Chapter: 698
My proud homeland. The pure white country I love. The peaceful land my ancestors have defended through generations.
That’s the Lucen Kingdom, ruled by me, Yuris VII. Even though the folks on the continent call us a cruel and frigid land, no matter how harsh the environment is, this is where our history and culture reside. It’s where our bodies and souls thrive.
So, even though we’re a bit poor, a bit cold, and have our struggles, I love this kingdom. Just like Lucen’s everlasting snow, I love my country and my people without change. That’s my duty as a king.
And it’s a tribute to the ancestors who passed this country to future generations, even in the bitter cold.
“Your Majesty.”
“Minister? I know you’re busy, but what brings you here?”
I was just reaffirming my vows to safely hand over this beautiful country to future generations when the Foreign Minister requested an audience.
These days, the busiest person in the Lucen Kingdom isn’t me; it’s the Foreign Minister. They’re racing back and forth between the Stynia Kingdom and Nosgor Kingdom’s diplomatic offices to establish an alliance, and already pleading with the Empire too. I always feel bad that I’m such an incompetent king burdening my subordinates with so much work.
“Are you still having oatmeal for your meals?”
But that loyal minister, instead of blaming this useless king, worries about my health.
What a stubborn person indeed. If only they were a little more greedy, I could’ve been cautious about them.
“How can I, in these tough times, enjoy a hearty meal? Even this oatmeal feels too lavish for me!”
“Please don’t say such things. Your Majesty, you are everything to Lucen, the foundation of this kingdom. You must be strong for Lucen to remain robust.”
“Ha, seems like the real pillar around here is you, Minister.”
“Your Majesty.”
I waved my hand to dismiss the Minister, who was about to start nagging again. This conversation often spirals into the king’s humility and the adviser’s counsel.
“To be strong like you said, I should eat heartily. So, let’s put aside the heavy discussions and get to business, shall we?”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
At my words, the Minister finally bowed their head.
“The Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted our petition to the Emperor.”
And with that, they shared some positive news.
“It’s quicker than I expected. I thought it would take several weeks before it reached the Emperor.”
“Interestingly, the Emperor has shown a deep interest in the alliance. He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to gather all available information.”
“That’s a relief.”
I let out a small sigh of relief. If the Emperor is showing interest, whether positively or negatively, it makes negotiations much easier.
The hardest conversational partner is not the one filled with negative thoughts, but the one without any interest in the matter.
“And I heard this from an official I have some connections with.”
I leaned a bit toward the Minister at the continuation of their words.
No matter how weak Lucen is on the continent, as an independent nation, the authority of the Foreign Minister is relatively respected. If they have ties with a high-level official, they’re at least a department head in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If the information shared by the department head can help during this alliance formation, it could be very beneficial. Things like the reactions within the ministry, other department movements in the Empire, and the Emperor’s response—
“The Emperor and the Minister of Intelligence had a meeting about the alliance.”
“…The Emperor and the Minister of Intelligence?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’m certain; they wouldn’t lie about this.”
I unintentionally gulped at the Minister’s affirmation.
A meeting between the Empire’s leader and a key figure? That means the Emperor is taking this very seriously.
‘So, moving towards an alliance was indeed the right choice.’
What a miracle it is! The Emperor is taking such a great interest that he’s discussing it with key figures. If all they intended was a simple rejection, they wouldn’t behave in such a manner.
If that’s the case, the Emperor will surely empathize with Lucen’s pain and struggles. Kingdoms loyal to the Empire, custodians of the chaotic northeastern continent, will recognize the crisis of possibly losing their countries.
If things head that way, a positive response from the Emperor is inevitable. He knows if we collapse, the continent will become a headache.
‘Truly, the Divine is watching over Lucen.’
Unknowingly, I found myself thankful to the gods. It’s thanks to them that we could envision the new path of alliance.
Not long ago, the next saint of the Holy Kingdom began a pilgrimage to the holy sites across the continent. The Lucen Kingdom was the first destination, followed by visits to the other winter kingdoms, before heading directly to the Empire.
Even the Dawn Sect is recognizing our winter kingdoms as part of a shared cultural sphere. That event significantly increased our sense of homogeneity, and we all realized just how dire our conditions truly are. If this situation persists, we’ll all go down together.
Thus, we chose the path of alliance. If the Dawn Sect sees us as one, we truly must become one. If we’re destined to perish separately, then let’s at least make our last stand. As a king, I will exhaust every method for my people.
‘Truly, this is divine intervention…’
Honestly, it was also a path taken with a somewhat desperate mindset. As if it were my last gamble, I had no real strategies or clear vision, so I threw my card in and hoped for the best.
