Chapter 57

In the small conference room, besides Kiersen and Vanell, there was one more person present.

After exchanging appropriate pleasantries with the three of them, everyone took their seats.

“This is somewhat embarrassing. There were so many trivial matters that I’m a bit late.”

“We have just arrived ourselves and were about to sit down.”

A balding middle-aged noble, wiping away his sweat and bowing deeply, was present. He was Lord Hofnagel Weiss, the representative of Huewon Palace, who dealt with imperial law and various research projects.

“To both dukes, you have worked hard. Thanks to the two of you, the state continues to run smoothly despite the unrest.”

“…It’s the natural flow of things.”

“It’s merely fulfilling our duties.”

Kiersen Lucanov with a demeanor like a snake ready to strike and Vanell Schrantz with the dignified appearance of a lion were present.

“I personally prepared today’s refreshments. I hope they are to your liking.”

Finally, Alberto entered with tea and refreshments, and the conference room doors were firmly shut.

The heads of the Inner Palace and Foreign Palace, Kiersen and Vanell, the intellectual representative Hofnagel, and Chamberlain Alberto were all there. And with me, the royal consort, there were five of us.

Thus, under the command of Iris, these five represent the highest powers that run Altain Empire.

While it would usually be Iris leading these meetings, the empress was unavailable due to the small scale of this specific meeting and her tight schedule.

Thus, I handle the external aspects, while Iris manages the internal administrative duties. This division of labor was for smoother execution of tasks, but the true purpose is to strengthen my influence.

Iris expresses opinions through me, and she upholds my decisions. My will is her will. In that respect, we are of one mind and purpose.

This division of work suits me well since it involves more physical engagement than strategic thinking.

Meeting people does require some cerebral work though.

‘Looking at complex characters and numbers in reports is far from ideal anyway.’

In summary, I’m currently representing the highest powers of the land in this small conference meeting.

Besides regular state affairs meetings, there were a number of large and small meetings.

It’s not due to any inherent love for meetings but because there’s so much to address. Managing the state, especially on such a massive scale, isn’t feasible with just the regular bi-annual meetings.

6 months, a year, 10 years ahead…

We always must predict future scenarios from the current situation to minimize harm. Therefore, most of the government’s routine involves these tedious meetings to confirm and inspect practical affairs.

Even amidst the busy preparations for the grand festival, ultimately, the leaders must prepare for what is ahead.

“Do we need all this formality? Just the five of us; let’s just proceed.”

We had plenty on our plates. Meetings should be as concise as possible. Others were also equally busy, and without any special objections, everyone nodded in agreement.

Thus, we all gathered around the round table and began promptly.

The one to speak first was Kiersen Lucanov, the head of the Inner Palace.

“The issue at hand is the tax distribution for summer and autumn.”

Kiersen placed five sheets of paper in front of each person. The papers, sealed with the Inner Palace insignia, contained neat handwriting listing food supplies and financial statuses of each fiefdom.

“Our storehouses remain open to get through the winter. Both the local fiefdoms and the capital are quickly consuming stored supplies.”

With a sharp gaze, Kiersen continued.

“Given the bad harvest, consumption has been faster than expected. There is a risk the national treasury will be emptied soon. Would increasing taxes be sufficient compensation…?”

“Hmm.”

If the year brings a bountiful harvest and improves the situation, it’s not an issue, but the problem arises if it doesn’t.

Seasons don’t delay. The winter will return, and securing food supplies is a must to survive.

However, if this year also experiences a bad harvest, then there is no way out. If the storehouses are depleted heading into winter, many will likely starve and die in the severe cold.

Even with state relief, resources are limited. Somewhere in the empire, people are starving.

How can we possibly minimize the damage of this year’s winter?

The next substantial harvest is in autumn. There’s time before that, but in the interim, how long can our citizens withstand without proper nutrition before the inevitable diseases spread?

When deaths accumulate, so do corpses. And where there are corpses, epidemics follow.

If it’s confined to a few regions, it’s manageable, but if it spreads nationally, it could result in a pandemic.

If a plague spreads via merchants or mercenaries from other countries and combines with a severe famine, then:

“…Uh.”

The story didn’t mention Altain facing both epidemics and famine.

But perhaps it only omitted such details because they were foreign issues. There’s no telling what would happen to Altain itself. Maybe Iris’s execution on the gallows was caused by a confluence of various reasons.

Certainly, by my involvement, the flow of events has likely shifted. I must work closely with the high-ranking individuals and intellectuals to navigate this perilous world. Otherwise, we all perish!

Of course, it’s only the worst-case scenario being considered for now.

“What about food trades with foreign merchants? There must be a significant amount?”

“Trading is ongoing, but the supplies aren’t enough to cover the entire empire. It’s also not easy for merchants to transport such quantities from foreign lands.”

As Kiersen explained, relying on merchants for food supplies is only a temporary solution. In fact, buying food to cover the entire nation is an unrealistic scenario anyway.

Then, we should directly negotiate with the king of another country. The problem, though, is that if we approach them asking for food, they would take delight and plan ways to exploit our weakness.

“Well then, let’s consider importing new crops.”

“New crops? For instance?”

“There are the types that grow underground. Perhaps we should consider importing them from the southern vassal states or even from the Eastern Continent.”

“Underground…you mean?”

Staple crops like potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Potatoes haven’t yet reached the Altain tables. Their absence implies there’s no widespread cultivation of staple crops for emergency reserves. Utilizing them could minimize the damage caused by a famine.

Though they aren’t a universal solution, they’d still serve as an emergency aid during a famine. Good enough.

After hearing a brief explanation about these crops, the others nodded in agreement.

