Chapter 543
The one seated at the back should quietly observe the patterns of the desk, ensuring not to offend the esteemed ones. This is basic common sense, as recorded in the ancient Hammurabi Code.
However, it’s problematic to direct your eyes at the desk while closing your ears. Even if you forget the details of the meeting, you should listen carefully to every single point, ready to respond immediately when someone up top asks a question. This is part of the social contract outlined in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Thus, listening to the dialogue between the Emperor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I could objectively assess the situation regarding the Kingdom of Quoronous.
‘Are they out of their minds?’
These guys are seriously crazy!
Of course, I understand that for Quoronous, the replacement of the Leon royal family represents a serious crisis. Their rise to prominence in the central continent comes with the territories they snatched from Leon, while the Asturias royal family, recently stripped of lands by both the Empire and Quoronous, remains silent.
Thanks to this silence, Quoronous could focus on assimilating the occupied territories without external threats. But now, with the Asturias family out of the way?
‘They could vomit up the territories they’ve barely digested.’
Even someone as diplomatically challenged as me could see that Quoronous must have had similar thoughts.
No one knows what kind of royal family Leon will have next, but there’s no doubt they’ll have less authority than Asturias, which has ruled for centuries. So, in a desperate bid to establish their authority, they might try to present the narrative of a “competent new royal family reclaiming territories lost by the feeble previous one” – the perfect way to grab some prestige!
So, I can understand why Quoronous is flipping out. Their territories are suddenly at risk of becoming disputed regions; it’s only natural. But—
‘Are they really trying to make enemies of the Empire and Armeine too?’
That’s just a foolish move born from being blinded by immediate objectives. Taking a hardline stance in a situation where the top two powers on the continent are involved is a recipe for disaster unless you’re a couple of Kagans short.
Or are they still delusional enough to think they can punch above their weight?
‘Wait, they know their opponent is strong, right?’
I was so astounded I couldn’t even manage a chuckle. If the Fifth Empire of Armeine had taken power, they’d probably act just like this!
“Minister of Surveillance.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty. How may I serve?”
The culture shock caught me off-guard, making my response to the Emperor’s call delayed by a beat.
But was it just me? It feels like I’m getting déjà vu from some nation known for their crazy diplomacy throughout the ages.
“There are those who cannot see the sky and therefore do not fear it; it is right to educate them.”
“Wisdom indeed, Your Majesty.”
Still dazed, I instinctively answered.
Meanwhile, the Emperor’s eloquent way of saying, “These clueless idiots need a beatdown” was impressive. Frankly, he probably feels the same way.
…
‘Wait just a second.’
Why is he pointing that line at me?
If you’re going to deal with military issues, it should be handled by the Vice Captain; for diplomatic matters, surely the Minister of Foreign Affairs is the one to deal with it. I’m just a totem chilling with my arms crossed in front of the nobility of Armeine and Leon.
“However, it is cruel to let our brave soldiers spill their blood in vain. I won’t shrink from any challenge for the order and peace of the continent, but I won’t persecute the ignorant first or shed the blood of our soldiers.”
Seeing the tension in my gaze, the Emperor quickly continued. He made it clear that unless Quoronous attacks first, the Empire wouldn’t initiate aggression.
Hearing that eased some of my discomfort. At least he wasn’t barking some insane order like “go forth and fight!”
“So, Minister. Your role is crucial.”
The Emperor, no longer seated in his high chair, came over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder as he whispered softly.
“Split the heavens in the direction they’re coming from. Keep at it until they beg us to resolve it through dialogue.”
“I shall obey.”
I bowed my head at the direct and clear command.
I could definitely handle that. Just splitting the sky? Not exactly a Herculean task that’ll leave me sore or exhausted, right? If anything, if the Emperor told me to resist provoking Quoronous too much, I’d be disappointed at lack of excitement.
“And even when they try to converse, you don’t have to play nice.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll bear that in mind.”
The Emperor’s words were about firmly disciplining Quoronous, who had been a nuisance with their absurd diplomacy.
If I thought of the Emperor’s usual demeanor, this was quite an aggressive stance, but I nodded in agreement. After all, Quoronous launched the first crazy maneuver; the Emperor despises such transcendent attempts to overstep boundaries.
‘How come they’re pushing my buttons so hard?’
Unfortunately for Quoronous, they’re dancing on the button they didn’t even realize was there.
The Emperor had been tormented by the second prince, who wielded excessive power compared to his character. Maybe he saw the echoes of that prince in Quoronous’s actions.
‘They might as well be courting their demise.’
Still, if they realize their mistake before they hit the ground, they’ll probably just end with some bruises.
There’s hardly any benefit from bashing a nation that doesn’t even border ours.
*
As soon as I left the Sun Palace, I had an additional meeting with the Vice Captain.
“The antics of a tiny nation at the edge must have riled His Majesty’s feelings.”
