Chapter 144: The Movements of the Albion Nobles: The Conservatives' Unexpected Reaction

(This is from the perspective of Edgar II.)

Once Flora withdrew, I began to consult with the Prime Minister. “Prime Minister, Prince Ernst‘s offer to share their iron manufacturing methods must be attractive to the conservative nobles of the Albion Kingdom.”

“It would seem so.” “However, we cannot hand William-kun over to the Empire. We must think of a way to unite the Kingdom’s nobles.”

As we were racking our brains, Count Waterford arrived, requesting an audience along with the conservative nobles. “They came quickly. In any case, let us meet them.”

“We are humbled to take up Your Majesty’s time while you are busy.” “No, it is important to hear the words of a key figure of our country such as yourself. I assume your business today concerns the proposal from the Empire?” “It is exactly as you say.”

I thought he would tell me to hand Will over to the Empire. However, the Count’s words were unexpected. “How you answer the proposal from the Vandle Empire depends on Your Majesty’s thoughts. However, if I may speak with trepidation, I, your subject, believe it would be better to refuse.”

“Oh? You say it is better to refuse?” This was a surprise. “Yes. While Prince Ernst‘s proposal to teach the iron manufacturing methods is certainly attractive, to begin with, proposing to the Kingdom rather than the Fairchild Margrave family seems illogical.”

“Indeed. However, the Empire seems quite obsessed with William-kun. Prince Ernst went so far as to say they are willing to shed blood if we refuse.” “That is precisely the problem, Your Majesty.” Count Waterford strengthened his tone.

“For the Vandle Empire to threaten war, and for us to accept those demands, would set a terrible precedent. The Empire is mighty, but if we have Your Majesty’s orders, we shall fight as one and repel them.”

Ah, I see. The conservative nobles are reacting against the fact that the Empire threatened us. “Hmm. I am grateful for your patriotism. Of course, I have no intention of yielding to the Empire’s threats either.”

I should align my words with the conservatives here. While the Empire seems exceptionally desperate regarding William-kun, the logic that yielding to a threat once will lead to a second time is correct.

“Oh, as expected of the King of the glorious Albion Kingdom. I am overjoyed to hear those words.” Count Waterford withdrew, looking satisfied.

“The reaction of the conservatives was unexpected.” “Indeed. It seems our country will be able to unite thanks to the Empire threatening us. It feels somewhat ironic, though.” “Well, all’s well that ends well.”

After Count Waterford and his group withdrew, Lucas, the eldest son of the Northern Sheffield Duke House, requested an interview. Since the Duke is recuperating from illness, he was participating in this exchange event as a proxy.

“I am terribly sorry to take Your Majesty’s time while only being a proxy for my father.” “No, you are currently representing the Sheffield Duke House, so there is no need for reserve.”

“Thank you. Straight to the point, there is a matter I wish to discuss regarding Lord William.” “Hmm. Let us hear it.”

“The Vandle Empire has proposed handing over Lord William in exchange for iron manufacturing methods, but the Sheffield Duke House opposes this.” “I see. So the Northern Duke House is opposed.”

“Yes. Lord William is a genius who developed not only drought-resistant wheat and the specific remedy for tuberculosis, but also Pomte and cold-resistant wheat. Furthermore, considering he enchants Mithril with four characteristics, I believe he is an indispensable talent for our Kingdom.” As expected of a Duke House. They are different from the narrow-minded nobles who only see swords and magic.

“Lord William is not only an indispensable talent for the Kingdom but also a benefactor to our Duke House. My father also said that if anything were to happen to Lord William, the Sheffield Duke House would support him with all our might.” The Northern Duke House was saved from food shortages by William-kun, after all.

“If the Empire launches a war, our Duke House shall stand at the forefront of the Albion Kingdom and fight.” “Those are powerful words, befitting a young man. I also have no intention of handing William-kun over to the Empire. I will exhaust diplomatic efforts to avoid war, but hearing the resolve of the Duke House that governs the northern defense is reassuring.”

“I am grateful for your kind words.” Lord Lucas withdrew, looking satisfied. “The Duke House feels more indebted to Lord William than we thought. The conservatives also advised refusing the Empire’s proposal; it seems the country will be united.”

“Yes. With this, we can repel the Empire’s threat of war.” The Prime Minister and I looked at each other and nodded.

“The remaining issue is to investigate whether the Imperial Emperor is truly prepared for war like the Prince is.” “True. Judging by the panic of the Imperial Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count Trier, it looks like the Prince might be acting out of control. If we can confirm it is a rogue action, our response will change.”

I immediately summoned Count Abel, the Foreign Minister, and made a request. “If this is indeed Prince Ernst acting out of control, the Imperial Foreign Minister would want to stop it at all costs. Can you meet him secretly to confirm?” “Understood.”