Upon hearing the news of the Ronberg family’s proposal for an alliance, I headed straight to the palace.
The atmosphere inside the palace was more noisy than usual.
It must be shocking news that makes you doubt your ears.
That’s how I arrived at the conference hall in the holiday park.
I sat down and was greeted by the high-ranking officials inside.
Among them were Morgan and Hones.
“You’re a little late, Cruz.”
“I was training, so it took me a while.”
“What do you think about this, brother?”
“Well, actually, the answer is in the question, but… … .”
As I was talking, I heard a popular chuckle just in time.
Realizing that it was the queen, the officials stood up and bowed.
It was the same for me, but after a brief greeting, one of the officials conducted the meeting.
“Currently, the Ronberg family has proposed an alliance, and the contents are as follows.”
Its contents were unconventional in many ways.
Not to mention a full-scale apology for past invasions and paying huge reparations.
It was mixed with various technology transfers and non-aggression clauses that would not invade for the next 100 years.
“In addition, they expressed their desire to develop together through periodic exchanges and economic cooperation.”
At this, the bureaucrats showed reluctance at once.
“… … The content is very unconventional.”
“The story itself is very engaging. It’s more like it’s not just an absurd condition.”
The reaction of the officials was generally close to bewildered.
Knowing the current atmosphere and direction of the royal palace, I can’t unconditionally agree.
Because the content was so good, it was hard to cut out and say bad things.
“Wouldn’t it be all right if we could talk about it?”
“I don’t think it’s something to just ignore because it’s enough to say this level of condition.”
Among them, there were those who really hated this proposal.
This was because preparations for war were a burden not only for the royal palace, but also for the nobility and civilians.
In response, there were influential people who secretly coaxed the bureaucrats to induce peace rather than preparations… … .
“There is no need to think too long.”
The eyes of the bureaucrats who were expressing their opinions gathered in my resolute voice.
Hones asked on behalf of them.
“Has Your Highness already come to a conclusion?”
I was a little taken aback by Hornes’ title, but I soon understood.
Since it was a public position, he was treated as a crown prince rather than a brother.
“Yes, after listening to the details of the proposal, the answer comes out.”
“What is that?”
“These suggestions are all lies.”
The bureaucrats were greatly surprised by the answer so firm, and asked cautiously.
“You mean everything?”
“Yes, it’s a so-called slash-and-burn tactic.”
The Ronberg family’s proposal wasn’t just something that spread outrageously in the kingdom.
If you really want peace, can’t you give this much? It was at the level of thinking.
“If they were satisfied with what they have now, they wouldn’t have joined hands with the affair, and they wouldn’t have targeted the northern family.”
Therefore, it could be said that it was a cunning number.
Being a member of that family in the first place, I was well aware of the atmosphere of the great family.
They were trying to get their hands on the entire continent of Sigvarda, as well as the western and northern parts of Feyer.
Assuming that they have already eaten, they have also decided which land they will take… … .
“This is a very obvious statement, but Her Highness Cruz is absolutely right.”
The one who affirmed my words was none other than Morgan.
“Has everyone forgotten? What was their attitude toward the kingdom so far?”
The great family did not hide its ambitions.
Once upon a time when he had to interact with the kingdom, he confidently showed his attitude of looking down on him and looking for an opportunity.
The palace officials should know this much better than I do.
“If anyone is offended by this, reflect on it right away.”
A series of pointless coughs came out at Morgan’s sharp words.
I said with a slight smile to relieve this stiff atmosphere.
“Don’t be so, brother. Isn’t this a place to hear various opinions?”
“I just expressed my frustration to those who still harbor false dreams… … no see.”
“Anyway, I think this is proof that our direction is correct.”
The reason they suddenly proposed an alliance was simple.
This is because the kingdom’s preparations to contact the northern family have surfaced.
“No matter how big the family is, it would be burdensome for us to join hands with the northern family.”
After checking up to the first-class reading room, I determined that the kingdom’s current strength was at a level equivalent to two large families.
If the northern families were added to this, they would feel burdened as well.
“Of course, you might think it’s premature to treat this as a lie anyway.”
The words were thrown lightly, but some of the officials nodded slightly.
The reason I thought so was because, anyway, they documented and sent these proposals in the first place.
“In my opinion, you are too noble.”
“… … yes?”
“When you think of honor and public relations in general, the idea that you can’t lie carelessly is very noble.”
This wasn’t a dichotomy like big families are evil and kingdoms are naive.
It’s because of the environment where you can survive only by competing fiercely, eating enemies, and bulking up.
“Their idea is that you can always break a promise with someone who will eat it all.”
“… … .”
“I’ve been talking about it for a while, but everyone needs to change their perception. There is a different kingdom, situation, and environment.”
After saying that, I got up from my seat.
To be precise, it was to stare at the queen.
After giving an example, I continued.
“So I would like permission to be directly involved in interacting with the Feyer continent, Mama.”
Although I was allowed to meet directly with the soon-to-be northern family.
Even after that, the proposal to stay on the Feyer continent and direct it was not yet accepted.
‘Because that’s where I know best.’
I don’t know if anyone else is interacting with the northern family.
It is inevitably difficult to intervene in the continental situation or to move directly while analyzing the enemy.
Right now, even the bureaucrats here can’t understand the thoughts of the great families… … .
