Chapter 137: The Intent of the Imperial Goodwill Mission

(This is from a third-party perspective for the first half.)

The arrival of the Imperial goodwill mission was drawing near. Soon after, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reported to the King and the Prime Minister regarding the members of the mission from the Northern Empire. The delegation was to be led by the Second Prince, Ernst, and accompanied by the Empire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Both Edgar II and the Prime Minister were astonished by this report. Though Ernst was the second son, the first son was the child of a concubine; thus, Ernst, as the child of the Queen Consort, held the potential to inherit the Imperial throne. “A Prince who could be the next Emperor serving as the leader… that is surprising.” “Indeed. This may not be a mere goodwill mission.”

A short while later, a request from the Imperial delegation arrived. They specifically requested to interact with Lord William. “As we thought, the Empire appears to have a strong interest in Lord William.”

Since the leader of the Vandle Empire‘s mission was a young Prince and the entourage consisted mainly of the children of Imperial nobles, the Albion Kingdom would also have young royalty handle the reception. The Kingdom’s Crown Prince had already come of age, making him an unsuitable match for Prince Ernst, who was a teenager and not the direct heir.

While it was considered to have the Third Princess, Elizabeth, handle it, the Empire’s explicit request for interaction with William Fairchild led to the Fourth Princess, Flora, who is close to William, being put in charge.

“Flora, for these reasons, our country will also focus its interaction on the children of our nobility. I ask you to serve as their representative.” “I understand, Father. But what exactly is the Empire trying to do with William-san?” “That, we do not know. It would be well if their objective were purely goodwill.”

While looking over the member list of the Imperial mission, Princess Flora noticed an unnatural point. “Almost everyone on the Imperial list is the daughter of a noble or a wealthy merchant.”

In the Empire, it was said that only men fought monsters, and she had heard that the Kingdom was more advanced regarding the active roles of women. And yet, the delegation was composed almost entirely of girls. Sensing a certain crisis, Princess Flora wrote letters to Lady Scarlett Cardiff and to Oliver Levant, the son of the Levant Company Chairman.

When Father summoned me to his office, he was waiting with a troubled expression. “News has come from the Royal Capital. It seems the Imperial goodwill mission wishes to interact with you, Will.” “Interact with me?”

“Apparently, the Empire has suffered from continued poor harvests due to the cold and is struggling with an outbreak of tuberculosis.” “So they’ve taken an interest in me as the developer?” “That seems likely. Interacting itself isn’t a bad thing, so His Majesty has requested that you come to the Royal Capital.”

“I see.” I was surprised that the Vandle Empire had taken an interest in me. “Come to think of it, I read a book about the Empire that said they’ve been prioritizing domestic affairs lately.” “Yes. Until recently, they prioritized swords and magic just like our country, but the current Emperor prioritizes internal administration, and the mindset of the Imperial nobility has reportedly changed.”

Thus, it was decided that I would participate in the exchange events with the Imperial mission. Since I would be attending official functions, I would head to the Royal Capital by carriage rather than Teleportation Magic. While I was preparing, I had visitors.

“Will, I’m going to the Royal Capital too.” “Ah, Letty. Have you been included as a member of the noble children to welcome the Imperial mission?” “Yes. Actually, I received a request from Her Highness Flora.”

“A request from the Princess?” “Yes. She says the Imperial mission is composed of the daughters of nobles and wealthy merchants. It would be fine if the goal were purely friendship, but Her Highness is suspicious of the Empire’s intentions.”

Why would the Empire send a delegation of only girls? Indeed, their intent is hard to fathom.

Just then, Oliver arrived as well. “Lord William, I shall be going to the Royal Capital as well.” “What? Oliver too?”

“Yes. It seems there are also children of Imperial merchants in the delegation. This is likely because the Empire values commerce. To show that the Kingdom also values commerce now, Her Highness Flora requested that I participate as well.” “I see. It’s reassuring to have both of you coming with me.”