KR Translators:
・StarrySkySailor
・KawaiiKage
・ImmortalInk
・KingPotato
・SugoiSenpai
Chapter 28: First Come, First Served (3)
“Yes. In fact, I also feel burdened by the generous title bestowed upon me by His Majesty the King. However, as this undoubtedly serves the path towards amicable relations between our two nations, I must embrace the expectations of His Majesty the King who granted me this title and the will of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor who permitted me to participate in this diplomatic mission, and strive to foster goodwill between our countries.”
I spoke softly with a gentle smile. In most parts of the continent, breakfast consists of tea and light snacks. Now is the time to enjoy tea after the meal.
Count Digorian nodded and said,
“To receive such a title despite your young age, your future is promising. I shall closely observe your future endeavors.”
“Haha. Count Digorian, you give me too much credit.”
The first opponent to be wary of: Count Digorian. According to Edian’s information, he has a considerable number of unofficial concubines and is practically the leader of the anti-Imperial faction.
“Tell me more about the Empire. I’ve heard it’s much more developed than here, is that true?”
“There might be differences in cultural perspectives. I believe such perspectives arise from population differences. The Empire has a larger population than Azot, so naturally, there would be a wider variety of goods.”
Aila responded to Viscountess Jei Aswan with a bright smile.
The second opponent to be wary of.
This Viscountess may appear like an ordinary noblewoman interested in luxury goods and accessories, but in reality, she’s a snake-like woman who tenaciously exploits even the smallest weaknesses.
“If that’s a chronic problem in the aristocratic education system, the Empire’s policies to improve it seem rather inconsistent. How can policies be so volatile?”
“While your point is valid, the issue you mentioned regarding the Empire is that due to the increasing population and the rise in those seeking education, the existing public education policies require significant adjustments. It’s better to view it as a pilot policy that can be fluidly implemented until a complete policy is established. However, that……”
Rob-hyeong was engaging in a relaxed debate with Baron Makean.
The third opponent to be wary of.
Baron Makean is a scholar who enjoys utilizing his knowledge in the shadows.
He’s notorious for employing methods that ensure he remains untainted, regardless of legality, as long as it’s profitable. There are suspicions, but no concrete evidence.
The reason why these individuals were our breakfast companions is quite obvious. It’s thanks to the influence of the anti-Imperial faction that today’s gathering was arranged this way.
These three individuals clearly came here to find fault with the amicable relations between the Empire and Azot.
Count Digorian implied that he would be observing our actions, warning us not to get cocky just because of our titles. Viscountess Jei Aswan was looking for any excuse to claim that Azot is more rustic than the Empire, and Baron Makean was blatantly pointing out the Empire’s problems, attempting to raise the question of whether the Empire is truly a good nation.
However, the three noble representatives of the Empire were by no means easy opponents.
I’ve lived an extra 10 years and am now a well-informed 16-year-old, Aila is an unfathomable child, and Rob-hyoeng graduated from the Sage’s Academy with honors.
The tea party following breakfast was filled with a palpable tension, with neither side willing to yield an inch.
The only problem is, I might get indigestion from all this. Ugh……
“It was a decent game.”
Aila briefly evaluated the tea party.
Ultimately, the tea party ended in a draw. We met their attacks with an ironclad defense, and both sides implicitly agreed to acknowledge each other and retreat.
Since we showed respect, the second round will be prepared with even more powerful weapons, delivered with courtesy. Because it’s filled with respect.
“They were certainly worthy opponents. As a scholar, they provided intellectual stimulation. If they used their intelligence for good, the Azot Kingdom could become even more prosperous.”
Rob-hyeong also had a pleased expression.
To be honest, I also felt a bit of enjoyment in facing Count Digorian. It allowed me to recall the aristocratic demeanor I thought had worn away during my long journey.
“Anyway, what comes next is crucial. The anti-Imperial faction has practically initiated their reconnaissance today. They will undoubtedly try to pick fights and find fault with various events planned for this amicable exchange. How we respond to that is important.”
“Wouldn’t the members of the diplomatic mission handle it well, as long as it’s not absurd fault-finding? They’re all experts in their respective fields.”
“Rob-hyeong, that’s too naive. It’s difficult to brush off someone who’s determined to find fault without any preparation. First, there are also pro-Imperial nobles, so we need to meet with them. We can find allies where there are enemies.”
I nodded. Not all Azot nobles belong to the anti-Imperial faction. With the arrival of the diplomatic mission, the pro-Imperial faction in Azot is gaining strength.
