[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
Chapter 189
The ascension of a new Emperor isn’t just an internal affair for the Empire.
It’s a matter of great significance for all those who have diplomatic ties with it.
In what direction will the Empire steer its course?
Will the peace that has been maintained until now be broken, or will it stay like that?
Does the new Emperor intend to continue the cooperative relationship with them, or not?
These were the questions that weighed heavily on the minds of many, particularly those in Lasker and Hyzens, primarily due to the specter of war.
Lasker had once fought for dominance with the Empire, though ultimately defeated.
Now, they were diligently rebuilding their strength, even adopting a humble stance to regain their former power.
The previous Emperor, rather than attacking Lasker, had chosen to focus on healing together.
However, with a change in leadership, the ship’s course could naturally change as well.
With all the positive developments in the Empire recently, there was no need to worry about justification.
In such a situation, the new Emperor could easily strain relations with Lasker.
Hyzens found themselves in a situation both different from and strangely similar to Lasker’s.
While they hadn’t fought against the Empire, they shared an undeniable kinship with Luzernes, the nation that had recently inflicted the most damage upon the Empire.
In the Empire, where social sentiment towards elves remained unfavorable, the new Emperor could easily adopt a hardline stance against them to appease the public.
While the likelihood of this was low, it was always wise to prepare for the worst.
Therefore, upon hearing the news of the new Emperor’s ascension, both Lasker and Hyzens swiftly assembled delegations and dispatched them to the Empire.
Simultaneously, both nations took another step.
“We implore you to help us, Young Lord Karl Adelheit.”
“I’ve heard you are a man of honor, Sir Karl Adelheit. I humbly request your assistance.”
They secretly sent envoys (or elves, in the case of Hyzens) to make contact with Karl.
* * *
I’m already drowning in work, and now I have to deal with this too?
I wanted to scream, ‘Just leave me alone!’ but it had to be Hyzens and Lasker.
One is Eloise’s homeland, the other is Lefia’s.
Of course, if I said that Eloise would likely brush it off with a nonchalant, ‘My homeland isn’t really my concern,’ while Lefia would sweetly apologize, ‘I wouldn’t want to trouble Karl with my problems!’
They’d likely insist not to concern myself with their requests and urge me to focus on more pressing matters.
But still, wouldn’t they feel at least a bit of disappointment?
It’s impossible not to. At least, if I were in their shoes, I would.
I didn’t want to leave even a tiny bit of guilt in their hearts.
And besides, since things have turned out this way, it’s only right for me to do whatever I can for the Empire, our families, my brother-in-law the Emperor, my sister, and my niece.
“I’m quite taken aback by your sudden visit. One might assume I’m the sole conduit for diplomatic affairs.”
First, I asked why they came to me instead of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“I apologize, Young Lord. But we had no other choice.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently refraining from issuing an official response. We suspect they are still in the process of aligning their diplomatic strategies following the new Emperor’s ascension to the throne.”
Indeed, with my brother-in-law becoming Emperor, personnel changes are expected within the Empire’s high-ranking officials.
Some will stay, but others will be transferred to different positions.
In that case, it’s not unreasonable for the Empire’s various departments to experience a temporary standstill.
But that doesn’t explain everything.
Even if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on hold, the people working there aren’t, right?
Instead of coming to me, they should have gone to them. Why me, specifically?
“To be frank, Young Lord, in the current situation, you are the one who seems to best understand the new Emperor’s intentions.”
“I’ve heard that His Majesty summoned you to the Imperial Palace every other day when he was Crown Prince.”
Aha, so they think I’m the current Emperor’s confidant and want to ask me about his intentions?
“Hmm. I’m grateful for your assessment.”
But have you considered that this could put me in a difficult position?
No matter how urgent the situation is, there are still lines that need to be drawn.
“If this matter leads others to reassess my position, it could become quite troublesome for me.”
Currently, I don’t hold any official position. I’m simply the heir to the Adelheit family, the future lord of the Friedrich County.
Yet, many people are wary of me, and the reason for that… Well, I won’t explain it. It’s too embarrassing for me to say. You can figure it out yourselves.
In any case, foreign envoys secretly approaching me to inquire about the Emperor’s intentions?
This makes me look like I’m the one pulling the strings, a corrupt politician scheming behind the Emperor’s back!
