Chapter 479
After receiving the authority to conclude a secret pact with the Emperor, I returned to the club room. The vague statement to cooperate as long as it didn’t harm the Empire’s national interests was actually comforting at this moment.
I’m the type who sticks to domestic affairs rather than international ones, and I’ve never been involved in diplomacy as a civil servant. If they had bombarded me with detailed diplomatic orders, I would likely have short-circuited. Who knows? I might have just hurled the communication device out of sheer panic and fled!
So, as long as I was mindful of the line I shouldn’t cross, that was more than enough. Thankfully, Armein seems more worried about upending the Empire’s well-laid table than trying to carve out the Empire’s bones for dinner.
“This seems good enough.”
“Yes, let’s finalize the details later. I can already hear the Foreign Ministry breathing down our necks if we try to sort everything out here.”
“Agreed. I was also feeling anxious about their scrutiny.”
Thus, I found common ground with Count Nerkaff, bending our heads together to hash out the big picture. It was nonsense for just the two of us to finalize a treaty without aides or advisors, but I had the authority from the Emperor, and Count Nerkaff was the representative of the King of Armein. When overwhelming power is involved, even common sense is bound to get obliterated.
“I’m glad we could derive a harmonious agreement for the friendship between our nations and the stability of the continent. I once again thank His Majesty for his mercy and wisdom.”
“I, too, was deeply moved by the peace-loving King of Armein.”
After exchanging the smoothly drafted documents, we shook hands and shared some obligatory pleasantries.
In actuality, this secret pact aims to promote friendship between our nations and ensure the continent’s stability. No matter how much Armein acknowledges the Empire’s superiority, they would panic if Leon fell into our hands—being neighbors, after all. Conversely, the Empire wouldn’t be thrilled if Armein, ranked second in power, got its hands on the Leon card.
We reached a beautiful promise to share the spoils to prevent that conflict.
‘Even if it’s an agreement without the parties involved.’
It felt complex. The fate of the Kingdom of Leon was being determined not by Leon itself but behind its back by the Empire, and without Leon’s knowledge.
But what could I do? A nation that lost a war, has tangled diplomatic ties, and whose royal family is in jeopardy is obliged to endure such fate, wouldn’t you think?
Moreover, it’s not like we want to forcibly annex Leon. Our goal is simply to promote a legitimate heir to the throne if the rightful king departs for Enen, to tidy up the ensuing chaos.
‘A legitimate heir, huh.’
Before slipping the document into my pocket, I checked the contents again. It was a concise document with only a few sentences, but it contained all the critical points.
*
– The Kefellofen Empire and the Kingdom of Armein agree to respond jointly to the vacancy of the Leon throne should the rightful royal line, Asturia’s successors, die.
– The candidate to fill the vacancy of the Asturia royal line will be drawn from the nobility of the Kingdom of Leon, considering blood ties to the previous dynasty but not prioritizing them.
– New candidates for the throne of Leon must be determined through mutual agreement between the two nations, and unilateral enthronement or deposition is prohibited.
– For the stability and safety of the citizens amid the throne vacancy, both nations will deploy troops, maintaining less than a 2,000-man gap between the two sides.
– South of the Zibroya River will be stationed the Kefellofen imperial armies, while Armein’s forces will take position north, ensuring public order and safety during the deployment, which will be decided through mutual consultations.
– Should a third entity interfere with the throne vacancy and create chaos, we will respond jointly and consider radical solutions in emergencies.
*
Even upon rereading, I could hardly suppress a chuckle at how succinct it was.
Yes, this is a peaceful promise to establish a legitimate heir. However, if someone dares to obstruct this “proper” process, we are prepared for a violent confrontation.
‘Joint military response from the continent’s top two nations, huh.’
Once other nations that were subtly trying to stick their noses in get wind of this pact, they’ll probably freak out and withdraw.
After concluding a secret pact that could dictate the fate of a nation, I casually returned to the booth with Count Nerkaff.
Of course, Count Nerkaff had no reason to linger at the Academy any longer after the treaty, but if he left right after meeting me, he’d be shot suspicious glances. So, I decided it was better to hang around for a bit before making an exit.
Additionally, since I was here anyway, I couldn’t refuse to spend time with Rutis. How could I deter someone who wanted to spend time close to their country’s prince?
“Huh? Uncle, Professor! You’re already back? You could’ve rested a bit longer.”
As soon as I arrived at the booth, I was greeted by Rutis, who was munching on bread.
“I pride myself on my robust health! How could I rest peacefully while Your Highness is bustling around?”
Rutis’s calm face quickly flashed a flustered expression. While Count Nerkaff’s words sounded courteous, it was embarrassing to hear them when he’d been enjoying his time comfortably.