Even if we set aside the neutral nobles, if we can firmly secure the pro-Imperial faction on our side, victory is within reach. Moreover, the most important point is that they are already prepared to form friendships with us.
“In conclusion, the key to this situation is to cooperate with the pro-Imperial nobles and dismantle the anti-Imperial faction’s schemes. To achieve this, we may need to resort to unconventional methods. Initially, we must respond to their actions, but ultimately, we need to seize the initiative.”
“In that sense, we have the advantage in terms of preparations. We have Crown Prince Lymant and Princess Mideijel as our collaborators. Having the support of two royals is extremely significant.”
“Huh? I understand about Crown Prince Lymant, but when did Princess Mideijel become our collaborator?”
Rob-hyeong tilted his head in puzzlement, and Aila and I exchanged meaningful glances. It was a silent understanding between accomplices. She and I answered simultaneously.
“Last night.”
“Last night.”
Having a strong backing is a good thing.
For most members of the diplomatic mission, simply doing their job well is enough. Of course, it’s best if they focus solely on their tasks.
The problem is that people are being used even when they don’t want to be.
There’s a considerable chance of this being exploited.
Artists and experts are dedicated to the natural activities of exchanging knowledge and disseminating and acquiring culture, but there are many who view these activities themselves as social issues.
Ultimately, the purpose of the three nobles included in the diplomatic mission is to support those who strive to uphold and practice the true meaning of the mission. More precisely, they must become a bulwark to protect them from the anti-Imperial faction.
After the breakfast and tea party, I visited various locations as scheduled. And now, I’m out on the streets of Ast.
The 20th is the anniversary of the Azot King’s coronation, and the artists and experts of our diplomatic mission will participate in the festivities starting that day. During that time, an entire street in Ast will be dedicated to the diplomatic mission from the Empire. It will become a venue for showcasing Imperial cuisine, paintings, music, and various exhibitions, as well as hosting academic conferences in rented halls.
“How are things progressing?”
“Yes, very well. I’ve heard that the Azot workers are skilled, and it’s indeed true. They seem to understand what I want just by mentioning it. Haha! Thanks to them, the work is enjoyable!”
‘Low Dieng’, who will be holding a sculpture exhibition this time, was working harmoniously with the workers despite the tight deadline, with a cheerful expression. The same went for ‘Pierre Caso’, who will be holding a painting exhibition in the hall next door.
“Lower it a bit more from there! Let the light hit it at an angle! Good! Just like that! I’m busy, so save your questions for later! Alright! That’s it!”
It’s incredibly pleasing to see things progressing so smoothly. It seems there haven’t been any major issues so far, and I walked along the street that will become the ‘Empire Culture Street’ with Levidian, Joey, and Marlin.
Levidian nodded and said in a bright voice,
“It seems to be going well.”
“Yes, no problems so far.”
“If this festival concludes successfully, relations between our two countries will improve.”
“That’s why Risel is here, right?”
She smiled brightly. Strangely, she seems to be paying more attention to me lately. It seems to be the case ever since ‘that incident’ in Breedpo.
While I don’t enjoy being hit, she’s been frequently stepping back or holding back during our daily morning sparring sessions, instead of relentlessly striking my vital points. It feels stranger than being hit properly.
Is this what they call feeling like you need to apologize even though you haven’t done anything wrong? I don’t know why, but lately, I feel like I need to apologize and ask for forgiveness.
Well, let’s set aside the issue with her for now. I went around checking if preparations were going well, if there were any bottlenecks or difficulties, and if any necessary materials were lacking.
Marquis ‘Esoltaran Ma Watts’, the person in charge of the Empire Culture Street whom I met at lunch today, is a key figure in the pro-Imperial faction and expressed his willingness to provide all necessary materials for the sake of amicable relations with the Empire.
In addition, Sir ‘Aldat Visen’, the security officer for Eastern Ast, and Baron ‘Doreamin Val Panuk’, the administrator for the West, also offered their assistance in various ways. It was quite encouraging.
Although, I wasn’t particularly pleased that the administrator for the East and the security officer for the West belong to the anti-Imperial faction.
While walking, I noticed something strange.
“Commander Ronen Trigger?”
“……and some members of the 7th Knight Order.”
Levidian added in a dazed tone. And I looked at the stall that was still under construction, wondering what to say. Joey read the brightly hung banner with a bewildered expression.
“Empire’s 7th Knight Order and Azot Royal Knights Joint Empire-Azot Fusion Tavern?”