“Indeed, it’s understandable. I can’t believe what I heard myself.”
“Really? I share that sentiment.”
The Vice Captain, shaking his head as if tired, then smiled at me.
“So, Lord Carl, what do you plan to do?”
“I’m thinking of giving it some effort once a week. Anything more often would be pushing it, and it’s not really necessary, is it?”
It was a contextless question, but I answered calmly. Everyone in the office must have been aware that the Vice Captain had overheard the Emperor’s whispers.
After all, how could the Empire’s top martial artist miss hearing a whisper in the same room? The Emperor likely chose that form because it would be awkward to throw around commands like “deal with that guy” right in front of his subordinates.
But thinking back on it, it’s a bit annoying. Why does he tone it down in front of the other officials but not with me? Surely, there’s some decorum required in our relationship too.
“While Quoronous is rated as a mid-tier nation, its strength has always relied on diplomacy. Their army bears little resemblance to actual strength.”
The Vice Captain nodded at my comment and drummed his fingers on the table, sharing his insights.
“Weren’t they the ones who managed to surprise and invade weakened Leon after its war with the Empire? That was indeed one of their strategies, and while it’s not a problem, their current leaders seem to have fooled themselves into thinking that victory was solely due to their capabilities.”
“How unfortunate.”
And I meant it sincerely. There’s nothing worse than a country overestimating its own strength in international circles. From both the perspective of the state itself and that of its neighbors.
“Thus, as His Majesty pointed out, your role is pivotal. They should realize their ignorance without acting recklessly.”
“I’ll do my utmost for the peace of the continent.”
“Ha ha, I believe you will, Lord Carl.”
The Vice Captain’s hearty laughter showed no traces of concern.
It’s remarkable that, in a time when the possibility of military conflict with another nation is rising, the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army remains completely unfazed. Naturally, I think he believes I’ll crush Quoronous’s confidence and that peace will result.
‘What on earth…’
What kind of bizarre military power does Quoronous possess that leads the Vice Captain to be so nonchalant?
Are they like those silly Italian states or something?
*
The news of the Crown Prince of Leon’s death has emerged.
With the Asturias dynasty, which has a history spanning centuries, now gone, a new violet crown is on the verge of being born.
“Brother.”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
Calling Count Nerkaff, who sat across from me, he replied with a somewhat hesitant expression.
Consistent effort really does yield results. He had once frowned upon bestowing such an esteemed title as “brother” to a mere subject, but after decades of effort, he’s finally come to at least acknowledge it outwardly.
“It seems Quoronous is about to catch shrapnel from the stone thrown at Leon.”
He nodded in agreement as I spoke indifferently.
We had indeed been keeping an eye on Quoronous’s involvement. There were implied threats that less-than-pleasant consequences awaited them if they dared to provoke us.
And instead of yielding to threats, they were instead aiming for a standoff. Given the disparity in our national strengths, it seemed baffling, but—
“I think it’s time to properly discipline them.”
“A clever judgment indeed.”
This is a fantastic chance to deal with these upstarts legally.
Over the last five years, Quoronous has been one noisy little brat. They’ve been boasting about defeating Leon, which had once threatened Armeine, claiming they stand second only to Armeine. They’ve been clamoring to surpass Armeine sooner or later.
Knowing the reality of Quoronous makes such declarations laughable. I felt the Empire’s hurt when those hardliners within our own borders began throwing around mentions of the Armeine Empire. It was terrifying, like looking into a mirror.
So this moment is indeed the right one. A chance to strike down the mad dog called Quoronous with the power of the Empire.
‘…Where do these crazy dogs keep coming from?’
At this point, it’s almost miraculous. In the past, Leon was terrible at diplomacy, and now the once diplomatically strong nation is in chaos. Is there some curse causing the strongest nations in central continent to unravel?
Still, it’s not the worst thing when the so-called competitors are shooting themselves in the foot.
*
As Leon’s entrance nears, it seems Enen felt sorry for the chaotic continent and brought new life into the Krasius family.
“Brother.”
“Ah, you’re here?”
I welcomed Erich, who came to the mansion, scratching my head.
Seeing Erich only heightened a strange feeling I couldn’t quite put into words. It wasn’t especially his fault, but…
“So, how’s it going?”
“They say it’ll be three weeks.”
At his words, Erich’s gaze darted around as if recalling the events from three weeks ago.
Of course, no matter how much he thinks about it, the only thing that comes to mind is my and Rizie’s wedding. More specifically, it’s when Rizie’s declaration was horribly thwarted.
“Let’s go. It’s an auspicious occasion; we should at least show our faces.”
“Uh, right, we should.”
After patting Erich on the shoulder, he nodded with a dazed expression.
I understand. I feel the same way.
‘A younger sibling at this age…’
I never expected Mother to get pregnant.
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