53 – Sleeping Dragon and Those Who Dance
“We are truly grateful for being granted this place where matters can be discussed, Your Majesty.”
In the imperial castle, Sanct Alexander.
The brilliant castle was also known for its great defenses. But though it was built for that, it had never been used.
In other words, the imperial capital had never been attacked.
In one corner of the castle.
A meeting room that was lavishly decorated. Two pairs of people were talking and laughing while surrounded by armed soldiers.
First, there was the empress and ruler, and her husband.
While in her mid-thirties, she looked much younger. But on the other hand, she also had the powerful aura and presence of someone who controlled an empire.
And then the other pair. They had arrived late one night at the imperial airport. The man called Chairman Friedemann.
“As was conveyed by the foreign affairs official earlier, we, the Kingdom of Cecilia, are considering forming an alliance with the Empire.”
The emperor smiled at Friedemann’s words.
“There is a long gulf between us that has lasted for hundreds of years. But, Your Majesty. For the peace of our continent, surely it is necessary for us to join hands.”
“…Chairman Friedemann.”
It was the prince consort, Duke Zeram, who answered.
He was praised as a genius, and as a duke, he showed his skills in politics and military affairs. Along with the prime minister, he helped to support the empire.
With shark eyes, he glared at Chairman Friedemann and opened his mouth.
“You speak of gulfs, as if it was not your country with the one-sided hostility towards the empire? Do you really think that we are unaware that it was you who started the anti-imperial alliance?”
This was a historic fact.
After the fall of the Red Emperor, the other countries made their anti-imperial sentiments known, which increased the chaos across the continent. And it was the Cecilia Kingdom that was responsible for that.
The empire was the strongest power in the northern continent. However, that meant its existence caused fear. Even if the others might look friendly on the surface.
The Cecilia Kingdom used this fear, and created a net to surround the empire. Had the economic crisis not occurred, there would have likely been a great war across the continent.
“What is your kingdom’s council plotting?”
“Heh…”
Chairman Friedemann grinned just a little.
Duke Zeram narrowed his eyebrows, but the chairman raised his hand apologetically, and then he folded his hands together and leaned back in his chair.
“Please excuse me. The rumors of your directness are quite true, Duke Zeram. I am glad that we can speak straight to the point.”
“What are you…”
“Indeed, we once led an anti-imperial encirclement. And it collapsed after a wave of economic panic swept the lands. However…”
Chairman Friedemann hit his fist into his palm.
“That encirclement is not completely dead. All the countries still feel fear due to the empire’s power. A pressure. Even after receiving the empire’s support.”
The great window of death had caused food shortages in these countries. That was why they could not attack the empire, even though it had just lost a war and was in economic danger.
After the war, the empire recovered miraculously and supported the other countries that were affected by the Winter of Death. More than a few countries were saved because of this.
“On the other hand, you could say that their lifeline was wielded by the empire. They are afraid. What cruel demands will they have for us in the future? And if commanded to become subjects, they no longer have the power to resist.”
“…That is not what the empire desires.”
“Indeed, you likely do not want to expand any further. However, the other countries do not understand that. And at the same time, the fertile granaries of the empire, as well as the golden road, are quite enticing.”
The name ‘Golden Road’ originated from the countless ears of wheat hanging like droplets of gold. The empire possessed such vast and fertile granaries.
The remarkable agricultural productivity, backed by a labor force, was the true source of the empire’s strength.
And so Friedemann’s words sounded like a threat. The encirclement was not completely finished.
“And so an alliance is necessary. To show them that the war is over.”
Duke Zeram narrowed his eyes.
Indeed, as Friedemann said, if they were to be allied now, it would put an end to it. The empire would be the only victor of the north.
However…why would the Cecilia Kingdom want that?
There was a wide gap between them. They used to be enemies. And the root of it could not be swept away so easily.
“Hehehe…”
The other person who sat at the table.
While sitting in her chair, the empress laughed and then turned to the chairman.
“…In other words, you people were cut off.”
Chairman Friedemann felt a chill run down his spine.
“You must be quite frantic. How very comical. But as long as it was happening beyond the south sea, I thought that such noise could be ignored.”
“…”
“They are like locusts, and know nothing but to eat without reason. You chose the wrong friends, didn’t you, chairman?”
“…I believe that there is still time.”
“I see.”
Said the empress as she got up to her feet.
“Very well. We shall trust the chairman who got rid of those old nuisances. We will discuss the terms later.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Friedemman stood up with his secretary and bowed. Then he paused.
“By the way, I hope that the prime minister is well? I had hoped to meet with him while here.”
“…He is currently not in the best of health. As for a meeting, it will be considered at a later date.”
Duke Zeram seemed to flinch, but his expression quickly returned to normal.
Friedemann seemed to be satisfied by this answer, as he smiled and then exited the room.
◆ ◇ ◆
“What do you think, Eliza?”
Friedemman asked his secretary when they returned to the room that had been provided for him. She nodded.
“As I thought… One cannot underestimate the empire’s information network. They understand our situation completely.”
“Indeed.”
Friedemman stroked his chin and then grinned.