Chapter 147: On the Brink

(This is from a third-party perspective.)

The Kingdom conveyed to the Empire that they would provide an answer to the proposal, and Imperial Prince Ernst and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count Karlsruhe, arrived at the audience chamber of Linkstar Castle in the Albion Kingdom.

“Regarding the proposal from the Vandle Empire to welcome William, the second son of the Fairchild Margrave family, as the husband of Imperial Princess Silesia von Vandle, the Albion Kingdom offers this response.”

Standing before His Majesty King Edgar II and the Prime Minister, Count Abel, the Albion Kingdom‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs, read the answer aloud. “While we are in deep agreement regarding deepening the friendship between our two nations in the face of the monster offensive, we cannot approve the marriage between Princess Silesia and William Fairchild.”

The atmosphere in the room froze. And Prince Ernst became enraged. “What did you say?! Are you saying you refuse our country’s proposal?”

Count Abel explained dispassionately. “Upon confirming with the Fairchild family, we were told that he had been invited by Prince Ernst to become an Imperial noble but had refused. Our Kingdom does not force its subjects to go to another country against their will.”

“You are saying you respect the will of a retainer more than the iron manufacturing method,” Count Karlsruhe confirmed. “That is correct.”

Actually, when he secretly met with Count Abel, Count Karlsruhe had conveyed that the Emperor was not considering war and was troubled by the Prince’s reckless behavior.

“I see. It seems the Albion Kingdom is a country that cherishes its retainers.” Count Karlsruhe tried to smooth over the situation. But the Prince was not convinced.

“Welcoming Lord William to our country is extremely important for our Empire. Furthermore, rather than staying in a Kingdom that prioritizes only swords and magic, he would be able to fully demonstrate his Production Skills as royalty in our country.” The Prince strengthened his tone further. “With the monster offensive intensifying now, that would be for the benefit of all humanity.”

Count Abel replied calmly. “I beg to differ, but the Albion Kingdom also highly evaluates Lord William‘s Production Skill, and we have announced that he will be ennobled as a Viscount in the future.”

“However, the Empire desired Lord William as the husband of an Imperial Princess. To refuse that is to insult the Princess, and by extension, it wounds the pride of the Empire.” Prince Ernst‘s face flushed red.

“I said that if you refuse the marriage between Lord William and my younger sister, I am willing to shed blood.” “Your Highness, you must not!” Count Karlsruhe hurriedly tried to stop him, but the Prince did not stop.

“If it comes down to it, I can move just the troops under my discretion. Once a war begins, it is not easy to stop.”

Into this tense atmosphere, Princess Flora appeared. “Your Highness Prince Ernst, did you just say ‘war’? With the monster offensive intensifying, a war between humans would only benefit the monsters. Surely I must have misheard?”

Prince Ernst, who had been emotional, felt his feelings calm down mysteriously, and Princess Flora‘s words sank smoothly into his mind. That humans should cooperate now that the monster offensive is approaching was something the Prince himself had said initially.

“Ah, Your Highness the Princess. I do not desire war. However, the Empire’s honor cannot be upheld if the proposal to welcome Lord William as the husband of my sister, the Imperial Princess, is refused.” “I see. So, Prince Ernst, you believe the marriage of a Princess or Prince involves the nation’s honor.”

“That is correct. The marriage of a Princess or Prince is not a personal issue. It is an issue for the entire nation.” “In that case, the marriage of a Prince or Princess of the Albion Kingdom would also involve the nation’s honor, would it not?” “That is true. But the problem right now is the marriage of my sister, Princess Silesia.”

“No, William-san’s marriage is not only Princess Silesia‘s problem.” “What do you mean?”

“I have met with William-san multiple times in the Royal Capital, and I also went to Northernford. Surely you, Prince Ernst, understand the meaning of a Princess meeting repeatedly with a specific noble’s son.” “It cannot be…”

“We cannot accept the proposal to welcome William-san as the husband of an Imperial Princess, upon the pride of our Albion Kingdom.” Flora looked straight into Prince Ernst‘s eyes. “Because William-san is my fiancé.”