Chapter: 868
The relationship between the Empire and Ainter wasn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows.
Typically, neighboring countries don’t get along well, especially when they boast the top two military powers in the continent. The Empire had to keep the second-place contender in check to maintain its supremacy, while Ainter was too proud to bow down to the Empire.
‘Pride sounds a bit weak when I put it that way.’
But pride is a serious business when it comes to running a country. Objectively or subjectively, Ainter had enough clout to shout about its status, proudly labeled as the Kingdom of Knights with its formidable knightly forces. Therefore, the citizens of Ainter held onto their pride to support the royal family and the state.
If Ainter showcased any shame, it would threaten both the Robens royal family and Ainter as a nation. Thus, Ainter had to oppose the Empire to preserve its identity.
Moreover, with Ainter’s stature, they could bully anyone on the continent, yet being right next to the Empire limited those opportunities. Talk about frustrating! So, they surely wouldn’t have wanted to bow down.
‘Historically, the Emperors weren’t exactly warm towards Ainter either.’
Ever since the borders connected, the Emperors of the Empire had been pretty abrasive in their diplomacy with Ainter.
The number one can get along with the three or four spots down, or even the last place without a problem. But there’s no way they can be buddy-buddy with the second place that threatens their throne. A slip-up could send that pesky contender right into their spot.
However, Ainter, being the second place, also couldn’t joke around with number one. If the throne is far away, one might concede, but when it’s dangling right in front of them, it’s only natural to want to knock down the first place. So, the Empire and Ainter had practically lived as rivals.
‘But times have changed.’
Unlike before, we’re in an era where the Empire and Ainter have chosen coexistence over hostility. Considering how the Eastern Kingdoms eyed the Empire, it’s not surprising they wanted to jump in on the action.
What’s even more astonishing is that one of the key players in this new era is none other than Rutis.
‘The leading figure of the era, Rutis.’
Even I found that phrase odd, cracking a smile, but oddly enough, it wasn’t wrong.
My first father-in-law had played a key role in raising the Empire’s status through his efforts against the Eastern Kingdoms. Now, the current king of Ainter sought to solidify their power base rather than confront the Empire, and with the hardliners of the “Fifth Empire” rising within, Ainter had begun to shy away from aggressive diplomacy. Against this backdrop, Ainter’s prince Rutis deciding to enroll in the Empire’s Academy had shifted the atmosphere surprisingly.
‘It was like a lucky shot that went right into the goal.’
No matter how you slice it, Rutis probably walked in without a second thought. That’s the cold hard truth I couldn’t deny, even when being optimistic about him.
Nonetheless, Rutis’s studies in the Empire suggested to Ainter, “Could we peacefully coexist with the Empire?” Honestly, would Ainter prefer a century-long conflict with foreign nations? Especially since the Empire seemed to regain its strength after the situation shifted dramatically.
Of course, it would be a different tale if the Empire had lost to Kagan, but here we are—it won. Following that, it gobbled up the Northern Region entirely. It wasn’t surprising that Ainter’s mainstream opinion leaned towards, “We’ve done enough; let’s take a break,” signifying a resignation from the power struggle, with Rutis pouring fuel onto the embers of peace.
So, when Finn and I entered Ainter, there was a high chance nobles would flock to us. After all, I was Rutis’s acquaintance. If I created a positive image, it could reflect well on Rutis.
“Welcome, Count Your Grace! The Kingdom of Ainter sincerely welcomes your visit!”
But I never expected this.
“It’s truly an honor to meet the Continent’s Greatest Sword in person!”
“The King sends his regards for your visit and wishes you a delightful stay in Ainter! He regrets he couldn’t personally greet you due to Prince Rutis’s wedding preparations.”
A surprisingly intense welcoming crowd emerged, beyond my expectations.
‘What’s going on here?’
I was taken aback. Although I could teleport for a comfortable journey, since Ainter shares a border with the Empire, I traveled by carriage. I had informed Ainter’s diplomatic staff about my route and approximate arrival time.
Yet, upon entering the city, I was greeted by a grand throng—a throng sent specifically by the Ainter diplomatic department.
‘Seriously? They’re welcoming me at the border city?’