“When did they become so close……”
I massaged the back of my suddenly stiff neck and approached Ronen Trigger, who was shouting enthusiastically.
“Commander Ronen Trigger.”
“Huh? Ah! Sir Arisein, welcome. What do you think? My adjutant became sworn brothers with the Vice-Commander of the Azot Royal Knights. It’s a commendable event. Anyway, since we’re fostering goodwill, we thought, why not open a tavern that combines the best aspects of both countries’ open-air taverns? So, we submitted the permit application, and it was immediately approved.”
“Was he always this type of person……Commander?”
“Being a Knight Commander is work, and this is a hobby. We’ve also enlisted the help of ‘Bacchus Arco’, the brewer of the diplomatic mission, and we plan to sell the Imperial beer he brought with him. It will surely be a success.”
If it’s beer made by the famous Imperial brewer nicknamed ‘Hands that Pour Forth Alcohol’, success is guaranteed. There’s a saying that to understand a culture, one must first experience its food, so it will also contribute to amicable relations.
However, there’s a more pressing issue.
“Well, that aside……Doesn’t the Empire’s Military Service Regulations prohibit side jobs during active duty? Article 17, Clause 1.”
“W, Well, of course, but……How did you know that?”
“Thanks to my father’s work. It’s military related, isn’t it? Besides, that rule should apply to Azot’s military law as well, right?”
While Ronen Trigger scratched his head, a young soldier emerged from behind him. His sleeves were rolled up, and his clothes were a bit dirty, but he was wearing the uniform of an Azot soldier, an officer at that.
“I’ll explain that part.”
“And you are?”
“I’m ‘Levlin Myard’, from the Azot Royal Knights.”
“Sir Levlin, explain.”
Sir Levlin was the very person who became sworn brothers with Ronen Trigger’s adjutant. And he explained that several members of the Royal Knights took leave to open this tavern and received permission from Crown Prince Orange. And Ronen Trigger and about 15 members of the Empire’s 7th Knight Order……
“Are currently on leave.”
“Is leave possible during an operation? Moreover, this is desertion.”
I questioned Ronen Trigger with the face of the former Vice-Commander of the 3rd Knight Order. Ronen Trigger, in turn, put on his soldier face and began to ‘eloquently make excuses’. That’s not part of the Imperial Army training curriculum.
“As you may know, there’s a Military Service Regulation that mandates a week of leave for soldiers who have participated in battle and returned alive. Furthermore, to ensure the security of the diplomatic mission, we need to be nearby. And since the Azot Royal Family will provide sufficient protection for the nobles other than Sir Arisein, I granted myself and a few of my subordinates some leave.”
“Theoretically, there are no loopholes.”
“I’m confident I can win even if brought before a military court.”
Ronen Trigger grinned, and I sighed, shaking my head. If he’s going this far, there’s nothing I can say. I have no choice but to acknowledge this. I was surprised I didn’t receive a report, but it’s a commendable intention.
Instead, I pointed to a different aspect.
“Well, let’s set that aside……That looks like it’s being set up as an open-air wedding hall. The seating arrangement and the carpet seem a bit odd, don’t they?”
“Uh, that’s……”
“I’ll be taking my leave.”
Ronen stammered, and Levlin gave a brief salute, attempting to retreat. Seeing their suspicious behavior, I crossed my arms and spoke in a low voice.
“Hold it right there. Sir Levlin, turn around. Good. Take three steps forward.”
He stood rigidly beside Ronen Trigger with a stiff expression. And I looked alternately at Ronen’s flustered face and Levlin’s face that seemed about to break out in a sweat, then took a short breath. And I spoke.
“From now on, you will reveal all the secrets surrounding that open-air tavern. If you refuse, I will report everything to your respective superiors. Of course, that includes the profits you’ll earn from this stall.”
Their shoulders flinched.
They seemed to think I hadn’t noticed, but their expressions clearly showed they were caught. However, I’m also a soldier with over five years of service. And I’ve even been an officer, so I can easily read their minds.
I placed my hands on my hips, looked at them, and commanded solemnly.
“Therefore, reveal the whole story now. If your honesty is deemed genuine, I will consider this from the most favorable perspective possible. Carry out.”
“Carry out! It’s……!”
“Carry out! It’s……!”
The two soldiers, with their military discipline heightened, began to spill the beans about the whole incident. And the soldiers who were building the open-air tavern gradually stopped working and looked towards us.
They all had the expression of ‘We’re caught’.
Are these people soldiers or boarding school students? Since when did the discipline in the Imperial Army become so lax? Oh, the irony.
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