LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 103.1
The Renslet Standard (1)
The Marquis Sedes, representative of the Empire’s delegation, forced a smile as he addressed the Grand Duchess and her ministers.
“Hahaha… It seems that the relationship between the Empire and the North has been less than smooth lately, leading to some communication issues.”
He had already prepared himself for this before leaving the Empire.
Marquis Sedes was a high-ranking noble in charge of diplomacy.
He knew all too well what had transpired between the Empire and the North thus far.
“If Your Grace permits, may we establish embassies in the High Tower or Haven? Naturally, Renslet would also be welcome to establish embassies in the imperial capital and Solasis.”
Diplomacy, however, was about setting emotions aside and focusing purely on national interests.
Although the cold reception from the northern “savages” deeply offended him, a noble of the highest rank, he held back.
At this moment, he sold his soul with a lifeless smile, as shameless as a merchant or a lowly prostitute.
‘Endure it. Endure it. All of this is for the glory of the millennial Imperial Dynasty!’
This was precisely why Emperor Canbraman had sent him to the North as an envoy.
Among the Empire’s high-ranking nobility, he was one of the few flexible enough to manage diplomacy.
“We will, of course, bear all the costs for both sides. For reference, embassies have become standard between the Empire and the United Kingdom…”
The Marquis and the imperial delegation began by presenting their first offering: the embassy proposal.
This was essentially a card acknowledging the North as a sovereign, independent state.
Simultaneously, it was a covert ploy to monitor the North on a regular basis.
“As envoys, you should understand the nature of the relationship between the Imperial House and us. Are you bold? Or just shameless?”
“…”
However, before they could even finish unpacking their gift, Arina’s icy words cut through.
“So, what is your actual purpose? You’re clearly not here to formally apologize for the past. Or is it that you still harbor hopes for a marriage alliance with me?”
“N-Not at all. Hahaha… Your Grace’s pure intentions have moved both His Majesty and the imperial citizens. His Majesty has decided to respect that.”
“Such long-winded tongues, as expected of imperials. State your true purpose.”
“We… We’ve come to resolve the long-standing animosity between the Empire and the North and to establish a new relationship.”
The audience chamber was thick with tension and veiled insults.
Nevertheless, Marquis Sedes and the imperial delegation maintained unwavering, pleasant smiles.
“Perhaps Your Grace has already heard, but His Majesty recently issued an edict abolishing the infamous ‘Twenty-Northerners Law,’ which has long divided northerners and imperials.”
He continued speaking without pause, fearing another interruption.
“Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, His Majesty is prepared to officially recognize the North as a duchy through the establishment of embassies.”
“Marquis Sedes, was it? A noble of your rank should understand the recent animosity between the Emperor and us.”
“…Yes.”
“Let me ask: Did you truly believe that abolishing a single oppressive law and acknowledging our sovereignty would suffice to erase our shared history of animosity?”
“P-Please do not misunderstand His Majesty’s goodwill!”
“I am not misunderstanding. I have accepted without distortion the fact that the Empire attempted to assassinate me and spread famine and disease in my lands. That is why we are here now.”
“T-That matter… has already been explained. The Imperial House was in no way involved in such barbaric acts!”
“Right. We agreed to let it go, didn’t we?”
“If… If Your Grace still harbors discomfort, I will return to the Empire and personally ensure the culprits are held accountable!”
“Accountable? Do you even know who’s responsible? Or are you suggesting rebellion against your Emperor?”
“!!”
Arina and the northern ministers let out mocking chuckles.
Indeed, the dynamic was entirely different when the aggressor, the Empire, sent a delegation to the North, the victim.
“Moreover, many among my people, the Renslets, firmly believe that the Empire was deeply involved in the death of my father, Baikal Rune Renslet, the former Grand Duke.”
“…!”
At Arina’s words, Marquis Sedes and his delegation broke out in cold sweats, unable to respond.
Dark thoughts of their heads being sent back to the Empire filled their minds.
“Abolishing the ‘Twenty-Northerners Law’? Establishing embassies? Who knows how the enraged Renslets will react when imperials set foot in the North.”
Arina delivered a chilling warning to the imperial delegation.
“T-The Bishop Trading Company has been operating smoothly here…”
“And do you know why? Because they are guarded by the Mercenary Queen Carpe and the Red Wolves.”
Arina continued.
“They are safe because they have a contract with the proud Renslet people, not because of my command. Even they don’t wander carelessly outside designated areas.”
“We swear! From now on, we will only hire northern mercenary groups when operating here! We promise! And we will pay all taxes to the High Tower without exception! We swear!”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
“…Hard to believe.”
“…”
‘And we’re supposed to trust you?!’
The imperial delegation barely managed to suppress this retort.
‘Endure it… Endure it… Endure it…!’
The moral high ground belonged to the North, and the Empire was at a disadvantage.
It was the Empire that had caused trouble in the North thus far.
And it was the Empire that needed to lull the North into complacency and dependence.
Watching the imperial delegation squirm, Arina thought to herself.
‘Now we can easily manage the imperials wandering the North. I was startled when they suddenly announced the repeal of the Twenty-Northerners Law, but this works out.’
Without much effort, a treaty was practically formed between Renslet and the Empire.
Arina silently commended herself for taking a strong and aggressive stance from the outset.
‘How did the Empire fall so low? How did they end up groveling before savages like us?’
On the other hand, Marquis Sedes maintained an outward smile but inwardly shed tears of blood.
As she watched him and his delegation, Arina suddenly smiled and spoke.
“Let us hope that the new relationship between Renslet and the Empire is well established.”
With her smile, the atmosphere in the audience chamber shifted.
Arina, seated on her white throne, and the ministers standing at her sides, now regarded the delegation with gentle smiles, as if the hostility from moments ago had never existed.
“Of course, Your Grace.”
In the suddenly congenial atmosphere, Marquis Sedes and the imperial envoys forced awkward smiles and responded mechanically.
“Is that so?”
“Yes!”
“Well, I am the monarch and matriarch of Renslet. I know how to swallow personal feelings for the sake of the future.”
“??”