Chapter: 845
The treaty states that artifacts related to Armein discovered in the Empire’s territory will be handed over to Armein, while artifacts related to the Empire found on Armein’s territory will go to Kefellofen. This is a mutual agreement that involves no additional compensation during the transfer of these artifacts.
This was the hurriedly established treaty triggered by the scepter incident. On the surface, it looks like both nations made a groundbreaking declaration for the archaeology community, but historically, the territories of the Empire and Armein, or any of its predecessor kingdoms, have never overlapped. The discovery of the Trika Emperor’s scepter floating all the way to the north sea is peculiar enough; this treaty is essentially a toothless one.
Yet, a highly impractical treaty, which should have been forgotten with the Trika Emperor’s scepter, is suddenly shining again.
“Did ancient people just toss everything into the river when things went wrong? Why do so many treasures keep popping up from the sea?”
Seeing the Emperor guzzle down the still-hot tea made me ponder in solemnity. Clearly, his priority was soothing his insides more than easing the burn in his throat.
Of course, this situation is more than deserving of such attention. The third emperor of Armein’s prized jewel has resurfaced in Sorden, which used to be a fiefdom of the northern margrave of the Empire. To be more specific, it emerged from the river running through the Count’s territory.
Given that this river leads to the north sea, it likely got swept around by currents nearby Armein before making a U-turn into the river. Or perhaps a fish just decided to carry it back upstream.
“Of all times…”
It’s frustrating. If the artifact was destined to be found, wouldn’t it make more sense for the scepter to be discovered in Sorden and the jewel in Armein? Then we wouldn’t be worrying our heads with these complications. Why do we have to find each other’s belongings?
“Damn you, ocean!”
Letting out a small sigh, I took a sip of my tea.
The north sea, more correctly called ‘the Deleus Sea’, really doesn’t matter what it’s called right now. The issue is that the scepter and jewel were both resting in that sea.
If such anomalies happen once, we can’t be sure they won’t happen again. Two unusual occurrences mean a high chance of a third. It could be that other treasures might surface too.
“What a disaster this northward dominance has caused…”
Another exhale escaped me. Just a few years ago, the Deleus Sea posed a serious hazard, essentially a dead zone for ships. There was hardly a chance to even sail out to it, let alone haul in any treasures.
The Deleus Sea spans across the western region of Armein, and had they actively utilized it, it could have served as a critical trade hub connecting oceanic trade routes to the north and empire landings to the south, along with exploration of the northern territories.
But alas, the waters were infested with drifting ice up north, making landfall impossible due to the countless fortresses along the tight coastline, and the northern areas were so hostile with nomads that no one could put a foot on their turf. Effectively, the sea was a worthless expanse to Armein.
Now, with the Empire’s recent control over the north and a friendly treaty between the Empire and Armein, Armein can finally engage in active trade through this once-ignored sea. Suddenly, ships are pouring out into those waters.
“Damn it.”
My head throbbed. If peace had brought forth such issues, who on earth could I complain to?
“Your Majesty.”
“Speak.”
“Why has the jewel of Armein—once belonging to its previous kingdom—gone missing? I confess my ignorance about Armein’s history and know not the reason.”
As soon as I voiced the persistent question in my mind, the Emperor fell silent.
But I get it; it’s a curious topic. If it had been a treasure from a long-past kingdom, that might make some sense, but Armein is currently the second most powerful nation on the continent. Why is a jewel from such a powerful kingdom roaming outside its borders?
“There was a civil war during Armein’s founding. The younger brother of the third emperor revolted, and in a surprise attack, the emperor lost his capital and fled west.”
That’s a more serious backstory than I expected, and it made me flinch slightly.
An emperor who lost his capital due to treachery and abandoned a treasure—it’s a storyline I can roughly piece together.
“Then did he toss the jewel into the sea rather than hand it over to a rebel?”
“That seems probable. There have been rumors that the third emperor threw his jewel away, but the exact location was unknown. It was likely either the sea or a river.”
The Emperor stroked his chin and fiddled with his empty teacup.
“But the real problem came after that. Right after he tossed the jewel, his brother—the one who rebelled—was assassinated.”
“…What?”
“The rebellion disintegrated when the focal point of the revolt was killed, and the loyalist armies, who had been suppressed, swiftly reclaimed the capital. Ultimately, the emperor only lost the jewel.”
I stood there, mouth agape, in disbelief at how surreal that was.
Typically, if you lose the capital and throw away the true symbol of kingship, that’s a death knell, right? Common endings involve the ruler perishing or committing suicide in shame, but here we are.
“Wait a minute.”
Suddenly, I felt a chill run down my spine. If the besieged third emperor managed to emerge victorious and returned to the capital,
“Your Majesty, could it be that the current royal family of Armein—”
“Is a direct descendant of the third emperor. They’ve found the jewel lost by their ancestor, so it’s safe to say they’re ecstatic about it.”
Without meaning to, I rubbed my forehead in frustration.
If we hadn’t signed any unconditional transfer agreements, all hell would have broken loose between the Empire’s foreign ministry and Armein’s diplomatic department.