“Surely you didn’t come here without considering the potential political fallout. Are you perhaps hoping to see me lose my influence?”
To be honest, I can’t really ‘lose my influence’ since I don’t have any official position to begin with.
But our friends here didn’t seem to think so. They both panicked and waved their hands in denial.
“Absolutely not, Young Lord!” “We share the same sentiment, sir. We definitely didn’t come here with that intention. It’s just…”
“I understand. You’re just desperate. Both of you are doing this for your homelands, right?”
I’ve made my position clear, so now it’s time to explore the potential benefits of cooperation.
Ah, but before that, I need to gauge what they’re willing to offer in return.
“If you expect a favorable outcome for yourselves and your nations, you’ll naturally offer something beneficial to our Empire as well. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Our Emperor has no intention of starting another conflict with your nations.
But that’s only possible if both sides show sincerity and goodwill.
I bluntly asked what they could offer our Empire and the Imperial family, and they were surprisingly flustered for diplomats.
* * *
“So, what did they say?”
“The Hyzens delegation proposed a joint development project in the Southern Great Forest.”
“Joint development, huh? Oh my, they must be quite desperate.”
Of course, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to make a decision on my own and simply report the outcome to the Emperor.
That would surely offend him, even if he is my brother-in-law. And if the Emperor is offended, my name goes straight to the top of the execution list.
So, after the ‘secret’ meeting with the two envoys, I immediately rushed to the Emperor and reported everything that had transpired.
“Hmm.”
But even after hearing the whole story, the Emperor didn’t seem angry with the two envoys. Instead, he looked at me with a rather intrigued expression.
Curious, I asked him why, and the Emperor, my brother-in-law, replied—
“Opportunities like this are rare, brother-in-law. You’ll soon be the lord of your earldom, so it’s crucial for you to learn the art of diplomacy.”
He seems quite pleased that I’ve gained some real-world experience.
One moment he’s a reliable brother-in-law, the next he’s like a predator, rubbing his hands together with a grin, thinking, ‘You better grow up fast so I can put you to work.’
“Brother-in-law, as you know, the Southern Great Forest is a very important place for the elves.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. The Great Forest War happened because of it, after all.”
“That’s why it’s surprising. They’re the ones proposing joint development, not us.”
“By being the first to bring it up, they’re trying to emphasize their willingness to compromise.”
“That’s certainly possible. But the fact that they’re willing to swallow their pride is also significant, brother-in-law.”
For context, here’s what Lasker proposed—
They would refrain from any large-scale military exercises as long as relations between the two nations remained amicable.
Additionally, they promised to improve relations with Avileshti, a nation they had previously treated as an enemy.
“Promising not to conduct military exercises is a big deal. Lasker is known for its knights’ prowess and military might, second only to the Empire.”
Furthermore, their commitment to improving relations with Avileshti signaled an alignment with the Empire’s current diplomatic goals of peace and conflict resolution. This willingness to cooperate was further evidenced by their unprecedented declaration of openness to dialogue with the magic nation.
“They seem quite desperate, don’t they? If they just waited a little longer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would’ve stabilized and given them an answer.”
The Emperor chuckled and then glanced at me before continuing.
“So.”
“Your Majesty?”
“What are your thoughts, brother-in-law? Which side do you think we should favor?”
The ideal answer would be ‘both,’ but unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.
By prioritizing one, we could encourage their continued efforts while motivating the other to try harder next time.
“I’d have to give my vote to Hyzens.”
“Oh? That’s unexpected. May I ask why?”
The reason, Your Majesty? Well, there’s a very important reason!
“Your Majesty, this.”
“What’s this?”
The Emperor opened the small wooden box I handed him.
Inside was a type of medicinal pill, emanating a fresh herbal scent.
“This is a gift from the Hyzens delegation. They said they brought it because I’ll be getting married in the future, but I think you need it more than I do.”
“Something I need?”
“For the stability of the Imperial family, and for the Crown Princess, wouldn’t it be better if you gave me more nieces and nephews?”
In short, this is very good for men!
“Hmm.”
The Emperor, my brother-in-law, is still a man at the end of the day.
How could he turn a blind eye after receiving such a gift?
“I think we should favor Hyzens in this matter.”
Oh, and for the record, I didn’t hand over the entire gift. I made sure to set aside a portion for myself.
[Translator – Angel Dust]
[Proofreader – Prototype]
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