But what’s more amusing is that Rutis, typically so confident, actually showed a hint of vulnerability. I mean, it’s Rutis we’re talking about; he doesn’t get fazed easily, so seeing him flustered was strangely entertaining.
‘No kidding, he’s really your uncle.’
I couldn’t help but shift my gaze to Count Nerkaff.
An aristocrat who’s called “uncle” by a prince without being royal himself—it’s not merely a title born from royal favor and high authority, but truly a term of endearment grounded in genuine closeness.
‘Is it because he’s the best swordsman?’
Thinking about it, Rutis has shown deep affection for swords, given his duel with Lather and all. Growing up alongside his father’s best friend (the kingdom’s best swordsman), it’s no wonder their bond runs deep. He might even see Count Nerkaff as a role model!
That thought elicited complex feelings regarding Count Nerkaff—a blend of admiration for being able to rein in Rutis and resentment for allowing him to roam free in the Empire at the same time.
‘… He must have been busy as the Grand Marshal.’
I shook off my resentful thoughts and concluded that way. After all, the Grand Marshal isn’t running the royal palace’s day-to-day, so how could he babysit a prince? He likely had no choice.
If he didn’t have that excuse, I might grow to dislike him more than I should.
I had forgotten about other things in the frenzy of discussing matters with Count Nerkaff.
“It’s good to see you again. I trust you’ve been well?”
But I remembered when I saw Cardinal Alexandria, who wore a bright smile as she approached.
I had completely overlooked that more than one important figure had come to the Academy.
“Yes, I have been blessed with happy days, as if the Lord’s grace shines upon me.”
“That’s good to hear. It seems the blessed one has indeed received divine favor.”
As I replied with a smile, Cardinal Alexandria nodded happily.
This wasn’t a mere compliment. Ever since I was blessed, the first snowfall occurred—truly, under the protection of Enen, my days seem to have been filled with happiness. Even though I had my fair share of struggles today due to the unexpected treaty, generally, things were shaping up nicely.
So, I hoped Cardinal Alexandria would continue to facilitate these good days. If they started saying things like, “Wanna make a secret deal, too?” from the Holy Kingdom, I might just lose it!
“Seeing the two of you together must be the Lord’s will.”
Whether she was aware of my thoughts or not, Cardinal Alexandria still wore her smile and pulled something from her pocket.
‘What’s that?’
But whatever came out was surprisingly large for the size of her pocket. Could it be some spatial magic? Given that a cardinal would carry something like that, it wouldn’t be surprising.
“This is a gift from His Holiness the Pope to you, blessed ones.”
Anyway, she presented me with a white robe and a blue-tinted cross.
‘Oh.’
And the moment I received it, I sensed it. Despite my lack of direct relations to Enen, I could feel how precious these objects were—enough to think, “This must be something valuable.”
After all, anything bestowed by the Pope undoubtedly carries weight. If I used these items, I might even be able to use holy magic like the priests…
“The robe has the effect of maintaining the wearer’s cleanliness and shielding against blades. The cross can heal minor wounds when applied.”
Well, would you look at that.
My hand, which was fiddling with the cross, suddenly went still. It’s the perfect size to keep in my pocket, and while it’s only for minor wounds, the fact it could heal is a tremendous deal!
“…This is a precious gift. Are you sure we can accept something like this?”
“Once the beatification is confirmed, such items are given unconditionally to the families of the blessed. They are certainly deserving of these gifts, so please, don’t hesitate and accept freely.”
I almost let out a giggle at that remark. The Dawn Sect has such a long history, and the number of beatified individuals is by no means small. Yet they have the resources to produce such items for the families of all those blessed?
Of course, magic can heal minor wounds, but no one has made a healing-specific artifact like this cross. The Dawn Sect didn’t win religious victories for nothing!
“Then I will graciously accept it. Please convey my thanks to His Holiness.”
“Yes, His Holiness will be pleased.”
Watching Cardinal Alexandria bow respectfully, I thought to myself:
Once I’m gone, and gifts of canonization come pouring in, at least my children won’t face the risk of dying due to minor wounds.
“Excuse me, but…”
Just as I was lost in thought, I heard Cardinal Alexandria’s voice.
Uh-oh. What if she starts asking, “Now that you received something nice, how about sharing some good news?”
“May I have a moment to speak with Brother Tannian…”
‘Ah.’
My heart quickly relaxed. This was about Tannian, then.
“Yes, of course.”
So, I answered with a cordial smile.
From today onward, I might as well start harboring a bit more genuine faith!
However, the child I wished for is the rarest of the rare, and that child doesn’t have a ceiling…
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