I felt a cold sweat. Sure, I knew I wouldn’t be overlooked as a representative of the Empire and honored as the Continent’s Greatest Sword. It was natural for Ainter’s officials to greet me warmly because of my connection with Rutis. Anything else would be odd.
However, I expected a warm welcome only upon arriving in the capital, not immediately upon entering Ainter.
‘Are they not busy or something?’
I even wondered about that. Back in my neck of the woods, the Foreign Affairs Office couldn’t even step out due to being buried in work, yet these guys in the capital have the leisure to leave?
Could it be that Rutis’s status in Ainter has become even higher than I thought? Particularly for the diplomatic department, they might see Rutis as the reason their power struggle with the Empire has come to an end, so them showering me with adulation isn’t hard to fathom.
“It’s truly an honor…! I didn’t expect to meet you before my retirement!”
“Thank you, Your Grace! Thank you for coming!”
“The hero of the Foreign Affairs Department! Our hero!”
‘What the hell is going on?’
No, wait. That’s not right. This isn’t about Rutis’s high status. Try as I might to deny it, their admiration and cheers were solely directed at me. It wasn’t merely a warm reception, but a genuine reverence.
“Your Grace, why don’t we take a moment for tea? Unfortunately, this is just a small town on the outskirts of Ainter, so we can’t offer anything extravagant, but it should be enough to relax after your long carriage ride!”
“Indeed! We should check on the carriage too. How about taking a breather in the meantime?”
“Uh, um. Thank you for your warm welcome.”
“Warm welcome? You flatter us!”
My gratitude seemed to rattle the officials from the Foreign Affairs Department, and they vigorously shook their heads, indicating their surprise and sincerity.
I felt an odd mix of emotions wash over me.
Tea time wrapped up quickly. Just as the officials said, we checked the carriage and more or less took the time to shake off any stiffness. Apparently, they didn’t want to keep distinguished guests waiting for long.
While I appreciated the consideration, I was also a bit on edge. Now, they’re even directly calling me “distinguished guest.” Given that every remark and action seems to be deliberately staged by these diplomats, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
‘The Continent’s greatest sword, huh… is that it?’
Then, a possible cause for this bizarre situation dawned upon me. It was my title of “Continent’s Greatest Sword.” That seemed to be the strongest culprit here.
It wasn’t just about being seen as the greatest martial artist and receiving respect; that might explain a warrior’s behaviors but not those of bureaucrats.
Yet, in the eyes of the Ainter Foreign Affairs Department, my presence prevented them from pursuing aggressive diplomacy against the strongest nation and probably facilitated establishing a peaceful relationship. Viewing it this way, I could understand this situation.
‘I was also a key figure of this new age, huh?’
What a laugh! I thought that title belonged solely to Rutis, yet apparently, it was also assigned to me. In a way, it even feels more vivid and grand!
“Sigh…”
“Why do you sigh?”
As I sighed again, Finn, who had been sitting across from me, tilted her head.
Only then did I snap back to reality. This journey was more about my honeymoon with Finn than attending Rutis’s wedding. What mattered now was spending intimate time with Finn, not deciphering the motives of Ainter’s diplomatic department.
“Sorry. I was just surprised by such unexpected treatment. In the world of nobility, there’s no such thing as goodwill without a price tag.”
So, I let out an appropriate excuse.
True, the Foreign Affairs’ enthusiastic welcome wasn’t offered freely, but I wasn’t in a position to pay anything back. I had already offered up significantly, providing peace and freeing them from the burdens of diplomacy. So, I didn’t need to sigh about their warm welcome. If anything, enjoying it with a light heart was a valid approach.
However, if I were to be honest, I should admit, “I brought peace to Ainter, and now they’re all treating me like a king, and that’s stressful.” Unless someone has an inflated sense of self-esteem, admitting that would be difficult for anyone—
“This is the treatment you rightly deserve.”
“Huh?”
“It’s only natural that they should honor you, the Continent’s Greatest Sword and advisor to the prince, and for the Empire’s second-in-command to receive this much attention. If they’re truly part of the Kingdom of Knights, they should bow down simply for the fact that you hold such a title.”
I nodded quietly at Finn’s voice, filled with pride.
For a moment, I had forgotten. Finn was my first loyal follower. If anything, she surpassed the diplomats in devotion, never lessening.
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