While chaos is happening in Vofors, far down to the south of the kingdom is Hajdu City.
Since Hajdu County is sandwiched between Naharog and Vofors, the county couldn't escape from the wave of chaos either. But unlike the other two counties, there is one more player in the game.
The Inverloch Empire.
This southern empire is well known for its expansionist policy. The Inverloch Empire was formerly a part of a short-lived Paign Empire.
After a prolonged civil war that lead to the break up of the empire, many prominent noble families rise from the ashes and try to restore the glory of the Paign Empire by establishing their own nation. Every single one of them thought themselves to be the rightful successor to the Paign Empire.
They presented various of reasons to back up their claim which everybody knows is a lie.
However, minor nobles are powerless in the face of big noble families. A misstep and misspoke might cause their bloodline to perish.
One of the prominent noble families is the Inveria family who founded Inverloch Empire.
ραпdα nᴏνɐ| сom They claim to be the closest ties by blood with the Royal Family of Paign and should be its successor.
But the Inveria family's claim was refuted by their branch family, the Inver family. The Invers claim that the Inveria family are the one who betrayed the Paigns due to a thirst for power.
It caught them off-guard. Never did they expect their branch family would stab them in the back.
To shut Inver's mouth, the Inveria family sought to exterminate the Invers and keep the truth from spreading further.
Feeling no longer safe, the Invers migrate to the west and founded their own nation, the Kingdom of Inver by overthrowing the rulers there.
Needless to say, the fall of one empire caused so much instability, war and change of the power structure in the southern region.
The prime example is between Inverloch and Inver which continues until now.
These two nations always try to overwhelm each other.
War often occurs between them and the Kingdom of Inver. But it always ends up in a stalemate. It becomes more intense ever since Inverloch's rival, the Sidgean Empire successfully conquered almost the entirety of the Duchy of Camble.
Often affected by these two giants fighting each other for years are the Grand Duchy of Caberia and Grand Duchy of Roligny.
To solve this problem, each of these smaller nations come up with a different solution.
The Duke of Caberia opts to marry his eldest daughter, Catherina Caberia for a political marriage with the future king of Bagyarosia, Crown Prince Nicholas Napuna Bagyarosia. Their marriage cemented the relationship between the two nations. This marriage causes both the Kingdom of Inver and the Inverloch Empire to stay vigilant because both share a long land border with Bagyarosia to the north.
The Grand Duchy of Roligny leans closer to its neighbour, the Piteretia Empire. In exchange for military assistance in the event of Inverloch aggression, Roligny will provide Piteretia with its naval base on a small island near Inverloch's coastline as a supply point before landing on Inverloch.
However, the status quo might change the momentary peace with the emergence of a new nation, the Kingdom of Ryntum and the weakening of Bagyarosia.
....
Count's office, Hajdu Mansion.
Sitting across from Count Hector Hajdu is an envoy from Inverloch Empire, Mr George Handover.
The emperor personally sends him here to make an offer to the count.
"To be honest, I would say this is a great opportunity for you to be a high-rank noble in our empire. One may need at least five generations of continuous contribution to the empire to obtain the rank we just offered you. However, the emperor decided to make an exception for you. After all, the Hajdu family has proven their abilities as a respected noble family for years." said George to Count Hajdu.
"Hmm...," Count Hajdu is thinking while his hand is rubbing his chin. He doesn't immediately give a reply although the 'marquess' rank title is tempting to him.
Seeing the count still thinking about the offer, Geroge decides to give Count Hajdu another push.
"If you accept our offer, we can head to Ferlochia, the capital of Inverloch. The emperor will grant you the title, mansion in the capital, some gifts and hold a banquet to introduce you to the empire's noble circle. The emperor is willing to tie a bloodline between your son and a daughter from his maternal noble family."
The offer presented by the emperor makes George stunned. In order to exert Inverloch's influence on their northern side, the emperor is willing to go to great lengths.
"Is that it?" asked the count with a straight face as if he doesn't realize the huge benefit of this offer.
"W-What do you mean? Are you planning to refuse our goodwill?" George gritted his teeth as he tried to hold his anger. A mere count from a small kingdom dares to think of refusing the emperor's generous offer.
"Isn't that obvious? I can follow in the footsteps of Naharog by declaring independence and becoming king myself. So why would I go out all the way to become a marquess in your empire?"
This time, George could no longer hold his anger and tolerate Hajdu's haughtiness. With a scornful look on his face, he slams the table before speaking.
"Count Hajdu, you have severely misunderstood something here. The reason we give you an offer is that we don't want to waste our military on you when we have Inver next to our door. But it doesn't mean we will hesitate in using violence. Do you really think you can pull off the move to establish an independent kingdom?"
"What do you mean? I am more than capable of accomplishing it."
George chuckled at Count's Hajdu ignorant. "Since you don't know, let me explain it to you. The reason Count Naharog succeeds in his attempt is that he launches a surprise attack on the nobles serving him, causing them in a state of unpreparedness. Another reason is due to the field cannons they manage to get hold of. Your army on the other hand still lacks the means to kill enemies in long range."
Like lightning struck his head, the count subconsciously stood up from his seat. He begins to inquire about the validity of this particular information.
"Is that true? How does he even get his hand on it?"
"Of course it is. Due to this weapon, he doesn't meet any obstacles in his subjugation. Trust me, we at Inverloch are also shocked by the appearance of a new weapon. I believe the emperor is interested in obtaining this weapon. Now, do you understand? It is already too late for you to repeat the same steps made by Naharog."
George kills all of Hajdu's intentions to go independent.
Considering Bagyarosia's domestic situation, he needs to jump off the ship to another one to ensure the survival of his family.
Reluctantly, he gives his replies. "Fine. I accept your offer."
"Great! Welcome aboard. I promise you will never regret your decision today." replied George with a smile on his face.
Count Hajdu throws him a polite smile.
Though he accepts the offer, he can't guarantee George that the northern part of his territory will still be in his possession. With Naharog rampaging on the next door, it is not impossible for other counts to follow a suit. Clearly, they will never let Dalfos stay untouched. In that case, the empire can't achieve its objective.
'Huhuhu~ Well, it is not my problem anymore. Let the superior Inverloch handle this upcoming problem. Heading to Dalfos will most likely cause them to be attacked by three sides.'
Nobody wants Inverloch to go north.
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