“Count, I fear for what may unfold when news of this gets out. I’m concerned about treasure seekers flocking to the north sea, or perhaps third-party nations trying to get involved.”
Just hearing that made my heart race as I nodded in agreement.
Things that happen twice can easily happen three, four, or five times over. If such treasures fall into private hands or those of third nations, what chaos might erupt? I fear thinking about it.
“Well then, Your Majesty. Do you intend to devalue the jewel like you did with the scepter?”
“Hmm, the thing with the scepter is that it belonged to a long-dead empire, and it’s something I can claim, so it didn’t matter much. But now that we’ve discovered this jewel, it belongs to the current royal family. I can’t just reduce its value freely.”
I could only murmur in silent agreement; it made sense.
After all, the king of Armein voluntarily relinquished the scepter found on Empire land. Defaulting on an agreement where I say, “Hey, we found the jewel your ancestor tossed away; mind if we treat it like worthless junk?” would definitely lead to a feud.
If I were the king of Armein, I’d be preparing for war.
“Best case scenario is that Armein voluntarily devalues the jewel. It sounds easy in theory, but will it actually happen?”
Just as the Emperor tried to lift his teacup to drink, he must have realized it was empty because he clicked his tongue and stood up instead.
“Would you care for more, Count?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The moment my reply left my lips, the Emperor lifted the floor panel and retrieved two bottles of vodka hidden beneath.
What the hell? It wasn’t tea he was talking about—it was vodka!
*
I’m really sorry, Empress. I usually try to restrain myself, but today, I can’t hold back.
“Damn this life.”
After clinking glasses with the Count and downing the vodka in one go, I pondered how this kind of situation even materialized. Why the world is so hard on me is beyond my comprehension.
Is it because I have a wise, loving, and stunningly beautiful wife? Or perhaps because I have three little munchkins who could light up my life? Maybe it’s because I managed to mend a once-awkward bond with my younger sibling? Or is it all down to being the heir to a vast empire thanks to a great, revitalizing ruler?
Granted, the gods have blessed me with plenty. Nothing was easily gained, but I can more or less understand the need for trials given the blessings.
“Let’s take a breather.”
This, however, is too much. Within a short while, it feels like an avalanche of headaches is bearing down on me.
Out of the blue, the discovery of the Trika Empire’s scepter prompted an urgent treaty with Armein. No matter how the Armein king views the scepter as a troublemaker that might rile up hardliners, subjecting myself to an agreement where we unilaterally accept the artifact is a fantastic mess. I’ve covertly offered them a hefty price in return.
I even sent a hastily made scepter as a gift to the Masalo family, mindful of the Count’s complaints as I had to allocate unplanned funding to the endeavor just to knock down the scepter’s value.
Thus I thought I had tackled potential threats to my authority, removing possible elements that could challenge the divine mandate of the Empire.
“And now, a royal jewel too…”
This feels downright unfair. I treaded into what seemed a toothless treaty with the notion of handing over artifacts but now I have to cede a jewel as well.
Moreover, the jewel being received by Armein is essentially the treasure lost by their current king’s direct ancestor. Receiving that jewel would only bolster royal authority, not diminish it.
“What on earth to do now?”
I had to think quickly. How can I rise above this trial delivered from the gods? What clever scheme could help me overcome this hurdle?
Honestly, I’d rather bring the jewel down to a level like the scepter. I’ve had more than my share of suffering thanks to the scepter, and I cannot stand idly by while the Armein king benefits from the jewel.
“Perhaps I need to adjust the authority at this point.”
Of course, it’s not just personal greed driving me; there are public reasons too.
With the scepter’s discovery and the jewel’s subsequent revelation, it wouldn’t be unusual for a crown, a seal, or even a throne to come popping up next. Each time I’d go back to brainstorming treaties, it’d be a headache.
Thus, I must adjust the value and authority. It’s a must.
“…For now, I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
Besides, revealing the jewel being found would only lead to an exchange of favors between the scepter and jewel. In that case, the jewel would receive attention, while the scepter—which was beginning to lose its value—would now be perceived as a treasure on par with the jewel.
With Prince Rutis’s wedding coming up soon, I could present the jewel then. Celebrating the royal nuptials would surely delight Armein as well.
And when they’re in a good mood, negotiations would likely flow smoother. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring up the topic of devaluing the jewel.
“A wedding, indeed.”
Now that I think about it, the Count might also attend Prince Rutis’s wedding. Perhaps I can delegate some negotiating to him?
“No, wait.”
That thought was tempting, but I quickly dismissed it. While the Count’s competent, he’s not exactly skilled in international diplomacy.
Furthermore, the Count just made it clear he’s set to enjoy his vacation, having stepped down from his ministerial role. If I brought up negotiations to him now, his fist might end up flying toward me!
“Then it’s best to leave it to the Foreign Ministry.”
I’ll put my trust in the Foreign Minister. I’ll send a delegation praising Prince Rutis’s wedding that includes the Foreign Minister.
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