“…If that’s truly possible, our food crisis might ease to some degree. I’ll circulate the information among the trade guilds to see.”

Following this, Kiersen covered economic issues, financial flows, and matters related to customs before concluding.

After a small tea break to summarize the content,

Vanell unfurled a map on the round table.

Whoosh.

A map of Western Continent illustrating various nations with various notes scribbled on each.

After briefly scanning the map, Vanell began speaking.

“Most countries are focusing on recovering from the winter, but the issue is Calheigh to the west and the southern vassal states. Movements have been observed in the military units of both.”

The Calheigh Union and the Southern vassal states.

Both maintain considerable grievances against the empire.

The Southern Human-Beast Coalition, due to the historical oppression of their race, and Calheigh due to its geopolitical destiny as a weak neighboring nation to Altain.

Vanell indicated the Calheigh Union on the map with his finger.

“The south had momentarily halted their activities recently, but Breilles continues to maneuver. We have intelligence suggesting they are relocating their military towards the east, under the guise of reorganization and troop reforms.”

This indicated a reassembly of forces around the border.

“Their intentions are clear. Are they confident?”

Vanell shook his head at my question.

“Though uncertain, it’s not likely they’re gearing up for outright victory.”

“To negotiate tributes, I imagine.”

Kiersen, sipping his tea casually, chimed in after Vanell.

“Barbarians who will dry up and die without gold, biting us when they sense an opportunity. Such impulsive actions suit a country with no foundation.”

Calheigh was a nation formed by the indigenous tribes of the western lawless lands who united in resistance against Altain.

Its history as a nation is relatively short, and naturally, it had been thoroughly oppressed by the empire, leading it to obediently submit tributes.

The sudden movement of their military likely implies they have some inkling of Altain’s internal situation.

“…They will likely remain calm until the Grand Festival.”

If they were to move then, it would imply targeting foreign envoys visiting Altain.

A variety of countries were coming to visit, yet incredibly, even Sylvester was included.

If Calheigh hasn’t gone mad, they aren’t arrogant enough to confront two major empires of the Western Continent.

Nonetheless,

They are preparing for war while we’re already busy. Annoying, indeed.

“Schranz Duke. If we deploy two divisions of the imperial army, what are our odds?”

“…Roughly 60%.”

Vanell concluded his statement and closed his eyes.

60%. A respectable win-rate by sending a small-scale force, especially considering Vanell himself commands them.

“If we include elemental users?”

Vanell, lightly scanning the map, answered.

“Around 80%.”

“80%…?”

There was still a 20% variable where complications could arise. In that case,

“If I lead the expedition personally?”

Our eyes met. Vanell, the head of the Western faction and the supreme commander of the imperial army, softly spoke.

“Guaranteed victory.”

Vanell firmly stated, took a sip of his fragrant tea, and briefly explained.

“There’s no one in Calheigh who can stand against me. Though they don’t know that.”

I nodded in agreement with his words.

This is purely hypothetical, of course, if they initiate war against us.

The reality is we won’t know whether they’ll throw a tantrum or really deploy their army until it happens.

“Even the church won’t be able to intervene if they decide to bare their teeth.”

Interestingly, Calheigh was one of the few countries that renounced its indigenous faith upon declaring independence and became fervent followers of the Church of Light, the predominant religion on the Western Continent. Deeply influenced by this church, conflicting with them will inevitably lead to friction with the church.

‘This is where negotiation with Myna would be appropriate.’

After discussing minor details about Sylvester’s activities, Vanell rolled up the map.

Lastly, Hofnagel gave a report on the meteorological conditions and we were briefed on the progress of ongoing trials.

The session concluded with a report on the current land survey status of the empire, followed by another short break.

When the time felt right, while enjoying tea and refreshments, I introduced the main topic.

“So, let’s wrap up the main meeting and talk a bit about the Grand Festival and the wedding.”

Upon my words, Kiersen set down his teacup and spoke.

“Isn’t the matter of the festival proceeding without any particular problems?”

“The budget and food supplies for the festival are also well in hand, thanks to someone generously replenishing the treasury.”

Kiersen’s comment was followed by Vanell’s supplement. Observing how smoothly the two dukes were getting along, I grinned and said,

“This is a formal meeting involving foreign countries. It’s about time we tighten discipline within the family.”

Though it’s a somewhat amusing situation,

Due to my recent campaign across the country slaying nobles and officials, the empire has been swept by a fever of fief battles. Despite sending overseers, it seems the lords don’t care and are colliding in conflicts over spoils.

Battle requests for honorary engagements keep flying into the Audience Chamber almost daily.

It appears they’re attempting to secure advantageous positions in advance. What will the foreign dignitaries think when they see our internal chaos?

“Can’t you at least send out a letter? My patience is wearing thin…”

‘Won’t you keep those barking dogs outside quiet? If not… well, if you’re curious, try it out.’

“Hm…”

“…”

The two didn’t take long to ponder.

“I’ll take control of the west.”

“I’ll request cooperation for the east.”

With satisfactory replies, I nodded and addressed Alberto.

“Chamberlain.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Speak your command.”

“Could you please summon the Director of Central Intelligence? We have matters to discuss.”

As Alberto bowed slightly and instructed a waiting maid while returning, I directed my words to the two dukes with a curious expression.

“Doesn’t your back itch at all? I’ve thought of a pleasant way to scratch that itch.”

Isn’t it too peaceful to enjoy the festival and hold a wedding ceremony without disturbance?

There will always be a dark side to the bright one. There are many spies within the empire, so we should handle this opportunity well.

Thus, with the strange gazes of the two, I leisurely raised my teacup.