Chapter 143: A Troublesome Proposal from the Empire

(This is from a third-party perspective.)

Following the bombshell announcement by the Vandle Empire‘s Prince Ernst, the exchange event venue was thrown into an uproar. As the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from both nations clutched their heads, wondering how to bring the situation under control, the doors to the venue opened.

“Everyone, silence.” The one who appeared was King Edgar II of the Albion Kingdom. “I have heard the discussion. I understand Prince Ernst‘s fervor. However, I cannot give an answer immediately.”

“His Majesty King Edgar II. Of course, I did not expect an immediate answer. I apologize for making such a sudden proposal.” Prince Ernst bowed his head to the King.

However, after doing so, he raised his head proudly. “Our Empire is serious. We look forward to a favorable reply.” With a bow, he left the venue.

“This gathering is adjourned.” With His Majesty’s declaration, the exchange event ended prematurely, and the Kingdom nobles also withdrew from the venue.

Edgar II returned to his office and sighed once he was alone with the Prime Minister. “Good grief. To bring up marriage with an Imperial Princess out of nowhere. That was unexpected.” “Indeed. I thought they would try to recruit Lord William somehow, but to be this bold…”

“Lord William is the Savior recognized by the World Tree. He would never abandon the World Tree and the Elves to go to the Empire. However, the fact that the Empire made the proposal to the Kingdom is troublesome.” “Yes. There was a report from Margrave Fairchild that he had already declined a direct invitation from the Prince. It seems they decided to make it a nation-to-nation discussion because of that.”

The Fairchild family had cited their long service to the Albion Royal Family as a reason for refusing the invitation. That reason becomes unusable if the Kingdom approves the marriage to the Imperial Princess.

“The Savior is a matter for all of humanity. We cannot allow Lord William to be separated from the World Tree for the convenience of a nation. But we cannot refuse easily.” “No. I do not know to what extent the Prince is acting on the Emperor’s will, but to even suggest war… At the very least, the Prince’s passion is genuine.”

“If the Empire reveals its iron manufacturing methods, the quality of equipment for our knights and soldiers would improve considerably. It is an attractive proposal for the nobles of our country who worship swords and magic.” “The Prince likely knew that and intentionally made the proposal in a place where the nobles were present. He appears impulsive, but he seems to be quite the tactician.”

Thinking that they could not refuse without unifying the Kingdom nobles as long as the possibility of war with the Empire could not be completely ruled out, the King and Prime Minister began to deliberate. At that moment, someone seemed to arrive in front of the office.

“His Majesty is in an important meeting.” The guarding knight tried to stop them. However, the person did not stop.

“I apologize, Father. It is Flora. I must speak with you no matter what.” Princess Flora, having heard about the earlier commotion, seemed to have barged into the King’s office. Edgar II was surprised that the usually quiet Flora would go to such lengths.

“Flora? Come in.” “Thank you.” Princess Flora practically flew into the office.

“What is the matter?” “I apologize for interrupting your important meeting. However, the nobles are making a fuss saying the Empire has proposed to welcome William-san as the husband of an Imperial Princess. Saying the Empire is serious enough to teach their iron manufacturing methods.”

“Hmm. Yes, there was indeed such a proposal from the Empire. It is also a fact that the Imperial Prince said he would teach the iron manufacturing methods if the proposal were accepted.” “Father, surely you do not intend to hand William-san over to the Empire?” Flora pressed the King.

“The Empire truly intends to marry him to the Princess and make him royalty. The Prince even said he would be willing to shed blood if the Kingdom refused.” “To think he would threaten war…”

“I do not know how serious the threat of war is or what the Emperor thinks, but it seems the Prince wants William-kun no matter what. Even if it means he himself might be disinherited.”

“Did the Prince go so far as to say that?” “Umu. The Empire correctly evaluates William-kun’s ability and wants to bring him in at all costs. On the other hand, it is ironic that there are nobles in our country who do not understand William-kun’s true value.”

“Father, William-san is an indispensable talent for our Kingdom as well. Furthermore, considering the World Tree and the Elves, I believe we must never hand him over to the Empire.”

“Haha, those are unusually fierce words, Flora.” “I apologize. I became excited.” “No, it is fine. What Flora says is correct. Besides, as a parent, I am happy that Flora, who used to be like an empty shell, has come to hold such strong feelings.” “Father…”

“Even if I must be prepared for war with the Empire, I believe I cannot hand William-kun, the Savior, over to the Empire. That is for the future of our Albion Kingdom, and I also believe separating the Savior from the World Tree and the Elves is unthinkable for the sake of all humanity.” Flora was relieved by the King’s words.

“However, regardless of whether it leads to war or not, refusing the marriage between William-kun and the Princess would be an insult to the Empire. We must think of a pretext to refuse the marriage to the Princess while maintaining the Empire’s face.”

Flora also thought that things become troublesome when national honor is involved. “So you had thought that far ahead, Father. I apologize for barging in so panic-stricken.” Bowing her head, the Princess exited the office.