Chapter: 357
A few days later, we discovered the territory of the Kaita tribe.
Honestly, I’m not sure if “discovered” is the right term. The Empire was just sitting still, while the nomads practically shoved themselves into our faces. If these guys had gunpowder, they’d be celebrating their location with fireworks.
Still, it was accurate to say we pinpointed their location, so we immediately took action. The Kaita tribe’s willingness to surrender and the Empire’s intentions had been fully exposed at the Hitra front. At this point, playing hard to get would only annoy both sides.
“I’m a bit nervous since this is my first time in diplomacy.”
As I was moving along with Mukgwangdae, I casually struck up a conversation with the Second Manager beside me.
Mukgwangdae is reliable, but they’re all so serious and grim that the air feels heavy. If I were to start a conversation, they’d look at me like I was a bothersome insect. The only one who responds normally is the Second Manager.
“If it’s you, Master, you can handle anything.”
See? Even now, they’re awkwardly trying to offer some ordinary comfort and encouragement.
“And if they look down on you, we will exterminate the Kaita tribe—”
“Don’t say that.”
Of course, I’m just glad they’re somewhat normal.
I observed the Second Manager somewhat bitterly. It seems like after only going through tough tasks, their first choice when things get messy is always to wipe everything out. The world can be won over with soft words and warm hearts, not just brute force.
‘I need to keep them around.’
This is all the fault of the Special Service Agency for raising them. The order came from the Imperial Family, but still, it’s the Special Service Agency’s fault.
Will there be a day when these kids can leave behind their stepfather’s bosom and return to mine?
I’ve come to realize that when you bow firmly, it’s an art form.
“Welcome! It’s an honor to meet such distinguished guests.”
It seemed they were waiting for us, as we entered the Kaita tribe’s territory and an unarmed nomad approached us. They were dressed quite splendidly and adorned with many accessories, suggesting they must hold a high-ranking position within the tribe.
Caught off guard by the gentle demeanor of this high-ranking official, I momentarily lost my words. It was too strange to see a nomad being welcoming to an Imperial citizen.
“Thank you for the warm welcome. I was worried I might become an unwelcome guest.”
“No need to say that. In fact, we were eagerly waiting for your arrival!”
Pushing through the awkwardness, I finally managed to speak, only to receive an even more blatant response. That word “eagerly” seemed to carry the weight of the Kaita tribe leader’s struggles—was that just my imagination?
“Allow me to guide you. If I alone entertain you, the chief might feel left out.”
“Thank you for your kindness. Where should we return our weapons?”
“Weapons?”
The nomad, who was turning to lead us, tilted their head and then burst into laughter.
“Haha, you can just come in! Is there any need to fuss about disarming?”
‘What?’
I was left speechless again at their audacity not even to collect our weapons. Even when visiting a friendly faction, it’s common to either collect weapons or at least isolate them, yet the Kaita tribe was taking no such measures.
Do they feel confident even with armed envoys, or do they trust us that much? Either way, they’re definitely not normal folks.
“You must have had a long journey. It feels awkward to meet such valued guests under such dire circumstances.”
“The worse the situation, the more shining good relationships stand out. Don’t worry about it.”
As I was walking along with the nomad, who was cracking jokes, I replied in kind.
The nomad seemed to brighten even more at my response. While it’s unfortunate to meet during a war, a tribe that wants to surrender like the Kaita looks all the more favorable in such times.
“I’ve learned something valuable from you. The worse the situation, the more shining good relationships stand out—that’s the truth.”
And the more the Empire views the Kaita tribe favorably, the higher a price they’ll have to pay for their loyalty.
With a continuous smile, the nomad suddenly seemed to remember something and continued speaking.
“By the way, I’ve yet to ask for your name. I am Krezan Vetera, the brother of Chief Kaita Krezan Daran.”
“I am Carl Krasius of Yuris. I have received a title of Count through the grace of His Majesty the Emperor.”
Hearing my name caused Vetera’s smile to grow even wider.
“Indeed, a truly esteemed guest has arrived.”
In response, I also gave a silent smile.
There’s enough information to share for now with a guide, not a negotiating party.
The chief would be much the same as Vetera. No, perhaps they would even show more seriousness due to carrying the fate of their tribe.
“The Gaar tribe is a scourge that disrupts the order of the North and the world. The Empire’s might has managed to eradicate these scourges, and we thought we could finally breathe easy, yet remnants of them appear after just three years.”
“You must have had a tough time.”
“It was challenging, but what can one do? I have many compatriots who trust and follow me, so I must endure. Fortunately, with the Empire’s support, we can at least escape the clutches of that scourge—”
The chief clearly exaggerated their tone and gestures while simultaneously expressing they’d made a heartfelt decision for the safety of the tribe. They were adamant about leaving the impression of, “We have nothing to do with that bastard.”