And yet, that card is shaking the game. How touching—
– Kieeeeeeeeeeeeeee—!!
A deafening roar pierced the air.
“Y-Your Majesty!”
Just then, the captain of the royal guard rushed in through the door in a flurry.
“A huge bird has appeared over the palace!”
With a mind-boggling statement.
*
Using the Jeez to provide massive supplies to the winter kingdoms, let’s turn those kingdoms into loyal states that can’t live without the Empire. While we’re at it, let’s make the winter kingdoms the base for the Jeez, extending the Empire’s reach to Ainter’s rear and northern Yuben.
If that comes to fruition, it’d be the best scenario ever. Just one Jeez struggling, and everyone gets a perfect ending, happy as can be.
The problem is whether the Jeez would take on this continental delivery role; that’s the key point.
‘Winter kingdoms are no side neighborhood, after all.’
The distance between the Empire and the winter kingdoms is literally the tip of the continent. Unlike Yuben, where living is tolerable, this is the land of eternal snow—a cruel environment.
Asking the Jeez to embark repeatedly to a place like that is a heavy request. It wouldn’t be surprising if they turned back due to the cold.
– The winter kingdoms, you say?
Thus, I attempted not just to inform but genuinely persuade and implore the Jeez.
– Where even is that?
“Right here.”
– O? Can I go over there to play?
“Umm… I guess?”
– I wanna go! I’ll do it!
The Jeez showed intense enthusiasm just from seeing the map.
“Are you sure? It’s not like you’re going once; you’ll have to go regularly, and you won’t be going empty-handed.”
Their eager acceptance shocked me even more.
Do they think going to the winter kingdoms is like a casual overseas trip? It’s not just a vacation; it’s a labor deployment!
– Sure! How heavy could it be?
“Going regularly…”
– Going frequently is better! It’s a chance to legally go far away for a trip!
Seeing the beaming Jeez made me feel like a fool for worrying so much earlier.
‘I’m such a clueless fool…’
Words were missing to adequately explain the Jeez during her divine phase when she spoke of the eternal blue sky.
Was it because they’re sisters? The Jeez understood their sibling better than anyone. All I’m doing is baffled over how I can’t simplify things as easily as they can.
– Right? I could fly around all over!
‘…Were you listening?’
– I was just talking to Jeez until a moment ago. They kept complaining of boredom since they’ve seen everything Empire-related.
Nodding slightly as I mulled over the words of the eternal blue sky.
I’m relieved that things are going smoothly, but it feels strange. A delivery person heading to the North Pole just for a bit of sightseeing.
– Good—Ah! Let’s make the power of the skies known on the other side of the continent too!
Or could it be more than just a simple trip—a kind of spiritual journey?
Of course, even if there’s a religious angle, that doesn’t make the Jeez’s antics “normal.”
– To the eternal blue sky and the divine beast! The majesty of Jeez!
– I think she might embarrass everyone instead…
Jeez flapping her wings in joy and the eternal blue sky mumbling to herself.
The temperature disparity between the two sisters was so extreme, it nearly made me burst out laughing.
After receiving the approval of the party involved, everything progressed smoothly.
Providing supplies as a taste test for the relative sparsity of the winter kingdoms. There’s no need for a vast quantity or variety; just enough to sample would suffice, balanced with conditions near the system.
Thus, the Jeez sped through the northern seas of the continent toward the Lucen Kingdom.
“Directly contacting the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the King of Lucen expressed gratitude on behalf of the people for the Empire’s generosity and mercy.”
“Quick on the uptake.”
Yeah, it’s astonishing how swift not just Jeez’s delivery speed is, but also how quickly the King of Lucen expressed his thanks—it’s beyond my imagination.
“However, Your Majesty, do you have a reason for sending supplies to Lucen first among the three kingdoms?”
At my words, the Emperor briefly fell silent.
It doesn’t really matter whether the package goes to Lucen first, to Stynia, or to Nosgor; it could have gone wherever Jeez felt like.
Yet, the Emperor specifically pointed out Lucen. Could it be a way to repay the vodka we’ve received?
“I had a feeling Lucen would be the first to collapse.”
“Oh.”
That short, blunt reply left me momentarily subdued.
“Well, it’s fortunate that it’s no longer imminent. Supplies will soon reach Stynia and Nosgor, and I plan to suggest modest measures, like border openings and tariff eliminations, rather than full-blown alliances.”
“That should certainly suffice. As long as goods can move freely within the kingdoms as they come in, survival is possible—”
“Of course, the Empire will also be part of that agreement.”
“…A truly wise decision.”
I flinched for a moment, yet nodded gravely.
We have to show our goodwill and intentions to the Empire since we’re saving a nation. Of course!
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