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Chapter 458
Chapter 458
Chapter 458
People who take pleasure in doing what others dislike. That's what that smile suggests. Even though he's my father, how wicked he is. While thinking this internally, I move forward. In the process, Leo, with a grin, commends me.
"Welcome back, nii-san. It seems like it was tough, huh?"
"Thanks. But the real tough part is coming back home."
With a shrug, I glance back. I never expected to receive such formality from the captains of the Imperial Guard. The surprise was beyond my expectation. Traugott, my brother, must have requested this, but at the same time, my father granted it because he knew I would dislike it. It seems he didn't like the idea of me finishing my job according to plan. What a difficult person.
"You've worked hard, Arnold."
"No, not at all. But I wished I could have returned a bit sooner."
In response to Eric's words, I reply thus. My words imply that if it weren't for someone's interference, I could have been back earlier, but Eric doesn't get the hint.
"Usually, we'd want to welcome you grandly, but publicly, you've failed. Only a select few know the truth because it would be troublesome for Traugott if the people in the fiefdom suspected something. Please understand."
"That was the plan from the beginning. There was no other way. As long as Trau nii-san can govern the fiefdom safely, my bad reputation doesn't matter."
"You should care more about your reputation, nii-san."
Behind me, Leo nags me a bit. Pretending not to hear him, I push the conversation forward.
"So, you didn't gather just to welcome me, right?"
"What if we said it was for your welcome?"
"I'd think it's quite peaceful. But it's not that peaceful, is it?"
Hearing my words, my father chuckles, then turns his gaze to the chancellor.
"Franz."
"Yes. Currently, the Kingdom of Perlan is rapidly expanding its military by exerting pressure on the small country alliance, the Letusa Federation, located on the west side of the continent."
There are many small countries on the western side of the continent. There are countries of demi-humans and humans, but they formed an alliance, the Letusa Federation, to counter the major power, the Perlan Kingdom. However, even if small countries band together, the attitude of a large country doesn't change. It's just that the opponent, who could be crushed anytime, has become a bit more troublesome. A mere underdog is an underdog after all.
The Letusa Federation has no intention to truly go to war with the kingdom. They only want to be a part of the negotiation table. As a result of the negotiations, the Letusa Federation assisted the Kingdom's military expansion by providing resources and money. They enhanced the threat against themselves. Their intention is understandable. If they act this way, they know the Empire wouldn't be able to tolerate it.
"This military expansion has been a problem for a while, but recently, ministers and nobles have advised that if left unchecked, it will eventually threaten the empire. That's certainly a valid point."
"No matter how they sugarcoat it, it is an anti-imperial act, no doubt."
So, advice has already been presented to my father. This is probably why Eric detained me. They have already started their moves. They must be doing behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
"The mood to attack the kingdom is growing. Arnold, what do you think?"
"Eventually, we'll have to settle things, sooner or later. If we can win the war, why not?"
"Then, let me change the question. Do you think we can win now?"
"A year ago, there were no renowned generals in the kingdom's army that Leo repelled. The generals who fought alongside the Saint Leticia didn't want to go to the front line. However, the kingdom is moving to expand its military. Probably because they can now mobilize some decent generals. If that's the case, it'll be hard to avoid a tough battle."
"I see, that's very like you. Then, assuming we can't avoid a tough battle, who should we send out to ensure victory?"
At my father's question, I pause to think for a moment. There's no such thing as a guaranteed victory. Even if you attack with a large army, it's not unusual to be overturned by a small number. If that's the case, we have to discuss the most likely way to win. Considering past battles with the kingdom, there's only one answer.
"I don't know who should go, but there is something we should do."
"What is it?"
"We should send an envoy to the Albatro Duchy. The reason we couldn't conquer the kingdom in the past is because of their maritime support from the Albatro Duchy. First, we should cut that off."
"Do you agree with Eric?"
The King and Franz shared a glance. I looked at Eric, who was next to me. As always, he wore a cold expression, and his emotions were unreadable. However, I understood his intentions.
To persuade the Albatro Duchy, it's better to send someone with a connection such as Leo or me. Either way, we would definitely be driven away from the imperial capital. Since preparing for battle against the kingdom is necessary, and there's nothing unnatural about the choice of person. He really thinks things through.
"Since the incident with the sea dragon, the Albatro Duchy has been closer to our empire. If either Prince Arnold or Prince Leonard goes, persuading the Duchy would likely be easier," Franz said.
"That's true, but Arnold has just returned. Leonard, could you go?" the King asked.
"If you command me, I will go anywhere," Leo replied, bowing his head.
He had no choice but to say that. So, what will we do? Should I nominate myself? However, that would mean leaving the capital again. Preventing Leo from going to the Duchy and keeping him in the capital would be pointless if Leo was excluded from the battle against the kingdom. I wanted to derail this discussion, but right now, we're playing into the enemy's hands. No matter what move we make, it probably won't matter.
While I was contemplating, the door to the throne room opened. A royal guard had opened it, and the person who came through was...
"Ah, good, I made it in time," a plump man who appeared said, falling to one knee with a pleasant smile on his face.
"I am Duke Jurgen von Reinfeld, paying my respects to His Majesty and the Princes. I bring a personal letter from Field Marshal Liselotte, who oversees the defense of the eastern border," he announced, still grinning.
For a moment, Leo and Duke Reinfeld's gazes met.
I see. So it seems Leo had not been idle either.
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