Chapter 146: Earl Cardiff's Concerns

(This is from the perspective of Earl Cardiff.)

As I was participating in the exchange event between the Empire and the Kingdom, the Imperial Foreign Minister made an unthinkable proposal to the Kingdom. To welcome William-kun as the husband of an Imperial Princess.

I wonder what Theodore and William-kun himself think? Come to think of it, why did they make the proposal at an exchange event where the two of them were absent?

Perhaps the fact that they went over the heads of the individuals involved to propose to the Kingdom means they were already refused by Theodore and Will-kun. It is unlikely that William-kun, the Savior, would leave the World Tree and the Elves behind to go to the Empire.

Anyway, I must inform them quickly. Leaving the Royal Castle, I hurried my carriage to the Fairchild Margrave’s mansion in the capital.

“Theodore, something terrible has happened.” “What is it, Tommy? What happened?” I told Theodore and William-kun that the Imperial Foreign Minister had proposed to the Kingdom to welcome William-kun as the husband of Princess Silesia.

“Eh? We definitely refused them properly.” William-kun was surprised. “Indeed. At that time, it felt like the Prince understood. Something must have happened afterward.” As I thought, the two of them had already refused the invitation from the Empire.

“Perhaps it became known that Will created the cold-resistant wheat. Or maybe that he can enchant weapons and armor with multiple characteristics.” Theodore sank into thought.

Certainly, William-kun has created various things with his exceptional Production Skill. I am truly astounded by his talent. It might be natural for the Empire, which has always prioritized domestic affairs, to set its sights on him.

“Did I overdo it?” “No, Will, you created what was necessary to save many people and oppose the monsters, so there is no problem at all.”

“Yes, William-kun, your creations have saved many people. My subjects also avoided starvation thanks to the drought-resistant wheat.” “Thank you, Earl Cardiff.” It’s fine that William-kun thanks me, but I feel his way of addressing me is too formal.

“His Majesty is aware of the World Tree and the Elves. He understands that we cannot hand Will over to the Empire.” Theodore patted William-kun on the shoulder.

“I also trust His Majesty. But it feels like this has become a very big issue.” “William-kun, as Theodore says, His Majesty is wise. I will also do some groundwork with the Western nobles.”

“Thank you very much.” “Sorry about this, Tommy.” “With the relationship between you and me, Theodore, there’s no need for such distance.”

I didn’t want to worry William-kun too much, so I decided to speak with Theodore alone from here. His Majesty is wise, and I will seriously do the groundwork, but this is a troublesome matter.

When William-kun left the room, Theodore asked with a serious face. “Tommy, did the Imperial Foreign Minister say they wanted to welcome Will as the husband of Princess Silesia?” “Yes, no mistake. The place went into an uproar.”

“It would cause a commotion. The Prince said he intended to welcome Will as royalty, but to welcome him as the Princess’s husband…” “Yeah. Becoming the Princess’s husband would likely carry more influence than, say, becoming the Emperor’s adopted son.”

“And for the Empire to go so far as to say they are willing to shed blood.” “Yes, the Prince is serious. But as you said, Theodore, His Majesty knows about the Savior and the World Tree. He won’t hand William-kun over to the Empire.”

“True. However, since the Prince said they would teach the iron manufacturing methods, it might be troublesome if the conservative nobles make a fuss.” “I wonder about that. Count Waterford is stubborn, but he has his own sense of justice. I feel he wouldn’t say to hand William-kun over to the Empire against his will.”

“That might be so. But the talk of marriage to the Princess is tricky. Refusing would crush the Empire’s face.” “Indeed. That might be the hardest part. Even if we can refuse handing William-kun over to the Empire, what if they say Princess Silesia will marry into the family in Northernford?”

“Would the Empire concede that much?” “I don’t know. But since their aim is likely what William-kun creates, they might think it’s enough if they can place the Princess by his side and send the things he makes to the Empire.”

“I see. Even if Will doesn’t leave the Kingdom, since he would be the Princess’s husband, there’s also the option of having him hold an Imperial noble title concurrently.” “Yes, there have been those in the past who held titles in two countries.”

William-kun’s marriage, huh. I wonder what Letty thinks. As a parent, I don’t want my precious daughter Letty to end up crying.

If the Empire says it’s fine for William-kun to stay in the Kingdom but pushes only for the marriage to the Princess, we might not be able to refuse. In that case, the legal wife would be the neighboring country’s Princess, but there might be a way to negotiate so Letty can become a concubine (second wife).

Since Letty is also a noble’s daughter, she is likely prepared for William-kun, who is this active and gathering attention, to have multiple wives. As a parent, I want to make it so she can marry the person she desires.