Chapter: 665
“War is the continuation of politics by other means.” This was a famous saying from Duke Dillembach, the first chairman of the 10-member committee who supported Emperor Apels in leading the Empire.
There are two main hypotheses about the true meaning of this quote. One suggests it’s a warning against military leaders running amok without proper authorization from the central authority. The other proposes it was meant to advocate for explosive expansion policies during the founding period of Apels.
While it’s been a topic of debate for quite some time, modern scholars lean toward the former interpretation. Considering the military’s excessive power at the end of the Trika Empire and Duke Dillembach’s bureaucratic tendencies, this interpretation seems the only plausible one.
So, yes, Duke Dillembach’s statement holds the first meaning. It’s a caution against provincial forces starting wars on a whim, but…
“I wish I could view it as the latter right now.”
Lately, a desire for war has been bubbling up.
But I must endure. I am a pillar that supports the Empire and a duke responsible for its economy. If I were to start a war out of petty desires, it wouldn’t just shake the Empire but the entire continent.
Besides, the Empire has kept the Eastern Kingdoms in line during the time of His Majesty’s rule and subsequently conquered the North. It has established the Empire’s majesty firmly across the continent and has maintained a peaceful era. I cannot shake this beautiful stability with my own hands.
“Your Grace! We’ve re-negotiated tariffs with the Jerano Kingdom!”
No more wars!
“The Jerano Kingdom is excessively complicating the entry procedures for Boyar-affiliated vessels.”
Short-term gains from war are not worth more than the long-term cyclical benefits of peace.
“They’ve contacted us saying we may need to renegotiate the entry qualifications for merchants of the Empire!”
In a moment of anger, I can’t destroy decades or even centuries of effort…
“Y-your Grace! The Jerano fleet just entered Route 3! There have been recent reports of sea monsters, so they’re on a hunting mission—”
“How dare they not understand their place?”
I ended up biting down on the cigar I was holding, breaking it and causing it to fall on the desk, prompting all the loyal retainers in the office to shut their mouths immediately.
I know it’s pointless. Cursing Jerano here won’t reach those bastards; it only pressures my loyal retainers. But I couldn’t help it. The barbarous acts of a small nation clambering up in disbelief based on their standing made my blood boil.
“Those rascals would have been crushed if it weren’t for the Pope’s decree.”
Back during the era of Iron Blood Duke, when he suppressed the Eastern Kingdoms, Jerano almost faced harsh judgment from the Empire.
The Jerano Kingdom is connected by land to the Empire, and it was a nation that fought for maritime trade rights. It would have been peculiar not to be judged, and at that time, the Boyar Duke’s fleet was always ready to sail.
However, the Holy Kingdom resides within Jerano’s territory. Concerned about drawing them into chaos, the Pope mediated, and due to the ecclesiastic order receiving substantial tributes annually from Jerano, the Judgement of Jerano was canceled. It all ended with a ‘merciful treaty.’
From that day forward, Jerano completely bowed to the Empire. Whenever good news reached the Empire, they were the first to send messengers, and they offered significant supplies at regular intervals. From the perspective of His Majesty and the Emperor, they seemed like a loyal vassal state.
“Locally, there’s no filthier creature than them.”
I spat out half of the cigar left in my mouth and sighed heavily.
In exchange for flattening themselves to the Empire, Jerano received a degree of autonomy and the right to self-defense. They obtained a promise that the Central Empire wouldn’t interfere in the historically deep competition between Boyar and Jerano.
It sounds like mockery that even a wealthy maritime kingdom is managed by a mere duke, but these damn Jerano folks found loopholes in the treaty and started mischief.
“Should I trample them once?”
The thought crept in dozens of times today. Just send out a fleet for a bombardment and return?
Of course, it was nothing but a thought. These vicious bastards have never officially broken the Empire’s merciful treaty. His Majesty even held no particular grievance against the Jerano Kingdom. In such a situation, if I acted first, I’d only invite central worries and scorn.
Especially, if war breaks out, we wouldn’t be able to use Jerano’s ports during that time. The best-positioned territory as a relay port would be sealed off.
“I should have at least extracted a tributary territory when making the treaty.”
“Who would have guessed that the ones spared by the Pope would come to this?”
While the retainers kept their silence, only my son responded to my comments.
“True, he was a sinner almost executed by the guillotine. It wouldn’t be uncommon for someone spared to have their possessions seized, but hardly anyone would think to take their home.”
“I wish we’d discover an uninhabited island just south of Jerano.”
“If that happens, I’ll gladly pay my tithe to Enen every week from now on.”
My complaints made my son chuckle softly.
At the sound of laughter, the other retainers began to smile too. If only that could happen, I’d positively consider a monthly tithe of fifty. It was a natural reaction—
“Huh?”
Just then, the communication device on my desk lit up.
Who is it? It’s rare for a duke like me to receive a direct call.
“It’s Duke Boyar.”
– Ah! It’s me, Hamgun!
I couldn’t ignore the incoming call, so I answered it, only to frown at the face appearing on the screen.
