SWNOVELXO Chapter 191
The negotiations were temporarily suspended. It was only natural.
However, as a seasoned politician, I maintained a perfect poker face.
But I wasn’t completely oblivious. It was clear that something was amiss.
As soon as I sensed it, I quickly activated the communication device to contact the system.
[ This is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. ]
“Minister, this is the Chief of Staff.”
[ Ah, Chief of Staff! What can I do for you? ]
“I have something to convey regarding the meeting with Nobogord.”
It was an anticipated development, but I held a strong suspicion about a particular point. Nobogord wanted something else. They had created a smokescreen for that purpose.
Now that I knew their true intentions were not genuine, we had gained the upper hand.
[ I thought as much. ]
The Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded at the information relayed.
Seeing that they weren’t overly surprised indicated that they had a rough understanding of the situation too.
After all, it had been the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that had been relaying Nobogord’s updates to me.
If they had been completely in the dark, that would have been even more bizarre.
Considering that they might be facing penalties from the Ministry of Finance for not doing their job right, who knows?
[ Even so, when we took the Royal Capital, there was more loss than gain, so I was trying to figure out the underlying motives. Unfortunately, the security of Nobogord’s council has increased, making it difficult to ascertain. ]
“Mm. Should you say that, I too am leaning towards predictions, but…”
[ With predictions from no one less than the Chief of Staff, it’s safe to assume they’re quite accurate. ]
No need to take that too seriously, it just adds pressure. I’m not some prophet who’s unlocked the secrets of the universe.
[ Hmm. This seems to indicate that Nobogord’s internal situation is pretty heated. ]
“They fought and defeated Atria, whom they considered a rival. After that, it’s expected that the council isn’t the only problem but that the ordinary demons are fired up, pushing the politicians to act.”
[ Those in power typically find it hard to go against the requests of those who empower them. Dedorant thrived and then collapsed under those circumstances. ]
Following that, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I had an in-depth discussion about what came next.
In a situation where our hand was revealed, how would Nobogord react? Would they pretend everything was fine and truly aim for the Royal Capital? Or would they take a step back?
If it were the former, they’d officially announce that their request to the Empire had been accepted.
This wouldn’t be without symbolism, so the demons of Nobogord would probably appreciate it as they could mold Atria’s Royal Capital to their liking.
But with that, they’d encounter immense backlash.
The residents of Atria would rather welcome the Empire than Nobogord.
Even now, they’re deeply worried about the Royal Capital falling into Atria’s hands.
It’s clear that a spark of resistance would ignite; would Nobogord really take the poison?
On the opposite end, if they chose the latter, what would be their first move?
Naturally, they’d strongly emphasize, “We’re open to dialogue.”
They’d stress that there’s no hidden agenda and that they respect the Empire.
Then, they’d subtly reveal their true desires.
“What should we do if they reveal their true intentions?”
[ The one in charge of this meeting is the Chief of Staff. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will merely support that decision and will back any decisions made. ]
Hmm. Something feels strange. The Chief of Staff negotiates, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives their approval?
The picture seems a bit odd, but then again, since it’s the Emperor who sent me, it makes sense.
Besides, if you think about it, this matter pertains to the occupied territory, so it’s my concern as well.
“Indeed, the best course would be to maintain the Royal Capital while conceding just one aspect they desire.”
[ Using the Royal Capital as bait to the point that it could provoke the Empire could mean that Nobogord is definitely heated. A sedative for that situation is required. ]
“Hmm…”
[ If this meeting bears no fruitful results and relations between the two nations deteriorate, isn’t military display also an option? ]
“Well, for your information, the Ministry of War and the staff will absolutely not consider military action against Nobogord. I dislike even the mere thought of that card.”
The war was long over, and many soldiers returned home or to their posts with big smiles.
What would happen if, in that situation, I said, “Hey! Let’s go to war again!”?
I can assure you; the soldiers with horns on their heads would surely tear me apart.
‘…Oh wait. No, I’d probably get stabbed by the folks in the Ministry of Finance first.’