But in reality, they truly have nothing to do with it. Back during the Khan’s time, they observed from a third-party stance, and even now, they’re dragged out to meet the Khan due to his spicy punch. The Empire hasn’t suffered any losses from them, so there’s no need to hold them accountable.
“Having a chief like you is surely why some semblance of order is maintained in the chaotic North. I truly believe that’s a stroke of fortune.”
“Haha, you flatter me.”
As I smiled slightly, the chief laughed heartily while taking a swig from their leather pouch.
“Ah, it seems that because we have such a distinguished guest, Vetera has brought out good drinks! Normally, that guy is always nagging about not providing drinks.”
The sight of the chief eating meat from the table was anything but the etiquette expected of a noble, but it appeared to be just as rough and straightforward.
I too took a few sips of the drink, feeling more at ease. I didn’t expect the Kaita tribe to be plotting something, but having food provided means there’s no need for further concern. If a nomad overlooks the customs of hospitality, they might as well sign their death warrant.
‘Maybe I worried for nothing.’
I’m almost embarrassed for doubting myself earlier about being new to diplomacy, and how easy it could end up being.
I thought it would be straightforward, but I didn’t expect it to be this easy. Even automatic doors would be slower than these folks.
“His Majesty feels sorrowful over the chaos in the North.”
“What a benevolent cream of the crop! Even detailing concerns for people like us, it’s humbling.”
As I mentioned the Emperor to wind down the conversation, the chief’s demeanor changed. The arrival of an envoy representing the Empire was clearly an indication I was about to state serious business.
“The Emperor’s compassion does not end merely with concern. He wishes to embrace the North and care for the good citizens longing for peace.”
“That’s a beautiful story.”
After I said that, the chief fell silent. They were likely calculating how much influence the Emperor would seek to exert over the North, how many supplies would flow into it, and what assurance of rights and safety the Kaita tribe would be guaranteed by being the first to surrender.
No need for complicated calculations. I’d be telling them all of that.
“However, the North must retain its own ways. His Majesty respects the existing order. There are already those distancing themselves from the scourge, so how could His Majesty ignore them?”
Hearing that, the chief’s expression brightened again. If the Empire respects the existing order, then at the very least, the title of chief and the Kaita tribe’s influence remain intact. Just keeping that would be attractive enough from the chief’s perspective.
“Of course, Count Kaita would be one of those individuals.”
“That’s an overestimation, I’m humbled…?”
As the chief reflexively expressed humility, they seemed to finally catch the hesitance in the air and stiffened. Their eyes darted nervously about, as if double-checking whether they heard correctly.
Of course, they heard right. Starting today, you’re a Count.
‘No way I can toss out a Marquis lightly.’
At first, I considered tossing the Kaita tribe a Marquis title, but there are still plenty of tribes I haven’t contacted. Acting too hastily could lead to problematic situations if I come across a better tribe afterward.
So let’s keep it at Count for now. They’d be excited to hear they were thought to be a Count, and if I then raise them to Marquis, that would surely please them. The opposite would be a disaster, though.
*
Thoughts were still jumbled. Among the excitement and confusion, a single word churned in my mind.
“Count.”
I’m a Count. Just a mere tribal chief became a noble of the Empire.
Nervously, I cautiously lowered my trembling hand beneath the table. I licked my parched lips softly.
“A nomad, a noble?”
I can’t believe it. How can a nomad, mere prey of a manhunt, a tribe that survives on the meager supplies offered by the Empire—becomes a noble? Not just a baron or a viscount, but a Count, a high-ranking noble?
I thought he just meant respecting the existing order and providing prioritization, intending to use us to manage other tribes. That’s how the Empire operated until now. I never even dared to hope for more.
But the Empire dangled a treasure before me that I never even dreamed of. A tempting treasure suggesting to include nomads into the nobility of the Empire.
“That can’t be a lie.”
An envoy wouldn’t outright lie to our faces. He might twist his words to wriggle out of responsibility, but they wouldn’t lie, right? Even I know that much for being a nomad.
Besides, the one who came as an envoy is quite a heavyweight. Sending someone of their caliber for deceit is just too much waste of resources.
“This isn’t a proposal meant only for me.”
With the presumption that the Empire’s words hold truth, my mind started to intertwine into different strands of thought.
They couldn’t possibly just place one noble in this vast North. They’d distribute suitable titles among the tribes willing to surrender like mine. Soon, there would be countless nomadic nobles.
“The dynamics will shift dramatically.”
From now on, the hierarchy in the North won’t be established based on the power of a tribe. It’ll be determined by titles.
Of course, if a tribe is strong, they will receive a higher title, but the differences in strength could be balanced by other means.
To put it bluntly, through active cooperation, genuine loyalty.
To be more upfront, the Empire—the favor of the Imperial Family.
‘…This is quite something.’
If they dangle treasures like this, who could resist?
‘Join late, you’re a traitor; join early, you’re a loyalist.’
From today on, I’ll be a loyalist.
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