NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 69: Diplomat
In the Castle, From King Andre's POV
"My name is Dregorn, King Andre of Althemer," announced the diplomat from Elderan as he arrived, accompanied by a mage named Samuel, a Level 8 wind mage. Our intelligence department confirmed their identities; he was one of the renowned 'Three Musketeers', a trio of high-level mages.
"My name is Samuel. Please pay no attention to me, as I am merely an escort to Sir Dregorn, Your Highness," Samuel said, maintaining a low profile. I acknowledged their introductions with a nod, careful not to respond verbally. Given our nations' strained relations, it was crucial not to appear too familiar or overly flattering.
"Welcome to our castle, envoys from Elderan. You must have had a taxing journey. We wouldn't presume to discuss peace the moment you stepped into our castle. Please, take some time to rest. We have prepared a bedroom specifically for your use," Johann offered graciously.
"We are honored to receive such a warm welcome. Please call upon us at your earliest convenience," replied the envoy. The maids and butlers then escorted them to their guestrooms.
"So, Johann, what do you think?"
"They don't seem in any rush to start peace talks. I must say, we've lost some leverage there. It appears we won't be able to deviate much from their initial proposal."
"The diplomats from the Theocracy will also be challenging to deal with."
"They'll be arriving in three days. We could use their dissent to nudge our agenda forward slightly."
"Perhaps I should have Ludwin manage them. Ah, better yet, Ludwin, Heracles, and Claire should handle it. Given that Claire is a mage, they should afford her some respect, even though she's from a Western nation. Heracles could also learn to become a king."
"Indeed," Johann agreed, his tone becoming less formal now that we were alone in the throne room.
Even after the envoys from the Theocracy arrived three days later, the representatives from Elderan maintained their composure. We suspected Dregorn might have been in contact with his home country via his wind mage, but that was nothing unusual; after all, he is their envoy. In hindsight, pairing Elderan and the Theocracy for the meeting may have been a mistake; even though they bickered as we hoped, somehow, neither of them made a blunder we could capitalize on. The Theocracy insisted on being present at all meetings, and the Slane faction encouraged this.
"We are grateful for your willingness to facilitate this meeting. As stated in our prior correspondence, we seek a truce and the establishment of a border gate between our nations," they stated with a smile. Present at this meeting alongside me were my trusted brother, Johann, my sons Heracles and Ludwin, and Claire, their princess. Claire appeared particularly pleased to welcome the Elderan delegation.
"Hmf! So, are you going to play nice now that you are on the losing side? You should have considered this years ago! I bet while you sit comfortably on your laurels, you'll continue to support those barbaric nations in the West!" remarked the envoy from the Theocracy.
"Well, this is not a peace agreement, dear envoy from the Theocracy. This is merely a truce, which has occurred numerous times on the Western front. You shouldn't be so concerned," Claire retorted. Her words hit a sore spot; the Theocracy had signed numerous peace treaties in the Western front, though none lasted more than two months. There's no reason we couldn't do the same here.
"Your proposal is quite acceptable. What remains to be discussed is the location of the border gate and the level of tax to levy on citizens wishing to cross," I concluded, signaling the close of the meeting. By some extraordinary twist of fate, here we were, on the brink of a peace treaty. If Elderan had such a grasp of diplomacy, why had they attacked us before?
"Ah, we also need to discuss extradition, if possible."
"Some of our nobles seem to have fled to your country. Will you return them?" Heracles inquired.
"Yes, but there will be a price."
"Hmm… I see. We shall consider it. Thank you for informing us in advance. Now, as our ally, the Theocracy, mentioned, how can we be sure you won't attack us during this peace term? You initiated the previous conflict," I pressed, taking the offensive in the debate. The envoy responded to my question with another question.
"We have suffered considerable losses during the war and wish to recover. Your willingness to host us indicates that your majesty desires the same."
"Very well. We will take your words into consideration. This first peace meeting is now adjourned," Johann declared. "Next week's agenda will cover taxes and borders. We will prepare our proposals."
"We thank you."
After the envoys from both Elderan and the Theocracy departed, Claire joyfully celebrated the progress of the peace treaty. Ludwin remained stoic, seemingly indifferent to the outcome, while Heracles celebrated with Claire.
"What's wrong, Ludwin? You seem downcast. I thought you'd be elated by this peace, especially since your fiancée's county is adjacent to the war zone. Wouldn't this truce please her?"
"Ah, it will certainly please her," Ludwin replied.
"Good. However, we must ensure the Theocracy isn't too displeased. We don't know what they might do."
"Hmm? What could they possibly do here? Isn't Althemer Empire a free country?" Claire interjected, though her gaze lingered on the departing envoys. I tilted my head, pondering whether her remarks were merely superficial.
"Well, we have some vulnerabilities, Claire. Why are you both wearing swords during a peace negotiation? It's quite rude, you know." I observed Heracles and Claire, noting their attire resembled that of military officers. Were they attempting to align closer with the Bron faction?
"What kind of vulnerabilities? Ah, this sword is a national heirloom. My father said I must wear it to show the dignity of Lustria." Her sword was certainly well adorned, but it didn't really have that high of a quality to be called a national heirloom.
"It's about the reapers, Claire. We have intelligence reports that they can infiltrate the castle at will. That's why, if the Theocracy really wanted to, they could jeopardize this truce," Heracles explained, though his gaze was fixed on me rather than Claire. Was that a secret message to me rather than Claire?