At this, the queen, who had been silently listening, opened her mouth.
“Crus.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“I know how you ended up in the last war.”
“… … .”
“It was necessary, but there was an overly reckless side. Do you admit it?”
“… … Yes, Mama.”
“As crown prince, you are now second in the kingdom and will succeed me in the future.”
In short, it was said that one should not easily throw oneself into a dangerous place like before.
“That doesn’t mean you should live like a flower in a safe place.”
“That word… … ?”
“If you grow to a level where you can protect yourself, I will accept your request.”
The queen’s words surprised the officials.
You’ve already become strong enough to rank among the strongest in the kingdom, but is that not enough?
But I nodded in agreement.
“Yes, Mama. I will follow.”
“good night. Next, let’s decide how to respond to this offer.”
* * *
Ronberg’s proposal for an alliance was decided to be rejected.
However, it is said that he did not put it in the letter right away, but dragged it out and wrote an answer that gave room.
There’s no need to tell us our intentions by answering straight away.
After answering Ronberg’s proposal like that, some time later.
“Me, Your Highness. Can I really take care of these things?”
“okay. There is no one I can entrust to you other than you.”
From nob le mt l dot com
Liam stared at the papers in front of him with slightly trembling eyes.
He was in charge of Ireland’s internal affairs as my agent.
He was a fairly competent person who managed the city even before I became possessed by the 2nd prince.
“You’ve taken good care of it so far, what are you worried about?”
“Hwahwa, these words are glorious, but… … To think that I, a lowly person, could obtain the authority of Your Highness! This is a thousand and one thousand parts… … .”
“Didn’t you do a good job stamping for me up until now?”
“Doing it in the presence of Your Highness and doing it in the absence of it are completely different matters!”
Currently, I have decided to go to the northern part of the Feyer continent as a representative of the delegation tomorrow morning.
At least a few days, at most a few weeks, he was not on the Sigvarda Continent.
Until then, I had given Liam my authority and left him to take care of things.
“Your Highness, I am a commoner. He’s not rich and has no connections to speak of, but how could His Majesty’s authority… … .”
“About that, I got permission from my mother. So, it is no longer a matter for you to talk about.”
“… … ! Cow, I apologize, Your Highness.”
“are you okay. And that’s not the only thing you’re worried about.”
“… … It is as you say, Your Highness.”
What Liam is worried about is that other influential people will stick around for the authority I gave him.
No matter how many people I appoint, since I was born like this, it is certain that they will come up with tricks like this.
“I’m not leaving everything up to you irresponsibly. The people of the Rothstein family will always be by your side.”
“Well, that means… … .”
“At least I won’t do anything stupid in public.”
He added that he could contact Duke Leon if necessary.
I don’t think that kind of situation will happen, but you have to be prepared.
‘There’s no way Liam would do that, but if he does something stupid, Amcheongdae will notify the palace.’
Skill development, magic education, bodyguard recruitment, etc.
It was also a decision I made because I couldn’t stop working on things that I’m accelerating after I ascended the throne.
“Since the matter related to the SS has been entrusted to the government officials, it only needs to be reported periodically.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The day changed like that, and by the time the sun rose, I immediately put on my formal attire.
It was a preparation made because he was also the representative of the kingdom’s delegation.
When I finished dressing up and came out, the two women greeted me politely.
“It took a little longer than I thought.”
“Never mind, Your Highness.”
The ones waiting for me were none other than Hela and Leah.
Also, behind them were knights in brown armor.
They were following along to escort me on this schedule.
Originally, my bodyguards should have come, but… … .
Since it hadn’t been created yet, they decided to catch up.
“My name is Lahos, who is in charge of Your Highness’ escort this time.”
“Nice to meet you, please take care of me.”
After saying goodbye, we headed to Jeonghwan-ro.
When we arrived at the Illami estate in a large maga, many people were waiting.
Even though the morning sun had just risen, I felt that I had been waiting for quite some time.
“You’ve had a hard time waiting with me since dawn, Marquis Brizman.”
“Suffering is just a natural thing to do for this exchange.”
After the direction to interact with the northern family was decided, it was the Marquis of Breezman who put the most effort into it.
In order to transport and exchange goods between the two countries, they had to go through Illami Port… … .
As I greeted the Illami people and approached the port, a familiar face greeted me.
“Hones, were you waiting too?”
“Yes, I have something to say as well as say hello.”
“What to say?”
“I also want to focus on training like Prince Alan.”
At this time, Alan was in the territory of the Matu people.
It was to build up the skills needed to join my SS in the future.
Because of that, he decided not to follow me this time.
Today, when it was time to see me off, I was working hard on training.
“I’m going to focus on training while entrusting myself to the Blue Lion Knights.”
“Yes, you’ll get used to it quickly.”
“and… … No, I will talk about that later.”
“… … ?”
I was a little puzzled by Hones’ rare appearance, but I didn’t bother to ask.
“And my eldest brother asked me to say hello instead.”
“okay?”
“yes. And I suggested that we go out together, but he said no.”
“There is no need to bother with that. Say thank you.”
“Yes, brother.”
After saying that, I boarded the ship heading to the Feyer continent.
Unlike the ground, the feeling of floating and the strong sea breeze were impressive.
I stared for a while beyond the invisible horizon.