Managing occupied territories has already consumed a huge amount of funds.
Before that, during the war, they had lost taxes that amounted to several times more.
Deploying various wizards, the Manhattan Project, and so on.
Only because it was the Empire did we withstand it. Other kingdoms wouldn’t even dare dream!
In this context, if I were to suggest, “Let’s have another battle,” the Ministry of Finance would flip out.
[ So, when they pretend they can’t win and offer the Royal Capital, are you suggesting we propose both options? ]
“They’d probably want that. But it’d be very uncomfortable for them to do so without reservations. I intend to avoid giving everything to Nobogord as much as possible.”
[ That’s unexpected. I believed the Chief of Staff held quite a favorable view of Nobogord. ]
Favorable. Favorable, huh? Well, I guess I could say that.
All in all, I had a decent relationship with Charlua, and through her, I maintained a somewhat positive rapport with the council too.
Moreover, if we think about it, Nobogord is our Kaya’s comrade. Those who fought alongside my sister.
I am well aware that antagonizing them could put Kaya in a tough spot.
But that favor is just that—only ‘favor.’ It ends right there.
No matter how closely related we may be, our Empire’s soldiers’ lives are more valuable.
Nothing is more important than the Empire’s interests. And I am a nobleman of that Empire.
“I won’t outright deny the Minister’s words. But I am someone who thinks and acts for the sake of the Empire. In that regard, conceding both easily feels quite troubling.”
[ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shares that sentiment. Then do you have an alternative thought? ]
At that question, I paused for a moment before answering.
“We must induce another condition without them taking both of them.”
[ The Empire won’t yield both. Thus, we need to have alternate conditions ready. ]
At Charlua’s statement, Rundis looked at her quietly.
Did they really think it would go that way? So, was it clear that they had read our moves?
To that, Charlua replied as if it was obvious.
“At first, they were troubled by our request for the Royal Capital. Then, suddenly, it felt as if they caught on, and the atmosphere changed entirely. It’s highly likely that Nobogord figured out what we really wanted.”
“Can that even be possible, Miss Charlua? They delayed the news from the council to the Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, using every trick in the book, and they even employed the Royal Capital as a clear bait!”
So you see, the person we just encountered doesn’t fall for that kind of trick.
If such a gambit had worked, he wouldn’t have been misled so easily before.
From Nobogord, to the three kingdoms in the east, to Benedict in the South, and lastly, Atria and Dedorant.
Kael had gotten embroiled in all of it.
That seemingly ordinary man is truly a monster among monsters.
In an instant of carelessness, you’re already being swayed, and even if you remain vigilant, he makes sure you sway anyway.
“You keep misunderstanding. The individual here isn’t just an ordinary person. Just because he hasn’t been active in politics, doesn’t mean he isn’t dangerous. No, he simply has no interest in politics. He already has the ‘eyes.’ It’s game over if you let your guard down.”
Although he was quite young, Charlua had certainly attained results in various aspects.
What’s more, being the daughter of the chairperson, Rundis had no choice but to take her seriously.
“That man knows exactly what will happen if we take the Royal Capital. And what the Empire could receive as the best outcome from that. That’s why he’s willing to budge. Whether he changes his words or sticks to them, he’ll force unfavorable outcomes.”
Charlua, having worked alongside Kael, knows him very well.
You cannot fall for that particular choice. Absolutely and completely a no-go.
It might sound voluntary, but it’s practically coercion. If you dare, you’ll suffer losses.
In this instance, we need to surrender without fail. We must somehow escape this decision-making crossroads.
“Hurry and get in touch with the council, and make them decide within ten minutes. Either the arable land or the port!”
“Abandoning the Royal Capital and choosing just one is worrisome, especially with so much internal discontent. I’m not sure if the politicians will agree, Miss Charlua.”
“That’s precisely why we must impose alternate conditions. Naturally, since it is Nobogord, it should lean more towards benefiting the Empire, but in a way that saves face for us.”
“…Could it be that I’m thinking of what you’re thinking?”
At Rundis’s words, Charlua nodded.