“Wiseman?”
This was surprising. It’s extremely rare for the Wise Duke to leave his territory, let alone contact someone else.
‘Did a meteor fall or something?’
That thought crossed my mind in an instant. Was there a meteor that fell in Cheness, and he wanted to tell me to come check it out if needed?
– Hehe! I suddenly thought of you, so I called!
“What? You probably have some reason for calling, right?”
– That’s right! But I have something to ask!
The Wise Duke, giggling, took a swig straight from the whiskey bottle.
This sight made me chuckle. I had no plans to scold him for drinking, but please, just keep it in check when talking to others.
– Yoo-huh! It’s about the Leviathan!
“Huh?”
Upon hearing the next statement, I instinctively tilted my head.
“…No. That’s a name I’ve never heard before.”
Even I, who has ruled as a duke and known every facet of the Empire, found that name unfamiliar.
It was somewhat surprising. I, as a descendant of the Osiden family with a history of two thousand years, as one of the Empire’s five dukes, and as a husband sharing tastes with twelve wives; here I am, knowing all this, but somehow I’m hearing an unfamiliar name? The guy who even memorized verses from the Dawn Sect’s scriptures?
– Really? That’s fantastic! You must come to see! There’s something magical here!
“Wiseman, it’s sudden to call like that—”
– Is Jokar and Duel also there?
“There’s hardly enough time to prepare a gift. We should hurry!”
Learning that both the Minister of Information and the Duke of Marcilio were around, I got ready to leave.
It seems more important matters than Jerano’s nonsense have erupted in the Cheness territory.
*
On the back of Leviathan, there were the words “Osiden family” written.
Additionally, it was stated that they had made significant contributions to the creation of Leviathan, thus granting them the rights to request Leviathan and board it.
“Osiden is taking over the whole world.”
Reading the interpretation again, I chuckled.
The Osiden family is the oldest of all the families existing on the continent. They became nobility during the Trika era and ruled as marquises during Apels’ time, surrendering completely with their territory during the founding period of Kefellofen. Thanks to that, Boyar’s fief has become so large among the five duchies.
So, it’s not unusual to see Osiden appear in the records of the Trika Empire, but who would have thought it would come up here as well?
“I’d feel embarrassed coming empty-handed, so I brought some bottles of wine. They should be good, especially since they’ve been aged for a while.”
“Wow! Hurry over!”
“I hope the greeting is for people and not just the wine.”
I didn’t expect the Gold Duke to run over immediately after the Wise Duke’s call.
“It’s good to see you, Minister. Isn’t this the first time since the wedding?”
“Yes, Your Grace. How have you been?”
“I’ve been fine, just a bit bothered, but nothing to trouble the Minister about.”
As he spoke, the Gold Duke quickly scanned the surroundings.
“By the way, I heard the Duke of Marcilio is also present.”
“Trixie is playing with the kids. She hasn’t learned that you’ve arrived yet—”
“Then let’s finish our business first and then greet them. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your family time.”
His extremely polite demeanor felt somewhat strange. We’re essentially addressing the same person, but some would call him Trixie while others refer to him as my second niece-by-marriage, and then some use honorifics…
“A family tree situation.”
When one person reigns too long at the top, problems like these arise.
“Wiseman?”
“Umm?”
The Gold Duke called out just as the Wise Duke was about to take a sip of Boyar wine.
“I’d like to see this Leviathan first.”
“Okay! Let’s go!”
“Uh?”
I was taken aback by the Wise Duke’s boisterous outburst.
Go where? To Leviathan? We just got more guests after being kicked out before?
“Aunt, Leviathan might not be in the mood to see anyone right now—”
“Isn’t the Duke similar to Tuurika? Leviathan will surely enjoy seeing you!”
“No, that—”
“Let’s gooo!”
My objections fell on deaf ears.
I worried that we’d get blasted by Leviathan’s hydro pump anytime soon.
This time, we teleported rather than took a ship. I was confident Leviathan would be at the same spot.
– Why have you returned…?
Indeed, Leviathan had not moved from the coordinates designated by the mages. It simply expressed a reluctant desire for our visit in a lethargic tone.
‘The tone sounds different now.’
In the meantime, the machine-like voice that twisted before had become normal.
What is this? Was it just waking up when we first met, hence why it sounded muffled?
– You all don’t even grant a moment for the ones who have lost their homeland to mourn…?
Anyway, while Leviathan continued to wriggle like an earthquake, it suddenly stopped talking.
– …Could it be.
Then, with a faint sense of hope in its voice, it proceeded to speak,
– You! White-haired human! What is your name!
It pointed directly at the Gold Duke, the only one among us with white hair.
“It’s Laproso Osiden of Boyar.”
– Osiden!
I felt its mood rise sharply, which had been sunk low, like it had hit the ground.
– I remember! Those loyal families serving Roygas! The ones that made significant contributions to creating the three pillars, including myself!
Leviathan’s words caught the Gold Duke’s gaze as it turned to me and the Wise Duke.
It was as if it was saying, “You guys better explain what’s going on.”
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