingdom and the Empire cut off food supplies, it will be quite painful. Of course, we should forget about importing from the Kingdom of Suasong. The Kingdom of Navara won’t stay quiet either. In this situation, it seems like the king of your country will have no choice but to accept returning home.”
Looking at Emmanuel, who was cornered, and seeing Eia’s sad expression, my heart aches a little.
Eia, who holds a key position in the original novel. It must be sad to see one’s own country being dominated by a powerful nation.
But her feelings are not my concern right now. To me, saving even one Imperial citizen is more important.
The events that followed ended more quietly than I had anticipated.
Knowing that support from the United Kingdom should not be cut off, Emmanuel must report back to the homeland and await a response. With that, today’s negotiations came to a close.
And so, a long day finally came to an end.
***
After finishing the busy external affairs, I return to the study and assign tasks to Mueller.
“Mueller, I’ll delegate the negotiation for the dispatch to the Kingdom of Sardinia to you. Your counterpart will likely be either Emmanuel or Princess Eia.”
Upon hearing my words, Mueller frowns deeply, clearly showing his displeasure.
“Y… Your Highness, are you entrusting such an important task to me? Would Minister Victor be a better choice? I heard Minister Victor is quite skilled in diplomacy.”
I shake my head in response.
“Victor has other important matters to attend to.”
Approval from the Naval Constraint Council is needed for negotiations with the Imperial faction. Neutral parties may not be pleased, so we must reassure them and offer what they desire.
Well… for now, we have agreed to borrow soldiers from Sardinia and officially receive support from the United Kingdom.
The western borders of the Empire seem somewhat stable now.
My complex thoughts halt at Mueller’s words.
“What can we do? We must face it head-on. I’ll take my leave now.”
I nod in acknowledgment.
“Very well. See you tomorrow.”
Watching Mueller leave, I recall the previous internal conflict within the Empire.
Just like last time and this time…
Thorough preparation is essential.
I thought Johannes would not actively intervene in the previous conflict.
Boldly, he scattered vast sums of money, causing the enemy to be thoroughly prepared and bewildered.
This time, we must prevent such a scenario. We must do our best to prevent external nations from siding against us.
Employing mercenaries from the Babylonian Empire was a gamble. Despite knowing how much the continent despises the Babylonian Empire, they were hired, likely as part of a strategy to quickly dominate Ern and the Bohemi Kingdom and seize most of the Empire.
Even if Ern and Bohemi succumb, I have no intention of letting it end there.
“Phew… Shall we go in first?”
Thinking about tomorrow and the day after, I head towards the honeymoon suite.
As soon as I arrived at the palace, I moved hastily.
Tomorrow… I will arrest the loyalists of Yohannes.
The 17 lawmakers who opposed my request to declare Yohannes an enemy of the state.
I believe they have been bribed by Yohannes.
If they have indeed sided with Yohannes, it could lead to a leak of the alliance between the Kingdom and the treaty.
In that case, there is concern that the Kingdom, with a strong navy, may prepare for the Adriatic Sea.
The Kingdom of Nikea trades heavily with the eastern Babylon and has a significant fleet.
Compared to that, we have almost nothing.
Therefore, I plan to seize control of the Adriatic Sea with the help of the Kingdom, confine the enemies in the Duchy of Dupol, cut off their supplies, and induce surrender through starvation.
If this strategy is exposed, we must first arrest the lawmakers suspected of being bribed so that we can request approval from the assembly for a treaty with the Kingdom.
As I opened the familiar honeymoon room and walked in, Theodora, dressed lightly, was reading a book.
“You’re here?”
“Yeah… *sigh*, I’m exhausted.”
I sit on the couch after loosening my tie.
“Yohannes has been declared an enemy of the state, and they say Sardina lent a wizard division?”
“Yeah, but there are conditions. You should know in advance, so sit here for a moment.”
-Tok
I beckon Theodora to my side with a serious look.
“What is it?”
“Giving up naval augmentation for 20 years to receive support from the Kingdom of Sardina and the Kingdom. Essentially, we will make a treaty.”
Theodora’s face twitches slightly at my words.
“Do we really need to invite foreign powers like that? Isn’t this an internal matter of our country?”
“Of course, it may not change much even if the wizard division participates in our civil war.”
Wizards can overwhelm a large number of troops with overwhelming firepower in battle.
And our empire has the most wizards on the continent.
We cannot deploy wizards throughout the entire front line.
Infantry without wizard support may have a disadvantage against orcs.
In fact, the request for dispatch was made to minimize civilian casualties of the empire.
Of course, in return, the pain of giving up naval forces and tariff exemption for 10 years may be severe…
It is the result of careful consideration to minimize civilian casualties of the empire in any way possible.
“I… I want to save as many people as possible who are dragged to the battlefield and face death according to my orders.”
Men in their early twenties were not born on this land to die on the battlefield.
They are people who were born here and cultivate their lives, struggling day by day.
I may drive them to the battlefield according to my orders, but I want to save them as much as possible.
It’s not for the person who started the war to say, but…
Whether by force or concession…
I want to save as many people as possible who are dragged to the battlefield according to my orders.
I hope they all don’t die from the bottom of my heart.
If someone dies for someone else, I have to carry the burden of their lives.
If they die because of me, I become burdened with their lives for a lifetime.
However, even if I try, I cannot completely eliminate the casualties.
That is an area impossible without a god.
Therefore, today I made a rash decision and made excessive concessions.
“You… You are doing the right thing for this empire, aren’t you?”
Teodora quietly placing her hand on my cheek.
She speaks with a pitiful expression.
“So. Please don’t make that face.”
I turn my face away from her expression.
Teodora. I do not know if she is truly supporting me.
I have deceived her for a long time with a shameless face.
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During that time, I did not feel guilty of conscience.
All of this is for justice, for everyone.
But… at least now, at this moment, a feeling of regret towards her arises hastily.
“I will go wash up.”