In the Allied Communes capital, Clermont, not much ti has passed since the ceasefire with the Weichsel Empire. Clermonts city gates are still broken, and theres no telling how long itll be until theyre fixed.
The emperor of Weichsel received a report from Alexia and imdiately ordered a ceasefire. Then, the Weichsel Empire set up camp so distance away from Clermont and said that they wanted to hold a more formal eting, which Roseline agreed to. And so, the emperor of Weichsel was invited to Clermonts royal palace.
There are very few people in the room when the Weichsel emperor is welcod to the royal palace. The room itself isnt that big compared to the throne room. Since the eting is limited to a few representatives, only the minimum number of people have gathered.
It must be an important, highly confidential eting that cant be revealed to the public. That just makes even more nervous. Im hesitant to make even the slightest movent, and nobody is making a sound.
I still have so doubts about whether its okay for to be here, but Roseline asked to, so theres nothing I can do about it. Shes acting like a princess, with her expression calm and dignified, so its hard for to talk to her. Unable to speak to her, I stand by her side.
The emperor of Weichsel, His Majesty Wilhelm Viktor von Weichsel, has arrived! one of Roselines vassals announces with a nervous look on their face. I can feel the mood becoming even more tense.
Shortly after, a young man with long, auburn hair follows Roselines vassal into the room. Behind him were Alexia and several large, burly n.
I t the young man once before when the ceasefire happened. Hes the emperor of Weichsel. His face was full of confidence and ambition which made him seem brave. Even now, the air about him makes him feel different from ordinary people. He has the power to draw attention and awe from those around him. I guess thats what youd call charisma.
Thank you for coming here today, Your Majesty, Emperor Viktor. I give you my sincerest welco, Roseline says, welcoming the emperor with a polite tone unlike her usual manner of speaking.
Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness, Princess Roseline, the emperor replies with a smile.
But the next mont, the emperor suddenly bows his head. His erratic behavior shocks not only Roselines vassals, but the emperors vassals as well.
Your Majesty! Roseline exclaims in astonishnt.
I apologize, the emperor says. I started this war under the assumption that your country had already been taken over by vampires, and thus did your country great harm. This happened due to my ignorance. I am truly sorry.
His expression turns dark, as if he regrets it from the bottom of his heart. I could feel so much drive from him just a little while ago, but the difference in his current expression is intense. Hes letting those around him know just how strong his feelings of regret are.
Even if it was caused by the vampires scheming and various other factors, the capital of their country was attacked. Roselines vassals cant help but be displeased with the Weichsel Empire. It could be that the tense atmosphere isnt only nervousness due to another countrys leaders visiting, but is also caused by anger towards an enemy nation that recently invaded.
Apologizing before another nations royalty and her vassals may damage his dignity, but he didnt show any hesitation. Although he appears arrogant, he might be a surprisingly considerate person.
Your Majesty, please raise your head. Our war with your country was unfortunate, but it was caused by a misunderstanding between our two countries. It would be one thing if you were to bla the vampires who caused it, but I do not intend for you to take all of the responsibility and bla for it.
Oh, thank you for your profound rcy, Your Highness. We would like to provide our full support to you in rebuilding your country.
The bad blood between the two countries wont disappear right away, especially for Commune, but Im sure the news that theyve now reconciled will be good for improving relations between the two countries. It seems that this is indeed the case, as I can feel the oppressively tense atmosphere ease up considerably.
First, as part of our support, we would like to cooperate with you in defeating the vampires running rampant in your country. To be specific, I intend to dispatch part of our military to your country.
Part of your military, you say?
Indeed. As the vampires can create new underlings, it isnt only your countrys problem, but one that will affect neighboring countries as well. The vampires must be swiftly eradicated. This problem must be dealt with not by Commune alone, but by close cooperation and sharing information with Weichsel. If we dont, it may allow the vampires to manipulate us once more.
I see, I think to myself.
Vampires can drink human blood to gain new underlings. Since they were once human, their appearance doesnt change and they can blend in with humans. Because of this, people were too late to notice, and the vampires took control of the royal palace. Although this incident happened in Commune, theres no guarantee that Commune is where it will end. It must be made widely known to the surrounding countries. Also, the Weichsel Empire not being inford that Clermont was retaken from vampire rule is what led to this war.
If they share information with the Weichsel Empire, it may prevent similar harm from occurring. Also, it would be reassuring to have the cooperation of the Weichsel army that fought and won a war against the vampires in the northwestern region of Commune.
I understand. I would also like to focus our efforts on eradicating the vampires, so support from the Weichsel Empire would be more than welco. I accept the support of the Weichsel Empire, Roseline replies after pausing for a bit as if in careful consideration.
It doesnt seem like a bad suggestion, so it seems strange that Roseline, who cares deeply for her people, would hesitate. Oh, I see. Since shes the princess, she needs to pay attention not only to the imdiate benefits, but the political concerns of becoming indebted to another country.
Also, regarding Communes northwest territory the emperor says with a look of hesitation.
Co to think of it, I did hear that the Weichsel Empire occupied Communes northwest territory. Even if the land was temporarily under vampire rule, it was originally Communes territory. Now that Communes governnt has been restored, Commune would think that the Weichsel Empire intends to invade if they continue to stay there.
However, Weichsel risked their lives to take the territory back from the vampires. I doubt itd be easy for them to give it up.
A territory dispute. Even when it occurs between countries in the real world, its a delicate issue, and I can easily guess that there would be trouble if they couldnt find a solution. But they cant just avoid bringing it up. Depending on how the Weichsel Empire handles it, its quite possible that things will go right back to how they were before after all it took for them to reconcile.
I intend to return it to your country. However, when I return it, it will take so ti for my soldiers to withdraw from the northwest region. I would like to postpone it for a bit.
Surprisingly, the emperor said he would return it without hesitation. I thought for sure that he would negotiate so benefit for the Weichsel Empire, like dividing a part of the territory for Weichsel rule, but it seems that thats not the case.
If so, then what was the emperor so worried about that made him hesitate like that?
But before we decide this, Your Highness, theres sothing Id like you to hear. Do you know the condition of the northwest region?
Its condition? What do you an?
I am referring to the damage the vampires caused in the northwest region.
Roseline reacts by twitching.
Princess Roseline, theres soone Id like to introduce you to. Do you mind if I bring him here?
Roseline silently nods her head. Her body looks unnaturally stiff.
Soon after, a middle-aged man enters the room. Roselines eyes widen, as if in recognition.
It has been a long ti, Princess Roseline.
You you served Duke Mayenne.
You rembered ? I have served the Mayenne house as their butler for many years.
Duke Mayenne. I rember that na. That was the noble who was killed by the Weichsel Empire.
As I thought, Duke Mayene was
The duke was made into the vampires underling. Then, he was defeated by the Weichsel Imperial Army. But this may be for the best. After all, the dukes na will not be sullied any further, the butler says, his face turning pale as if from the mory. And the vampires oppressed the citizens. Not knowing of the vampires, the citizens requested aid from the neighboring nobles and from Clermont. However, it seems that their appeals were rejected and they were turned away.
I look at Roseline. Her eyes are wide with shock, so judging by her reaction, she didnt know about this at all.
After returning with their hopes crushed, they received punishnt. Because of this, the citizens began to resent not only Duke Mayenne, but the Commune governnt as well.
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