"Hm? I see. Reapers, huh? Their activities are well-known even in Western countries," Claire murmured. "But I don't recall them being so bold there as in here. Ah, I must leave now. Please excuse me."
"I see. Do you think the reapers were after Lord Dregorn's life?" the king sighed.
"These insects have been bold lately," Heracles remarked. "They've killed three noble families!"
"It's unfortunate," I nodded. We were the ones who had hired the reapers to assassinate those nobles. It was a necessary evil; they don't ask many questions and will do the dirty work as long as we pay them. We were certain the nobles we targeted were corrupt, and there was some evidence, but they were cunning. Assassination seemed our only option, and the Reapers were the perfect organization for the job. Was Heracles irated by that? or was it something else?
However, I realized they were becoming too powerful. We couldn't rely on them indefinitely. The cost of assassinations had skyrocketed. Moreover, they held no allegiance to the crown. They could target my children next if some corrupt nobles paid them. Our defenses against them were too weak.
"But they have been effective so far, right? I mean, we've used them quite a bit," Ludwin interjected.
"But the assassinations were brutal. They aren't loyal to the crown! There are others whom they have assassinated. Innocents!" Heracles exclaimed, visibly disgusted. "Who's to say you won't be their next target?"
"That means we should be cautious about who has enough wealth to hire these assassins, right? Isn't the Merchant faction on your side, Heracles?"
"The Slane faction might fund these assassins using the Theocracy's coffers, you know."
"Well, I'll leave you to your discussions. Heracles, Ludwin, keeps an eye on both the Theocracy and Elderan. Don't let them pull any stunts here. Reapers might be dangerous. But they will not move without money."
"Yes, Father."
Elidranthia's POV
"So, he is the envoy..." I watched as the envoy exited the castle. Alone. If there was ever a chance, it would be now. However, outright killing him wasn't an option. I needed to corner him in an abandoned place where I could interrogate him about who in his organization actually killed my mother.
After seeing his face, which matched the photos R25B sent me, an impulse to kill him surged within me. Yet, I couldn't find the right opportunity. Somehow, Claire came at the most inopportune time, seemingly searching for something.
"Greetings, Lady Claire. How may I assist you?" the envoy asked.
"Ah, Mr. Dregorn. Please, stay safe. The castle hasn't been too safe lately."
"There's no need to worry, I am protected. My guard is a high-level wind mage. He's quite capable of detecting any interlopers, although I must admit, he would be powerless if the entire castle were against us."
"Of course, that won't be necessary. I can assure you that most of the soldiers in the castle support this peace treaty. Let's have tea and discuss things further. Did my letter reach you?"
"In that case, please, be my guest. Of course, your letter has reached Elderan. This peace treaty was only possible thanks to you." Both of them then entered a room. I decided to abandon my surveillance for the day. There were no openings, after all.
Days later, Ludwin invited me to a dinner with the envoys. During lunch in the cafeteria, he asked me to join him and Alicia for a meal with the envoys. It might sound absurd, but I heard from Ludwin that this peace negotiation could last anywhere from two months to even a year.
"Wasn't it supposed to be a simple truce?" I asked him, lowering my voice.
"That's just the front against Slane and the Theocracy."
"So, we're aiming for a true peace?"
"We expect the peace treaty to last at least ten years, not just the usual truce in the Western front that lasts only a few months at best. But keep this between us," Ludwin whispered back.
"My father asked me to dine with the envoys to understand why they attacked us. I wondered if you would accompany me, Elidranthia."
"...Why?" It was unusual for women to be involved in diplomatic matters. Even I haven't even met the queen outside of a tea party with Charlotte.
"Well, Heracles keeps bringing Claire everywhere. Many people praise her as an intelligent and charming woman… I think you are better than her," Ludwin said, looking away. A smirk crossed my face.
"Really? So, your brother brings his girlfriend to work, and now you want to do the same? I wonder if I should indulge. It's uncommon for women to be involved in diplomatic matters, right?"
"Haha, you're right. How foolish of me." He backpedaled too quickly. That's very troubling.
"But I will come. I want to see the envoy myself." I retracted my statement too. His invitation was a godsend. Attending this dinner might give me a chance to be alone with the envoy and press him for information about the monster tamer who killed my mother four years ago.
"Oh. You will come?"
"Yes! Please invite me to this dinner of yours. Though, I'm not sure about being put on a pedestal. Claire is a princess, while I am merely a count's daughter. Comparing me to her might end up disappointing you."
"Princess or titles don't matter. I just want the world to know what a wonderful woman you are," Ludwin replied, smiling charmingly at me. I felt a mix of cringe and happiness at his compliment.
"T-t-thank you."
"Very well. See you in two days," Ludwin said as he left. Alicia, Safira, and Nana burst in excitedly.
"Ahh! So, how was your day with Prince Charming?"
"Ugh… I'm happy for you. But I'm also jealous," Safira admitted. "When will my time come… I don't need a prince. A count or margrave is fine..."
"I am just happy with this boy from the knights' course. But I don't think we've progressed very well…" Nana began to ponder her love life.
"We need to start hitting the library, guys. Prince Ludwin invited Lady Elidranthia to dinner with Elderan's envoys. We must study hard so as not to shame our lady!" Alicia was inexplicably enthusiastic.
Our chat continued with discussions about cookies and what clothes I should wear to the dinner. Little did I know the surprises that awaited me at that fateful dinner.